Sheridan County Newspapers & Publications
Echoes of the Past
Jan 12, 2004
columns by Helen Selee
100 Years Ago - 1905
It was 16 below zero Monday.
The United States authorities are going to begin next week to wage war against all the infectious diseases common to cattle and sheep. Any of the suspected strips of country where the scab is prevalent in cattle will be thoroughly investigated and the owners will be compelled to dip all such cattle in accordance with an order issued by the Agricultural department last year.
Among those present at the National Implement Dealers Convention this week at Omaha, one of the most conspicuous individuals present was J.C. Jordan of Gordon, Neb., one of the pioneer implement men in Nebraska who has had 27 years experience in the implement business, and who, like the Spartacus of old, has never yet lowered his arms. Mr. Jordan never fails to attend these conventions and is always ready and willing to exchange views with the other dealers throughout the country. To Mr. Jordan, the rising sun appears on the horizon as a little red wagon wheel, and each sun at setting leaves a shadow of hay presses, threshing machines and other John Deere miscellany.--National Implement Dealer’s Criterion.
Grandpa Barto returned last week from a lengthy visit at Ainsworth and Bassett with his children.
The two months’ old girl baby of Ed Stratton died last Wednesday [Jan. 11, 1905], of pneumonia, and was buried on the Heywood place yesterday. [Jan. 12, 1905].
A post office has been established at Charles Nines’ store on the extension. The office has been christened White Clay.
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W.J. Fretz was in town Monday. It was learned from him that he has been transferred at the first of the year from a special horse inspector to a regular bureau inspector of live-stock.Joe Kocer has sold his general store at Kyle to Mr. Dawson of Pine Ridge. The stock of goods is being invoiced this week.
Newton Gates drove The Fair’s hearse down to Merriman where it was used in the funeral of James Childers, who died the Wednesday previous at Sulphur Springs, Missouri.
Burt Hartzell, a brother of Mrs. Robt. Dickson, is spending the week visiting her and the family.
Joe Smith of Hillsdale, Mich., is visiting the Rebbeck home this week. Mr. Smith is a horse salesman for Z.T. Davis of Merriman.
Bob Fields, while driving in the south hills last Sunday in company with D.B. Ingram, had the misfortune to upset with Mr. Ingram on top of him in the heap. While not seriously injured, Bob suffered a fracture of one of his floating ribs.
E.A. Waterman has moved his jewelry store out of Mrs. Hoffman’s Drug store into the building formerly occupied by Mrs. Elmore as a millinery store. This affords Mr. Waterman a larger display of his stock besides being more centrally located. Mr. and Mrs. Waterman will occupy the back rooms as living apartments.
Miss Susie Tupper, who has been spending her vacation visiting friends at Harrison, returned Friday morning. She taught there two years previous to coming to Gordon and gave eminent satisfaction. This makes her second year here and through her untiring efforts has become a leading primary teacher of Northwest Nebraska and of whom Gordon may well be proud.
We visited the Gordon schools and found them in a very satisfactory condition. Miss Susie Tupper had the “mites” in the primary as busy as bees, but without the usual hum. She had about fifty enrolled. Miss Cathryn Tupper has the second primary. We listened to a recitation in reading there that seemed especially good. Miss Lucile Brewer had charge of the Intermediate department and was giving the pupils some excellent work from some of the best authors, and required her pupils to read it, then re-write it as nearly like the original as possible, and then commit it to memory. Mrs. Knight was shedding light over the difficult places in the grammar room. She is a skilled questioner and keeps her pupils eager to answer. Mr. Knight is the principal and has an enrollment of 32 in the high school room, 22 of whom are in the 9th grade. The high school is editing a little paper caked The Rambler. That gives them training in literary work. The whole school, from the primary room to the high school, was doing excellent work.---District Teacher.
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MERRIMAN NEWS ITEMS
A daughter was born to Ed Johnson and wife on Saturday, Jan. 7th.Pheobe Wilson, niece of Ben Roberts, returned to Fremont Tuesday morning after spending a week or more on her homestead.
Rumor has it that the north side livery barn has been leased by B.J. Taylor and John Bayliff, but they had not done so yet Monday.
Hans Larsen, father of John and Charlie and Mesdames Roberts and Hewlett, arrived from his home in Minnesota Saturday and will spend a few weeks here on a visit.
Peter Fitch has leased the south side livery barn to Herb and William Alder. Mr. Fitch expects to go west and grow up with the country as soon as spring opens.
Dan Webster brought a carload of horses to town for shipment, but he and Ben Roberts got together and Ben bought the lot and Dan never got to go east at all.
Jim White is back from his trip to Oregon. He got “stranded” at Chadron and made the balance of the trip only in his mind.
COUNTY SEAT SIFTINGS
A big boy baby was born on Tuesday to Rev. and Mrs. Neill.Senator Chas. P. Breese came up from Lincoln last Saturday and remained here until Monday morning when he returned to the state capital again to work for the interests of the dear people.
In order to keep the public posted on the progress the workmen are making on the courthouse, we will state that several of the rooms are finished and ready for the furniture. It is expected to be ready for occupancy some time about the first of next month.
J.F. McParland, the live real estate man, has just made another deal in which he becomes possessor of the old Furman blacksmith shop and lot on which it stands. Jim will rub it down, put on a coat of weather boards, apply the paint brush and make a respectable looking building out of it, and then locate some one to it.
On Tuesday of this week [Jan. 10th] County Judge Edmunds united in marriage William Addle and Miss Anna Krotz. They both have lived for several years in this vicinity and are the kind of people we like to see get “together” as they are worthy young people and industrious and are bound to make life a success.
75 Years Ago - 1930
With the figures available of freight shipments in and out of Gordon in 1929, we think the time is ripe for Gordon business men to demand of the Chicago & NW RR the construction of a new modern depot. We read in the Ainsworth paper that in 1929, they shipped in 526 cars of merchandise and shipped out 520. In Gordon we imported 1413 cars and exported 1603. We quote these not to “show up” Ainsworth, but to bring home to everyone the justice of Gordon’s claim that they have built for them a new depot, where freight can be handled more quickly and efficiently.
Dropping 30 degrees in one hour and 60 degrees in five hours last Sunday, the temperatures gave this community a real winter greeting. Early Sunday afternoon, the thermometer read 59 degrees above, but that night it reached 8 below, which constitutes almost a record breaking drop. The weather remained cold all during the early part of the week and as this article is written Wednesday forenoon, a light snow is falling.
Two recent weddings of interest to Gordon residents were those of the Misses Beulah and Margie Moss, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Moss. Beulah was united in marriage with Mr. Dale A. Moore on Thursday, December 26, at Valentine; and Margie and Mr. Walter Birkby were married at Martin, S.D. on Tuesday, January 31. Both of these popular young ladies have lived much of their lives in Gordon, with the exception of several years spent in Chadron where Miss Margie graduated from the high school. Beulah graduated from Gordon High School with the class of 1929. Mr. Moore is the genial clerk in the Clapham Market, while Mr. Birkby is connected with his father at the Red Roof Filling Station. Mr. and Mrs. Moore will make their home for the time being at the H.P. Moss residence; and Mr. and Mrs. Birkby will occupy one of the new apartments recently erected by J.C. Dicks in the north part of the city. The many friends of these young people extend congratulations and best wishes.
Mr. and Mrs. S.H. Lynch are the parents of a daughter born January 5th. The baby was named Donna Fern.
Tom Dickinall, who works at the Ed Tice farm, lost a finger in a corn sheller one day last week.
The eight-year-old son of Scott Brown was kicked in the head by a horse on New Year’s Day and suffered a slight fracture of the skull. He is recovering nicely.The Bells Will Ring. January 16th, 1930, marks the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Eighteenth Amendment. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) will celebrate this birthday by the ringing of bells in ten thousand unions. When our city and church bells ring next Thursday noon, let it remind us that --- we have no more open saloons, less drunkenness, fewer deaths from alcoholic liquors, less poverty, less vice, better health, greater wealth, more students in our schools and colleges, and a more prosperous and contented citizenship in the United States. ---W.C.T.U.
Court House News
About two months ago Federal officers searched the Blazer property in Clinton and reported six cases of beer found. A complaint was then filed against A.J. Blazer but the case was not heard at that time owning to the illness of Mr. Blazer. Mr. Blazer came to Rushville last week and entered a plea of guilty to the charges and a sentence of sixty days and a fine of $100 was imposed, but Mr. Blazer died in the courthouse the same day so the sentence was not executed.A complaint has been filed in the county court against Milt D. Hinkle, also known as the “South American Kid” that……
George Brewer has disposed of his transfer line to John McGaughey, who will operate it under the name of the Red Dot Transfer Line.Mr. and Mrs. Otto Anderson, who are employed at the Deerfield & Margrave Garage, are the parents of a young daughter, who arrived on Thursday, January 2nd.
Mrs. John Paul entertained twenty-two guests at a family dinner on Sunday, the occasion being Mr. Paul’s 70th birthday. The party was a complete surprise to Mr. Paul and it was a very happy gathering.
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OBITUARIES
Andrew J. Blazer was born in Scott county, Iowa, Jan. 6, 1861, and died in Rushville, Nebr., January 2nd, 1930, lacking 4 days of reaching his 69th birthday. He was married at the age of 24 to Della Van Ness at Ida Grove, Iowa. To this union was born one son, Walter. The wife and son survive him. Mr. Blazer moved to Nebraska about 40 years ago.
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Clyde Ranck . After an illness of several years, Clyde Ranck died at his home in Gordon on last Sunday, January 5th. He was born near Gordon on the 4th day of May, 1887. On the 17th day of December, 1918, he was united in marriage to Miss Hazel Cover and to this union were born two children, Lila and Leslie. He leaves to mourn his loss, his loving wife, two children, and also his mother, Mrs. Alice Ranck, four brothers and two sisters. Interment was made in the Gordon cemetery.
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Mrs. H.B. Luther, age 59, of Antioch, a former resident of the Pole Creek community, and wife of Rev. H.B. Luther, passed away at her home Wednesday, January 3rd. Mr. and Mrs. Luther had made friends while living here and they are saddened at this word of death.50 Years Ago - 1955
The first baby to greet the world in 1955 at Gordon Memorial hospital was Veldon Ladd Goucher, who was born at 12:40 a.m. January6th. The young man, who weighed in at seven pounds, two ounces and stood one foot, seven in his bare feet, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Goucher of Gordon.
At their first official meeting Tuesday, Charles Hoefer, county commissioner from Hay Springs was re-elected as chairman of the board of commissioners. Clint Bartow, Gordon, formerly chairman of the welfare committee was elected vice-chairman of the board. George Addie, newly-elected commissioner from Rushville will serve as chairman of the welfare committee.
James O. Grigg, 40, Sidney truck line employee and former Gordonite was killed New Years Day in a three-car accident. Mr. Grigg was driving his own car on Highway 30 about three miles east of Sidney. A semi-trailer truck loaded with shelled corn and driven by Garold D. Bise, 22, Sidney, had stalled on the road. Mr. Bise was out of the cab and attempting to light a warning flare when the Grigg car approached. Another truck approaching from the opposite direction, prevented Mr. Grigg from turning out to avoid the stalled truck, witnesses said. Mr. Grigg was pinned beneath the steering wheel and killed instantly. He is survived by his widow, one son, his father and mother, one brother and two sisters. Mr. Grigg grew up on a ranch about 15 miles east of Gordon and was well known in this community.
Hugo Porath was called to Valentine last week by the tragic death of his brother, Harlan, who was killed instantly about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5 in an accident on Highway 20, one and one-half miles east of Crookston. Pfc. Porath, 23, and a companion were en route to Valentine when they had a flat tire and stopped to fix it. The boys had started to take the bolts off the wheel of the car . Noticing an approaching car, O’Neill stepped into the ditch and warned Porath, who started around the rear of the parked vehicle. The approaching driver, Lt. Roger Little II, failed to see the stalled car and crashed into the rear of it just as Porath stepped behind it, trapping the lad and killing him. O’Neill ran to a nearby house and summoned help from Valentine. Funeral services for young Porath were held Saturday afternoon.
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BIRTHS at Gordon Memorial hospital included:
*Mr. and Mrs. William Goucher as reported earlier.
*Mr. and Mrs. Wendell G. Holthus, a son, Rolland Scott, born January 7, 1955.
*Mr. and Mrs. Harold M. Lawson, a daughter, Harriet Maxine, born January 11, 1955.
*Mr. and Mrs. Ray Bucholz, a son, Ronald Ray, born January 11, 1955.
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On January 6, 1955, the Porcupine Presbyterian church members had a supper and farewell service for Miss Inez Crazy Bear as she was the first Indian girl in the new year to join the army air force.Billy Jensen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Jensen of Merriman, was discharged on Dec. 23, 1954 at Dover, Del. after four years service with the air force is a much decorated young man. Among his honors are the good conduct medal, national defense service medal, Korean service medal, United Nations medal and ROK presidential unit citation.
25 Years Ago - 1980
Matthew John Willnerd, born Jan. 2, 1980 at 12:30 p.m. was the first baby of the year to be born in the Gordon Memorial hospital. Parents are Dr. Steve and Kathleen Willnerd of Rushville. Matthew has four brothers and sisters at home. They are Tricia 8, Laura 5, Bart 4, and Cole 2. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Willnerd of Wolbach and Mrs. Janice Corbin, Oakland. In addition to being the first of 1980, the new baby received gifts from members of the Gordon business community to start him on his new life.
Krestie Tolstedt assumed duties as the home extension agent for Box Butte and Sheridan counties on Dec. 17. She will live in Alliance but will be in Rushville two and a half days a week. Mrs. Tolstedt is a graduate of South Dakota State University, Brookings, with a degree in home economics education. She taught two years in Alta, Iowa. Her weekly column, Consumers Corner will appear in the Gordon Journal beginning with today’s issue.
Candi Otte is one of 57 students named to the fall quarter dean’s list at National College, Rapid City, S.D. A 1979 graduate of Gordon high school, Candi is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Otte. She is majoring in the medical administrative assisting program at National College.
Mr. and Mrs. David Rust celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary, Dec. 16 at their home. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. William Rust, Virgil and Virginia, Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Rust, Eric and Aaron, Mrs. Bertha Stewart and Alma Peterson. The wedding cake was made and decorated by their granddaughter, Virginia. The Rusts were married Dec. 11, 1911 at Rushville by Judge Edmunds. It was a double wedding shared with Mr. and Mrs. John Shields. Mrs. Shields was a sister of Bertha Stewart and Alma Peterson. Dave celebrated his 90th birthday in September and Ida was 87 in June. Dave was born on a homestead in a sod house about three miles west of Gordon. One son, Clarence, and one daughter, Phoebe Calkins in Washington, were unable to attend.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Thompson were honored guests for an open house on their 40th wedding anniversary on Dec. 30, 1979, at their home. Their daughter Jane and family hosted the occasion. Harold Thompson and Evelyn Baker were united in marriage on Dec. 20, 1939 by the Rev. Ellis M. Steen. They were the first couple to be married in the chapel of the newly built Presbyterian church.
Vern and Vesta McNare of Merriman are the parents of a daughter born Jan. 3, 1980.
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Obituaries
Due to lack of space, these will be listed in brief:
Lawrence Keith Lessert was born Aug. 26, 1911 in Hot Springs, S.D. to Richard and Viola Lessert. He died Dec. 24, 1979 in Denver, Colo. He was united in marriage to Ruth M. Larson on Jan. 8, 1934. To this union eleven children were born. He also had 17 grandsons and 17 granddaughters and 7 great-grandchildren. Burial was at the Catholic cemetery in Merriman.
Guy Austin Stethem, youngest son of Ella Jane Stumpp and Dwight Stethem was born Sept. 20, 1896 near Kenesaw and died at the Bennett County Hospital in Martin, S.D. Jan. 5, 1980. He was married to Grace Mae White in 1924 at Smith Center, Kansas, and three children were born to this union. Burial was at Cottonwood cemetery in Burwell, Nebr.
Services for Eugene American Horse, 64, of Denby, were held Saturday, Dec. 29, 1979, in Batesland. He died Wednesday, Dec. 26, at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Denver, Colo. He was born March 16, 1915 at Wounded Knee. He married Dorothy Grabbing Bear on July 16, 1944, at Rushville. He is survived by three daughters, three sons, one sister and 19 grandchildren.
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submitted by Helen Selee
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