FAMILY STORIES

   Family trips to Maple, Wisconsin, visiting Olga's sister, Tilda, and Nels Swanson, were frequent. Family reunions were held at Valley. Relatives from Omaha met relatives from Saunders County, picnicked, and visited. Neighbors celebrated birthdays with card parties and pot-luck lunch. There were horse and buggy rides, sleigh rides, bottomless roads east of Malmo. With the spring thaws, the horses and wagons barely got through. Many families traveled from town to town for the free summer movies in Colon, Malmo, and Weston. There are memories of large threshing crews, of all the food, the lemonade, and runaway horses. There are remembrances of cutting trees and sawing wood until one thought the woodpiles would never be used; but they disappeared.

   Edward made skis in winter. Ice blocks were cut from the frozen creeks, hauled to ice houses, packed in straw for use through summer months. Gypsies traveled by horse and wagons, begged for food, canned sauce, chickens, eggs, or anything one could spare. They camped and slept along the roadside. Barn dances were popular. Bess and Albert Johnson built a new barn. Neighbors danced to accordion music and enjoyed lunch. Newlyweds were shivareed by friends.

   Olga passed away in January, 1950 and Edward passed away in June, 1963.

   Malvin Person, one of a family of eight children, born to Wm. and Selma Person, was born on a farm east of Swedeburg, where he lived all his life with the exception of a few years, when he rented another farm, and lived the first years of his married life.

The Malvin Person Family

   In 1933, he married Ruth Pearson, daughter of Axel and Bertha Pearson. She was born on a farm south of Wahoo, and, later, lived on a farm near Colon. At the age of nine, she, with her parents and three brothers, moved to Maple, Wisconsin.

   Both of Ruth's parents and Malvin's father immigrated from the province of Skane, Sweden.

   When Malvin and Ruth were married in September, 1933, it was the beginning of the Depression, Drought and Dust Bowl Days. Malvin always fed cattle. In the late summer of 1934, he bought a field of dry corn stalks, cut them with a grain binder, horse drawn, and hauled the stalks home for feed. Then there were years when the grasshoppers ate the crops.

   At one time he trucked a load of cattle to Omaha. There was no sale for them. He had to truck them home again at a great loss.

   There were many happier days. To this union were born four sons: Robert, who now owns auto appliance stores in Aurora and Stromsburg; Karl, a pharmacist in Omaha; Lyle, a pastor in a Covenant Church in Helena, Montana; and Kenneth, employed by the Federal Land Bank in Omaha. Kenneth served four years in the Navy during the Viet Nam War, part of the time serving on the aircraft carrier, "Kitty Hawk," in the Viet Nam waters. Lyle and his wife served one and one-half years in the Peace Corps in Micronesia.

   Malvin was killed in a tractor accident, August 7, 1959. Ruth stayed on the farm one year. Karl and Lyle did the farming. In 1960, Ruth and the three younger sons moved to Wahoo, and Karl returned to Pharmacy college.

   All the sons are married. There are nine grandchildren.

   Robert and Barbara (Palmberg) have two children: Douglas, in his last year in law school; and Debra, attending North Park College in Chicago.

   Karl and Phyllis (Hall) also have two children, Mark, attending UNL, and Mary Jo, a senior at Millard High in Omaha.

   Lyle and Diane (Ratliff) have three children, Erik, fourteen years of age, Sara, eleven years old, and Karin, eight years old.

   Kenneth and Rita (Holstein) have two children, Matthew, two years of age, and daughter, Kendra, eleven months.

   There have been difficult and sad times, but also good, and happy times. And God has been good to us.

   Clarence, a lifetime resident of Saunders County, was the third generation born on the family farm southwest of Wahoo three-fourths mile north of the Czech Presbyterian Church. He was born to Emily Cejka Pestal and the late John Pestal. His maternal grandparents were John and Anna Stepina Cejka who came to America from Czechoslovakia in 1883. His paternal grandparents were Joseph and Eleanore Trutna Pestal who migrated from Moravia, Czechoslovakia in 1875. They were charter members of the Czech Presbyterian Church, Rt. 2. It was at this church we first met in 1945. Clarence often recalls his Grandfather Pestal sitting on his porch in the evening, singing Czech hymns.

Picture Taken -- Nov. 1970, Left to Right: Chris, Martha, Amy, Clarence, Fay Pestal.

   Martha's background is similar. Martha was the fourth generation born on the family farm southwest of Kimball, South Dakota, to Henry J. and Agnes Fimon Maresh. Her maternal grandparents were Vincent and Josie Janocek Fimon of Silver Lake, Minnesota who came to America from Czechoslovakia. Paternal grandparents were John and Josephine Matousek Maresh who also migrated from Czechoslovakia as did paternal great-grandfather Frank Matousek, widower, and paternal great-grandmother Marie Maresh, widow. Some came as early as 1868, first to Wisconsin, and to South Dakota in 1882. Again, grandparents and great-grandparents were charter members of the First Bohemian Presbyterian Church of Eagle, Brule County, South Dakota. It was in this church that we were married in 1948. That was the third church Great-grandfather Matousek helped organize and build. The first one was in Czechoslovakia, and the second, in Wisconsin.

   Our ancestors were much persecuted in Czechoslovakia and their main reason for coming to America was for religious and personal freedom. Martha's grandmother used to tell how when they would hear that soldiers were coming to their villages, they would rush to find places to hide to preserve their precious Word of God, their Bibles. She had a Bible that could be latched tight enough to withstand water. On one occasion it had been placed in a liquid material to be hidden.

   We both recall our grandparents' strong faith in our Eternal God and Jesus Christ, our Saviour, which impressed our formative years.

   We are both veterans of WW II. Clarence was with the 6th Engineers in the Pacific, and Martha, A.N.C., was with the 204th Hospital Ship in the Atlantic.

   Home is a farm southwest of Wahoo where Clarence batched before we were married. We both love country living and Clarence's interest in trees is very evident. Our highlights would stem around our family, children and grandchildren. Our children all graduated from Wahoo High School, were active in 4-H, church, and community projects.

   Amy Marie, our oldest daughter, is married to Lyle G. Hayek, son of Henry and Irma Capek Hayek of Friend, Nebraska, who are also of Czech descent. Lyle and Amy are both graduates of the University of Nebraska. They farm south of Friend and also raise cattle. They have been blessed with four children: Kimberly, born Jan., 1975; Carri, born Dec., 1975; Aaron, born Jan., 1979; and Rebecca, born Oct., 1982.

   Fay Janet our second daughter, graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University, and has since been on the staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. At present she is at San Bernardino, California, their headquarters.

   Chris Clarence our son, graduated from the University of Nebraska with a B.S. in Animal Science, and also received a post-University graduate certificate from Grace College of the Bible in Omaha. Chris has been helping us farm and, at present besides taking a couple of graduate classes at the University of Nebraska, also has interest in overseas missions.

   If we would want to leave a message for our posterity it would be found in John 11:25-26. Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" Submitted by Clarence F. and Martha M. Pestal

   Elmer and Dorothy (Maresh) Pestal were married in 1950 and have two sons; Dennis and Kenneth.

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Pestal, Dennis and Kenneth, 1982

   Elmer's parents are Emily (Cejka) Pestal and the late John Pestal.

   Dorothy's parents were the late Henry and Agnes (Fimon) Maresh.

   Elmer, Dorothy and Kenneth now reside on and operate the farm southwest of Wahoo where Elmer was born and raised. It was originally settled in 1875 by Elmer's grandparents, Joseph and Eleonora (Trutna) Pestal, who immigrated from Moravia. The farm has been in the family for 108 years. Kenneth makes the 4th generation. The first home, a log house, still remains a part of their present residence.

   Dennis received his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree at the University of Nebraska, May, 1977, and is currently practicing in eastern Nebraska.

   All are active members of the Czech Presbyterian Church of rural Wahoo of which Elmer's grandparents, Joseph and Eleonora (Trutna) Pestal, were charter members. Elmer and Dorothy are charter

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members of the Hilltop Mariners and Dorothy, a charter member of the Ladies Aid. Elmer served as Elder and both have held various offices in all organizations of the church.

   Elmer has been active in community affairs; President of District #44 school board, Director of the Wahoo Co-operative Company, and is presently a member of the Saunders County Pork Producers and Farm Bureau. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Pestal

   Ray's parents were Anton and Mary Pestal. Anton was born, lived, and farmed on a farm west and south of Wahoo. His mother was Mary Cejka who was born on a farm near Weston. They were married March 25, 1910. They settled on a farm right across the road from where Anton lived. They spent their entire married life there until they moved to Wahoo in 1949.

   My (Georgia) parents were Stanley and Anna Ruzicka. Stanley came over from Czechoslovakia with his parents when he was about twelve years old. They lived on a farm west of Weston. He worked out some and went to school very little. He met Anna Shultz who lived on a farm near Prague. She went to about fourth grade. They were married June 24, 1918. I guess they had a foursome going because mother's brother, John Shultz, and father's sister, Mary Ruzicka, were married at the same time in a double wedding ceremony which took place at the Czech Presbyterian Church. My folks lived on that same farm until they retired. They moved to Wahoo in 1950.

   Ray graduated from Weston High School. He helped his dad farm and also raised hogs. He served with the Field Artillery in World War II for three and one-half years. More than two and one half years of this time was spent in the South Pacific.

   I also graduated from Weston High School. Then I attended Midland College in Fremont. I earned a Teaching Certificate and taught in the country schools for four years.

   Ray and I became acquainted through our church activities. We were married December 19, 1948. We live on the same farm where Ray was born. He has continued to farm and raise hogs until his retirement.

   We have a son, Daniel. He attended Wahoo High School and Midland College. Presently, he is attending the University of Nebraska Medical School and will be graduating in May. He will be doing his residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center specializing in Internal Medicine.

   One of his many interests and hobbies has been poultry. So our farm is "inhabited" with many living things, including ornamental pheasants and peacocks.

   Although Hubert Peters was born in Elba, Nebraska, both of his grandfathers were in the Yutan area before the town was platted. His paternal grandfather, John Peters, bought Saunders County land in 1870 and was farming 2½ miles southeast of the present site of Yutan; and his maternal grandfather, Rev. Frederick Hullhorst, came to the Headland area, 3 miles southeast of the present site of Yutan, in 1873 as pastor to the Reformed Church group.

   Hubert moved to Yutan in 1905 with his parents, brother, and 5 sisters when his father, "J.N." Peters, became executive officer of the Bank of Yutan. He attended the Yutan Public School, graduating from High School in Fremont since Yutan did not have a High School at that time. Because of his father's poor health, he started working in the bank upon graduation from High School, and, with the exception of a couple of years at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and a couple of years in the Army, he worked at the bank until 1972. He was president of the bank from 1930 to 1977, and is now Chairman of the Board.

Hubert and Neva Peters, 1948; Douglas and David; Constance and Virginia.

   Hubert Peters and Neva Barden were married July 16, 1929, at Spencer, Nebraska. Neva Barden grew up in Spencer and graduated from High School there. She taught in country schools and attended the University of Nebraska. She came to Yutan in 1927 to teach Home Economics and Latin, and was High School Principal.

   Mr. and Mrs. Peters were parents of five children: Philip, born in 1931, died in 1932; Virginia Peters Anderson, who was born in 1934 and died in 1968; Connie Peters Freed; David; and Douglas. They have eleven grandchildren: Carole Anderson Newbern; Steven Anderson; Russell, Curtis, Susan, and Kathryn Freed; Michael and Jeffrey Peters; and Todd, Laura, and Melinda Peters.

   Virginia, Constance, David, and Douglas Peters all graduated from the Yutan High School, and all attended Wesleyan University in Lincoln. Virginia graduated from Wesleyan in 1955, and Constance in 1957. David later graduated from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, and Douglas attended a Business College in Columbia, Missouri.

   Hubert Peters was active in the local affairs of the Yutan Community. He served on the Town Board about 20 years, about half that time as Mayor; 20 years on the School Board, about half that time as Chairman; 40 years on the Church Board, over half that time as President. He was also a member of civic organizations such as the American Legion, the Volunteer Firemen, and the Grange. He was a member of the County Bankers' Association and the State Bankers' Association, serving on different committees. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Royal Arch of Wahoo; and a member of Tangier Shrine in Omaha.

   Mrs. Hubert Peters (Neva) has also been active in church and community affairs. She served as President of the local women's group of the church, also as Regional and Synodical President, and served 4 years on the National Board. She is now a member of the Church Board. She has been a member of the Yutan Community Club and was editor of the Yutan Centennial Book. She is a member of the Nebraska Society of Mayflower Descendants and served as Governor of that organization for 2 terms.

   Mr. and Mrs. Peters have traveled over much of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and also some countries of Europe. They are happy to be living in this county and this state.

   John Peters was born in Schleswig-Holstein August 29, 1832, when that province was a part of Denmark. He emigrated to America in 1852, settling in Joliet, Illinois, where he lived for about twenty years. He was a cabinet maker by trade. In 1853, he was married to Mary Deerson. Five children were born to them, -- Helen, Mary, Etta, "J.N.," and William. Mary Deerson Peters died about 1860 and was buried in Joliet.

   About 1866 John Peters married Frederika Messer-Knecht, who had been born in Mecklenburg, Germany, March 11, 1835. They had four children, -- Otto, Lizzie, Herman, and Emma, the two younger ones born in Nebraska.

Mr. and Mrs. John Peters

   John and Frederika Peters with the seven oldest children migrated west in 1870 and settled in eastern Saunders County, about 2½ miles southeast of the present site of Yutan. Saunders County records show that he bought nine hundred acres of land that year. A home was built and the family engaged in farming for the next several years.

   In 1876, the Omaha and Republican Railroad (purchased in 1898 by the Union Pacific, and still a part of that system) was extending its line from Omaha to Lincoln and platted a townsite at Clear Creek (later re-named Yutan). John Peters built the first home in Yutan and started a store that same year. His wife, Frederika, had died in 1875 so his older daughters kept house and cared for the younger children.

   During the 1880's, Mr. Peters felt that the community needed a bank, and with the co-operation of two other men, he organized the Bank of Yutan. This bank is one of the few banks in the state where ownership and management have remained in the same family since its organization.

   John Peters married a third time in 1886, -- Mrs. Caroline Smith Thomas, a divorced woman with 4 children. They moved to California in 1894 and lived at Perris, Arlington, and later at Riverside. Mr. Peters died in 1918 and is buried at Riverside, California. Submitted by Neva L. Peters (Mrs. Hubert H. Peters)

   John Nicholas Peters was born December 24, 1859 in Joliet, Illinois. He came to Nebraska about 1870 with his father, stepmother, brothers and sisters. The family farmed for about six years in the Headland area.

John and Laura Peters

   Laura Hullhorst was born March 20, 1865, in Freeport, Illinois. She came west about 1873 with her parents, 2 brothers, and sister. The family settled at Headland, Nebraska. Her father was pastor of the German Reformed Church.

   "J.N." Peters and Laura Hullhorst were married February 22, 1887, in Yutan with the bride's father

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