June 19, 2004 Echoes: Sheridan Co. NE GenWeb

Sheridan County Newspapers & Publications

Echoes of the Past
May 19, 2004
columns by Helen Selee

100 Years Ago - 1904
Prof. Knight and wife of Long Pine were elected last Saturday night by the school board to have the professorship and grammar department of the Gordon schools. Judging from what we have been able to learn, Mr. Knight and his wife are the persons Gordon has been looking for. Prof. Knight has rented Bert Wilhite’s house for a year commencing June 1st.
Mrs. Cremeens and her mother arrived in Gordon Wednesday morning. We are informed that the family will take up residence in the Freeman Mills property generally known as the Let Beckwith place.
MARRIED
On Wednesday evening, May 18, 1904, at the home of Rollin Hanchette of Gordon, Mr. William Searby and Miss Mary C. Watson were united in marriage, Rev. A.B. Julian officiating. Miss Watson came here about a year ago from Rockford, Colo., and has been staying with her aunt, Mrs. R. Hanchette. She was vice-president of the Epworth League and an enthusiastic worker in the WCTU, and a sensible young woman. She will be missed in the circle of her friends here. Mr. Searby is a merchant at Crookston, is prominent in that vicinity as a gentleman of honor and exemplary habits. Mr. and Mrs. Searby left for Crookston Thursday morning where they will make their future home. It was a quiet wedding, only the following relatives and friends being present: Mrs. Alice Brewer and daughter Nellie, Mrs. Maude Margrave, Mrs. Borroughs, Mrs. Mary Donaldson, Mrs. Ira Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Jordan and son Loyd, and Mr. Chas. Selbig.
A traveling man named Sheradeth died at Merriman last Saturday. He had been drinking and gambling for a couple of days and was quite drunk when he died. It seems that he went to a restaurant and got a place to lie down. Soon after a woman passed through the room and thought he looked like a dead man. Dr. McDowell was called and confirmed the woman’s opinion. It is claimed that the deceased has a wife and three children in Omaha.
At Ainsworth, Merriman and Gordon the high school graduates are all girls. What has become of the boys? Many boys are going to school. Do they quit before they get through? Do they have to go to work early in life, or is the cigarette ruining them? Where are we at? Will some 13-inch philosopher come to our rescue?
It was reported last week that Gordon is about to have thrust on her a new newspaper. Goodness, yes, let’s have another. We have noticed several of our citizens around town looking pale and out of order, and we now believe it was an hungering and thirsting after another newspaper. The present editor is getting so rich that he is getting mean and needs someone to help lug around the profits of the newspaper business here.
Mrs. John Bayliff has been quite sick the past week.
Otto Pfeiffer’s incubator hatched out 90 chicks, and then Otto got the thing too hot and roasted the whole batch. It ought to occur to Otto that a roast of 90 spring chickens all at one time is bordering on the extravagant.
Chas. Hetzel worked a deal by which H. Rye traded his butcher shop property to A. Hupp for the property just north of where he now has the shop. Mr. Rye paid of difference of $1,000. This new location will make an elegant meat market.
T.C. Thompson had the misfortune last week to get his thoroughbred horse injured by the horse in some way throwing himself in the barn.
The Masons, on Monday night, elected the following officers: W.M.-Ulia Powell; S.W.-S.S. Joice; J.W.-Roy Beckwith; Treasurer- D.H. Griswold; Secretary-R.O. Bard.
J.E. Owen added to the beauty of his residence fence this week by a coat of white paint.
Sam Joice has had a substantial fence put in on the north side of his residence lot.
Robt. Clapp is again working in the store for James Davis, Earl Ireland having quit there last week.
Joshua Wilson is building an addition to the home of P. Johnson on his place northeast of Gordon.
Milk shake and lemonade, the most healthy summer drinks, and only 5 cents per glass. On the Korner.
Mrs. Rising has been confined to her home for several days with rheumatism.
Bert Bayliff and Phil Lambert are among those who will try for a farm in the Rosebud country.
Arthur Cutler became a new subscriber Wednesday and says he likes the spirit of the Journal.
Phillip Homes, one of the old timers in these parts, but later or Jessup, Indiana, arrived in Gordon Thursday morning on a visit.
A telegram was received Monday morning stating that the mother of Mrs. Newt. Parker had died at her home in Moscow, Idaho. Mrs. Parker had reached there before the end came. Mrs. Parker returned home Wednesday from Des Moines, where her mother was buried.
The Scriptures say that those who labor shall eat. We feel entitled to about five meals per day of late.
May 10th was the 29th birthday of Fred Hutt living northeast of Gordon, and his friends took occasion to gather in a goodly number to his surprise for a jollification. Those present were the following gentlemen with their wives, viz: Sam Moore, Charles Rebbeck, Theo. Park, Clarence Park, Will Clark, J.K. DeWolf, Chas. Clark, Mr. Barney. Also Mrs. O’Rourk and family, Miss Jane Scott, Fred Koontz and Ed. Hutt. The dinner, which has been reported to us as being something fine, was served at 2 o’clock. The thimble and ring which had been placed in a cake were both secured by Mr. and Mrs. Sam Moore. The crowd enjoyed themselves with music and various other kinds of entertain-ment, and went away feeling that they had spent a most pleasant time in the Hutt home. Mr. Hutt was the recipient of an elegant oak rocker from the friends who had gathered on the occasion.
The style of ladies’ headgear this season is entirely different from that of last year. This year the hat turns up in front like the horns of a range steer, and as the wind plays through the frills and ribbons of the elevated structure, it causes the thing to flop back like the ears of a tired mule in fly time.

75 Years Ago - 1929
Small pox is found again in Gordon. Mr. Bevie Hummel, janitor at the West Ward school, and Mr. F.C. Smith of the Smith Implement Co., both came down with smallpox the first of the week. As a result, the school was closed Wednesday and a part of Thursday, while the building was being fumigated.
The school year of 1928-1929 is rapidly coming to a close. Commencement exercises are to be held at the high school auditorium on Monday evening, May 27th, starting at eight o’clock. The 38 seniors are as follows: Richard Anderson, Virgil Anderson, Eldon Case, Richard Cobb, Glenn Conklin, Sidney Fry, Kenneth Hansen, Elmer Hatch, Floyd Hatch, Gordon Hull, Lawson Lee, Royal McGaughey, Donald Mansfield, Shirley Park, George Shadbolt, James Thomas, Helga Anderson, Virginia Ashley, Evelyn Baker, Hazel Bell, Dorothy Brugger, Helen Cilek, Margaret Dorsey, Jessie Furman, Hazel Hix, Avah Johnson, Margaret Lee, Doris Leeper, Irene Lowe, Margaret Morris, Beulah Moss, Mable Ostrander, Ruth Parker, Shirley Potts, Amanda Sanders, Neva Seveland, Wilma Spann and Doris Versaw.
The Board of Pardons at Lincoln last week turned down the application of Henry Sherman, murderer of the Pochon family, for a commutation to life imprisonment, and it now appears that the youthful murderer will suffer the death penalty on May 31st. It took the board only 15 minutes to decide that it would not overturn the penalty brought by the jury and Judge Meyer.
Kathleen Bitner is under quarantine at her home with a slight attack of scarlet fever.
Mr. and Mrs. H.G. Sandage, living west of Gordon, are the parents of a daughter born Saturday, May 11th. Mrs. Sandage’s mother, Mrs. Lillie of Fremont, has been visiting her the past month and Mr. Lillie came up Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Taylor, of the Sunny Knoll neighborhood, are the parents of a baby boy born Friday, May 10th.
Gordon relatives have received the announcement of the birth of Mary Ann Margrave, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Brewer Margrave of Hobson, Montana. Dr. Margrave is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Margrave of Gordon.
Miss Olivia Heng, teacher of the Irwin school, held a picnic for pupils and patrons of the school at Lyons Bridge last Sunday. At noon a big picnic dinner was served cafeteria style. In the afternoon games were played and other amusements were held. School closes next Friday and Miss Heng will leave for her home in Nebraska City next Saturday evening. She has proved her ability in her splendid work and has been retained to teach next year. A farewell dance was given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dennie Hathorn Saturday evening in her honor.
Last Friday Mrs. Emil Rittscher had the misfortune of losing 350 chickens when her brooder house burned.
R.E. Johnson recently purchased the late C.S. Gates property and expects to occupy it as soon as they finish modernizing it.
Josephine Andrews, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Andrews of Billing, was taken to the Rushville hospital on Sunday, suffering with an attack of appendicitis. The appendix had ruptured before they could operate and she is in quite a serious condition.
Doris Versaw was rushed to Hot Springs on Monday where she entered the Sisters Hospital for an operation for a ruptured appendix. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Versaw accompanied her.
Fred Rebbeck, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Rebbeck, has been transferred by the American Radiator Company to their Pueblo, Colo. branch, where he will be office manager for that district.
Eleven little boys and girls gathered at the Travnicek’s in Batesland on Friday to help Reynold celebrate his birthday. Games were played until nine o’clock when a delightful two-course lunch was served.
Mr. and Mrs. N.S. Gates entertained a few friends on Tuesday evening of last week in honor of the birthday of Mrs. Glen Conklin, who was the honored guest. Delicious refreshments were served and a very pleasant evening enjoyed.
Sergeant John W. Joice of the U.S. Marine Corps arrived in Gordon this week to visit his sister, Mrs. I.J. Trueblood. He recently returned from a tour of duty in the Phillipines.
Ralph Vinton was brought to Gordon last Friday with a broken collarbone, which occurred while playing at school.
The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Wilbur is seriously sick with whooping cough.
Mr. and Mrs. Nels Stranahan arrived in Gordon last Saturday coming from Indiana. Mr. Stranahan reported that he was mighty glad to get back to this locality.
Dr. J.R. Snyder has purchased the C.J. Folsom home and will take possession shortly, as Mr. and Mrs. Folsom plan to leave soon for their new home in Phoenix, Arizona.
Mr. B. D. Berkheimer has purchased the home of Mrs. Ruth Brown and will take possession about June 1st. This is one of Gordon’s nicest homes and is splendidly located.
OBITUARIES
Marvin L. Trogdon: Marvin Lorenzo Trogdon was born near Merriman January 29, 1925 and departed this life May, 6, 1929 at the age of 14 years, 3 months and 8 days. Marvin was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Trogdon who live south of Merriman. He is survived by his parents, two brothers and two sisters, Roby, Lawrence, Evelyn and Ruth, all of whom are at home. There are many other near relatives who mourn his loss.
Duane Lawson DeLancey: Duane Lawson, the younger son of Charles and Orpha DeLancey was born in Brunswick, Nebraska, August 14, 1926, and passed away at the family home in Gordon on May 11, 1929, having attained the age of two years, 8 months and 27 days. . Those left to mourn his passing are his parents, a brother Robert and a number of other relatives. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon, being conducted by Reverend Embree of the Methodist Church and interment was made in the Gordon cemetery.
Acy D. Roberts: Acy D. Roberts was born March 4, 1847 in the state of Indiana, living there until grown, coming to Illinois for a short period. He then located in Iowa near Des Moines, where he met Miss Eveline Short. They were united in marriage in November 1875. . To this union eleven children were born, seven sons and four daughters, five of whom passed on in infancy. One son, John H. Roberts, passed away April 22, 1922, in Red Wood, Calif. Acy Roberts made his home in Gordon and Chadron since the death of his wife on June 6th, 1922 at the homes of his son A.E. Roberts and daughter, Mrs. Mary A. Brown. He passed away at the home of his daughter May 9th, 1929 at the age of 82 years, 2 months and 5 days. He leaves to mourn one daughter, Mrs. Mary A. Brown, four sons, Charley D. Roberts of Gordon, A.E. and W.C. Roberts of Chadron, and James R. Roberts of Seattle, Washington, also five granddaughters, one grandson and two great-grandsons. Funeral services were conducted Sunday, May 12th at 2:30 p.m. at the Church of God with Rev. A.L. Hutton, pastor of the Church of God in charge. Interment was made in the Gordon cemetery.

50 Years Ago - 1954
Shirley A. Sowders, four year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Sowders, suffered a broken nose and facial bruises when she ran into a moving car on May 15th. The accident occurred at 11 o’clock at 2nd and Elm Streets. She had slipped away from the Gordon laundry and crossed the street, when her mother called to her and she turned and darted back across. A car, driven by Wray Thompson, was proceeding down Elm Street. Seeing the child, Mr. Thompson turned eastward and set his brakes to avoid hitting her. The car had slowed almost to a complete stop when the child plunged into it, her face striking the left front fender.
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Suhr, Gordon, announce the engagement of their daughter, Neva Eileen, to Dean E. Bruce, also of Gordon. Wedding plans have not yet been revealed.
"Without freedom of thought there can be no such thing as wisdom, and no such thing as public liberty without freedom of speech; which is the right of every man as far as by it he does not hurt or control the right of another; and this is the only check it ought to suffer and the only bounds it ought to know."
Benjamin Franklin
Mrs. H.T. Waddill, retiring president of the Gordon Federated Women’s club, entertained members of her executive board and two guests, Mrs. Lorraine Hale and Mrs. John Evans, at a 7 o’clock dinner at the Sheridan Hotel on Wednesday evening. Mrs. Waddill presented each guest with a gift and Mrs. Roy Sandoz, in behalf of the board, presented Mrs. Waddill with a gift in recognition of the year’s service.
Mrs. L.P. Morris was hostess at a Saturday afternoon party for her son Tommy’s fifth birthday. The guest list included Bobby and Margaret Ann Metzger, Mickey and Marty Connealy, Kirt Johnson, Ronnie Hardin, Jerry Borman and Wynn Coon. The children played games after which they were served ice cream and cake. Each child received a Walt Disney favor.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Eichenberger, Gordon, announce the engagement of their daughter, Helen, to Albert Bornemann of Gordon. No date has been set for the wedding.

25 Years Ago - 1979
The following awards were given at the Chamber of Commerce’s 22nd annual awards banquet Saturday evening. the Farmer award went to Mr. and Mrs. Deen Johnson; the Rancher award went to Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Latshaw; the Senior Citizen award went to Raleigh Barker; and the Merit for distinguished service went to Fred Hlava Sr. The crowd was entertained by the Pat Holt Singers, a group of youngsters from St. Louis, Missouri.
Three students from this area were among the 91 graduates of the Western Nebraska Technical College in Sidney, on Friday afternoon, May 11th. Russell Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Deen Johnson of Gordon received a diploma in electrical wiring; Tom Linenbrink, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vince Linenbrink of Merriman, earned his diploma in center pivot technology, and will now be employed by Exeter Drilling of Colorado; and Randolph C. Jensen of Gordon received his degree in railroad freight car maintenance.
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Clift announce the engagement of their daughter, Dawnee Lorraine to Tom Linenbrink of Merriman. A Sept. 15th wedding is being planned.
Sharon Tystad has been accepted as one of six new students in the Radiologic Technology program at Rapid City Regional hospital. Sharon is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Claire Tystad of Kyle, S.D. and a 1979 graduate of Gordon High School.
Obituaries
Loyal A. Minor: Loyal Aaron Minor, the son of Aaron and Ellen Rush Minor, was born Aug. 30, 1890, at Holstein. While living at Aleda, Ill., he met Tom and Delia Bermingham and came west with them on March 1, 1919. He then spent most of his life in the Gordon and Rushville area. Loyal Minor and Petronella (Nellie) Scheenen were united in marriage May 14, 1940. They had no children. He died May 4, 1979 at Gordon Memorial hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Nellie, one brother, one sister and two half-brothers. He is survived by one brother, Lee of Windsor, Calif., several nephews and nieces and many friends. Loyal Minor was buried May 9, 1079 next to his wife Nellie in St. Mary’s cemetery in Rushville.
Anna M. Suhr: Anna Marie Suhr was born May 30, 1902 in Avoca to William and Henrietta Stubbendick Bartels and died April 27, 1979, at Gordon Memorial hospital. She was united in marriage to Louis Suhr in Alliance on Sept. 30, 1923. The couple lived in Bertrand for five years before moving to Holyoke, Colo., where they lived for 17 years, then to Gordon in in 1946. . Survivors include her husband Louis; sons Darrell Suhr, Upton, Wyo., and Lyle Suhr of Arnold; daughters, Mrs. Dean (Neva) Bruce of Gordon and Mrs. Marvin (Marlys) Roth , also of Gordon; sister, Lena Holthus of Alliance; brothers, Herman Bartels, William Bartels, Clifford Bartels, all of Alliance, and Melvin Bartels of El Monte, Calif.; 22 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 10:00 o’clock a.m., May 1, 1979, at the Grace Lutheran church in Gordon with Rev. Joseph Hu officiating. Burial was in the Gordon cemetery.

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