Sheridan County Newspapers & Publications
Echoes of the Past
Sep 24, 2003
extracts by Helen Selee
100 Years Ago - 1903
No one better than President Roosevelt realizes how near he was to death at the hands of a crazed would-be assassin when, attracted by the noise of a disturbance in the grounds surrounding Sagamore Hill, Mr. Roosevelt stepped out to the porch. Less than on hundred feet away in a buggy stood Henry Weilbrenner, a young farmer of Syossett, L.I., with a revolver aimed directly at the president as he stood silhouetted by the light from his library. Within a fraction of a second a bullet would have been sped on its way had not the maniac’s revolver been knocked from his hands by a secret service agent. At the same time two men, who have not yet been captured or identified, were prowling about the grounds, while the president was left entirely unguarded in his house, all the secret service agents having hurried to the spot where Weilbrenner was over- powered. Apparently those strangers were scared away.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. J. McParland on Saturday, Sept. 12, a fine baby boy. All doing well.
Frank Skoda died last Friday night at his home in the Bohemian settlement near Rush-ville from stomach and kidney trouble. The funeral was held from the home Sunday at 10 a.m. and the remains interred at Hay Springs.
A pleasant double wedding took place at Rushville on Wednesday, September 23, 1903, at 11 a.m., Rev. Gammon performing the ceremonies. One of the couples were Arthur Hotz of Gordon and Miss Mamie McBride. The other, John Moss of Clinton and Miss Annie McBride. The Journal wishes them a happy and successful life which they will have if they will attend to their knitting and be good.
Miss Lizzie McCune favored the editor with a hunk of cake on which she took a premium at the fair. It was all right, but we are sorry there were not others as kind and thoughtful.
U. Gregor, living about ten miles south of Merriman, sold a ranch of 480 acres for $2,500 to J.W. Auker. C.A. Hetzel was the one to negotiate the deal.
Mrs. Joseph Morrison died last Saturday, Sept. 19, 1903, at the Gordon Hotel, of which her husband is proprietor. She was born in the territory of Dakota April 10, 1870, her father being a Frenchman and early settler in the territory. The remains were interred at the mission on Rosebud Reservation on the following Monday. She leaves a husband and a daughter about one month old.
Geo. H. Heimer, living north of Clinton, was in town Tuesday after some lath and other material with which to finish his new house, which is sort of a novel affair and yet will be very comfortable and substantial when completed. He first laid a wide stone foundation and then used sod for the sides and ends. It will have a shingle roof, the ceilings will be lathed and plastered and the sides will also be plastered. The interior will be as neat and finished as well as the best of frame houses.
Mrs. Wamsly barely escaped a serious accident last Thursday. She was climbing into a corncrib when she slipped and fell. Her skirts caught and she fell against a scantling in a cramped position. She could not get loose, and as luck would have it, her husband just returned with a load of hay and rescued her. Mrs. Wamsly is an old lady past 60, and if it had not been for timely assistance, might have resulted in a fatal accident.
Frank Coombs, a young man who went through Gordon the latter part of last week to Pine Ridge Agency, shot himself at that place Sunday. The reason for the act is given that when he was younger he was struck on the head with a monkey wrench, and at times since has been mentally unbalanced, and at such a time it is supposed the sad affair occurred. His father owns a small ranch south of the ranch of W.A. Denny, and came up here to look after the burial of his son and brought the remains to Gordon Wednesday, and they were interred in the Gordon cemetery Thursday.
A couple of gentlemen named Hyzer and Loomis, with their families, are camping on the river. They are en route from Oklahoma to Washington. They seem to gratify a taste for travel, as they left Gregory, South Dakota, last April, and have been on the road ever since, stopping only a short time in Oklahoma, and, that country not suiting them, decided to try it farther west.
Frank Sweet cut corn all day during that stormy Monday, a week ago. You must be in a hurry, Frank, or else have lots of grit and rough hide.
Merle Mulleneux’s saddle pony has strayed away. At last accounts it was seen leaving the pasture and going west. It is a dun-colored mare mule. He would be much pleased if some one would inform him as to its whereabouts.
On last Sunday we noticed Attorney O’Rourk securing the services of Judge Sailor, and later learned that a quiet wedding had taken place in the former’s office in Gordon. The happy couple were Anthony Stirk and Miss Emma Davidson. Both are accomplished young people, being born on the reservation and both are graduates of eastern colleges. Mr. Stirk is a son of Richard Stirk of Manderson, South Dakota, one of the well-to-do men of that part of the country. May they always be happy is our wish.
Grant Gaston has purchased a part of the Star ranch and has moved onto the same.
M. Swigert had the misfortune to get considerably bunged up in a run-away last Sunday.
John and Ed Hills and N. Parker are all erecting new barns. Margrave & Duerfeldt have the contract for the material. This is the year when many must tear down and build greater.
Alva May lost a valuable milch cow last week, caused by getting into a cornfield and over eating.
FOR SALE---The store and residence belonging to Frank Ecoffey, situated in the Village of Merriman. The building is nearly new and in good condition. This property is good for 15 per cent of the price asked. For price and terms apply to Anchor Bank, Merriman.
The enrollment of our schools is as follows: High School, 23; grammar, 39; intermediate, 39; second primary, 36; first primary, 43. Total, 180.
B.J. Gleason, who several weeks ago resigned his position on the reservation and went to the state of Washington, accompanied by his wife, returned to Gordon the latter part of last week and they have taken up residence in the property across the bridge lately vacated by Grant Gaston. It is rumored that Mr. Gleason is liable to engage in business in Gordon.
At the democratic and populist conventions held in Rushville last Saturday, the following candidates were nominated:
DEMOCRATIC
Frank Hutt, Treasurer
Jerry Ferrell, Clerk
Charley Keplinger, Sheriff
Jake Stoudt, Clerk of Court
Thomas Moore, Supt. Public Ins
R.H. Bourne, Judge
Robert Dickson, Coroner
S.V. Pitcher, Assessor
Samuel Joice, Surveyor
_________
POPULIST
H. Wasmund, Sr., Treasurer
H.S. Fritz, Clerk
T.E. Housh, Sheriff
Chas. Reebeck, Clerk of Court
Fred Johansen, Supt. Public Ins.
G.W. Peters, Judge
C. L. Mayes, Coroner
A.W. Brownell, Assessor
R.M. Ball, Surveyor
_________
Four quarters and a filing for $1,300. Cuts good hay. Come with half cash and you have a good ranch.
MAVERICK LOAN & TRUST
75 Years Ago - 1928
Alice and Eugene Heeftle, children of Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Heeftle, were bitten by a stray dog in their yard on Tuesday evening. Alice was bitten on the arm and Eugene on the face. Marshall Baker captured the dog which will be kept under observation for ten days. If the dog was not mad, the children will probably not suffer any bad effects from their wounds.
Miss Mary Lemen and Mr. John Webber motored to RushvilleTuesday, September 25, and were united in marriage. The bride graduated from the Gordon high school in the class of 1925. Later she attended the Normal school in Menominee, Michigan, and taught school there the next year. Mr Webber is a ranchman and he and his wife will make their home near Merriman. They start life with the best wishes of a host of friends.
Miss Zilpa Baker of Eustis, Nebraska, and Mr. C. Bryan Metzger of Merriman were married on September 17th. Both the bride and groom are graduates of the University of Nebraska, class of 1924, and the marriage is the outcome of an acquaintance started there. After an auto trip which takes them to the Black Hills, they will be at home on the M.O. Metzger ranch northwest of Merriman.
Sixteen friends of Mr. Willard Hetzel surprised him last Friday evening, the occasion being his sixteenth birthday. The evening was spent in games after which delicious refreshments were served. Miss Leliah Kuhler was an out-of-town guest.
Mrs. W.R. McElroy entertained on Saturday evening at a finely appointed dinner in honor of the joint birthday of her husband and Mr. E.B. Ferris. Places were laid for the following guests: Messrs. F.C. Hill, I. Magowan, R.O. Bard, H.C. Morris, Ed Ross, J. Saults, E.H. Ferris and Frank Smith, SR.
Mr. and Mrs. John Abbott announce the birth of a daughter on September 26.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Romine are the parents of a son born September 24th.
Mr. Lee Forster had a part of his thumb torn off this week while managing a refractory cow.
A fourteen year old son of John Michel of Batesland broke an arm on Tuesday while he was cranking a car.
Mr. Del Parker was taken to a hospital in Rushville suffering from severe pains in the head caused by influenza. He is improving nicely.
Mr. Peter Johnson underwent a very serious operation in a hospital in Rushville Sunday morning. He is getting along as well as can be expected.
A little son was stillborn to Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Mitchell on Saturday, September 22. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon by Reverend Hutton and the body was interred in the Gordon cemetery. The parents have the sympathy of their friends and relatives in their bereavement.
Wayne Maddox, little son of Mr. and Mrs. William Maddox, who was accidentally shot in the knee two weeks ago is getting along fine in the hospital in Hot Springs. Mr. Maddox returned home this week. Mrs. Maddox, who suffered from shock over the accident, has recovered and will remain with her son until he is able to be brought home. [Last minute note:] Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Fisher motored to Hot Springs Sunday to see their grandson, Wayne Maddox, who is in a hospital there recovering from the accident to his knee. Mrs. Jack Albright, who had been assisting in caring for him, returned home with them.
Walt Lefler got kicked by a horse Thursday.
SCHOOL NEWS
Kindergarten: Roy and Marion Ingersoll entered school Monday. First Grade A: The town meeting is held in our room on the first Monday of every month. At this meeting the girls and boys choose a Mayor. The Mayor then chooses his helpers. Robert Coates was chosen Mayor for the month of September. His helpers are as follows: Edward Jackson, Door Monitor; Eugene Bower, Eraser Monitor; Kenneth Folton, Board Monitor; Alice Marie Burns, Board Monitor; Melvina Shephard, Arthur Folsom, Betty Trueblood, Help Monitors; Eugene Heeftle, care for the fish; Doris Sterling, care for the plants. Audra Perreten entered school on Monday morning. First Grade B: Doris Winkler entered school Monday. We now have 35 enrolled. Pearl Hatch and Wilbur Panzer are absent this week. Third Grade: Two new pupils entered school Monday morning. They are Ruth Perreten and Winfred Winkler. The class is glad to have Alta Johns back in school. She has been absent for several days because of the flu. Fourth Grade: Archie Secrest and Walter Day were on our sick list last week. Helen Myers was absent from school Monday afternoon because of illness.
50 Years Ago - 1953
Edward L. Bohlmann, Gordon’s POW recently repatriated from a communist prison camp, was honored Sunday night when the congregations of Our Savior’s and Trinity Lutheran churches united for a welcome home and thanksgiving service. Our Savior’s church was the scene of the pot luck supper and reception for T/Sgt. Bohlmann. Following a program of music and praer, the returnee spoke briefly of his experience in the Chinese red prison camp. Sgt. Bohlmann, who left San Francisco by plane at 8:40 p.m., laid over in Denver and arrived at 10:00 a.m. Thursday where he was met by his father, Edward C. Bohlmann of Gordon. A brother, Lawrence Bohlmann and Mrs. Bohlmann, from St. Louis, Mo., accompanied Sgt. Bohlmann for a trip through the Black Hills. They will arrive back in Gordon sometime today. A former student of Gordon High School, Sgt. Bohlmann will be honored Friday night at half time ceremonies of the Gordon-Hemingford football game at the local athletic field.
Jerry and Jerene Schmidt celebrated their ninth birthday Sunday by inviting a group of friends to their home. A lovely lunch, featuring twin birthday cakes, was served the guests by Mrs. Schmidt. Guests were Mary Jo Taylor, Carol Hanson, Barbara Person, Sharon Worden, Jeanne Schmidt, Marcia Fitch, Billie Hale, Laura Mitchell, Helen Ofzarzak, Terry Magowan, Ted Carpenter, Michael Waterman, Mark Burger, Kenneth Hess, Jimmy Landon, Gary Landon and Michael Berg.
The Edward Tiensvold family called up their son, Morten, long distance Sunday. He had a pass and was visiting his aunt, Mrs. Wilma Trennepohl, near his camp. He is well and was very glad to talk to his home folks.
Duane Cerny got his first pass and he and David Seveland and a boy from Winner, S. D. went to St. Louis, Mo. They saw many places of interest such as large buildings, memorials, gardens, big bridges across the Mississippi, old river boats, one of which used to be the show boat “Goldenrod”. They cruised down the river on the SS Admiral.
Stanley Bolts’ hay baler was completely destroyed by fire last Wednesday when a spark from the machine ignited a bale of hay passing through the baler. The Cody fire department was called on and soon had the fire under control.
Mr. and Mrs. Francis Williams of Merriman announce the arrival of a baby girl Saturday forenoon. The little lady has been named Serrol Louise. Mrs. Williams’ sister, Miss Marge Wolf of Falls City, is taking care of the older Williams children.
Mr. and Mrs. Dick Brant of Merriman are the proud parents of a baby girl, Carolyn Yvonne, born Sunday morning, Sept. 20 at the Gordon Memorial hospital.
Other births at Gordon Memorial hospital were to:
*Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Wilcox, a son, born Sept. 21, 1953.
*Mr. and Mrs. Boyd Baldauf, a daughter, Ruth Anne, born September 21, 1953.
*Mr. and Mrs. Charles Skanadore, a daughter born September 22, 1953.
Editor-in-Chief of this year’s Curtis Aggie is Eleanor Pifer of Gordon. The Aggie is the official campus newspaper of the University of Nebraska school of agriculture. Also on the staff of the publication is Mary Jo Schmidt.
Mr. and Mrs. Don Rager and baby of North Platte, visited over the weekend at the Neal Morey and Selena Rager homes in Gordon.
Gwen Johnson entertained at a party for the 22nd wedding anniversary of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Julius Johnson on Saturday night.
25 Years Ago - 1978
The Gordon High School, class of 1991, now kindergarten, contains five sets of twins, with three sets attending school in town at present while the other two sets have started rural schools this year. The twins are: Ryan and Randall Ballinger, sons of Wilma Ballinger; Aaron and Steven Paul, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Paul; Andrew and Nathan Swick, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Swick; Brenda and Becky Adkinson, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Dale Adkinson; and Tiffany and Tricia Taylor, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Taylor.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Algot Nydahl hosted a dinner at their home on Sunday, Sept. 10 in behalf of the couple’s birthdays. Attending were Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Warnke, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Turnbull, Bernadine Vollintine, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Nydahl, Scotty and Laurie of Chadron, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Kling and Mr. and Mrs. Claude Nydahl.
Eleven members of the MNO extension club gathered at the home of Sharon Robinett for a regular meeting on Sept. 14. Officers elected for 1978 were Sharon Robinett, President; Dee Scheumann, Vice-President; Rita Keller, Secretary/Treasurer; Sherry Jennings, Cultural Arts Chairman.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Thompson announce the engagement of their grand-daughter, Cheryl Coy Erickson to Robert Olaf Johnson, son of Mrs. Arthur O. Johnson and the late Mr. Johnson. The bride-elect is a graduate of Gordon High School. Her fiance is also a graduate of Gordon High School and of the University of Nebraska. An October 21st wedding at the Church of God in Gordon is planned.
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Goodwin announce the approaching marriage of their daughter, Paula Jane, to Ronald Gene Galloway, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mack Galloway, all of Merriman. Paula is currently employed at the Cherry County Hospital and Ron is in the Army at Fort Jackson, S.C. A December wedding is being planned.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Case of Batesland, S.D. are the parents of a son born Sept. 18, 1978.
Mrs. Dale Hatch, Mrs. Robin Casson and Cara of Scottsbluff, and Mr. and Mrs. Dean Bruce and family were Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Art Bruce to celebrate Mrs. Bruce’s birthday.
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submitted by Helen Selee
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