FAMILY STORIES

   LeVern's grandfather, John A. Vybiral, was born in Trebic, Moravia, Czechoslovakia in 1869. He was the son of Frank and Franciska (Jirovsky) Vybiral. As a child, he, along with two brothers and two sisters, accompanied his parents to the United States. They settled on a farm near Colon.

LeVern, Pauline, and Alan Vybiral

   He married Frances Staska of Weston, Nebraska, October 18, 1892. She also was born in Trebic, Moravia, Czechoslovakia.

   LeVern's father was John H. Vybiral. He was born October 18, 1900 at Colon, Nebraska. He married Mildred Croshaw in 1924. She was born at Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska in 1905, the daughter of Charles and Anna (Dockweiler) Croshaw. To this union three children were born -- LeVern, Shirley, and Kenneth.

   LeVern was born on a farm east of Wahoo. Except for World War II, he has lived all his life in or near Wahoo. He graduated from Wahoo High School in 1943. He entered the U.S. Navy in October, 1943 and served till June, 1946 when he received an honorable medical discharge. He attended Luther College, Wahoo, for one year. He worked for Hinky-Dinky and L.E. Hult Furniture Company. From 1950 to 1962, he was a member of the Security and Fire Departments at the Nebraska Ordnance Plant, Mead, Nebraska.

   I was born at Marquette, Nebraska where I spent the first eight years of my life. My parents were Conrad Dehning and Mary (Carey) Dehning. At the age of ten, I came to live with David and Olga (Johnson) Smith and their son, Roger, at Mead, Nebraska. My ancestors on my mother's side go back to two who fought in the American Revolution -- Henry Bauman and Michael Law I.

   I graduated from Mead High School in 1944. I worked for United Airlines in Chicago, Illinois and Denver, Colorado until June, 1946. I then worked for the Farmers Cooperative Company in Wahoo till 1960.

   We find it amusing that we grew up two miles from each other but did not meet until the fall of 1946. We were married August 30, 1948 in St. Wenceslaus Church, Wahoo, Nebraska where we are still members. In 1960, we moved to our home east of Wahoo. My husband has been farming since 1957.

   We joke about the fact that LeVern now lives one mile south of where he grew up and I live one mile west of where I grew up. We both enjoy traveling. He traveled the world in the Navy. Together we have visited twenty-two of the states and Ontario, Canada and hope to see more.

   We have one son, Alan John Vybiral. He attended School Dist. #42 from kindergarten through fourth grade. This schoolhouse is now at the Saunders County Historical site. He graduated from Mead High School in 1978. He will graduate from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in December, 1982.

   Three generations graduated from Mead High School in three different buildings. My foster mother, Mrs. Smith, graduated from the old high school before it became a consolidated district. I graduated from the building which is now the elementary school, and Alan graduated from the new Jr.-Sr. high school building. Submitted by Pauline Vybiral

   Elmer Wagner (1911) son of Grant Wagner and Lillie Robbins married Doris Nash (1908-1970), daughter of Chauncey Nash and Anna Federicks in 1935. They lived on the family farm in Marble precinct until 1942 when the government obtained the land for an ordnance plant. They moved to a farm near Ithaca. They had two children, Marilyn (Mrs. Donald Machovec), and Daniel, who was killed in an auto accident in 1961. Doris was ill several years and was a resident at the Haven House in Wahoo until her death in 1970. Elmer retired and moved to Wahoo in 1981.

Elmer and Doris Wagner 25th Wedding Anniversary

   Grant Wagner (1868-1939) and wife, Lillie Robbins (1876-1973), rented land until they purchased a farm in 1917 in Marble Precinct. District #47 was located on the southeast corner of the farm. One mile to the east was the Plainview Christian Church. Grant's parents, Andrew J. and Louisa Davis, donated the land for the church. Four children were born to Grant and Lillie: Elvera (1905), Inez (1907), Ralph (1909-1976), and Elmer (1911).

Mr. and Mrs. Grant Wagner

   Elvera married A.T. Olson in 1931. They have a son, Harvey, born in 1935. He married Mary Ann Pallas. They have a daughter, Michelle Anne (1974). They are living in Omaha.

   Inez married John Harold Crinklaw (1909) in 1932. They have two sons, Ian (1934) and Jac (1938). Inez and Harold have lived many years in northern California. Ian is in Phoenix, Arizona. Jac is in Roosevelt, Utah.

   Ralph married Esther Bahm in 1937. They farmed and retired in Greenwood, Nebraska.

   Elmer married Doris June Nash (1908-1970) in 1935. They had two children, Marilyn Louise (1937) and Daniel Leroy (1941-1961). Marilyn married Donald Machovec (1929) in 1959. Their children are Paul (1960), Maribeth (1961), John (1963) and Marisue (1964). They farm southwest of Wahoo.

   We always looked forward to the Saunders County Settlers Picnic held every summer at the Mead Park. There was a baseball game, program and the older settlers telling of their experiences while traveling with their families in a covered wagon to their new home in Saunders County. We could buy ice cream cones and pop for 5¢. There was a new steel stocktank filled with fresh drinking water for the people. Chains were fastened to the rim of the tank with a tin cup on the other end so it would not fall on the ground or sink to the bottom of the tank.

   The County Fair was a must each year. It was something to be enjoyed by the whole family.

   During World War I the school and church was used to raise money for the Red Cross. Lillie and the neighborhood women met regularly to sew for the Red Cross. Grant never missed seeing the "Boys" off on the troop train from Wahoo. While there on November 11, word arrived of the armistice. After driving home and finding the school had closed, the whole family drove to Ashland where there was a big celebration.

   Sometime around, or during World War I, the large church bell was stolen from the steeple and it was never recovered.

   The original family farm and neighborhood were taken over by the government in 1942 during World War II to be used for an ordnance plant. Later, it was turned over to the University of Nebraska for their use. By Elvera Olson

   Wallace Wilburn Wagner was born April 20, 1873 in Aledo, Ill. He came to Nebraska with his parents, Andrew Jackson and Louisa Davis Wagner, in January, 1880. They settled on a farm north of Memphis. Eleven children were born to them. Nine grew to adulthood. His grandparents were born in Pennsylvania. Wallace married Orra Adeline Cadwell May 14, 1896 in Saunders County. Ten children were born to them. Two died in infancy and Irvin died of diphtheria at the age of 7. Orra passed away July 28, 1915. Wallace never remarried. He raised his family, cooked for his parents who lived in the same house. His mother did the

Wallace Wagner Family, 1953. Back Row: Cyrus, Charles, Harlow and Archie; Front Row: Naomi, and Velma.

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baking and canning and the sewing for the girls. Cyrus, Harlow, Orville, Charles, Naomi, Archie, and Velma were the rest of the children.

   Cyrus moved to Colorado and farmed for himself there. He married Eva Loveland. Three daughters were born to them. He passed away in Dec., 1980.

   Harlow married Orla Hurst of Wann. He farmed before moving to Overton, Nebr., and on to Roseburg, Ore. where he worked in a shipyard. They have 2 daughters and one son.

   Orville was killed in a truck-train accident in Nov., 1926. Charles married Edith Harnden. After her death, he married Lucile Hoffman. She has passed away. Charles worked as a farmhand and a body man in a garage. He moved to Calif. after his first marriage. He served a year and a half in the Army there.

   Naomi married Otto Dau. Five children were born to them. More about them in the Dau history. Archie moved to Calif. He married Vera Marks. He died July, 1967. He served 3½ years in the Army.

   Velma married Theodore Moffitt. Four children were born to them: Jessie, LaVonna, Jerry, and Tom. Theodore died in April, 1967.

   Charles and Naomi are the only ones still living in Saunders County.

   Our best times were Christmas and the Fourth of July. We never got much but Santa always came in person. We always had a display of fireworks on the Fourth. We walked nearly a mile and three-fourths to school to Dist. 38. We had our regular programs and school picnics.

   We went to the Christian Church a mile and a quarter from home. We took part in the Christmas and Children's Day programs.

   In 1918, Wallace loaded up his family in his old Overland car and went to Colorado to visit his brother, John, and sister, Rose, and their families.

   We saw many firsts when we were growing up. The first cars, radios, and televisions were some.

   Wallace died June 14, 1953. The accompanying picture was taken after his funeral. Cyrus, Charles, Harlow, and Archie in back. Naomi and Velma are in front. Submitted by Charles Wagner

   Bob Dale Wagner, youngest son of Andrew and Anna Wagner, was born in Wahoo, Nebraska on August 16, 1926. He attended Wahoo Public Schools, kindergarten through the 12th grade. He graduated in 1945. Bob entered the Army in April, 1946 and served in Japan until August, 1947.

   Phyllis Jene Owens was born to Austin and Ella Owens on January 15, 1928 near Johnson, Nebraska. (Nemaha County) She attended Brock Consolidated School (1-10) and graduated from Wahoo High School in 1945.

   Bob D. Wagner and Phyllis Jene Owens were joined in marriage on August 31, 1947 in Wahoo, Nebraska. The ceremony was performed at High Noon in the First Presbyterian Church by the Rev. E.J. Nickerson.

   One daughter, Beverly (Mrs. Gordon Specht), was born on July 6, 1948. She attended Wahoo Public School (kindergarten through the twelfth grades). She graduated in 1966. She is employed at the Wahoo State Bank.

   A son, Richard Alan, was born on October 3, 1956. He also attended Wahoo Public Schools (kindergarten through twelfth). Richard was graduated in 1974. He is a graduate of North West Missouri State University, and presently employed by Snyder Industries in Lincoln, Nebraska.

   Bob is employed by Veterans Memorial Club, Inc. in Wahoo and has worked there for the past 5 years. Bob is a very patriotic-minded citizen, who devotes most of his time working for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is the State Senior Vice Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and gets to travel all over the State of Nebraska and the United States, representing the V.F.W. He is a Past Commander of the Beaver-Bartek Post #4502 to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a Past Commander of American Legion Post #82. He is also the Past Dist. #9 Commander of the V.F.W. He belongs to the DAV, the Military Order of the Cooties, Eagles, and the Masonic Lodge. In his spare time, he enjoys bowling in the winter and watching Rick play ball in the summer time.

   Phyllis has been employed at the Fairview Cafe in Wahoo for the past 26 years. She is a member of Beaver-Bartek Auxiliary #4502 and served as president on two different occasions, as well as being a Past District President. She also is a member of American Legion Auxiliary, and the Westminster Guild of the Presbyterian. In her spare time, she enjoys bowling during the winter, a good game of cards once a month, and watching Rick play ball.

   Bob and Phyllis have just celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary. During their married life they have been blessed with 2 children, a son-in-law, Gordon Specht, a daughter-in-law, Diane (DeMarea), 2 grandsons, Scott and Kirk Specht, and a granddaughter, Jennifer Wagner. Submitted by Phyllis Jene Wagner

   Samuel Peter Emil Wahlstrom was born on October 3, 1854 in Westerhult, Näshult Parish, Jönköping Län, Sweden. He came to America in 1882 and to Wahoo in 1883. He married Mathilda Pearson, December 26, 1885. They were married in the living room of her employer, Dr. Noyd, president of Luther College. After the ceremony Mrs. Wahlstrom changed into working clothes, went into the kitchen and prepared a chicken dinner for all. Mrs. Wahlstrom was born in Kristianstade Län, Farstop Parish, Skåne, Sweden. Her parents, Pehr and Elna Pehrson, and two sisters later came to America. Mr. Wahlstrom's mother, three brothers, and one sister followed him here. His sister, Mrs. N.F. Lindgren, lived close to Wahoo.

Mr. and Mrs. S.P. Wahlstrom and Grandchildren -- On Left Side: Juanita, Nordica, Melba Peterson; On Right Side: Lucile and Roberta Johnson.

   Mr. and Mrs. Wahlstrom were the parents of six children; Mrs. Albin (Ester) Peterson, whose husband was the music professor at Luther College; Mrs. Herbert (Lillie) Johnson, whose husband was a druggist in Wahoo, and later moved to a farm in Kansas; Mrs. Phil (Ellen) Ekblad, whose husband was a minister in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas; Mrs. Robert (Ebba) Edstrom, whose husband was an automobile dealer in Wahoo; Phillip, a construction engineer; and Vendla, who died in childhood.

   The couple were mostly self-taught, as far as formal education went. She attended very little school, but studied the other children's books as she sat between the cradles of her twin brothers. He had about five years of elementary school, but his keen mind and mathematical ability soon were apparent in his work. Both of them loved to read and eventually had libraries full of books. They were both "strong" Republicans and very interested in politics as long as they lived. I can still see my 93-year old grandmother perusing the daily paper with her reading glass.

   While in Sweden my grandfather received training as a cabinet maker. This training prepared him for his work as a builder and contractor throughout Wahoo and surrounding communities. Besides building the Lutheran Church and parsonage, he also built the Congregational and Catholic churches, and several in other towns in Saunders County and throughout the state. Some of the many business buildings in Wahoo that were built by him include the Smith-Hultin-Anderson store, the Lindquist block, Brodahl Motor Company building, Brewster Motor Company building and the Skaggs Safeway store. Not only all the houses in the section known as Wahlstrom's Addition, but practically all the residences on College Hill were built by him, as well as scores of homes in the east part of the city.

   My grandparents were interesting and lovely people. Grandpa was only five feet and three inches, but he was a big man in everything else. Their home was open to all ... students, friends, recently-arrived immigrants. Both grandparents were devout people dedicated to their church. Grandpa was one of the charter members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He served on the church boards for many years, as well as on the Luther College Board of directors.

   He found an interest in and was active in civic affairs, also. He was a member of the city council at the time the electric light plant and water works were installed. He was a charter member of the Wahoo Building and Loan Association and continued that for all his life.

   I had the privilege of living with my grandparents for five years, while attending Luther College. Recently I had the experience of visiting the churches of my grandparents in Sweden. After seeing these beautiful structures, and the lovely countryside, I can imagine there must have been many times when they longed for their homeland. Written by Mrs. John (Lucile) Johnson Bischoff, granddaughter

   My father, Vaclav (Jim) Wais, came to Saunders County from Czechoslovakia in 1888 at the age of 11. He grew up in the Touhy and Valparaiso area. He married my mother, Mary Horky Wais, a lifelong resident of this county, in 1902 in the Catholic Church in Weston.

Vaclav (Jim) and Mary Wais

   They farmed in the Valparaiso area until 1942 when they moved into town. Jim was employed at Schmidt's Grocery and Dry Goods Store for 20 years. At the age of 84, he retired and passed away a year later in 1962. My mother reached her 98th birthday in August, 1982 and passed away in September. To this union six children were born, three boys and three girls.

   What I remember about growing up on the farm was the first radio we had. My 2 older brothers built a crystal set with only one earphone. We had to take turns listening to the radio. Farming was done with horses and the corn was picked by hand.

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