Sheridan County Newspapers & Publications
Echoes of the Past
Feb 27, 2005
columns by Helen Selee
100 Years Ago - 1905
Last Saturday night, in consequence of previous arrangements, the debators of the Gordon High School vied with the selected orators of the Hay Springs High School and bested them, too. The question chosen for discussion was: “Resolved, that self-aggrand-izement is not the ruling passion of man’s life, and that manhood is not on the decline.” Our local debators were Messrs. Earl Wilkinson and Fay Hill and Misses Lillice Ashworth and Edyth Palmer, who did justice to the negative side of the question. Hay Springs presented the affirmative argument with Messrs. Hanks and Heitchecker and Misses Sage and Crawford as speakers.
The doctors of Sheridan county effected a temporary organization here last Tuesday under the name of the Sheridan County Medical Society. Dr. Dwyer was elected Temporary Chairman and Dr. Wilson of Rushville was named as Temporary Secretary. Arrangements were made to have another meeting at Rushville on the 25th of April when a permanent organization will be formed. Drs. Wilson and Daniels of Rushville were in attendance at this meeting.
Frank Hutt and a sister came in Monday morning from Indianola, Iowa, being summoned on account of the serious illness of their little niece, Lela Hutt. Little Lela is some better but by no means out of danger.
J.K. DeWolf went up to Rushville Friday, returning on Sunday. He says the roads are almost impassible.
Miss Ruby Hall tried to enter her home Tuesday night by way of a window. Entrance failed and Ruby is carrying her right hand in a sling as a result.
Bert Bayliff has moved his household effects into the Ladd building where he will room in the future. Mrs. Dickinson, who has kept house for him since the death of her sister. Mrs. Bayliff went to the Irwin ranch to fill the position of cook there.
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Senator O’Rourk recently said in a divorce case at Hot Springs that “A father that will not support his innocent little children that God had given to him, is a wretch whom no philosophy can humanize; no charity soften; so religion claim; and no miracle convert; a monster who, red with the fires of hell and pending under the crime of neglecting the care and education of his own little ones, is not fit to live; for the most ferocious animals in the jungles of Africa and the forests of America will fight, feed, protect and die for their young. And again both the Divine and civil law make it his duty to provide for his offspring.”----------------------------------------
Merriman News Items
Mattie Robertson has quit the Green Hotel and Jennie Vilandrie has taken her place. The clerks are: Charles Parks for the night force, and Tom Coffey Jr. and Elmus Bullard for the day shift.
Merriman has a new night operator in the person of Mr. Gregory, he having relieved Irwin. The new man has a family of a wife and two children.
Marshal Stoehr made final proof on his homestead in 28, 40, Monday.
The weather here moderated to some extent Monday, but a howling blizzard followed in the evening and continued during the night.
A. Morrisey was up from Valentine to try the Troelson-Kropp contest case, which was heard before the U.S. Commi-ssioner.
M.W. and Charles Ostrander, west Cherry County ranchmen, were in town as final proof witnesses; and Charles made application on a homestead.
George Beamer thinks the Kinkaid homestead law is working a hardship on himself. He is holding down a quarter section homestead surrounded by deeded land so that he is cut off from taking his additional three quarters, but we tried to pacify him by telling him a little story. But referring to the Kinkaid law, it is but just to Mr. Kinkaid to say that when his bill was first prepared, it provided for just such cases as that of Mr. Beamer’s, but our Congressman was compelled to allow the different committees to butcher his bill in order to get it through. Now he hopes to correct some of its defects. Congressmen from other states are making an effort to follow his example.
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Price Hobbs was in Albany Friday of last week. He began treating all around and said, “It’s only twins. Mother and babies are doing well.”
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County Seat Siftings
B.F. Pitman, the real estate man of Chadron, was in our burg Monday on business and looking for someone who had something to trade.
Thos. Dulin, an old resident of the country west of town, has sold his place, stock and good will and expects to go west in a few weeks and grow up with the country.
Fred Graeber sold his old homestead last week to Mrs. August Helmbold. The place joins the town on the southeast and is a very desirable place. Fred owns a larger place out of town where he ranches.
Mrs. C.P. Bresee and daughter, Miss Gertrude, went to Omaha last Saturday. They will call on the girls who are attending school there from here at Belleview and will also go to Lincoln to see the Senator before returning.
J.P. McParland has bought a new fangled potato planter and will soon ship in a car of Minnesota potatoes. He has gone in cahoots with a fellow who will do the muscle part of it, and put in fifty acres of potatoes just to show the other fellow how to do it.
On Saturday last, [Feb. 18] Mrs. Benj. Randall died at the home of E.E. Randall of Rushville. For a number of years she lived south of town in the Colclesser neighborhood, but came to town last fall to live with her son for the winter. She leaves her aged husband, one son and two daughters to mourn her death.
On Monday Judge Edmunds issued a license to Lewis Alfred Lein and Miss Anna Lee Wiles, both of them are well known here, and they are living north of town.
WANTED
SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVES in this county and adjoining territories to represent and advertise an old established business house of solid financial standing. Salary $21 weekly, with Expenses advanced each Monday by check direct from headquarters. Horse and buggy furnished when necessary; position permanent. Address Blew Brothers & Co., Dept. A, Monon Bldg., Chicago, Ill.--------------------------------------
75 Years Ago - 1930
H.H. Schmitt of Plainview, Nebr., was in Gordon this week, preparatory to moving here March 1. He recently purchased the farm occupied by John Kearns.
Representative Arthur Bowring of Merriman has filed for State Senator from this district, which consists of Cherry, Sheridan, Dawes. Box Butte and Sioux counties. This district for the past three terms has been represented by Dwight Griswold of Gordon, who will not be a candidate for re-election. Mr. Bowring is a rancher and an old time Cherry county resident. He has served in the House of Representatives during the past two sessions and has been active in all good roads legislation. He is a hard worker and a fighter, and well understands the needs of Western Nebraska.
Recently a group of boys, with their fathers, met at the agriculture room in the high school, to form a 4H sow and litter club. Jim Webster, a member of the County Fair board, presided. After being called to order, the matter of the club name was discussed and the named decided upon was “The Good Will Sow and Litter Club.” Officers selected were: Kenneth Reeves, president; Kendall Reeves, vice-president; Stephen Andrews, secretary-treasurer; Warren Donner, reporter; and Glen Gealy, club leader. Charter members besides the above officers are: Earl Kayton, Kenneth Tausan, Harold Jensen, Vernon Marshall, Lynn Reeves and Ray Lynn.
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Ted Hummel Married
Ted L. Hummel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hummel of this city, was married recently at Algonac, Michigan, to Miss Edna Galton, daughter of Captain and Mrs. C.B. Galton of that city. Mr. Hummel is a Gordon lad who has risen high in his profession. He learned the printing trade in the office of the Gordon Journal; later he took up the linotype as his life’s work and became widely known as an operator and machinist. While working in Michigan, he became interested in the town of Algonac, and took a position there. By close application, he has become a partner in the firm.
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BABIES
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Albert Neman, on February 8th, a son.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Park on February 17th, a twelve pound girl.
Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Johns are the parents of a son, born Feb.19th.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. Roy Faubion, February 16th, a son.
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Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Dicks have moved to Gordon from Martin and are nicely settled in their new home in north Gordon. Mr. and Mrs. Dicks were former residents of the city, at one time owning a variety store here.
Neils Peterson entertained some of his boy friends at a fine supper Sunday evening, the occasion being his and Ed Ross’ birthdays.
On Saturday, little Clyde Jelinek had the misfortune to break his arm. He was running a race with his father. His parents hurried him to Gordon, where he received medical attention.
George Lefler of Batesland has purchased the City Service Garage from Emery Ogden, and will manage it in the future. The plans of Mr. Ogden are indefinite.
Mrs. Harold Tucker entertained at a surprise party Friday evening, Feb. 14th, in honor of her husband’s birthday. Three tables of bridge were enjoyed until a late hour when the hostess served a delicious two-course lunch. Mrs. Clyde Paced won high score for the ladies and Mr. Pace for the men, with the consolation prize going to Alfred Beyer.
On Wednesday evening, just as Mr. and Mrs. Scott Brown and baby were driving into their farm north of Clinton, a car driven by Mr. Cerny collided with them, badly cutting Mrs. Brown’s left leg and causing her to lose much blood. No other persons were hurt. The Brown car was badly damaged.
Mrs. R.T. Tribby, of Hastings, who with her husband has been staying at the Merchants Hotel, took too many vernoil tablets last Monday and has been asleep ever since. Up to Thursday morning she had been asleep for 63 hours, but began to show signs of life then. She has a special nurse.-----------------------------------
OBITUARIES
W. S. Spann was born near Centerville, Lancaster County, Nebraska, on November 28, 1877 and departed this life at his home in Gordon, Nebr. February 13, 1930 at the age of 52 years, 2 months and 16 days. He was married Jan. 27, 1908 to Miss Ollie Biltoft in Rock county, Nebr. To this union were born four children, all living at home: Raymond, Vera, Wilma and Norman. His father and mother and three infant children have preceded him in death. He leaves, besides his wife and four children, four brothers and two sisters: August of Burton, Nebr., Mary Strelow and Sarah Brown of Newport, Charles of Atkinson, Martin of Basset and Henry of Gordon. A short funeral service was held at the home on Feb. 14th and the remains were then taken to Basset where the body was laid to rest. Gordon has lost an unusual citizen, friend and neighbor in this man.----------------
Josiah M. Walls was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, on August 7, 1857 and passed away in Gordon, Nebraska on February 14, 1930. Mr. Walls came from a family of pioneers, his parents, Elza and Sarah Walls having been born in Indiana in the year 1824. Josiah grew to manhood in Indiana and on May 27, 1881, he and the winsome Hannah Hummel went to the altar and were made man and wife. To this union were born four children, all of whom survive. They are Ora Pettycrew of Phoenix, Arizona; Adda Thornquist, Leah Hummel and Vae Walls, all of Gordon. Mr. Walls and his bride moved to Sheridan county with the Scamahorn colony in 1884. The funeral services were held from the Methodist Episcopal church in Gordon, Sunday afternoon, [Feb. 16] and interment was in the Gordon cemetery.----------------------------------------
50 Years Ago - 1955
Gordon Surprises Bridge-port 73-56.……
The Blue and Gold made it three in a row Thursday night by racking Bridgeport 73-56, for their last home game of the season. The score was somewhat misleading, for the game was tight all the way until the last quarter. Thus the locals finished with a 5-3 record in the Panhandle B conference. Once again Borman and Borders led the attack, with 25 and 32 points respectively. Klingebiel followed with 10 and Mott hit for six.
Eight men in four cross-country trucks waited out the blizzard last weekend, when the trucks stalled ten miles east of Gordon on Highway 20, about 6 p.m. Friday. From then until Sunday afternoon, the drivers huddled in the cabs of the vehicles, without food and burning road maps, one by one, for warmth when their fuel supplies ran out. At the height of their discomfort, one man determined to walk for help, the most dangerous decision possible under the circumstances. After battling his way the distance of two telephone poles from the trucks, he turned back so exhausted help was required to get him into the cab. When the wind subsided, Sunday afternoon, the men were able to reach the Hansen home (¼ of a mile straight south of where they were stranded) and Mrs. Hansen prepared a meal for them. Their trucks were discovered by J.D. Borman, who was flying over the area in his ski-equipped plane searching for signs of distress, and who brought them on into town. The eight men suffered from frozen faces, hunger and exhaustion. The Sheridan Hotel was filled to capacity over the weekend with refugees of the storms. The thermometer dipped to 19 below zero on Thursday night.
Three Sheridan county volunteers will leave Thursday for induction into the armed services. They are Carlyle Wilhite, Gordon; Paul James Larson, Rushville, and Rodney Serbousek, Hay Springs. Three local men were listed in the With Our Boys in the Service column which include: Pvt. Jack W. Mills, APO Seattle, Wash.; Pvt. Franz Adomeit, APO 112, New York, N.Y.; and A/B Bobby C. Nelson, Parks Air Force Base, Calif.
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While the local area suffered through bitter weather here, word was received here from Mrs. Walter Kime, who with her daughter Lynell, is visiting her former home, Manly, NSW, Australia, writes that the weather is so very hot there that she and Lynell enjoy frequent swims. The card from Mrs. Kime was mailed there on Jan 21 and reached here Feb. 21.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Ross of Astoria, Ore. announce the birth of a daughter, Cynthia Lynn at the Naval Hospital at Tongue Point Navy Base on February 19. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Y. Ross of Gordon are the paternal grandparents.
Births at the Gordon Memorial Hospital during the past week were those to:
*Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Swanson, a son, Roderic Leroy, born Feb. 18, 1955.
*Mr. and Mrs. Bob Nyffler, a daughter, Teresa Rae, February 20, 1955.
*Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Teaford, a son, born Febr. 21, 1955.
*Mr. and Mrs. Lewellyn Lonehill, a son, Lester Howard, born Febr. 22, 1955.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Burck are the parents of a daughter, Shirley Jean, born Thursday, Febr. 10, 1955, at the Rushville hospital. She weighed 6 lbs. 14 oz.
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Turnbull entertained Wednesday evening, Feb. 16, honoring the 14th birthday of their daughter, Beverly. Guests included Phyllis Holmgrain, Barbara Hanks, Marilyn Hess. Shirley Vollintine, Rosalyn Cobb, Cherrill and Carrell DeFrance, Janice Roth, Roxie Aspinall, Roberta Gardiner and Marilyn Turnbull.25 Years Ago - 1980
Tom Ainslie was honored by the firemen of Gordon as being the outstanding fireman of the year. He was presented an award
in recognition of his contributions to the department by Fred Beattie.
The Pla Mor club met Feb. 5th at the home of Eula Mae Van Matre. Three guests, Bonnie Tystad, Dorothy Bottorff and Vera Secrest were present. Prizes were won by Bonnie Tystad, high; Ida Eastep, low and Bette Annett, draw. The next meeting will be held at the home of Jean Coon.
Births at the Gordon Memorial Hospital the past week were babies born to:
*Wayne and Cynthia Buresh, Batesland, S.D., a son, born Feb. 11, 1980.
*Paul and Sharon Moser, Hay Springs, a son, born Feb. 12, 1980.
*John and Julia Sterkel, Martin, S.D., a daughter, Feb. 15, 1980.
*Denise Deon, Pine Ridge, S.D., a daughter, Feb. 16, 1980.
Mrs. Gary Ruse was hostess at her home Sunday afternoon for a going-away coffee for Mrs. Roy Letellier. Mr. and Mrs. Letellier will move to Belle Fourche, S.D., in about two weeks. Mr. Letellier will have a Chevrolet dealership there.
Vickie Spangler was selected by the Gordon High School Booster Club as the GHS Athlete of the week. Vickie has been a steady performer for the lady Broncs as a play maker this year.
Mr. and Mrs. Edd Oldenburg celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Friday, Feb. 15. Those surprising them in the afternoon with treats and an anniversary cake were Mr. and Mrs. Joe Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Oldenburg, Mr. and Mrs. Bland Oldenburg and John Oldenburg. They also received a telephone call from their daughter and son-in-law, Dorothy and Eugene Bower of Tempe, Ariz.
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Gealy hosted Sunday dinner honoring the 27th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Joel Waddill and the 81st birthday of Lester Gealy.OBITUARIES
Jules Alexander Sandoz died Feb. 5, 1980 at St. Joseph Gerontology Center in Alliance at the age of 82. Jules was born Dec. 27, 1897 t the Old Jules place along the Niobrara River south of Rushville. He was the first son of Jules Ami Sandoz and Mary Elizabeth Fehr. He was married to Mary Maritda Kicken, Feb. 21, 1924 and to this union were born Celia, Mrs. Orville Ostrander, Ernest William Sandoz of Hebron and Marguerite, Mrs. David Widtfeldt of Harrisburg. Burial was in Parkview Cemetery in Rushville.Maggie Ellen Goodin Hagler was born March 27, 1896 near Marrowville, Kan, in Washington county, to Riley and Charlotte Gibson. She died Feb. 11, 1980 in Bradenton, Fla. at the age of 83. On June 10, 1913, Maggie was united in marriage to Walter Wesley Goodin, who preceded her in death in April 1949. To this union were born eight children: Vern, Vera, Lola, Doris, Belva, Louise; also Elmer and Neal who are now deceased. On Jan. 15., 1954, Maggie was united in marriage to Leo Hagler of Patricia, S.D. Upon marrying Leo, Maggie acquired 11 stepchildren: Fern, Freda, George, Keith, Neva, Eldon, Betty, DeWayne, Mary Lou, and two stepsons who are now deceased, Faye and Neal. Leo preceded Maggie in death in July of 1967. Funeral services were held in the Gordon United Methodist church on Feb. 15th and interment was in Prairie Lawn cemetery at Cody, Wyo.
This page was last updated on
Tuesday, 10-Mar-2009 19:59:55 MDT
submitted by Helen Selee
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