Echoes of the Past 10/15/2003: Sheridan Co. NE GenWeb

Sheridan County Newspapers & Publications

Echoes of the Past
Oct 15, 2003
extracts by Helen Selee

100 Years Ago - 1903

If the business men and citizens of Gordon and vicinity are ripe for investing in a town hall on the stock company plan, the editor of the Journal has an idea that he is willing to divulge at the proper time. There ought to be a good, neat, substantial town hall in Gordon of reasonable seating capacity with secret order hall above and a few neat office rooms. Most every body is heartily in favor of it, but there seems to be trouble in having some one to push the matter.

We find on the Commercial Hotel register in the familiar handwriting of our old friend, H.D. Huntington, the following pathetic words: “H.D. Huntington and wife gone! gone! gone!!! Good bye all. My wife says it is my will; not hers!!!!”

Following are the names of the jury men for the next term of court:

W.G. Gibbs, Martin Wittig, E.D. Conklin, John Krotz, C.A. Bouck, Fred Tulloss, Thomas Moore, Ed Loomis, D.W. Winslow, A. William, S.S. Connell, L.W. Johnson, I.L. Barker, C.W. Phipps, Samuel Bixler, James Peterson, I.L. Waldron, Lewis Oberwetter, M.D. Cravath, E. Ainslow, Wm. Floss, Wm. Braddock, Joseph VanBuskirk>

Several car loads of potatoes were shipped from here, the price in trade being 40 cents per bushel. A number of the farmers in the vicinity will realize a fair fortune from potatoes this season. Ole Oleson will market between $2,500 and $3,000 worth from 50 acres.

A DOUBLE WEDDING

[Lead Daily Pioneer Times]

The first double wedding that has occurred in the city of Mill took place last evening when the Rev. Solandt pronounced the words that united in the holy bonds of wedlock Mr. James Donaldson and Miss Mary Dix, and Mr. William Novack and Miss Josie Dix man and wife. The brides are sisters and live with their parents at Gordon, Nebraska, and the grooms are two of Lead’s most up-to-date young business men. Both brides arrived in the city yesterday and immediately went to the home of their relatives, where the ceremony took place yesterday evening in the presence of only the relatives and a few intimate friends of the contracting parties. The brides were both beautifully gowned, while the grooms were attired in the conventional black. Immediately following the ceremony an elaborate dinner was served, with the bridal colors crossed over the damask cloth which covered the tables, while in the center, a jardinière filled with beautiful pink cosmos. The dining room chandeliers were also draped with the bridal colors. The young people will take no bridal trip, but will settle down to house keeping in the good old-fashioned way. A very valuable and useful line of wedding gifts were received by the contracting parties, which will add greatly to the use and comfort of their new homes. The Pioneer Times join their many friends in wishing both couples a long and useful life, and hope that each “larder” may be well supplied for a rainy day, while the sun may shine on that mystic show of good luck, and give them support and comfort in their declining years.

Clarence Park and family moved out to their ranch the first of the week. His residence will be occupied in the near future by Walter Cutler and family who expect to move up from the south hills.

R.G. Barton, in company with Omer Schribner, Chas. Malin and A.J. Milbourn, went duck hunting and were returning from Alkai Lake when Scribner got out of the carriage to open a gate and in getting back in struck the gun which was leaning against the seat, causing it to slip down and out of the rig, there being no sides to buggy bed. The hammer struck against the edge with sufficient force to explode the shell and the entire charge enter Barton’s arm near the elbow, shattering the bone. After twisting a bandage tightly around the arm to stop the flow of blood, the injured man was hurriedly brought to town and Dr. Karr amputated the arm just below the shoulder, W.R. Bowman assisting by administering the anesthetic. At the present time the unfortunate young man is getting along as well as could be expected and will be up and around in a few days. After an accident of this kind it can be figured how easily it could have been avoided, but afterwards is too late. One thing is absolutely certain and that is that guns should not be carried in any kind of conveyance loaded. Hunting parties ought to remember that.

75 Years Ago - 1928

Donald Jones, third child of Mr. and Mrs. Morris Jones of Alliance, was instantly killed by the accidental discharge of a gun in the car in which he, with his parents, was riding. The family was going hunting and the father did not know the gun was loaded. Mr. and Mrs. H.M. Rhodes and Mrs. William Jones, Sr., went to Alliance Tuesday evening. The bereaved parents and grandparents have the sympathy of their many friends here. The funeral was held in Alliance on Thursday afternoon.

Stanford Stedman was initiated into the Masonic Lodge at their regular meeting Monday evening.

Miss Helen Hill of Gordon received a high honor at the State University last week, when she was selected as a first soprano in the University octets. They will appear at various University functions. Miss Hill has also been selected as a member of the Matinee Musical and of the Delta Omieron honorary musical sorority.

Mr. Andy Conner is now employed as bookkeeper and cashier for the Nebraska Electric Power company.

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Dixon of Batesland, S.D., passed away Monday, Oct. 15^th.

Erma, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Beutler, had her arm broken Sunday when she fell from the big slide, while playing at the West Ward school playground.

Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Spence, of Eli, are the parents of a son born Oct. 11, 1928.

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Janis announce the birth of a son born on Oct. 13, 1928.

Mr. and Mrs. Don Yardley are the parents of a son born, Sunday, Oct. 14, 1928.

Henry Anderson, a nephew of Theo. and Eli Anderson, has arrived in Gordon from Denmark, after visiting for several weeks in Chicago. He has studied the English language in Europe and speaks it well. He is a bricklayer and builder by profession.

Mr. and Mrs. John Cunnissen of Winner, S.D., are the parents of a son born Oct. 13^th. Mrs. Cunnissen is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Clark and is at there home here, west of Gordon.

50 Years Ago - 1953

The search is over. The long anxiety, the rumors, have ended. A graduate of the Rushville high school class of ‘53, popular football player, engaged to be married, Duane McLain has been arrested after confessing to the murder of Karen Talbot on August 20. McLain took Sheriff Hill and other deputies to the site on his grandparents’ farm where he had buried her body. He has been living with his grandparents. Though grief stricken, they cooperated fully with the officers. McLain wrote out his confession in full detail. He said that he couldn’t bear to talk about it. The county is shocked and grieved over the tragedy. As week after week went by, the police and sheriff’s officers have gone over and over every scrap of evidence, until it all started to point to one person -- the killer. Attorney Frank Aplan has been appointed to defend McLain. Meanwhile, young McLain has been held in a cell in Gering. Funeral services are scheduled for October 15 at the Methodist church in Rushville. Karen’s obituary will be listed in next week’s issue of the Journal.

Wanda Peters, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Peters, was presented as Homecoming Queen V at halftime ceremonies during the Gordon-Valentine game Friday night. Her attendants were Donna Armstrong, Gloria Huckfeldt and Marlys Suhr.

Three people were injured in a highway accident Sunday. Helen Mooney was confined to the Gordon hospital with a broken nose, bruises and suffering from shock on the aftermath of the car wreck east of Gordon about two miles on Highway 20. Returning from Merriman where they had attended a dance, Miss Mooney, Dennis Carr and Don Kockrow, both of Rushville, ran head-on into four cattle that had strayed onto the highway. Kockrow, driver of the 1953 Oldsmobile sedan, apparently did not see the black angus cattle and plowed into them, killing all four. The cattle were two-year-old purebred heifers belonging to P.G. Burress and Howard Burress. Brought to the hospital in Gordon, Kockrow and Carr were later moved to Rushville where their injuries were termed not serious.

Art Bruce is through picking corn for the season, and Paul Thorsen says he will be through digging potatoes Thursday. Lynn Gealy of the Sunny Knoll area said he finished his potato harvest yesterday.

Mrs. A.R. Brown was honored by Mrs. L.E. Person and Mrs. F.B. Fitch at a surprise birthday party last Saturday afternoon at the Fitch home. Birthday cake was served from a lace covered table centered with a crystal epergne filled with mums and tapers. Those present were the Mesdames L. Spindler, M. Metzger, W.K. Wolf, W.J. Magowan, S. Steinmark, D. Youel, R. Middleton, M. Davis, R. Connealy, L. Duerfeldt, W. Fankhauser, the honored guest and the hostesses.

Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Endresen are the parents of a son, Jerry Leonard, born Oct. 8, 1953.

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. Hull are the parents of a daughter, Patricia Jean, born Oct. 10, 1953.

Mr. and Mrs. Weldon Rawles are the parents of a son, Fred Weldon, born Oct. 12, 1953.

St. Luke’s Lutheran church in Buffalo, Wyo., was the scene of the marriage of Velma Beutler, formerly of Gordon, to Carl Quelle of Oshkosh on Friday, October 9^th. Attending the wedding from Gordon were Mrs. Stanley Sterns, attendant for the bride, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Beutler, Mrs. Ben Beutler, Mrs. Paul Beutler and Mary.

Mrs. Lettie Robinson of 89 N. Shamplain Street in Burlington, Vermont, announces the engagement of her daughter Betty of Merriman, Nebr. to Vince L. Linenbrink, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Linenbrink of Eli.

The Home Improvement club met at the home of Mrs. Mills Crane, Friday afternoon with Mrs. Milton Burleigh, co-hostess. Officers elected for the coming year were: president, Mrs. Milton Burleigh; vice-president, Mrs. Harold Hood; secretary-treasurer and news reporter, Mrs. Eldon Eaton; music leader, Mrs. Harold Retzlaff; and courtesy chairman, Mrs. Ray Fankhauser. The lesson on mending was given by Mrs. Burleigh and Mrs. Sam Benson. Out-of-club guests were Mrs. Charles Fortune, Mrs. Don Bruns, Mrs. Greer and Mrs. Bud Pochon. The next meeting will be at the home of Mrs. Hugh Saxton with Mrs. Raleigh Swick assisting.

Mr. and Mrs. Serene Holst entertained at dinner Sunday honoring their son Larry who is home from the navy on a 10-day leave. Guests were Mr. and Mrs. Chet Arnold of Alliance and Marva Jeane Cunningham.

Bruce Morris who has been employed for several years at the Gordon Refinery has bought the Carter Oil Bulk wagon and will make deliveries for Carter Oil.

Mrs. Wilma Leach has received word from her two sons, Aubrey and Corky, that they had recently been able to spend some time together, the first time in two years. Aubrey is in Korea, 250 miles from Inchon harbor where Corky’s ship, the USS Repose, was docked. On a five-day pass, Aubrey spent the time with Corky on the ship.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Orville Ostrander, of South Sheridan area, a baby girl at the Rushville hospital last Thursday, Oct. 8^th.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Tiensvold and Joyce went to visit their son and brother, Morton, who is stationed at Camp Chaffee, Ark. They left on Thursday of last week and arrived home on Wednesday of this week. Morton is getting along fine. He is going to mechanic base school now and likes it. The Tiensvolds visited his sister, Mrs. Wilma Trennepohl, the Rollin Watson home and the Willard Johnson home. They brought back some nice sweet potatoes, cotton in the boll and a sample of the eastern corn to show folks back here. The eastern corn is shriveled and not much good this year. They passed through some hill billy country where every porch has a rocker on it inviting people to “Come and set a spell.” They report that all through Oklahoma and Kansas they are just putting their wheat in as they had just recently had a rain.

Duane Cerny has just finished his first training and is now attending eight weeks of engineering basic. His address has changed a little. It is now: Pvt. Carroll D. Cerny, Co.B, 44^th Armd. Inf., CCA, 6^th Armd. Div., Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

Early in the spring of 1884, a colony of over 100 men, women and children, under the leadership of the Rev. J.A. Scamahorn and known as the first Indiana colony, left Sullivan, Ind., for the unsettled west. They unloaded at Valentine, at that time the end of the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley railroad. Assembling their covered wagons, which quite often carried a crate of hens with a milk cow tied behind, they loaded their families in and fording the Minnechaduza creek, they left the settlement.

Fording the Niobrara river near Boiling Springs they finished their journey by starting the town of Gordon, Nebr. about 100 miles from the end of the railroad. In the two weeks it took the slow plodding oxen to make the trip, the travelers encountered a blizzard, a prairie fire and untold sand storms. In this colony was the E.A. Hotz family. A year later, a similar colony under the leadership of J.H. Crowder, at one time Sheridan county treasurer, left Indiana and unloaded at Sydney, Nebr. Among this colony was the C.H. McBride family. On September 23^rd, 50 years ago, A.G. Hotz, son of E.A. Hotz, and Minnie McBride, daughter of the C.H. McBrides, were married. On Sept. 27, 1953, all of their children, in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, neighbors and friends gathered at the Hotz home for the 50^th anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. A.G. Hotz. All of the family, with the exception of Robert Hotz, a grandson who is serving with the U.S. Navy, was present for the occasion.

The Milan Whiz Kids 4-H club held its reorganization meeting at the Herschel Hanks home Sunday, Oct. 11. Officers elected for the new club year were: Lyle Shanks, president; Joyce Tiensvold, vice-president; Barbara Hanks, secretary; Lois Shanks, news reporter; Esther Hanks, leader; and Vera Shanks and Chriss Obermiller, assistant leaders.

Dean Bruce has finished baling hay at the Shadbolt ranch, and is now helping Hughie Goodfellow with his beets. They are also helping Jim Clark the first of the week. Clarence Hills helped Milton Peterson truck calves home from pasture on Saturday. They also trucked a load of lumbar from Rapid City last Tuesday.

25 Years Ago - 1978

The 1978 Homecoming royalty and court consist of Queen Sherri Burke and King Troy Roth and their attendants: Candi Otte, Jeanette Bruce, Sharon Tystad, Joy McCrory, Scott Mills, Jeff Ford, Bob Borders and John Sasse. Crown bearers were Michelle Metzger and Jiles Bowman.

An aircraft suffered serious damage in an unusual accident Saturday at the Gordon airport. Apparently the pilot was trying to start the plane by manually turning the propeller. When the plane started there was no one at the controls and the plane proceeded across the airport on its own. The runaway planed traveled in a small circle and, after passing through two fences, struck a gas pump and nosed over. The collision with the gas pump started a fire which burned a hole in one wing of the crop dusting plane and demolished the gas pump. The engine on the aircraft was heavily damaged as were portions of the wings and tail section. The aircraft was being ferried from Colorado to South Dakota and apparently just made a short stop at Gordon.

Bruce Halvorson, manager of the newly-built Ideal Market in Ainsworth, will succeed Ray Sholl as manager of the Gordon New Ideal. Halvorson was assistant manager in Gordon before assuming his duties in Ainsworth. When he heard about the Gordon opening he said he wanted to go home. The Halvorsons, Bruce and Temple (Ostrander) have lived in Gordon most of their lives, both having graduated from Gordon high school. They have two children, Bryan and Eric.

Obituary: Vera E. Weber. Vera E. Weber was born Jan. 25, 1911, to Jake and Grace Stultz at Long Pine and died Sept. 6, 1978 at her home in Merriman. The family moved to the Merriman area where she spent the rest of her life. In 1926 she was united in marriage to Fred M. Weber, and to this union were born a daughter and a son. She was preceded in death by her husband, son and parents. Surviving are her daughter Bonnie and son-in-law Dale; grandchildren Terry Marrs and his wife Dianna; Bill Marrs and his wife Kathy; twins Don and Delores; and five great-grandchildren. Burial was in the church cemetery in Merriman.

Funeral services are pending for Fred Cerny, 70, of Clinton, who died Tuesday morning, Oct. 10 in the VA hospital in Hot Springs, S.D. Immediate survivors include his wife, Alma, daughter ElloDee (Mrs. Bud Finkey) of Rushville; sons, Del of Arnold, Roger of Chadron and Rick of Clinton. Mrs. Lowell (Frances) Van Briggle of Gordon is a sister.

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