Sheridan County Newspapers & Publications
Echoes of the Past
Dec 10, 2003
columns by Helen Selee
100 Years Ago - 1903
The railroad company at last has been able to get a good well at Gordon just east of the station houses. It is 160 feet deep and the water stands 20 feet from the top. It is a tubular well. A pump that brings up 75 gallons per minute was used continuously for five hours and the supply showed no signs of giving out.
A new baby girl arrived in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Cutler Monday morning about 5 a.m. Mother and baby doing well. Dr. Jones officiated.
Chas. King is putting in a skating pond a short distance east of Fred Margrave's residence. He has put down a well and will pump the water with a gasoline engine into a supply tank.
Rev. J.P. McIntyre arrived on Friday morning of last week and preached in the M.E. Church Sunday. He was accompanied by his wife, and they have taken up their abode in the parsonage to remain with us. We trust their work among us for good may be profitable. You are cordially invited to hear Rev. McIntyre on next Sunday discuss What a Preacher Should Preach in the morning, and Your Accounting in the evening. Bring your friends.
W.G. Traub has put in a shoeing rack in which a horse can be swung up and tied down so he can't even holler. He says for people to bring in all the horses, that it does not look well to refer to in print, and he can shoe them whether they want to be shod or not.
Lewis Oberwetter received a new manure-spreader this week. He has some very good ideas of its use, as he has of other practical things, and proves them by the success he achieves.
The remains of John Beely were brought to Gordon last Saturday morning, accompanied by his wife and daughter, Mrs. W.E. Mitchell and her two children. Mr. Mitchell is straightening up his affairs at Des Moines, Iowa, and will be well liked on the ranches where they worked. Such are sad affairs and examples of what temper can do with a man when it gets the best of him.
King Edward VII of England weighs 250 pounds and is 5 feet 7 inches tall.
Senator Newlands, author of the resolution annexing Hawaii, introduced a joint resolution inviting Cuba to become a state of the United States upon terms of equality with the states of the Union.
The students of the intermediate school who were named to the principal's roll of honor included: Lotta Barnett, Myrtle Barto, Minnie Finger, Dwight Griswold, Bessie Hanchette, Pearl Johnson, Howell Jones, Richard and Garfield Lessert, Walter Lefler, Georgia Lyon, Lola Morris, Carrie Sailor, Trena Stannard, Lena Schmitt, Moore Tuchenhagen, Joy Mills and Chas. Cottier.
Those students on the roll of honor for the 1st and 2nd primary grades include: John, Frank and Lizzie McCune, Warren Jones, Charles and Faith Johnson, Harry Hogue, Sam and Elizabeth Cottier, Alvin Johns, Egan Lessert, Sam Hoyt, Lenora Barnett, Kittie Brooks, Dama Dix, Jennie Frye, Bertha Morris, Sadie Park, Grace Turner, Howard Barto, Ruth Coon, Yonnie Kocer, Bonnie Lemon, Fern Parker, Fred Hoffman, Walt Sailor, John Castek, Mott Reynolds, Georgia Duerfeldt, Willie Coffey, Maggie Frye, Roger Jones, Clarence and Ray Hill, Florence Griswold, Annie and Forrest Johnson, Willie Coon, Francis O Niel, Lenora Boyles, Pearl Brooks, Adelia and Amsey Holland, Sara Lamberson, Cecil Dickson, Carlton and Mildred Turner, Henry Rye, Mabel Barnett, Francis Castek and Florence Cottier.
IN MEMORIAM
John Beely, aged a little over 65 years, died at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, Wednesday, December 2, 1903, of prostration and exhaustion. He had undergone an operation on Thanksgiving Day and while he seemed to be doing well, the shock was no doubt a very important element in bring about the fatal conditions. Mr. Beely was born in Switzerland, November 14, 1838. He came to America at the age of 16 years, settling in Wisconsin. In 1865 he was married to Martha E. Orr, at Bloomington, Wisc. To them were born two children, the eldest, Frank, dying while in infancy, and the younger being Mr. W.E. Mitchell, now of this place (Gordon, Nebr.). He came to Sheridan county in 1884, and is well known in this part of the state. The writer being acquainted with Mr. Beely's physical ailments is able to say that very few realize what he has endured for a long time and how patiently, sometimes night and day, his wife has cared for him in kindness. He was a man always heroic in standing by what he believed to be just and right. The funeral services were held from the M.E. Church on Sunday by the Rev. J.A. Scamahorn, who made very fitting remarks for the occasion. Burial was in Gordon cemetery.
75 Years Ago - 1928
SHOOK - ROBSON
On Thursday, November 29th, at high noon, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Judson Shook, was the scene of a very pretty wedding when their younger daughter, Mildred, became the bride of Mr. John Wesley Robson. The lines of the double ring ceremony were read by Rev. J.W. Embree. The bride was charmingly dressed in a blue chiffon velvet dress. Her attendant, Miss Hester Scott, was gowned in brown velvet. The bridegroom was attended by Mr. Leo Green. Before the ceremony Mrs. Mabel Lucke, sister of the bride, sang, O, Perfect Love accompanied by Mrs. Fyanna Brown, after which Miss Brown played the wedding march. After the ceremony Mrs. Shook served an elegant wedding dinner for the happy couple and immediate relatives who were present. Mr. and Mrs. Robson both graduated in the class of 1927 of the Gordon high school. Mrs. Robson will continue with her work as clerk at the Folsom Store. They start their married life with the best wishes of a large circle of friends. After a few days spent in visiting in Pine Ridge and Manderson, S.D., they started housekeeping in rooms at the H. Norton home. A lively shivaree was staged Monday night in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Wes Robson.
Ed Forster gave a surprise party for his son, Earl, on Friday night, it being Earl's birthday. About 80 friends gave him a real surprise, and the evening was spent in playing games and an oyster supper was served, all leaving at a late hour and wishing Early many more happy birthdays.
Mrs. L. Schmitt and daughter, Miss Anne Schmitt, entertained at a delightful mother and daughter dinner at seven o clock on Monday evening, when places were set for Mrs. D.H. Griswold and daughter, Miss Vera; Mrs. Helen Elliott and daughter, Mrs. Dwight Griswold; Mrs. Frank Coates and daughter, Mrs. Clifford Jewell; Mrs. Bessie Ross and daughter, Miss Jessie; and Mesdames Frank Sweeney and George Schmitt.
Mr. Jesse Yocam won first place in the Old Fiddlers Contest held in the Odd Fellows hall last Friday evening. Mr. William Moss of Clinton was second place and Mr. Fred Tranmer won third place. The contest for younger men will take place on Friday evening, December 14th.
Claude Saults was made a Master Mason at the Monday night meeting of the local lodge.
Garnett Stettler, ten-year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stettler, was taken to Hot Springs Wednesday for an operation for appendicitis, making the third person in this family to undergo operations for the same ailment in one year.
We are delighted to report the wedding of Miss Debtwilder to a Mr. Lawson of her old hometown. The former Miss Debtwilder has taught school in Clinton for two years and is a mighty fine girl.
Mr. J.W. Gealy has closed a deal by which he disposed of his old farm home northwest of Gordon to Mr. Carl Sasse, Sr. The price paid was $37.50 per acre. This is a good piece of land and will make a fine investment for Mr. Sasse.
Mr. and Mrs. Jamison and family have moved here from Stuart, Nebraska, and are located in the house owned by Mrs. Ruth Robinson in the north west part of Gordon.
Mrs. E. Spangler of Melpha has been on the sick list the past two weeks suffering from rheumatism.
At their Wednesday noon meeting the Gordon Kiwanis club held their annual election of officers, resulting as follows:
President: Lloyd H. Jordan.
Vice-president: Eugene Williams
Treasurer: William Jones
District Trustee: T.R. Magowan
Directors: Frank Coates, H.A. Larson, R.E. Johnson, John O Connell, E.C. Swigert, B.R. Hull and George Margrave.
Mr. John O'Neil has built new steps in front of his store building.
Carl Davis suffered a broken arm last Saturday while cranking a car.
Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Adams of Merriman are the parents of a little daughter, Viola, born December 3.
Children are driving automobiles at so tender an age nowadays that some of these times we expect to see one of them cutting his teeth on the steering wheel.
Buster Layhaye was visiting in Chadron on Sunday. He is driving a new car.
Mrs. John H. Robins returned home this week after spending several weeks in Rushville at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Hagel.
In the course of a trial in Brighton, England, a police court judge asked a man if he never loved his wife why he married her. The accused husband's answer was, "To get a clean shirt." The astounded magistrate sentenced him to do the household washing for one year, and told the aggrieved wife to report to him if the man didn't do a good job. The magistrate's parting remark was: "Now you will have clean shirts."
OBITUARIES
James Vollintine: James Henry Vollintine, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Vollintine, was born on December 28, 1920, and departed this life December 4, 1928, death coming after a two weeks' illness with pneumonia. Jimmy, as he was known, had been in bad health much of the time since birth but he bore his suffering bravely and had a smile for all. He leaves to mourn his loss a loving father, mother and grandmother, six brothers: Edward of Salem, Nebr.; Frank of Ft. Worth, Tex.; and Lewis, LeRoy, Joel and Woodrow of Gordon; and two sisters, Elizabeth and Amy. One brother, Charles, preceded him in death. He also leaves a host of friends and playmates who greatly miss him. The funeral services will be conducted at ten o'clock Friday morning, Dec. 7, at Newman Chapel, with Rev. A.L, Hutton in charge.
Martin Hansen: Martin Hansen was born October 27, 1877 in Denmark and departed this life December 3, 1928, at his home in Gordon, Nebraska, aged 51 years, 1 month and 16 days. Mr. Hansen came to this country with his parents when about 12 years of age and has lived in Gordon and vicinity ever since. He was united in marriage with Mamie Johnson on January 14, 1908, and to this union were born seven children; two boys and five girls. He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife and children, and many friends. His mother and father preceded him in death. Funeral services were conducted from the Church of God on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 5, 1928 with Rev. A.L. Hutton in charge. Interment was made in Gordon cemetery.
50 Years Ago - 1953
The Rev. Neal Phipps, pastor of the Gordon Gospel Chapel, because of continued ill health, has resigned his charge and asked to be relieved of his responsibilities. The resignation is to be effective Sunday, Jan. 10, the sixth anniversary of the opening of the chapel.
Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Winters left Monday morning for Santa Ana, Calif., where they will spend the holidays with their daughter-in-law. Their son, Captain R. Winters, is in Japan with the Marines.
Marvin Russell arrived in San Francisco, Calif., from Korea and spent Thanksgiving weekend with Mr. and Mrs. Don Goodrich in Coronado, Calif.
Pvt. Larry Goodrich, who has been stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., is expected home Thursday noon to spend his first furlough with home folks.
Births at Gordon Memorial hospital:
*Mr. and Mrs. Richard Anderson, a daughter, Carol Jane, born Dec. 3, 1953.
*Mr. and Mrs. Harold Denton, twins, Donna Lee and Donald L., born Dec. 7, 1953.
*Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Dykoff, a son, born Dec. 9, 1953.
*Mr. and Mrs. Blaine Benson, a son, born Dec. 9, 1953.
The Original Birthday club had its regular Christmas dinner on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at the home of Mrs. Joe Griggs. Mrs. Howard Coder was elected president for the forthcoming year; Mrs. Fred Beutler, vice-president; and Mrs. Joe Griggs, secretary and treasurer. Mrs. L. Reeves became a new member of the club.
Wanda DeFrance was installed as the Honored Queen of the Bethel No. 50 of the International Order of Jobs Daughters on Thursday evening at the Masonic temple. Darlene Hood was senior princess and Phyllis Holmgrain, junior princess.
Some 121 guests gathered at the City auditorium Sunday afternoon, Dec. 6, for a smorgasbord in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Thayer on the observance of their golden wedding anniversary. The event was planned by the children of Mr. and Mrs. Thayer. They were married Dec. 8, 1903 in the home of Mrs. Maria Thayer in Irwin, Nebr. Sam Woodard, justice of the peace, performed the ceremony. The newlyweds homesteaded in 1904 about eight miles from Irwin and moved to Gordon about 1925. To this union nine children were born, of which six are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Thayer have 20 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mr. Thayer is now retired from farming and he and Mrs. Thayer live in Gordon.
Mr. and Mrs. Otis Rager and Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Sasse Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Neal Green and family will be dinner guests Monday evening at the Wren Green home, honoring Clark who will leave for induction in the armed services on Thursday.
SCHOOL NEWS
Marvin VanBriggle and Kathryn Synoground received 100s in spelling last Friday. Kathryn is planning to leave for Arkansas Dec. 18th for a visit with her grandparents. Ann Klingebiel was absent from school Monday because she went to Alliance to have her eyes checked.
25 Years Ago - 1978
The music department of the Gordon junior-senior high school will present its concert, Carols in the Tradition of Christmas on Friday, Dec. 15th in the Methodist church friendship hall. Groups performing will be the 7th grade choir, the junior high band and the senior choir. Soloists are: Rick Kacere, Mike Shaal, Marlene Burleigh, Kori Cobb, Jeanette Bruce, Karol Oldenburg and Cindy Wheeler. Accompanists are Jody Flueckinger, Donna Strasburger and Cindy Wheeler.
Jeanette Bruce, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dean Bruce, has been chosen by the faculty of Gordon high school to be the DAR Good Citizen. The senior girl was chosen on the basis of the following qualities: leadership, dependability, service and patriotism. Jeanette receives a pin and certificate award for the honor presented by Lone Willow chapter, DAR.
The Bronc basketball team was victorious in two outings this past week. In the first contest, the Broncs defeated Alliance 76-59 with Troy Roth leading the scoring with 25 points. The following night the Broncs hosted Chadron and notched an easy win 72-64 to give the Broncs a 2-0 Western conference record. Top scorers for the Broncs were Borders and Sasse with 20 each, followed by Roth with 11.
OBITUARIES
Amelia American Horse. Funeral services for Amelia American Horse, 69, who died Saturday, Dec. 2, at Gordon Memorial hospital, were held Friday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at St. Michael s Episcopal church in Batesland, S.D. Amelia American Horse was born June 5, 1909, at Wounded Knee, a daughter of Oliver and Lucy C. (Long Cat) Sun Bear. She was united in marriage to Wesley American Horse Sr., on Feb. 28, 1933. To this union a son, Wesley Jr., and a daughter, Mary Jane, were born. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wesley American Horse, Sr., her son Wesley Jr., her daughter, Mary Jane, and a brother, Clifford.
This page was last updated on
Tuesday, 10-Mar-2009 19:59:44 MDT
submitted by Helen Selee
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