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978.2 Sh9h v. 2 1192386
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
1833 01065 1435
History of Western Nebraska and its People
: -- (T
History of
Western Nebraska
*. -- --
and its People
GENERAL HISTORY. CHEYENNE, BOX BUTTE, DEUEL, GARDEN,
SIOUX, KIMBALL, MORRILL, SHERIDAN, SCOTTS BLUFF,
BANNER, AND DAWES COUNTIES. A GROUP
OFTEN CALLED THE PANHANDLE
OF NEBRASKA
GRANT L. SHUMWAY, SCOTTSBLUFF, NEBRASKA
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ISSUED IN THREE ROYAL OCTAVO VOLUMES VOLUME II.
ILLUSTRATED
THE WESTERN PUBLISHING & ENGRAVING COMPANY
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA
19 2 1
COPYRIGHTED 1921
WESTERN PUBLISHING Sc ENGRAVING COMPANY
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
CONTENTS
PART I
11S2386
CHAPTER I 1
Nebraska Came From the Sea
CHAPTER II 4
Old Trails
CHAPTER III ... 6
The Flag of France in the Wilderness
CHAPTER IV 8
The Fur-Traders
CHAPTER V 10
Robert Stuart's Winter Camp
CHAPTER VI 12
Jacques Laramie's Caravans and Fleets
CHAPTER VII 14
General William H. Ashley's Trappers -- Death of Hiram Scott
CHAPTER VIII IS
Joshua Pilcher and Forty-Five Trappers
^CHAPTER IX 17
First Wagons on Overland Trails
CHAPTER X 19
Wyeth, of "Cape Bay," and His "Down Easters"
CHAPTER XI 21
Nez Perce and Crow Indians -- Crow Creek Named
CHAPTER XII .... - 22
Little Moon Lake -- Famous Missionaries
CHAPTER XIII 24
Forts at the Laramie
CHAPTER XIV 26
Robideaux of St. Genevieve -- Kiowa Raid by Red Cloud
CHAPTER XV 28
The Steamboat El Paso Here -- Reuleau, the Trapper
CHAPTER XVI 30
Government Buys Fort Laramie -- Ft. Fontenelle is Built
CHAPTER XVII 32
1
Wyeth, of "Cape Bay," and His "Down Easters"
CHAPTER XI 21
Nez Perce and Crow Indians -- Crow Creek Named
CHAPTER XII .... - 22
Little Moon Lake -- Famous Missionaries
CHAPTER XIII 24
Forts at the Laramie
CHAPTER XIV 26
Robideaux of St. Genevieve -- Kiowa Raid by Red Cloud
CHAPTER XV 28
The Steamboat El Paso Here -- Reuleau, the Trapper
CHAPTER XVI 30
Government Buys Fort Laramie -- Ft. Fontenelle is Built
CHAPTER XVII 32
Brady Island Tragedy -- French Boat Song -- Jim Bridger Meets Sir George Gore PART II
CHAPTER I 34
Indian Migration across the Platte
CHAPTER II 36
Indian War and Legend -- The Story Teller
vi CONTENTS
CHAPTER III 39
The Pawnee Pilgrimage -- The Spotted Robe -- Ti-wa-ra, the God of Court House Rock -- Battle of Ash Hollow
CHAPTER IV 42
The Legend of the White Hawk-- Old Bull Tail's Daughter
CHAPTER V .... 44
Belden, Bridger and Baker Episodes -- Early Conferences With Indians
CHAPTER VI 47
Songs of Parker and Minto
CHAPTER VII 49
Red Cloud and Spotted Tail -- Massacre of Cottonwood Canyon
CHAPTER VIII 51
Sunset on the Platte -- The C.ibralter of Nebraska -- Cheyenne S on Bellechugwater
CHAPTER IX 53
In the Shadows -- The Fire Fly Song-- Cached Furs -- Old Land Marks -- Trapper's Rock
CHAPTER X 55
Stage Drivers -- Road Agents -- Pony Express Riders -- Chas. Cliff's Adventures -- Jules and Slade Feud -- Creighton's Quick Fortune
CHAPTER XI 57
2
Red Cloud and Spotted Tail -- Massacre of Cottonwood Canyon
CHAPTER VIII 51
Sunset on the Platte -- The C.ibralter of Nebraska -- Cheyenne S on Bellechugwater
CHAPTER IX 53
In the Shadows -- The Fire Fly Song-- Cached Furs -- Old Land Marks -- Trapper's Rock
CHAPTER X 55
Stage Drivers -- Road Agents -- Pony Express Riders -- Chas. Cliff's Adventures -- Jules and Slade Feud -- Creighton's Quick Fortune
CHAPTER XI 57
Sacrifice of Frontier Women -- Indian Execution at Ft. Laramie
CHAPTER XII 59
The Grattan Massacre -- Spotted Tail's Dramatic Deed
CHAPTER XIV 62
Butler's Storv of the Cow War-- Harnev the Squaw Killer -- Another Ash Hollow Battle
CHAPTER XV 65
Murder of Spotted Tail -- Cow Dog's Puni shment -- Battle in Scottsbluff Mountain Pass
CHAPTER XVI 67
A Buffalo Bill Episode -- More Indian Troubles
CHAPTER XVII 69
The Battle of Horse Creek -- Colonel Moonlight's Mistake -- President Lincoln's Message to the West
CHAPTER XVIII 72
Julesburg Burned -- Mud Springs Attacked -- Battle on Cedar Creek
I'll \ITEK XIX 75
Coad's Battle on Lawrence Fork -- "Shorter" Countv Organized -- Tank Fighting on the Platter-- Buffalo Bill Kills Tall Bull
CHAPTER XX 77
Indian Vgencies Adjusted-- Sitting Bull's Determination -- Battle of War Bonnet Creek
CHAPTER XX] 79
Sand Hills Station Robbery -- Big Bear, or Crazy Woman -- The Sod Cabin -- Privations "t Early 5 ears
CHAPTER XX 11 82
Revolt of Dull Knife -- Winter Fighting in the Pine Ridge -- End of Indian Wars -- Sign Language
3
Coad's Battle on Lawrence Fork -- "Shorter" Countv Organized -- Tank Fighting on the Platter-- Buffalo Bill Kills Tall Bull
CHAPTER XX 77
Indian Vgencies Adjusted-- Sitting Bull's Determination -- Battle of War Bonnet Creek
CHAPTER XX] 79
Sand Hills Station Robbery -- Big Bear, or Crazy Woman -- The Sod Cabin -- Privations "t Early 5 ears
CHAPTER XX 11 82
Revolt of Dull Knife -- Winter Fighting in the Pine Ridge -- End of Indian Wars -- Sign Language
CHAPTER XXII I 84
'I'lu Winding Story -- Sages Tale of Orgies -- The Xew Dawn
PART 111
en VPTER I S7
When Cattle Mm Wen- Kings
CONTENTS vii
CHAPTER II 90
Stage Station Ranches -- Naming Fort Mitchell -- First Ranches on the North Platte River
CHAPTER IV 92
The Battle of Sixty-Six Mountain
CHAPTER V 95
The Ride of Dan Dillon and Others -- The Start of the Texas Trail
CHAPTER VI 97
Cowboy Escapades -- Death of Jimmy Tate -- Red Path Bill -- Fraternal and Class Sentiment
CHAPTER VII 100
Coad's Ranch at Scottsbluff Station -- Sheedy's Seven-U Ranch -- Anecdotes About Them
CHAPTER VIII 102
Surveyor Schleigel's Teamster Hung at Sidney -- The Bosler Range -- The VB Brand -- Minnie Montgomery Honeymoon -- The House of La Grange
CHAPTER IX 104
Creighton's -- The First Ranch of All -- Death of Creel in Bull Canyon -- Tom Kane's Adventure -- A Cowboy Wedding
CHAPTER X 106
First Ranch in Nebraska West of North Platte, Keith & Barton -- H. V. Redington's Ranch -- Nerud's Corner -- Later Snake Creek Ranches
4
Surveyor Schleigel's Teamster Hung at Sidney -- The Bosler Range -- The VB Brand -- Minnie Montgomery Honeymoon -- The House of La Grange
CHAPTER IX 104
Creighton's -- The First Ranch of All -- Death of Creel in Bull Canyon -- Tom Kane's Adventure -- A Cowboy Wedding
CHAPTER X 106
First Ranch in Nebraska West of North Platte, Keith & Barton -- H. V. Redington's Ranch -- Nerud's Corner -- Later Snake Creek Ranches
CHAPTER XI 109
Colonel Charles Coffee of Creighton's. Box Elder, Rock Ranch, Hat Creek and Chadron
-- Emmet & Brewster -- Arrest of Fly Speck Bill -- First Gardens in Sioux County
CHAPTER XII Ill
John Adams Joins Redington in First Ranch of the Panhandle -- The Rustlers -- Origin of Ranches on Cedar Creek -- Smith's Fork or Rush Creek -- Vantassel's Tie Contract
CHAPTER XIII 113
Jim Kidd's Training Ground -- V-Cross and Cherry Creek Ranches -- Henry County Hughes -- Little Moon Postoffice -- Oelrich's Wild Escapades
CHAPTER XIV 116
Around Camp Wagons -- A Horse Trade With Doc Middleton -- Arbuckle's Break Post -- Scotchmen Buy Big Ranches -- John Clay and the Two-Bar
CHAPTER XV 118
Frewen's Ranch Experience -- Hanging of Billy Nurse by Vigilantes -- Holding up Doc. Middleton -- Death of the Famous Character
CHAPTER XVI 121
Perry Yeast's Success -- Judge Gaslin, Who Wrote "The Law of the West" -- Tom Ryan's Defiance
CHAPTER XVII 123
Newman's Ranch on the Running Water -- Bartlett Richards & Company -- The Scourge of the Land Inquisition -- Cattle Rustlers -- Hall & Evans -- Evan's Battle For Right -- First Dairy Herd
5
Frewen's Ranch Experience -- Hanging of Billy Nurse by Vigilantes -- Holding up Doc. Middleton -- Death of the Famous Character
CHAPTER XVI 121
Perry Yeast's Success -- Judge Gaslin, Who Wrote "The Law of the West" -- Tom Ryan's Defiance
CHAPTER XVII 123
Newman's Ranch on the Running Water -- Bartlett Richards & Company -- The Scourge of the Land Inquisition -- Cattle Rustlers -- Hall & Evans -- Evan's Battle For Right -- First Dairy Herd
CHAPTER XVIII 125
Big Ranches Round About -- First Dry Farming at Big Springs -- Other Ranches on Lodgepole -- Newman Leads the Turks Through "Jerusalem" -- Walrath. from Ox Team to Aeroplane
CHAPTER XIX .127
Creighton Expands -- Snodgrass and McShane -- Mcintosh Founds "The Circle Arrow" -- Simpson Organizes the Bay State Companj
CHAPTER XX 129
Earlv Sub-Irrigation -- Bav State Buvs Coad's North River Ranch -- J. S. Robb, Foreman
-- Mary Rose's Grave -- The Grout House -- J. 11. D. Ranch -- Round-up at Circle Arrow
-- Death of "Skv Pilot" at Pine Bluffs
viii CONTENTS
Paxton's Ogallala Company-- Hall'? Famous Drive to Pine Ridge-- Dick Bean's Death
-- Gun .Men and Frantz's Comical Episode
I \. Hall and Robert Graham's Old Time Ranch -- Ogallala Men and Events-- Indians Get Southers -- Bargain Sales of Ranch Locations -- Harper's Deal
An Indian Wagon Race -- Building Camp Clarke Bridge -- Round-up -- Wild West Shows
-- Tom Horn's Outlaw Horse -- Six Thousand Cattle Milling in the River
6
viii CONTENTS
Paxton's Ogallala Company-- Hall'? Famous Drive to Pine Ridge-- Dick Bean's Death
-- Gun .Men and Frantz's Comical Episode
I \. Hall and Robert Graham's Old Time Ranch -- Ogallala Men and Events-- Indians Get Southers -- Bargain Sales of Ranch Locations -- Harper's Deal
An Indian Wagon Race -- Building Camp Clarke Bridge -- Round-up -- Wild West Shows
-- Tom Horn's Outlaw Horse -- Six Thousand Cattle Milling in the River
I'll M'TKK XXIV ..." .' ,
The Farquerers and Cross Country Riding -- Hunting Geese on Hughes Island -- Fun of the Frontier -- Jimmy Moore's Long Walk
The First Grangers-- Murder of Collins at Camp Clarke -- Sheriff Campbell Gets Doc. Romine -- Beginning of Minatare
Perry Braziel Arrives on the Texas Trail -- Trailing Cattle to Judith Basin -- Sunderling's Elkskin Trousers -- The Drive to Pine Ridge -- Two Girls of the Prairie
Laing's Ranch -- The Water Holes -- Death of Wheeler -- First Hogs on North River -- First Hogs on Pumpkin Creek -- Killing Rattlesnakes
The Virginian -- Arbuckle's Ranch -- Romance of Parents of Madeline Force -- Lingle of Valley View -- Connoly's of the "PF" -- New Ranches -- Hank Inghram's Narrow Escape
The Shifting Sands -- The Storm of 78-- First Settlers on Pumpkin Creek -- First Cow in Western Nebraska-- Mental Giants of the Big Cow Days
Vigilantes Hang Reed at Sidney-- The Great Bullion Robbery -- Whispering Smith Gets
Oberfelders Demonstrate Hog and Alfalfa Combination -- Later Ranchers Near Oshkosh
7
The Virginian -- Arbuckle's Ranch -- Romance of Parents of Madeline Force -- Lingle of Valley View -- Connoly's of the "PF" -- New Ranches -- Hank Inghram's Narrow Escape
The Shifting Sands -- The Storm of 78-- First Settlers on Pumpkin Creek -- First Cow in Western Nebraska-- Mental Giants of the Big Cow Days
Vigilantes Hang Reed at Sidney-- The Great Bullion Robbery -- Whispering Smith Gets
Oberfelders Demonstrate Hog and Alfalfa Combination -- Later Ranchers Near Oshkosh
-- Poor's Ranch. Where Sheldon Hit the We st -- Cowbovs Marking Graves -- The Midnight Ride of Wild Horse Harris
McDonald Hung by Vigilantes at Sidney -- Sheriff Trognitz's Joke-- Practical Jokes of Old Timers
CM M'TKk XXXIII
Gordon's and Whitehead's Ranches -- Voder's Beginning and Expansion -- New Development in Goshen Holes -- Beginning of Alfalfa and Sugar Beets
Sand Hill Ranches of Todav -- Dangers of the Stampede -- Origin of Some Western Expressions--Pranks of Early Days
First Ranch in Dawes County -- Graham and Snvder on Niobrara River -- Other Ranches War Fort Robinson -- Stampedin' on the Old Trail
CHEYENNE COUNTY
Historj of ilu- Count)
('II M'TKk M
Wihh-t Days
<ll M'l'Kk HI
nization of Cheyenne County
CONTENTS ix
CHAPTER IV 182
Ivodgepole
CHAPTER V 188
State Officials
CHAPTER VI 191
The Press
CHAPTER VII 192
Fraternal Orders and Clubs
CHAPTER VIII . . . ' . . • - 194
The Church -- The Bar -- The Medical Profession
CHAPTER IX 197
The World War
8
First Ranch in Dawes County -- Graham and Snvder on Niobrara River -- Other Ranches War Fort Robinson -- Stampedin' on the Old Trail
CHEYENNE COUNTY
Historj of ilu- Count)
('II M'TKk M
Wihh-t Days
<ll M'l'Kk HI
nization of Cheyenne County
CONTENTS ix
CHAPTER IV 182
Ivodgepole
CHAPTER V 188
State Officials
CHAPTER VI 191
The Press
CHAPTER VII 192
Fraternal Orders and Clubs
CHAPTER VIII . . . ' . . • - 194
The Church -- The Bar -- The Medical Profession
CHAPTER IX 197
The World War
BOX BUTTE COUNTY CHAPTER I 199
Organization of the County
CHAPTER II 207
Churches -- The Press -- The Bar -- Professions and Businesses
CHAPTER III 210
Military History
CHAPTER IV 214
Civil War Veterans
DEUEL COUNTY
CHAPTER I 220
Organizations of Deuel County
CHAPTER II 221
First Settlers
CHAPTER III 222
County Organization and Development
CHAPTER IV 224
Irrigation in Deuel County
CHAPTER V 226
County Officers
CHAPTER VI 228
Towns
CHAPTER VII 233
Schools in Deuel County
CHAPTER VIII 235
The Churches in Deuel County
CHAPTER IX 237
The Press-- Banks and Finance -- Bench and Bar -- Medical Profession -- Fraternal Organizations
CHAPTER X 242
Deuel County's War Record -- Grand Army of the Republic
CHAPTER XI 244
Climate and Products of Deuel County
x CONTEXTS
GARDEN COUNTY
CHAPTER I 246
Early History
CHAPTER II 252
Boundary Disputes -- As Between Individuals
CHAPTER HI ■ 254
Agricultural and Live Stock Industries
CHAPTER IV .... ' 256
9
The Churches in Deuel County
CHAPTER IX 237
The Press-- Banks and Finance -- Bench and Bar -- Medical Profession -- Fraternal Organizations
CHAPTER X 242
Deuel County's War Record -- Grand Army of the Republic
CHAPTER XI 244
Climate and Products of Deuel County
x CONTEXTS
GARDEN COUNTY
CHAPTER I 246
Early History
CHAPTER II 252
Boundary Disputes -- As Between Individuals
CHAPTER HI ■ 254
Agricultural and Live Stock Industries
CHAPTER IV .... ' 256
Towns in the County
CHAPTER V 264
Railroads -- Schools -- Churches -- The Press -- Bench and Bar -- Banking and Finance
CHAPTER VI 271
The County's Part in the World War
CHAPTER VII 274
Social and Fraternal Organization
CHAPTER VIII 276
The Medical Profession
SIOUX COUNTY CHAPTER I . 277
Description and Early History
CHAPTER II 280
First Settlers and Early Town Histories
CHAPTER III 284
Medical Fraternity -- The Bar -- Story of the Schools -- The Churches
CHAPTER IV 288
Banking and Finance -- Fraternal Organizations -- Industries
CHAPTER V ' 292
Organization of Sioux County -- County Officials
CHAPTER VI 296
Sioux County in the World War -- Early Schools -- Wild Life
KIMBALL COUNTY
CHAPTER I 302
The History of Kimball County
CHAPTER II 313
Soil, Climate and Possibilities
CHAPTER [II 321
Transportation -- I [ighwaj s
CI I \ITKR IV 325
The Community of Kimball
CHAPTER V 337
Kimball County in the World War
MORRILL COUNTY CHAPTER] 348
Morrill Count}
CHAPTER H 360
1 ransportation I levelopment
10
Organization of Sioux County -- County Officials
CHAPTER VI 296
Sioux County in the World War -- Early Schools -- Wild Life
KIMBALL COUNTY
CHAPTER I 302
The History of Kimball County
CHAPTER II 313
Soil, Climate and Possibilities
CHAPTER [II 321
Transportation -- I [ighwaj s
CI I \ITKR IV 325
The Community of Kimball
CHAPTER V 337
Kimball County in the World War
MORRILL COUNTY CHAPTER] 348
Morrill Count}
CHAPTER H 360
1 ransportation I levelopment
CONTENTS xi
CHAPTER III 363
How the Land Changed
CHAPTER IV 371
Government Irrigation
CHAPTER V 380
Bridgeport Business Directory -- The World War -- Other Activities
CHAPTER VI 397
Bayard
CHAPTER VII 405
Morrill County in the World War
SHEHIDAN COUNTY CHAPTER I 417
How We Began
CHAPTER II 422
Creation of Sheridan County
CHAPTER III 428
Banking and Finance
CHAPTER IV .434
The Story of the Schools
CHAPTER V 440
Sheridan County and the World War
SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY
CHAPTER I 444
When Part of Cheyenne -- Early Experiences
CHAPTER II 449
Gering -- First of Many Things
CHAPTER III 454
City of Scottsbluff
CHAPTER IV ...... ' 463
The Newspapers -- Early Days in the County
CHAPTER V 469
Incidents and Personalities
CHAPTER VI . 476
The Story of Irrigation
CHAPTER VII 480
More of the Irrigation Storv
CHAPTER VIII 487
Scotts Bluff County Schools
CHAPTER IX +90
Officials Scotts Bluff County
CHAPTER X 494
The Farmers Revolution
CHAPTER XI 498
The Church -- Its Accomplishments -- First Religious Services
11
Gering -- First of Many Things
CHAPTER III 454
City of Scottsbluff
CHAPTER IV ...... ' 463
The Newspapers -- Early Days in the County
CHAPTER V 469
Incidents and Personalities
CHAPTER VI . 476
The Story of Irrigation
CHAPTER VII 480
More of the Irrigation Storv
CHAPTER VIII 487
Scotts Bluff County Schools
CHAPTER IX +90
Officials Scotts Bluff County
CHAPTER X 494
The Farmers Revolution
CHAPTER XI 498
The Church -- Its Accomplishments -- First Religious Services
CHAPTER XII 502
Scenic Beauty -- Manufacturing and Other Industries
CHAPTER XIII 50S
The County Military Record-- Honor Roll -- Fraternal Orders
xn CONTENTS
BANNER COUNTY
Following Horace Greeley's Advice -- Early Experiences
Beautiful Scenery -- Tragedies -- Ranches 'and Schools
How the County Began -- Early Officers
Once a Part of Lyons County - Banks - The Press -Industries
Irrigation -- Early Postoffices -- Early Experiences
DAWES COUNTY
The Earliest Years
CHAPTER II ....
Chmate -- Agriculture and Soils
' Settlement and Indian Days in Dawes County
CHAPTER IV ... .
Early Days -- And Crawford -- Many Fir
County Organization and Government CHAPTER VI ....
Town of Chadron
CHAPTER VII ...
Businesses and Professions
Churches and Schools - Banks -- In the World War
Things
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
"Came From the; Sea" 3
Robert Stuart's Winter Camp, 1812-13 11
Death oe Hiram Scott 14
Grave of Red Cloud's Daughter, Fort Laramie, Wyoming 49
Camping Ground of the Hostiles 64
HostilEs Coming in From the Bad Lands to Surrender 66
12
Early Days -- And Crawford -- Many Fir
County Organization and Government CHAPTER VI ....
Town of Chadron
CHAPTER VII ...
Businesses and Professions
Churches and Schools - Banks -- In the World War
Things
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
"Came From the; Sea" 3
Robert Stuart's Winter Camp, 1812-13 11
Death oe Hiram Scott 14
Grave of Red Cloud's Daughter, Fort Laramie, Wyoming 49
Camping Ground of the Hostiles 64
HostilEs Coming in From the Bad Lands to Surrender 66
Indians "Home Life" 68
On the Range Near "Signal Buttes" 87
"Branding Calves" 88
Cowboys Resting and Playing MumblEpeg 88
Sidney R. Probst, Sr. , 89
Four Old Time Cowpunchers 98
John Bratt 119
Long Horn's Fagin Ranch, Alliance 123
Hanging Reed by Vigilantes Committee 152
First Cemetery, Sidney 167
Fine Residence of Sidney 167
Sidney Short Route to Black Hills 168
Sidney in 1877 169
Interior of Oberfelders Outfitting Store, 1877 170
Overland Trail on the "Old Trails" Route For San Francisco . . . . 170
Pony Express and Overland Mail Office, Fort Kearney 170
An Old Prairie Schooner 172
Old Court, Sheriff's Residence 177
Cheyenne County Court House, Sidney 178
New High School, Sidney 180
Catholic Square, Sidney 180
Birdseye View, Sidney 181
Carnegie Library, Sidney 181
North Side of ShElden Street, Lodgepole 183
High School, Lodgepole 184
Blind Cannon Near Point of Rocks 186
■Methodist Church, Sidney 194
"Samie Girls" 197
How the Court House Was Moved to Hemingford 200
Box Butte County Court House, Alliance • . 201
13
An Old Prairie Schooner 172
Old Court, Sheriff's Residence 177
Cheyenne County Court House, Sidney 178
New High School, Sidney 180
Catholic Square, Sidney 180
Birdseye View, Sidney 181
Carnegie Library, Sidney 181
North Side of ShElden Street, Lodgepole 183
High School, Lodgepole 184
Blind Cannon Near Point of Rocks 186
■Methodist Church, Sidney 194
"Samie Girls" 197
How the Court House Was Moved to Hemingford 200
Box Butte County Court House, Alliance • . 201
Street Scene, Alliance 204
High School, Alliance 205
St. Agnes Parochial School, Alliance 206
Oscar O'Bannon and S. Avery 211
Deuel County Court House, Chappell 225
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Chappell in 1886 ....
Business House, Chappell
Street View, Chappell
Western Lumber & Hardware Co., Chappell
Farmers Elevator, Chappele
Street Corner, Chappell
High School, Chappell
Methodist Episcopal Church. Chappell
Catholic Church, Chappell
Christ Lake
Farm Home, at Ash Hollow
Rock at Ash Hollow. Near Spring
Rush Creek Ranch. Rocky Point
Pulling Dead Cattle Out of Swan Lake After Bli
Old Hartman Store and Postoffice, 1892
First Schooehouse, Oshkosh, 1898
First Store, Oshkosh
First Dwelling, Oshkosh
Street Scene, Oshkosh
Main Street, Lewellen
First National Bank, Lewellen
Street View, Lisco ....
Residence of Mr. Myers. Lisco
Schoolhouse, Lewellen
Old Stone Schoolhouse, Oshkosh
Grade School, Oshkosh
State Bank Building, Oshkosh
"Feeding Time," Nicholson Bros. Ranch
"Some Winter/" April 17, 1920, Harrison
First House Erected in 1886
Sioux County Court House, Harrison
Public School, Harrison ....
Methodist Church and Parsonage, Harrison
Catholic Church, Harrison
Drilling For Oil At Agate
14
First Store, Oshkosh
First Dwelling, Oshkosh
Street Scene, Oshkosh
Main Street, Lewellen
First National Bank, Lewellen
Street View, Lisco ....
Residence of Mr. Myers. Lisco
Schoolhouse, Lewellen
Old Stone Schoolhouse, Oshkosh
Grade School, Oshkosh
State Bank Building, Oshkosh
"Feeding Time," Nicholson Bros. Ranch
"Some Winter/" April 17, 1920, Harrison
First House Erected in 1886
Sioux County Court House, Harrison
Public School, Harrison ....
Methodist Church and Parsonage, Harrison
Catholic Church, Harrison
Drilling For Oil At Agate
New Road, Monroe Canyon. Near Harrison
"When iiie Boys Were Leaving"
"Haunted House," Near Harrison
Coliseum Rocks, Near Harrison
Street View, Bushnell ....
High School, Bushnele ....
i 1 i Residence of Isaac Roush (2) Residence of John I, Settlers of Kimball (4) Right. Residence of He Cambele
Mrs. \,\ N( H. First Settler, Born June 24, 1832
KiMiiAi.L County Court House, Kimball
Win: \r Seeding on the Ranch of T. L. Bogle
Branding Scene Near Kimball
Ranch RESIDENCE OF WiHTCOMB BROTHERS, North of Dix
Marc
Filer
h, 1913
(3) Some: ogler; Left,
arlv John
LIST < )F ILLUSTRATIONS
Birdseye View of Kimball in 1900 . Street Scene, Kimball * . . .
Residence of Robert Garrard, Near Kimball Kimball County High School, Kimball Modern School Near Kimball Known as "Pedrett Methodist Episcopal Church and Sunday School Residence of John Ewbank. Near Kimball Residence of Chas. E. Jacoby, Photographer, Ki
High School, Dix
Residence of Petrus Peterson, Dix
Residence of E. E. Goding, Dix
Rural School, North of Dix
Soldier Boys in World War
15
Birdseye View of Kimball in 1900 . Street Scene, Kimball * . . .
Residence of Robert Garrard, Near Kimball Kimball County High School, Kimball Modern School Near Kimball Known as "Pedrett Methodist Episcopal Church and Sunday School Residence of John Ewbank. Near Kimball Residence of Chas. E. Jacoby, Photographer, Ki
High School, Dix
Residence of Petrus Peterson, Dix
Residence of E. E. Goding, Dix
Rural School, North of Dix
Soldier Boys in World War
Court Hou^se Rock, South of Bridgeport
Morrill County Court House, Bridgeport
Public School, Bridgeport
Sheridan County Court House, Rusiiyille
Western Potash Company, Antioch
Street View of Antioch ....
Second Street, Rushville ....
Rusiiyille School
National Potash Company East Ward Si "Where Pltrd
Antioch rooL, Scottsbluff Primed the Pump With Milk'
First Cabin, Gering, 1886
Gering Courier, 1887 ....
Street Scene. Gering
Public School, Gering ....
Site of Roubidoux's First Blacksmith Shop
Site of Roubidoux's Second Blacksmith Shop
Homestead of Mrs. Elizabeth McClenahan, 1889
Primitiye Soddy, Scottsbluff
First Church, Scottsblltff
Residence of T. C. Hally, Scottsbluff
View From DEroT, Scottsbluff
Broadway, Scottsbluff
A. T. Crawford's Garage, Scottsbluff
Old Home Place of Jesse Pickering Near Mix at.-
Farm Ranch of J. A. Jones
Spillway Pathfinder Dam, Nebraska's Niagar.
Rev. J. B. Currens
Scotts Bluff Mountain
Sugar Factory, Scottsbluff
Lover's Leap
"Twix Sisters" Ruck
Smoke Stack Rock
Early Schoolhouse
Wheat Seeding
Marketing Potatoes
School
xvi LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Hampton's Golden Wedding 528
First House in Dawes County, Built in 1879 ......... 531
One Hill of Dawes County Suds 535
16
A. T. Crawford's Garage, Scottsbluff
Old Home Place of Jesse Pickering Near Mix at.-
Farm Ranch of J. A. Jones
Spillway Pathfinder Dam, Nebraska's Niagar.
Rev. J. B. Currens
Scotts Bluff Mountain
Sugar Factory, Scottsbluff
Lover's Leap
"Twix Sisters" Ruck
Smoke Stack Rock
Early Schoolhouse
Wheat Seeding
Marketing Potatoes
School
xvi LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Hampton's Golden Wedding 528
First House in Dawes County, Built in 1879 ......... 531
One Hill of Dawes County Suds 535
Dawes County Trout Stream 536
Superior Domino, 557924, Owned by Mrs. Wm. Braddock 538
Braddock and Deffenbargh, Breeders of Registered Cattle 539
Bordeau Ranch, Owned by P. B. Nelson, Chadron 540
Dawks County Court House, Chadron 548
Cram ford in 1886 550
An Early Day Home. Chadron . 554
Street View, Chadron 559
Second Street, Chadron . . . . . ... . . ■ . . 560
Jack Rabbit Roundup, Chadron 561
First Schoolhouse, Ten Miles South of Chadron 562
Public Library, Chadron 566
Federal Building, Chadron . 567
C. T. Coffee. Chadron, on Tract in 1871 570
Methodist Church 573
State Normal School, Chadron 574
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA AND ITS PEOPLE
NEBRASKA CAME FROM THE SEA
We will begin at the beginning, and add a chapter to the geology of the state, a geology heretofore treated by Barbour, and Condra, and Schramm, and to which research and exploration has added much of valuable information. We will tell of the far-off , misty past, when White river, and the Niobrara, Snake creek, Bluewater, the Lodgepole, and the twin merging valleys of the Platte, or Flatwater, and Gonneville, or Pumpkin creek were yet to be. When the surface of the earth was of hot rocks in the forming, and the sky above was hidden in the mists which enveloped our celestial baby world.
17
We will begin at the beginning, and add a chapter to the geology of the state, a geology heretofore treated by Barbour, and Condra, and Schramm, and to which research and exploration has added much of valuable information. We will tell of the far-off , misty past, when White river, and the Niobrara, Snake creek, Bluewater, the Lodgepole, and the twin merging valleys of the Platte, or Flatwater, and Gonneville, or Pumpkin creek were yet to be. When the surface of the earth was of hot rocks in the forming, and the sky above was hidden in the mists which enveloped our celestial baby world.
At first the sun could hardly penetrate the humid atmosphere, and the dull haze was illumined by lurid igneous fires, but by and by sunlight broke through and startled the concentrating elements to pulsating life -- life that came from the hot ooze of primeval oceans, and which has developed through long laborious years, to busy brain-driven entities.
History is moving rapidly in these later days ; there have been sordid things like war to take time and attention, but at intervals, in silences and solitudes, the mind finds relaxation. The intellect finds restful exercise in contemplation of origin and destiny, or in translation of the silent language of the ages, from the rocks of the pre-historic world.
Clumsily, I have sought to assist, and in reading the rocks, I find the story of the ancient sea, the islands and the antecedent streams of our own state, and this particular part thereof, written legibly upon the cliffs, and in the hills and valleys. So while the floor of the world is granite, we find above that floor, Nebraska, even as it stood in the midst of the first landed area of the earth, while the waves of the Cambrian sea beat upon shores in Wyoming, Ohio and Oklahoma.
18
Clumsily, I have sought to assist, and in reading the rocks, I find the story of the ancient sea, the islands and the antecedent streams of our own state, and this particular part thereof, written legibly upon the cliffs, and in the hills and valleys. So while the floor of the world is granite, we find above that floor, Nebraska, even as it stood in the midst of the first landed area of the earth, while the waves of the Cambrian sea beat upon shores in Wyoming, Ohio and Oklahoma.
And here, the first live creatures of the world crawled from the primal slime, upon the shore of the primeval sea. But later, when the- entire Mississippi valley was in the bottom of the Silurian ocean, Nebraska also took the plunge.
Again nearly all of the North American continent emerged in the lower Devonian, and was connected to Asia by way of the Behring straits. At that time the Omaha, Lincoln, Witchita mountain range was a particular scenic attraction of Nebraska and Kansas. Its axis was a little east of the present site of Lincoln, and could you sweep away the coverings, you would still find its rugged peaks and canyon beauty.
During the Carboniferous period this granite range was there. Around it is spread the sedimentaries of the Mississippian, and over it the Pennsylvanian formations, for the greater part of Nebraska took another plunge into the sea. Eastern Nebraska came up from the ocean, with almost all of the North American continent at a little later date. But an estuary from the Pacific covered that part of the state west of the one hundredth meridian, and it also covered western Kansas, Oklahoma, through the varying ages, came down to a time comparatively and geologically modern.
19
Around it is spread the sedimentaries of the Mississippian, and over it the Pennsylvanian formations, for the greater part of Nebraska took another plunge into the sea. Eastern Nebraska came up from the ocean, with almost all of the North American continent at a little later date. But an estuary from the Pacific covered that part of the state west of the one hundredth meridian, and it also covered western Kansas, Oklahoma, through the varying ages, came down to a time comparatively and geologically modern.
The course massive buff and grey Dakota sands, some places five hundred feet thick, were spread over Nebraska, indicating a moving body of water with currents sufficient to carry away the silts, and also indicating that eastern Nebraska was also again under the water surface.
At the close of the carboniferous age, internal forces again disturbed the Omaha. Lincoln, Wichita range, but it never reached full proportions, owing to the weight of covering depositions. Buried under the sedimentaries of
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
eastern Nebraska and central Kansas, it still exists, a twin of the Ozarks, lower in altitude, and covering a much larger area.
When the more violent disturbances shook the fractured region, great slabs of granite one hundred feet thick and miles in area, were in places thrust out almost horizontally through the comparatively newer rocks and shales, and these granitic intrusions have puzzled geologists, and turned aside the tides of oil prospectors from time to time. Granite and Red Beds have been discouraging features to oil geologists : yet daring prospectors have drilled through these granite barriers into the shales below,. and others have found best qualities of petroleum in Red Bed anticlines.
20
When the more violent disturbances shook the fractured region, great slabs of granite one hundred feet thick and miles in area, were in places thrust out almost horizontally through the comparatively newer rocks and shales, and these granitic intrusions have puzzled geologists, and turned aside the tides of oil prospectors from time to time. Granite and Red Beds have been discouraging features to oil geologists : yet daring prospectors have drilled through these granite barriers into the shales below,. and others have found best qualities of petroleum in Red Bed anticlines.
West and east of these sunken mountains are faults and folds, synclines and anticlines. In Kansas and Oklahoma are battery after battery of perforations, where the oil drill has penetrated the upper sediments and covering caps, and from these pour steady streams of oil, and gas wells bring forth elements for the service of mankind. And so Nebraska may some soon day yield from her interior store, rich contributions for her people.
West of this mountain range rolled the waves of the last Cretaceous sea -- the vast marine water which divided the American continent. Perhaps a low coastal range separated it from the Gulf, and it probably extended, widening, to the arctic circle.
Between the Nebraska-Kansas range and the Ozarks there was an estuary, which might be called Topeka bay, and on the western shore of the sea were others, and into these the ebb and flow of tide and current carried spongelike woods, where water-logged and slimeburdened they settled down, and after ages they became coal beds.
21
West of this mountain range rolled the waves of the last Cretaceous sea -- the vast marine water which divided the American continent. Perhaps a low coastal range separated it from the Gulf, and it probably extended, widening, to the arctic circle.
Between the Nebraska-Kansas range and the Ozarks there was an estuary, which might be called Topeka bay, and on the western shore of the sea were others, and into these the ebb and flow of tide and current carried spongelike woods, where water-logged and slimeburdened they settled down, and after ages they became coal beds.
Out in the expanse of the Central Ocean, there was an island, a hundred miles or more in length, along about the eastern border of the present Laramie plains. This Hartville island as we shall call it, was of igneous rocks, thrust edgewise up above the sea. Its western shore was of rugged wave-washed granite cliffs, and its eastern border was of crumbling Benton shales and greenhorn lime.
Tin- Benton series was fractured when this island was funned, it was the newest of the rock so broken. And the Niobrara chalk rockwas the first laid after the faulting of the world's crustal shell. In the rapidly shallow- ' ing sea that covered most of Nebraska's central plains, the Niobrara, the Pierre, and other shales were laid. Much of this part of the ocean for long year.-,, probably ranged in depth from one hundred to two hundred
fathoms. There the little grains of glauconite occurred from decomposition of organic matter contained in tiny foraminiferal shells. This hydrous silicate of potassium and iron is seventeen percent potash. The soil of Nebraska is fertile as a result.
22
In the rapidly shallow- ' ing sea that covered most of Nebraska's central plains, the Niobrara, the Pierre, and other shales were laid. Much of this part of the ocean for long year.-,, probably ranged in depth from one hundred to two hundred
fathoms. There the little grains of glauconite occurred from decomposition of organic matter contained in tiny foraminiferal shells. This hydrous silicate of potassium and iron is seventeen percent potash. The soil of Nebraska is fertile as a result.
There came a time when the ocean floor was bared, except for pools, lagoons and marshes, and long lakes of slowly moving, brakish water ; and the antecedents of the Niobrara, White river and the Platte ran westward from the mountains to an inland sea. It was at this time, after the Pierre shales were laid, that Hartville island sank, and Nebraska's sea was shallowed. Islands and banks of mud, sand and rock arose dripping from a dismal swamp, and miles and miles of marsh appeared. The Laramie, or Fox Hills, massive sands and varigated shales, and thin silicious lime rocks were laid about the base of the sinking Hartville island. Cross currents made mixed bedding, and slightly moving water left sandstones marked with ripples. Paleo-zoologists say the Laramie period was the last of the Cretaceous, and paleo-botanists say that it was the first of the Tertiary. Marine animal life lingered over into the new and marshy conditions, while plants changed quickly, and the old varieties passed away.
Quite likely, the Cretaceous was before and the Tertiary after, and the Laramie during the Rocky Mountain revolution. It was the period of transition. Benton oysters found new expansion, then changed into large fresh water clams, ten inches long. Soft woods of prodigious growth, that made ligniteous coal, passed away, and hard woods took possession of the plains.
23
Marine animal life lingered over into the new and marshy conditions, while plants changed quickly, and the old varieties passed away.
Quite likely, the Cretaceous was before and the Tertiary after, and the Laramie during the Rocky Mountain revolution. It was the period of transition. Benton oysters found new expansion, then changed into large fresh water clams, ten inches long. Soft woods of prodigious growth, that made ligniteous coal, passed away, and hard woods took possession of the plains. The Hartville Island sank still more, and over the west the great pleistocene lake was spread.
Bones of the Eocene were caught and swept along by the rushing waters, and are to be found in these later days of science, in rifts and drifts at Agate, and in the Goshen Holes. The country east and west of the sinking island warped and cracked. Great fissures paralleling the island opened up. to be quickly filled with ooze and slime, now hardened into Brule clay. At the base of the Scotts Bluff mountain (there was no mountain then) and in the Ardmore country, the clay was warped and twisted and tilted, and caught mammoth turtles, and winged water bats in its toils, to hold them there forever.
The original horse, a dozen varieties of the hippos family, from tree climbing horses and five toed ponies eighteen inches high, to the almost modern horse, left skeletons in the Agate fields. And there are bones of giant hogs,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
that once wallowed in the marshes of White river, and duck-billed dinosaurs that crawled awkwardly through the water and mud. Croaking amphibious monsters, sprawled in mud and sand, or coiled under dripping trees, or splashed in shallow waters, in search of food, and wrote dumb tales of the Pliocene on the rocks.
24
The original horse, a dozen varieties of the hippos family, from tree climbing horses and five toed ponies eighteen inches high, to the almost modern horse, left skeletons in the Agate fields. And there are bones of giant hogs,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
that once wallowed in the marshes of White river, and duck-billed dinosaurs that crawled awkwardly through the water and mud. Croaking amphibious monsters, sprawled in mud and sand, or coiled under dripping trees, or splashed in shallow waters, in search of food, and wrote dumb tales of the Pliocene on the rocks.
Through the rifts in the clouds that enveloped the earth, the eternal sun was breaking. The brain cases of the higher forms of animal life were growing, and yet there is lacking evidence of the existence of primitive man. His bones are not found in White river stones, along with his presumed contemporaries, but
"Came From The Sea"
the evidence does exist that the Day of the Brain was dawning in the Younger World.
Over the marshes swept the untrammelled wind. Over stretches of water and sand islands, aeolion agitation bore volcanic ash and dust and sand, which found lodgement in deep lagoons and moist places. When the later igneous activity stirred the western mountains, air currents carried the ashes high and far, and then for days and days they sifted down into the wastes of water on Nebraska. Thousands of acres in the Holdrege-Orleans district, and in the Scotts Bluff-Wildcat mountains, and in the Pineridge, contain beds of volcanic ash, of fine commercial quality.
25
Over stretches of water and sand islands, aeolion agitation bore volcanic ash and dust and sand, which found lodgement in deep lagoons and moist places. When the later igneous activity stirred the western mountains, air currents carried the ashes high and far, and then for days and days they sifted down into the wastes of water on Nebraska. Thousands of acres in the Holdrege-Orleans district, and in the Scotts Bluff-Wildcat mountains, and in the Pineridge, contain beds of volcanic ash, of fine commercial quality.
Aerial combinations of ashes, dust and sand, and glauconite came over the wastes. Into the shallow waters they sank, and interstratified with sub-aerial and lacustrine substances, and formed the rich Loess soil.
When the last terrestial convulsion came, the Omaha-Lincoln-Wichita range growled and rumbled in its subterranean depths, the Ozarks hesitated and finally thrust their ragged summits higher, the Sierras came up out of the sea, and lava beds spread over Idaho ; the Black Hills rose towering, and Hartville island came up again to the sun. Nebraska hesitated for a time, deciding whether to become an agricultural state or break up into tumbled mountains. Ah, what a time that would have been to have lived, and seen old Nature build the heart of the American continent.
A nearly mountain range, "that died a bornin' " ran from Furnas county to Dawes and Sioux counties. Nearly volcanoes sprung the earth in a dozen counties of Nebraska. The Goshen Holes, east as far as Broadwater, Nebraska, swelled like a poisoned carcass, and there today are rounded domes and anticlines, of older rocks surrounded by the new, and geology points prophetic fingers to the deformations.
26
Ah, what a time that would have been to have lived, and seen old Nature build the heart of the American continent.
A nearly mountain range, "that died a bornin' " ran from Furnas county to Dawes and Sioux counties. Nearly volcanoes sprung the earth in a dozen counties of Nebraska. The Goshen Holes, east as far as Broadwater, Nebraska, swelled like a poisoned carcass, and there today are rounded domes and anticlines, of older rocks surrounded by the new, and geology points prophetic fingers to the deformations.
Depositions of the Gering river and the Hartville sea tell vividly the story. Out of the range of mountains in eastern Nebraska, from much of Nebraska's area, the waters cumulated in great, slow-moving streams, that meandered westward until they encountered the lifted ridge of the nearly mountains. One broke these hills somewhere in Sheridan county, and another near Curtis, and they moved westerly with increasing velocity. The finer silts were carried on in the currents and the coarser sands filled the river beds. We have traced the course of the Gering river; we find it between the forks of the Platte, and in the Scotts Bluff- Wildcat mountains. Partly broken and gone, partly eroded away, yet sufficient remains to trace the majestic current, that left coarse grey and brown sandrocks, flecked with rectangular specks of black. The turreted facades in the castellated hills, from Courthouse rock to Eaglenest, are the sands of the Gering river. At Chimney rock the sands of the spire indicate one hundred forty feet of deposited sand.
27
We have traced the course of the Gering river; we find it between the forks of the Platte, and in the Scotts Bluff- Wildcat mountains. Partly broken and gone, partly eroded away, yet sufficient remains to trace the majestic current, that left coarse grey and brown sandrocks, flecked with rectangular specks of black. The turreted facades in the castellated hills, from Courthouse rock to Eaglenest, are the sands of the Gering river. At Chimney rock the sands of the spire indicate one hundred forty feet of deposited sand.
The sands grow finer from Scotts Bluff mountain as the current slowed down. Then step by step the finer silts appear, and over all the once bottom of the Hartville sea, from Rawhide buttes to Pawnee buttes, the windperforated rocks and soft sandstones are formed in wierd fantastic shapes. They give identity to the hills along the Red Cloud trail, they are as monuments for a long dead sea. The sun shines on the whitened lifted rocks, 'and the pale moon on ghostly forms that rose out of the ancient waters, while places disturbed by the last upheaval, have been worn away by wind, and storm and stream. And glauconite has been wafted from the ancient ocean floor, along with other sand, and it covers the Dawes and Furnas ridge for miles and miles and miles. Hence the Great Sand Hills of Nebraska.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
OLD TRAILS
There is a woof and warp to every garment. And the garment of frontier history is made over and upon old trails that twist and wind through canyons and woods, over mountains, and in the valley. These trails were old when the trapper came, when the first Latin adventurers penetrated the wilderness, which is now so alive and teeming with inspiration, with human action, and human thrills of ecstacy and tragedy.
28
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
OLD TRAILS
There is a woof and warp to every garment. And the garment of frontier history is made over and upon old trails that twist and wind through canyons and woods, over mountains, and in the valley. These trails were old when the trapper came, when the first Latin adventurers penetrated the wilderness, which is now so alive and teeming with inspiration, with human action, and human thrills of ecstacy and tragedy. They wound along the banks of the rivers and their tributaries, finding the most passable fords and accessible passes, the drinking places and the meadows.
From the Bluewater (Snake creek), and L'eau qui court (pronounced lo-ke-cort and now called the Running water or Niobrara), from the Lodgepole, Gonneville (or Pumpkin) creek, Lorrens' (Lawrence) fork, and from White river; and to and from the springs in the hills, criss-crossing the valleys, in the sand hills, or on the high divides, they made a veritable net work of trails -- -trails which were made long before the time of the Indian.
Before the periods of those industrious peoples -- the mound-builders of the Mississippi valley, and the cliff-dwellers of the sad southwest, and the earth-dwellers of Nebraska -- this land about us, newly risen from primeval sea, this mystical sunland of the younger world, became a land of trails. At the foot of Scotts Bluff mountain, in the bad lands north of Harrison, in the bluffs of the Running water, are found fossils, telling an unrecorded story. Pterodactylus, the flying lizard of long ago, turtles, and the bones of the Mastodon are here. We may yet find trails of Irish Elk and Cave Bear, which the first men slew for food and for adventure.
29
Before the periods of those industrious peoples -- the mound-builders of the Mississippi valley, and the cliff-dwellers of the sad southwest, and the earth-dwellers of Nebraska -- this land about us, newly risen from primeval sea, this mystical sunland of the younger world, became a land of trails. At the foot of Scotts Bluff mountain, in the bad lands north of Harrison, in the bluffs of the Running water, are found fossils, telling an unrecorded story. Pterodactylus, the flying lizard of long ago, turtles, and the bones of the Mastodon are here. We may yet find trails of Irish Elk and Cave Bear, which the first men slew for food and for adventure.
First men were strong -- grotesque and powerful -- huge hairy frames and knotted twisted knees, with muscles which could tear limbs from the trees. The battle of the world was for the physically endowed. They cared nut for the un-named stars; nor that the seccond sign of the Zodiac had appeared, and smiling on the world, was yielding a new influx and order of intelligence. They knew not thai man's mentality had begun to grow, and would continue until the world was swept free of the cumbersome, useless creatures of Pliocene, and their old trails would be no more.
These trails are buried now, under the drill of glaciers and the wash and ashes of the ages. And the trails of glaciers, the ice-grind
of centuries are strewn with stranger rocks and stones, torn from the breast of their mother mountains, and carried on long journeys, and each peculiar kind, and its worn face, tells the story of its pilgrimage.
30
They knew not thai man's mentality had begun to grow, and would continue until the world was swept free of the cumbersome, useless creatures of Pliocene, and their old trails would be no more.
These trails are buried now, under the drill of glaciers and the wash and ashes of the ages. And the trails of glaciers, the ice-grind
of centuries are strewn with stranger rocks and stones, torn from the breast of their mother mountains, and carried on long journeys, and each peculiar kind, and its worn face, tells the story of its pilgrimage.
The glaciers melting, poured released floods in natural channels, and new rivers began the first hilarious journey to the sea. Possibly the same liquids have made the same journey many times -- coming back in vapors and falling in rain or snow -- and then following the water trails made by the melting glaciers, centuries ago.
Deer, buffalo and elk, kindred and hostile beasts of early America, made the trails of the later "Overland." They crossed the gaps in the Pineridge, and in the Scotts Bluff- Wildcat range; they meandered up and down the valleys, and made worn thoroughfares over the South Pass, long before the American Indian found the heart of the new world.
We can go back only a relatively short period in our stories of events along the old trails, for only the smooth surfaces of stones, only silent fossils of giant things, only echoes from a disintegrating atmosphere, and the dumb silent zodiac, furnish the meagre information as to what happened here, before the halfsavage French or Spanish trapper and adventurer penetrated the vast wilderness of the new continent.
31
Deer, buffalo and elk, kindred and hostile beasts of early America, made the trails of the later "Overland." They crossed the gaps in the Pineridge, and in the Scotts Bluff- Wildcat range; they meandered up and down the valleys, and made worn thoroughfares over the South Pass, long before the American Indian found the heart of the new world.
We can go back only a relatively short period in our stories of events along the old trails, for only the smooth surfaces of stones, only silent fossils of giant things, only echoes from a disintegrating atmosphere, and the dumb silent zodiac, furnish the meagre information as to what happened here, before the halfsavage French or Spanish trapper and adventurer penetrated the vast wilderness of the new continent.
It has been a delight to find a bit of unusual or remote history that has a local significance, and any motive behind human action is always interesting. There are but vague references to the first trails of Europeans in this land, and they are so conflicting that it leaves a question mark in the mind. Fortunately, I have found in my rambles, stories that I shall give here, and leave the reader to determine their historic value. They may find incredulous minds, but to me they have become fixed as signal fires along the horizon of the past, indicating the mark of the first white.man's foot in all of Nebraska. The opening trail of civilization in the mighty west.
The first story dates back to about the time of Coronado's search for Quivera, the wonderful city of gold, which brought about the discovery of the great plains and the buffalo. It was following Coronado's futile attempt that the Padres were inspired to attempt to plant religion among the Indians of the great plains.
32
They may find incredulous minds, but to me they have become fixed as signal fires along the horizon of the past, indicating the mark of the first white.man's foot in all of Nebraska. The opening trail of civilization in the mighty west.
The first story dates back to about the time of Coronado's search for Quivera, the wonderful city of gold, which brought about the discovery of the great plains and the buffalo. It was following Coronado's futile attempt that the Padres were inspired to attempt to plant religion among the Indians of the great plains.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Spain had established a foothold in New Mexico, and the Padres were advancing into the plain and mountain tribes, to plant the seed of the church. The southwest had been particularly susceptible to their teachings, and vast missions of adobe were in the building stage of development.
Some years ago, I was in the San Juan valley, and there met Jay Turley who is as full of romance and constructive genius as the sand-hills of Nebraska are full of lakes. Together we traveled several days, through the valley which is rich in resource and tradition, and there we met, feasted with the ancient families, Jaques and Archileto. Over frijoles (beans) and stewed lamb, hot with peppers, we chatted w,ith "Le Vent," (the wind) who was a French-Spanish-American. At Farmington I met Stapleton and his charming Celtic bride, whose father had for years lived under the shadow of the pueblos at Taos (pronounced Tous). There were stories and stories, and legends and legends, and I determined to learn more of them. To familiarize myself, I went to the Indian country. At a trading post I met an old Navajo, who directed some remark to the ladies of our party which the trader interpreted as "pretty women." For us, he asked the weather beaten man if he could tell where we were from, and he made a comprehensive gesture to the north and said the one word "Cheyenne." As an indication of how he knew, he touched a fur worn by one of the party, which was of beaver trapped at the base of Laramie peak, which was once the land of the Cheyennes.
33
At a trading post I met an old Navajo, who directed some remark to the ladies of our party which the trader interpreted as "pretty women." For us, he asked the weather beaten man if he could tell where we were from, and he made a comprehensive gesture to the north and said the one word "Cheyenne." As an indication of how he knew, he touched a fur worn by one of the party, which was of beaver trapped at the base of Laramie peak, which was once the land of the Cheyennes.
My investigations later led me to old Santa Fe, and I stood at the corner of the Plaza, which was once the end of the Santa Fe trail. I stood with uncovered head in the shadow of the mission -- centuries old -- that was near this spot. About a half a block from the Plaza, which, had it articulation, could tell such wonderful stories, through one of the many doors in the white Wall that faces the street, is the home of Ex-Governor L. Bradford Prince, the historian of New Mexico. And facing the Plaza itself, is an ancient adobe building, the home of the state historical society. In this I loitered by day pouring over old scraps of history, and at night I would leave the hotel to stand in the Plaza, listening to the whispering winds and voices out of the past.
It was at Santa Fe that I learned of Dacombo, who, so far as I can learn, was the first white man to visit America's valley of the Nile. With an introductory note from Don Juan Jaquez I met Don Sol Luna, then republican national committeeman, but who is now passed, and asked him if he knew any stories of the first Spanish invasion of the north.
34
In this I loitered by day pouring over old scraps of history, and at night I would leave the hotel to stand in the Plaza, listening to the whispering winds and voices out of the past.
It was at Santa Fe that I learned of Dacombo, who, so far as I can learn, was the first white man to visit America's valley of the Nile. With an introductory note from Don Juan Jaquez I met Don Sol Luna, then republican national committeeman, but who is now passed, and asked him if he knew any stories of the first Spanish invasion of the north. I asked him about the Padres and Dacombo. He knew little of them in an historical way, but he remembered one person of that name residing along the trail from Raton to Taos, of which I made note. Then I visited Taos, going in over the Cimmaron desert.
About twenty-five miles east of Taos, near the summit of the continental divide, is a lonely hut and when I went to Taos, I paused there for refreshments, and also because Senor Sol Luna had given me a token of introduction to Miguel Dacombo; and here it was that he, knowing of my desire, sat squat upon the ground, and with a stick sketched crudely in the sand, after the manner of story tellers and tradition men of the southwest. And this is the story imperfectly told in broken English, as it had come to him through fourteen generations of ancestry:
35
About twenty-five miles east of Taos, near the summit of the continental divide, is a lonely hut and when I went to Taos, I paused there for refreshments, and also because Senor Sol Luna had given me a token of introduction to Miguel Dacombo; and here it was that he, knowing of my desire, sat squat upon the ground, and with a stick sketched crudely in the sand, after the manner of story tellers and tradition men of the southwest. And this is the story imperfectly told in broken English, as it had come to him through fourteen generations of ancestry:
"I, Miguel Dacombo (the camper), being of the ancient family, will tell you now the story of 'The Nine Years.' Fra Juan de Padilla, and Fra Juan de La Cruz, and Dacombo, the soldier with two boys, Lucas and Sabastian, went into the far land of Quivera, to teach the desert men, the Christ. They crossed leagues of waste, perhaps three hundred and perhaps rive hundred. They forded rivers, and after a time, Padre Padilla said, 'We have reached the land.' It was late in the summer, and they had come upon a bluff overlooking a wide glade. A river there was in the glade, which they afterwards found to be very shallow and full of dangerous quick-sands. Many islands there wrere, and trees and grass. Here were the people they had come to teach.
"The desert men came running, whereupon Padre Padillo told all to hide and he would meet them alone. He knelt down to pray, and the desert men fell upon and killed him, while kneeling. Fra de La Cruz, some days later, saw a small band, and being in sore need of food, he tried to reconcile them, but they also killed him. Then it was that the Soldier spoke : 'They are God-less, -- they are devils, -- let us go away.'
36
"The desert men came running, whereupon Padre Padillo told all to hide and he would meet them alone. He knelt down to pray, and the desert men fell upon and killed him, while kneeling. Fra de La Cruz, some days later, saw a small band, and being in sore need of food, he tried to reconcile them, but they also killed him. Then it was that the Soldier spoke : 'They are God-less, -- they are devils, -- let us go away.'
"They went not back over the desert, but followed the river toward the mountains. They traveled slowly and crossed the river many times. They followed other rivers that ran into it, and became lost in great mountains of sand. Winter came and they made a cave. There were winds that almost buried them in the sand, and there were snows. They had good water and plenty of fish ; and Sebastian, who hunted, occasionally smothered a deer in
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the snow-drifts. They had no weapons but knives.
•'Summer came, but they found not their way out of the sand mountains, for the mountains shifted in the mighty winds, and the mirage lured them many a league, and arroyas bewildered and confused them. Another winter was spenl like the first. They had plenty of meal and wood, and clothing made of skins.
"Another summer, and the great river again. They blessed the Holy Virgin that they were out of the sand mountains. One day, as in a vision, great cities shone in the sunset; and they travelled towards them many days. At last they saw they were mountains, almost like great pueblos. Mountains, many miles of them, that stood up, like ruins of castles. The Soldier said to Lucas and Sebastian, 'This is like dear old Spain.' There were giant castles, churches, long walls, steeples, all wonderful ; but there were no desert men.
37
They blessed the Holy Virgin that they were out of the sand mountains. One day, as in a vision, great cities shone in the sunset; and they travelled towards them many days. At last they saw they were mountains, almost like great pueblos. Mountains, many miles of them, that stood up, like ruins of castles. The Soldier said to Lucas and Sebastian, 'This is like dear old Spain.' There were giant castles, churches, long walls, steeples, all wonderful ; but there were no desert men. No people were there.
"The 'crooked-backed oxen of the plains,' in mighty herds, moved over the hills and valleys to the south. Where can they go ? They travelled by for days and days, and the soldier said, 'We must be far from home, for the oxen never get as far as Piguex.' They spent a winter in this land. The boys dreamed of the giants that had builded these great castles, but the soldier was tired, and his body had many sores. He was sick, but he dreamed and dreamed and dreamed.
"Summer came and the wild cattle went
north. Sometimes they ran. and a few are killed, which they found were good for food, and with the coming of summer, the soldier and his boys travelled south for many a league, where they found another river. Many times they left it, and wandered into the desert trying to get home, but they were driven back famished. Finally, captured by a tribe of desert men, they were taken toward the sunset until they reached mountains that shone red at sundown like the Blood of Christ. Here there was water, and wood, and game and berries. How far did they go? Once Sebastian had fever, and once Lucas had sores on his body, and oh, how they all wanted to go home.
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Many times they left it, and wandered into the desert trying to get home, but they were driven back famished. Finally, captured by a tribe of desert men, they were taken toward the sunset until they reached mountains that shone red at sundown like the Blood of Christ. Here there was water, and wood, and game and berries. How far did they go? Once Sebastian had fever, and once Lucas had sores on his body, and oh, how they all wanted to go home. But with the wild people, and the impassable mountains, where trails in the canyons ended abruptly, and the swift and ever swifter passing of seasons, it seemed like they never could reach their people.
"Nine years passed before they found the Indian village Piguex. The boys were bearded men. Few were there who knew them, but their hearts were glad to be once more among their own people. The mark of the desert is upon us. Here am I. still in the desert, attending goats ; and telling you this story, as it has come to me, from father to son, and father to son, since it was first told by Dacombo. the soldier, and his sons, fourteen men ago."
The Padres Padilla and Le Cruz were killed, probably near Columbus, and the river of castles is quite likelv the North Platte river, and the time about 1540-1550.
THE FLAG OF FRANCE IN THE WILDERNESS
'flic nexl old trail, the mxt white man's foot dial made iis mark upon the soil of Nebraska, was in 1739, when Mallei brothers made their journey into the wilderness, and research of historians regarding this enterprise is of a very meagre and indefinite order.
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The Padres Padilla and Le Cruz were killed, probably near Columbus, and the river of castles is quite likelv the North Platte river, and the time about 1540-1550.
THE FLAG OF FRANCE IN THE WILDERNESS
'flic nexl old trail, the mxt white man's foot dial made iis mark upon the soil of Nebraska, was in 1739, when Mallei brothers made their journey into the wilderness, and research of historians regarding this enterprise is of a very meagre and indefinite order.
The Spaniard had taken Mexico, and established himself as Ear north as Santa Fe and England was having its historic struggle Hi' colonizing the Atlantic coast, and the ith splendid enterprise, were reaching far into the interior of the western world,
and, amalgamating with the native tribes, were
laying firm foundations for grasping an empire.
From Montreal and Canadian possessions the call of the wild had attracted French adventurers into the mighty forests west of the great lakes, and now, in 1739. from New Orleans, then a frontier city, Mallet brothers began a noteworthy journey into the new and wild country. They were to ascend the Mississippi river to the mouth of the Missouri, then to follow that stream for a distance, then strike west into the unknown land, descend upon Santa Fe from the north, and to lav claim to
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
everything north of the Spanish city in the name of France.
Some history makers say that they ascended the Missouri river to the Arikarie villages, then turned south and crossed the Platte and Arkansas rivers. Watkins says their journey is somewhat shadowy, and Chittendon tells us that they left the Missouri river at or near the present site of Sioux City, on May 29th, and reached the Platte July 2d (a physical impossibility in those days of slow travel, and that they ascended the Platte to the forks, and the south fork to the mountains, arriving at Santa Fe, July 22d.
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Some history makers say that they ascended the Missouri river to the Arikarie villages, then turned south and crossed the Platte and Arkansas rivers. Watkins says their journey is somewhat shadowy, and Chittendon tells us that they left the Missouri river at or near the present site of Sioux City, on May 29th, and reached the Platte July 2d (a physical impossibility in those days of slow travel, and that they ascended the Platte to the forks, and the south fork to the mountains, arriving at Santa Fe, July 22d. The distance would be a thousand miles, and the time fifty days, or an average of twenty miles per day. which deduction makes it questionable, although possible.
But the story I have to tell, as I said, will fall upon some incredulous ears. It bridges in such a remarkable manner, the one hundred and fifty years from the time the trip was made, to the date the story came to me, that I would hardly venture to include it in history, except that I found some translations from Duiderot and De Margry, that fix the dates as stated, and lend confirmation to the balance of the story.
Old-timers, over on Gonneville, or Pumpkin creek, will remember Francois Jourdain, and around Sixty-Six mountain the pioneers will remember "Tommy" Chaunavierre. (The cowboys called him "Shunover.")
In the old days, thirty or more years ago, I frequently visited "Frenchy" Jourdain's cabin, which was about three miles east of Wildcat mountain, and I enjoyed his stories. He was not a voluble man, but if you started him upon reminiscence, tradition or history, he would wax eloquent in gesticulation and expression of countenance, even if not very articulate.
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Old-timers, over on Gonneville, or Pumpkin creek, will remember Francois Jourdain, and around Sixty-Six mountain the pioneers will remember "Tommy" Chaunavierre. (The cowboys called him "Shunover.")
In the old days, thirty or more years ago, I frequently visited "Frenchy" Jourdain's cabin, which was about three miles east of Wildcat mountain, and I enjoyed his stories. He was not a voluble man, but if you started him upon reminiscence, tradition or history, he would wax eloquent in gesticulation and expression of countenance, even if not very articulate.
On more than one occasion, I found "Old Tommy" visiting him, and at such times I could be little more than a listener. Their volatile conversation rattled on, half in French, and occasionally Tommy would refer to some ancient manuscript. Frenchy had a coverless book to which he occasionally referred, and this was printed in the French language.
The words "Mallet" (Mawley) and "De Margry" (Demarjory) soon fixed themselves in my mind, and after a time I got the story. Tommy claimed that a distant relative -- a far off ancestor -- once had the wonderful distinction of being selected by the Crown of France, as one of the party of eight, who under Mallet, was on a tour of investigation and exploration, and that about one hundred and fifty years before, they had passed through this very part
of the country. Their route, as outlined by Chaunavierre, left the Missouri river near the present site of Pierre (Pe-air), and up the little Missouri or Teton river, then across to White river, entering Nebraska at a point a little west of the present site of Chadron. They crossed the Pineridge near the Belmont station and the Running Water at Bell, where Charles H. Irion once was in the mercantile business. Then up Whistle creek and Coyote canyon, crossing the Snake creek valley, a few miles west of the present site of Curley, then near Spottedtail springs and down the west Sportedtail to the Platte river, then up Horse creek to a point some distance above the old Y- cross ranch, then turning southward, keeping close to the foot-hills, they arrived at Santa Fe in due time and completed their mission.
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Irion once was in the mercantile business. Then up Whistle creek and Coyote canyon, crossing the Snake creek valley, a few miles west of the present site of Curley, then near Spottedtail springs and down the west Sportedtail to the Platte river, then up Horse creek to a point some distance above the old Y- cross ranch, then turning southward, keeping close to the foot-hills, they arrived at Santa Fe in due time and completed their mission.
De Margry says that they reached the Platte river on June 2. 1739, and that they called it "Flatwater." This is the first time in all record, that I have seen the Platte river designated by a name, and it is the second story of white people in western Nebraska.
Since taking up this work the old story came back to me, and I have sought for its confirmation in contempory history. A story of startling interest has been uncovered.
One would hardly think that, during the reign of Louis XV, the Crown of France would take much interest in the development of foreign empire ; but some years before, an adventurer named John Law had wrecked the finances of the French government in a Mississippi speculation, and the succeeding prime minister. Cardinal Fleury. was engaged in the desperate task of reconstruction. There was only one way by which this could be accomplished, and that was by keeping the youthful king busy with frivolous pastime, while the master-hand performed the labor. And in this matter, the careless act of a nurse materially assisted. She was an attendant of Louis XV, when he was a child, and permitted him to play with the daughter of a blacksmith, for whom he formed a childish attachment.
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Cardinal Fleury. was engaged in the desperate task of reconstruction. There was only one way by which this could be accomplished, and that was by keeping the youthful king busy with frivolous pastime, while the master-hand performed the labor. And in this matter, the careless act of a nurse materially assisted. She was an attendant of Louis XV, when he was a child, and permitted him to play with the daughter of a blacksmith, for whom he formed a childish attachment.
At the ripe age of fifteen years, the ministry selected a Polish princess as the bride for the king. They reasoned that this plaything would keep him out of public affairs. After a time he began to think of the playmate of his childhood, and to keep him amused, the ministry made search, and found her, then grown into a beautiful woman. The king was mightily pleased, and he bestowed upon the blacksmith's daughter the title of Marchioness le Pompadour, and for twenty years she was the virtual ruler of France.
Spain had been anticipating an alliance of
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the French King with some one of Castillian nobility, and it is not the character of the Spaniard to take kindly to the shattering of hopes because of a blacksmith's daughter. The conditions had reached such a stage that they involved the territory of the new world. Spaniards had been endeavoring to get a foothold in the valleys of the Arkansas and the Platte, and it was under the direction of the French ministry that Mallet brothers traversed the wilderness in 1739.
44
the French King with some one of Castillian nobility, and it is not the character of the Spaniard to take kindly to the shattering of hopes because of a blacksmith's daughter. The conditions had reached such a stage that they involved the territory of the new world. Spaniards had been endeavoring to get a foothold in the valleys of the Arkansas and the Platte, and it was under the direction of the French ministry that Mallet brothers traversed the wilderness in 1739.
It may be noted that during the latter part of Lady Pompadour's sway over King Louis, that the French people were seized with a spasm of interest in literature. This was indeed one of the great epochs of France, and was likely brought about by the skeptic, Voltaire, who jarred upon the super-sensitive religious inclinations of the time, and so suited the French temperament of that period, that it provoked their sluggish intellects, drugged with long
years of excesses and vices, into some sort of natural action. In passing it may be well to add that after the death of Pompadour, when Madame Du Barry became the favorite of the degenerate king, the French government practically collapsed.
Mallet brothers, carrying the French flag into the wilderness, was the wise work of . Cardinal Fleury, and it was the same force that prompted the expedition of Verendrye into northern Wyoming in 1740.
Whatever feeble collateral history there is available at this time, was probably inspired by Lady Pompadour. And from Duiderot, one of the famous scriveners of the time, and from De Margry, are the only references to the journey, that I have been able to find. I would give much for the manuscript of Tommy Chaunavierre, but he is passed; and the family long scattered to other lands.
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Cardinal Fleury, and it was the same force that prompted the expedition of Verendrye into northern Wyoming in 1740.
Whatever feeble collateral history there is available at this time, was probably inspired by Lady Pompadour. And from Duiderot, one of the famous scriveners of the time, and from De Margry, are the only references to the journey, that I have been able to find. I would give much for the manuscript of Tommy Chaunavierre, but he is passed; and the family long scattered to other lands.
THE FUR-TRADERS
The fur trade began in the territory about us, a little over one hundred years ago, and it continued until the passing of the buffalo. The active period was for about fifty years, and the romance of that wild, hard life is now only a memory.
The dangers attendant during the Indian wars, the thrilling experiences of emigrants and pony express riders, and the overland stage, and the later inspiration of the cowmen, each have important parts ; and in the evolution of the past, the homesteaders of twenty-five to thirty-five years ago, and the people of the later periods, each have been history makers. The slow process of irrigation, has been another epoch in our little world, and the fullness of its glory is not yet nearly reached. But fur trailers and trappers came into this primitive wilderness, largely for the love of adventure, and they built campfires that burned so brightly for a time which now have faded and smoldered, and are lost into the receding past.
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The dangers attendant during the Indian wars, the thrilling experiences of emigrants and pony express riders, and the overland stage, and the later inspiration of the cowmen, each have important parts ; and in the evolution of the past, the homesteaders of twenty-five to thirty-five years ago, and the people of the later periods, each have been history makers. The slow process of irrigation, has been another epoch in our little world, and the fullness of its glory is not yet nearly reached. But fur trailers and trappers came into this primitive wilderness, largely for the love of adventure, and they built campfires that burned so brightly for a time which now have faded and smoldered, and are lost into the receding past.
The Latin races have always been pioneers
ration and enterprise. The Cross of
Christ, and the Sword of the Spanish Conquerer, have gone hand in hand over the great southwest, and it was in the early centuries that Spanish pilgrims wandered into the northwest, and many of them never returned.
Foremost among the fur-traders, came Manuel Lisa. He organized the Missouri Fur Company about 1807, and sent out trappers and pushed boats up the Missouri and the Yellowstone. The fierce competition waged by the Hudson Bay company, on the upper Missouri river and its tributaries, effected a change of base. We find no record of Lisa visiting this section of the state, but his mark is stamped indelibly on this land. A number of writers seem to think he was here about 1809, but no real record has been found. Manuel Lisa and his wife were the first white people to set up housekeeping in Nebraska, they establishing a home near the mouth of the Platte about 1809.
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The fierce competition waged by the Hudson Bay company, on the upper Missouri river and its tributaries, effected a change of base. We find no record of Lisa visiting this section of the state, but his mark is stamped indelibly on this land. A number of writers seem to think he was here about 1809, but no real record has been found. Manuel Lisa and his wife were the first white people to set up housekeeping in Nebraska, they establishing a home near the mouth of the Platte about 1809.
Jacques Laramie, was at or near that time, associating himself with free trappers and establishing a rendezvous at the confluence of the Platte and Laramie rivers, and there are evidences that white men had preceded him. Someone in earlier years had left the mark on
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the Hartville hills. Roi and Dornin were met by the returning Astorians, at the eastern end of Grand Island, in the spring of 1813, and they were on their way up the Platte. For how many years they had been coming there is no record, but that they might have been associated with Manuel Lisa, seems quite probable. They appeared as free trappers at the mouth of the Laramie in the later years.
When Robert Stuart and party met them at Grand Island, they had come up the river in a boat, and they disposed of the elkskin craft to the Stuart party. Rio and Dornin them moved on up the Platte through the Sand Hills, and must have traversed the Old Trail sometime during the same year.
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For how many years they had been coming there is no record, but that they might have been associated with Manuel Lisa, seems quite probable. They appeared as free trappers at the mouth of the Laramie in the later years.
When Robert Stuart and party met them at Grand Island, they had come up the river in a boat, and they disposed of the elkskin craft to the Stuart party. Rio and Dornin them moved on up the Platte through the Sand Hills, and must have traversed the Old Trail sometime during the same year.
The fur hunters of that day left their mark upon the country and some of the names linger over to this time. Among those who met in the annual rendezvous on the Laramie, were Jaques Laramie, and M. Goshe, and Gonneville. Each left his bones in the western land, and each brought lingering names to the geography of the west : Laramie peak, Laramie mountains, Laramie plains, Laramie river and the Little Laramie, Laramie city and old Fort Laramie. Goshe frequented the land southeast of the annual rendezvous, and had built him a cabin on Cherry creek, and here he was found dead, apparently murdered by Arapahoes, which were never to be trusted, and then the numerous basins and flats on the eastern border of Wyoming, south of the Platte, became known as Goshe's Holes.
Probably the change in the name was due to the Mormons, who probably misunderstood it in the first place. The notes of many paragraphers call it "Goshen Hole" after the Mormons' pilgrimage to the valley of Great Salt Lake. John Henry Smith, a once prominent Mormon, now passed, told me that there was something about this country that appealed to those of his faith, when journeying into the mountains, and many of them wished that this could be made the Mecca of their journey.
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Probably the change in the name was due to the Mormons, who probably misunderstood it in the first place. The notes of many paragraphers call it "Goshen Hole" after the Mormons' pilgrimage to the valley of Great Salt Lake. John Henry Smith, a once prominent Mormon, now passed, told me that there was something about this country that appealed to those of his faith, when journeying into the mountains, and many of them wished that this could be made the Mecca of their journey.
Among the meagre personal effects of M.
Goshe, at the time of his demise, were found crude sketches which indicated that he trapped on Cherry creek, Horse creek, Bear creek, Lodgepole creek, Lawrence fork, and Gonneville or Pumpkin creek, all of which were then unnamed.
Gonneville was like Goshe, a French Creole, and after the annual meet at the Laramie rendezvous, he would disappear into the southeast wilderness, where he trapped for beaver as far east probably as Ash Hollow. His period of activity extended from 1820 to 1830. He was with Bissonette at the time the bones of immortal Scott were found near the spring on Scotts Bluff mountain, and he was killed by Indians in 1830, near the point where Lorren's fork joins Pumpkin creek. The latter then became known as Gonneville creek, until the coming of the cowmen.
It seems natural for successive classes of people in any territory, to unconsciously endeavor to obliterate the names and the glory of the departing peoples. Thus the reckless and contemptuous cowmen changed much of our geographical nomenclature. Lodgepole creek became commonly known as Pole creek, and Gonneville creek lost its historic significance in the prosiac Pumpkinseed. Lorren's fork became Lawrence fork, and the beautiful Bluewater now bears a disagreeable name, the Snake.
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The latter then became known as Gonneville creek, until the coming of the cowmen.
It seems natural for successive classes of people in any territory, to unconsciously endeavor to obliterate the names and the glory of the departing peoples. Thus the reckless and contemptuous cowmen changed much of our geographical nomenclature. Lodgepole creek became commonly known as Pole creek, and Gonneville creek lost its historic significance in the prosiac Pumpkinseed. Lorren's fork became Lawrence fork, and the beautiful Bluewater now bears a disagreeable name, the Snake.
There is a justification for new people, who accomplish new things, to stamp indelibly the fact upon some physical attraction, but if it must be done by tearing down an identity that was here long before, it becomes a travesty, and an act little short of vandalism.
Take for instance, Mud Springs, so full of history that a volume could be written concerning it but the railroad has named the station "Simla." What does Simla indicate? Possibly the name of some railroad official, and possibly not so much as that. But it does mean the obliteration of an historical identity and association, and a sentiment that the generations of men would appreciate.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ROBERT STUART'S WINTER CAMP
On June 20th, 1812, Robert Stuart, with a party of six others, left Astoria, Oregon, carrying dispatches to John Jacob Astor, of New York. The personnel of this party were hardened mountaineers and each is worthy of a volume of history, but as the achievements appear from time to time, it will not be necessary to give them further introduction now.
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But it does mean the obliteration of an historical identity and association, and a sentiment that the generations of men would appreciate.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ROBERT STUART'S WINTER CAMP
On June 20th, 1812, Robert Stuart, with a party of six others, left Astoria, Oregon, carrying dispatches to John Jacob Astor, of New York. The personnel of this party were hardened mountaineers and each is worthy of a volume of history, but as the achievements appear from time to time, it will not be necessary to give them further introduction now.
\\ Inn near the present site of Walla Walla, Washington, John Day, who was one of the party, was taken ill, and attempted suicide. Friendly Indians were prevailed upon to take him back to Astoria, where one report says he died. Another says that he recovered, which is quite likely true, for mention of his deeds can be found in the records as late as 1819.
Upon the upper Mad river, now called Snake, they met with a party of four trappers, which the Astorians had left in the mountains the year previous. These consisted of Edward Robinson, a Kentuckian who in a brush with the Indians at an earlier date had lost his scalp, and John Hoback, Jacob Rizner and Jacob Miller. The Blackfeet had stripped them completely, and the first three named returned to the mountains to recoup their lost fortunes, while Miller joined Stuart's party, which made it again seven in number. Robinson. Hoback and Rizner all perished in the wilderness.
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Upon the upper Mad river, now called Snake, they met with a party of four trappers, which the Astorians had left in the mountains the year previous. These consisted of Edward Robinson, a Kentuckian who in a brush with the Indians at an earlier date had lost his scalp, and John Hoback, Jacob Rizner and Jacob Miller. The Blackfeet had stripped them completely, and the first three named returned to the mountains to recoup their lost fortunes, while Miller joined Stuart's party, which made it again seven in number. Robinson. Hoback and Rizner all perished in the wilderness.
Stuart's party proceeded onward, and met with many hardships. When near the continental divide, which they crossed on October 20th; when for several days they had been without food, LeClerc, a French-Canadian, came to the leader with the startling proposition that they cast lots to see who should die to furnish food for the others. To obtain the consent of Stuart, he proposed that the leader should not take the hazard. Unable to prevail upon the man to desist from his horrible suggestion in any other way. Stuart told him that if In- heard another word of it. the man who made the suggestion would be the one to die. The Canadian subsided, and fortunately they soon thereafter killed a run-down buffalo bull.
With lives sustained, the party was enabled to continue proceed as tin- discoverers of 1 Iverland Trail, which from the east as far west as western Wyoming, has been used with only slight variation-, by ( Iregon emigrants, California gold seekers, ami Mormons.
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Stuart told him that if In- heard another word of it. the man who made the suggestion would be the one to die. The Canadian subsided, and fortunately they soon thereafter killed a run-down buffalo bull.
With lives sustained, the party was enabled to continue proceed as tin- discoverers of 1 Iverland Trail, which from the east as far west as western Wyoming, has been used with only slight variation-, by ( Iregon emigrants, California gold seekers, ami Mormons.
This adventurous party went into winter quarters early in November, 1812, on the north bank of the river, which they afterwards identified as the Platte, at the point where Poison Spider creek comes out of the north. Game was abundant, and while four of the party worked at making a suitable winter habitation, the other three were out in the adjoining mountains shooting buffalo, deer, bighorns, and other big game with which the country abounded.
Here they reveled and feasted after their days of famine and meat boiled, broiled and roasted made the variety of the daily fare. But they were not destined to remain undisturbed in their comfortable quarters. Early in December they \vere visited by a score or more of hungry Indians, professing friendship after the manner of the early redmen when destitute and hungry. They were fed from the abundant stores of the Stuart party and sent upon their way with several days rations.
This visit, the travelers knew, would be only a beginning, so they reluctantly broke camp on the 13th of December and proceeded down the river.
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But they were not destined to remain undisturbed in their comfortable quarters. Early in December they \vere visited by a score or more of hungry Indians, professing friendship after the manner of the early redmen when destitute and hungry. They were fed from the abundant stores of the Stuart party and sent upon their way with several days rations.
This visit, the travelers knew, would be only a beginning, so they reluctantly broke camp on the 13th of December and proceeded down the river.
It was late in the month when the party reached the prairies of Nebraska. They traveled on until about the line between the present counties of Morrill and Garden, where the white dreary solitude looked so destitute of subsistence that they retraced their steps for three days before finding a suitable location for their camp.
On New Year's day, 1813, they were in a Cottonwood grove on the north bank of the river at a point about four miles west of the present city of Scottsbluff. Here there were trees large enough to make canoes, and the Platte, though frozen over had an appearance of being navigable for small boats.
In the years that have passed since then, the river has changed its course, and has cut into the lower end of Spring creek, leaving the location of the old camp upon what is know n as Big Island just at its lower extremity.
At this place some of the older dwellers of the valley -- Theo. D. Deutsch and others -- can recollect the very old cottonwood stumps, possibly the very trees cut by this party and made into canoes. And Mr. Deutsch is the owner of a hand forged ax, found on this is-
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In the years that have passed since then, the river has changed its course, and has cut into the lower end of Spring creek, leaving the location of the old camp upon what is know n as Big Island just at its lower extremity.
At this place some of the older dwellers of the valley -- Theo. D. Deutsch and others -- can recollect the very old cottonwood stumps, possibly the very trees cut by this party and made into canoes. And Mr. Deutsch is the owner of a hand forged ax, found on this is-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
land which might have been once used by the Stuart party 100 years ago.
I wonder if the resolute Stuart ever had visions of the future -- if he ever dreamed that he and his party were blazing the trail for the mighty shifting of population that later crossed the continent. Children not then born, were the heads of families with Marcus Whitman, who piloted emigrants to Oregon in 1842-43 and 44. And there are great grandparents now living that were not born when Whitman made his journey.
This camp on Big Island was in the long ago. It was fifteen years before Hiram Scott
Robert Stuart's Winter Camp, 1812-13 Drawn from description and survey of Big Island.
perished on the bluff that bears his name, and was twenty years earlier than the time that Captain Bonneville visited the Scottsbluff county and made mention of the famous mountain.
The hut builded by these adventurers consisted of cottonwood posts, over which were fastened buffalo robes, making a wall that kept out the sweeping blasts that came down through Platte canyon, and roared over the bleak, bare prairies. In true wild fashion, the hole through which the smoke from the fires escaped was in the center of their winter home.
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perished on the bluff that bears his name, and was twenty years earlier than the time that Captain Bonneville visited the Scottsbluff county and made mention of the famous mountain.
The hut builded by these adventurers consisted of cottonwood posts, over which were fastened buffalo robes, making a wall that kept out the sweeping blasts that came down through Platte canyon, and roared over the bleak, bare prairies. In true wild fashion, the hole through which the smoke from the fires escaped was in the center of their winter home. Buffalo robes were piled upon the ground for the beds. The old horse that had done them such service in packing over the mountains was turned loose to find food and shelter in the primitive way.
There were two Canadians in the party, Valler and LeClerc, who were relied upon to do much of the hunting. And Robert McLellan, who was with Wayne in the Indian wars east of the Mississippi, was not of a temperament for the confinement of a camp. The river was frozen over, and the hunters went at will among the south hills, or hunted sheep on the mountain.
It is quite generally known these peculiar creatures of the wild used to frequent the most inaccessible cliffs of old Scotts Bluff, and they could be seen standing out in bold relief on the outermost pinnacles, surveying the bad lands and the valley with proprietary dignity. They would bound along the ledges that no hunter would dare to follow, or would leap over precipices when hard pressed striking upon their horns fifty or one hundred feet below, and recovering their feet, Would run away unharmed.
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It is quite generally known these peculiar creatures of the wild used to frequent the most inaccessible cliffs of old Scotts Bluff, and they could be seen standing out in bold relief on the outermost pinnacles, surveying the bad lands and the valley with proprietary dignity. They would bound along the ledges that no hunter would dare to follow, or would leap over precipices when hard pressed striking upon their horns fifty or one hundred feet below, and recovering their feet, Would run away unharmed.
The last of these animals in the Scotts Bluff country were killed by Hardy Farns- Worth and George Slonecker about 1888, and the head and horns of that killed by Slonecker weighed forty-seven pounds.
McLellan would often be out for several days, and the worse the weather the better it suited his wild nature. Like the stormy petrol, he glorified in defying the tempests. Frequently his campfire beacons gleamed above the hills in the direction of the landmarks of what in after years became known as the "Hogback" and "Wildcat Mountain."
Beaver were found along the river and the hunters added a number of their pelts to their store.
There was but little game upon the prairie, the buffalo having retired to the mountains or migrated southward. But occasionally great droves of antelope could be seen in the open or passing over some distant ridge. The timbered hills to the southward afforded plenty of blacktail deer, and when the hunters first appeared among them they were too wild to be scared. Upon the approach of the white man they would bound out of the thicket only a few feet away, and turn and stand looking at one, with wide and wondering eyes.
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But occasionally great droves of antelope could be seen in the open or passing over some distant ridge. The timbered hills to the southward afforded plenty of blacktail deer, and when the hunters first appeared among them they were too wild to be scared. Upon the approach of the white man they would bound out of the thicket only a few feet away, and turn and stand looking at one, with wide and wondering eyes.
Early in March, the ice went out of the river, and on the eighth of the month, the party embarked in their canoes, and proceeded d.-iwn the turbulent stream. Only a few miles below they encountered snags and sand bars, obliging them to abandon their canoe and continue their journey on foot. Near the eastern extremity of Grand Island, they met an Otte (Otoe) Indian, who directed them to the camp of two white traders, who were on their way into the wilderness. From them they procured an elkhide boat and continued their journey to St. Louis by water.
These arc the men who made the' wonderful and hazardous trip, without the loss of a man, in the worst part of the year, who discovered and traversed the most practical route across the continental divide, and laid the foundation for a great national, ocean to ocean high-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
wey, and to whom a stone shall be raised that will fittingly commemorate their achievements : Robert Stuart, Ramsey Crooks, Robert Mc-
Clellan, Ben Jones, Joseph Miller, Francis Le- Clerc and Andri Valler.
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These arc the men who made the' wonderful and hazardous trip, without the loss of a man, in the worst part of the year, who discovered and traversed the most practical route across the continental divide, and laid the foundation for a great national, ocean to ocean high-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
wey, and to whom a stone shall be raised that will fittingly commemorate their achievements : Robert Stuart, Ramsey Crooks, Robert Mc-
Clellan, Ben Jones, Joseph Miller, Francis Le- Clerc and Andri Valler.
JACQUES LARAMIE'S CARAVANS AND FLEETS
The romance of the hunter and trapper has always appealed to boys. We have all had our ;siins^ and there are few of us who have not, at some time in our career, set steel traps in the creeks and ponds around home, or improvised a snare for wild game.
Many of the hunters and trappers of one hundred years ago, took to the wilderness for the love of the tiling, but there were some who went into it for gain. Of such, not all were destined to receive the profit which they hoped would be theirs.
Of the former class John Day, with his six feet two, and his manly upright bearing was a type. It is true that like many another of his kind, he died far away from civilization, and wild animals gnawed at, and fought over his bones. Too many of them shared this melancholy fate ; and too many of them shared the fate of Manuel Lisa who put so much spirit end energy into the fur enterprise. He was of more than average intelligence and had much practical knowledge of the business, but it did not avail. The hazards were too great, and he died absolutely insolvent.
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It is true that like many another of his kind, he died far away from civilization, and wild animals gnawed at, and fought over his bones. Too many of them shared this melancholy fate ; and too many of them shared the fate of Manuel Lisa who put so much spirit end energy into the fur enterprise. He was of more than average intelligence and had much practical knowledge of the business, but it did not avail. The hazards were too great, and he died absolutely insolvent.
Robert Stuart and Ramsey Crooks were among the fortunate. They early became the western lieutenants of the fur king, John Jacob A si or. and in that capacity made money not only for him but for themselves.
Early in the year 1814 word found way into the mountains that the party of Astorians had reached St. Louis by a much shorter route than that usually taken, and devoid of many of the dangers along the Missouri river route. This fact naturally led to a shifting of free trappers from tin more frequented fields into tin- new and fresher territory along the Platte and Sweetwater.
About 1815, tin competition among the big companies operating in the mountain- reached such a stage that some of the partisans seemed to think that robbery and murder were duties oi faithful employees. This
caused peace loving men like Jacques Laramie to leave the partisans of the trade, and engage in free trapping. He held that the world was large enough for all. The result was that a large number who believed as he did, had decided to let the partisans fight it out ; and they had taken to the newer fields of enterprise, and had made a rendezvous at the junction of the Laramie Fork and the North Platte.
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caused peace loving men like Jacques Laramie to leave the partisans of the trade, and engage in free trapping. He held that the world was large enough for all. The result was that a large number who believed as he did, had decided to let the partisans fight it out ; and they had taken to the newer fields of enterprise, and had made a rendezvous at the junction of the Laramie Fork and the North Platte. And from this point they loaded their packs of beaver for St. Louis.
After the first year's experience, the historic spot became an annual rendezvous -- the place of meeting to journey to civilization, and point of dispersing into the wilderness.
History is somewhat of a desert as to the free trapping fraternity. Their independence, and for the most part illiteracy, combined to condemn them to obscurity.
It was the manner of many of the half wild people of the mountains to go with their peltries into the city, and after disposing of them, to spend the money royally, after which they would repair to the wilderness for more. The wild was a part of their lives.
The stormy petrol, -- Robert McLellan -- who returned with Stuart to St. Louis through the valley of the "Flat Water," in 1812-13, never again returned to the mountains. But civilization was not of his kind, and he died less than two years thereafter.
Jacques Laramie was an unusual character among the people of long ago. Too many of the wilderness men were inclined to forget their obligation. Expediency and the needs of the moment were of vastly greater concern to them than the vague uncomprehensive contract signed with "his x mark" made to some partisans of the fur trade.
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Louis through the valley of the "Flat Water," in 1812-13, never again returned to the mountains. But civilization was not of his kind, and he died less than two years thereafter.
Jacques Laramie was an unusual character among the people of long ago. Too many of the wilderness men were inclined to forget their obligation. Expediency and the needs of the moment were of vastly greater concern to them than the vague uncomprehensive contract signed with "his x mark" made to some partisans of the fur trade.
Yet for the purpose of disposing of their peltries, it was necessary for them to rely upon some one to do the mathematical work, and one who would not let the "wise ones" of
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
civilized trade, take their hides along with the pelts of animals.
Laramie became a leader of free trappers -- the man whom all trusted -- -and from year to year the rendezvous at "Laramie's fork" grew, as new men heard of the newer and safer route to and from the base of supplies.
For five years after 1S15 the trappers met in May of each year, and when conditions were favorable, the peltries were loaded on the bullboats, and Laramie with a party would convey them down the river. Another party would take horses to a point about four hundred miles below to assist their return. Keelboats plying on the Missouri river, would take Laramie "and his cargo from the mouth of the Platte to St. Louis and return, and occasionally keelboats could ascend the Platte as far as Grand Island -- then an unnamed island.
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For five years after 1S15 the trappers met in May of each year, and when conditions were favorable, the peltries were loaded on the bullboats, and Laramie with a party would convey them down the river. Another party would take horses to a point about four hundred miles below to assist their return. Keelboats plying on the Missouri river, would take Laramie "and his cargo from the mouth of the Platte to St. Louis and return, and occasionally keelboats could ascend the Platte as far as Grand Island -- then an unnamed island.
Ordinarily, however, the party were compelled to use its bullboats up the Platte to the meeting place. Sometimes traders would be found at the island rendezvous, who would take all their pelts, furnish them with supplies and permit them to return. Pack horses were invariably used on this return through western Nebraska.
Here the supplies were distributed by the just hand of Laramie, as had been ordered and was required by each trapper or company of trappers and all would then take to the prairies or mountains, each announcing the portion of the wild in which he proposed to operate for the coming year.
Thus it transpired that from 1815 onward, there were troops of horse, and fleets of batteaux frequently traversing the great valley of the North Platte.
There was always plenty of driftwood for their small needs, as the trips were made quickly. The boats traveled about seventyfive miles per day, and the horses about thirty, so that five or six days would take the boat to the island rendezvous, and twelve or fifteen would bring the horses back to Laramie's fork.
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Thus it transpired that from 1815 onward, there were troops of horse, and fleets of batteaux frequently traversing the great valley of the North Platte.
There was always plenty of driftwood for their small needs, as the trips were made quickly. The boats traveled about seventyfive miles per day, and the horses about thirty, so that five or six days would take the boat to the island rendezvous, and twelve or fifteen would bring the horses back to Laramie's fork.
At this time of the year the Indians south of the Platte, particularly the Arapahoes, were following buffalo herds northward The Ogallalas and Tetons who claimed the territory north of the Platte always resisted the progress of the southern tribes into their hunting
grounds, and the river was the halting line. Above the fork of the Laramie, that river was the line of resistance.
Arapahoes were always distrustful of the white people, and continued hostile until 1832, when Captain Gant established a post on the Arkansas, and won their friendship. The Cheyennes, also south of the river, were of the same unreliable nature, and about 1815, they joined the Arapahoes, and operated with them for several years.
On the other hand, the Tetons and Ogallalas were always friendly up to this period. Even in the later wars, Spotted Tail, the famous chief of the Ogallalas, was a peace loving Indian, and regretted the necessity of fighting the whites, but he could not do otherwise than "throw in with his people," when the eloquence of Red Cloud won them over to war.
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The Cheyennes, also south of the river, were of the same unreliable nature, and about 1815, they joined the Arapahoes, and operated with them for several years.
On the other hand, the Tetons and Ogallalas were always friendly up to this period. Even in the later wars, Spotted Tail, the famous chief of the Ogallalas, was a peace loving Indian, and regretted the necessity of fighting the whites, but he could not do otherwise than "throw in with his people," when the eloquence of Red Cloud won them over to war.
So marked was this condition, that the trappers who made the annual trips up and down the Platte, found it better to keep on the north side of the stream, particularly on the return trip which was made in June. The river made a natural barrier against their predatory foes, and afforded comparative safety to those of the caravans moving along the valley during the high water period.
The greater number of the trappers went north and west from the rendezvous for the same reason. Those who took to the streams on the south to gather beaver usually met with disaster. Goshe was found dead in his cabin, and Gonneville was killed on the creek that bore his name for so many years, and even that friend of the Indian, the gentle Jacques Laramie, was not immune from the vicious Arapahoes.
In 1820, he announced that he would trap on Laramie fork the coming season, and when the other trappers pointed out the dangers, he said he would go alone. He did -- and he died alone, at the base of the great mountain that bears his name. His body was found in his cabin in 1821 by a party of trappers who had gone in search of him.
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Goshe was found dead in his cabin, and Gonneville was killed on the creek that bore his name for so many years, and even that friend of the Indian, the gentle Jacques Laramie, was not immune from the vicious Arapahoes.
In 1820, he announced that he would trap on Laramie fork the coming season, and when the other trappers pointed out the dangers, he said he would go alone. He did -- and he died alone, at the base of the great mountain that bears his name. His body was found in his cabin in 1821 by a party of trappers who had gone in search of him.
He had failed to meet at the rendezvous as agreed, but he had gone the way of brave John Day, and of Hoback, Robinson, Rezner and McLellan. into a stranger land -- to a Final Rendezvous in the Wilderness of Stars.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
GENERAL WILLIAM H. ASHLEY'S TRAPPERS -- DEATH OF HIRAM SCOTT
In 1823, General Ashley started with a powerful party up the Missouri, but at the Ankara villages they met with such hostilities that a number of men were killed and others utterly discouraged. Following the talk of mutiny, he released all, and called for volunteers. Forty men, most of them hardy mountaineers from Kentucky, responded ; the others returning to St. Louis. Among the forty was Hiram Scott, a man of considerable education and romance.
With these men General Ashley returned to the Platte and ascended the river to the mountains. At the forks, he sent a small detachment up the south river with instructions to meet the main party on the Seeds-keedee, or prairie-hen river, which had been called the Spanish river for some time, and soon after it was changed to Green river. With about thirty men he crossed the south fork of the Platte at the point where the city of North Platte now lies, and the north fork at or near the mouth of the Birdwood.
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At the forks, he sent a small detachment up the south river with instructions to meet the main party on the Seeds-keedee, or prairie-hen river, which had been called the Spanish river for some time, and soon after it was changed to Green river. With about thirty men he crossed the south fork of the Platte at the point where the city of North Platte now lies, and the north fork at or near the mouth of the Birdwood.
Closely crowding the river on the north side were the sand hills, of which it was said: "This remarkable region is composed of rounded hillrocks of sand, and blowouts, so similar that one better be lost in the trackless forest than to become confused in his bearings."
When opposite "the Needle," no doubt Chimney Rock, they were halted three hours to allow the buffalo to pass. Thousands of them were coming out of the mountains, crossing the river, and disappearing into the hills of the north.
General Ashley's party camped that night at "an island of considerable proportions which, seemed to be a rendezvous for wild fowl." The description given tallies with Long Island, occasionally designated as Hughes Island, where wild geese nested in earlier days.
There was an old saying among the Indians thai " Vbove the forks of the Platte, the grass does not burn." In the shadowy first years then- was very little grass in this country, and the little that did spring up in the early season, and much of the prairie was absolutely ban- by the middle of July. Thus it occurred that when General Ashley reached "the meadows," he rested for a few day. to let his horses recup
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There was an old saying among the Indians thai " Vbove the forks of the Platte, the grass does not burn." In the shadowy first years then- was very little grass in this country, and the little that did spring up in the early season, and much of the prairie was absolutely ban- by the middle of July. Thus it occurred that when General Ashley reached "the meadows," he rested for a few day. to let his horses recup
"A mountain of considerable proportions was nearly Opposite the camp," and one wild soul remarked that when he died he hoped that his body would be buried upon the top
minence as that. I have wondered if
the man who thus remarked was Hiram Scott, and if, five years later, it was the memory of this mountain that had inspired him onward to die at its feet.
Somewhere in the mountains Mr. Scott met Narcisse LeClerc. Francis LeClerc, who was with Stuart in 1812, was a kinsman of Narcisse, and had told him of the wonderful fur resources in the mountains, and the former was not long in finding his way into the wilds.
General Ashlev had returned to St. Louis
Death of Hiriam Scott
in the autumn of 1823, and Scott had become a free trapper, when he met LeClerc. (Ferris says that Scott was clerk of the American Fur Company, and that may have been true at one time, but not in 1828.)
The competition among the companies had driven the most enterprising men into the free trapper fraternity, and the exactions of free trappers drove the companies to consolidation. The Northwest had become a part of the Hudson Bay, and in July, 1827, the American Fur Company absorbed the Columbia. Free trappers would undoubtedly receive less for their peltries, and LeClerc and Scott determined to organize a new company.
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in the autumn of 1823, and Scott had become a free trapper, when he met LeClerc. (Ferris says that Scott was clerk of the American Fur Company, and that may have been true at one time, but not in 1828.)
The competition among the companies had driven the most enterprising men into the free trapper fraternity, and the exactions of free trappers drove the companies to consolidation. The Northwest had become a part of the Hudson Bay, and in July, 1827, the American Fur Company absorbed the Columbia. Free trappers would undoubtedly receive less for their peltries, and LeClerc and Scott determined to organize a new company.
MrKenzie, manager of the post of the American, was a special object of dislike. LeClerc told Papin, a confrere, at a later date, that he "would like nothing better, than puffing a good cigar along side of McKenzie."
Now while the Northwest had been absorbed by the Hudson Bay, the name had a traditional and commercial value, and LeClerc
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
and Scott decided upon "Northwest Fur Company," as the name for their new concern. Thus it transpired that a considerable number of free trappers were assembled under the leadership of LeClerc, with Hiram Scott as clerk and bookkeeper. And they were enroute for St. Louis in 1828, to dispose of their first collection of peltries, and formally launch their company.
Chittendon says that this new company was outfitted by Henry Shaw, but that was later and after the death of Scott.
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and Scott decided upon "Northwest Fur Company," as the name for their new concern. Thus it transpired that a considerable number of free trappers were assembled under the leadership of LeClerc, with Hiram Scott as clerk and bookkeeper. And they were enroute for St. Louis in 1828, to dispose of their first collection of peltries, and formally launch their company.
Chittendon says that this new company was outfitted by Henry Shaw, but that was later and after the death of Scott.
Just above Platte canyon, at the rock bottom ford, Scott was taken ill, and left behind with Roi and Bissonette, to be taken by a bullboat through the Platte canyon, and to overtake the party at "the big bluff one hundred miles down the river," where they would tarry and trap. (People coming to Scotts Bluff from the plain refer to it as a mountain, but people from the mountains regularly called it a bluff.)
The story of the naming of Scotts Bluff, as told by Washington Irving in "Captain Bonneville," needs only these few alterations and embellishments, which I have garnered from the notes of other brave men of the mountains, to make it complete.
After a few days the boat was launched, but was upset in the canyon, and all provisions and ammunition were lost. The three men reached the shore, however, and after some difficulty reached Laramie's fork. While searching for food, Roi and Bissonette came upon the fresh trail of LeClerc and party, and abandoned Scott in the wilderness. On reaching the big bluff, they found that the others had not waited as agreed, so they pushed onward. When overtaking the party, they improvised the story that Scott had died from exposure and fever.
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After a few days the boat was launched, but was upset in the canyon, and all provisions and ammunition were lost. The three men reached the shore, however, and after some difficulty reached Laramie's fork. While searching for food, Roi and Bissonette came upon the fresh trail of LeClerc and party, and abandoned Scott in the wilderness. On reaching the big bluff, they found that the others had not waited as agreed, so they pushed onward. When overtaking the party, they improvised the story that Scott had died from exposure and fever.
The following year Bissonette, Gonneville and Roubideaux were returning from civilization, and they found a skeleton at the spring, on the mountain, which the former declared was that of Hiram Scott. He had walked or crawled seventy miles, before his resolute spirit took its flight. The Bissonette here mentioned was a son of Antoine Bissonette and one of his many Indian wives. Antoine was with Manuel Lisa in 1807, and deserted. With Lisa's order to retake him dead or alive, Drouillard shot and mortally wounded him. The mongrel son, who inherited his father's penchant for deserting a companion, lived to a ripe old age, and is mentioned by Francis Parkman, who visited this village on Horse Creek in 1846. He had married a squaw -- several of them in fact -- and was the chief of a small band when visited by Parkman. They were camped near the present site of La Grange, and were miserably poor. Their principal food consisted of choke berries crushed with stones and dried on buffalo robes in the sun. They had journeyed in from the south, and on the trip had lived for the most part on huge wingless grasshoppers, which clumsily fell about their moccasins as they walked.
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He had married a squaw -- several of them in fact -- and was the chief of a small band when visited by Parkman. They were camped near the present site of La Grange, and were miserably poor. Their principal food consisted of choke berries crushed with stones and dried on buffalo robes in the sun. They had journeyed in from the south, and on the trip had lived for the most part on huge wingless grasshoppers, which clumsily fell about their moccasins as they walked.
History is singularly destitute relating to the future movements of Roi, but Narcisse Le- Clerc was a live wire for several years that followed.
TOSHUA PILCHER AND FORTY-FIVE TRAPPERS
When Manuel Lisa died, in August, 1820, Joshua Pilcher succeeded him as manager of the Missouri Fur Company. Pilcher followed the much used route up the Missouri river for several years.
He was with Leavenworth and Ashley in the Arikara fight which was participated in by Hiram Scott and others familiar in Scotts Bluff history. This little event on the Missouri and subsequent bitterness between him and Colonel Leavenworth, and the increased hostility of the Arikaras after the Leavenworth fiasco,
caused the Platte river to lie selected for Pilcher's operations.
For a while he confined himself to short journeys up the river as far as Grand Island where he met trappers coming from the mountains, and up the Loup and other tributaries trading with the Pawnees.
In September, 1827, he started from Council Bluffs, where he had a trading station, with a party of forty-five trappers for Salt Lake Valley. This was the first recorded time of his journeying above "the coast of the Platte,"
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For a while he confined himself to short journeys up the river as far as Grand Island where he met trappers coming from the mountains, and up the Loup and other tributaries trading with the Pawnees.
In September, 1827, he started from Council Bluffs, where he had a trading station, with a party of forty-five trappers for Salt Lake Valley. This was the first recorded time of his journeying above "the coast of the Platte,"
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
as the bluffs on either side of the river from Kearney west were afterwards named.
The original Council Bluffs were on the west side of the Missouri, and some twenty-five miles up the river from the present site of the modern city of that name. They were so named because of a famous council held there between the Indian tribes and Lewis and Clarke. About twenty trading posts had been established between these bluffs and the mouth of the Platte.
Pilcher followed the usual method and divided his party at the forks of the Platte, a small detachment crossing both forks of the river near that point, and going up the south side of the "South River." with instructions to join the main party in the vicinity of the "Southern Pass."
With thirty men he proceeded up the north side of the "North river," leaving the forks of the river on September 25th.
On the 27th he passed the Birdwood, and October 4th found them "opposite the low lying, fantastic bluffs, resembling citadels, castles, towers, and other works of man."
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Pilcher followed the usual method and divided his party at the forks of the Platte, a small detachment crossing both forks of the river near that point, and going up the south side of the "South River." with instructions to join the main party in the vicinity of the "Southern Pass."
With thirty men he proceeded up the north side of the "North river," leaving the forks of the river on September 25th.
On the 27th he passed the Birdwood, and October 4th found them "opposite the low lying, fantastic bluffs, resembling citadels, castles, towers, and other works of man."
"The Chimney" was passed the following day. and so far as I have been able to find, this is the first time it was called "chimney," by early travelers. Two days after they crossed the meadows, and camped opposite the "first real mountain on the journey." At this time Scotts Bluff had not received its name.
Buffalo herds were drifting southward, and there were thousands of them. They were being chased into the valley by friendly Indians from the north, who were laying in their winter supply of meat. And the southern tribes, hungry and hostile, were meeting them a) tin- river, and chasing them over the hills to the south. On the morning of October Sth, a large herd was espied in the valley to the westward, and the hunters experienced no difficult) in crossing the river, as it was at low water stage. Several fat buffalo were slaughtered in what later became known as Mitchell valley. The robes and choicest cuts of the meat, and the tallow were saved, and the balance left to the wolves.
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And the southern tribes, hungry and hostile, were meeting them a) tin- river, and chasing them over the hills to the south. On the morning of October Sth, a large herd was espied in the valley to the westward, and the hunters experienced no difficult) in crossing the river, as it was at low water stage. Several fat buffalo were slaughtered in what later became known as Mitchell valley. The robes and choicest cuts of the meat, and the tallow were saved, and the balance left to the wolves.
The hard life of the trapper would indeed have been mure serious had it not been for the buffalo, They furnished much of the subsistence required, and thereby the long journeys through the prairie country to the mountain- was quite as profitable to the trapping fraternity as the time spent in the shadows of the mountains.
Two days later the party passed the point of rocks west of Morrill.' and on the 13th crossed the Platte river above the mouth of
the Laramie. By October 15th the party was well out of the part of the country of which our story tells.
On reaching the Sweetwater, Pilcher had his horses stolen. He cached his supplies and went through the South Pass light. A number of his men, having arrived in the mountains, deserted, and no doubt some of them were with LeClerc the following year, when Hiram Scott was left to die.
Pilcher had one of the most wonderful trips ever made in the mountains, going with only one companion for many hundreds of miles. He returned to St. Louis in June, 1830, and after the death of General Clarke in 1838, he became Superintendent of Indian affairs, which position he held for nine years. It was under his regime that Andrew Drips became Indian Agent at Fort Laramie at a later date, much to the advantage of the American Fur Company, then operating a trading post at that point.
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Pilcher had one of the most wonderful trips ever made in the mountains, going with only one companion for many hundreds of miles. He returned to St. Louis in June, 1830, and after the death of General Clarke in 1838, he became Superintendent of Indian affairs, which position he held for nine years. It was under his regime that Andrew Drips became Indian Agent at Fort Laramie at a later date, much to the advantage of the American Fur Company, then operating a trading post at that point.
In 1826, three of the "enterprising young men," who accompanied General Ashley in 1823, organized a company and Ashley wishing to retire from the fur trade, sold out to them. Ashley was about $200,000 in debt at the time he began operations, but he retired in 1826 with a fortune of over $300,000.
The style of the new firm was Smith, Jackson & Sublette. The senior member, Jebediah Smith, was a great, great uncle of Mrs. C. P. Calhoun, who lived near the signal point seven miles northeast of Scottsbluff, a few years ago.
One of the prettiest valleys in the mountains and one of the most charming nature spots of the west were named after Jackson -- the Jackson holes and Jackson lake.
William Sublette was one of the characters in history building in the western country for several years, and it is right that more than passing mention be made of him and his achievements. He was born in 1799 and at the age of nineteen started in business for himself by ope/iing a billiard hall at Saint Charles, Missouri. He was a Kentuckian, and his father was said to be the man who killed Chief Tecumseh.
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William Sublette was one of the characters in history building in the western country for several years, and it is right that more than passing mention be made of him and his achievements. He was born in 1799 and at the age of nineteen started in business for himself by ope/iing a billiard hall at Saint Charles, Missouri. He was a Kentuckian, and his father was said to be the man who killed Chief Tecumseh.
His first visit into this country was on the trip up the valley with General Ashley in 1823, when Scott was one of the party.
Sublette had several brothers in the wilderness, one of whom, Milton, died at Fort Laramie in 1836. William was a thorough mountaineer, a man with a frank and open countenance, very expressive ; was light complectioned and had blue eyes. He stood six feet two in his moccasins.
In the years 1827-1828 and 1829, Sublette was the member of the firm that conveyed pel-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
tries to market and provisions and merchandise into the mountains. He used pack horses and mules for the most part, and followed the trail of Jacques Laramie.
This partnership with Smith and Jackson ended in 1831 upon the death of Smith. And immediately thereafter he formed a partnership with Robert Campbell, another of General Ashley's "enterprising young men."
Going a little ahead of my story, Campbell, in June, 1835, with thirteen men, began the erection of a trading post about a mile from the mouth of the Laramie river, and in honor of William Sublette he named it Fort William. This was the beginning of Fort Laramie.
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This partnership with Smith and Jackson ended in 1831 upon the death of Smith. And immediately thereafter he formed a partnership with Robert Campbell, another of General Ashley's "enterprising young men."
Going a little ahead of my story, Campbell, in June, 1835, with thirteen men, began the erection of a trading post about a mile from the mouth of the Laramie river, and in honor of William Sublette he named it Fort William. This was the beginning of Fort Laramie.
The partnership was dissolved in 1842, when Sublette retired from mountain trade, and in July, 1845, while on his way to Washington he was taken ill and died. The Sublette family is now extinct.
William Sublette died independently wealthy, being one of the few fur traders who made money, and kept any of it. He was married March 21, 1844, to an Alabama lady named Miss Frances Hereford, and Chittendon tells this little romance which is not without its human interest.
Miss Hereford had a prior attachment for a younger brother, Solomon, but William had the greater fortune, and it turned the scale in his favor. Soon after his marriage he made a will giving his fortune to her at his death in case she did not change her name. He died on the 2d of July, 1845, and the lady later married her first love, Solomon, that probably being the intention of William when he put the provision in his will.
FIRST WAGONS ON OVERLAND TRAILS
The valley of the "Flat Wrater" had become well known as a highway for trappers. While data of special trips are a little difficult to obtain, yet mention is made frequently of the movement of some voyageur, or pack caravan, and it is stated that "they took the usual Platte and Sweetwater route."
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He died on the 2d of July, 1845, and the lady later married her first love, Solomon, that probably being the intention of William when he put the provision in his will.
FIRST WAGONS ON OVERLAND TRAILS
The valley of the "Flat Wrater" had become well known as a highway for trappers. While data of special trips are a little difficult to obtain, yet mention is made frequently of the movement of some voyageur, or pack caravan, and it is stated that "they took the usual Platte and Sweetwater route."
This valley is still relatively new as a thoroughfare. Some day in the not far distant future there will be streaming east and west, long strings of Pullmans as the Overland pants its way from sea to sea ; and Transcontinental tourists motoring east and west will be as common as emigrants were on Oregon trail.
Away back yonder the trapper found it, and it was new to him, but for generations the aborigines had traveled up and down the valley, and before their time wild animals trailed along the banks of the Platte, ever looking for that greener pasture a little farther on.
Wherever the foot of man goeth, there have been others before. It seems a part of destiny. The old world whirls on, blazing a trail across the wilderness of space, yet probably the path it moves along has been worn smooth by vagrant worlds still moving on before.
Having traversed this part of the wilderness
with a pack horse several times, it was quite natural that one should look for easier modes of conveyance. Thus it was that in the early spring of 1830 two years before Captain Bonneville made his journey up the Platte, William Sublette set out with a party of trappers from St.
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The old world whirls on, blazing a trail across the wilderness of space, yet probably the path it moves along has been worn smooth by vagrant worlds still moving on before.
Having traversed this part of the wilderness
with a pack horse several times, it was quite natural that one should look for easier modes of conveyance. Thus it was that in the early spring of 1830 two years before Captain Bonneville made his journey up the Platte, William Sublette set out with a party of trappers from St. Louis.
He had ten wagons, each laden with about a ton of merchandise and drawn by five mules, two light vehicles drawn by one mule each, and eighty men mounted on mules. With the caravan were twelve cattle, and one milch cow. The cattle were for food until they should reach the buffalo country.
They moved up the Missouri river to the mouth of the Platte, and followed the north bank of the Platte into the mountains.
It was in June that the first wagons on the Overland Trail passed through the Scotts Bluff country. They traveled at the rate of about fifteen miles a day through the prairie country, slowing down when reaching the mountains.
About the middle of August the wagons laden with peltries, returned through the valley, and arrived at St. Louis early in October.
Speaking of this trip, Smith, Jackson and
I IIS TORN' OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Sublette wrote a letter in October, 1830, to Chouteau, which found its way into the Conggressional Record. It covers a wide variety of subjects. The feasibility of carrying on traffic by wagon trains to the Columbia river country comes in for a liberal share.
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About the middle of August the wagons laden with peltries, returned through the valley, and arrived at St. Louis early in October.
Speaking of this trip, Smith, Jackson and
I IIS TORN' OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Sublette wrote a letter in October, 1830, to Chouteau, which found its way into the Conggressional Record. It covers a wide variety of subjects. The feasibility of carrying on traffic by wagon trains to the Columbia river country comes in for a liberal share.
( Ine quotation of interest to the North "Platte river is: "We began to fall in with the buffaloes on the Platte, about three hundred and fifty miles from the white settlements; and from that time on, lived on buffaloes, the quantity being infinitely beyond what we needed."
This directly refers to the country from Garden county to the mountains. This letter is found in Sen. Doc. 39, 21st Cong. 2d Ses.
The following spring another caravan was made up, and proceeded along the identical route, but on the return trip stopped at the mouth of the Platte. And from this time for a few years, the plan was to bring merchandise by water up the Missouri to the Platte, then by wagons into the mountains. Returning parties brought wagons to the Missouri and transferred the beaver to boats, letting the mules rest while the journey was made to St. Louis and return.
Thomas Forsyth in a letter to the Secretary of War in October, 1831, called the river "The Little Platte," and also outlined the route as above given.
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And from this time for a few years, the plan was to bring merchandise by water up the Missouri to the Platte, then by wagons into the mountains. Returning parties brought wagons to the Missouri and transferred the beaver to boats, letting the mules rest while the journey was made to St. Louis and return.
Thomas Forsyth in a letter to the Secretary of War in October, 1831, called the river "The Little Platte," and also outlined the route as above given.
The rendezvous agreed upon in 1830 was on what was then called "Wind river," but which is now the "Popo Agie." for Sublette speaks of the "Southern Pass," (no doubt South Pass) and he said that wagons could easily be taken this route through the mountains. The average time of the 1300 mile trip was thirteen miles per day. And between June 5th and June 25th they made the trip from the foiks of the Platte to "Laramie's Rendezvous."
The death of Hiram Scott on the mountains "i- bluff, bad at last given it a name, and "Scott's Bluff" smm became known as a landmark by practically every trapper in the wildand H brought about a change in the habits (if the fraternity in journeys up and down the valley.
If there is one sentimenl in which the whole human race is in accord, that sentiment is the desire to \ isil a graveyard.
There is an indescribable thrill that stirs ' Of a soldier win. takes off his hat at the grave of a comrade who has sh; him the perils of war.
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The death of Hiram Scott on the mountains "i- bluff, bad at last given it a name, and "Scott's Bluff" smm became known as a landmark by practically every trapper in the wildand H brought about a change in the habits (if the fraternity in journeys up and down the valley.
If there is one sentimenl in which the whole human race is in accord, that sentiment is the desire to \ isil a graveyard.
There is an indescribable thrill that stirs ' Of a soldier win. takes off his hat at the grave of a comrade who has sh; him the perils of war.
'I lure is an emotion that moves the slatesman when he stands uncovered Inf., re the
mausoleum of another who has shared with him the inspirations of nation building.
We, of the humbler walks of life, have ours, beside the little mound where rests a brother of toil with whom we have labored shoulder to shoulder. The Indian passes the burial tree as often as he conveniently can. So, with old trappers. Could they conveniently pass the grave of a comrade who had shared the joys and tribulations of the wilderness, they would have taken some additional hazard for the privilege.
What old cowman of this country has not yisited "Boot's Graveyard," at Sidney, where sleep many of the comrades of the days of Creighton, Snodgrass, Coad, Sheedy and Robinson-- cowboys who died with their boots on, and were buried booted and spurred ready for the long ride to the "Home Ranch?"
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Could they conveniently pass the grave of a comrade who had shared the joys and tribulations of the wilderness, they would have taken some additional hazard for the privilege.
What old cowman of this country has not yisited "Boot's Graveyard," at Sidney, where sleep many of the comrades of the days of Creighton, Snodgrass, Coad, Sheedy and Robinson-- cowboys who died with their boots on, and were buried booted and spurred ready for the long ride to the "Home Ranch?"
Trappers began to take the southside route through Mitchell Pass by the Scottsbluff spring, that they might do homage to the memory of Scott. Before buffalo and Arapahoes reached the river in the annual movement to the north, the route was comparatively free from danger.
It was but a few years after the death of Scott that Captain Gant won the friendship of the Arapahoes, and their hostility to the whites for the time ceased. About the same time the hostile spirit of the Indians on the Missouri river in Dakota began to percolate through the tribes to the north. The Ogallalas and Tetons became suspicious of white people when they discovered them on friendly terms with the Arapahoes, and the result was predatory raids upon the Overland.
In April, 1831, seventy men under Zenas Leonard for Gant & Blackwell, left St. Louis, and on the first of August, arrived at the forks of the Platte. The next month was spent in the North river country between the forks and the Laramie river. The slow progress was made because of side trips hunting and trapping, on Gonneville creek, and over on Blue Water, and to L'Eau qui court, and in the chalk mountains from the present Court House Rock to Signal Buttes.
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In April, 1831, seventy men under Zenas Leonard for Gant & Blackwell, left St. Louis, and on the first of August, arrived at the forks of the Platte. The next month was spent in the North river country between the forks and the Laramie river. The slow progress was made because of side trips hunting and trapping, on Gonneville creek, and over on Blue Water, and to L'Eau qui court, and in the chalk mountains from the present Court House Rock to Signal Buttes.
At the Laramie, the party divided for the fall trapping campaign. Many of them were never heard from again, some found their way to Santa Fe, and others to Gant & Blackwell's fort on the Arkansas. Twenty-one men under A. K. Stevens, a grandson of Daniel Roone. worked up towards the Laramie mountains. During the winter they lost all their horses, and after an ineffectual attempt to reach Santa Fe, returned to the Laramie rendezvous in April, 1832. stripped of nearlv
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
everything of value, as they were on the line of clashes between the northern and southern tribes.
In the early summer of 1832, a general
i rendezvous of all the fur companies and trappers had been arranged for at Pierre's Hole, some six hundred miles to the northwest.
Fitzpatrick and Bridger were to be there with supplies which William Sublette was to bring from St. Louis. To hurry him along Fitzpatrick took two of their fleetest horses and went to meet him.
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everything of value, as they were on the line of clashes between the northern and southern tribes.
In the early summer of 1832, a general
i rendezvous of all the fur companies and trappers had been arranged for at Pierre's Hole, some six hundred miles to the northwest.
Fitzpatrick and Bridger were to be there with supplies which William Sublette was to bring from St. Louis. To hurry him along Fitzpatrick took two of their fleetest horses and went to meet him.
This was Sublette's third wagon caravan and as usual he had the wagons loaded with about a ton each and five mules to the wagon, besides a number of mounts.
On the seventh of June, Fitzpatrick crossed the Laramie river and started for Scotts Bluff mountains. When opposite, and a little above
Signal Buttes, he espied the caravan on the north side of the river, near the present site of Morrill.
On the tenth of June, he crossed the river, by swimming his horses, as the water was high. The meeting of these two hardened hunters -- one from the mountains and the other fresh from the white man's world, was an event that called for liberal libations, and much genialty.
Being admonished of the urgent need of haste, Sublette left his famous old cow and she was never seen again. Spurred onward, he made the six hundred miles to Pierre's Hole in thirty-two days.
The party picked up the remnant of Gant & Blackwell's trappers at the Laramie, fording the Platte at that point.
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The meeting of these two hardened hunters -- one from the mountains and the other fresh from the white man's world, was an event that called for liberal libations, and much genialty.
Being admonished of the urgent need of haste, Sublette left his famous old cow and she was never seen again. Spurred onward, he made the six hundred miles to Pierre's Hole in thirty-two days.
The party picked up the remnant of Gant & Blackwell's trappers at the Laramie, fording the Platte at that point.
WYETH, OF "CAPE COD BAY," AND HIS "DOWN EASTERS'
When William Sublette was coming up the Missouri river in the spring of ;1832, the boat stopped at Independence and took on a party of New Englanders. This party had little to commend it to the mountains except its purpose and the indomitable will of its members. Otherwise they were wholly unfitted for mountain, adventure, by liack of experience, equipment, knowledge of Indians, habits of wild game, or even the use of firearms.
This was Nathaniel J. Wyeth, of Boston and his "down easters." Wyeth learned where Sublette and party were bound, and with the directness and frankness of the New Englander character he told him his purpose and dilemma. Sublette readily agreed that the two parties travel together. On the way across the prairies. Sublette's experienced hunters had taught the New Englanders how to hunt, and much other necessary information of the wilderness, and by this time they were much better equipped for the emergencies of the mountains. Horses had been acquired at the mouth of the Platte, and the party were all well mounted and had plenty to pack their merchandise.
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Wyeth, of Boston and his "down easters." Wyeth learned where Sublette and party were bound, and with the directness and frankness of the New Englander character he told him his purpose and dilemma. Sublette readily agreed that the two parties travel together. On the way across the prairies. Sublette's experienced hunters had taught the New Englanders how to hunt, and much other necessary information of the wilderness, and by this time they were much better equipped for the emergencies of the mountains. Horses had been acquired at the mouth of the Platte, and the party were all well mounted and had plenty to pack their merchandise.
Wyeth's definite purpose was to establish
posts on the Columbia, and supply them from ships around "the Horn," using the ships to convey the peltries back to market. The plan was not successful. He always felt out of his element in the mountains, and the full force of the hardships fell heavily upon him. He frequently wrote in a discouraging vein. "I am sitting on a rock with plain dried buffalo as my entire meal." "I gave the boys some alcohol, more than was good for the peace of the party, and went on a good sized spree myself," etc.
Wyeth raised the American flag over the wilderness of Idaho, when he built Fort Hall, and on the Columbia over the lost Astoria. But in the end he sold his fort on Wappatoo island to the Hudson Bay, and Fort Hall was burned in a Blackfeet Indian raid, in which the hardy mountaineers, Rezner and Robinson lost their lives.
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"I am sitting on a rock with plain dried buffalo as my entire meal." "I gave the boys some alcohol, more than was good for the peace of the party, and went on a good sized spree myself," etc.
Wyeth raised the American flag over the wilderness of Idaho, when he built Fort Hall, and on the Columbia over the lost Astoria. But in the end he sold his fort on Wappatoo island to the Hudson Bay, and Fort Hall was burned in a Blackfeet Indian raid, in which the hardy mountaineers, Rezner and Robinson lost their lives.
In the later vigorous years of the formation of Oregon territory when Senator Benton of Missouri, was hammer and tongs after Oregon recognition. New England was reluctant to sustain the spirit of enterprise exemplified by Nathaniel J. Wyeth.
Now at the time Fitzpatrick met Su'olette and Wyeth near Morrill, another wagon train
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
was nearing the forks of the Platte river. The party had left Fort Osage, on the first day of May, with twenty wagons drawn by oxen, and further consisted of a large number of horses with one hundred and ten men under the leadership of Captain B. L. E. Bonneville, and his able lieutenants, M. S. Cerre and I. R. Walker.
They had followed the Sante Fe trail to White riume's agency, then blazed a new trail in a northwesterly course, which has since been followed by many thousands of emigrants striking the Platte near Grand Island, then called "Great Island."
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The party had left Fort Osage, on the first day of May, with twenty wagons drawn by oxen, and further consisted of a large number of horses with one hundred and ten men under the leadership of Captain B. L. E. Bonneville, and his able lieutenants, M. S. Cerre and I. R. Walker.
They had followed the Sante Fe trail to White riume's agency, then blazed a new trail in a northwesterly course, which has since been followed by many thousands of emigrants striking the Platte near Grand Island, then called "Great Island."
Had they reached this point some ten days earlier, they might have observed upon the north side of the river the wagon train of William Sublette, and the caravan of horses used by Wyeth's party.
On arriving at the forks of the Platte, they found the South fork impassible for fording and proceeded two day's journey up the river before affecting a crossing.
They then removed the wheels from their wagons, and improvised boats by stretching buffalo hides under the wagon boxes and smearing them with a compound of ashes and buffalo tallow. And on this identical day, June 13, 1832, William Sublette and Nathaniel J. Wyeth were fording the North fork at the point just above its junction with the "Laramie."
It would be utterly impossible to improve upon the language of Washington Irving in describing this trip. And I would not vary from it in the least, except that I want to identify spots of interest by modern landmarks, and include events connected with Bonneville's experiences, which I have obtained from other sources than Irving's narrative.
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And on this identical day, June 13, 1832, William Sublette and Nathaniel J. Wyeth were fording the North fork at the point just above its junction with the "Laramie."
It would be utterly impossible to improve upon the language of Washington Irving in describing this trip. And I would not vary from it in the least, except that I want to identify spots of interest by modern landmarks, and include events connected with Bonneville's experiences, which I have obtained from other sources than Irving's narrative.
Irving and Bonneville were less familiar with the North Platte valley than are many of our readers, or the trappers who for twenty years had used the natural highway. Irving says "Of the other [meaning the North River] branch he knew nothing. Its sources might lie among inaccessible cliffs, and tumble and foam down rugged defiles and over craggy precipices. But its direction was the true course, and up this stream he determined to prosecute his route."
The crossing of the South fork was effected
near the | siti of Sutherland, and "a
march of nine miles took them over the high rolling prairie to tin- North fork."
"Skirting the North fork for a day or two, I) annoyed by the misquitos, and buffalo gnats, they reached, on the evening of June 17th, a -mall but beautiful grove, from
which issued the confused notes of singing birds, the first they had heard since crossing the boundary of Missouri." This is the ravine that became historical as Ash Hollow.
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march of nine miles took them over the high rolling prairie to tin- North fork."
"Skirting the North fork for a day or two, I) annoyed by the misquitos, and buffalo gnats, they reached, on the evening of June 17th, a -mall but beautiful grove, from
which issued the confused notes of singing birds, the first they had heard since crossing the boundary of Missouri." This is the ravine that became historical as Ash Hollow.
"It was a beautiful sunset, and the sight of the glowing rays, mantling the tree tops and rustling of branches, gladdened every heart. They pitched their camp in the grove, kindled their fires, partook merrily of their rude fare, and resigned themselves to the sweetest sleep they had enjoyed since their outset upon the prairies."
The country now became more rugged and broken. High bluffs advanced upon the river and forced the travelers to occasionally leave its banks and wind their course into the interior.
Captain Bonneville ascended the high cliffs back of Chimney rock, and looked over the valley. "As far as the eye could reach the country seemed absolutely blackened with innumerable herds" of buffalo. "No language could convey an adequate idea of the vast living mass thus presented to the eye. He remarked that the bulls and the cows generally congregated in separate herds."
Here they began to see blacktail deer, which abounded in the hills, and were larger than the "prairie species," or antelope.
In the gap back of Castle rock they discovered the trail of four or five pedestrians, which later proved to be Crow spies, who had dogged the train in secret for several days, astonished at wagons and oxen, and especially a cow and a calf which were sedately following the caravan.
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He remarked that the bulls and the cows generally congregated in separate herds."
Here they began to see blacktail deer, which abounded in the hills, and were larger than the "prairie species," or antelope.
In the gap back of Castle rock they discovered the trail of four or five pedestrians, which later proved to be Crow spies, who had dogged the train in secret for several days, astonished at wagons and oxen, and especially a cow and a calf which were sedately following the caravan.
Crow Indians were not habitually along this part of the Platte, their habitat being in the Big Horn mountains and Basin. Had they been familiar with; the valley, they might have observed in the last two years, the wagons in Sublette's several caravans.
The discovery of these moccasin tracks put the party upon its guard, for "when you can see no Indians is just the time to look out for them." is a part of Jim Bridger's philosophy. Inasmuch as Bridger came to the mountains with General Ashley in 1823, and was guide during the Indian wars as late as 1865, it may be accepted that he ought to know.
"On the 21st," Bonneville's party "camped amid the high and beetling cliffs of indurated clay and sandstone, bearing the semblance of towers, castles, churches, and fortified cities. At a distance it is scarcely possible to persuade one's self that the works of art were not mingled with these fantastic freaks of nature."
Five years earlier Joshua Pilcher lias similarlv remarked their formation.
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Inasmuch as Bridger came to the mountains with General Ashley in 1823, and was guide during the Indian wars as late as 1865, it may be accepted that he ought to know.
"On the 21st," Bonneville's party "camped amid the high and beetling cliffs of indurated clay and sandstone, bearing the semblance of towers, castles, churches, and fortified cities. At a distance it is scarcely possible to persuade one's self that the works of art were not mingled with these fantastic freaks of nature."
Five years earlier Joshua Pilcher lias similarlv remarked their formation.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
NEZ PERCE AND CROW INDIANS -- CROW CREEK NAMED
After arriving at the famous mountain, Bonneville gives an abbreviated story of the naming of "Scotts, Bluff" which has been heretofore given in detail. The story then continues :
"Amid the wild and striking scenery, Captain Bonneville for the first time beheld flocks of ahsahta or bighorn, an animal which frequents the cliffs in great numbers. They accord with the nature of the scenery, and add much to its romantic effect; bounding like goats from crag to crag, often trooping along the lofty shelves of the mountain under the guide of some venerable patriarch, with horns twisted lower than his muzzle, and sometimes peering over the edge of a precipice, so high that they appear scarce bigger than crows. Indeed, it seems to be a pleasure to them to seek the most rugged and frightful situations, doubtless from the feeling of security."
On the 22nd of June, Captain Bonneville negotiated the passage of the big gap in the mountain, experiencing considerable difficulty. Thus were wagons taken over this road for the first time in history, and the gateway between the mountains and the plain on the south side of the river opened -- a gateway through which has since poured enough people to populate an empire.
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Indeed, it seems to be a pleasure to them to seek the most rugged and frightful situations, doubtless from the feeling of security."
On the 22nd of June, Captain Bonneville negotiated the passage of the big gap in the mountain, experiencing considerable difficulty. Thus were wagons taken over this road for the first time in history, and the gateway between the mountains and the plain on the south side of the river opened -- a gateway through which has since poured enough people to populate an empire.
Before evening of this eventful day they had reached the upper part of Mitchell valley, and the following day crossed Horse creek about the hour of noon.
In the evening of the 23rd they went into camp on a small, but pretty meadow near the present state line. As they were lighting their campfires for preparation for their evening meal, they were startled by seeing an elkskin craft bearing four Indians shoot silently into the stream from the overhanging cottonwoods upon the north shore, and rapidly approach the camp.
They proved to be the deputation of Nez Perce Indians (meaning pierced nosed Indians) which had been sent from their nation over on the Columbia to the White Fathers of the east, to learn of the White Man's Book and the Great Spirit of the White People.
Bonneville remarked they were far from their native habitat, and while they had previously met the wagons of Sublette they were greatly impressed with "wigwams on wheels," and the "long horned buffalo."
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They proved to be the deputation of Nez Perce Indians (meaning pierced nosed Indians) which had been sent from their nation over on the Columbia to the White Fathers of the east, to learn of the White Man's Book and the Great Spirit of the White People.
Bonneville remarked they were far from their native habitat, and while they had previously met the wagons of Sublette they were greatly impressed with "wigwams on wheels," and the "long horned buffalo."
On the 24th, as the caravan was slowly traversing the Hunting Meadows, the scouts which Captain Bonneville always kept on ahead, came galloping back with the cry of "Indians."
Preparations were made for an attack, as the Indians were reported to be Crows, and believed to be warlike and crafty. Suddenly out of the adjoining hills there burst, with all the wildness and suddenness of a mountain storm, sixty warriors in battle array, painted and bedecked in all the colors and trappings of aborigines, and they thundered down upon the party, with many a wild and dexterous evolution.
"Their mode of approach, to one not acquainted with the tactics and ceremonies of the rude chivalry of the wilderness, had an air of direct hostility. They came galloping forward in a body, as if about to make a furious charge, and when close at hand opened to the right and left and wheeled in wide circles around the travelers, whooping and yelling like maniacs.
"This done their mock fury settled into a calm, and the chief, approaching the captain, who had remained warily drawn up, though informed of the pacific nature of the maneuver, extended to him the hand of friendship. The pipe of peace was smoked and now all was good fellowship.
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They came galloping forward in a body, as if about to make a furious charge, and when close at hand opened to the right and left and wheeled in wide circles around the travelers, whooping and yelling like maniacs.
"This done their mock fury settled into a calm, and the chief, approaching the captain, who had remained warily drawn up, though informed of the pacific nature of the maneuver, extended to him the hand of friendship. The pipe of peace was smoked and now all was good fellowship.
"The Crows were in pursuit of a band of Cheyennes, who had attacked their village in the night, and killed one of their people. They had been five and twenty days on the track of the marauders, and were determined not to return home until they had sated their revenge."
This was accomplished, some fifty or sixty miles to the southward, where they surprised their enemies. The maurauders believed that they had passed out of the danger zone of pursuit, and had in a measure relaxed their vigilance.
They lost three scalps in the engagement that followed, which satisfied their pursuers. War signs were left by the Crows, as a warning forever to the Cheyennes ; and from this circumstance, Indians and whites who since have visited the ravine south of Pine Bluffs, referred to it as "Crow Creek," which name it bears today. The cow and calf with Bonneville's party came in for a full share of attention. The Indians remarked their extreme docility, and thought the calf must be "great Medicine,"
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They lost three scalps in the engagement that followed, which satisfied their pursuers. War signs were left by the Crows, as a warning forever to the Cheyennes ; and from this circumstance, Indians and whites who since have visited the ravine south of Pine Bluffs, referred to it as "Crow Creek," which name it bears today. The cow and calf with Bonneville's party came in for a full share of attention. The Indians remarked their extreme docility, and thought the calf must be "great Medicine,"
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
but their ideas were dashed when the men offered to trade it for a pony.
The extreme friendliness of the Indians was considerable of a nuisance to the members of the party, but was endured, and after they had gone upon their journey, they found many of them had lost their hunting knives, which explained the motive of the Indian's caresses.
Some days later the war party returned to the Platte, and followed Bonneville's trail until overtaking the caravan, in order to exhibit the scalps of their adversaries. They then proceeded toward the northwest "to appease the manes of their comrades by proofs that his death had been avenged, and they intended to have scalp dances and other triumphal rejoicings."
On the 26th, Bonneville's party camped at Laramie's fork "a clear and beautiful stream rising in the southwest, maintaing an average width of twenty yards, and winding through broad meadows, abounding in currants and gooseberries, and adorned with groves and clumps of trees.
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They then proceeded toward the northwest "to appease the manes of their comrades by proofs that his death had been avenged, and they intended to have scalp dances and other triumphal rejoicings."
On the 26th, Bonneville's party camped at Laramie's fork "a clear and beautiful stream rising in the southwest, maintaing an average width of twenty yards, and winding through broad meadows, abounding in currants and gooseberries, and adorned with groves and clumps of trees.
Here Bonneville tells of his observations, and Irving includes the story of the building of Fort William. He tells also that in 1835, Robert Campbell descended the river in boats, thus proving what had always been in doubt, that the river was navigable. Of course this was Irving's opinion, but the facts have been related that fleets of boats had for years been descending the river, laden with peltries.
The boniface captain, the "bald chief." as the Indians called him, is now passing out of Scotts Bluff country, so wre will not follow his rambles in the wilderness.
In the spirit of fairness, one would think
that mention would have been made of wagons on the trail before Bonneville's party, for there must have been abundant evidences of the existence of Sublette's caravan, which had preceded them at the Laramie river only thirteen days.
But Bonneville was of French extraction, and the national characteristic is exaggeration and boast fulness. He was likely to omit anything that detracted from his glory. Bancroft is exceedingly severe in his criticism of Bonneville. Irving, who was Bonneville's chronicler of events, was a novelist. And one who has read Irving much is frequently amused at his exaggerations of the character of his heroes. Should his principal character, together with others, go on a spree, his would always "maintain the dignity of a gentleman, although intoxicated," while the other would be "beastly drunk."
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He was likely to omit anything that detracted from his glory. Bancroft is exceedingly severe in his criticism of Bonneville. Irving, who was Bonneville's chronicler of events, was a novelist. And one who has read Irving much is frequently amused at his exaggerations of the character of his heroes. Should his principal character, together with others, go on a spree, his would always "maintain the dignity of a gentleman, although intoxicated," while the other would be "beastly drunk."
Farther in the wilderness, over on the Green river. Captain Bonneville accused Fontenelle of taking from him some of his Delaware Indian guides, with promise of better wages. As Fontenelle has much to do with Nebraska history in subsequent years, readers will become acquainted with him, and they will find it hard to believe that he ever took unfair advantage of any one. In fact the Delawares were formerly of Fontenelle's party, and only attached themselves to Bonneville to make their way into the wilderness again, of which purpose the captain was probably unaware.
Some two and a half years later, the remnant of Bonneville's party came back over the trail which he had traversed, and which later became one of the most remarkable highways in the history of the world.
CHAPTER Xll
.ITTI.K MOON LAKE -- FAMOUS MISSIONARIES
June 22. 1X.i2, an elkskin boat bearing four Indians came plunging out of the rapids at the lower end of Platte canyon and pulled in upon the shore, making camp at about the present site of Guernsey. < >n the following day they ■ 1 down the river to a grove upon what to be .hi island. To the right of it. the waters rushed with increasing velocity, but on the left were invitingly quiet,
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June 22. 1X.i2, an elkskin boat bearing four Indians came plunging out of the rapids at the lower end of Platte canyon and pulled in upon the shore, making camp at about the present site of Guernsey. < >n the following day they ■ 1 down the river to a grove upon what to be .hi island. To the right of it. the waters rushed with increasing velocity, but on the left were invitingly quiet,
They pulled in for their regular night's rest upon a pretty lagoon, and found that its lower extremity was banked by a beaver dam. These animals had cut the trees and built a substantial structure across what had been a channel of the Platte. This lagoon is now known as Little Moon Lake.
It was nearly nightfall, when they discovered, upon the opposite bank of the river,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
something that filled them with wonder and amazement. Long horned buffalo were trailing wigwams into a grass plot, where Captain Bonneville and party were about to make camp.
About noon the following day, the swift current of the river carried the four strangers "near the breast of a mountain on which they could plainly see bighorns," and at night they passed "the wigwam," no doubt referring to Chimney rock.
Then there was the long journey through prairies the like of which they had never dreamed, and at the river mouth they were taken on a keel-boat coming down the Missouri.
General Clarke, a brother of the explorer, was then superintendent of Indian affairs at St. Louis, and when these Indians met him and told him their mission, he was dumbfounded.
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About noon the following day, the swift current of the river carried the four strangers "near the breast of a mountain on which they could plainly see bighorns," and at night they passed "the wigwam," no doubt referring to Chimney rock.
Then there was the long journey through prairies the like of which they had never dreamed, and at the river mouth they were taken on a keel-boat coming down the Missouri.
General Clarke, a brother of the explorer, was then superintendent of Indian affairs at St. Louis, and when these Indians met him and told him their mission, he was dumbfounded.
It seemed that Lewis and Clarke had left some fragmentary knowledge of religion with the tribe when they visited it in 1804, and this, with rude fragments of Christianity that came to them from French, had left the tribe with a thirst for more knowledge of the Book of Life.
And these four "savages" had braved the terrors of an unknown and perilous wilderness, on a three thousand mile journey in search of the Christ. They had "seen his Star in the East."
General Clarke entertained and fed them royally after the manner of white people, but it was too much for their uneducated systems, and the two elder members of the party died from excesses. The others remained for some time, being taken from one manner of white man's amusements to another, and finally on the announcement of their intention to return to their people, they were given a farewell banquet.
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They had "seen his Star in the East."
General Clarke entertained and fed them royally after the manner of white people, but it was too much for their uneducated systems, and the two elder members of the party died from excesses. The others remained for some time, being taken from one manner of white man's amusements to another, and finally on the announcement of their intention to return to their people, they were given a farewell banquet.
At this affair one of the guests of honor arose at the request of General Clarke, and this is the literal translation of the redman's address :
"I come to you over a trail of many moons from the setting sun. You were the friends of my Fathers who have all gone the long way. I came with an eye partly open for my people, who sit in darkness. I go back with both eyes closed. How can I go back to my blind people? I made my way to you with strong arms, through many enemies and strange lands, that I might carry much back to them. I go back with both arms broken and empty.
"Two fathers came with us, and they were the braves of many Winters and wars. We leave them asleep by your great waters and
wigwams. They were tired in many moons and the moccasins wore out. My people sent me to get the white man's Book of Heaven. You took me where they worship the Great Spirit with candles, and the Book was not there. You showed me images of the good spirits, and the picture of the good land beyond, but the Book was not among them to tell us the way.
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We leave them asleep by your great waters and
wigwams. They were tired in many moons and the moccasins wore out. My people sent me to get the white man's Book of Heaven. You took me where they worship the Great Spirit with candles, and the Book was not there. You showed me images of the good spirits, and the picture of the good land beyond, but the Book was not among them to tell us the way.
"I am going back the long and sad trail to my people in the dark land. You make my feet heavy with gifts, and my moccasins will grow old carrying them, yet the Book is not among them. When I tell my poor blind people, after one more snow, in the big council, that I did not bring the Book, no word will be spoken by our old men or our young braves. One by one they will rise up in silence and go out. My people will die in darkness, and they will go the long way to other hunting grounds. No white man will go with them, and no white man's Book will be there to make the way plain. I have no more words."
This Macedonian cry, "come over and help us," given by this brave upon his departure on the long journey home, was published in the Christian Advocate, in March, 1833, and made a profound sensation. It started missionaries all over the west.
The two Lees, Jason and Daniel, were the first to respond, and they went for the Methodist church, in 1834. While their trip through this country was without any startling incident, they became powers in the great northwest, and founded the Methodist faith upon a most enduring basis in the Puget Sound country, and on the Williamette river.
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This Macedonian cry, "come over and help us," given by this brave upon his departure on the long journey home, was published in the Christian Advocate, in March, 1833, and made a profound sensation. It started missionaries all over the west.
The two Lees, Jason and Daniel, were the first to respond, and they went for the Methodist church, in 1834. While their trip through this country was without any startling incident, they became powers in the great northwest, and founded the Methodist faith upon a most enduring basis in the Puget Sound country, and on the Williamette river.
The Presbyterians, in 1835, sent Whitman and Parker into Oregon. And what man with one spark of patriot blood, does not know Marcus Whitman? Whitman and his bride made their wedding journey through the valley of the "Flat Water." and perished as martyrs at the hands of the people they went to save.
In 1840, Father Peter De Smet, went out for the Catholics into the great inter-mountain region. Some two hundred miles to the northwest of Scottsbluff is an extinct crater of a volcano, and the basin has filled with the clear sweet water of the Big Horn mountains. The lake, fed by everlasting springs, is named Lake De Smet. ~
There were many other heroic bearers of the Cross in the wilderness, but forever will the names of Jason and Daniel Lee. Marcus Whitman, Samuel Parker and Peter De Smet be heard, for the dangers which they braved and the foundations they laid for Christian religion in the mighty wilderness of the west.
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Some two hundred miles to the northwest of Scottsbluff is an extinct crater of a volcano, and the basin has filled with the clear sweet water of the Big Horn mountains. The lake, fed by everlasting springs, is named Lake De Smet. ~
There were many other heroic bearers of the Cross in the wilderness, but forever will the names of Jason and Daniel Lee. Marcus Whitman, Samuel Parker and Peter De Smet be heard, for the dangers which they braved and the foundations they laid for Christian religion in the mighty wilderness of the west.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
About the first of June, 1833, two braves of the Nez Perce tribe, carried their burdens with meloncholy tread along the valley of the "Flat Water," then beautiful in the verdure of early summer. They reached the top of a slight eminence beyond the thicket of mountain ash. later described as "Ash Hollow." and they heard the whistling of song birds, and paused. The grove gave forth a multitude of sounds. In the thrilling silence of the atmosphere, they heard the call of nature to their souls. Their sagging spirits were being renovated by the Great Spirit of the universe. In the shimmering mirage of the west they saw the silhouettes of mountains -- the wigwam, and far away the dim trembling outline of Scottsbluff.
And glad to see the beginning of their native element -- the mountains -- they sent reverberating up to the silent sky, the shrill and plaintive cry of the coast tribe Indians. They broke into a run -- down into and out past the shadows of the grove, and on, until their bronzed figures danced and shivered and shimmered in the glare of the setting sun.
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In the shimmering mirage of the west they saw the silhouettes of mountains -- the wigwam, and far away the dim trembling outline of Scottsbluff.
And glad to see the beginning of their native element -- the mountains -- they sent reverberating up to the silent sky, the shrill and plaintive cry of the coast tribe Indians. They broke into a run -- down into and out past the shadows of the grove, and on, until their bronzed figures danced and shivered and shimmered in the glare of the setting sun.
A few days later Reuleau, a trapper, saw one of them at the mouth of the Laramie, and saw him depart onward into the west. What happened to the other no one knows, and no white man knows if this one ever reached his people.
FORTS AT THE LARAMIE
We should remark more fully of Jebediah Smith, the great, great uncle of Airs. C. P. Calhoun, as he passed through the Scotts Bluff country in 1823, with General Ashley, in that he and his party of wilderness men were the first white men over the link of the Overland Trail from Salt Lake valley to California. This was accomplished in 1826.
While on the Santa Fe Trail in 1831, he was killed by Comanches, and the firm of Smith Jackson & Sublette was dissolved. It was then that William Sublette and Robert Campbell became partners in transportaion and fur enterprise.
In 1834. Mr. Campbell accompanied Sublette to the mountains. The route taken was the cut off from Fort Osage to "Great Island," which had become considerable in use in the two years previous.
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This was accomplished in 1826.
While on the Santa Fe Trail in 1831, he was killed by Comanches, and the firm of Smith Jackson & Sublette was dissolved. It was then that William Sublette and Robert Campbell became partners in transportaion and fur enterprise.
In 1834. Mr. Campbell accompanied Sublette to the mountains. The route taken was the cut off from Fort Osage to "Great Island," which had become considerable in use in the two years previous.
They determined upon building a trading post at the junction of the Laramie and North Platte rivers, for from this point there were now two well established routes to St. Louis.
The trail opened by Robert Stuart was first in use, but from the date of Bonneville's trip, until the great Mormon pilgrimage, in 1847, the southern route was mosl in use. After that time for two or three years, "the Council Bluffs route" held the big travel.
The first fort at the Laramie was begun in
June, 1834, and was built stockade plan, logs about forteen feet long set on end, enclosing the building of logs. This was after the pattern of so many early structures, which served the purpose of the wilderness men.
Previously to this date, the Indians had learned to come to the rendezvous of free trappers, and many hundred of them journeyed annually to trade their peltries for the bright shining trinkets and tinsel so dear to their nature.
After naming the place "Fort William," it occurred to Campbell that there were other Fort Williams in the west, and to prevent confusion in shipments, goods addressed to this point were marked "Fort William on the Laramie."
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Previously to this date, the Indians had learned to come to the rendezvous of free trappers, and many hundred of them journeyed annually to trade their peltries for the bright shining trinkets and tinsel so dear to their nature.
After naming the place "Fort William," it occurred to Campbell that there were other Fort Williams in the west, and to prevent confusion in shipments, goods addressed to this point were marked "Fort William on the Laramie."
In 1836, Adams and Sabylle built another stockade and trading post about a half-mile below Fort William on the Laramie, which they named "Fort John." after John P. Sarpy, who is a well known character in the history of Nebraska.
Jacques Laramie, whom we have had occasion to mention heretofore, and who had by his life and death given the river and the mountains a name, was only incidentally responsible for the rechristening of Fort William. How "Fort Laramie" became a name in history was told by Antoine Ladeau, an interpreter of half
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
a century ago, who accompanied General Connor on his Powder river expedition.
Ladeau's father was a French-Creole and his mother a Pawnee squaw. When a small boy he was captured by the Sioux, by whom he was brought up. He was born on the Platte river, was an old timer at the Fort, and died about thirty years ago. This is the story handed down by John Hunton, now living at the old fort and who located there in the sixties.
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a century ago, who accompanied General Connor on his Powder river expedition.
Ladeau's father was a French-Creole and his mother a Pawnee squaw. When a small boy he was captured by the Sioux, by whom he was brought up. He was born on the Platte river, was an old timer at the Fort, and died about thirty years ago. This is the story handed down by John Hunton, now living at the old fort and who located there in the sixties.
A mullet-headed shipping clerk in Campbell's store at St. Louis had difficulty in remembering names of the forts on the Laramie, and it seemed hopelessly mixed regarding the identity of Fort William and Fort John.
(Later Chittendon was about as badly confused, for he says Fort William was re-christened Fort John when it was rebuilt. The date of the building of Fort John being identical with that of the rebuilding of Fort William no doubt led to this confusion.)
One day, there being no one handy of whom this shipping clerk might inquire, he marked a number of bales and boxes destined for "Fort William on the Laramie," simply for "Fort Laramie," remembering only the river on which the fort was situated. Campbell, observing this, liked the idea and he changed the name as it would prevent confusion in future. This incident occurred some time after Sublette and Campbell had sold the fort, and while it was the property of the American Fur Company, who were extensive dealers at the Campbell commissar}'.
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One day, there being no one handy of whom this shipping clerk might inquire, he marked a number of bales and boxes destined for "Fort William on the Laramie," simply for "Fort Laramie," remembering only the river on which the fort was situated. Campbell, observing this, liked the idea and he changed the name as it would prevent confusion in future. This incident occurred some time after Sublette and Campbell had sold the fort, and while it was the property of the American Fur Company, who were extensive dealers at the Campbell commissar}'.
It was in 1835 that Sublette and Campbell sold Fort William to a syndicate of famous trappers headed by Jim Bridger. And about the same time Lucien Fontenelle, with a large force of trappers for the American Fur Company dropped down from the Big Horn country, into the rich fields for beaver along the North Platte and its tributaries.
Both he and Bridger had been too long in the mountains not to know the ruinous effect of stiff competition, and after some preliminaries the fort became a part of the American Fur Company, and Bridger and his associates became members thereof. Fontenelle was made general manager, and after that date they had practically all the fur trade of Wyoming and western Nebraska.
In later years there were many smaller establishments that ran for a time, but the bulk of the business went to the well established American Fur Company.
Among these smaller concerns was Adams and Sabylle who built Fort John in 1836, and who later built another fort on what finally became known as Sabylle creek. The latter fort
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Fontenelle was made general manager, and after that date they had practically all the fur trade of Wyoming and western Nebraska.
In later years there were many smaller establishments that ran for a time, but the bulk of the business went to the well established American Fur Company.
Among these smaller concerns was Adams and Sabylle who built Fort John in 1836, and who later built another fort on what finally became known as Sabylle creek. The latter fort
was burned by Indians in about 1863. Fort Platte was built in 1842 by Pratt, Cabanne & Company on the narrow tongue of land at the point where the Platte and Laramie rivers unite.
In 1836. the green stockade posts of Fort Laramie, showing signs of decay, it was rebuilt. There were at that time some Mexicans sojourning in this part of the wilderness, and they were employed to build it of adobe bricks. A solid wall enclosed all the buildings, and at the corners and over the gate were block, houses for defense.
Under and around these walls for years thereafter, camped the nomadic and migratory thousands. Here the Indians came and loitered, and then wandered away into the wilderness. Hundreds of trappers periodically appeared, and from here some journeyed to civilization while others returned to the wilds. Thousands and thousands came from the east, and went on into the west ; some for homes on the Williamette and the Columbia, others to follow the trail of Jedediah Smith into the golden mecca of California. Adventurers going and coming across the continental divide drifted with the moving tide ; and later came, unfettered and free, the dauntless and undaunted cowmen.
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Hundreds of trappers periodically appeared, and from here some journeyed to civilization while others returned to the wilds. Thousands and thousands came from the east, and went on into the west ; some for homes on the Williamette and the Columbia, others to follow the trail of Jedediah Smith into the golden mecca of California. Adventurers going and coming across the continental divide drifted with the moving tide ; and later came, unfettered and free, the dauntless and undaunted cowmen.
For the greater part of the year both rivers were fordable at this point, and here the two great trails from the east merged into one.
Even so early as the operations of Manuel Lisa and Jacques Laramie the demoralizing effect of fire water upon savages required federal intervention. Yet it was many years before control over the traffic was anything like complete. Much liquor was smuggled in from the Spanish possessions at Santa Fe and Taos.
Attaches of Fort John were extremely reckless in the use of liquor. Fontenelle had early seen its demoralizing effect, changing good beaver hunters to fanatics after drink, and he determined to rid the North Platte valley of the lawlessness if possible.
So when Joshua Pilcher became commissioner of Indian affairs after the death of General Clarke, the influence of the American Fur Company was such that they were able to secure the appointment of Andrew Drips, an employee of the company at Fort Laramie, as resident agent. It raised quite a storm of protest from the other traders, but the department soon became fully advised that it was only because he enforced on other traders the same strict observances of liquor laws, that the American Fur Company had observed for years.
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So when Joshua Pilcher became commissioner of Indian affairs after the death of General Clarke, the influence of the American Fur Company was such that they were able to secure the appointment of Andrew Drips, an employee of the company at Fort Laramie, as resident agent. It raised quite a storm of protest from the other traders, but the department soon became fully advised that it was only because he enforced on other traders the same strict observances of liquor laws, that the American Fur Company had observed for years.
Renegades from the Spanish domain found
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the hazards too great to be inviting, but continued intermittent attempts to get liquor through to the North Platte valley.
Finding the caches and destroying the liquors in the vicinity of the fort were so frequent that the traffic was soon practically abandoned.
One outlaw, a squawman by name of Richards, continued, however, and built a small stockade about six miles east of the fort on
the south side of the river. He is mentioned by Francis Parkman, who visited him in 1847. This man Richards gave the federal authorities no little trouble, but in resisting a detachment from Fort Laramie, which had been seent out to destroy the quantity of liquor which he had brought in from the south, he was killed about 1850.
ROBIDEAUX OF ST. GENEVIEVE -- KIOWA RAID BY RED CLOUD
Sources of information in matters of history are often widely scattered, and the stories themselves are made from putting together little fragments gathered here and there ; some from records, and others from ptrsonal encounters with people having fragmentary knowledge of the events which one is trying to assemble.
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This man Richards gave the federal authorities no little trouble, but in resisting a detachment from Fort Laramie, which had been seent out to destroy the quantity of liquor which he had brought in from the south, he was killed about 1850.
ROBIDEAUX OF ST. GENEVIEVE -- KIOWA RAID BY RED CLOUD
Sources of information in matters of history are often widely scattered, and the stories themselves are made from putting together little fragments gathered here and there ; some from records, and others from ptrsonal encounters with people having fragmentary knowledge of the events which one is trying to assemble.
The stories herein contained, of Count Germain, of Basil Robideaux, and of Kiowa creek come to us through many sources. D'Adelbert, Diderot, Chittendon, Bancroft, Parkman, Coutant, and other chroniclers of the past have each yielded up a portion, but perhaps the most valuable information we have in this connection comes from old timers living and dead who were of later generations here.
There was Frank Vallet, a Frenchman; Hank Wise, the cross-eyed cowpuncher, both from old St. Genevieve ; and there was Nick Genice, a well known squawman living at the old Spotted Tail Agency which used to be upon the ground now occupied by the upper PF ranch.
(For those who care to know, the exact location was where the spring house is now situated, just southeast of the big spring.)
Last, but not least, there was old "Buckskin Charley" White, the intrepid government scout.
From these, and partly through the kindly offices of Perry Braziel, Runey Campbell and John Peters, I am able to patch together an interesting tale, which otherwise would likely have remained in obscurity, and forever lost. The story I feel is so nearly correct, that it can be vouched for as to accuracy, comparable with most history.
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(For those who care to know, the exact location was where the spring house is now situated, just southeast of the big spring.)
Last, but not least, there was old "Buckskin Charley" White, the intrepid government scout.
From these, and partly through the kindly offices of Perry Braziel, Runey Campbell and John Peters, I am able to patch together an interesting tale, which otherwise would likely have remained in obscurity, and forever lost. The story I feel is so nearly correct, that it can be vouched for as to accuracy, comparable with most history.
"When wilderness was king" hereabout, the great center of commerce for mountain and plain was St. Louis.
When Mallet Brothers penetrated the Scottsbluff country, this was claimed as French territory. Cardinal Fluery, who was responsible for the Mallet expedition, died in 1742, and the prime minister of France who succeeded him, had less conception, or inspiration perhaps it should be called, of the coming empire.
In 1748, Count Germain, one of the mysterious characters of French history appeared. Who he was, where he came from, and how he obtained admittance to the exclusive French Court of the time, no history reveals. He claimed to be an alchemist, avowing to have discovered formulas for defying the ravages of time and age, and also of turning baser metals to gold. He said he was born 300 B. C. and expected to live forever. He was not an adventurer, for he had independent means, although the sources thereof were unknown. He was wonderfully informed, and talked intelligently of conversations he claimed to have had with Christ, the Apostles, Pliny, Nero, and other people of the past.
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He claimed to be an alchemist, avowing to have discovered formulas for defying the ravages of time and age, and also of turning baser metals to gold. He said he was born 300 B. C. and expected to live forever. He was not an adventurer, for he had independent means, although the sources thereof were unknown. He was wonderfully informed, and talked intelligently of conversations he claimed to have had with Christ, the Apostles, Pliny, Nero, and other people of the past.
He became a favorite with Marchioness Le Pompadour, and was consulted upon many matters of state. Among other things he said that destiny required the disposition of French American territory to Spain.
In 1762, the degenerate king made a secret sale of Louisiana territory to the Spanish Crown. And the sale has proven of especial significance to western Nebraska, for upon Spanish sovereignty, where the doctrine of appropriation of water for useful purposes
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
had been in force for centuries, is based a court decision in Nebraska, which is the foundation of all our irrigation appropriations. Francis G. Hamer, now upon the Supreme bench, is the man who contested for this decision, and won against the old English common law of riparian rights.
While the Spanish flag floated over the city of St. Louis, until Napoleon, with his tremendous energy appeared to change the maps of the world, the population of the city was largely French, and the voyageurs who allied with trapping, hunting and exploring expeditions, were largely of French extraction. Readers will note the preponderance of French names appearing in these stories. St. Genevieve, near St. Louis, was formerly one of the points much connected with this particular territory. Many of these buoyant, laughing, singing, industrious people, had to do with the taming of the wilderness about us.
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Louis, until Napoleon, with his tremendous energy appeared to change the maps of the world, the population of the city was largely French, and the voyageurs who allied with trapping, hunting and exploring expeditions, were largely of French extraction. Readers will note the preponderance of French names appearing in these stories. St. Genevieve, near St. Louis, was formerly one of the points much connected with this particular territory. Many of these buoyant, laughing, singing, industrious people, had to do with the taming of the wilderness about us.
Partizans, as the leaders of trapping expeditions were called, found that French-Creoles were much better men for the routine camp work, and for knowing the habits of wild game. But when it came to time of privation, stress, or danger, one Kentucky rifleman was worth several of them. Under such conditions almost invariably, the French voyager would revert quickly to animal type, with sly and brutish instincts. Trappers had reason to believe that in many cases of hunger, they had resorted to cannibalism, perhaps casting lots to see who should be the victim.
Among the people from St. Genevieve, in 1836, came one by the name of Basil Robideaux. This was not the Robideaux who formed a partnership with Papin, Chouteau and Berthold in 1819, or who built the posts at Rattlesnake Bluffs (now St. Joseph, Missouri) or on the Gunnison, or on the Unitah, but a humble kinsman, of a later generation.
For a number of years, Basil Robideaux led a hard life in the wilderness. He had the smallpox in 1838 which swept with such virulence over the plains, and depopulated Indian tribes. And at this time, the instinct of self preservation caused his compaions to desert him, as they thought, to die. This was on the south bank of the river, a few miles east of Scotts Bluff mountain.
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Joseph, Missouri) or on the Gunnison, or on the Unitah, but a humble kinsman, of a later generation.
For a number of years, Basil Robideaux led a hard life in the wilderness. He had the smallpox in 1838 which swept with such virulence over the plains, and depopulated Indian tribes. And at this time, the instinct of self preservation caused his compaions to desert him, as they thought, to die. This was on the south bank of the river, a few miles east of Scotts Bluff mountain.
Alone in the wilderness, sick unto death, and among hostile tribes, Robideaux looked up into the blue vault, thickly studded with eternal stars and counted the hours away. In the morning a Sioux medicine man found him, and treated him in the crude fashion of Indians and he recovered. After that, he lived among the Sioux, and whenever he met one of
the men who had left him, in his hour of sickness, he gave him an unmerciful drubbing.
But with him the years went by with a succession of disasters, and he suffered incredible hardships. His life tides ebbed low in melancholy and misery. He became sullen and morose. After days of hunger he would fall in with the fortune to kill a deer, wolf or buffalo. All indifferent to its kind, indiscriminate as to its quality, he would greedily fill of its carcass bloodraw ; and striking a fire to keep away creatures that were a little more wild than he, he would lie down by the remnants of the half eaten carcass to sleep the fitful sleep of the jungle man ; while around him from the wilderness dark, two by two, burned luminous eyes of firewild hungry beasts.
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After days of hunger he would fall in with the fortune to kill a deer, wolf or buffalo. All indifferent to its kind, indiscriminate as to its quality, he would greedily fill of its carcass bloodraw ; and striking a fire to keep away creatures that were a little more wild than he, he would lie down by the remnants of the half eaten carcass to sleep the fitful sleep of the jungle man ; while around him from the wilderness dark, two by two, burned luminous eyes of firewild hungry beasts.
When the great tides of humankind started on the overland trail, in the early forties, Robideaux remembered his old trade as a blacksmith, and took up his abode at Ft. Laramie, where he served the travelers by fixing their wagons, for enormous compensations, and by shoeing horses, mules and oxen, with hand forged shoes at the mild figure of three dollars per shoe.
By the spring of 1848, he had accumulated enough to lay in a supply of traders goods, and removed to "Scotts Bluff Hills." Scotts Bluffs were originally designated in the plural, and extended along the range, intersecting with the main Chalk mountains to the south and southwest.
Robideaux built a small trading station near the springs near the head of a canyon, and put up a blacksmith shop to continue his trade. John Evans Brown mentions him as "Rebedere," and says, "it was at that well known springs in the Scotts Bluffs." The springs referred to are those just above Woolridge's place. Brown was a forty-niner. Later he moved farther from the hills apparently to avoid danger from Arapahoe raids.
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By the spring of 1848, he had accumulated enough to lay in a supply of traders goods, and removed to "Scotts Bluff Hills." Scotts Bluffs were originally designated in the plural, and extended along the range, intersecting with the main Chalk mountains to the south and southwest.
Robideaux built a small trading station near the springs near the head of a canyon, and put up a blacksmith shop to continue his trade. John Evans Brown mentions him as "Rebedere," and says, "it was at that well known springs in the Scotts Bluffs." The springs referred to are those just above Woolridge's place. Brown was a forty-niner. Later he moved farther from the hills apparently to avoid danger from Arapahoe raids.
Some years later, Robideaux returned to his native city, St. Genevieve, old, browned and hardened, but with abundant means to put in the rest of his life without fear of poverty.
History connects the naming of Kiowa creek with Robideaux, in that the same raiders from the souih who burned the trading post were the following morning completely wiped out on the creek.
The regular hunting ground of the Kiowas is south of the Arkansas, and east of the Purgatory. As a tribe they are more often mentioned as Comanches, by early writers. They wen- very warlike and treacherous, ami often engaged in raids upon emigrants along the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Santa Fe trail. On occasions, bands would reach the Platte, but not very frequently were they as far as the North river.
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History connects the naming of Kiowa creek with Robideaux, in that the same raiders from the souih who burned the trading post were the following morning completely wiped out on the creek.
The regular hunting ground of the Kiowas is south of the Arkansas, and east of the Purgatory. As a tribe they are more often mentioned as Comanches, by early writers. They wen- very warlike and treacherous, ami often engaged in raids upon emigrants along the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Santa Fe trail. On occasions, bands would reach the Platte, but not very frequently were they as far as the North river.
About 1852 one of the predatory raids to the north was made, and a band of some fifty warriors and their families reached Indian Springs in the hills south of Gonneville or Pumpkin creek.
Here they loitered for a short time, and then decided to move to the valley of the Flat Water. They followed the well known trail obliquely across the Gonneville valley, and up into the "V" north of Wildcat mountain. Emerging from the hills through Cedar canyon, they struck west and destroyed the abandoned Robideaux post.
Crossing the hills, they stopped at a spring leading down to the northwest. Here they rested after their pillaging of the old post.
At this time a dashing young Sioux warrior, with a small band of young braves, came down from the north, thinking perhaps to meet some of their ancient enemies, the Arapahoes. His spies discovering the camp of Kiowas, and being somewhat indiscriminate as to who should be his victims, he attacked the Kiowa camp.
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Crossing the hills, they stopped at a spring leading down to the northwest. Here they rested after their pillaging of the old post.
At this time a dashing young Sioux warrior, with a small band of young braves, came down from the north, thinking perhaps to meet some of their ancient enemies, the Arapahoes. His spies discovering the camp of Kiowas, and being somewhat indiscriminate as to who should be his victims, he attacked the Kiowa camp.
The attack was well planned, being made at dawn, and although a much smaller number, they made up for it in fire and youth. The Kiowas were utterly annihilated. In the exultation of victory, the Sioux scoured the hills for refugees. A young squaw was found stolidly beside her dead brave, and was quickly sent to the shades to join her companion, after the manner of Indians. The leader of this band was Red Cloud.
THE STEAMBOAT EL PASO HERE -- REULEAU, THE TRAPPER
Several persons have mentioned of having seen in Morton's History of Nebraska, and elsewhere, references to ruins of old adobe, where formerly stood a city or station of considerable proportions, including a blacksmith shop, as being upon "the east slope of Scotts Bluff," along the old Overland Trail. This reference is no doubt to old Robideaux, as no other such ruins exist, or is there any memory of them among old timers. And there are none on the line of the trail that leads through Mitchell Gap.
The naming of several gaps in the bluffs is clear. Robideaux station doubtless led to the naming of the pass of that name, and the passage through the hills to the north of the old post, toward Fort Mitchell (the pass south of A. C. Morrison's place) was formerly callid Scotts Bluff Pass.
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This reference is no doubt to old Robideaux, as no other such ruins exist, or is there any memory of them among old timers. And there are none on the line of the trail that leads through Mitchell Gap.
The naming of several gaps in the bluffs is clear. Robideaux station doubtless led to the naming of the pass of that name, and the passage through the hills to the north of the old post, toward Fort Mitchell (the pass south of A. C. Morrison's place) was formerly callid Scotts Bluff Pass. After the passing of old Robideaux, the old Mitchell Pass fell into disuse, and in fact it was never much in use. and except for horses and footmen, is now entirely abandoned. Then the big gap in Scotts Bluff, through which the daily travel had reached hundreds, came into general conversation and knowledge at Mitchell Gap, or Mitchell 1'ass, be. ,ni r hi Kurt Mitchell. .And
through this pass the streams of humankind poured in the years which followed.
Early in June, 1852, an event of more than passing moment came to the existence of Fort Mitchell. The wilderness about it, and the people at the fort, were startled by the scream of a steam whistle, and so far, as was within the knowledge of man here, there was no such thing nearer than the Missouri river.
The winter previous had 'been one of considerable severity and much snow had fallen in the mountains. The spring had turned off bright and warm, and the river presented much the same aspect as it did in June, 1908, when it will be remembered, it was full from bank to bank.
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The wilderness about it, and the people at the fort, were startled by the scream of a steam whistle, and so far, as was within the knowledge of man here, there was no such thing nearer than the Missouri river.
The winter previous had 'been one of considerable severity and much snow had fallen in the mountains. The spring had turned off bright and warm, and the river presented much the same aspect as it did in June, 1908, when it will be remembered, it was full from bank to bank.
From the lookout of the fort, the first and only steamboat that was ever in the Scotts Bluff country, could be seen ascending the river. The El Paso, as it proved to be pulled into the bank below the fort, where now R. S. Hunt's stock go down to water, and made fast for the night. The next day the El Paso continued its journey up the Platte, and continued to the mouth of the Platte canyon, where the current proved too strong for it to
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
proceed farther, and the return journey was commenced.
The advance up the river was made at the rate of about thirty-five miles per day, below the junction of the rivers, and from that point to Platte canyon the average was about twenty-five miles. On the return the boat travelled from seventy-five to ninety miles per day.
On the trip both ways it was also found necessary at times to use green cottonwood and ash for fuel, and to keep the fires burning required liberal quantities of rosin and tar.
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The advance up the river was made at the rate of about thirty-five miles per day, below the junction of the rivers, and from that point to Platte canyon the average was about twenty-five miles. On the return the boat travelled from seventy-five to ninety miles per day.
On the trip both ways it was also found necessary at times to use green cottonwood and ash for fuel, and to keep the fires burning required liberal quantities of rosin and tar.
The profound student, Edward Everett Hale, published a book in 1854, on Kansas and Nebraska, and refers to navigation of the Platte. He speaks of the El Paso in ascending the Platte for five hundred miles, as an achievement which was never surpassed by a boat of its class. And that in early days, boats distinguishing themselves as did this craft, were entitled to wear a pair of elk's antlers, until another surpassed it. There has been none to surpass the El Paso and she still "wears the horns."
Hale's book states that trappers occasionally descended the Platte in canoes and batteaux, but that it was exceedingly intricate and dangerous. The boats frequently run aground, and it was generally considered as a last resort for the transfer of goods. Boats of elkhide and buffalo skin proved the most serviceable, for they yielded when striking the sand bars, and slid over them with less difficulty, than boats of wood.
Among the few passengers alighting at Fort Mitchell from the El Paso was Reuleau, the trapper, who has a history. He is first mentioned in 1833, when he met the lone Nez Perce brave on his journey into the west, after the futile visit to St. Louis. Francis Parkman mentions him at Fort Laramie in 1847. Previous to the latter date, he had had the misfortune to freeze off the fore part of both feet, leaving but stubs.
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Among the few passengers alighting at Fort Mitchell from the El Paso was Reuleau, the trapper, who has a history. He is first mentioned in 1833, when he met the lone Nez Perce brave on his journey into the west, after the futile visit to St. Louis. Francis Parkman mentions him at Fort Laramie in 1847. Previous to the latter date, he had had the misfortune to freeze off the fore part of both feet, leaving but stubs. Yet he was the same blithe, lithe spirit as before.
Reuleau had then told lightly of "two more gone. One murdered in his cabin, and the other shot with his own gun." "Next time it will be one of us. I tell you it is getting too hot for me. I am going one more season," said he, "My squaw wants a red dress with the bright buttons, and a pacing pony, and then she will be satisfied for me to settle down and farm."
Poor Reuleau ! This was six years after, and he was still at it. But for him the trail was near its end. This was the last time he
ever came to light. He sleeps somewhere in the wilderness about us, but where, no one knows.
I am glad that my own father met him once at Fort Mitchell in 1850, when he made his first journey to California. For it was from Reuleau that father learned much that was of value regarding Indian strategy, and the dangers of the trail and mountains.
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But for him the trail was near its end. This was the last time he
ever came to light. He sleeps somewhere in the wilderness about us, but where, no one knows.
I am glad that my own father met him once at Fort Mitchell in 1850, when he made his first journey to California. For it was from Reuleau that father learned much that was of value regarding Indian strategy, and the dangers of the trail and mountains.
One bright moonlight night at old Fort Mitchell, when my father and party were camped outside the Palisades, Reuleau and my father fell to conversation, and Reuleau asked if he had ever seen the beaver and otter play. Father replied in the negative and Reuleau volunteered to pilot him to a spot where he could "watch them slide."
He took him north about two and a half miles, where the beaver had built a dam between the shore and an island. This place is now off the shore between the Johnny Boyle ranch and Chris Kronberg's. Approaching warily they hid in the brush and timber near at hand. After a time, they saw beaver come out upon the bank, and slide down in a manner similar to boys at the old swimming hole.
Their number grew until there were a half dozen or more at play, chasing each other down the slide, and swimming away sputtering, and slapping as they went about it.
Then an otter appeared, and he quietly ascended the bank, to the top of the slide. He would take the slide in the manner that the beaver did, but upon striking the water, would go under and remain for a distance of forty or fifty feet, before the ripples would show his rising to the surface.
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Their number grew until there were a half dozen or more at play, chasing each other down the slide, and swimming away sputtering, and slapping as they went about it.
Then an otter appeared, and he quietly ascended the bank, to the top of the slide. He would take the slide in the manner that the beaver did, but upon striking the water, would go under and remain for a distance of forty or fifty feet, before the ripples would show his rising to the surface.
There are two of these slides that are known by location to the writer. The one described, and another mentioned by Eugene Ware, at a point a little east of the North Platte.
Ware described the habits of the beaver and otter in the identical manner, but he adds one of the stories of the wild, handed down from the red man, who was then his companion. It appears that of a sudden the animals quit their playing, and the Indian saw or claimed he could see the outline of an elk in the bushes upon the other bank of the improvised lagoon. He said the elk had given the water animals some warning of the near approach of men. He claimed that there was a language of the animal kingdom, which all animals understood -- the language of danger, by which one specimen could signal others. Ware said he wanted to wait until the animals came out to play again, but the guide said "no, they will play no more tonight."
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It appears that of a sudden the animals quit their playing, and the Indian saw or claimed he could see the outline of an elk in the bushes upon the other bank of the improvised lagoon. He said the elk had given the water animals some warning of the near approach of men. He claimed that there was a language of the animal kingdom, which all animals understood -- the language of danger, by which one specimen could signal others. Ware said he wanted to wait until the animals came out to play again, but the guide said "no, they will play no more tonight."
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
GOVERNMENT BUYS FORT LARAMIE -- FT. FONTENELLE IS BUILT
The ramifications of the American Fur Company include many subordinate institutions. Each was an entity unto itself, like the company organized to take over Fort Laramie, which included Bridger and others not interested in other parts of the main institution. "Vanderburg and Dripps" was the immediate branch that connected up at the old fort. In 1845, when a number of posts had been built around Fort Laramie, cutting off the travelers before they reached the central and larger institution, they builded two other subsidiary posts. One was on the north bank of the Platte opposite the mouth of the Laramie river, that remained there until after the gold excitement in California, and the other was a little north of the present site of Wheatland, which was placed in charge of Bordeaux, of whom we will later speak.
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In 1845, when a number of posts had been built around Fort Laramie, cutting off the travelers before they reached the central and larger institution, they builded two other subsidiary posts. One was on the north bank of the Platte opposite the mouth of the Laramie river, that remained there until after the gold excitement in California, and the other was a little north of the present site of Wheatland, which was placed in charge of Bordeaux, of whom we will later speak.
In the winter of 1843-44, Marcus Whitman, in behalf of the people of Oregon, made a trip through the rigorous winter of the Rocky Mountains, and appeared in Washington. His feet were frozen in this terrible journey, but he appeared in the national capital and plead for Oregon.
Upon request, he presented a written statement in which he said he himself had piloted more than two hundred families, consisting of one thousand people, with 120 wagons, 694 oxen, and 773 loose cattle, across the mountains to homes in Oregon, in the previous two years.
He also recommended the establishment of government posts along the route. One suggested was where Fort Sedgewick was later established (near Big Springs), and another "on Horseshoe creek, about forty miles west of Fort Laramie in the Black Hills." At this time the mountains around Hartville and extending southwest, including Laramie Peak, were called the Black Hills.
Horseshoe creek was not Horse creek, as will be seen from the designated location, although from the numerous diaries published from time to time, many of the travelers must have had the two confused.
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One suggested was where Fort Sedgewick was later established (near Big Springs), and another "on Horseshoe creek, about forty miles west of Fort Laramie in the Black Hills." At this time the mountains around Hartville and extending southwest, including Laramie Peak, were called the Black Hills.
Horseshoe creek was not Horse creek, as will be seen from the designated location, although from the numerous diaries published from time to time, many of the travelers must have had the two confused.
John C. Fremont, who under the auspices of the government, visited Fort Laramie, to treat with the Indians, and to continue on a voyage uf exploration, recommended that the government purchase Fort Laramie, as he had been lead to think that the American Fur Company wished to retire and would sell at a reasonable figure.
Negotiations followed, and, in 1846, Congress appropriated $3,000, the agreed price for the purchase. Bruce Husband, then in charge of Fort Laramie, surprised the government officials by the announcement that he selected another site, and he would build another fort at Scotts Bluff.
This post was commenced at once, and its location was upon the west bank of the Platte just south of the west end of the bridge between the city of Scottsbluff and Mitchell valley. Anyone who has visited this historic spot, can see the advantage of location. It commands an excellent view of the valley in all directions, yet is far enough away from the bluff to be out of range of any fire from that eminence.
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This post was commenced at once, and its location was upon the west bank of the Platte just south of the west end of the bridge between the city of Scottsbluff and Mitchell valley. Anyone who has visited this historic spot, can see the advantage of location. It commands an excellent view of the valley in all directions, yet is far enough away from the bluff to be out of range of any fire from that eminence.
The fort was made on the usual stockade plan, about three hundred feet square, with all the buildings in the enclosure.
When completed, Husband named it Fort Fontenelle, after Lucien Fontenelle, one of his partners. The old members of the company were frequently complimenting some other member by naming a trading post in his honor. Thus it happens there are several Fort Williams named after William Sublette. And there were no less than two Fort Mitchells at one time within the confines of Nebraska, and both were named after David D. Mitchell.
Soon after the establishment of Fort Fontenelle, Bruce Husband retired, and Lucien Fontenelle was placed in charge. This seems strange, in consideration of the fact that several historians had Fontenelle commit suicide at Fort Laramie some dozen years before this fort was built.
The report referred to did not have the element of fact, for it is certain that Fontenelle was alive as late as 1852, when my father met him at Fort Mitchell.
Lucien Fontenelle had a remarkable history. He was of direct royal lineage, and his parents, Francois and Moreonise Fontenelle. came from Marseilles. France, and Lucien and his sister were born in the early part of the century at New Orleans. His parents perished in a storm, and the children were made orphans about 1820. They lived with relatives and at the age of fifteen, Lucien ran away.
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The report referred to did not have the element of fact, for it is certain that Fontenelle was alive as late as 1852, when my father met him at Fort Mitchell.
Lucien Fontenelle had a remarkable history. He was of direct royal lineage, and his parents, Francois and Moreonise Fontenelle. came from Marseilles. France, and Lucien and his sister were born in the early part of the century at New Orleans. His parents perished in a storm, and the children were made orphans about 1820. They lived with relatives and at the age of fifteen, Lucien ran away.
Some six or seven years after he was supposed to have committed suicide, or in 1842, lie returned to his old home. His sister had married well, (or wealthy), and she refused to own the weather-beaten mountaineer, al-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
though he was recognized by an old nurse, who also identified him by a birthmark.
He returned to the wilderness life and was married by Father Peter DeSmet to a woman of the Omaha tribe. Logan Fontenelle and others of the name in Nebraska history are among the descendants of the famous trapper.
Thus it transpired that Lucien Fontenelle, having for so many years braved the dangers of the wilderness, being a veteran of the mountains, now that he had attained the age of about forty-five years, should be relieved of some of the activities and -stress of a hunter, the new fort at Scotts Bluff offered the retreat.
For a time it was called Fort Fontenelle, but the partizan's native modesty, and his friendship for David D. Mitchell, caused him to change its name.
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Thus it transpired that Lucien Fontenelle, having for so many years braved the dangers of the wilderness, being a veteran of the mountains, now that he had attained the age of about forty-five years, should be relieved of some of the activities and -stress of a hunter, the new fort at Scotts Bluff offered the retreat.
For a time it was called Fort Fontenelle, but the partizan's native modesty, and his friendship for David D. Mitchell, caused him to change its name.
Fontenelle, having an Indian wife, and being well known among the Indians as a fair man, and a man who would fight if need be, was of great value in preventing depredations along the trail and commanders at Fort Laramie found that he prevented friction almost entirely in the country east of one hundred miles.
For a number of years after the establishment of this fort, during the months of May, June and July, there was a ceaseless caravan moving westward through the North Platte valley. It can be stated with comparative certainty of truth that during those months of the first five or six years of the existence of Fort Fontenelle, or Mitchell, there were emigrants within sight at all times. In fact, during daylight hours an average of one emigrant wagon passed each five minutes, for one hundred days of each year. An almost continuous stream of wagons stretched for five hundred miles, along the great highways over the mountains.
Is it any wonder that the Indians who came down to Fort Laramie with Peter DeSmet in 1852, when they looked upon the great wide bare trail, should imagine that there must be a great void in the east, and could not comprehend that this was only a small fragment of the white race? Is it any wonder that the
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An almost continuous stream of wagons stretched for five hundred miles, along the great highways over the mountains.
Is it any wonder that the Indians who came down to Fort Laramie with Peter DeSmet in 1852, when they looked upon the great wide bare trail, should imagine that there must be a great void in the east, and could not comprehend that this was only a small fragment of the white race? Is it any wonder that the
Sioux bands that came for the first time to Fort Mitchell should ask if the whole white village was moving to the west? Is it any wonder that they contemplated taking the back trail of the Great White Medicine Road, with a view of locating in the valley that they thought must be deserted in the east? And this travel continued and grew. It gave rise to the pony express and the overland stage, which modes of travel and transportation continued until the Union Pacific builded up the Lodgepole valley and became the rapid transit across the mountains.
And now Fort Mitchell had become the rendezvous for trappers, as well as a halting place for overland travelers. It was here that trapping parties disbanded and went their several ways, and it was here they met to journey to the white settlements.
When a number had made ready for the trip eastward they would take boats or horses, and with the voice of the wilderness, and with the yodling calls of the mountains, they would make the rocks and cliffs of old Scotts Bluff reverberate, and then, they were away.
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And now Fort Mitchell had become the rendezvous for trappers, as well as a halting place for overland travelers. It was here that trapping parties disbanded and went their several ways, and it was here they met to journey to the white settlements.
When a number had made ready for the trip eastward they would take boats or horses, and with the voice of the wilderness, and with the yodling calls of the mountains, they would make the rocks and cliffs of old Scotts Bluff reverberate, and then, they were away.
Upon arrival at their destination, they would vanish from sight for two or three hours ; then shaved, bathed, and clad in garments of civilization, they would appear in the marts of trade.
The mystery of the wilderness was about them, the brown of the western winds upon their brows, and wherever they went they were objects of consideration and interest. After a time the sameness of the city grew tiresome, and when another trapper outfit was preparing for the west, the most of them would be ready to come back to the life that was life to them. The joy of returning to the haunts of the mountains was theirs, and happiness beamed from the countenances, as they danced, capered and sang about the camp getting ready for the journey. And here at old Fort Mitchell, they were ready once more for the perils and pleasures of the profession.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
BRADY ISLAND TRAGEDY -- FRENCH BOAT SONG-- TIM BRIDGER MEETS SIR GEORGE GORE
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After a time the sameness of the city grew tiresome, and when another trapper outfit was preparing for the west, the most of them would be ready to come back to the life that was life to them. The joy of returning to the haunts of the mountains was theirs, and happiness beamed from the countenances, as they danced, capered and sang about the camp getting ready for the journey. And here at old Fort Mitchell, they were ready once more for the perils and pleasures of the profession.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
BRADY ISLAND TRAGEDY -- FRENCH BOAT SONG-- TIM BRIDGER MEETS SIR GEORGE GORE
The men who manned the boats that navigated the shallow and dangerous western waters were, like the campers, almost invariably French-Creoles, and emotional, romantic characters added to the picturesqueness of events, making trapper history distinctive. It was an epoch in the taming of the wilderness.
In the spring high waters, occasionally a fleet of boats were made ready at old Fort Mitchell, as formerly at Ft. Laramie for the journey to the white settlements. The boats were loaded with two or three packs of beaver each, and usually manned by two men each.
French language was much in use by the Americans, who in the main disdained the happy-go-lucky French camp attaches. They were frequently referred to as "Le Foux" or the fools, but laughter and song were unyielding to the shafts of ridicule, and whenever a fleet of boats cast off from the old fort, the splash of paddle, or the movement of poles were to the rhythm of French boat songs with which the air was filled. The following is given by Chittendon as one of the favorites :
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French language was much in use by the Americans, who in the main disdained the happy-go-lucky French camp attaches. They were frequently referred to as "Le Foux" or the fools, but laughter and song were unyielding to the shafts of ridicule, and whenever a fleet of boats cast off from the old fort, the splash of paddle, or the movement of poles were to the rhythm of French boat songs with which the air was filled. The following is given by Chittendon as one of the favorites :
"Dans mon cherin J'ai rencontre' Trois cavalieres bien monte'es L'on ton laridon dan'e L'on ton laridon dai.
Trois cavalieres bein monte'es L'une a chevel l'autre a pi ed L'on ton laridon dan'e L'on ton laridon dai.
And thus the buoyant, singing people would away to civilization. One could not tell, however, which of them would reach the white settlement, for if occasion or expediency required one of the two boatsmen would be "accidentally" killed en route.
It was in 1833, so says Rufus Sage, that a party were descending the river, and they stopped upon an island some distance below the junction of the two branches of the Platte. A man named Brady and his French companion bad quarrelled.
Tin- others of the party had gone out to hunt, and. upon returning they found Brady dead. 1 lis companion said it was by accidental discharge of his own weapon. Although the others did not believe the story, they had no evidence to the contrary.
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It was in 1833, so says Rufus Sage, that a party were descending the river, and they stopped upon an island some distance below the junction of the two branches of the Platte. A man named Brady and his French companion bad quarrelled.
Tin- others of the party had gone out to hunt, and. upon returning they found Brady dead. 1 lis companion said it was by accidental discharge of his own weapon. Although the others did not believe the story, they had no evidence to the contrary.
Shallow water made the travelers abandon their boats a short distance below. They divided their packs, but our Frenchman held to the portion that formerly belonged to Brady.
The night after, he was trying to light a fire by the discharge of his pistol, the story goes, and shot himself in the thigh. He laid their six days and was picked up by the Pawnees, but he died a few days later, and before he died, he confessed the murder of Brady.
No one has ever confessed the murder pf the Frenchman, but it seemed that providence had a way in dealing with murderers in the wilderness. It is generally believed that providence used in most cases, the hand of some friend of the murdered man.
The death of Brady gave name to Brady Island, which name time has never effaced.
One of the most distinguished caravans to visit the famous station of Fort Mitchell, arrived in June, 1854, when the Sir George Gore, a real lord from Sligo, Ireland, appeared.
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No one has ever confessed the murder pf the Frenchman, but it seemed that providence had a way in dealing with murderers in the wilderness. It is generally believed that providence used in most cases, the hand of some friend of the murdered man.
The death of Brady gave name to Brady Island, which name time has never effaced.
One of the most distinguished caravans to visit the famous station of Fort Mitchell, arrived in June, 1854, when the Sir George Gore, a real lord from Sligo, Ireland, appeared.
Henry Chattillon, already famous as a guide, had been pressed into service and had piloted the party from St. Louis.
The outfit consisted of several wagons and many carts, a number of yoke of oxen, and a hundred horses, a large retinue of servants, a lot of thoroughbred dogs, and was also equipped with firearms, accessories, and provisions for a two year's trip.
Chattillon was to guide the party to Fort Laramie where his service was to end. At Fort Mitchell Gore made inquiries as to the best country for big game, and was making a preliminary quest for a mountain guide. All inquiries of the latter nature led him to Jim Bridger, who was at Fort Laramie at that time.
The meeting was mutually interesting to the principals, and to the spectators. Gore was accustomed to command, and he had all the imperial instincts of his nativity. On the other hand, Bridger cared absolutely nothing for rank or station. In the mountains all men were to him the same. If they could be relied upon "they were square." and if not to be reljed upon, "they were Blackfeet," (an unreliable Indian).
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All inquiries of the latter nature led him to Jim Bridger, who was at Fort Laramie at that time.
The meeting was mutually interesting to the principals, and to the spectators. Gore was accustomed to command, and he had all the imperial instincts of his nativity. On the other hand, Bridger cared absolutely nothing for rank or station. In the mountains all men were to him the same. If they could be relied upon "they were square." and if not to be reljed upon, "they were Blackfeet," (an unreliable Indian).
Negotiations entered upon with diplomacy by the Irish lord, were cut short by the mountaineer, who named his price, terms and conditions, and wages to commence at once. This unusual abruptness made a hit with the Irish-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
man, and in the two years that followed Sir Geo. Gore and Jim Bridger were companions inseparable.
During these years Sir George held to his traditions. He would not rise until ten in the morning, and then with deliberation he had his bath and made his toilet. After breakfast "at noon" he would hunt or travel as he then decided. Along about ten o'clock at night, his "dinner" must be served, and it was full dinner dress for him.
At the evening function, he usually had Bridger join, but no evening costume for Jim. After dinner, he would read to Bridger from Shakespeare or Munchausen. Of the former Bridger "lowed it was too highfalutin fer him, and he did not like that Pullstuff anyway ; he thought too much of lager beer." Munchausen's stories struck him as "a leetle too big," but when his own stories were repeated to him, he said, "well, maybe they air too big too," with a twinkle in his eye. These and similar discussions continued while the two remained in the mountains, and after the two years the only genuine affection by the lord at parting from his hunting companions, was shown as he bade farewell to old Jim Bridger.
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Of the former Bridger "lowed it was too highfalutin fer him, and he did not like that Pullstuff anyway ; he thought too much of lager beer." Munchausen's stories struck him as "a leetle too big," but when his own stories were repeated to him, he said, "well, maybe they air too big too," with a twinkle in his eye. These and similar discussions continued while the two remained in the mountains, and after the two years the only genuine affection by the lord at parting from his hunting companions, was shown as he bade farewell to old Jim Bridger.
The period of the trapper was passing fast. The beaver had lost his prestige in the world
of fashion and silk had taken its place, the prices of ermine and otter had fallen. The big migration which at this time was pouring through the valley of the Flat Water, changed the habit but not the vocation of the class.
Thousands of buffalo fell before the trapper and thousands of hides were shipped annually to St. Louis. In one year, 1847, the American Fur Company shipped from Fort Mitchell, then just being established as Fort Fontenelle, and from Fort Laramie, then soon to be transferred to the government, forty-seven thousand buffalo robes.
Fort Mitchell was the last trading post of the American Fur Company, and remained their property until 1864, when it was sold to the Northwest Fur Company, of St. Paul. This company was organized by J. B. Hubbell and associates.
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In one year, 1847, the American Fur Company shipped from Fort Mitchell, then just being established as Fort Fontenelle, and from Fort Laramie, then soon to be transferred to the government, forty-seven thousand buffalo robes.
Fort Mitchell was the last trading post of the American Fur Company, and remained their property until 1864, when it was sold to the Northwest Fur Company, of St. Paul. This company was organized by J. B. Hubbell and associates.
There seems to be no record in the war department showing any establishment or occupation of Fort Mitchell by the government or any date of its abandonment, but it was used by the government from 1865 to 1869 as a sub-station of Fort Laramie; I have this from the Adjutant General's office.
And with the abandonment of Fort Mitchell the "Commerce of the Plains," in the old sense passed away.
PART II
INDIAN WARS AND LEGENDS
INDIAN MIGRATION ACROSS THE PLATTE
Hyde tells us that from his best information the Comanches or "Paducas" were on the north side of the North Platte river up to about the year 1800. Perrin de lac in his book, 1802. puts on his map "Ancient Village of the Paducas," on the upper Niobrara near Rawhide Buttes. Robert Harvey, when doing some surveying in Sioux county, about forty years ago, came upon "old ruins" northwest of Agate. An early map of Nebraska indicates "ancient ruins" across the river and some distance north of the present site of Bridgeport. These were likely the former establishments of "Paducas," and date back to about the beginning of the last century.
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Perrin de lac in his book, 1802. puts on his map "Ancient Village of the Paducas," on the upper Niobrara near Rawhide Buttes. Robert Harvey, when doing some surveying in Sioux county, about forty years ago, came upon "old ruins" northwest of Agate. An early map of Nebraska indicates "ancient ruins" across the river and some distance north of the present site of Bridgeport. These were likely the former establishments of "Paducas," and date back to about the beginning of the last century.
Major Long, in 1820, says that during the life of Chief Blackbird, about 1780 or 1790, the Paducas came and attacked an Omaha village on the Missouri river near the mouth of the Niobrara.
Tradition has it among the Indians that the Cheyennes came and drove the Comanches from the Rawhide Butte region, and that later the Sioux came and drove out the Cheyennes. Major Long also stated that in 1820 the Cheyennes, "on the Cheyenne river" secured goods from the British -traders through the Sioux and they would bring them to the Platte where at "distant periods" evidently meaning long intervals, a sort of an Indian trading fair is held, usually on "Grand Camp creek," by the Cheyennes. Arapahoes, Kiowas, and Comanches. Tin's may have been as far up the river as tin- present Grand Encampment, but I doubt if any of ihe creeks had their present names so early as that date. The Arapahoes carried on this sort of trade before the Cheyennes took it up, but the Arapahoes seem to have been prevented by the Sioux from securing goods from the Missouri, and the Cheyennes took up the
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Major Long also stated that in 1820 the Cheyennes, "on the Cheyenne river" secured goods from the British -traders through the Sioux and they would bring them to the Platte where at "distant periods" evidently meaning long intervals, a sort of an Indian trading fair is held, usually on "Grand Camp creek," by the Cheyennes. Arapahoes, Kiowas, and Comanches. Tin's may have been as far up the river as tin- present Grand Encampment, but I doubt if any of ihe creeks had their present names so early as that date. The Arapahoes carried on this sort of trade before the Cheyennes took it up, but the Arapahoes seem to have been prevented by the Sioux from securing goods from the Missouri, and the Cheyennes took up the
trade. The intertribal trade between the Indians appears to have been of a very early origin, and Hyde thinks that it was started by the Comanches when they were north of the Platte. When they were driven south of the river, the Kiowas took it up, and when they were driven south the Arapahoes assumed charge of the trade, and they in turn were compelled to move south and it then fell into the hands of the Cheyennes. The Sioux would have undoubtedly followed the business had it not been for the interference of the white trader, who took it over entirely.
In 1814-15 the Sioux and Kiowas were at war, and a decisive battle was fought on Kiowa creek in the west part of the present Scotts Bluff county. Here the Kiowas wrere beaten and retired into the mountains. They later went south and joined the Comanches and have thoroughly amalgamated therewith. Their last raid into the "North River" country was when they burned the trading post in Robideaux Gap.
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The Sioux would have undoubtedly followed the business had it not been for the interference of the white trader, who took it over entirely.
In 1814-15 the Sioux and Kiowas were at war, and a decisive battle was fought on Kiowa creek in the west part of the present Scotts Bluff county. Here the Kiowas wrere beaten and retired into the mountains. They later went south and joined the Comanches and have thoroughly amalgamated therewith. Their last raid into the "North River" country was when they burned the trading post in Robideaux Gap.
A story going back to 1730, tells of the Cheyennes. Originally they were far away, west of the great lakes. In the course of their migrations, driven ahead of the Sioux, they built a village on the banks of the Cheyenne river. This river rises in Wyoming and runs eastward, skirting the south border of Black Hills from Edgemont to the Missouri.
At this time the Cheyennes had built mud huts and their habitations had a sense of permanency. Possibly they seized and occupied the "Paduca" villages. One day, the entire village, with the exception of one old woman who was too old to travel, went on a buffalo hunt. These hunts often extended for several days, and it was during their absence that their old enemies, the Assinaboines, whose habitat is
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
now in northern Montana, raided their village. They attacked at night, and at their sudden approach the old woman, who was grinding bones in an improvised mortar, and had a torch of pitch pine stuck down her back, with the upper end alight, started to run toward the river. The village was situated upon a bluff. As she approached its precipitous shore with the Assinaboines in close pursuit, she took the torch from her back and threw it far out over the cliff, and she herself hid by the pathway that led down to the water.
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They attacked at night, and at their sudden approach the old woman, who was grinding bones in an improvised mortar, and had a torch of pitch pine stuck down her back, with the upper end alight, started to run toward the river. The village was situated upon a bluff. As she approached its precipitous shore with the Assinaboines in close pursuit, she took the torch from her back and threw it far out over the cliff, and she herself hid by the pathway that led down to the water. In the darkness, the Assinaboines, thinking that she had run on, followed the flight of the torch over the cliff, and all perished. The Cheyennes, the story goes, then used dogs for pack animals, hitching them between thills, and having them drag the packs after the manner later adopted in connection with ponies and mustangs.
In 1840-1841 the Sioux made peace with the Cheyennes, probably the Southern tribes, for they were at peace with the Northern Cheyennes long before 1840. The Southern tribe whose habitat was on the Platte and Laramie, had among them a very old man by the name of Red Cloud. He was a cousin of the Sioux Red Cloud of history. Sioux Red Cloud's father had a brother who married a Northern Cheyenne woman about 1820, and the Cheyenne Red Cloud was their son. This indicates that the Northern Cheyennes and Ogallala Sioux were at peace and intermarrying at that time. This Red Cloud, half Sioux and half Northern Cheyenne, married a Southern Cheyenne woman, and lived with the Southern tribe. This would indicate peaceful and intermarrying relations between the north and south branches existed about 1840 or a little later. It might have been after the peace of 1840-1841.
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Sioux Red Cloud's father had a brother who married a Northern Cheyenne woman about 1820, and the Cheyenne Red Cloud was their son. This indicates that the Northern Cheyennes and Ogallala Sioux were at peace and intermarrying at that time. This Red Cloud, half Sioux and half Northern Cheyenne, married a Southern Cheyenne woman, and lived with the Southern tribe. This would indicate peaceful and intermarrying relations between the north and south branches existed about 1840 or a little later. It might have been after the peace of 1840-1841.
This peace was brought about by Red Arm for the Cheyennes and Lone Horn for the Min-ne-con-jou Sioux (or the tribe of "shooters in the mist"). The Sioux and Arapahoes remained hostile for some time thereafter.
Among the oldest of the Cheyennes now living there are found those who say that Lone Horn was the first of all the Sioux to bring his band to the Platte river, and he did not live here. He came down to hunt, and to run the mustangs, for wild horses abounded in the valley of the North Platte river and adjoining territory.
Volume I of Wyoming historical publications, in an article on Fort Laramie says in 1835 two men were sent to the Black Hills to induce Bull Bear's Ogallalas to come to the Platte to live, and that this was the first Sioux band to come near Fort Laramie to trade.
There was no Fort Laramie then, and the
Fort William that was the antecedent of the historic fort was builded 1835. Lone Horn's hunting trips must have antedated that event by at least a score of years. The Sioux were here in numbers as early as 1815, for the battle of Kiowa with the Kiowas, and the Battle of Round House Rock, with the Pawnees, were about 1815.
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Volume I of Wyoming historical publications, in an article on Fort Laramie says in 1835 two men were sent to the Black Hills to induce Bull Bear's Ogallalas to come to the Platte to live, and that this was the first Sioux band to come near Fort Laramie to trade.
There was no Fort Laramie then, and the
Fort William that was the antecedent of the historic fort was builded 1835. Lone Horn's hunting trips must have antedated that event by at least a score of years. The Sioux were here in numbers as early as 1815, for the battle of Kiowa with the Kiowas, and the Battle of Round House Rock, with the Pawnees, were about 1815. If Lone Horn was the first of the Sioux to reach the Platte river, he must have been quite young at the time, or else he was quite old at the time of the conclusion of peace between his people and the Cheyennes.
The migrations of the several tribes across the Platte must have been in rapid succession, the Comanches were presumed to be north of the river about 1800, and ten or fifteen years thereafter the Sioux were here. In the meantime, came and passed, the Kiowas, the Arapa-. hoes imd the Cheyennes. The North Platte river was the dividing line, in the days of the trappers, although the Sioux were sometimes found south of the line. _i3/2386
In 1850 the scourge of cholera swept along the trail, and spread among the Indians east of and around Scotts Bluff, and its vital effect drove all else out of mind for a time. Stansbury found five lodges full of Sioux, all dead of cholera, at Ash Hollow, and cholera was raging in a village of two hundred and fifty lodges farther up the Platte.
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The North Platte river was the dividing line, in the days of the trappers, although the Sioux were sometimes found south of the line. _i3/2386
In 1850 the scourge of cholera swept along the trail, and spread among the Indians east of and around Scotts Bluff, and its vital effect drove all else out of mind for a time. Stansbury found five lodges full of Sioux, all dead of cholera, at Ash Hollow, and cholera was raging in a village of two hundred and fifty lodges farther up the Platte.
The Sioux at that time seemed to have practically the undisputed possession of the Platte except the challenge of authority thereover made by white people along the Great White Medicine Road. The river for a time had been the dividing line between the Sioux and the southern tribes, but the southern resistance to the northern pressure was gradually giving way, and soon after the Sioux took possession of the land south to the "South River" and some distance beyond.
Samuel Parker, the missionary, when passing through the North River land in the early thirties, tells of a thousand Pawnees in a village in Mitchell valley, and from 1845 to 1855 the Indians held their pow-wows in Horse creek where Crows and Snakes met the Arapahoes, Cheyennes and Sioux, and presents were distributed among them. This was in line with the promises of Colonel Kearney at Fort Laramie in 1845, where he warned twelve hundred Sioux that they must not try to close the Great White Medicine Road, "for it was used by the people who with their wives and their children and the cattle, were moving to the other side of the mountains, to bury their bones there, and to never return." Colonel Kearney said in address : "Sioux, you have enemies about you. but the greatest of them all is whiskey.
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This was in line with the promises of Colonel Kearney at Fort Laramie in 1845, where he warned twelve hundred Sioux that they must not try to close the Great White Medicine Road, "for it was used by the people who with their wives and their children and the cattle, were moving to the other side of the mountains, to bury their bones there, and to never return." Colonel Kearney said in address : "Sioux, you have enemies about you. but the greatest of them all is whiskey. I
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
learn that some bad men from Taos bring it here and sell it to you. Open your ears and listen to me. It is contrary to the wishes of the Great Father that . whiskey should be brought here, and I advise you, whenever you find it in your country, no matter in whose possession, to spill it all on the ground. The ground may drink it without injury, but you cannot."
Tall Bull and another Sioux spoke very cordially, and then presents were distributed. Tall Bull was the principal chief present for the Sioux.
About 1870 Tall Bull was killed by Buffalo Bill in the Battle of Summit Springs. The killing took place in a dry run leading down to the Platte, and the widowed squaw seemed .quite proud of the fact that it took so distinguished a man as Colonel W. F. Cody to kill her man and chief.
Captain Clark, who later figured conspicuously in western Nebraska history, says that Whirlwind told him that the dates of the Horse Creek Councils marked the division of the Cheyenne and the Sioux, but there had been earlier troubles of which he perhaps was unaware.
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The killing took place in a dry run leading down to the Platte, and the widowed squaw seemed .quite proud of the fact that it took so distinguished a man as Colonel W. F. Cody to kill her man and chief.
Captain Clark, who later figured conspicuously in western Nebraska history, says that Whirlwind told him that the dates of the Horse Creek Councils marked the division of the Cheyenne and the Sioux, but there had been earlier troubles of which he perhaps was unaware.
The number four seems to run to the Cheyennes, which perhaps some mystic may be able to explain. They had four chiefs, four halts before they charged into the preliminary march of the Sun dance, four times is the covering of the medicine sweat house raised, four winters they starved, etc.
After the Laramie conference, Colonel Kearney visited a village of about thirty lodges on the Chugwater, and went on south to the Arkansas. Dunn says that he sought to give the Indians an impression of power or authority, or to scare them, by sending up rockets, but there seems to have been no foundation for the story, in the official reports.
INDIAN WAR AND LEGEND -- THE STORY TELLER
Years ago, on the banks of the White river, an old Indian story teller sat by the fire, telling his midnight tales. And he said: "My story winds as winds a river, sometimes on one side of the valley, and sometimes on the other side, and sometimes turning backward for a distance, then turning again to continue its journey onward to the Big Water." So, while these events, and the chronicles thereof, move steadily forward with the years, they will occasionally hark back to earlier dates.
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Years ago, on the banks of the White river, an old Indian story teller sat by the fire, telling his midnight tales. And he said: "My story winds as winds a river, sometimes on one side of the valley, and sometimes on the other side, and sometimes turning backward for a distance, then turning again to continue its journey onward to the Big Water." So, while these events, and the chronicles thereof, move steadily forward with the years, they will occasionally hark back to earlier dates.
No matter what the hour of the night, a story teller always has his audience huddled around the fire ; and his stories range from adventure full of action, to the wierd mythology of the tribe. Night is the time when all mankind is stirred by vagaries of the dark, and receptive brains absorb the stories heard or read.
This story teller assured us, there in the shadow of the pines, the glow of the campfire illumining his face, and not so brilliantly the faces of his listeners, that, when the moon was full, the evil spirits began to eat it, and they never ceased until it was entirely devoured. Then the Great Spirit knowing it was not well
to let evil spirits run about at all times of the night, and that they shunned the light as much as possible, began making a new moon. This he worked upon night after night until he had it complete. Hanging it in the sky, he went about his business, and then it would be again attacked and devoured by the evil ones.
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This story teller assured us, there in the shadow of the pines, the glow of the campfire illumining his face, and not so brilliantly the faces of his listeners, that, when the moon was full, the evil spirits began to eat it, and they never ceased until it was entirely devoured. Then the Great Spirit knowing it was not well
to let evil spirits run about at all times of the night, and that they shunned the light as much as possible, began making a new moon. This he worked upon night after night until he had it complete. Hanging it in the sky, he went about his business, and then it would be again attacked and devoured by the evil ones.
Part of the stories of Indians are supposed to be Indian history and tradition, but they are all about as full of child-like vagaries as the above conception of the changing moon. There are many Indian stories, of which I shall reproduce a few that may relate to this particular part of the country, and shall give some extracts of their translated songs.
An inside knowledge of Indian life yields the information that their sentiments, their romance, their poetry, their natural human inclinations are not far different from those of their white brothers. The "Indian in a man" has been referred to in many ways -- wild nature, vindictiveness, treachery, and is more frequently used to indicate cruel or evil characteristics.
That is because the side of Indian life that has been most dwelt upon by writers, and that
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An inside knowledge of Indian life yields the information that their sentiments, their romance, their poetry, their natural human inclinations are not far different from those of their white brothers. The "Indian in a man" has been referred to in many ways -- wild nature, vindictiveness, treachery, and is more frequently used to indicate cruel or evil characteristics.
That is because the side of Indian life that has been most dwelt upon by writers, and that
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
has come in contact with the advance of civilization, has been the cruel and savage side. We seldom heard of the great peace advocates of the red race, because the more virulent advocates of war kept them and us busy. The same inspirations that provoked the flower of knighthood in the middle ages, were in the Indian tribes. The young men were taught valor and inspiration, and that honor came through the slaughter of hereditary or other foes.
Even in peace, war songs kept alive the militant tendencies of mind and heart. Here is a fragment of one song often sung to inspire young braves to deeds of war and blood:
"The Eagles. The eagles scream on high
They whet their forked beaks. Raise -- raise the battle cry,
'Tis fame your leader seeks."
This song of the Sioux stirs the red blood just as did the recent songs on the battle fields of the old world.
Fatalism is a part and parcel of the mountain and plain, and the greater frontier, as we well know, and we presume it is the same of war. The belief that "a man who is born to be hung will never be drowned," is old as the hills. In the remote periods of ancient India, Sanjoya sang the battle song of fatalism. But old chief Wau-bo-jeg, who once loved and roamed over the land of western Nebraska, sang his songs in the middle of the night.
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Fatalism is a part and parcel of the mountain and plain, and the greater frontier, as we well know, and we presume it is the same of war. The belief that "a man who is born to be hung will never be drowned," is old as the hills. In the remote periods of ancient India, Sanjoya sang the battle song of fatalism. But old chief Wau-bo-jeg, who once loved and roamed over the land of western Nebraska, sang his songs in the middle of the night. When the dark shadows fell over Wildcat and Sixtysix mountains, over Crow Butttes and the Pine ridge, he would sit by his fire, and tell stories, and listen to others. When some story of battle prowess stirred those about the fire, he would sing, and this was one of his songs :
''On that day when our heroes lay
low -- lay low, On that day when our heroes lay low ; I fought by their side. And I thought 'ere I died, Just for vengeance I'd take one more foe."
There are several verses that tell of defeat and death, and then a verse on preparedness, that ran thus :
"Five winters in hunting we'll spend
-- we'll spend Five winters in hunting we'll spend.
When youths grown to men,
We'll to war lead again, And our davs like our fathers' will end."
The last line indicates the fatalistic resignation.
Thus the teachings went on from one generation to another, and the glories of war were forever dangled before the eyes of the young braves. He who cautiously dared to plead for peace was contemptuously dubbed a squaw.
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"Five winters in hunting we'll spend
-- we'll spend Five winters in hunting we'll spend.
When youths grown to men,
We'll to war lead again, And our davs like our fathers' will end."
The last line indicates the fatalistic resignation.
Thus the teachings went on from one generation to another, and the glories of war were forever dangled before the eyes of the young braves. He who cautiously dared to plead for peace was contemptuously dubbed a squaw.
Woman life among the nomads of the plains has another side. Conflict was forced upon her and not of her nature. Subdued by long years of motherhood and slaughtered children, her ambitions were for the more humble domesticity. Like her white sister, she admired the brave, but feared the dread consequences of conflict. Whenever her man left home, she knew not that he would ever return.
Captain Hobbs tells the pathetic story of his Indian wife, "The Spotted Fawn."
When he bade her and their half-breed son "good-by," to return to the settlements, he promised to come back, but she feared he would never do so. She tried every wile known to a woman's heart to get him to give up his intended journey, she held their little brown baby up to be kissed, and then clung to him pleading with him. But when she knew that it was useless to plead longer, she hugged her child to her bosom and ran shrieking into the night. Their second son, soon to be, was prematurely born, as the result of the intensity of her emotion.
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She tried every wile known to a woman's heart to get him to give up his intended journey, she held their little brown baby up to be kissed, and then clung to him pleading with him. But when she knew that it was useless to plead longer, she hugged her child to her bosom and ran shrieking into the night. Their second son, soon to be, was prematurely born, as the result of the intensity of her emotion.
Two years later Captain Hobbs did come back, and her joy was wonderfully manifest. The boy was as wild as a deer, and it was a long time before he would come near his father.
Yet with all the wealth of affection which many a squaw bestowed upon her husband, she had nothing to say in the matter of selection of a mate. All these details were arranged by the sire, who usually traded his promising young girls for ponies. Occasionally there were attachments, which were stronger than filial mandates.
Along the old stage road, south of Harrisburg, and over on the White river, there are two rocks, similarly named, and which obtained the name from similar circumstances. In each case a Sioux father had sold his daughter to a young Ogallala brave, but in each case that Indian maiden had a sweetheart of her own. The story of the Banner county episode is this :
The village was situated on the little tableland where in 1885 Vance Cross homesteaded, just south of Long Springs branch, then unnamed, and the Ogallala had brought his ponies. On the morrow he was to claim his bride. She secretly left her lodge and found her sweetheart and they were making away
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In each case a Sioux father had sold his daughter to a young Ogallala brave, but in each case that Indian maiden had a sweetheart of her own. The story of the Banner county episode is this :
The village was situated on the little tableland where in 1885 Vance Cross homesteaded, just south of Long Springs branch, then unnamed, and the Ogallala had brought his ponies. On the morrow he was to claim his bride. She secretly left her lodge and found her sweetheart and they were making away
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
when discovered. Her irate father, the chief, had her whipped and her lover was put to death.
The next morning in the bright sunrise, she donned her finery and went humming a song through the village, wending her way to the south. Young braves looked admiringly upon her as she passed and wished that they were so fortunate as the Ogallala. He, too, looked in fond admiration and anticipation. She was observed to ascend the slope of Table mounttain, and she paused on its eastmost extremity, where the countless ages of wind-erosion have made a perpendicular cliff.
Here she raised her arms towards the sun and commenced to sing. The music, as it came to the village, all the inhabitants of which were now watching her, sounded weird and sweet, but was instantly recognized as the song of death. A dozen braves ran to save her, but in vain.
They had almost reached her when she threw aside her blanket and as a statue of bronze stood for a moment in the morning sun, then with a cry that she would meet her lover in the Shades, she went over the cliff, and was crushed to death at the feet of "Lover's Leap."
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The music, as it came to the village, all the inhabitants of which were now watching her, sounded weird and sweet, but was instantly recognized as the song of death. A dozen braves ran to save her, but in vain.
They had almost reached her when she threw aside her blanket and as a statue of bronze stood for a moment in the morning sun, then with a cry that she would meet her lover in the Shades, she went over the cliff, and was crushed to death at the feet of "Lover's Leap."
Hers was the song of death, but there are other songs, songs of life and of seasons.
Among the tribes, each season has its song, and each great event is immortalized in poetry, and folklore tales. We all know the habits of the frog, and how it makes its presence known in the first wet spells of spring, yet it remained for an Indian to give the harbinger of season, a place in the songs of the world. "O-ka-gis," or the "Frog Song," or the "Frog in the Spring," as it is generally called, runs thus :
"O-ka-gis"
"Then we shall cheerfully, praisingly sing, O-ka-gis, (the frogs) the heralds of Spring, First to renounce the Winter bound ball ; Hail sunshine and verdure and gladness for all."
And they have a "Winter Song," a song of pleasing defiance to Par-kab-il-on-ac-ca, the god of winter. This thing with such a dreadful name, had decided to drive all the people south wiili the buffalo, so he himself could rule the north. But he met a Tartar, who turned the tide, anil maintained his right and his tnlic's privilege to remain in the north.
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"Then we shall cheerfully, praisingly sing, O-ka-gis, (the frogs) the heralds of Spring, First to renounce the Winter bound ball ; Hail sunshine and verdure and gladness for all."
And they have a "Winter Song," a song of pleasing defiance to Par-kab-il-on-ac-ca, the god of winter. This thing with such a dreadful name, had decided to drive all the people south wiili the buffalo, so he himself could rule the north. But he met a Tartar, who turned the tide, anil maintained his right and his tnlic's privilege to remain in the north.
So when old Par-K. shook the kinks out "I boreas, and ripped and tore in mad and Stormy glee, he found (he red people sitting by their meagre fires on tin- Niobrara and the Blue Water, and under the beetling crags of
Scottsbluff, Wildcat and Bighorn mountains, cheerfuly singing "The Song of Singabiss."
"Windy god, I know your plan, You are but my fellowman, Blow, you may, your coldest breeze, Sing-a-biss you cannot freeze.
"Sweep the strongest breeze you can, Sing-a-biss is still your man ; Heigh for life, and ho for bliss, Who so free as Sing-a-biss."
The Indian language and poetry, when translated, seems to grip one. Their expression seems to get at the very essence of things. They touch the heart of that which they seek to express, in simple language, while we stumble through the phraseology of mythology and ages and leave a sentiment so buried in verbiage that it is all but lost. It must be the communion and mutual understanding which is given by living close to nature. The common language of the birds and beasts and redmen, where all are attuned. A little extract from the "Song of the Falcon," will serve to illustrate :
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They touch the heart of that which they seek to express, in simple language, while we stumble through the phraseology of mythology and ages and leave a sentiment so buried in verbiage that it is all but lost. It must be the communion and mutual understanding which is given by living close to nature. The common language of the birds and beasts and redmen, where all are attuned. A little extract from the "Song of the Falcon," will serve to illustrate :
"Birds, ye wild birds, whom the high gods made,
And gifted with powers of wonderous kind,
Why turn ye so fearfully shy and dismayed,
To gaze on the heavens you're leaving behind?"
Have you ever stood in the old orchard or leafy grove, and seen the wild scurry and flutter of birds to hide in the grass or the leafy bower? The sun may be shining, and no sign of tumult or danger anywhere, except a stampede among the little feathered families. Yet, far up in the azure blue floats in tranquil circles, one, and perhaps two, of the keen eyed enemies of the little birds. No word picture in the classics has so vividly described this common incident in nature.
Indians educated at Carlisle return to their tribes and the education gives them no better expression. Neither are they improved in arts, their work on the canvass with the single exception of landscape work is as crude as that of native ochre painted on the mountain sides. Their minds for the most part are as immature as children, and the love of the recondite runs through all their lives.
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No word picture in the classics has so vividly described this common incident in nature.
Indians educated at Carlisle return to their tribes and the education gives them no better expression. Neither are they improved in arts, their work on the canvass with the single exception of landscape work is as crude as that of native ochre painted on the mountain sides. Their minds for the most part are as immature as children, and the love of the recondite runs through all their lives.
It is said that civilization touches barbarism, and barbarism recoils like a burnt child from
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the fire. So back from the schools to the blanket and the tepee, spoiled as Indians, but not capable of competing and combatting with the whites in the busy marts of the world.
I saw some Pine Ridge boys going through Washington, some time ago, and in their rounds they were conducted through the somber grandeur of the National Capitol building, and the wonderful glory of the National Library. On each occasion the Babylonian splendors struck them and they cried out: "Washtay, lela-wash-tay, lela-wash-tay te-pee," (fine, very fine, very fine houses) which was the limit of their expression; but, back in their wigwams, if unspoiled by education, they can tell the folklore stories of their people, as wonderful as Arabian Nights, yet in words and symbols of simple comprehension.
The younger years of the mountains and plains people were not devoid of their amusements, and primitive joys. Young squaws festooned their hair with wild flowers, and bucks adorned themselves with gay feathers.
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On each occasion the Babylonian splendors struck them and they cried out: "Washtay, lela-wash-tay, lela-wash-tay te-pee," (fine, very fine, very fine houses) which was the limit of their expression; but, back in their wigwams, if unspoiled by education, they can tell the folklore stories of their people, as wonderful as Arabian Nights, yet in words and symbols of simple comprehension.
The younger years of the mountains and plains people were not devoid of their amusements, and primitive joys. Young squaws festooned their hair with wild flowers, and bucks adorned themselves with gay feathers.
The ceremonies among the corn raisers are similar to the Arcadian joys of country lads and lassies in ye olden time. You will recognize resemblance to the old husking bees.
When a brave found a perfect red ear he carried it in due form to his favorite squaw, and left it as a tribute of his affection, and when a squaw found one, she hid it until opportunity permitted her to yield it to her favorite brave. If discovered, any brave might claim her as his own. Sometimes the popular belle would pretend to find one, for the joy of the simultaneous rush towards her by her many admirers.
But if one found a red ear that was not well filled, or was crooked or tapering, all would shout with glee and sing the song "Wa-ge-nim,"
"Wa-ge-nim. Wa-ge-nim, crooked ear,
Walker of night, Stop, little old man.
And take not to flight. Crooked ear, crooked ear,
Stand up strong, Little crooked old man,
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Sometimes the popular belle would pretend to find one, for the joy of the simultaneous rush towards her by her many admirers.
But if one found a red ear that was not well filled, or was crooked or tapering, all would shout with glee and sing the song "Wa-ge-nim,"
"Wa-ge-nim. Wa-ge-nim, crooked ear,
Walker of night, Stop, little old man.
And take not to flight. Crooked ear, crooked ear,
Stand up strong, Little crooked old man,
I'll give you a song."
The crooked and tapering ears were considered the image of "Old Man Thief." And here is another of the simple symbolic expressions. This crooked, incomplete, unfinished ear of corn is like "Old Man Thief," because it has taken the toil in raising, and raised the expectations of the grower, and yet but partially fulfilled them.
There is much other Indian matter, traditions and the like, that come in their turn, but now the "river winds" to other scenes.
THE PAWNEE PILGRIMAGE -- THE SPOTTED ROBE -- TI-WA-RA, THE GOD OF COURT HOUSE ROCK -- BATTLE OF ASH HOLLOW
Many, many moons ago; many moons and many winters, the Pawnees came up the river from the ruins of Quivera.
The underground people of pre-historic Nebraska, and the corn raisers of hundreds of years ago, had left their "wallows." in the sands of the eastern part of the state, and had joined "the innumerable caravan that moves to the pale realm of shade," and the Pawnees, naturally nomadic, had for a time tarried, and were growing corn and "pompons" on the ruins of the past.
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Many, many moons ago; many moons and many winters, the Pawnees came up the river from the ruins of Quivera.
The underground people of pre-historic Nebraska, and the corn raisers of hundreds of years ago, had left their "wallows." in the sands of the eastern part of the state, and had joined "the innumerable caravan that moves to the pale realm of shade," and the Pawnees, naturally nomadic, had for a time tarried, and were growing corn and "pompons" on the ruins of the past.
The introduction of "pompon" among the Indians dates back more than a century, for there are letters of Manuel Lisa, over a hundred years old, which tell of his way of winning and retaining the friendship of the Indians, and thereby turning into the markets so much rich fur.
I will digress sufficiently to tell a little of Lisa, as it was my privilege to examine some of these old letters recently. It was Lisa's boat which Roi and Dornin traded to Robert Stuart and party, at Great Island in the spring of 1813. This boat had a skeleton fn.me made of wood four feet wide, twenty feet long, and eighteen inches deep, and it took five elk hides to cover it.
As Lisa says : he put great activity into his operations, and went long distances alone into
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the wilderness, and for long periods he was buried in the forest, or wandered about upon the plains. He introduced the "mammoth pompon," "the large bean." "the potato," and "the turnip." He loaned traps to the Indians, and tools, and made his habitations the refuge of those too old to follow the tribe.
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This boat had a skeleton fn.me made of wood four feet wide, twenty feet long, and eighteen inches deep, and it took five elk hides to cover it.
As Lisa says : he put great activity into his operations, and went long distances alone into
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the wilderness, and for long periods he was buried in the forest, or wandered about upon the plains. He introduced the "mammoth pompon," "the large bean." "the potato," and "the turnip." He loaned traps to the Indians, and tools, and made his habitations the refuge of those too old to follow the tribe.
"The Pompon," which he introduced flourished in the wilderness, and sometimes grew to the enormous size of one hundred and sixty pounds, but in these higher and drier altitudes its size was much less. The Pawnees planted it in the valley of Gonneville creek a hundred years ago, and the run out species are now called "wild pumpkins." The cowmen found them there and named the creek "Pumpkinseed creek," which they afterward shortened to the "Pumpkin creek, of song and story.
One large Pawnee village had heard of the fine buffalo ranges of western Nebraska, and after much "fuss and feathers" it was determined to move westward into the land of the Sioux. They knew that such a movement would entail conflicts with their hereditary enemy, hence no village of small proportions would hazard the undertaking.
In the village was one very old and neglected squaw, who, by silent consent and the custom of the tribe, was to be left behind. What cruel purpose or tradition originated this custom, I know not, but frequently the old and infirm, particularly squaws, were left behind, when villages moved, and when the meagre supply of food left them was exhausted, they generally died of starvation.
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They knew that such a movement would entail conflicts with their hereditary enemy, hence no village of small proportions would hazard the undertaking.
In the village was one very old and neglected squaw, who, by silent consent and the custom of the tribe, was to be left behind. What cruel purpose or tradition originated this custom, I know not, but frequently the old and infirm, particularly squaws, were left behind, when villages moved, and when the meagre supply of food left them was exhausted, they generally died of starvation.
In this case, the withered and crippled Pawnee squaw had a grandson who was one of the promising young braves of the tribe. Heeding not the names and jibes of his fellow braves and refusing to revere the ancient and wicked custom, he returned to the fragile lodge of his maternal ancestor, and assisted her to pack and follow. They plodded along behind the main caravan, frequently living on the refuse left by the well-provisioned people, and one day they came upon a horse. It, too, was crippled and stiff and old, was dun of color and its back was sore, and it was very poor. Partly because of compassion and not washing to leave the old horse to the mercy of prowling, camp-following beasts, and partly because Ik- wanted oik- horse, however poor, the young brave took the half-starved animal along, and found it of much service in carrying their
After many days they reached the base of the eminence now known as Court House Rock, and just east and north thereof a little
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It, too, was crippled and stiff and old, was dun of color and its back was sore, and it was very poor. Partly because of compassion and not washing to leave the old horse to the mercy of prowling, camp-following beasts, and partly because Ik- wanted oik- horse, however poor, the young brave took the half-starved animal along, and found it of much service in carrying their
After many days they reached the base of the eminence now known as Court House Rock, and just east and north thereof a little
south of the present site of Bridgeport, the Pawnee village settled down, for in the land about them there were many signs of buffalo, and into the village came out-runners who reported a large herd of buffalo only four miles south, and in the herd was a spotted calf.
A Spotted Robe was Big Medicine among the Pawnees, and the chief sent a crier through the village announcing that a charge should be made from the village, and the brave who brought back the spotted robe might marry his beautiful daughter.
And the young brave mounted his old dun horse to take part in the race, but the others laughed at him and he drew aside. Then to his surprise the horse turned his head and spoke: "Take me to the stream and plaster me with mud ; my legs, my head and my back," and to the creek that flowed hard by he went and did as he was directed.
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A Spotted Robe was Big Medicine among the Pawnees, and the chief sent a crier through the village announcing that a charge should be made from the village, and the brave who brought back the spotted robe might marry his beautiful daughter.
And the young brave mounted his old dun horse to take part in the race, but the others laughed at him and he drew aside. Then to his surprise the horse turned his head and spoke: "Take me to the stream and plaster me with mud ; my legs, my head and my back," and to the creek that flowed hard by he went and did as he was directed.
At the cry "Loo-ah" (go) they were away. The old dun horse covered with mud seemed rejuvenated. He sped away so fast that to some of the others he seemed to fly, and when the advanced portion of the charge reached the scene where the herd had been they found the young brave skinning the spotted calf, and he had also killed a fine fat cow.
One by one the other braves came back to the village, and as they came, they rode by the lodge of the boy's grandmother to tell her of his good fortune, but she thought they were jesting and answered them angrily. When the young brave came up with the old dun horse snorting and prancing, laden with buffalo meat and a great robe, for her, and the spotted robe which he retained for himself, she could hardly believe her senses. But in the frail tepee there was joy that night.
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One by one the other braves came back to the village, and as they came, they rode by the lodge of the boy's grandmother to tell her of his good fortune, but she thought they were jesting and answered them angrily. When the young brave came up with the old dun horse snorting and prancing, laden with buffalo meat and a great robe, for her, and the spotted robe which he retained for himself, she could hardly believe her senses. But in the frail tepee there was joy that night.
The rejuvenated horse again spoke to the young brave. "The Sioux war parties are coming; they are now near the wigwam," indicating Chimney rock ; "Tomorrow they will come, and our people will meet them about half way. When we meet, ride me among them and kill their chief, and return. Then again, ride me among them and kill another chief and return. Do this again, and again, four times only, for if you go the fifth time, some disaster will befall you or me."
So the next day was a great battle between the Pawnees and Sioux at a point nearly opposite the opening in the hills now known as Round House or Reddington Gap.
The young brave and the old horse were there, and they charged into the thick of the conflict. As he rode in among the Sioux, the air was thick with arrows, but he found the chief and slew him, and returned untouched.
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So the next day was a great battle between the Pawnees and Sioux at a point nearly opposite the opening in the hills now known as Round House or Reddington Gap.
The young brave and the old horse were there, and they charged into the thick of the conflict. As he rode in among the Sioux, the air was thick with arrows, but he found the chief and slew him, and returned untouched.
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Twice, thrice, four times he rode, and four chiefs he killed, and each time they came back unharmed.
Still the battle raged, and the impetuous youth disregarded his instructions, and for the fifth time plunged into the fray. His horse was shot from under him, and cut to pieces, for the Sioux declared that he had more than horse endowments, which if the Pawnee folklore tales are true, cannot be denied.
The brave, with great valor, fought his way free of his adversaries, and returned to his own people unharmed. The battle was soon over and the Sioux were routed. Across the river with great tumult and splashing, they were driven, and up one of the arroyos to the north, and because of the many relics of the battle found in this vicinity, that arroyo and the water that flows down therefrom is known today as Indian Creek.
The young brave mourned the loss of his now famous dun horse, and after the battle, he went out on the field and gathered up the pieces and piled them together. Then he went up on the rim of the overhanging rock to mourn, nor would he return to the village to celebrate with the others over their triumph. Night came and still he sat and looked down on his Armageddon.
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Across the river with great tumult and splashing, they were driven, and up one of the arroyos to the north, and because of the many relics of the battle found in this vicinity, that arroyo and the water that flows down therefrom is known today as Indian Creek.
The young brave mourned the loss of his now famous dun horse, and after the battle, he went out on the field and gathered up the pieces and piled them together. Then he went up on the rim of the overhanging rock to mourn, nor would he return to the village to celebrate with the others over their triumph. Night came and still he sat and looked down on his Armageddon.
There came a storm, a roaring mountain storm, the lightning flashed, and there was thunder and a deluge of rain. Two black arms reached down from the overhanging clouds to the field of battle. Then the storm passed and the young brave saw something had taken shape upon the battle field. Then came another storm alike but fiercer than the first, and when it passed he saw the form of a horse. Then came a third storm, more terrible than the others, and when it passed he went down upon the field of battle and there he found his old dun horse, sore of back, and crippled and poor as when he had first found him. And the brave was sad for he knew that it Was his disobedience and impetuosity that had brought about the disaster.
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Then came another storm alike but fiercer than the first, and when it passed he saw the form of a horse. Then came a third storm, more terrible than the others, and when it passed he went down upon the field of battle and there he found his old dun horse, sore of back, and crippled and poor as when he had first found him. And the brave was sad for he knew that it Was his disobedience and impetuosity that had brought about the disaster.
The horse did not upbraid him, but said, "Ti-wa-ra (the god of Court House Rock) has let me return, and for your filial devotion to your grandmother, and for your kind treatment of a crippled and worn-out horse, and because of your sorrow, I am here ; but hereafter, do just that which I tell you, no more, no less.
"Now lead me away through yonder gap to the other valley and leave me there. Return alone tomorrow, and tomorrow, and for ten tomorrows."
He followed the directions, and on the morrow he returned, and found his old dun horse and a beautiful white gelding. This he took to the village and it was better than the horses ridden by other Pawnee braves. The next tomorrow, he rode home a coal black steed, and so each succeeding day he rode another horse of another color into the village, grey, roan, pinto, bay, etc., and each was finer than the ponies ridden by other braves.
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He followed the directions, and on the morrow he returned, and found his old dun horse and a beautiful white gelding. This he took to the village and it was better than the horses ridden by other Pawnee braves. The next tomorrow, he rode home a coal black steed, and so each succeeding day he rode another horse of another color into the village, grey, roan, pinto, bay, etc., and each was finer than the ponies ridden by other braves.
Now, he was rich, and the chief, reminded of his pledge gave him his beautiful daughter, and the young brave spread out before her, as a tribute to his affection, the Spotted Robe.
The old dun horse was then brought to the village, and well taken care of for the rest of his days. And for many years the Pawnees claimed the beautiful land.
It was about the time of the building of the first stockades at Fort Laramie, that the Sioux began again to crowd down upon the Pawnees in the valley of the North Platte. And at the same time our young brave met with the great common sorrow of the world. Death entered his domestic household and took therefrom his little son, and when he laid him away, swinging on the limb of a cottonwood tree, they rolled his body in the Spotted Robe. Then the old dun horse died, and disasters fell thick and fast upon the Pawnees.
The Sioux made it so uncomfortable that the Pawnees decided to retire some distance down the river, having no particular objective, and to cover their retreat, they left a number of the braves to keep the Sioux engaged while the main village was moving. And these were attacked by the Sioux with such fierceness of purpose that they were driven to the top of Court House Rock for refuge.
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Then the old dun horse died, and disasters fell thick and fast upon the Pawnees.
The Sioux made it so uncomfortable that the Pawnees decided to retire some distance down the river, having no particular objective, and to cover their retreat, they left a number of the braves to keep the Sioux engaged while the main village was moving. And these were attacked by the Sioux with such fierceness of purpose that they were driven to the top of Court House Rock for refuge.
About the base of the rock camped a number of the Sioux, w,ith the evident intention of starving them to come down, or to their death.
Meanwhile the main Sioux bodies hurried on after the retreating village. This they overtook, and engaged in the final struggle for possession of the upper Platte river, at Ash Hollow, in about the year 1835. It was the fiercest of all their engagements.
The battle raged all day, beginning with the dawn. In the early part of the conflict, the air was filled with arrows. Then after all their ammunition was gone, they fought on hand to hand, with battle axes and tomahawks until darkness settled over the land. The Sioux were victorious in the end, but at such cost, such frightful loss, that they were willing to let their hereditary enemy depart without further engagement.
Under the stars and moon forty-six Sioux and sixty Pawnees were cold in death, and
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many another nursed his wounds. The Pawnees were so humiliated and discouraged, that they retired three hundred miles farther down the river, and gave up their claim to the North Platte valley. In the new land they have worked out the fulfillment of their destiny, and their merging into the races of civilized mankind takes place through the medium of the school at Genoa.
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Under the stars and moon forty-six Sioux and sixty Pawnees were cold in death, and
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many another nursed his wounds. The Pawnees were so humiliated and discouraged, that they retired three hundred miles farther down the river, and gave up their claim to the North Platte valley. In the new land they have worked out the fulfillment of their destiny, and their merging into the races of civilized mankind takes place through the medium of the school at Genoa.
This is the only "Battle of Ash Hollow" known in history, that really took place on the geographical location.
Meanwhile the young chief left with the braves to the defense of the rear were marooned on the top of Court House Rock and the situation was very desperate. He went out alone at night and plead with the god Ti-wa-ra to show him some avenue of escape, and the answer came. He went near the edge of the rock and found one of the perforations that extended downward into darkness. He tied his lariat and the lariats of others together, and fastened the upper end to a jutting rock
point, and let himself down into the hole or "well" as it is called. At its bottom he found an opening large enough for a man to crawl through, and it was unguarded. He climbed back up the rope to await the following night.
When the darkness came over the land he called his men together, and told them of his plan for escape, and they all crawled to the edge where the perforation in the brule rocks made the well. One by one they went down the rope, and crawled out through the hole at the bottom and away in the darkness. And the last to go was the young chief.
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He climbed back up the rope to await the following night.
When the darkness came over the land he called his men together, and told them of his plan for escape, and they all crawled to the edge where the perforation in the brule rocks made the well. One by one they went down the rope, and crawled out through the hole at the bottom and away in the darkness. And the last to go was the young chief.
If you will go to the top of Court House Rock any night, even to this time, you can feel the presence of Ti-wa-ra, and if you will listen after the shadows of night have fallen, you can hear the Sioux watchers moving about at the base, waiting for the Pawnees to come down, and you can hear them as they pass one another in the darkness, whispering-whispering-whispering.
THE LEGEND OF THE WHITE HAWK -- OLD BULL TAIL'S DAUGHTER
Some years ago I met Col. W. F. Cody, "Buffalo Bill," at Washington. We were talking of Indian mythology and he told me this story which he said was sometimes told of the Chadron Plains, sometimes of the valley north and east of Scotts Bluff mountain, and sometimes of the high divide known as the Flowerfield Swell.
Algon, a Sioux hunter, had chased a deer out upon the prairie, until its trail led to a circle where all the grass was trodden down, but from the circle never a trail led on.
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We were talking of Indian mythology and he told me this story which he said was sometimes told of the Chadron Plains, sometimes of the valley north and east of Scotts Bluff mountain, and sometimes of the high divide known as the Flowerfield Swell.
Algon, a Sioux hunter, had chased a deer out upon the prairie, until its trail led to a circle where all the grass was trodden down, but from the circle never a trail led on.
While marvelling, he heard strange music, and it seemed to come from above. Looking up. he could see far into the sky a very small speck, and as he looked, it seemed to grow larger and larger until he made out that it was something descending to the earth. He fell hack from the circle and concealed him- Self in the .ura-s.
Larger and larger it grew, and louder and more distinct became tin- music. Finally it settled down in the center of the circle, and hi pi rceived that it was a basket and in the
basket were twelve maidens, and as the basket came down the maidens sang. After it had alighted they all jumped out and began to dance in the circle and sing as they danced.
One of them was very beautiful, and it seemed to the young brave that he must have her for his very own. Watching as she came to the side of the circle where he was concealed, he leapt out and tried to catch her, but quick as he was, they were the quicker, and all leapt into the basket singing and the basket went up into the sky.
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After it had alighted they all jumped out and began to dance in the circle and sing as they danced.
One of them was very beautiful, and it seemed to the young brave that he must have her for his very own. Watching as she came to the side of the circle where he was concealed, he leapt out and tried to catch her, but quick as he was, they were the quicker, and all leapt into the basket singing and the basket went up into the sky.
The young brave reached up, and shouted his love until long after he knew that they were out of hearing, and prehaps it was imagination, but he thought he saw the one head leaning over and looking down, until it passed from the range of his vision.
The next day he came and the next day, and each day the basket came down and the maidens danced, and each day he tried to catch the one of his attachment, but in vain. Finally he made him a covering of deer hide with head and all, and he ran into the circle,
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and leaped into the basket. Immediately all the maidens vanished and twelve deer bounded over the prairie toward the pine clad hills.
After a time he left the basket, and the circle ; and the deer came running back, and they disappeared, and twelve maidens jumped out of the grass and into the basket and were gone.
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Finally he made him a covering of deer hide with head and all, and he ran into the circle,
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and leaped into the basket. Immediately all the maidens vanished and twelve deer bounded over the prairie toward the pine clad hills.
After a time he left the basket, and the circle ; and the deer came running back, and they disappeared, and twelve maidens jumped out of the grass and into the basket and were gone.
The next day, disguised as a deer, he ran into the circle, and throwing off the disguise, he seized the maiden of his choice, and the others sprang into the basket and only eleven were wafted to the skies.
He carried his captive tenderly to his lodge, and while she mourned and wanted to return to the stars, she appreciated his great tenderness and consideration.
By and by, there came a little brown boy to add to their happiness and she seemed to have forgotten about her home in the skies. Seemed, I say, for all unknown to Algon, she worked upon and made a wicker basket. And one day he returned from the hunt and found she and the baby were gone. Someone had seen her going to the Magic Circle, on the prairie. He hurried out, but was too late, for as he neared the spot he heard her sing, and saw the wicker basket going up. Her song was of her happiness, but it was a dirge of his hopes.
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Seemed, I say, for all unknown to Algon, she worked upon and made a wicker basket. And one day he returned from the hunt and found she and the baby were gone. Someone had seen her going to the Magic Circle, on the prairie. He hurried out, but was too late, for as he neared the spot he heard her sing, and saw the wicker basket going up. Her song was of her happiness, but it was a dirge of his hopes.
Par-kab-il-on-ac-ca, the god of winter came, and the young chief and his tribe sat singing the Song of Sing-a-biss, until the time for "O-ka-gis, the Frogs," and then a summer passed. And still there was no joy for him in the chase.
And meantime his wife, in her starry home, had almost forgotten him in the blissful enjoyment of her environment. But her son, true to his race, had a memory of a very brave and fine looking father, and with these memories he told his great sire and asked if he would ever see him again.
His entreaties won the heart of the grandfather, who told his daughter to take her young son, and return to the tepee of his father, and ask him to come, and to bring with him a specimen of every bird and animal he had ever killed in the chase.
Algon, who ever hovered near the enchanted spot, heard her song before he could even see a speck in the far blue. She seemed to come so slow, but at last he had her in his arms. And that night, while the boy slept, she gave him the message from the stars.
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His entreaties won the heart of the grandfather, who told his daughter to take her young son, and return to the tepee of his father, and ask him to come, and to bring with him a specimen of every bird and animal he had ever killed in the chase.
Algon, who ever hovered near the enchanted spot, heard her song before he could even see a speck in the far blue. She seemed to come so slow, but at last he had her in his arms. And that night, while the boy slept, she gave him the message from the stars.
Now he hunted with great activity, and of the things he killed he kept a token, if only a foot, a claw, a wing, or a tail, and finally with all he had collected, with his wife and his boy, he was taken to the starry realm, by
the magic and power of the voice of his singing wife.
Then the great chief there called his people together for a feast. After the feast, he gave to each a trophy of Algon's chase. A scene of strange confusion followed. One chose a wing, another a foot, another a tail and another a claw, until all the guests had chosen something. And those who chose a foot or tail became animals and ran off, those who chose a wing or claw became birds and flew away. Algon himself had chosen a white hawk's feather, and his wife and boy had done the same. Immediately they became white hawks, and flew down upon the earth, and from that day, the white hawk became the boldest of birds.
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One chose a wing, another a foot, another a tail and another a claw, until all the guests had chosen something. And those who chose a foot or tail became animals and ran off, those who chose a wing or claw became birds and flew away. Algon himself had chosen a white hawk's feather, and his wife and boy had done the same. Immediately they became white hawks, and flew down upon the earth, and from that day, the white hawk became the boldest of birds.
After the advent of unscrupulous white traders, who poisoned the Indian imagination with liquor, there were no more strange and mysterious folk-lore tales, invented or conceived. Before the Taos traders came into the North Platte valley, each new or startling event was crowned with mystery, and some Indian mystic would weave into the mythology of the tribe. A new bird appearing, or a stranger in the animal kingdom, in unfrequented localities, called for an explanation, like that of the Legend, The White Hawk.
Liquor created havoc in other ways :
In November, 1855, there was located on the Chugwater an Indian village of considerable proportions and the band had been quite successful in gathering fur, which was being held for better trades.
The Chugwater came by its name because of a rock along its course, which stands abruptly out of the level valley and resembles a chimney, and "chug" is an Indian name for chimney. Hence Chimney creek, or Chugwater.
The traders at Fort Laramie became impatient for the fur of the Indians and sent over with the complaint a "hollow wood" (keg) of firewater. In the succeeding debauch a drunken fight occurred, and Bull Bear, Yellow Lodge, and six of their personal friends were killed.
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The Chugwater came by its name because of a rock along its course, which stands abruptly out of the level valley and resembles a chimney, and "chug" is an Indian name for chimney. Hence Chimney creek, or Chugwater.
The traders at Fort Laramie became impatient for the fur of the Indians and sent over with the complaint a "hollow wood" (keg) of firewater. In the succeeding debauch a drunken fight occurred, and Bull Bear, Yellow Lodge, and six of their personal friends were killed.
The traders of the American Fur Company became known all over the west as Long Knives, because the ramifications of their business extended over such an extent of country. At the station of this company that once stood near the mouth of Mollie's' Fork, Old Bull Tail appeared with his beautiful daughter, Chintzille. She was indeed an attractive Indian maiden, but the trader observed that she had been weeping.
Long Knife, the trader, quickly discerned
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what was the matter, for Old Bull Tail commenced with a diplomatic suggestion that it was not well for Long Knife to live alone.
For several days previously the old scoundrel had been a visitor at the post, offering furs and ponies and the beads and blankets off his back for a hollow wood of firewater. This intimation that single blessedness was not well for him, and Chintzille's nervousness had seen what was coming.
After some sparring for an opening, which was cleverly avoided, the old villain came out plainly and wanted to trade his beautiful daughter for a keg of whiskey.
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For several days previously the old scoundrel had been a visitor at the post, offering furs and ponies and the beads and blankets off his back for a hollow wood of firewater. This intimation that single blessedness was not well for him, and Chintzille's nervousness had seen what was coming.
After some sparring for an opening, which was cleverly avoided, the old villain came out plainly and wanted to trade his beautiful daughter for a keg of whiskey.
"But," says Long Knife, "while Chintzille is very beautiful, she does not want me." Old Bull tail argued that such a condition was not infrequent, and that Chintzille was a dutiful daughter of her race, and would learn to shower the wealth of her affection upon Long Knife, and he would be proud of her.
The diplomacy of refusing the daughter of a chief is a very difficult matter, but Long Knife succeeded in impressing the old fellow that the alliance Was impossible, and that he could under no circumstances let him have the hollow wood of firewater.
He left in high dudgeon.
In one of these affairs, where a trader of less principle than Long Knife, sold some liquor to the Indians about the fort, there followed a drunken brawl and Susa-chiecha was killed, and around the body of their chief that night the Indians revelled in their frightful orgies.
LTntil Captain Bonneville went into the mountains, and for some time afterward, the Cheyennes were totally averse to drinking, but, says the Missionary Merrill in his diary, April 14, 1837: "A trader named Gant sweetened the liquor and made them fond of it, and now they are a nation of drunkards."
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In one of these affairs, where a trader of less principle than Long Knife, sold some liquor to the Indians about the fort, there followed a drunken brawl and Susa-chiecha was killed, and around the body of their chief that night the Indians revelled in their frightful orgies.
LTntil Captain Bonneville went into the mountains, and for some time afterward, the Cheyennes were totally averse to drinking, but, says the Missionary Merrill in his diary, April 14, 1837: "A trader named Gant sweetened the liquor and made them fond of it, and now they are a nation of drunkards."
This reference was made no doubt to the band of Cheyennes, that traded at Fort Laramie, and mingled with a similar band of Ogallalas, known as the "Laramie Loafers."
Gant was one of the unprincipled traders from New Mexico and he had a trading post in the Arkansas Valley, coming into the north only on occasional trips.
BELDEN, BRIDGER AND BAKER EPISODES
INDIANS
EARLY CONFERENCES WITH
One of the more famous of western characters, was James P. Belden, because he voluntarily went among the Indians and married a squaw, two of them in fact, and lived with the savages for a great many years. Yet in the struggles that later took place between the people of his tribe, and the people of his race, he sometimes was on one side and sometimes on the other. More often, his blood asserted itself, and on many occasions where he fought hard in a losing battle, where all his companions were killed. The Indians would single him out and spare him, and they seemed to understand and respect his position.
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Belden, because he voluntarily went among the Indians and married a squaw, two of them in fact, and lived with the savages for a great many years. Yet in the struggles that later took place between the people of his tribe, and the people of his race, he sometimes was on one side and sometimes on the other. More often, his blood asserted itself, and on many occasions where he fought hard in a losing battle, where all his companions were killed. The Indians would single him out and spare him, and they seemed to understand and respect his position.
Belden was well educated, but of course lost considerable of his polish in his long years on the plains. About the first book of adventure that I remember was "Belden, The White Chief," and it I read and re-read.
i in one occasion, when Belden "met up" with a missionary, Jim Bridger told the gentleman that the frontiersman was a poet, which statement was received with some doubt. Bridger told Belden of the doubting Thomas and that gentleman returned within his tent.
After a time he came out with verses he had just written, and while long and somewhat crude, we repeat the production here because of its local color, and the references to distinguished characters of the west, none of which, I think, is now living.
Ben Harding was a scout and was the subject, and his many narrow escapes, had given him the sobriquet "Slippery Ben :"
Slippen,' Ben
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Bridger told Belden of the doubting Thomas and that gentleman returned within his tent.
After a time he came out with verses he had just written, and while long and somewhat crude, we repeat the production here because of its local color, and the references to distinguished characters of the west, none of which, I think, is now living.
Ben Harding was a scout and was the subject, and his many narrow escapes, had given him the sobriquet "Slippery Ben :"
Slippen,' Ben
Shake ! Darn my buttons, I'm mighty glad,
To meet so many old chums. Dick and I have been lyin' round here
'Till we're gettin' tired of whiskey and beer, And we've made up our minds to go trappin' this year,
So we don't get on 'the hard bums.'
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Bless my eyes, if there aint Jack Grey,
You darned, infernal old cuss. I smelled you, I did, though I didn't see
You're tarnal old carcass behind that tree, I'll bet ye a tenner you can't hide from me,
You darned old polecat, or wuss.
Where's your hoss? right there; yes, you're right, Tied up to a cottonwood tree. Well, you're going along with us on this tramp,
None of your lyin' you bully old scamp, You are. How that's said. Suppose we all damp To success to Jack Grey's company.
Why, dang it, it's more than a year since we met At the foot of old Court House Rock, And if memory don't fail, I reckon that then
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You darned old polecat, or wuss.
Where's your hoss? right there; yes, you're right, Tied up to a cottonwood tree. Well, you're going along with us on this tramp,
None of your lyin' you bully old scamp, You are. How that's said. Suppose we all damp To success to Jack Grey's company.
Why, dang it, it's more than a year since we met At the foot of old Court House Rock, And if memory don't fail, I reckon that then
Another was with us to make up ten That tall gawky cuss -- you know -- Slippery Ben, W7ho wore the long fringe on his frock.
Does anyone know what became of the boy?
You do, well let us all know. For he gave us his word on this very day,
He'd meet us all here, by the Old Mountain Way, If nothing should happen to cause his delay,
Such as lightning, or Injuns, or snow.
Dead ! died in your house ? the devil you say !
You can't shove down any such chaff. Now, tell us the truth -- let up on the lies --
Why, what the blazes got into my eyes ? It stings so darn bad ; it almost makes me cry,
When I said at that joke take a laugh.
Well, no more of this, you're blubberin', Grey,
A pretty frontiersman you are. Not a man in this crowd but has his day,
Wrapped up in his blanket and laid away Some long tried friend, and no one to say
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Now, tell us the truth -- let up on the lies --
Why, what the blazes got into my eyes ? It stings so darn bad ; it almost makes me cry,
When I said at that joke take a laugh.
Well, no more of this, you're blubberin', Grey,
A pretty frontiersman you are. Not a man in this crowd but has his day,
Wrapped up in his blanket and laid away Some long tried friend, and no one to say
A scriptural verse or a prayer.
But Slippery Ben, I can hardly believe
Has give life the slip in this way. For everyone knows he was confounded tough,
With a great kind heart, though his manner was rough, Well, well, now, I do fell queer, sure enough,
But death, you see, must have his way.
Jack, please call the roll; see if any more's The ten names are among the characters ot
gone the old west, and Buffalo Bill. I believe, was
The way Slippery Ben has done. the last to pass over to the rendezvous of an-
Then we'll mount and away for another year, other Court House Rock.
On the prairies green, in the mountains drear, To trap the beaver,, and hunt the deer, From Arkansas to Yellowstone.
Jim Bridger is one, John Nelson's another,
And Gilman, he's two by himself, And we'll count him the third ; then Dick, and
me, Jack Jones, Jack Morrow, Jack Grey --
Jacks three, A good poker hand, but by yonder tree, Is a flush -- Bill Cody -- himself.
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Then we'll mount and away for another year, other Court House Rock.
On the prairies green, in the mountains drear, To trap the beaver,, and hunt the deer, From Arkansas to Yellowstone.
Jim Bridger is one, John Nelson's another,
And Gilman, he's two by himself, And we'll count him the third ; then Dick, and
me, Jack Jones, Jack Morrow, Jack Grey --
Jacks three, A good poker hand, but by yonder tree, Is a flush -- Bill Cody -- himself.
Nine in all -- ■ only nine. Oh, how I do wish, Slippery Ben could have bluffed death a year.
But what's done is did, we can't bring him back, So catch us your horses, and hurry and pack,
And we'll push on ahead in the same old track We have followed so oft without fear.
You are ready I see, Well, move on ahead,
While Dick and I stop awhile. For something is raising a dust back behind,
And if it is Indians, we will soon make them find They have no business here, when we go it
blind,
And must take tother road, or strike ile.
Why there's only one -- a horseman at that,
Dick, us two can get off with him, Easy enough, can't we, be he friend or foe, For there's no two men have better rifles, you know. Don't appear to you though, that he's comin' darned slow; That horse and his rider so slim.
Gimme your coat tail to wipe out my eyes,
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And if it is Indians, we will soon make them find They have no business here, when we go it
blind,
And must take tother road, or strike ile.
Why there's only one -- a horseman at that,
Dick, us two can get off with him, Easy enough, can't we, be he friend or foe, For there's no two men have better rifles, you know. Don't appear to you though, that he's comin' darned slow; That horse and his rider so slim.
Gimme your coat tail to wipe out my eyes,
For I swear I can't make out a thing; There now, I see better ; Hello ! I say, men, Come back here, for dang it, here's Slippery Ben, Or his ghost and his horse ; I knew them sure, when I saw those long, gawky legs swing.
Welcome, old boy, by your absence, you've made Many old chums' hearts to bleed. But ghost or flesh, 'tis the same to the men, Who have rode side by side through forest and glen. So again, we are ten, countin' Slippery Ben, Ghost Ben and his shadowy steed.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
One day Jim Bridger and Jim Baker were hunting together in the wilds a little west of here, when they came upon a mother grizzly bear and two half grown cubs. A lucky shot finished the old one and Baker proposed that they waste no more ammunition. That each take one of the cubs, and "kill and sculp them with our butcher knives," which proposition no real mountaineer would reject.
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So again, we are ten, countin' Slippery Ben, Ghost Ben and his shadowy steed.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
One day Jim Bridger and Jim Baker were hunting together in the wilds a little west of here, when they came upon a mother grizzly bear and two half grown cubs. A lucky shot finished the old one and Baker proposed that they waste no more ammunition. That each take one of the cubs, and "kill and sculp them with our butcher knives," which proposition no real mountaineer would reject.
After a goodly fight. Baker succeeded in getting the better of his bear, but the bear that Bridger attacked seemed to be worsting him. Bridger called for help, but Baker answered that he "didn't want ter interfere in another man's ba'r fight," but he finally "lit into it," and Bridger immediately retired, leaving him to fight alone. Baker was again victorious, but angry at Bridger and demanded an explanation. Bridger explained thus :
"Ye tarnal fool, Jim, ye got me into this scrape, and I got myself out. I wanted to shoot mine, but you wanted to kill and sculp 'em with butcher knives. So as the ba'r fight were yourn, I thought I wouldn't interfere, and let ye have it plenty."
After some reflection. Baker answered :
"Dod rot it, Jim, if ye aint right, but I'll never fight nary another grizzly, without a good shootin' iron in my paws."
These old, rough characters had their philosophy and ideas of humor.
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"Ye tarnal fool, Jim, ye got me into this scrape, and I got myself out. I wanted to shoot mine, but you wanted to kill and sculp 'em with butcher knives. So as the ba'r fight were yourn, I thought I wouldn't interfere, and let ye have it plenty."
After some reflection. Baker answered :
"Dod rot it, Jim, if ye aint right, but I'll never fight nary another grizzly, without a good shootin' iron in my paws."
These old, rough characters had their philosophy and ideas of humor.
It would seem that before the time of Marcus Whitman, and even before the trappers built the first fort at the junction of the Laramie and Platte, Col. Dodge had conferences with the Indians with the hope when the whites came on into the west, conflicts would be avoided. But the Indians, even so early as that, had doubt in the white man's pretentions.
These councils occurred during the years 1832 to 1835. On June 23, 1832, there was a Grand Council of the Chiefs of the lodge of Angry Man. On July 5. 1835, Col. Dodge held a council at a point about twenty miles above the forks of the Platte, which was attended by Angry Man, Two Axe, Little Chief;
Mole in the Face, Bloddy Hand, Two Bulls, Big Head or Star. Mole in the Face was chief spokeman, and the years of wandering had been lean ones, so that these Indians wanted land to settle upon "like the Pawnees."
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On June 23, 1832, there was a Grand Council of the Chiefs of the lodge of Angry Man. On July 5. 1835, Col. Dodge held a council at a point about twenty miles above the forks of the Platte, which was attended by Angry Man, Two Axe, Little Chief;
Mole in the Face, Bloddy Hand, Two Bulls, Big Head or Star. Mole in the Face was chief spokeman, and the years of wandering had been lean ones, so that these Indians wanted land to settle upon "like the Pawnees."
A treaty in 1833 provided for a Pawnee reserve in the Loup river country.
In one of these conferences, Little Moon spoke so self-deprecatory, that it was tinged with irony.
"The white people are all good, there is nothing bad about them."
Little Moon was a chieftain of much importance, and his habitat was near the state line, at the west border of Scotts Bluff county. People of the present generation are familiar with Little Moon Lake which is a pleasant place to spend a few days camping. And the people of a generation ago knew of Little Moon Post-office, at the crossing of the Pony Express on Horse Creek, which site is now ( 1919) owned by L. J. Wyman.
In his reports of 1835, Col. Dodge makes no mention of travel on the trail, but ten years later Col. Kearney tells a different story. The latter also tells of a thousand Indians at Fort Laramie, and he also advised the government against the puchase of the post.
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And the people of a generation ago knew of Little Moon Post-office, at the crossing of the Pony Express on Horse Creek, which site is now ( 1919) owned by L. J. Wyman.
In his reports of 1835, Col. Dodge makes no mention of travel on the trail, but ten years later Col. Kearney tells a different story. The latter also tells of a thousand Indians at Fort Laramie, and he also advised the government against the puchase of the post.
The treaty of Fort Laramie, September 17, 1851, gave the whites the territory from the forks of the Platte to Red Buttes. The Indians never ratified the treaty, but the white people have the land.
In 1846, the Sioux were run down and discouraged, and they had assembled at Fort Laramie and were making great demonstrations. These were doubtless the Indians referred to by Col. Kearney. The Whirlwind had assembled them for war against the Snakes. Before they departed upon their proposed conquest and slaughter, the buffalo came north, and the whole expedition turned into a buffalo hunt. With full stomachs the Indians relented their purpose, and settled upon the land. The following year Fort Laramie was sold to the government, and shortly thereafter Fort Fontenelle was built at Scotts Bluff by the fur traders.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
SONGS OF PARKER AND MINTO
About the time the conferences were being held by Colonel Dodge, the Presbyterian Church sent out Samuel Parker and his bride, in answer to the call of the Nez Perce Indians, and they made their "honeymoon journey" into the west, which journey ended in their death at the hands of "praying Indians." Their melancholy fate has been laid to the door of commercialism, and the Hudson Bay Company was accused of instigating the massacre on the far shores of the Columbia.
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About the time the conferences were being held by Colonel Dodge, the Presbyterian Church sent out Samuel Parker and his bride, in answer to the call of the Nez Perce Indians, and they made their "honeymoon journey" into the west, which journey ended in their death at the hands of "praying Indians." Their melancholy fate has been laid to the door of commercialism, and the Hudson Bay Company was accused of instigating the massacre on the far shores of the Columbia.
But while traversing the wilderness of western Nebraska, their hearts sang with the joys of early married life, and they sang hymns and read and talked to the Indians, telling of the Promised Land "where the trail ends."
The Indians of this vicinity were very much interested in the Parkers, and especially their singing. It w,as so different from the wild cries which they had learned from the coyote and the eagle, and they came again and again, and asked them to sing.
Parker's map, made in 1838, included everything from the mouth of the Platte as Oregon. The law of the early forties, that gave to each emigrant, who found his way to Oregon, a section of land, might have been legally applicable to the sand hills of Nebraska, sixty years before the achievement of Wm. Neville and M. P. Kinkaid was upon the statutes. The territory of Nebraska was unorganized for many years after the passage of the Oregon homestead act, and in Idaho the Oregon statute was made to apply after Idaho became a state, because the act had not been repealed.
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The law of the early forties, that gave to each emigrant, who found his way to Oregon, a section of land, might have been legally applicable to the sand hills of Nebraska, sixty years before the achievement of Wm. Neville and M. P. Kinkaid was upon the statutes. The territory of Nebraska was unorganized for many years after the passage of the Oregon homestead act, and in Idaho the Oregon statute was made to apply after Idaho became a state, because the act had not been repealed.
Parker speaks of the large quantities of game, and says the prairies abound with "badgers," probably prairie dogs. It was on the 21st of July that they arrived "opposite Court House Rock," which he describes thus :
"It has at the distance the appearance of an old enormous building, somewhat dilapidated ; but still you see the standing walls, the roof, turrets and embrasures, the dome and almost the very windows -- and a large guard house standing some distance in front of the main building. You unconsciously look around for the enclosures -- but they are all swept away by the lapse of time -- for the inhabitants they have all disappeared. All is silent and solitary. You are excited to know who has built this fabric -- what has become of the bygone generations ?"
The following day they camped "opposite"
another of nature's wonders, called "The Chimney, but I should say it ought to be called Beacon Hill from its resemblance to that famous land mark of Boston." "I crossed the river to get a nearer view with one assistant. When some distance from the river, we heard and then saw the stampeding of buffalo. We rode for the river to get out of their line of progress. They probably would have failed had not some horseman rounded their left flank and slightly altered their course."
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another of nature's wonders, called "The Chimney, but I should say it ought to be called Beacon Hill from its resemblance to that famous land mark of Boston." "I crossed the river to get a nearer view with one assistant. When some distance from the river, we heard and then saw the stampeding of buffalo. We rode for the river to get out of their line of progress. They probably would have failed had not some horseman rounded their left flank and slightly altered their course."
These parties proved to be Lucien Fontenelle and a number of his hunters, and two herds of buffalo, each numbering six hundred to eight hundred were charging down the river, when Mr. Fontenelle alarmed for their safety at first, now remained to chat with them, as they were fresh from the settlements.
From descriptions only do we obtain that the Parker party all crossed to the south side of the river at this point, for the following day, they undoubtedly passed through the gap in Scotts Bluff mountain.
In Mitchell valley Parker found two thousand Pawnees, of which he said : "Their lodges were comfortable and easily transportable, and they moved from place to place as occasion dictated. They were constructed of eight or ten poles about eighteen feet long, set circular and the small ends fastened together and the large ends about twenty feet apart. This frame was covered with skins of elk and buffalo. Fire is made in the center with the hole at the top for smoke. The men were tall and well proportioned, the women well formed -- ■ less pendulous than usual, well dressed and cleanly."
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In Mitchell valley Parker found two thousand Pawnees, of which he said : "Their lodges were comfortable and easily transportable, and they moved from place to place as occasion dictated. They were constructed of eight or ten poles about eighteen feet long, set circular and the small ends fastened together and the large ends about twenty feet apart. This frame was covered with skins of elk and buffalo. Fire is made in the center with the hole at the top for smoke. The men were tall and well proportioned, the women well formed -- ■ less pendulous than usual, well dressed and cleanly."
On Sunday, July 26, 1835, they remained on the Banks of the Laramie, where the "Indians came in numbers" to meet them, and hear them read and sing. It was hot, very hot, but they held almost constant service from the forenoon until late into the night.
Then the next day, they went on towards the end of the trail, riding in their "tepees on wheels."
Marcus Whitman was the pilot of all to Oregon and about 1844 was at the zenith of his living glory. Whitman's glory will never fade, even though the "praying Indians," cut his living usefulness short in its splendid career. On the journeys to Oregon he preached, he exhorted, he enthused. He officiated at births, weddings and deaths. A wagon would
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
drop out of line, and a fire would be hastily kindled, and at night the wagon would come along and join the caravan, and the cheerful face of the doctor would tell to all the anxious matrons who might expect a similar event before the journey's end. that all was well, and that the mother and child were both doing nicely. He ministered to the failing, and said the last sad rites over the improvised caskets, or the graves of the departed that were left along the Overland.
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drop out of line, and a fire would be hastily kindled, and at night the wagon would come along and join the caravan, and the cheerful face of the doctor would tell to all the anxious matrons who might expect a similar event before the journey's end. that all was well, and that the mother and child were both doing nicely. He ministered to the failing, and said the last sad rites over the improvised caskets, or the graves of the departed that were left along the Overland.
Sometimes there were courting on the prairies, the same as now -- the same old moon shown for the young then as it does now, and a young Oregonian and his chosen one would seek out the same fine old doctor, and Marcus Whitman would say the words that made them man and wife. These weddings on the prairie were close to nature's heart, and yet, the pranks of the young were not different from those prevailing in the settlements. At night when the newly-weds would retire to their own wagon, the golden chariot that would be forever theirs, not infrequently did the youngsters serenade, or oftener still, run the wagon in the ditch, or creek or river.
Among the chroniclers of events along the old trail, occasionally one indulged in classical poetic expression. It was John Minto, I think, who tells of the prosaic activities of a cowcaravan, in a way to hold interest, and it was he who therein contributed the following stanzas to the plodding oxen, which for the moment felt the exultant thrill of their forebears in the years when the world was young.
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At night when the newly-weds would retire to their own wagon, the golden chariot that would be forever theirs, not infrequently did the youngsters serenade, or oftener still, run the wagon in the ditch, or creek or river.
Among the chroniclers of events along the old trail, occasionally one indulged in classical poetic expression. It was John Minto, I think, who tells of the prosaic activities of a cowcaravan, in a way to hold interest, and it was he who therein contributed the following stanzas to the plodding oxen, which for the moment felt the exultant thrill of their forebears in the years when the world was young.
"And now, your western course is led Where grassy pampas spread and spread --
The pastures of the buffalo. And like a sudden lash of spray, When tropic tempest hits the sea.
The masts are stript to ward the blow.
"A ragged whirl of dust, descried Upon the prairie's sloping side,
Protends, as swift and free, a storm.
And lo ! the herds, they come, they come, A sweeping thunder-cloud of life, Loud as Niagara, and grand As they who rode with plume and brand On Waterloo's red slope of strife,
Wild as the rush of tidal waves
That roar among the crags and caves, The trampling besom hurls along; A black and bounding fiery mass That withers as with flame the grass, Oh, terrible ! ten thousand strong.
Meanwhile, the dusty teams are stopt The wagon tongues are deftly dropt,
The drivers, by their oxen stand
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And lo ! the herds, they come, they come, A sweeping thunder-cloud of life, Loud as Niagara, and grand As they who rode with plume and brand On Waterloo's red slope of strife,
Wild as the rush of tidal waves
That roar among the crags and caves, The trampling besom hurls along; A black and bounding fiery mass That withers as with flame the grass, Oh, terrible ! ten thousand strong.
Meanwhile, the dusty teams are stopt The wagon tongues are deftly dropt,
The drivers, by their oxen stand
To sooth them with soft speech and hand. And yet with horns tossed free, and eyes Ablaze with purple depths of ire, A thousand servile years expire, And flashes of old nature rise,
As if a sudden spirit woke
That would not brook the chain and yoke.
"And then, the stormy pageant past, They bow their callow necks at last, And with a heavy stride, and slow, The dreams of liberty forego."
There Were thousands of buffalo and much other game on the meadows where the city of North Platte now stands, and it was remarked that this was the best game park in the world.
One can well believe the hail storms are nothing new to western Nebraska, but the first record that we have seen was on July 21, 1844, the, Minto party were on the high divide between the Plattes, near Ash Hollow, when there came a sudden storm, and the people and the stock suffered from a severe pelting by hail, "some of the hailstones being as large as hen's eggs." In the storm the cattle drifted and according to "Black Harris" the guide, the party came down into the valley about twelve miles west of Ash Hollow.
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One can well believe the hail storms are nothing new to western Nebraska, but the first record that we have seen was on July 21, 1844, the, Minto party were on the high divide between the Plattes, near Ash Hollow, when there came a sudden storm, and the people and the stock suffered from a severe pelting by hail, "some of the hailstones being as large as hen's eggs." In the storm the cattle drifted and according to "Black Harris" the guide, the party came down into the valley about twelve miles west of Ash Hollow.
But you and I, and Minto and others by the millions have each felt that call of the wilderness, the storms of the highlands, that for the moment invaded the storm tossed sprrit of the plodding oxen. Out in the altitudes where the horizon is the sky, we have each felt as St. George Cooke felt when he reached the summit of Robideaux Pass, when he saw stretched out before him the wide meadows or Horse Creek bottom, the billowy hills beyond, the treeless plains for miles on miles, then the mountains, "and Laramie mountain towering, at eighty miles." This is what he said: "Let the wide arch of the ranged empires fall. This is my space."
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
RED CLOUD AND SPOTTED TAIL -- MASSACRE OF COTTONWOOD CANYON
In the account of the burning of old Fort Robideaux mention was made of the Sioux triumph over the Kiowas the following day, Red Cloud was called the young chief, which was true only by comparison.
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George Cooke felt when he reached the summit of Robideaux Pass, when he saw stretched out before him the wide meadows or Horse Creek bottom, the billowy hills beyond, the treeless plains for miles on miles, then the mountains, "and Laramie mountain towering, at eighty miles." This is what he said: "Let the wide arch of the ranged empires fall. This is my space."
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
RED CLOUD AND SPOTTED TAIL -- MASSACRE OF COTTONWOOD CANYON
In the account of the burning of old Fort Robideaux mention was made of the Sioux triumph over the Kiowas the following day, Red Cloud was called the young chief, which was true only by comparison.
Red Cloud ( Marpiya Luta) was born on the Blue Water, in what is now Garden county, in May 1821, which made him about thirty years of age at the time of the Kiowa raid.
You were also told that the conflict then named Kiowa creek, but I find a reference made to another battle, about 1815, in some notes from Geo. S. Hyde, of Omaha, in which
with Bull Bear, a Sioux chief, which resulted in the latter moving to the Happy Hunting Ground. Red Cloud's distinction as a leader had already been increased by encounters with and victories over Pawnees, Crows, Shoshones and Kiowas from time to time. He now became the fighting chief of the Ogallala Sioux, and was the main leader in the wars of 1864 to 1869. It was he who planned and executed the Fetterman massacre, in which Captain Fetterman and ninety-six of his command were ambushed and left dead on the stark and barren Massacre Hill, near Old Piney.
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Red Cloud's distinction as a leader had already been increased by encounters with and victories over Pawnees, Crows, Shoshones and Kiowas from time to time. He now became the fighting chief of the Ogallala Sioux, and was the main leader in the wars of 1864 to 1869. It was he who planned and executed the Fetterman massacre, in which Captain Fetterman and ninety-six of his command were ambushed and left dead on the stark and barren Massacre Hill, near Old Piney.
Jed Cloud's Daughter, Fort Laramie, Wyoming
he states the Sioux worsted their ancient enemies the Kiowas. This battle, he asserts, gave the creek its name. No details of the battle have I ever been able to obtain.
At sixteen years of age, the young brave who was born on the banks of the Blue Water, went out with a war party, and because of his achievements in a fight where the sun shone red upon him, he was named Red Cloud.
One can imagine the impetuous youth of sixteen, with the love of color and action, and indifference to consequence, riding like a whirlwind, silhouetted against the golden red of the sunset sky, and his sire seeing in him the Red Cloud of Destiny, prophetically cried out, "Marpiya Luta, Marpiya Luta." Ah! that was a name for an Indian.
At twenty-five Red Cloud had a difficulty
Red Cloud was war chief, but Spotted Tail was his opposite by nature.
Spotted Tail, whose Indian name was Sin-taga-las-ca, spelled variously from Sentegaleska to Shantagolisk, came up from the ranks, and attained the greatest distinction recorded in the annals of red men. He was born near Fort Laramie in 1833, or a year or so before the first rude stockade was built.
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One can imagine the impetuous youth of sixteen, with the love of color and action, and indifference to consequence, riding like a whirlwind, silhouetted against the golden red of the sunset sky, and his sire seeing in him the Red Cloud of Destiny, prophetically cried out, "Marpiya Luta, Marpiya Luta." Ah! that was a name for an Indian.
At twenty-five Red Cloud had a difficulty
Red Cloud was war chief, but Spotted Tail was his opposite by nature.
Spotted Tail, whose Indian name was Sin-taga-las-ca, spelled variously from Sentegaleska to Shantagolisk, came up from the ranks, and attained the greatest distinction recorded in the annals of red men. He was born near Fort Laramie in 1833, or a year or so before the first rude stockade was built.
At the age of eighteen years he engaged a sub-chief in mortal combat, but he is said to have no reputation for provoking conflicts. While nominally the head of all the Sioux during the great wars along the Trail, the activities were largely in the hands of the war loving members of the tribe, who with their independent bands moved without orders from the supreme head.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The experience of the United States at the close of the Black Hawk wars in the valley of the Mississippi, was so successful, that the same plan was followed with Spotted Tail. In 1872, he was taken to Washington by our military, and there he met General Grant, who was then President of the United States.
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While nominally the head of all the Sioux during the great wars along the Trail, the activities were largely in the hands of the war loving members of the tribe, who with their independent bands moved without orders from the supreme head.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The experience of the United States at the close of the Black Hawk wars in the valley of the Mississippi, was so successful, that the same plan was followed with Spotted Tail. In 1872, he was taken to Washington by our military, and there he met General Grant, who was then President of the United States.
He was convinced of the uselessness of combatting the white people, and he told his people that they were as numerous as the sands of the prairie, and to emphasize the comparative strength of his people with the whites, he cast a handful of sand into the original bank from which it came.
In 1876, General Crook crowned him "King of All the Sioux," which title he maintained with dignity until 1881, when he was killed at the Rosebud Agency, by Crow Dog, one of his sub-chiefs.
Names in Indian life are certainly an indication of character, for one naturally expects the assassin of a truly great Indian, to bear some such cognomen as "Crow Dog."
While Spotted Tail was inclined to peace, while he would rather take his people to the hunting grounds at the head of Spotted Tail creek, or over on the Blue Water ( Snake creek) and there lay in a winter's supply of jerked buffalo meat, he participated in many conflicts and personally led in the massacre of Cottonwood canyon, just a few miles east of North Platte.
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Names in Indian life are certainly an indication of character, for one naturally expects the assassin of a truly great Indian, to bear some such cognomen as "Crow Dog."
While Spotted Tail was inclined to peace, while he would rather take his people to the hunting grounds at the head of Spotted Tail creek, or over on the Blue Water ( Snake creek) and there lay in a winter's supply of jerked buffalo meat, he participated in many conflicts and personally led in the massacre of Cottonwood canyon, just a few miles east of North Platte.
Cottonwood Camp has been built by Eugene Ware in 1864, at the mouth of this canyon of the same name, and here a company of soldiers were kept. Smallpox had been on one of its periodical raids more deadly than Indians along The Trail. Captain Mitchell, and parties of the military named Bentz, Anderson and Cramer, and a number of convalescent soldiers went up the canyon, in the autumn of 1865 to gather wild plums. There had been no signs of hostiles for sometime and they felt secure. Mitchell and Anderson wTere the only two to carry arms.
As they started to return on that beautiful autumn afternoon, the Indians were observed pouring into the canyon to head them off. Mr. Bentz, who was mounted on a fine black horse, rode ahead with such surprising rapidity and suddenness, that he passed the closing gap of Indians, and escaped unharmed amid a fusilade of bullets and flying arrows.
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There had been no signs of hostiles for sometime and they felt secure. Mitchell and Anderson wTere the only two to carry arms.
As they started to return on that beautiful autumn afternoon, the Indians were observed pouring into the canyon to head them off. Mr. Bentz, who was mounted on a fine black horse, rode ahead with such surprising rapidity and suddenness, that he passed the closing gap of Indians, and escaped unharmed amid a fusilade of bullets and flying arrows.
Captain Mitchell saw that the slower moving ambulance could not hope to escape in this manner, and be ordered the driver to turn sharply up the sloping bank of the canyon, hoping to reach the tableland over its rim. and
then it would be a running fight in the open towards the camp.
The horses had nearly reached the top, when the nigh wheeler balked, and for the moment they seemed at the mercy of the savages. Then a yell from the Indians so frightened the horses that they went flying up over the ridge, and were headed for camp at the rate of ten or twelve miles an hour.
The Indians pursued, and the driver was shot from his seat. Anderson seized the reins and held them until Cramer could come forward, then he returned to the use of his rifle. The horses with the heavy ambulance could not keep pace with the light-footed Indian mustangs, and it soon became evident that the Indians would close around them. Captain Mitchell and Anderson Were shooting, but the roughness of the prairie, and the shaking of the ambulance, made the aim uncertain. The Captain finally determined to stop upon an eminence ahead and fight it out, or stand off the Indians until Bentz could return with assistance.
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Anderson seized the reins and held them until Cramer could come forward, then he returned to the use of his rifle. The horses with the heavy ambulance could not keep pace with the light-footed Indian mustangs, and it soon became evident that the Indians would close around them. Captain Mitchell and Anderson Were shooting, but the roughness of the prairie, and the shaking of the ambulance, made the aim uncertain. The Captain finally determined to stop upon an eminence ahead and fight it out, or stand off the Indians until Bentz could return with assistance.
Cramer, the driver, had lost his head ; he disobeyed, and kept on lashing the horses past the strategic point. Anderson sprang forward to jam his foot upon the brake, but a sudden lurch sent him rolling upon the prairie. Then Captain Mitchell assayed to reach the driver's seat, but another jolt sent him to the ground and the undefended ambulance, with its wild driver and sick soldier went lumbering on.
Mitchell rolled into a gully near where he fell, and as he did so, saw Anderson hide in a clump of scrub brush. The Indians immediately following came to the ridge and stopped, for it was plain that those ahead were closing in on the luckless ambulance, and its occupants.
One Indian dismounted and looked long and intently on the ground. He wore a spotted head dress of wild turkey feathers gayly colored, and reaching nearly to the ground. Captain Mitchell knew him to be none other than the famous Spotted Tail, and there he stood a good mark, not more than thirty yards distant.
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The Indians immediately following came to the ridge and stopped, for it was plain that those ahead were closing in on the luckless ambulance, and its occupants.
One Indian dismounted and looked long and intently on the ground. He wore a spotted head dress of wild turkey feathers gayly colored, and reaching nearly to the ground. Captain Mitchell knew him to be none other than the famous Spotted Tail, and there he stood a good mark, not more than thirty yards distant.
The death of this chief would have a demoralizing effect upon the Indians, and the Captain later asserted that he thought would more than compensate for the loss of twenty captains. He. was directing his pistols in the direction of the breast of the famous warrior, when a shout arose, and the chief disappeared behind the breast of jutting rock. One of the tribesmen had detected a movement in the brush where Anderson was hidden, and all had found shelter.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
A general movement toward Anderson was begun, and his rifle cracked. One Indian quit moving. Another shot and another Indian stopped, but there were now returning shots. A sudden rush was made by a dozen or more of the Indians, but three shots in quick succession sent them back dragging with them three companions. That deadly aim was disconcerting.
Captain Mitchell says he determined it was time for him to take a part, as he saw some thirty Indians preparing to make a rush. It was then he heard the voice of Anderson.
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Another shot and another Indian stopped, but there were now returning shots. A sudden rush was made by a dozen or more of the Indians, but three shots in quick succession sent them back dragging with them three companions. That deadly aim was disconcerting.
Captain Mitchell says he determined it was time for him to take a part, as he saw some thirty Indians preparing to make a rush. It was then he heard the voice of Anderson.
"My arm is broken. Keep quiet. Can't work the Spencer any more."
From this it would appear that Anderson thought it would be useless to bring Mitchell into the fight, but I have never given Mitchell credit for sufficient courage to enter the fray. When I first heard the story, as it was told by Belden, the White Chief, the thought occurred to me that a few shots fired from another point, just as these thirty warriors were preparing to rush, would have turned the tide of
the battle and saved brave Anderson's life. The Indians could not have known how many might be concealed about them, and the delay and incertainty would have given time and the possibility of Bentz returning with assistance.
But Mitchell remained quiet and the Indians made the rush. Notwithstanding his disabled condition, Anderson did work the Spencer to the effect that four more Indians bit the dust before they dragged him from the brush and killed him. He was laid upon his back, and nine slashes made across his breast, one for each of the nine Indians he had killed.
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The Indians could not have known how many might be concealed about them, and the delay and incertainty would have given time and the possibility of Bentz returning with assistance.
But Mitchell remained quiet and the Indians made the rush. Notwithstanding his disabled condition, Anderson did work the Spencer to the effect that four more Indians bit the dust before they dragged him from the brush and killed him. He was laid upon his back, and nine slashes made across his breast, one for each of the nine Indians he had killed.
Captain Mitchell lived and told the story to Bentz and his party that soon arrived, but the dead Indians told it better, and we have never heard that the valor of the captain ever advanced him in rank among his brothers military. If one soldier, especially an officer, could lay quietly and see another who was making a heroic fight, dragged out, killed, and mangled, it is no surprise that the old time frontiersman held the soldiers in contempt.
SUNSET ON THE PLATTE -- THE GIBRALTER OF NEBRASKA - SON BELLECHUG WATER
CHEYENNE
There are incidents occasionally that connect the past with the present, and ties one generation to another in mysterious manner, other than by the usual laws of consanguinity. Similar circumstances and environment will awaken in one the same line of thought that may have once been alive, but has been buried for generations.
It was back in 1889 that the writer, then a budding young poet (as he thought), visited Gering, on the Fourth of July. The party consisted of Miss Ida Eckerson, now Mrs. A. E. Scott of this city, Miss Minnie Shumway, now Mae Shumway Enderly of Los Angeles, William Wallace White of Gering, and the writer. We crossed the old bridge that had then but recently been built, and as we crossed the sun went down.
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It was back in 1889 that the writer, then a budding young poet (as he thought), visited Gering, on the Fourth of July. The party consisted of Miss Ida Eckerson, now Mrs. A. E. Scott of this city, Miss Minnie Shumway, now Mae Shumway Enderly of Los Angeles, William Wallace White of Gering, and the writer. We crossed the old bridge that had then but recently been built, and as we crossed the sun went down. Miss Eckerson, knowing of my poetical ambitions, said to me: "If I was a poet, I would now write something to The Sunset on Scottsbluff."
I looked, and as I looked I saw the glory of
the scene, and asked Mr. White to drive slowly. With an envelope and scrap paper in the moving vehicle, I labored with the following result :
SUNSET ON THE PLATTE
Upon the bridge, above the flowing river, There we admitted the fast declining day ;
Like those dark waters, moving on forever, Each heart was borne in ecstacy, away.
The sun sank low behind the horizon. It lighted upon the fleecy western sky ;
A symbol of the great, now dead and gone, Who leave a brilliant lustre when they die.
The sky back of the stream, reflecting, cast Resplendent lights of purple and of gold,
And all the rainbow colors, changing fast, From lurid red, 'till fading grey turns cold.
But here and there, the shimmering surface mars,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Its glossy face by interceding bars, And where the elements each other wars
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It lighted upon the fleecy western sky ;
A symbol of the great, now dead and gone, Who leave a brilliant lustre when they die.
The sky back of the stream, reflecting, cast Resplendent lights of purple and of gold,
And all the rainbow colors, changing fast, From lurid red, 'till fading grey turns cold.
But here and there, the shimmering surface mars,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Its glossy face by interceding bars, And where the elements each other wars
The foamed-flecked sand shone like bright glittering stars.
A pine root clinging to some shoal here
Reached forth its various prongs and separate,
Resembling the antlers of a deer
With form beneath the stream, inanimate.
Far to the southwest rears a silent tower, A temple wherein man has never trod ;
Erected by an Omniptent Power,
To man was given, a symbol of his God.
An intervening gap, and then another,
Great edifice, its head to Heaven doth rear,
In silent memory' of an earlier brother, Who used it in defense of country dear.
Time's traces on its crest are visible,
The walls are slowly crumbling to decay,
Yet, grim and earlier relic, doth it tell Its history in its own inspiring way.
But from the crag of noble grandeur leaping Our vision falls upon the level plain,
Swift over it, the evening shadows creeping Leaves a dull dreary waste upon the main.
Beneath the plain a wall of dingy brown, Obscured the last faint rays of waning light.
The lark's last note sounds through the twilight gloom As monitory of the coming night.
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Yet, grim and earlier relic, doth it tell Its history in its own inspiring way.
But from the crag of noble grandeur leaping Our vision falls upon the level plain,
Swift over it, the evening shadows creeping Leaves a dull dreary waste upon the main.
Beneath the plain a wall of dingy brown, Obscured the last faint rays of waning light.
The lark's last note sounds through the twilight gloom As monitory of the coming night.
Along the surface of the shining river,
A sleepy swallow skims the water's brim, So close it makes the shimmering surface shiver, The light, translucent, flashing through the dim. One lovely islet, decked with foliage green, Breaks this bright scene stretching from shore to shore ; Tranquil she reigns, an Oriental queen, In majesty and silence wields her power.
We gaze upon the fine artistic work
By nature drawn, and painted on the sky,
On island, and on shore that's growing dark, And on the turbid waters flowing by.
It fades ! The picture was too rare a kind, To linger long, and gladden mortal sight.
Like every earthly pleasure, leaves behind Dark shadows, creeping on to darker night.
Now here, new scenes on the then new bridge, and we were the new people. Ah ! surely here was an original poem, something of a descriptive nature that people would like, and the like of which I felt had never before been written.
And for over twenty years I lived in the thought that I was the only "poet" who had dedicated Scottsbluff in "immortal rhyme."
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Like every earthly pleasure, leaves behind Dark shadows, creeping on to darker night.
Now here, new scenes on the then new bridge, and we were the new people. Ah ! surely here was an original poem, something of a descriptive nature that people would like, and the like of which I felt had never before been written.
And for over twenty years I lived in the thought that I was the only "poet" who had dedicated Scottsbluff in "immortal rhyme."
A few years ago, I was "looking up the trail" of an interesting event in this country, and I found the name of "Cooke." Who was Cooke ? Into the index of the National Library I went and found that St. George P. Cooke had written a book of the west, and I went after it. Now here is a story.
On June 9th. 1845, he met Rufus Sage, with a fleet of boats descending the Platte river from Fort Laramie, and the meeting was a little below Court House Rock. Tremendous rains had deluged the party at Chimney Rock. The hills were like the palisades of the Hudson, with here and there a pilaster of silvery white. Ascending the hills to the east the present site of Gering, he saw Scottsbluff, "lifting her awful form, above the clouds, and midway leaves the storm," and some one in the party shouted : "The Gibraltar of Nebraska."
A heavy storm was approaching from the west, and the party went into camp on the summit of the hill. "A thousand Sioux were in the vast amphitheatre just east of Scottsbluff." They were breaking camp in great excitement, having determined to cross the river before the storm came upon them. The braves were galloping about, the dogs and children were scurrying to and fro, and the women with hurried system were packing their belongings on the poles dragged by ponies ; and away they went, crossing the river with great shouting and splashing.
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A heavy storm was approaching from the west, and the party went into camp on the summit of the hill. "A thousand Sioux were in the vast amphitheatre just east of Scottsbluff." They were breaking camp in great excitement, having determined to cross the river before the storm came upon them. The braves were galloping about, the dogs and children were scurrying to and fro, and the women with hurried system were packing their belongings on the poles dragged by ponies ; and away they went, crossing the river with great shouting and splashing. Cooke says, as he sits at the door of his tent :
"This Scott's Bluff is a wonderful mountain. We are miles off, yet to the last moment of light there was some chamaleon change of color, and the sentinels are still standing."
The storm had passed, and Castle Rock was described as the "Pillar of Pale Rock," and Scottsbluff "resembled Sterling Castle." Cooke looked back over the trail he had come, and saw the black wreck of the receding storm passing on to the east, and "lo ! Chimney Rock stood alone like a pillar of fire struck by the setting sun."
Then my eye fell upon these words : "The sun set in the clouds ; but the glorious day, Parts not in gloom ; the thick veil is riven --
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The river and the sky in lovely array
Are radiant now, with the light of Heaven.
"Like an aurora, or the flashing trace, Of Angel's flight to the utmost north,
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Chimney Rock stood alone like a pillar of fire struck by the setting sun."
Then my eye fell upon these words : "The sun set in the clouds ; but the glorious day, Parts not in gloom ; the thick veil is riven --
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The river and the sky in lovely array
Are radiant now, with the light of Heaven.
"Like an aurora, or the flashing trace, Of Angel's flight to the utmost north,
The glory shines ; unwilling to deface
The beautiful, Night hovers o'er the earth.
"Gently, the chameleon colors fade, -- Slowly ascending to the zenith's height,
'Till lingering darkness buries all in shade, And Light and Beauty bid the world, 'good night.' "
Thus my beautiful dream of being the only and original poet of the Scotts Bluff country disappeared, for out of the past, some twenty years before I was born, and forty-four years before the old Gering bridge was built, one had seen it all and said it better than I. But the poet Cooke offers beautiful philosophy to us of the middle age, so that my disappointment is not so keen. I really wonder if this voice of eighteen forty-five was not reechoed from mountain and sky, while we were driving over the bridge in eighteen eighty-nine. At any rate, Cooke's advice to on peevish couple on this occasion will bear repeating now, as a solace to any regrets that one may have.
"Now, for the love of Love, and her soft bowers, Let's not confound the time with conference harsh. There's not a minute of our lives should stretch Without some pleasure, now."
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I really wonder if this voice of eighteen forty-five was not reechoed from mountain and sky, while we were driving over the bridge in eighteen eighty-nine. At any rate, Cooke's advice to on peevish couple on this occasion will bear repeating now, as a solace to any regrets that one may have.
"Now, for the love of Love, and her soft bowers, Let's not confound the time with conference harsh. There's not a minute of our lives should stretch Without some pleasure, now."
Up on the Chugwater, Cooke's party met a party of Cheyennes and a number of the belles of the Indian village came out to meet the white people, for by this time nearly all the more ambitious of the young Indian maidens decked themselves up in wild flowers and tinsel to attract some white beau brummel. To marry a white renegade was considered higher social caste than to win the better of the Indian braves.
When the Cheyenne belles came among them they beheld a captain who wore glasses, and they screamed and rushed wildly to their village tents, nor could they be induced to come out so long as the captain was in sight. It was very embarrassing to him, for how could he know that they had been told that with glasses one could see through opaque substances and their gayly colored calico gowns were no protection against the vision of "four eyes."
IN THE SHADOWS-
THE FIRE FLYSONG -- CACHED FURS -- OLD LAND MARKS -- TRAPPER'S ROCK
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When the Cheyenne belles came among them they beheld a captain who wore glasses, and they screamed and rushed wildly to their village tents, nor could they be induced to come out so long as the captain was in sight. It was very embarrassing to him, for how could he know that they had been told that with glasses one could see through opaque substances and their gayly colored calico gowns were no protection against the vision of "four eyes."
IN THE SHADOWS-
THE FIRE FLYSONG -- CACHED FURS -- OLD LAND MARKS -- TRAPPER'S ROCK
Not death, but darkness. What is there about shadows and darkness that thrills and terrifies the young. I do not recall that anyone ever frightened me with stories of Things out in the dark, yet I always felt that they were there. What, I did not know, but surely it was some fearful menace. Coming in from the night, I could maintain control of myself until I opened the door, and the candle light shone in my eyes. Then, behind me the darkness became a black abyss filled with horrible Things. The point of a terrible blade, the fangs of some frightful beast was ever close -- so close that I would leap into the circle of candle light, bang the door, and shiver with relief and safety.
Then at night in the low-ceilinged room with
its sloping sides, close under the shingles where my mother put me to bed. How I did dread to see her carry out the candle. How I hoped she would leave the "middle room" ajar, for the few moments respite from the dark. What a comfort to hear her moving about, and to know that as long as she was there the goblins of the dark would not come out.
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Then at night in the low-ceilinged room with
its sloping sides, close under the shingles where my mother put me to bed. How I did dread to see her carry out the candle. How I hoped she would leave the "middle room" ajar, for the few moments respite from the dark. What a comfort to hear her moving about, and to know that as long as she was there the goblins of the dark would not come out. But when she had gone downstairs, the invisible, menacing creatures were about me. What a thrill when a mouse rattled in the wall, or a branch from a maple tree would touch the roof.
You have had these experiences, and you, and you, with slight variations.
And the little red children of the prairie had their similar fears, and the maidens would sing
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
songs at night, expressing their fear of the unknown Dwellers of the Darkness. Their Fire Fly Song, is one of this character:
"Fire fly -- fire fly -- bright little thing, Light me to bed while my songs I sing. Give me your light as you fly o'er my head That I may merrily go to bed. Give me your light o'er the grass as you creep That I may joyfully go to my sleep."
They could merrily go to bed, and joyfully go to sleep if the little fire fly would only give the safety of its feeble light.
The young trappers and boy scouts, if they look, may find some evidences of the cache of furs that the American Fur Company once had in the bad lands at the foot of Scotts Bluff mountain. It was during the spring freshet of June, 1842, that fourteen trappers from Fort Laramie left with boats laden with furs for St.
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They could merrily go to bed, and joyfully go to sleep if the little fire fly would only give the safety of its feeble light.
The young trappers and boy scouts, if they look, may find some evidences of the cache of furs that the American Fur Company once had in the bad lands at the foot of Scotts Bluff mountain. It was during the spring freshet of June, 1842, that fourteen trappers from Fort Laramie left with boats laden with furs for St. Louis.
When they reached Scotts Bluff, which they accomplished very easily, the river spread out, and they were compelled to unload a number of their packs from each boat. They made a cave of a blowout in the bad lands, and therein hid the furs they could no longer carry ; they left some men to guard the cave, but these soon wearied, and being anxious for civilization they went on foot toward the land of the rising sun.
John C. Fremont, then on his way to the mountains, met both the boat party and the footmen, and reported back to Fort Laramie, the fact that the furs had been left at Scottsbluff. He met them about two weeks after the unloading, and the men were in considerable distress as their tobacco had given out. A limited supply was given them, to last until they should reach the settlements.
Next to Scotts Bluff mountain Court House Rock and Chimney Rock were the more famous land marks of the Trail in western Nebraska. And every chronicler had a different name or suggestion as to the proper name for each.
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He met them about two weeks after the unloading, and the men were in considerable distress as their tobacco had given out. A limited supply was given them, to last until they should reach the settlements.
Next to Scotts Bluff mountain Court House Rock and Chimney Rock were the more famous land marks of the Trail in western Nebraska. And every chronicler had a different name or suggestion as to the proper name for each.
Samuel Parker said Chimney Rock looked like Beacon Hill of Boston, and Kelly, the Englishman says it "looks like a Wellington Testimonial on a Danish fort." He adds that "it is fast chipping away, and no doubt would be gone in another fifty years." After this lapse of seventy years he would no doubt be surprised to learn thai it looks fair for another century or two, although fragments have recently fallen away ( 1919).
Kelly was on his way to California in fortynine, and wrote as he sat "at the country residence of Mr. Robideaux," May 25th, that he Would not be surprised if they were traveling over gold here. He little dreamed of the manner in which the soil and the sunshine and the vagrant river would be by the later genius of man converted into the acres of diamonds, or transmuted into untold riches.
In the vicinity of Chimney Rock there came up one of the heavy rains, for which that spot seemed famous, and for three days the downpour continued and thoroughly soaked the party. On the third day as they were slowly moving to the west, they ascended the hill to the west of Creighton valley, Scotts Bluff mountain suddenly loomed distinct and clear above the fog that enveloped its base, and the excited pilgrims cried : "Mount Araratt, Mount Araratt."
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In the vicinity of Chimney Rock there came up one of the heavy rains, for which that spot seemed famous, and for three days the downpour continued and thoroughly soaked the party. On the third day as they were slowly moving to the west, they ascended the hill to the west of Creighton valley, Scotts Bluff mountain suddenly loomed distinct and clear above the fog that enveloped its base, and the excited pilgrims cried : "Mount Araratt, Mount Araratt."
The "Nut brown Sioux girls" greatly infatuated the langorous Englishman, and to one he gave a small hand looking glass, which so pleased her that she fastened a bracelet on his wrist, and he said the touch of her hands was very pleasing to the senses.
Of bidding farewell to her, Kelly writes:
"Maid of Athens, 'ere we part, Give, oh, give me back my heart."
West of the Robideaux Pass they met a lone French trapper, who was out of tobacco. This want supplied, he went away again toward the head of Gonneville creek.
Kelly's "vision" had pictured Fort Laramie as a fortress, but in realization it proved "a cracked, dilapidated adobe quadrangular enclosure." "No wonder it was sold to the government." Bruce Husband was then in charge, and Fort Fontenelle Was in course of construction or almost completed.
A short distance above Julesburg, at a point off to Mud Springs there stands a solitary rock which bears the name of Trapper's Rock because of the awful tragedies of the plains.
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Kelly's "vision" had pictured Fort Laramie as a fortress, but in realization it proved "a cracked, dilapidated adobe quadrangular enclosure." "No wonder it was sold to the government." Bruce Husband was then in charge, and Fort Fontenelle Was in course of construction or almost completed.
A short distance above Julesburg, at a point off to Mud Springs there stands a solitary rock which bears the name of Trapper's Rock because of the awful tragedies of the plains.
Two men, and the sister of one of them, had come together into the west, and after a year one of them wanted to return. The other who was the brother of the girl had not yet his fill of the wilderness, although the sister wished to return to the settlements. The men were boyhood chums and each had absolute confidence in the other. Therefore the brother took the vow of the other that he would see the sister safely into the hands of the white people, and let them depart. Later the companion returned, and the two partners went on as before.
One day they met another who knew them,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
and when he had an opportunity, he told of the sad fate of his sister. The vow of his partner had been broken, and the condition of the girl was such that she could not return to the same circle of friends she had left. A short time after she had died.
The brother said nothing of his horrible discovery, and together they made their way working toward the east. At the point indicated, the brother set upon and tied the other fast. He took him in this condition to the rock, and bound him fast thereon. Then he coolly built a fire, cooked his supper and ate it.
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The vow of his partner had been broken, and the condition of the girl was such that she could not return to the same circle of friends she had left. A short time after she had died.
The brother said nothing of his horrible discovery, and together they made their way working toward the east. At the point indicated, the brother set upon and tied the other fast. He took him in this condition to the rock, and bound him fast thereon. Then he coolly built a fire, cooked his supper and ate it. Then laid by the fire and slept. In the morning he prepared his breakfast and ate it in the same manner, and never offered a morsel to the man upon the rock. For nine days he camped
there, cooking, eating, and sleeping, and high overhead, up in the blue sky the buzzards sailed round and round and round and looked down and at night the wolves howled from the hillsides. On the ninth day the man on the rock died of starvation and was left for the vultures or the wolves. The brother of the girl moved on into the east, satisfied with his fiendish revenge.
When he reached St. Louis he found that his brother had tried to make all amends, that he had sought and plead with the girl to marry him, but an old aunt had persuaded her to have nothing to do with him. Failing in that, he made a will giving her all his property, which was considerable, at the time of his death.
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The brother of the girl moved on into the east, satisfied with his fiendish revenge.
When he reached St. Louis he found that his brother had tried to make all amends, that he had sought and plead with the girl to marry him, but an old aunt had persuaded her to have nothing to do with him. Failing in that, he made a will giving her all his property, which was considerable, at the time of his death.
STAGE DRIVERS -- ROAD AGENTS -- PONY EXPRESS RIDERS-- CHAS. CLIFF'S
ADVENTURES -- JULES AND SLADE FEUD -- CREIGHTON'S
QUICK FORTUNE
Following the discovery of gold, and institution of stage service to the golden coast, the country filled up with road agents and white renegades, who preyed upon the pilgrims, and robbed the stages with great regularity. In this country there are said to be several caches of gold hidden by gangs that either were later exterminated, or never came back to find them. One of these is supposed to be on Kiowa creek, a certain distance from a certain cedar tree of great dimensions. And another is on the east side of Wildcat mountains. Much soil has been worked over with the hope of finding something, but the direction and the distance from the landmarks are indefinite.
The operations of the road agents became so bad that the Overland stage traffic came near being abandoned, soon after its institution.
The first Overland stage to California was put in service in 1859. and shortly after the pony express was inaugurated. The time for mail from New York to Sacramento, by the "Butterfield Stage Route," was twenty-one days, and the pony express shortened it to ten days. As early as 1851 a monthly service by stage was put on to Salt Lake City.
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The operations of the road agents became so bad that the Overland stage traffic came near being abandoned, soon after its institution.
The first Overland stage to California was put in service in 1859. and shortly after the pony express was inaugurated. The time for mail from New York to Sacramento, by the "Butterfield Stage Route," was twenty-one days, and the pony express shortened it to ten days. As early as 1851 a monthly service by stage was put on to Salt Lake City. Letters were written on the thinnest of paper, for it cost five dollars for a half ounce communication to be delivered at the Golden Gate by Pony Express.
Old Stage and Pony Express stations, between Julesburg and Fort Laramie, were Mud Springs, Chimney Rock, Scotts Bluff, Horse Creek, Sand Hills, Bordeaux. Sometimes they crossed the river at Horse Creek and back at Fort Laramie. These were north side stations used. One at Rock Bottom Ford, and another was near the old Wyncote station. Sub-stations at intervals of about ten miles were made.
President Lincoln's inaugural address was started from the Missouri river, March 4, 1861, and in just seven days and seventeen hours it was delivered at Sacramento. It then became a regular schedule of eight days to travel the two thousand miles, or two hundred and fifty miles each twentv-four hours.
On April 3, 1860, the first start of the Pony Express was made, and on the eleventh there was a crowd waiting at each end that broke into wild cheers as the rider hove in sight.
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President Lincoln's inaugural address was started from the Missouri river, March 4, 1861, and in just seven days and seventeen hours it was delivered at Sacramento. It then became a regular schedule of eight days to travel the two thousand miles, or two hundred and fifty miles each twentv-four hours.
On April 3, 1860, the first start of the Pony Express was made, and on the eleventh there was a crowd waiting at each end that broke into wild cheers as the rider hove in sight.
The first rider from Julesburg west, was Jim Moore, and he rode to Scottsbluff station, which is the old soddy later used as a ranch by Mark M. Coad.
Jim Moore made one of the most famous rides in the history of the Pony Express, on
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June eighth, of 1860, when he rode from Midwhy to Julesburg and return, a distance of two hundred and forty miles, in fourteen hours and forty-six minutes. He stopped only seven minutes for lunch.
Colonel W. F. Cody rode the Pony Express, and he was first hired by Jules Reni and put in '"Bill Trotter's division." He was the youngest rider on the entire two thousand miles of the road. He quit the prairie and went to the mountains in the summer, and met Joe Slade at Horseshoe station, where he offered his services, but Joe Slade said he was too young. Cody then gave him a letter from Trotter, and he was immediately employed. Slade always told Cody when he started on a trip to "lookout for your scalp."
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Cody rode the Pony Express, and he was first hired by Jules Reni and put in '"Bill Trotter's division." He was the youngest rider on the entire two thousand miles of the road. He quit the prairie and went to the mountains in the summer, and met Joe Slade at Horseshoe station, where he offered his services, but Joe Slade said he was too young. Cody then gave him a letter from Trotter, and he was immediately employed. Slade always told Cody when he started on a trip to "lookout for your scalp."
One of the dare-devils of the road was Chas. Cliff, who rode a division from Scottsbluff station west through to Sand Hill station. On his return trip once he was attacked by the Indians in Mitchell Gap, and when he arrived at Scottsbluff station and was taken from his horse, he had three bullets in his body and twenty-seven through his clothes.
Joseph A. Slade was something of a green but vicious looking fellow when he applied for service with the Overland stage people. Mark Twain tells that few were asked for references or credentials in the west for this employment, but they did ask Slade if he had ever been at St. Louis or New Orleans, and Slade replied : "No, I haint never been at Horleans, but I'll tell you where I have been. I've been mighty nigh all over three counties in Illinois." Slade's seemed to have been a wonderful nerve, for he drove stage through the wildest part of the road and shot down the road agents on sight. It was something different. Heretofore at the sight of desperadoes, the drivers would whip their horses into a fury of getting away, but now Slade would simply slow down and the first man within range would "get his." When H.
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I've been mighty nigh all over three counties in Illinois." Slade's seemed to have been a wonderful nerve, for he drove stage through the wildest part of the road and shot down the road agents on sight. It was something different. Heretofore at the sight of desperadoes, the drivers would whip their horses into a fury of getting away, but now Slade would simply slow down and the first man within range would "get his." When H. M. Inghram was hired by Slade, he was asked if he could drive, which of course "I tank" could do, and Slade said: "Well, damn ye. drive then, and if you don't, I'll kill ye." and [nghram drove on the route between North Platte and Denver.
Apparently he was satisfied with Inghram for after a few trips he gave him a sawed off double barrelled shotgun loaded with buckshot, and a position as guard, with instructions to "shoot to get 'em."
Slide would always take any advantage that cunning quick action or a quick wit would give, and on one occasion when the gentleman with whom he had had a dispute appeared to he the nimblest artist, Slade quickly said that
it was useless for life to be wasted over such a small matter, and proposed that they throw their guns on the ground and fight it out with their fists. The other party agreed and threw his gun down, whereupon Slade laughed at his simplicity, and shot him on the spot.
Such conduct made him both hated and feared.
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Slide would always take any advantage that cunning quick action or a quick wit would give, and on one occasion when the gentleman with whom he had had a dispute appeared to he the nimblest artist, Slade quickly said that
it was useless for life to be wasted over such a small matter, and proposed that they throw their guns on the ground and fight it out with their fists. The other party agreed and threw his gun down, whereupon Slade laughed at his simplicity, and shot him on the spot.
Such conduct made him both hated and feared.
I am not in possession of the facts that originated the Jules-Slade feud, but it was no doubt some trivial affair, and the enemies of each assisted in keeping it alive, with the hope that one or the other or both would be wiped off the earth.
It was at the Rock Ranch station that Jules finally got the drop on Slade. Jules was told that Slade was out back and he fired thirteen buckshot into him. Slade dropped and Jules satisfied that he was as good as dead, told some of the fellows to put him in a dry-goods box and bur>' him. Slade retorted that he would live long enough to wear one of Jules' ears on his watch guard.
Just at that time the stage came along, and the superintendent happened to be on board. He ordered Jules' arrest, and they proceeded to hang him. He was strangled until black in the face, and then was let go on the promise that he would forever leave this part of the country. This promise was kept -- for a time.
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Slade retorted that he would live long enough to wear one of Jules' ears on his watch guard.
Just at that time the stage came along, and the superintendent happened to be on board. He ordered Jules' arrest, and they proceeded to hang him. He was strangled until black in the face, and then was let go on the promise that he would forever leave this part of the country. This promise was kept -- for a time.
Slade was taken to St. Louis where seven of the buckshot were cut out of him and the other six remained in his body until his death.
After a time, they were both back in the Scotts Bluff country, and each with the threat to kill the other on sight. Slade laid the matter before the officers at Fort Laramie, and promised to take their advice. They decided that Jules must be captured or killed, and Slade had four men sent to Bordeaux, then on Chausen's ranch, the first station east of the fort, where Jules was said to be located.
They captured him with little opposition says Coutant, and bound him hand and foot. When Slade reached Bordeaux, this was the condition in which he found him. He went up to the helpless man, deliberately shot him twice, killing him instantly. He then returned to Fort Laramie, and went through the farce of giving himself up, and was discharged. This was in 1862. It is believed that there was no mutilation, and that this was just an exaggeration of partisans growing out of the threat of some time before.
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When Slade reached Bordeaux, this was the condition in which he found him. He went up to the helpless man, deliberately shot him twice, killing him instantly. He then returned to Fort Laramie, and went through the farce of giving himself up, and was discharged. This was in 1862. It is believed that there was no mutilation, and that this was just an exaggeration of partisans growing out of the threat of some time before.
In 1860, the United States government granted a subsidy of forty thousand dollars to the first company that would build a telegraph line across the continent. Ed. Creighton, for
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the Western Union Company had eleven hundred miles to build, and the California telegraph company was to build from the west and the twb were to meet and join at Salt Lake City. A special prize was given to the one that first reached Salt Lake City.
Creighton built his line up the Platte to Julesburg, then across to Mud Springs and through Mitchell Gap on into the west. He had the line completed to Salt Lake City on the 17th of October and on the 24th of the same month the California company reached the
City on the Lake. Creighton had bought during the summer one hundred thousand dollars of Western Union stock for $18,000.00 and when the project was completed, he was given three shares for one. And shortly afterwards he sold his one-third of his holdings for $85,000.00. It took a little less than six months to build the line, that made Creighton over a quarter of a million dollars.
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He had the line completed to Salt Lake City on the 17th of October and on the 24th of the same month the California company reached the
City on the Lake. Creighton had bought during the summer one hundred thousand dollars of Western Union stock for $18,000.00 and when the project was completed, he was given three shares for one. And shortly afterwards he sold his one-third of his holdings for $85,000.00. It took a little less than six months to build the line, that made Creighton over a quarter of a million dollars.
Creighton became one of the great figures of this section and of Nebraska, and he died in 1874, at Omaha.
SACRIFICE OF FRONTIER WOMEN -- INDIAN EXECUTION AT FT. LARAMIE
Woman on the frontier has always had a hard time of it, but like woman always, when a crisis arises, she arises and meets it half way. The experiences of some of the frontier women was such that it left a saddened or changed person after the crisis, and others met heroically the test. In some cases it left no hope and they became derelicts that lived about in the sod shanties on the outskirts of army posts, or ranches, like "Dirty Woman's Ranch," near old Wellsville and Camp Clarke. Calamity Jane became a combination of courage and vice.
Virginia Dale, attached to the notorious character Slade, had a certain strength of personality that forced a degree of respect. Joseph A. Slade never had a friend that staid true to colors like Virginia Dale Slade, his wife.
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In some cases it left no hope and they became derelicts that lived about in the sod shanties on the outskirts of army posts, or ranches, like "Dirty Woman's Ranch," near old Wellsville and Camp Clarke. Calamity Jane became a combination of courage and vice.
Virginia Dale, attached to the notorious character Slade, had a certain strength of personality that forced a degree of respect. Joseph A. Slade never had a friend that staid true to colors like Virginia Dale Slade, his wife.
Virginia City, Montana, was named for the daring and pretty Mrs. Slade, and she was the regal queen for the period of its greatest importance. When the "Vigilantes," (and what atrocious deeds their activities cover) hung Slade in Montana, the yellow in him came to the surface. He wlas not the cool, daring assassin of his reputation, but a coward in the face of death. He begged and bellowed, but to no avail. They hung him just as they did those of better nerve.
Mrs. Slade had been sent for by friends, but she arrived too late, and he was dead. It broke her heart, and she heaped curses upon the perpetrators of the deed, and she cursed the silent friends of Slade, many of whom had witnessed the tragedy, demanding to know why one of them had not shot her husband, and
saved him from the "dog's death." She told the leaders of the vigilantes to beware, that death was upon their trail, and that everyone of them was marked. In the main, this prophesy came true, and the assassins of Slade were met with assassination until practically extermr inated. Slade was hung in 1863.
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It broke her heart, and she heaped curses upon the perpetrators of the deed, and she cursed the silent friends of Slade, many of whom had witnessed the tragedy, demanding to know why one of them had not shot her husband, and
saved him from the "dog's death." She told the leaders of the vigilantes to beware, that death was upon their trail, and that everyone of them was marked. In the main, this prophesy came true, and the assassins of Slade were met with assassination until practically extermr inated. Slade was hung in 1863.
Hugo Koch, who whacked bulls through the old Mitchell Pass many a time, and who now (1919) lives at Lander, Wyoming, came to this country in 1858, and he tells us that Slade was about thirty years old at that time, and was "under medium size," and of dark complexion. He weighed about one hundred and sixty pounds, and his wife was good looking and was about the same size, age and complexion, and often interfered in his business, and was generally a trouble maker.
Virginia Dale, one of the stage stations west of here, was named for her.
Much is said of the noted characters like Jules and Slade, but not as much of their wives.
A short time ago there lived in Nebraska City, an elderly lady of French descent, by the name of Ellen Bcckstead. Possibly she yet lives there. She was once one of the woman characters of the western Nebraska.
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He weighed about one hundred and sixty pounds, and his wife was good looking and was about the same size, age and complexion, and often interfered in his business, and was generally a trouble maker.
Virginia Dale, one of the stage stations west of here, was named for her.
Much is said of the noted characters like Jules and Slade, but not as much of their wives.
A short time ago there lived in Nebraska City, an elderly lady of French descent, by the name of Ellen Bcckstead. Possibly she yet lives there. She was once one of the woman characters of the western Nebraska.
Along about 1858, when only thirteen years of age, she and her husband Jules Beni arrived at his ranch at Cottonwood, near the forks of the Platte, and being young, and full of the French fire of adventure, the wild life of "Jules," appealed to her fancy. But her
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
story of the death of Jules is entirely different from that of the record of history.
She says that Slade shot Jules while the latter was kneeling at the "Cold Spring" near the old Jack Morrow ranch, a little west of the present site of North Platte. Jules was getting a drink, when the treacherous Slade shot him. Aiter wounding him he tied him to a post and shot off his ears.
All stories of history, and of one of Slade's old drivers, H. M. Inghram, now living at Scottsbluff, indicate that Jules' demise was at Bordeaux, (near Cold Springs) fifteen miles east of Fort Laramie. It would seem when Jules was killed that his friends did not correctly relate to the widow all the details of the tragedy; they probably thought to temper the grief and colored the story, or possibly, in the years that have followed, she has lost track of it, and her memory is not good.
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Inghram, now living at Scottsbluff, indicate that Jules' demise was at Bordeaux, (near Cold Springs) fifteen miles east of Fort Laramie. It would seem when Jules was killed that his friends did not correctly relate to the widow all the details of the tragedy; they probably thought to temper the grief and colored the story, or possibly, in the years that have followed, she has lost track of it, and her memory is not good. I believe Beckstead was the fourth husband of the little French bride of Jules Beni, and that would indicate her grief was not deep-seated, and that the buoyant blood of her race asserted itself in quick revival of spirits.
In the Mormon Hand Cart expedition was perhaps as tragic and heroic a case of fidelity to the religious fervor, as ever struck home to any part of the human race, and the women were no small part of it. From the Missouri river to Great Salt Lake, pushing all their personal effects and smaller children in hand carts, is something of an undertaking. Often one hears people, men and women, complaining of the dreariness and monotony of the trip in the Pullmans, and they chafe under the delay of a few hours because of a wreck, or heavy railroading. They suffer from the heat of the. summer or the cold of winter. If they could reconstruct that other expedition, where mothers put their babies into carts, with their meagre personal belongings, and pushed them on and on, over the hundreds and hundreds of miles of prairie, of sand, of sagebrush, up hill and down, fording streams and traveling long stretches without water under a superheated sun and burnished sky. they might have a conception of what sacrifice and suffering in travel really entailed. This expedition was in 1856, and just seventy-five per cent of those who started, reached the Mecca, and one-fourth died of the hardships and privations enroute.
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If they could reconstruct that other expedition, where mothers put their babies into carts, with their meagre personal belongings, and pushed them on and on, over the hundreds and hundreds of miles of prairie, of sand, of sagebrush, up hill and down, fording streams and traveling long stretches without water under a superheated sun and burnished sky. they might have a conception of what sacrifice and suffering in travel really entailed. This expedition was in 1856, and just seventy-five per cent of those who started, reached the Mecca, and one-fourth died of the hardships and privations enroute.
In 1916 T. 1). Deutsch found a skull of a woman, in excavating for Tub Springs drainage canal. That it was of one of the Hand Cart Expedition, is probable.
Tlllv SKULL
This ruin once was the retreat
Of thought, and the mysterious seat
Of mind and soul of other age. Her generation now is dead, But one can read the silent head
Like printed page.
Within the cavern, once brain teemed With lucid light of the redeemed.
And with the profoundest self respect, Her natural impulses inclined Toward the lord of humankind --
Toward her own elect.
Mysterious motherhood is there, And love of children chastened her,
And made her life calm and serene. For they, and not for wanderlust, Part of "the Overland," she crossed
Before the "closing scene."
Within these caverns two, her eyes Looked up toward her Paradise,
Or burned with earth's eternal flame. And in the ivory cavern hung, The marvel of a human tongue
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And with the profoundest self respect, Her natural impulses inclined Toward the lord of humankind --
Toward her own elect.
Mysterious motherhood is there, And love of children chastened her,
And made her life calm and serene. For they, and not for wanderlust, Part of "the Overland," she crossed
Before the "closing scene."
Within these caverns two, her eyes Looked up toward her Paradise,
Or burned with earth's eternal flame. And in the ivory cavern hung, The marvel of a human tongue
That whispered low one name.
With lips of earth's celestial fire. With voice and glances that inspire,
She strove, but fell beside the way. -- A shallow grave in shifting sand, Along the tragic "Overland,"
A spirit gone away.
Another tragedy involved the Brown girls. They were happy in the wilderness on a ranch, and one day the scourges of the South came. The Comanches killed their parents, and took them away. They were recaptured, or rather purchased by Bent in 1839. They were then eighteen and twenty-one years of age respectively, and the older was widowed. Each had become the enforced wife of an Indian. The younger, whose brave still lived, said a few days later that she was going to return to the tent, because she was no longer fit to live with white people. Perhaps some mother can tell us whether that was the real reason she went back to the tribe. For back there in the wigwam of its father was a tiny little half-breed son, whose mute arms stretched through the desert night and whose wail and murmur in its sleep was of its mother.
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The younger, whose brave still lived, said a few days later that she was going to return to the tent, because she was no longer fit to live with white people. Perhaps some mother can tell us whether that was the real reason she went back to the tribe. For back there in the wigwam of its father was a tiny little half-breed son, whose mute arms stretched through the desert night and whose wail and murmur in its sleep was of its mother.
There is still another tragedy that came to our very doors. When the Indian raids, in August, 1865, struck terror among the Overland and Denver trails. Mr. and Mrs. Eubanks, their four children, a visiting lady named Miss Laura Roper, and a hired domestic were living happily in a rude log domicile on the Little Blue. It was always scrupulously clean, and Mrs. Eubanks sang happily at her labor.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The Indians came, and when they passed, Eubanks was dead and horribly mutilated. Three of the children lay where the savages had thrown them, after having first taken them by the heels and battering their heads against the logs. The hired girl was stripped naked and left dead, tied standing to a post and shot with a dozen arrows. The cabin was in ruins and Mrs. Eubanks and one child and her friend Miss Roper were carried away prisoners.
The following January Two Face, with Mrs. Eubanks and child were captured near the present site of the Rawhide ranch, and Blackfoot with Miss Roper on Snake Creek, nearly due north of Scottsbluff. The prisoners were in terrible condition.
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The hired girl was stripped naked and left dead, tied standing to a post and shot with a dozen arrows. The cabin was in ruins and Mrs. Eubanks and one child and her friend Miss Roper were carried away prisoners.
The following January Two Face, with Mrs. Eubanks and child were captured near the present site of the Rawhide ranch, and Blackfoot with Miss Roper on Snake Creek, nearly due north of Scottsbluff. The prisoners were in terrible condition.
Their freshness and lustre had faded, and the women's hair was streaked with grey, and their backs were masses of sores from the beatings they had received. Every indignity of horrible consequence was theirs, and they were nearly lunatics. A few hundred dollars in greenbacks was found on their captors. This was turned over to the women, and they were given safe conduct as far as Kearney. Mrs. Eubanks and the child faded into the obscurity of the east, and Miss Roper to her people at Beatrice, where she was later married.
Colonel Moonlight was at Fort Laramie at the time, and when Two Face, Black Foot and Black Crow boasted of their brutility, and dared him to punish them, he gave orders to have "their necks tied to cross beams, with nothing to support their feet, and left suspended for the crows to eat."
This summary execution brought much criticism, and the easterners whose sob squad had been after the scalp of Colonel Moonlight and others of his strong kind, sent up a howl that was heard as far as Washington, and one mountaineer and trader said it would center the Indians at Fort Laramie for revenge, and "we will all be masscred," he declared. Colonel Moonlight's answer was that perhaps such would be the case, but if so, there would be three mighty bad Indians that would not be there to participate in the massacre.
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This summary execution brought much criticism, and the easterners whose sob squad had been after the scalp of Colonel Moonlight and others of his strong kind, sent up a howl that was heard as far as Washington, and one mountaineer and trader said it would center the Indians at Fort Laramie for revenge, and "we will all be masscred," he declared. Colonel Moonlight's answer was that perhaps such would be the case, but if so, there would be three mighty bad Indians that would not be there to participate in the massacre.
The sentimentalists finally secured Colonel Moonlight's scalp, but there are those who still approve of him and his way of fighting Indians. The methods employed by the people of the west were ofttimes severe, and really shocking to the senses, but the lessons were measurably necessary to bring home a realization to the savages. While the boasting of an Indian, as to what he intends to do, is not meet offense for a severe penalty, these three who boasted to Colonel Moonlight, had a record, and it was a record of taking children by the heels and beating their brains out against logs and stones, and it was a record of horrible torture to western women, and they boasted of this and said they would do more, and dared the penalty.
I am not surprised that General Harney obtained the name "squaw killer," at the battle of Blue Water, for at that time it seemed that the extermination of the Indian race was the best solution of a bad problem. And it is no wonder that Qister said, when they accused him of throwing papooses into the South Platte river. after he had destroyed an Indian village, "if you kill the nits there will be no lice."
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I am not surprised that General Harney obtained the name "squaw killer," at the battle of Blue Water, for at that time it seemed that the extermination of the Indian race was the best solution of a bad problem. And it is no wonder that Qister said, when they accused him of throwing papooses into the South Platte river. after he had destroyed an Indian village, "if you kill the nits there will be no lice."
CHAPTER Nil THE GRATTAN MASSACRE-- SPOTTED TAIL'S DRAMATIC DEED
In 1851 there was a grand council of the Ogallalas and Brules on Horse Creek in the west part of Scotts Bluff county and across the state line. Here all the tribes agreed to a division of the land, and all the hunting grounds between the Missouri and the Rocky Mountains were divided among them. In the treaty the United States confirmed to each tribe the land it was to occupy.
Surveying parties, which always were viewed with suspicion by Indians, were taken off for the time.
All the Indians agreed that "the great Road" along the Platte, and across the mountains should be free and open for white people, and the United States agreed to pay the Indians fifty thousand dollars a year in goods, for the use of the road through their country. The Indians agreed not to rob or attack the white people on this road, and the United States agreed to keep the white people from going elsewhere into the Indian country.
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All the Indians agreed that "the great Road" along the Platte, and across the mountains should be free and open for white people, and the United States agreed to pay the Indians fifty thousand dollars a year in goods, for the use of the road through their country. The Indians agreed not to rob or attack the white people on this road, and the United States agreed to keep the white people from going elsewhere into the Indian country.
When the treaty was sent to Washington the United States senate changed the period
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
of the contract from fifty years to ten years. The Indians never agreed to this change, but one can always expect the dear old conservative United States senate to "ball things up."
Neither Red Cloud nor Spotted Tail were then chiefs of importance and their names are not upon this treaty. The United States continued to use the great road, and to send annually the fifty thosuand dollars in goods to the Indians. And it was for the first annual distribution that they were assembled near Fort Laramie at the time of the Grattan Massacre.
The event that led to it was a trifling affair, but dull life about the fort and idleness of the men there and perhaps ambitions that could not find outlet in the common routine of military duty each contributed a part to the frightful carnage of succeeding years.
The grave of Rebecca Winters, on the Burlington right-of-way in the east part of Scottsbluff City, is one of the land marks on the Old Overland Trails. The original mark was only a wagon tire set half in the ground with her name, and a few important facts chiseled thereon. The buffalo and then the range cattle found it a convenient rubbing place, and it was always kept bright and shining by their constant wear.
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The grave of Rebecca Winters, on the Burlington right-of-way in the east part of Scottsbluff City, is one of the land marks on the Old Overland Trails. The original mark was only a wagon tire set half in the ground with her name, and a few important facts chiseled thereon. The buffalo and then the range cattle found it a convenient rubbing place, and it was always kept bright and shining by their constant wear.
Many Mormon parties followed during the succeeding years. According to Coutant on the 19th of August, 1S54, one of the almost destitute parties went into camp ten or twelve miles from the Fort. They complained that the day before some Indians under Chief Met- -to-i-o-way, ( Startling Bear) had driven off and killed a cow belonging to them.
At that time the soldiers at the fort had little to do, and as a result had tried to liven things up a bit by liberal quantities of liquor. Commander Fleming was in charge of the post, and dispatched Lieutenant Grattan with thirty men and two mountain howitzers to bring in the guilty men.
Grattan was a new arrival from West Point, and was utterly unfamiliar with Indian warfare and character. But flushed with ambition and perhaps firewater, he felt equal to any task.
< Mi arrival at the Indian lodges, he demanded of a sub-chief "Bear," the guilty parties. Bear informed him that the chief had already gone to the fort to apologize and make amends. Such a tame conclusion would reflect but little glory >"1 a Wesl Pointer, and Grattan determined thai the guilty man must be produced. Bear again told him that he did not consider the matter very serious. The cow was dead before the chief had knowledge of it. and that
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< Mi arrival at the Indian lodges, he demanded of a sub-chief "Bear," the guilty parties. Bear informed him that the chief had already gone to the fort to apologize and make amends. Such a tame conclusion would reflect but little glory >"1 a Wesl Pointer, and Grattan determined thai the guilty man must be produced. Bear again told him that he did not consider the matter very serious. The cow was dead before the chief had knowledge of it. and that
many had partaken of the meat. Several mules had been offered the Mormons to repay them, and he would not submit to arrest. But as they were journeying towards the fort, they would continue in that direction with the detachment of soldiers. They wanted to "bury" the matter.
The lieutenant advanced, determined to make a demonstration, and as the Indians gathered around him, he ordered the soldiers to fire, which they did, killing three Indians and the chief. Battiste Good says the chief's name was Mato-Wahyui, "Mato" signifying "Bear" and "Wahyui" means to "arouse or startle." Spotted Tail, the young warrior, then took a prominent part, and the Indians, infuriated, turned in with clubs and tomahawks, and destroyed the entire detachment, save one, who, though wounded, reached the fort. Richards, a squaw man, is said to have aided in the escape of this one, although Hugo Koch says it was "Old Joe," a big Sioux Indian. In the melee, the mountain howitzers were discharged, but the missies of death went over the heads of the Indians.
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Battiste Good says the chief's name was Mato-Wahyui, "Mato" signifying "Bear" and "Wahyui" means to "arouse or startle." Spotted Tail, the young warrior, then took a prominent part, and the Indians, infuriated, turned in with clubs and tomahawks, and destroyed the entire detachment, save one, who, though wounded, reached the fort. Richards, a squaw man, is said to have aided in the escape of this one, although Hugo Koch says it was "Old Joe," a big Sioux Indian. In the melee, the mountain howitzers were discharged, but the missies of death went over the heads of the Indians.
For the first time in its history, the stability of Fort Laramie was threatened. The Indians began attacking and destroying the trading stations thereabout, including those of Bordeaux and Choteau & Company, which were under the very doors of the fort.
A messenger was sent on the dangerous journey to Fort Kearney, and a part of the detachment was sent to the relief. Fleming, in the meantime, martialed all the available men about the fort, which were maintained strictly on the defense of the station without any journeys or sallies out to assist the emigrants.
A mail stage was stopped a little west of the Horse creek station and the driver and all the guards murdered. This was done under the supposed leadership of Spotted Tail. And it was for "the murder of the mail party," that General Harney demanded the surrender of the murderers.
The Indians had boldly declared they would kill every white person they could, and would destroy the trains of emigrants going into the west.
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Fleming, in the meantime, martialed all the available men about the fort, which were maintained strictly on the defense of the station without any journeys or sallies out to assist the emigrants.
A mail stage was stopped a little west of the Horse creek station and the driver and all the guards murdered. This was done under the supposed leadership of Spotted Tail. And it was for "the murder of the mail party," that General Harney demanded the surrender of the murderers.
The Indians had boldly declared they would kill every white person they could, and would destroy the trains of emigrants going into the west.
This was the condition of ferment when my father and uncle arrived at Fort Laramie with five wagons and one hundred head of cattle. By some miracle it seems they had been unmolested, although at a point about fifty miles down the river, which my father has identified as the hill northeast of Bald Knob, they saw a lone footman run out of the breaks toward the river. He was pursued by Indians, and
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
killed in plain view of the caravan, but the river separated them, and they were powerless to aid him. After the murder, and some threatening demonstrations toward my father's party, the Indians retired in the direction of Sixty-six mountain. The event made a powerful impression upon the party, especially the women, who for the first time had witnessed a tragedy of this sort.
I have never been able to ascertain the identity of this unfortunate party, but it was probably a lone trapper.
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killed in plain view of the caravan, but the river separated them, and they were powerless to aid him. After the murder, and some threatening demonstrations toward my father's party, the Indians retired in the direction of Sixty-six mountain. The event made a powerful impression upon the party, especially the women, who for the first time had witnessed a tragedy of this sort.
I have never been able to ascertain the identity of this unfortunate party, but it was probably a lone trapper.
On arrival at the fort, they found that it was impossible to secure an escort, such as they had expected to go with them through "the Black Hills" to the next garrison west. They waited several days on the meadows north of the river, and then as no further emigrants arrived, and they had seen few Indians about, they determined to undertake the journey without escort.
The morning of the second day out they ascended a slight ridge and were about to descend into the valley of Mollie's Fork when immediately before them at the foot of the hill lay about two (hundred Indian lodges, scattered through the cottonwoods on the bank of the spring branch.
It was crucial and an excruciating moment, but after a brief consultation it was decided that the only plan of action was one of courage, of assurance, without evident fear, and not in the least offensive. The event of the Bald Knob tragedy being of so recent date, the women became hysterical, and began to cry and sob, but retreat meant certain disaster before they could possibly reach the fort. The party proceeded without undue haste or hesitation down the hill and through the smoky city of tepees, and as slowly and unconcernedly climbed the hill farther on. The Indians made some demonstrations of hostility, but never fired a gun, or shot an arrow.
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The event of the Bald Knob tragedy being of so recent date, the women became hysterical, and began to cry and sob, but retreat meant certain disaster before they could possibly reach the fort. The party proceeded without undue haste or hesitation down the hill and through the smoky city of tepees, and as slowly and unconcernedly climbed the hill farther on. The Indians made some demonstrations of hostility, but never fired a gun, or shot an arrow. The display of courage may have made them think that it was a trap into which they were expected to be inveigled, and they were not to be thus caught. Whether they followed with spies or not was never known, but it is assured
that the party was not molested, which, considering the state of hostilities then existing, is a matter of sincere congratulation.
The Grattan Massacre was the beginning of a series of bloody affairs, which with seldom a brief respite, continued for a period of fifteen years, with tremendous loss of property, and probably more than a thousand lives.
The victims were buried where they fell, in a shallow trench and covered with earth and a pile of loose stones. This pile was about eight miles east of the fort, and unless it has been obliterated, is still there, the only monument that marks the spot of this, the really first military tragedy in the North Platte valley.
When General Harney demanded the surrender of the murderers of the Horse Creek mail party, Spotted Tail with a number of the other so-called murderers marched into the fort in full war dress, singing their death songs, and gave themselves up. It was supposed that they would be put to death, and they were sacrificing themselves for their tribe.
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This pile was about eight miles east of the fort, and unless it has been obliterated, is still there, the only monument that marks the spot of this, the really first military tragedy in the North Platte valley.
When General Harney demanded the surrender of the murderers of the Horse Creek mail party, Spotted Tail with a number of the other so-called murderers marched into the fort in full war dress, singing their death songs, and gave themselves up. It was supposed that they would be put to death, and they were sacrificing themselves for their tribe.
But General Harney had them sent to Fort Kearney, where they lived under guard until 1858. On rejoining the Brules soon after, Spotted Tail became a popular hero, and sometime after that he was exalted to the position of chief of the Brules. This date is a little indefinite, but Geo. S. Hyde tells me that one authority dates it at the death of the old chief Little Thunder. As Little Thunder died in 1865, perhaps Spotted Tail's ascendancy to the chief-ship dates from that year.
Ware says that he attended two of the councils at Camp Cottonwood in 1865, or the year following the date of Spotted Tail's leading in the Massacre of Cottonwood Canyon.
After these councils, he moved with his band to the head of Spotted Tail creek, and rambled the country over for miles thereabout. He wanted peace, but he could not hold the young men, and when a peaceful man goes to war he is about the worst (or best) warrior of them all. His activities covered a wide range as will be seen later.
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Ware says that he attended two of the councils at Camp Cottonwood in 1865, or the year following the date of Spotted Tail's leading in the Massacre of Cottonwood Canyon.
After these councils, he moved with his band to the head of Spotted Tail creek, and rambled the country over for miles thereabout. He wanted peace, but he could not hold the young men, and when a peaceful man goes to war he is about the worst (or best) warrior of them all. His activities covered a wide range as will be seen later.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
BUTLER'S STORY OF THE COW WAR -- HARNEY THE SQUAW KIELER-- AN- OTHER ASH HOLLOW BATTLE
A letter from D. W. Butler, of Washington, gives a version of the Grattan Massacre, or the beginning of the "Cow War" different from most of the stories of history.
"The Grattan affair" was an unfortunate one. A small matter at the beginning, it was treated seriously by the officer in command at Fort Laramie, who was without experience. The attempt at arrest was made by a man who had contempt for Indians as fighters, and knew nothing of the characteristics of the race. Every effort seemed to have been made by the chief of the Brules to effect a peaceful settlement of the affair. He offered a mule to Grattan, as a recompense for the loss of the cow, but Grattan effected to think that it was offered to him personally as a bribe.
Man-afraid-of-his-horse, the chief of the Ogallala band, was earnest in his efforts to settle the matter peacefully.
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The attempt at arrest was made by a man who had contempt for Indians as fighters, and knew nothing of the characteristics of the race. Every effort seemed to have been made by the chief of the Brules to effect a peaceful settlement of the affair. He offered a mule to Grattan, as a recompense for the loss of the cow, but Grattan effected to think that it was offered to him personally as a bribe.
Man-afraid-of-his-horse, the chief of the Ogallala band, was earnest in his efforts to settle the matter peacefully.
The Indians were strung out along the banks of the Platte for a distance of six miles from Fort Laramie, awaiting the arrival of the Indian agent for the distribution of government annuities, stored at Chouteau's American Fur Company's store. The band of Ogallalas were nearest the fort and the Brules were just beyond. One letter ventures to give the number of lodges in the camp at 600, which I think is too high. A Mormon emigrant train passed the camp headed for the fort. A Mormon brought up the rear driving a lame cow. The Mormon, terribly afraid of the Indians, headed for the fort, when the cow, frightened, ran toward the Indian camp. He reported himself fired upon and the cow captured.
A Minneconjou, "shooters of the mist," a stranger camped among the Brules, killed the cow, and it was eaten.
On the 19th, Grattan with his twenty-nine men and an interpreter, (a hanger on around forts and camps, a hard drinker, and very boastful) with two cannon, a twelve pound howitzer, and a mountain howitzer, arrived aboul three I'. M. to arrest the Minneconjou. Grattan took a position in the Brule camp about CO yards from the lodge of the Minneconjou, and demanded his surrender.
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A Minneconjou, "shooters of the mist," a stranger camped among the Brules, killed the cow, and it was eaten.
On the 19th, Grattan with his twenty-nine men and an interpreter, (a hanger on around forts and camps, a hard drinker, and very boastful) with two cannon, a twelve pound howitzer, and a mountain howitzer, arrived aboul three I'. M. to arrest the Minneconjou. Grattan took a position in the Brule camp about CO yards from the lodge of the Minneconjou, and demanded his surrender.
The braves, estimated at one thousand fighting men, crowded around between the whites and the lodge of the Indian wanted. Tile chief of the Brules asked him to surrender, but he refused, saying he was ready In die and would
die in camp (very natural for one who understood the Indian character and his views on arrest).
The Brule chief renewed his offer to pay for the cow if the officer would retire. Man-afraidof-his-horse went twice from the lodge of the Minneconjou to Grattan, and begged the officer to retire and the cow would be paid for. From Bordeaux's testimony, Grattan felt his position would be ridiculous if he left camp without the prisoner. So he ordered his men to fire on the lodge. One Indian was wounded. The Indians started to rush him then, and he fired his cannon and muskets in a volley. The Bear and a few Indians fell, the Bear mortally wounded.
Grattan and five men were killed around the cannon, and the rest were all cut down within a mile of camp. One soldier, terribly wounded, was picked up by one of the sub-chiefs and kept in his lodge over night, and the next day taken to Bordeaux's trading store and later to the fort, where he died in three or four days.
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The Indians started to rush him then, and he fired his cannon and muskets in a volley. The Bear and a few Indians fell, the Bear mortally wounded.
Grattan and five men were killed around the cannon, and the rest were all cut down within a mile of camp. One soldier, terribly wounded, was picked up by one of the sub-chiefs and kept in his lodge over night, and the next day taken to Bordeaux's trading store and later to the fort, where he died in three or four days.
The Indians then looted Bordeaux's store, and went to Choteau, Jr.'s American Fur Company's store and took the annuity goods. Then they threatened to attack the fort. Soldiers were rushed to reinforce Fort Laramie.
For the rash lieutenant the affair was at an end, but for the unfortunate Brules it had just commenced.
Mato-i-o-way signifies, "Bear who hunts alone," according to some authorities. He was at the time recognized by the government, as the head of the Brules. Father DeSmet knew him well, and spoke of him as a man of intelligence and courage.
After the looting of Bordeaux and Chouteau trading posts, the Indians took the body of their dead chief, and went over on the Niobrara, where he was wrapped in rich robes and put in a burial tree.
Activities of Spotted Tail .and Little Thunder, after the Grattan Massacre, brought General Harney to Fort Laramie with re-inforcements from Fort Kearney.
Little Thunder became the nominal chief after the death of Mato-i-o-way, with Spotted Tail second in command. Harney heard that the Indians under Little Thunder were committing depreciations along the river, and while there was some foundation for the reports, it was also an opportunity for him to distinguish
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After the looting of Bordeaux and Chouteau trading posts, the Indians took the body of their dead chief, and went over on the Niobrara, where he was wrapped in rich robes and put in a burial tree.
Activities of Spotted Tail .and Little Thunder, after the Grattan Massacre, brought General Harney to Fort Laramie with re-inforcements from Fort Kearney.
Little Thunder became the nominal chief after the death of Mato-i-o-way, with Spotted Tail second in command. Harney heard that the Indians under Little Thunder were committing depreciations along the river, and while there was some foundation for the reports, it was also an opportunity for him to distinguish
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
himself. He therefore proceeded to Ash Hollow to settle the score.
Details of battles, of which generally only a brief sketch is given, make them the more interesting. In the battle of Ash Hollow, which really occurred on the Blue, in Garden county, there were Philip St. George Cooke, the interesting chronicler, and Alexander Schlegel, the surveyor, who later served in the interior department at Washington, and who but recently returned to Lincoln where he resides (1919). From Cooke's writings and from Schlegel personally I was told the story of the battle. D. W. Butler of Washington, D. C, has also written an extensive letter concerning it.
Little Thunder was in charge at the time General Harney with his powerful force, came into the North River country. Little Thunder was not anxious to fight, and wished to parley. He had with him on the Blue, forty-one lodges of Brules (or Burnt Thighs), and eleven lodges of Ogallalas, (or Dust Throwers). According to regular count this would indicate 326 Brules, of which 65 were braves, and 88 Ogallalas, of which seventeen would be braves. Harney had 1200 troops, infantry, cavalry and some artillery.
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Little Thunder was in charge at the time General Harney with his powerful force, came into the North River country. Little Thunder was not anxious to fight, and wished to parley. He had with him on the Blue, forty-one lodges of Brules (or Burnt Thighs), and eleven lodges of Ogallalas, (or Dust Throwers). According to regular count this would indicate 326 Brules, of which 65 were braves, and 88 Ogallalas, of which seventeen would be braves. Harney had 1200 troops, infantry, cavalry and some artillery.
General Harney stationed his main force under Major Cady in the low, sandy hills near the lower end of the Blue Water valley, and engaged the Indians in a sort of parley, while the cavalry under St. George Cooke, were to go up the valley and behind the Indians in the darkness. The parleying did not close until after night fall, and was to be resumed the following day. The cavalry proceeded up the east side of the Blue, across some marshes, that are now a part of the hay meadow of S. P. DeLatour, and crossing the river two or three miles farther up, proceeded some distance too far to the west. It was not intended that the Indians should be allowed to escape, and he was returning to the proper position when a squaw, who was out picketing a pony for her brave who was belated in arriving in camp that night, heard the sound of the creaking saddles in the darkness and gave the alarm. The Ogalallas rushed out of their tents and the cavalary charged. The Indians fought desperately, and reached the top of the flat top butte that stands on the west side of the valley. Here they made a stand until dawn, but being driven therefrom they retreated across the small tributary of Blue Water, then called Beaver creek.
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It was not intended that the Indians should be allowed to escape, and he was returning to the proper position when a squaw, who was out picketing a pony for her brave who was belated in arriving in camp that night, heard the sound of the creaking saddles in the darkness and gave the alarm. The Ogalallas rushed out of their tents and the cavalary charged. The Indians fought desperately, and reached the top of the flat top butte that stands on the west side of the valley. Here they made a stand until dawn, but being driven therefrom they retreated across the small tributary of Blue Water, then called Beaver creek. Down the valley the cry of alarm had gone, and through the camp of the Brules there arose the tumult of war. The soldiers at the lower end of the valley heard it, and the battle was on. The retreating Brules
and Ogallalas met and joined in an effort to escape across the stream to the northeast. Part of the Indians had taken refuge in the rocks on the east side of the valley, a mile or more south of DeLatour's ranch. Into the rocks General Drum directed their fire. A scream arose out of the rocks and it was the scream of a woman.
An order was issued to cease firing, and the Indian braves, taking advantage of the respite, dodged out of the rocks and ran away into the hills. Then to the rocks the soldiers went, and they found that a bullet had struck a woman sitting upon a rock. She had been holding a papoose, with its little feet between her legs. The bullet had passed through both her thighs and shattered both ankles of her baby.
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An order was issued to cease firing, and the Indian braves, taking advantage of the respite, dodged out of the rocks and ran away into the hills. Then to the rocks the soldiers went, and they found that a bullet had struck a woman sitting upon a rock. She had been holding a papoose, with its little feet between her legs. The bullet had passed through both her thighs and shattered both ankles of her baby.
They took her into camp, and it was found necessary to amputate the feet of the child, which died before the rising of another sun. The mother lost consciousness while carrying her to the valley, an unusual affair for a «quaw, and someone remarked her regular feaures and lack of resemblance to any Indian. One suggested that she might be a half-breed or quarter-blood, and General Drum said if she were of amalgamated blood it would show on her back bone. This did not show the expected darker color, even after washing the spine.
She was taken to Denver and carefully cared for and recovered. The story came out that she was not Indian, but was a white girl captured by the Indians at the age of four years, and had always been as one of them. Knowing no other life, she returned to the tribe after her recovery and liberation.
On the battle field of the dead a cavalryman was riding across it when he saw an Indian move, and turned his horse that way. The battle was over, and he no doubt intended to see what could be done for the wounded man. But the Indian raised his arm, and with his pistol shot the cavalryman from his horse. Another rushed up to sabre the Indian, but broke his sabre, both parts of which fell near the prostrate Indian.
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On the battle field of the dead a cavalryman was riding across it when he saw an Indian move, and turned his horse that way. The battle was over, and he no doubt intended to see what could be done for the wounded man. But the Indian raised his arm, and with his pistol shot the cavalryman from his horse. Another rushed up to sabre the Indian, but broke his sabre, both parts of which fell near the prostrate Indian. A third horseman rushed, and succeeded in ending the redman, but not until he had taken a broken portion of the sabre beside him, and severed a foot from the horse and damaged the man.
On the succeeding days the army crossed the river to Ash Hollow. On the bank of the river, was built a large sod house, which was named "Fort Grattan." This structure will be remembered by a few of the older people of the valley, but at the time I saw it, the roof had been removed, and the sod walls with
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the square port holes were all that remained. It was about twenty feet north and south by forty east and west.
After this battle, and Harney had passed on to Fort Laramie and Fort Pierre, he undertook to show the Indians what a superior man he was, by chloroforming a dog. He told them that he could kill a dog, and then bring it back to life. Accordingly he administered the chloroform, and the dog went to sleep. Then he undertook to revive it, but the dog was too dead for that and the Indians had the laugh
267
After this battle, and Harney had passed on to Fort Laramie and Fort Pierre, he undertook to show the Indians what a superior man he was, by chloroforming a dog. He told them that he could kill a dog, and then bring it back to life. Accordingly he administered the chloroform, and the dog went to sleep. Then he undertook to revive it, but the dog was too dead for that and the Indians had the laugh
Be that as it may, Harney obtained from the affair the title of "squaw killer," which was never effaced.
Among the prisoners taken were five Ogallalas, the wife and four children of Chau-tepe-tan-ya (pronounced Changta-Petang) or "Fire-Heart." There is little said of Fire- Heart, as to just who he was, but the name certainly sounds like a good Indian cognomen. Butler says, it was after Harney left Fort Laramie, and had gone to Pierre for a grand council, a number of Indians obtained permis-
Camping Ground op
Hostiles. over 4000 Teepies, Dec, 1890.
on him, declaring "white man's medicine too strong."
Doane Robinson, historian of South Dakota, says "though hailed as a great victory, and an additional plume in Harney's crest of fame, Ash Hollow was a shameful affair, unworthy of American arms, and a disgrace to the officer who planned and executed it. It was a massacre as heedless and as barbarous as any which the Dakotas have at any time visited upon the white people." I am led to believe, however, that the battle was precipitated by the alarm of the squaw, and the hysteria of the Indians who imagined they were about to be attacked, when in fact the purpose may have been only to prevent escape.
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Doane Robinson, historian of South Dakota, says "though hailed as a great victory, and an additional plume in Harney's crest of fame, Ash Hollow was a shameful affair, unworthy of American arms, and a disgrace to the officer who planned and executed it. It was a massacre as heedless and as barbarous as any which the Dakotas have at any time visited upon the white people." I am led to believe, however, that the battle was precipitated by the alarm of the squaw, and the hysteria of the Indians who imagined they were about to be attacked, when in fact the purpose may have been only to prevent escape.
sion to camp near the fort. One morning Red Leaf and Long Chin, two brothers of Ma-to-io-wa, together with Spotted Tail rode into the fort in full war paint, and surrendered themselves as hostages for the killing of the Grattan party, and the murder of the mail party. Red-Plume and Spotted Elk soon followed the example. All with their squaws were sent to Kearney, and then to Leavenworth, but how long they were kept is not known, or given out.
Butler says that Spotted Tail was not a chief until made so by the whites, but if not, he was a leader of great influence, and functioned the same as a chief, so wherein is the difference?
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
MURDER OF SPOTTED TAIL -- CROW DOG'S PUNISHMENT SCOTTSBLUFF MOUNTAIN PASS
BATTLE IN
Eastman, in the Outlook, says that Spotted Tail was killed because he betrayed the Brules to the whites, and Crow Dog's killing him was the result of a pact made thirty years before by the Brules, that Spotted Tail should die if it were ever proved that he had played false to his tribe. This sounds like an apology for the murder of the great Indian, and the thought has probably been fostered by the friends of "the old man with a withered arm." No doubt there are those among the Indians who hated "the King of all the Sioux," through all the years, and were glad when he was finally assassinated.
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Eastman, in the Outlook, says that Spotted Tail was killed because he betrayed the Brules to the whites, and Crow Dog's killing him was the result of a pact made thirty years before by the Brules, that Spotted Tail should die if it were ever proved that he had played false to his tribe. This sounds like an apology for the murder of the great Indian, and the thought has probably been fostered by the friends of "the old man with a withered arm." No doubt there are those among the Indians who hated "the King of all the Sioux," through all the years, and were glad when he was finally assassinated.
After Spotted Tail was taken to Washington, he lost control of a good many of the young men of the tribe who wanted war. Big Mouth was the leader of the war party. One day in 1873, Spotted Tail called him out of his lodge. As he came out two of Spotted Tail's friends grabbed his arms, and Spotted Tail walked up to him and shot him dead.
It was eight years later that Crow Dog started trouble among the young braves, and some say that Spotted Tail was arranging to shoot him as he had shot Big Mouth. Crow Dog did not wait. In the terse language of the West he "beat him to it," and Spotted Tail was the one to die.
Father DeSmet speaks of Crow Dog as a man of courage and with a withered arm. This was forty years before Spotted Tail's death, and disagrees with the statement of Hyde that Crow Dog was "a young leader."
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It was eight years later that Crow Dog started trouble among the young braves, and some say that Spotted Tail was arranging to shoot him as he had shot Big Mouth. Crow Dog did not wait. In the terse language of the West he "beat him to it," and Spotted Tail was the one to die.
Father DeSmet speaks of Crow Dog as a man of courage and with a withered arm. This was forty years before Spotted Tail's death, and disagrees with the statement of Hyde that Crow Dog was "a young leader."
Mrs. A. R. Honnold, wife of the attorney at Scottsbluff, tells an interesting story, that came to her from her mother, Mrs. E. Van Horn, who was an almost first citizen of Belle Fourche. Crow Dog had been tried at Sidney and sentenced to imprisonment at Deadwood. Mrs. Van Horn, then a girl of sixteen years, was on the stage from Sidney to Deadwood, in which the prisoner, in charge of two officers, was being conveyed. Crow Dog was held at Deadwood for years ; first imprisoned, then as a trusty. In the latter capacity he carried slops and garbage to a few hogs that were owned by the civil authorities. He did the work uncomplainingly, and with not a murmur of discontent, for many years.
One day they missed him from the work, and they never made a search. They knew that the wilderness had beckoned to him, that he
had heard the call of the wild solitudes, and had gone. They let him go, to spend his few remaining years in the old familiar fastnesses, where his rapidly dimming eyes would soon close forever to the changeful coloring of the sky and land.
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He did the work uncomplainingly, and with not a murmur of discontent, for many years.
One day they missed him from the work, and they never made a search. They knew that the wilderness had beckoned to him, that he
had heard the call of the wild solitudes, and had gone. They let him go, to spend his few remaining years in the old familiar fastnesses, where his rapidly dimming eyes would soon close forever to the changeful coloring of the sky and land.
Leach, in his historical stories, says that Harney had twelve hundred troops in the Battle of Min-ne-to-wap-pa, or Bluewater, which was more than half of all the soldiers along the Overland.
In 1855, which was the year following the Grattan Massacre, there were only 2,000 of the military guarding the entire line of the Overland, but this was gradually increased, for rebel spies and agitators were among the Indians during the trying times of the early sixties, and hostilities increased amazingly. At the close of the war, many men re-enlisted for service in the west, and they were among the best, for their experience in guerilla warfare well fitted them for the character of Indian fighting.
Al. Wiker, of Alliance, with five others of his original company were with the Harney convoy that had a battle in Scottsbluff Mountain Pass.
This convoy was in August, 1866, in charge of freight outfits for Fort Laramie and beyond as far as Salt Lake City. From Wiker I obtained the story.
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At the close of the war, many men re-enlisted for service in the west, and they were among the best, for their experience in guerilla warfare well fitted them for the character of Indian fighting.
Al. Wiker, of Alliance, with five others of his original company were with the Harney convoy that had a battle in Scottsbluff Mountain Pass.
This convoy was in August, 1866, in charge of freight outfits for Fort Laramie and beyond as far as Salt Lake City. From Wiker I obtained the story.
They were camped at the springs some distance east of the mountain, likely on the Sowerwine place, and in the morning the wagons started out a short distance ahead of the soldiers. With the wagons were a number of camp tenders, and other wagons that were. owned by travellers who took advantage of the presumed safety of being close to the soldiers, and they were traveling along with them.
These wagons were moving through the big gap when attacked. The sound of battle reached the soldiers who were just mounting, and they started forward at a gallop. Instead of heading straight for the gap they rode toward the point of rocks, known as Eagle Crag, just north of the present pathway that leads up to the mountain top from the east. At its base the cavalry parted, and one-half swung around to the south, skirting Engine Rock, and the others essayed to negotiate the Bad Lands north of the mountain.
Those coming upon the rear of the wagon
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The sound of battle reached the soldiers who were just mounting, and they started forward at a gallop. Instead of heading straight for the gap they rode toward the point of rocks, known as Eagle Crag, just north of the present pathway that leads up to the mountain top from the east. At its base the cavalry parted, and one-half swung around to the south, skirting Engine Rock, and the others essayed to negotiate the Bad Lands north of the mountain.
Those coming upon the rear of the wagon
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train engaged the Indians who were hidden just over the summit of the gap. While the others, after riding as far as they could advance with their horses, proceeded on foot. This gave them a good advantage, for the Indians were lying on the west slopes of the rocks that guard the gap, and in hidden ravines busily engaged with the enemy to the east of them, and did not notice the approach of the other soldiers.
Of the causualties on the part of the whites, five were soldiers, one a colored cook, and the others emigrants. Three wagons were burned. Owing to having left their horses in the Bad Lands, pursuit of the Indians was impossible, but the soldiers ran down across the Pass and climbed the hill that guards it on the south, and snipped off several of the Indians while they were mounting, still within range.
The Hostii.es Coming in From the Bad Lands to Surrender.
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Of the causualties on the part of the whites, five were soldiers, one a colored cook, and the others emigrants. Three wagons were burned. Owing to having left their horses in the Bad Lands, pursuit of the Indians was impossible, but the soldiers ran down across the Pass and climbed the hill that guards it on the south, and snipped off several of the Indians while they were mounting, still within range.
The Hostii.es Coming in From the Bad Lands to Surrender.
Their first intimation of the existence of this force was when the soldiers opened a deadly fire upon them in their exposed positions. Then they fled towards the southwest, while out of one of the gulches on the prairie in that direction came an Indian having a number of horses. These the others mounted and rode away towards Robideaux.
The outfit consisted of about seventy-five wagons and had about one hundred head of cattle. Part of the wagons were loaded with governmenl supplies, and some belonged to emigrants.
Tin (.nil. were being taken along the riverside through the Bad Lands, but before they reached there, the noise of the battle was heard. Of the thirty-live men in charge, thirty joined in the ride towards Eagle Crag, leaving but five t<> take can- of the cattle.
The thirty-eight dead were buried a few rods west of the west end of the gap, but a few days later, the bodies of the whites were exhumed and taken to Fort Mitchell for interment. The remains of the Indians are yet in obliterated graves a little west of Mitchell Gap.
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Tin (.nil. were being taken along the riverside through the Bad Lands, but before they reached there, the noise of the battle was heard. Of the thirty-live men in charge, thirty joined in the ride towards Eagle Crag, leaving but five t<> take can- of the cattle.
The thirty-eight dead were buried a few rods west of the west end of the gap, but a few days later, the bodies of the whites were exhumed and taken to Fort Mitchell for interment. The remains of the Indians are yet in obliterated graves a little west of Mitchell Gap.
Of the five veterans of the rebellion that participated in this battle there is only one survivor. Two were later killed at Fort Kearney, and the other two died, leaving Al Wiker the sole living member of the five.
Mr. Wiker lives at Alliance, and is modest, and does not want his name mentioned, but he was over here some years ago, and with Frank Sands and some others, went over the ground, recalling all the stirring details of the battle.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
A BUFFALO BILL EPISODE -- MORE INDIAN TROUBLES
There seems to have been little systematic endeavor on the part of the Indians following the Grattan trouble. Bands of hostiles, independent of others, committed depredations here and there at widely scattered intervals.
The Plum Creek affair, the Massacre of Eubanks, the surveying party of the Republican and attacks on the Overland : always there were surprise attacks on the route from civilization's advance guard to the mountains.
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A BUFFALO BILL EPISODE -- MORE INDIAN TROUBLES
There seems to have been little systematic endeavor on the part of the Indians following the Grattan trouble. Bands of hostiles, independent of others, committed depredations here and there at widely scattered intervals.
The Plum Creek affair, the Massacre of Eubanks, the surveying party of the Republican and attacks on the Overland : always there were surprise attacks on the route from civilization's advance guard to the mountains.
This condition required guards convoying emigrants or freight wagons, and while for days they might pass unmolested, any moment might bring startling denouement.
Col. W. F. Cody related to me one incident, when I asked him a few years ago to tell me one of his adventures along the "North River," that I might have a close at home event to chronicle.
Buffalo Bill and two companions had this experience in June, 1858, just over the hill east of Ash Hollow.
He and Simpson and Woods were detailed as guards in connection with others for the convoying of a train of freight wagons from Fort Laramie to Fort Kearney, and they had camped at Ash Hollow. The following day one part of the wagon train had departed with a part of the guard, and Cody Simpson and Woods were to follow up. The other detachment of wagon were to follow a day later.
The three were some distance in the rear of the first wagons, after they had passed over the big hill east of Ash Hollow, which, having been gone several hours, were out of sight. The guards were riding mules, and the J Indians were of such superior numbers, they concluded their only means of defense was continued resistance until the following day, when the second detachment would overtake them. Even this seemed hopeless.
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The other detachment of wagon were to follow a day later.
The three were some distance in the rear of the first wagons, after they had passed over the big hill east of Ash Hollow, which, having been gone several hours, were out of sight. The guards were riding mules, and the J Indians were of such superior numbers, they concluded their only means of defense was continued resistance until the following day, when the second detachment would overtake them. Even this seemed hopeless.
Cody said they shot their mules and dragged them into the form of a triangle, and behind this barricade kept the Indians at bay for the entire day and night and a part of the next day. With the butcher knives they dug in the soil and made a pit deep enough for them to rest comfortably and the dirt was piled between the dead mules and over their dead bodies.
At noon the following day, the Indians were observed moving away to the south over the hills from which they had come, and soon the blessed sight of the coming wagons relieved
them from the tension that for over forty hours had deprived them of rest and with but little food.
The war of the Rebellion had a bad effect upon the Indians, for in 1864 at a council at Camp Cottonwood, one of the Indian orators asked the embarrassing question, how the Great Father expected the Indians to keep peace, when he was unable to keep his own children from quarreling. It showed they had a pretty clear understanding of the situation.
278
them from the tension that for over forty hours had deprived them of rest and with but little food.
The war of the Rebellion had a bad effect upon the Indians, for in 1864 at a council at Camp Cottonwood, one of the Indian orators asked the embarrassing question, how the Great Father expected the Indians to keep peace, when he was unable to keep his own children from quarreling. It showed they had a pretty clear understanding of the situation.
General Mitchell was there, and it was hard to give a satisfactory answer. But the general knew what frightful results would follow the active hostilities if all the Sioux were to break loose. The Cheyenne and the Arapahoes were then in the terrible work of endeavoring to exterminate the white people. There were also predatory Sioux bands at work. There was a great and diplomatic effort on the part of General Mitchell to come to an understanding, so it was in May of 1864 that he called a council of the different Sioux chiefs at Camp Cottonwood, to make a treaty of peace.
They smoked and talked, but came to no understanding and adjourned for fifty days. At the second conference General Mitchell opened with an address, in substance as follows :
"This meeting is to come to an understanding and make a treaty so that each of us will know what to do. The government will give the Indians blankets, flour, bacon and other supplies so that they will have plenty. That they should live in houses and the government will furnish them with carpenters and blacksmiths, and they should live like white people. But they must stay out of the valley of the Platte because it scares the women and children who are travelling over the trail.
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"This meeting is to come to an understanding and make a treaty so that each of us will know what to do. The government will give the Indians blankets, flour, bacon and other supplies so that they will have plenty. That they should live in houses and the government will furnish them with carpenters and blacksmiths, and they should live like white people. But they must stay out of the valley of the Platte because it scares the women and children who are travelling over the trail. If the Indians wished to cross the trail they should ask permission of the white people, and they would furnish an escort from the hills on one side of the valley, to the hills on the other side. And that they must keep out spies, and beggars and bad Indians. If it takes more blankets and corn and bacon, these things would be furnished, but the Indians must be kept out of the Platte valley."
This did not appear to please the Indians, and Spotted Tail spoke at some length.
"The Sioux is a great people, but we do not want to be dictated to by the whites. We do not care about the Platte valley, there is no
(,S
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
game there, our young men, and your people have scared it all away. But we want to come to the Platte valley to trade and we will not give it away. We have let the white man pass over it, and he has gone over it so often that he now thinks he owns it. But it is ours, and it always has been ours. It belonged to our fathers and their graves are along the hills overlooking the valley from the Missouri river to the Rocky mountains, and we will not give it up.
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But we want to come to the Platte valley to trade and we will not give it away. We have let the white man pass over it, and he has gone over it so often that he now thinks he owns it. But it is ours, and it always has been ours. It belonged to our fathers and their graves are along the hills overlooking the valley from the Missouri river to the Rocky mountains, and we will not give it up. We are not afraid of the white man. Of late years we have had no serious difficulty with him, but we are not afraid to fight him. Our troubles have been brought on by drunk-water. Bad whites give it to bad Indians, and it makes trouble. The things the
chief of the Brule Sioux, while O-wa-see-cha, or Bad Wound was a chief of considerable repute among the Ogallalas, and both were inclined to be friendly to the whites.
Some have said that Spotted Tail's daughter was one of the potent factors that made him incline to peace, but that is open to question. One time for instance, the great chief was so incensed with his daughter, because she wanted him to get her a white general or officer for a husband, that he upbraided her for her foolishness and ambition, and knocked her down.
After the conferences, while there was no treaty signed, Spotted Tail and Bad Wound, and their band drew away from the bad influence of the Arapahoes and Cheyennes.
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Some have said that Spotted Tail's daughter was one of the potent factors that made him incline to peace, but that is open to question. One time for instance, the great chief was so incensed with his daughter, because she wanted him to get her a white general or officer for a husband, that he upbraided her for her foolishness and ambition, and knocked her down.
After the conferences, while there was no treaty signed, Spotted Tail and Bad Wound, and their band drew away from the bad influence of the Arapahoes and Cheyennes.
white father has given us is not enough, and the agents cheat us. The army officers treat us well, but the agents cheat us, and we do not want to treat with anyone but army officers. We will not give up the Platte valley until there is a treaty, and we have all agreed to it. If we give you this, then you will want another and another. Before we agree to anything, you must stop the surveyors who now, at this very time, are going west on the Niobrara."
While we all know that the traders were of a class that took advantage of the untutored savage, we wonder if the soldiers were any better, and we also wonder if this interpretation was not construed to mean something that was not really said, with the view of centering in the military the power and profit which the government had given to civil authority. If so. it fell short of its purpose.
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Before we agree to anything, you must stop the surveyors who now, at this very time, are going west on the Niobrara."
While we all know that the traders were of a class that took advantage of the untutored savage, we wonder if the soldiers were any better, and we also wonder if this interpretation was not construed to mean something that was not really said, with the view of centering in the military the power and profit which the government had given to civil authority. If so. it fell short of its purpose.
This second conference broke up as did the first, with a call for another, fifty days later, but General Mitchell did agree to stop the Niobrara survey.
Spotted Tail was then the most powerful
Spotted Tail said at these conferences that if the Sioux went to war, they had over 25,- 000 warriors with which to fight. Bad Wound is said to have punished severely some of the young men who broke away and committed depredations.
These councils of 1864, were the sequel of similar events that occurred a great many years before. Colonel Kearney had nearly twenty years earlier addressed the Indians at Fort Laramie in the number of 1200 braves, telling them that he was opening a road for the white people that were going to bury their bones where the waters flow toward the setting sun. Of course this road was already opened, but like Fremont, the Pathfinder, he found paths that had been trod for a generation of white people and many generations by aborigines.
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Colonel Kearney had nearly twenty years earlier addressed the Indians at Fort Laramie in the number of 1200 braves, telling them that he was opening a road for the white people that were going to bury their bones where the waters flow toward the setting sun. Of course this road was already opened, but like Fremont, the Pathfinder, he found paths that had been trod for a generation of white people and many generations by aborigines.
Colonel Kearney told the Indians that there were many enemies about them, but that the greatest of them was whiskey. He warned them against its use, and advised them to confiscate all that was offered them for sale, and pour it into the ground. He told them that
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
(■<}
the great father would give them blankets and flour and bacon, and he did distribute some presents among them.
Tall Bull chanced to be the principal chief present, and he made a few remarks.
"If my people will be good to the whites, they will find that the presents they are about to receive will often come. Father, this does very well and pleases me. What you have told me, I am glad of from my heart. All you have told me is very good. I have found a father. We will no longer think of dying, but will live. I remember the words you have this day spoken to us. My people will do as I say."
The struggle to maintain peace had continued
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"If my people will be good to the whites, they will find that the presents they are about to receive will often come. Father, this does very well and pleases me. What you have told me, I am glad of from my heart. All you have told me is very good. I have found a father. We will no longer think of dying, but will live. I remember the words you have this day spoken to us. My people will do as I say."
The struggle to maintain peace had continued
for twenty years, but at intervals white renegades, bad Indians, ambitious army men, or hot-headed young Indians, would stir up friction. Steadily it seemed the causes were piling up, and the break appeared to be inevitable at some future time.
All the time the Sioux seemed to be getting a better organization. There was better functioning between the several tribes as the storm came nearer.
In this the great genius of Spotted Tail and Red Cloud was affiliated. They amalgamated the Sioux into a powerful fighting army, with systematic attacks scattered for hundreds of miles along the Overland Trail.
THE BATTLE OF HORSE CREEK -- COLONEL MOONLIGHT'S MISTAKE-- PRES- IDENT LINCOLN'S MESSAGE TO THE WEST
While these episodes of adventure, and the causes of war were accumulating, there were, during the winter of 1864-1865, in the neighborhood of Fort Laramie about two thousand Indians who professed to be friendly. They said that the war tribes had made it dangerous for them to pursue their usual vocation of hunting, and under orders from Washington, they were fed and sustained through the cold weather. The officials at the fort had good reason to believe that a number of them at least were carrying word, and perhaps provisions, to the war braves.
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While these episodes of adventure, and the causes of war were accumulating, there were, during the winter of 1864-1865, in the neighborhood of Fort Laramie about two thousand Indians who professed to be friendly. They said that the war tribes had made it dangerous for them to pursue their usual vocation of hunting, and under orders from Washington, they were fed and sustained through the cold weather. The officials at the fort had good reason to believe that a number of them at least were carrying word, and perhaps provisions, to the war braves. Every movement of the soldiers seemed almost instantly known by the enemy Indians.
It was deemed advisable to remove the friendlies from the central scene of hostilities, and consequently, on June eleventh, a company of one hundred and thirty-five soldiers, under Captain Fouts, were directed to act as an escort for about fifteen hundred Indians, including squaws and papooses, who agreed to be removed to Fort Kearney. Charles Elston had charge of a number of professed friendly Indians, which he was trying to make useful to the government as scouts. While they appeared to be doing his bidding, he was confident that some of them were better scouts for their native tribes. The element of integrity did not seem at first to be requisite, according to Indian standards. One time, a chief of some
note among the Sioux had offered his son as a candidate for position in a place requiring integrity, and one of the recommendations given was that the son had single-handed stolen twenty ponies from the Pawnees.
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While they appeared to be doing his bidding, he was confident that some of them were better scouts for their native tribes. The element of integrity did not seem at first to be requisite, according to Indian standards. One time, a chief of some
note among the Sioux had offered his son as a candidate for position in a place requiring integrity, and one of the recommendations given was that the son had single-handed stolen twenty ponies from the Pawnees.
Captain Fouts proceeded down the south side of the Platte river with caution, looking out for surprise attack. There was nothing of suspicious note, except signal fires on the hills on both sides of the Raw Hide, and on the west side of Sheep creek and on Signal Buttes.
"On the afternoon of the thirteenth of June," says C. G. Coutant, in his history of Wyoming, "the party went into camp on Horse creek, and the indians proceeded to give a dog feast. In the evening, three hundred and eighty-two of the warriors congregated in secret council. The officers were seriously anxious to know just what was going on, yet their best efforts failed of finding out."
Through Butler and Hyde, comes a story, evidently of Indian origin, that the Indians were furious at certain white officers and soldiers, for taking young Indian girls into their tents, and keeping them there all night. It seems doubtful that there was any truth to the story, for the reason that there were a number of white women in the party, that were being taken out of the danger zone and among them were the wives and families of Captain Fouts, and Lieutenant Triggs. It is not prob-
287
Through Butler and Hyde, comes a story, evidently of Indian origin, that the Indians were furious at certain white officers and soldiers, for taking young Indian girls into their tents, and keeping them there all night. It seems doubtful that there was any truth to the story, for the reason that there were a number of white women in the party, that were being taken out of the danger zone and among them were the wives and families of Captain Fouts, and Lieutenant Triggs. It is not prob-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
able that they would permit such conduct as that alleged.
Furthermore, there had been a recent execution of some bad Indians at Fort Laramie, for their criminal treatment of women ; and among those martyr women being escorted to safety, were Mrs. Eubanks and daughter and Miss Roper. Under these conditions it is not likely that any soldiers, no matter how evil might have been his reputation, would be guilty of the alleged disreputable deeds.
On the morning of the fourteenth, the advance guard started at five o'clock, the idea being to cover the eighteen miles to the meadows near Fort Mitchell for the next camping place. The wagons were strung out for a mile or more, when rapid firing was begun by the Indians upon the rear guard. Captain Fouts had ordered that no ammunition be distributed, fearing that some hair-trigger individual among the soldiers might become excited and shoot, and thus set off an unpremediated battle.
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On the morning of the fourteenth, the advance guard started at five o'clock, the idea being to cover the eighteen miles to the meadows near Fort Mitchell for the next camping place. The wagons were strung out for a mile or more, when rapid firing was begun by the Indians upon the rear guard. Captain Fouts had ordered that no ammunition be distributed, fearing that some hair-trigger individual among the soldiers might become excited and shoot, and thus set off an unpremediated battle.
The rear guard started for the front, and the front guard started for the rear, with ammunition. They met about half way, and turned about to fight. Captain Fouts had crossed Horse creek to hurry up the Indians, and had been killed, stripped and mutilated. The Indians then turned and fled two or three miles towards the river, and were making warlike demonstrations while the squaws and papooses were crossing the river on ponies.
Captain Wilcox assumed charge, and the guards charged after the Indians. When near at hand, he sent Elston forward to offer immunity to those who would return peacefully. The Indians shrieked defiance, and charged viciously.
The Indians numbered more than five hundred warriors, and when at a distance of about three hundred yards, firing was begun by them, and answered with telling effect by the military forces. While Indians advancing from the front were checked by the fire from the Gallagher rifles, both flanks advanced as if to hedge in and surround them. Over the hills from the west side of Horse creek poured dozens and hundreds of the shrieking demons, and an orderly retreat was taken to the wagons which in the meantime had been drawn up in a circle, and hastily constructed rifle pits made.
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The Indians numbered more than five hundred warriors, and when at a distance of about three hundred yards, firing was begun by them, and answered with telling effect by the military forces. While Indians advancing from the front were checked by the fire from the Gallagher rifles, both flanks advanced as if to hedge in and surround them. Over the hills from the west side of Horse creek poured dozens and hundreds of the shrieking demons, and an orderly retreat was taken to the wagons which in the meantime had been drawn up in a circle, and hastily constructed rifle pits made.
Here the Indians ceased and withdrew. Observing that they were indisposed to press the attack while the soldiers were behind defenses, and wishing to keep them engaged and at hand until reinforcements came, the officer in charge took fifty of the best mounted men and sallied out. When out about three miles they saw a
large force of Indians coming around the hills on the west side of Horse creek with the evident intention of cutting them off. Again the military retired to the entrenchments.
About nine o'clock, Captain Shuman arrived with forces from Fort Mitchell, and thus reinforced another attack was made upon the Indians, but it was a little late. The squaws and papooses had by this time all succeeded in crossing the river, and the warriors were following. The military could not follow, for it would be impracticable, and quite likely impossible to cross the river in the face of the superior number of Indians, at a time when the river was high. The loss was four killed, including Captain Fouts, and four wounded.
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About nine o'clock, Captain Shuman arrived with forces from Fort Mitchell, and thus reinforced another attack was made upon the Indians, but it was a little late. The squaws and papooses had by this time all succeeded in crossing the river, and the warriors were following. The military could not follow, for it would be impracticable, and quite likely impossible to cross the river in the face of the superior number of Indians, at a time when the river was high. The loss was four killed, including Captain Fouts, and four wounded.
A messenger had been sent to Fort Laramie, and Colonel Moonlight had also received advice by telegraph from Fort Mitchell telling of the revolt of the Indians. He had started with a cavalry force numbering about 240 well mounted men, for the battleground.
About ten miles east of the fort he met the messenger who advised him of the Indians action iri crossing the river. Owing to its swollen condition it was considered unsafe to cross at this point and, returning to Fort Laramie, they crossed and hastened rapidly down the north side.
They pursued the Indians for two days and on the night of the second day camped near Dead Man's Gulch, which is now in the vicinity of Broadwater, it being the ravine where George Hacksby now lives (1919). At that time there was a bend in the river with steep banks on three sides and the camp was at the outer neck of the Horseshoe, with horses in the rich grass of the peninsula. Contrary to the advice of many of the old timers, Colonel Moonlight considered the horses safe without hobbles.
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They pursued the Indians for two days and on the night of the second day camped near Dead Man's Gulch, which is now in the vicinity of Broadwater, it being the ravine where George Hacksby now lives (1919). At that time there was a bend in the river with steep banks on three sides and the camp was at the outer neck of the Horseshoe, with horses in the rich grass of the peninsula. Contrary to the advice of many of the old timers, Colonel Moonlight considered the horses safe without hobbles.
During the night -- at about ten o'clock -- the Indians swam the river, and got upon the peninsula. Indians to the number of 200 engaged the soldiers from the front, while others ran amid the thoroughly frightened horses, yelling, shooting, and swinging their blankets.
The horses stampeded straight through the camp and out toward the battling Indians, who, for a moment, seemed to think the soldiers were charging, but discovering their mistake, they opened up and closed in behind the stampeding steeds and ran them off into the hills.
After losing the horses there was nothing to do but to destroy the saddles and other heavy materials and walk back to Fort Laramie. The distance was 120 miles and the way was not pleasant, especially with cavalry boots, and it was this walk as the culminating event, that
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
caused Colonel Moonlight to retire from military service. An investigation by General Connor found much to blame in Moonlight, but for the most part it was his stubbornness that caused what General Dodge succinctly described as follows : "His administration was a series of blunders."
292
After losing the horses there was nothing to do but to destroy the saddles and other heavy materials and walk back to Fort Laramie. The distance was 120 miles and the way was not pleasant, especially with cavalry boots, and it was this walk as the culminating event, that
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
caused Colonel Moonlight to retire from military service. An investigation by General Connor found much to blame in Moonlight, but for the most part it was his stubbornness that caused what General Dodge succinctly described as follows : "His administration was a series of blunders."
Colonel Moonlight did not wish to resign, but his mistakes were seized upon by the eternal meddlers who were far from danger, and knew little and cared less for the atrocities of Indians. In civil life and Wyoming history the Colonel lived, however. He was Governor of the state under Grover Cleveland's national administration.
The battle of Horse creek is one of the many bloody encounters on the Platte, and this being a sequel of former events, I shall use the words of Colonel Moonlight in his report to the department.
"About the 18th (of May, 1865), instant some Indians were discovered on the north side of the Platte river, near the Indian village, encamped ten miles east of Laramie. Mr. Elston, in charge of the Indian village, took a party of Indian soldiers and captured what was found to be Two Face, and having a white woman prisoner (Mrs. Eubanks) and her daughter, whom he purchased from the Cheyennes. During the same evening and the next morning early the other Indians who were with Two Face, and who had fled on the approach of the Elston party, were also captured and lodged in the guard house here. Mrs. Eubanks gave information of the whereabout of Black Foot and the Indian village, and a party of soldiers started to bring them in dead or alive.
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Eubanks) and her daughter, whom he purchased from the Cheyennes. During the same evening and the next morning early the other Indians who were with Two Face, and who had fled on the approach of the Elston party, were also captured and lodged in the guard house here. Mrs. Eubanks gave information of the whereabout of Black Foot and the Indian village, and a party of soldiers started to bring them in dead or alive.
"The village was found about one hundred miles northeast of here, on Snake Fork, and compelled to surrender without any fight. Black Foot and his companions were placed in the guard house with the others, making six men in confinement. Both of the chiefs openly boasted that they had killed white men, and that they would do it again if turned loose, so I concluded it best to tie them up, by the neck with a trace chain suspended from a beam of wood, and leave them there without any foothold."
The point on "Snake Fork," referred to in the above report, is two or three miles south of the present site of Canton, in Sioux County, on "Snake Creek" as we now call it.
Mrs. Eubanks, who was with Two Face, was in terrible condition. She had been captured by the Cheyennes on the Little Blue, and after Black Foot and Two Face had purchased her the autumn before, she was compelled to such treatment that it was a wonder that she
had survived. Her husband had been killed with several others. The woman had been compelled to do the work of an ordinary squaw, and had been dragged across the Platte river with a rope, and she told tales of awful harbarities.
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She had been captured by the Cheyennes on the Little Blue, and after Black Foot and Two Face had purchased her the autumn before, she was compelled to such treatment that it was a wonder that she
had survived. Her husband had been killed with several others. The woman had been compelled to do the work of an ordinary squaw, and had been dragged across the Platte river with a rope, and she told tales of awful harbarities.
There was some concern about the execution of these renegades, and several of the officers and men around the fort feared a general massacre and so expressed themselves to Colonel Moonlight. But his answer was that if such an event was to take place, there would be two less very bad Indians to take part in it.
Many of us remember in our young days of reading a book entitled, "Beyond the Mississippi." It was by A. D. Richardson, of the New York Tribune. It was in the spring of 1865 that the author of this book and several other noteable people visited Fort Laramie, coming by way of "The Leavenworth and Fort Laramie Military Road," as the Overland Trail was then called. This line was along the south side of the Platte to the Fort Sedgwick Crossing (near Julesburg), thence via Wind Springs and the south side of the North Platte to the mouth of Horse Creek where it crossed to the north side and continued to a point opposite the fort.
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It was in the spring of 1865 that the author of this book and several other noteable people visited Fort Laramie, coming by way of "The Leavenworth and Fort Laramie Military Road," as the Overland Trail was then called. This line was along the south side of the Platte to the Fort Sedgwick Crossing (near Julesburg), thence via Wind Springs and the south side of the North Platte to the mouth of Horse Creek where it crossed to the north side and continued to a point opposite the fort.
In this distinguished party was Schuyler Colfax, then speaker of the house of representatives, and in the west, wherever he met a body of people, hunters, trappers, miners, or military forces, he would deliver to them a message from Abraham Lincoln, who, a few days before his death, had held a conference with Colfax, whom he had heard was about to take a journey into the west. The words of the martyred president seem prophetic in the light of years. "I have been thinking of a speech I want you to make for me. I have very large ideas of. the mineral wealth of our nation. I believe it is practically inexhaustible. It abounds all over the western country, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, and its development has scarcely commenced. During the war, when we were adding a couple of million dollars to our national debt every day, I did not care about encouraging the increase in the volume of the precious metals. We had the country to save first. But now. that the rebellion is overthrown and we know pretty nearly the amount of our national debt, the more gold and silver we mine, makes the paymenl of that debl so much easier. Now, I am going to encourage that in every possible way.
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During the war, when we were adding a couple of million dollars to our national debt every day, I did not care about encouraging the increase in the volume of the precious metals. We had the country to save first. But now. that the rebellion is overthrown and we know pretty nearly the amount of our national debt, the more gold and silver we mine, makes the paymenl of that debl so much easier. Now, I am going to encourage that in every possible way. We shall have hundreds of thousands of disbanded soldiers, and many have feared their return home in such great numbers may paralyze industry by fur-
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nishing suddenly a greater supply of labor than there will be a demand for. I am going to try to attract them to the hidden wealth of the mountain ranges, where there is room for all. Tell the miners for me that I shall promote their interests to the utmost of my ability, because their prosperity is the prosperity of the nation, and we shall prove in a very few years that we are the treasury of the world."
It may not be amiss to state here that Lincoln's idea, big as it was, was only a part of the greatness of the west. He did not know then as we do now, that the agricultural products of the territory would at some future time prove of far greater value than her minerals. While millions have been torn from the ribs of the rock bound mountains, in the form of mineral wealth, there is within the radius of five hundred miles of where I am sitting, vastly more millions taken from the soil in the form of farm products.
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He did not know then as we do now, that the agricultural products of the territory would at some future time prove of far greater value than her minerals. While millions have been torn from the ribs of the rock bound mountains, in the form of mineral wealth, there is within the radius of five hundred miles of where I am sitting, vastly more millions taken from the soil in the form of farm products.
The Dreamers of national greatness, the Dreamers of yellow gold, the Dreamers of religious fervor, who streamed through western Nebraska, knew not of the untold wealth beneath their feet. Most of them were ignorant of the magic of irrigation, or the tremendous fertility of the soil on which they daily tread.
It is probable that the definite purpose of the people who passed up along the "broad flat
water" impoverished many, that, had they paused here on their journey, would have been lords of the land.
I remember one story told that probably has its prototype with slight variations by half a million or a million people. Robert Weller, a few years ago (1916) was living at Thermopolis, and his experience in 1847 seems incredible. He lived at Macomb, Illinois, and became imbued with the spirit of Oregon. Having little means, he obtained a second hand light wagon and harness and a pair of dilapidated mules. With this outfit he began a journey of three thousand miles through an Indian infested and mountainous region. One of the mules had in its young days injured one front leg, and it lacked about three inches of being the length of the other. To overcome this, he invented a raised shoe -- a shoe which made up the height necessary that the mule might walk on an even keel, so to speak.
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Having little means, he obtained a second hand light wagon and harness and a pair of dilapidated mules. With this outfit he began a journey of three thousand miles through an Indian infested and mountainous region. One of the mules had in its young days injured one front leg, and it lacked about three inches of being the length of the other. To overcome this, he invented a raised shoe -- a shoe which made up the height necessary that the mule might walk on an even keel, so to speak. When near the state line of Nebraska and Wyoming, Mr. Weller's mule died. In 1900 while grading for the Burlington railroad, Hugh Johnson and Perry Hayes excavated the old raised shoe still attached to the hoof.
This event testified to two things : one, that men would take almost incredible chances in those days ; and second, that this Oregon emigrant trailed along the north side of the river.
CHAPTR XVIII JULESBURG BURNED-- MUD SPRINGS ATTACKED-- BATTLE ON CEDAR CREEK
Considerable trouble during the winter of 1864-1865 seemed to break in from the south, particularly along the route frorq Cottonwood to Denver, and was believed to be largely the work of prompting of Arapahoes and Cheyennes, but there were some Sioux mixed up in the affairs. It was determined to burn the prairie south of the "South River," and thus drive the Indians to the Arkansas for food for their horses, as well as for game.
So, one night when there was a strong north wind blowing, tires were set out, and for two hundred miles a sheet of flame swept the country from the South Platte river, for a long distance to the southward. It was a magnificent pyrotechnic display, but as war strategy, it failed of the puqjose.
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It was determined to burn the prairie south of the "South River," and thus drive the Indians to the Arkansas for food for their horses, as well as for game.
So, one night when there was a strong north wind blowing, tires were set out, and for two hundred miles a sheet of flame swept the country from the South Platte river, for a long distance to the southward. It was a magnificent pyrotechnic display, but as war strategy, it failed of the puqjose. It served to incense the Indians and bring about the crises. Instead of
retiring southward, the Indians moved northward across the "South River," and directly into territory where they were the least desired.
Spotted Tail was evidently south of the Platte at the time, and it is believed that his Indians gave out the information that there were great stores of supplies at Julesburg, and that a raid on that point if successful, would supply the Indians with rations for months.
The great chief successfuly directed the attack and Julesburg was burned on February second. After taking such supplies as they could, the war party destroyed the balance, and crossed the river south of the mouth of the Lodgepole. They then went up the Lodgepole valley to the point near the present city of Chappell, "twenty-four miles from the mouth
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of the creek," and from there crossed to Mud Springs (now Simla) which they attacked on February 4th, driving off some horses and mules and a lot of Ed Creighton's work cattle. Creighton had the cattle on what was known as "Rankin's Fork." The Indians made a rich haul, there were twenty horses, a number of mules, and several hundred cattle.
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They then went up the Lodgepole valley to the point near the present city of Chappell, "twenty-four miles from the mouth
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of the creek," and from there crossed to Mud Springs (now Simla) which they attacked on February 4th, driving off some horses and mules and a lot of Ed Creighton's work cattle. Creighton had the cattle on what was known as "Rankin's Fork." The Indians made a rich haul, there were twenty horses, a number of mules, and several hundred cattle.
News of the attack was sent by wire to Fort Mitchell and Fort Laramie. Lieutenant Ellsworth, with re-inforcements from Fort Mitchell made a trip to the scene at a swift gallop, and the next day Colonel Caspar Collins arrived from Fort Laramie with one hundred and twenty-five men. The Indians returned the following day also, with the evident intention of taking and destroying the station, but were surprised to see the. increased numbers of soldiers about it. They contented themselves by cutting the telegraph wires. There were only about ten men at the station when it was first attacked.
Around Fort Laramie, Young-Man-Afraidof-His-Horse, had already started activities, and had opened 1865 with a bang. On January seventh he attacked a stage arriving at Fort Laramie from the east, and escaped with the loss of only one man and one horse.
The impudence of coming practically under the walls of the fort, caused decisive and prompt action on the part of the military. Captain O'Brien, with thirty-seven intrepid and mounted men, rode out and charged a very superior number of Indians. There was a frightful carnage, and hand to hand encounters. The soldiers lost half their number, and made a fighting retreat. Fourteen of the thirty-seven were killed. Exultantly, and maddened by their victory, the Indians now attempted to take the fort, but were driven back by the artillery.
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The impudence of coming practically under the walls of the fort, caused decisive and prompt action on the part of the military. Captain O'Brien, with thirty-seven intrepid and mounted men, rode out and charged a very superior number of Indians. There was a frightful carnage, and hand to hand encounters. The soldiers lost half their number, and made a fighting retreat. Fourteen of the thirty-seven were killed. Exultantly, and maddened by their victory, the Indians now attempted to take the fort, but were driven back by the artillery.
There was an insufficient force defending Fort Laramie, so that an impression of numbers was made by the women dressing in men's clothing and appearing upon the wall of the fort, and in the morning it was found that the Indians had retired. They had lost over seventy killed.
On February second following, there was a sudden and successful attack upon the stage station below the fort (the ruins of which are near the present Burns school house) and the station was burned to the ground. Captain O'Brien and an escort were bringing the stage from the east, when they discovered the Indians and the smoking ruins of the station.
There were four men and one woman in the stage and five of the escort, and they had just overtaken two teamsters. The small cavalcade made a show of bravery, and moved steadily along. Captain O'Brien rode to an eminence, gave signals, which the Indians quite likely understood was for some invisible and stronger party.
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Captain O'Brien and an escort were bringing the stage from the east, when they discovered the Indians and the smoking ruins of the station.
There were four men and one woman in the stage and five of the escort, and they had just overtaken two teamsters. The small cavalcade made a show of bravery, and moved steadily along. Captain O'Brien rode to an eminence, gave signals, which the Indians quite likely understood was for some invisible and stronger party.
The redmen fled across the ice of the frozen river, and as soon as they thought that they could make it, the stage and wagon drivers and escort put the whip to their horses, and arrived safely within the walls of the fort.
Colonel Moonlight declared martial law in all of the North River country, (as the Indians had grown so bold) with the intention, no doubt, of augmenting his military forces with trappers and emigrants, and pressing into service such horses and equipment as they might have.
The force at Fort Laramie had been increased by the time that Spotted Tail and his warriors from south of the Platte destroyed Julesburg and attacked Mud Springs. Following this attack, Colonel Collins determined that it was time to strike a decisive blow at the savages. They were flushed with victory, and well fed with the cattle they had killed, and the provisions stolen from Fort Sedgwick. They were apparently well satisfied for the time to revel in their plunder. They were in such numbers, being several thousand, that it would be impossible for them to subsist except for such raids. This large band was made up of several tribes, but for the most part, were Sioux, Arapahoes and Ogallalas. Great quantities of supplies were being forwarded with the intention of feeding the friendly Indians, and some of these were seized by the hostiles.
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They were apparently well satisfied for the time to revel in their plunder. They were in such numbers, being several thousand, that it would be impossible for them to subsist except for such raids. This large band was made up of several tribes, but for the most part, were Sioux, Arapahoes and Ogallalas. Great quantities of supplies were being forwarded with the intention of feeding the friendly Indians, and some of these were seized by the hostiles.
Colonel Collins sent out scouts, who returned with the information that the Indians were feasting on "Rush Creek" a distance of about ten miles east, and he immediately prepared to attack them.
Old maps show no less than three "Rush Creeks" flowing into the Platte within a distance of about forty miles, and this particular "Rush Creek" is now (1919) called Cedar Creek. At that time it was the one generally referred to as Rush Creek, while the present Rush Creek that discharges into the Platte some thirty-five or forty miles farther east, was then called "Rankin's Fork."
On proceeding to Cedar Creek it was found that the Indians had crossed the river. In pushing forward they discovered a large war party on the opposite bank, and were preparing to cross when they discovered that the Indians were crossing to the south side, with the apparent purpose of engaging the military. A position was taken and rifle pits dug, the howitzer that had been brought from Fort
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Laramie was placed in position to be of service.
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On proceeding to Cedar Creek it was found that the Indians had crossed the river. In pushing forward they discovered a large war party on the opposite bank, and were preparing to cross when they discovered that the Indians were crossing to the south side, with the apparent purpose of engaging the military. A position was taken and rifle pits dug, the howitzer that had been brought from Fort
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Laramie was placed in position to be of service.
While outnumbered thirty to one, the soldiers behaved with splendid courage, and the experienced sharp shooters of the plains, took advanced stations and opened deadly fire upon the boldly approaching Indians. Finding that to approach in the open meant almost certain death, the usual Indian tactics of advancing under the cover of hillocks and ridges was resorted to. But in this manner only a few could come forward at a time, and as fast as they showed a tufted knot of feathers above the plain, they were picked off with accurate precision by expert riflemen.
A dozen braves had congregated behind a particular eminence some four or five hundred yards from the improvised fort, and at a point of advantage for dropping bullets into the camp. Sixteen men under Lieutenant Patton mounted and made a quick and ferocious charge. The Indians were utterly annihilated. Some two hundred others started after the daring little band of soldiers, which fought its way back with a loss of two men. The Indians then gave up the attack for the day. The following morning they renewed the fight, but not with the same heart as the day before, and soon gave it up and retired into the hills on the north side of the- river. The whole cavalcade of the savage hordes, containing about 1,000 lodges, went towards the Powder river.
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Some two hundred others started after the daring little band of soldiers, which fought its way back with a loss of two men. The Indians then gave up the attack for the day. The following morning they renewed the fight, but not with the same heart as the day before, and soon gave it up and retired into the hills on the north side of the- river. The whole cavalcade of the savage hordes, containing about 1,000 lodges, went towards the Powder river.
Collins then distributed his soldiers along the route to protect it from further molestation, the larger detachments being at Camp Mitchell and Fort Laramie.
This successful battle against an overwhelm^ ing foe, which was well armed and with plenty of horses, seems almost as miraculous as the famous battle on the big Piney in 1867, in which twenty-two plainsmen armed with Henry rifles, behind a barricade of iron armored wagon boxes, whipped Red Cloud and three thousand braves to a standstill, killing or disabling over 1,100 Indians with their "bad medicine guns."
One of the disheartening things about Indian fighting was the lack of knowledge displayed by those in charge higher up. For instance, long after hostilities were commenced and the Indians were congregating to resist establishment of posts along the Bozeman road in the Powder river country. General Dodge wired to General Mitchell, who was about to leave i imaha fur Fort Laramie, to keep him posted as he progressed up the Platte. In his telegram was the query, "Where is Powder river?
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One of the disheartening things about Indian fighting was the lack of knowledge displayed by those in charge higher up. For instance, long after hostilities were commenced and the Indians were congregating to resist establishment of posts along the Bozeman road in the Powder river country. General Dodge wired to General Mitchell, who was about to leave i imaha fur Fort Laramie, to keep him posted as he progressed up the Platte. In his telegram was the query, "Where is Powder river?
The "Rush Creek" battle ground is three or four miles south of the river, at the forks,
where a spring branch comes in from the west.
The improvised fort was on the nose of land between the two branches of what is now "Cedar Creek."
An Indian telling of the battle of Cedar Creek, says they crossed the river at its mouth, and camped at the foot of a bluff about five miles north of the river, "on a small stream, the name of which I do not remember." The story also is that Creighton's herders were at Mud Springs when the attack occurred, which was fortunate for them. After the battle, the hostiles moved to Bear Butte in the Black Hills, and early in March, the bands separated, Spotted Tail and his Brules moving east of the Hills, while the Arapahoes and Cheyennes, joined the Northern Cheyennes under Red Cloud, on Powder river.
In April, Spotted Tail, Little Thunder, and sixty lodges of Brules, came in to Fort Laramie and voluntarily surrendered, and according to Hyde, he should have been with the Indians that were being taken to Julesburg, and Kearney, at the time of the outbreak on Horse Creek. I do not find any part that he took in the battle, and perhaps he was opposed to the action, as many Indians were.
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After the battle, the hostiles moved to Bear Butte in the Black Hills, and early in March, the bands separated, Spotted Tail and his Brules moving east of the Hills, while the Arapahoes and Cheyennes, joined the Northern Cheyennes under Red Cloud, on Powder river.
In April, Spotted Tail, Little Thunder, and sixty lodges of Brules, came in to Fort Laramie and voluntarily surrendered, and according to Hyde, he should have been with the Indians that were being taken to Julesburg, and Kearney, at the time of the outbreak on Horse Creek. I do not find any part that he took in the battle, and perhaps he was opposed to the action, as many Indians were. Hyde also says the Indians at first concealed their women and children in a willow thicket back of their lodges. I have been unable to locate the thicket. After the last charge, says Hyde: "The soldiers gathered up the mutilated bodies of Fouts and his men, and pulled out for Camp Shuman" (Fort Mitchell).
After over fifty years, George L. Wilcox, no relation, that I can find, of the captain, was employed by the government to disinter the bodies and remove them to the government cemetery at Cottonwood. He quite easily located the grave of Captain Fouts and a soldier at Fort Mitchell, and after an extended search he found the two other soldiers, who had been buried on the battlefield. Later,- two other soldiers were disinterred at Fort Mitchell. All now rest at the beautiful cemetery a few miles east of the city of North Platte.
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Wilcox, no relation, that I can find, of the captain, was employed by the government to disinter the bodies and remove them to the government cemetery at Cottonwood. He quite easily located the grave of Captain Fouts and a soldier at Fort Mitchell, and after an extended search he found the two other soldiers, who had been buried on the battlefield. Later,- two other soldiers were disinterred at Fort Mitchell. All now rest at the beautiful cemetery a few miles east of the city of North Platte.
The date of the battle of Horse Creek as here given has been disputed by Erastus Wilson, Bugler Company B, 7th Iowa Cavalary, (now 1919), at the Soldier's Home at Grand Island, who was in the battle; he stating that it took place upon the 11th day of July, but I have it from John Hunton, and from the government records, and at least it is officially given as occurring on the 13th day of June, 1865. Wilson stoutly adheres to his date, and he declares the three soldiers were buried upon the battleground, their names being Phillip Alder,
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Dick Crozier and McMann, although only two were found there.
General Conner, in the Spring of 1865, moved his headquarters from Denver to Fort Sedgwick, which was built not far from the site of the burned Julesburg, for from this point he could better direct operations.
Mooney says that Red Cloud was "the most famous and powerful chief in the history of the tribe, and rose to distinction by his own force of character." "He was not a hereditary chief, but a member of the band of which the chieftainship lay with the family of Young- Man-Afraid, the latter more conservative and friendly to civilization."
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General Conner, in the Spring of 1865, moved his headquarters from Denver to Fort Sedgwick, which was built not far from the site of the burned Julesburg, for from this point he could better direct operations.
Mooney says that Red Cloud was "the most famous and powerful chief in the history of the tribe, and rose to distinction by his own force of character." "He was not a hereditary chief, but a member of the band of which the chieftainship lay with the family of Young- Man-Afraid, the latter more conservative and friendly to civilization."
Red Cloud's chief lieutenants in the Powder River campaign were "Young-Man" and "Crazy Horse." The feat of keeping the Indians together for the two years 1866-1868, provisioning them, and a determined united front to the government stamps him as a remarkable organizer, and with great power. The government finally gave up the attempt to open the Bozeman Road, and this must have added greatly to the prestige of Red Cloud.
Crazy-Horse was not an hereditary chief, and never addressed in person any council, but always spoke through his uncle, Little Hawk.
"Which leads me to inquire," says D. W.
Butler, "the nature of the system that prevailed among the Sioux and Cheyennes as to the authority and position of the acknowledged chiefs, and the war chiefs or leaders like Red Cloud and Crazy Horse and Roman Nose. One might imagine there would be much conflict of authority. But evidently not."
Crazy Horse was not much known until after 1865, when he had a brother killed by the whites near Fort Laramie, after which he went on the war path with vengeance.
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Butler, "the nature of the system that prevailed among the Sioux and Cheyennes as to the authority and position of the acknowledged chiefs, and the war chiefs or leaders like Red Cloud and Crazy Horse and Roman Nose. One might imagine there would be much conflict of authority. But evidently not."
Crazy Horse was not much known until after 1865, when he had a brother killed by the whites near Fort Laramie, after which he went on the war path with vengeance.
I am not sure as to the exact date of the location of Red Cloud's Agency on the Platte, but it occurred about 1870. It was on the north side of the river near the Nebraska-Wyoming line. By the year 1875, the new Red Cloud Agency was established on White river, west of Fort Robinson. The agency on the Platte was not abandoned until two or three years later, although it may have been officially thrown into the discard.
Sheldon has a photo of the ruins of a sod house on the site of the Platte River Red Cloud Agency, that is believed to be what was left of one of the original structures of the early seventies. The photo was taken 1918, and from the best information from the oldest inhabitant, it is all that remains of one of the first buildings erected.
COAD'S BATTLE ON LAWRENCE FORK -- "SHORTER" COUNTY ORGANIZED TANK FIGHTING ON THE PLATTE -- BUFFALO BILL KILLS TALL BULL
Affairs like the Harney battle on Blue Water, or worse still, that of Col. J. M. Chivington, at Fort Lyons, on the South Platte, drove the peace loving Indians into the more desperate of the savages. The latter was an unprovoked attack upon a large village of inoffensive Indians. Over the lodge of the chief there floated the stars and stripes, yet an hysterical, or a deliberately brutal, commander brought about wholesale murder, with the result that many hundreds of lives were lost in the years of hostilities that followed.
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M. Chivington, at Fort Lyons, on the South Platte, drove the peace loving Indians into the more desperate of the savages. The latter was an unprovoked attack upon a large village of inoffensive Indians. Over the lodge of the chief there floated the stars and stripes, yet an hysterical, or a deliberately brutal, commander brought about wholesale murder, with the result that many hundreds of lives were lost in the years of hostilities that followed.
Following the disturbances of 1865, the early part of 1866 was ushered in by an attack upon Julesburg (Fort Sedgwick). About one thousand Indians participated in the attack, and the place was defended by Captain O'Brien and thirty-seven men, with two mountain howitzers. The Indians lost sixty or seventy men, while Captain O'Brien lost fourteen. But after one day of hot fighting the Indians gave it up and moved on to the North River country.
In 1865 J. F. Coad took the contract to furnish the garrisons at Julesburg and Laramie with wood. He was furnished an escort from Julesburg to the "wood reserve" on "Lorron's "fork, and there erected a small log house, called by him the "ranch." The day following its completion, he and three others were at work loading some wood about three miles from the "ranch." The thermometer was about twentyfive degrees below zero. His party was attacked by Indians, which rode clown into the valley between them and the cabin. They fled into the rocks, and the Indians pursued as far
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He was furnished an escort from Julesburg to the "wood reserve" on "Lorron's "fork, and there erected a small log house, called by him the "ranch." The day following its completion, he and three others were at work loading some wood about three miles from the "ranch." The thermometer was about twentyfive degrees below zero. His party was attacked by Indians, which rode clown into the valley between them and the cabin. They fled into the rocks, and the Indians pursued as far
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as they could with their horses, then dismounted and came on foot.
Soon the men found that they must discard their heavy clothing, and in the chase they became separated. One man found a crevasse underneath a rock and crawled into it, obliterating his tracks by covering them with dirt and sand. The Indians went directly past the mouth of his hiding place, then came back and took counsel in front of it. Then they returned to their horses and rode away. Coad and the other two found a hiding place, and after the Indians had gone built a small fire to keep from freezing, and remained hidden until nightfall.
When the men returned to the "ranch" in the night, they found that the men there had been attacked, and stood the Indians off for four hours. The savages then drove away their horses and mules and some of their cattle, but the latter could not travel sufficiently rapid to suit them. The next day it was decided to return to Julesburg, and ask that the government furnish guards to protect them from future similar experience. They took the oxen and went to the tableland in the direction of the old Water Holes, but were caught in a frightful blizzard. It raged all night and the thermometer was thirty below zero.
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The savages then drove away their horses and mules and some of their cattle, but the latter could not travel sufficiently rapid to suit them. The next day it was decided to return to Julesburg, and ask that the government furnish guards to protect them from future similar experience. They took the oxen and went to the tableland in the direction of the old Water Holes, but were caught in a frightful blizzard. It raged all night and the thermometer was thirty below zero. A man of experience has written, a western storm will sometimes seem to abate, to lure one away from fire and shelter, just to catch him in the open with full force. A messenger had been sent on ahead, to tell the soldiers to come out and meet them, but the storm made it doubtful if he would reach Julesburg. In consequence, the next morning, Coad told the others to return to the "ranch" and he would try to go on to the fort alone. About ten miles north of the present site of Sidney, he came upon a detachment that had already been sent out. They said that the day before, they had had an engagement with some Indians near there, and had taken from them a number of horses, which proved to be Goad's, and the Indians had fled in the storm towards the south. A few days later thirty-six men arrived at a "ranch" on the Lodgepole, about twenty-five miles west of Julesburg, and thirty of them were pretty badly frozen.
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About ten miles north of the present site of Sidney, he came upon a detachment that had already been sent out. They said that the day before, they had had an engagement with some Indians near there, and had taken from them a number of horses, which proved to be Goad's, and the Indians had fled in the storm towards the south. A few days later thirty-six men arrived at a "ranch" on the Lodgepole, about twenty-five miles west of Julesburg, and thirty of them were pretty badly frozen.
Nearly all the cattle drifted into the fort in the next week or so, and the fact of their weathering this severe storm, and seemed little the worse for it, brought to the mind of Mr. Coad the idea that the prairie grasses must be very nutritious and sustaining, even though browned by the autumn suns and beaten by the wintry winds; and from that thought in his mind and the minds of Creighton, and of others, were born the big ranches of the Panhandle, and followed the years "when cattlemen were kings."
The "ranch" on the Lodgepole where these storm-beaten fugitives found shelter, was one of the early structures used for housing and protection along the line of the Union Pacific, then being projected up the Platte and Lodgepole.
In November, 1866, the construction of the railroad was completed as far west as North Platte, and on the 31st day of January, 1867, the plat of the original town was filed. A military post was established, and soldiers were garrisoned there. "Shorter" county, the antecedent of Lincoln county, had tried to organize five or six years earlier, but the only officer who had qualified was Charles McDonald, judge, who did so in order to perform marriage ceremonies. The county seat had been designated as Cottonwood Springs, but the county was re-organized as Lincoln County, and the county seat moved to North Platte, by a total of twenty-one votes cast, on October 8, 1867.
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A military post was established, and soldiers were garrisoned there. "Shorter" county, the antecedent of Lincoln county, had tried to organize five or six years earlier, but the only officer who had qualified was Charles McDonald, judge, who did so in order to perform marriage ceremonies. The county seat had been designated as Cottonwood Springs, but the county was re-organized as Lincoln County, and the county seat moved to North Platte, by a total of twenty-one votes cast, on October 8, 1867. The officers were B. I. Hinman, representative ; W. M. Hinman, County Judge; Charles Mc- Donald, County Clerk ; O. O. Austin, Sheriff ; Hugh Morgan, Treasurer; and A. J. Miller, Commissioner. Charles McDonald resided at North Platte until 1919 and was in the banking business, until his death.
In the Indian troubles that followed, the few settlers in that vicinity used to gather at North Platte, and take refuge in the railroad round house. On one occasion, the Indians captured a freight train and after killing the crew, they pillaged the cars, and found some bolts of calico. With this they made merry, tying one end of a bolt to a pony's tail, one would ride out across the prairie with a hundred yards of brilliant calico streamers trailing in the wind.
At another time "Dutch Frank" saw the Indians on the track ahead of him, and feeling sure that it meant death to stop, he opened the throttle, plowing through them throwing them into the air and killing many. He arrived safely into town. This, we believe was the origin of "tank fighting."
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With this they made merry, tying one end of a bolt to a pony's tail, one would ride out across the prairie with a hundred yards of brilliant calico streamers trailing in the wind.
At another time "Dutch Frank" saw the Indians on the track ahead of him, and feeling sure that it meant death to stop, he opened the throttle, plowing through them throwing them into the air and killing many. He arrived safely into town. This, we believe was the origin of "tank fighting."
The Union Pacific, during the year 1867, built on through Sidney and Cheyenne, and Mr. Tracy, who later became another of the cattle kings, was at Pine Bluffs, took a contract for getting out wood and ties for the railroad. At this point he received his inspiration for ranching, and was long known in that business by the early settlers.
The Fifth United States Cavalry under General Carr arrived in the spring of 1S69, and eight companies were left at North Platte and McPherson, while four were sent to Sidney and
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
four to Cheyenne. Their orders were to "clear the country of Indians from the Union Pacific to the Kansas Line."
It was at this time that Tall Bull, one of the most bestial and brutal, although brave Indians, obtained the title of the "scourge of Kansas," because of his numerous raids, culminating in the massacre of the "German Settlement," and taking away two of the young women. General Carr had at hand the strategy, of maneuvering of the best known of all the old scouts on the pursuit of this band, none other than Colonel W. F. Cody. The final battle occurred "at the springs in the sand hills," a few miles south of the old Valley station on the South Platte.
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It was at this time that Tall Bull, one of the most bestial and brutal, although brave Indians, obtained the title of the "scourge of Kansas," because of his numerous raids, culminating in the massacre of the "German Settlement," and taking away two of the young women. General Carr had at hand the strategy, of maneuvering of the best known of all the old scouts on the pursuit of this band, none other than Colonel W. F. Cody. The final battle occurred "at the springs in the sand hills," a few miles south of the old Valley station on the South Platte. Here it was that Buffalo Bill
killed Tall Bull, by shooting him from his horse. One of the young women captives was killed by the Indians, while the battle was on, and two braves were about to tomahawk the other, when the unerring markmanship of the old plainsman ended their career. Tall Bull's band was headed for the Niobrara and White river country, where they could brag about their achievements to other Indians, but it was utterly destroyed at this battle.
The fifteen years war following the killing of the Mormon cow was drawing to a close. Spotted Tail had been taken to Washington, and Red Cloud was losing prestige, for the peaceful Indians were being fed regularly by the whites.
INDIAN AGENCIES ADJUSTED -- SITTING BULL'S DETERMINATION -- BAT- TLE OF WAR BONNET CREEK
Then for a few years, the work of establishing agencies and locating the Indians in places where each might better work out his destiny, without the interference or trouble making of another tribe was the duty of the war department. Early in the seventies the old Red Cloud agency was built at the Wyoming state line, on the Platte river and in a few years the new agency was established on White river.
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INDIAN AGENCIES ADJUSTED -- SITTING BULL'S DETERMINATION -- BAT- TLE OF WAR BONNET CREEK
Then for a few years, the work of establishing agencies and locating the Indians in places where each might better work out his destiny, without the interference or trouble making of another tribe was the duty of the war department. Early in the seventies the old Red Cloud agency was built at the Wyoming state line, on the Platte river and in a few years the new agency was established on White river. Spotted Trail was located on the Dakota state line about north of Rushville.
In 1874, Chauncey Wiltse at the head of twenty-five men, was sent out to survey the state line between Nebraska and Dakota. If there is anything that made an Indian uneasy it is a surveying party. Either they did not understand the mystery of the instrument and they thought there was something uncanny about it, or they knew that the surveying instrument presaged the coming of settlement, and the end of the wilderness. One surveying party, on the Republican, entirely disappeared. None of the equipment nor any trace of them was ever found.
Nothwithstanding Spotted Tail's avowed friendship for the whites, and his expressed opinion of the uselessness of struggling against the white race, when Wiltse's surveying party reached the vicinity of White Earth Creek, one hundred and sixty-two miles west of Keya Paha river, a number of Indian scouts
armed with Winchester rifles came to meet them, and for a pow-wow. They said that Spotted Tail did not want the line run.
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None of the equipment nor any trace of them was ever found.
Nothwithstanding Spotted Tail's avowed friendship for the whites, and his expressed opinion of the uselessness of struggling against the white race, when Wiltse's surveying party reached the vicinity of White Earth Creek, one hundred and sixty-two miles west of Keya Paha river, a number of Indian scouts
armed with Winchester rifles came to meet them, and for a pow-wow. They said that Spotted Tail did not want the line run.
Wiltse told them that he cared not for what the Indian tribes wanted, he used stronger language than that, for the great father had told him to run it, and run it he would. And run it he did.
The trail, or road, from Ft. Laramie to Spotted Tail's agency, came farther down the river than that to the Red Cloud agency. The eastmost of the Red Cloud roads ran through the vicinity of Agate, while that to Spotted Tail crossed near Spotted Tail Springs, Wind Springs, and over the Box Butte table. It will be observed that the relays between watering places, from starting point to destination, are the shortest distance possible, and yet it is almost a direct route.
The establishing of Fort Robinson, in 1876, was practically contemporaneous with the adjustment of the Indians in their different agencies. It was nearer to Red Cloud because the Red Cloud Indians needed watching more than those under Spotted Tail. In 1876, Red Cloud was deposed by the whites, and he no longer ruled as chief. The "great red cloud" -- his warriors wore red blankets, and moved as a cloud -- ceased to be a menace of the prairie, and his descendants now live pursuing the arts of peace.
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The establishing of Fort Robinson, in 1876, was practically contemporaneous with the adjustment of the Indians in their different agencies. It was nearer to Red Cloud because the Red Cloud Indians needed watching more than those under Spotted Tail. In 1876, Red Cloud was deposed by the whites, and he no longer ruled as chief. The "great red cloud" -- his warriors wore red blankets, and moved as a cloud -- ceased to be a menace of the prairie, and his descendants now live pursuing the arts of peace.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The trails leading from Fort Robinson to the Union Pacific made a veritable network at the time, and all converged in the vicinity of Fort Robinson, following one principal highway north to Deadwood.
From Cheyenne the mail road ran almost straight to Laramie, and was a stiff bad road, hard on oxen feet and lined with "poison weed." It ran via Chugwater creek. The part north of the Platte cut across the country west of the Raw Hide and finally dropped into that valley. The soil on this part of the road was too light for heavy freighting, and in places quite sandy, but it was used to some extent.
The Freighter's road ran direct from Cheyenne to Old Red Cloud on the Platte through the Goshen Holes. If having business at Laramie they would go up the river to Laramie ferry or bridge, then by the mail route to White river.
Freighters frequently forded the Platte at Old Red Cloud, and then struck down the Platte a number of miles, to avoid the sand ridges that lay directly north of the agency. From the old agency to the new, there seems to have been several roads, and they were all called the Freighter's road. There was a canoe at Old Red Cloud, which was used in crossing when the water was high.
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If having business at Laramie they would go up the river to Laramie ferry or bridge, then by the mail route to White river.
Freighters frequently forded the Platte at Old Red Cloud, and then struck down the Platte a number of miles, to avoid the sand ridges that lay directly north of the agency. From the old agency to the new, there seems to have been several roads, and they were all called the Freighter's road. There was a canoe at Old Red Cloud, which was used in crossing when the water was high.
The Sidney road was all right for horses and mules but was not much in use by 'bull teams" for there were two places along the route, where the distance between water holes caused suffering and death among the cattle. This road was satisfactory during part of the season, but in the hot dry summer months, two of the watering places dried up.
The Sioux Trail from White river to the Republican ran parallel with this route, and it was used as late as 1876 by Brules and Ogallalas. Fort Robinson and the New Red Cloud agency on White river was where all the trails merged into one.
The fall of Red Cloud, and the discovery of gold in the Black Hills brought forth another leader of the war division of the Sioux. Sitting Bull came into the public eye ; and the depredations, and lawlessness of his bands grew more pronounced as the whites poured into the Black Hills after gold.
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The Sioux Trail from White river to the Republican ran parallel with this route, and it was used as late as 1876 by Brules and Ogallalas. Fort Robinson and the New Red Cloud agency on White river was where all the trails merged into one.
The fall of Red Cloud, and the discovery of gold in the Black Hills brought forth another leader of the war division of the Sioux. Sitting Bull came into the public eye ; and the depredations, and lawlessness of his bands grew more pronounced as the whites poured into the Black Hills after gold.
Sitting Bull obtained his name, by shooting a buffalo bull, that fell and was attempting to arise, when the daring young Indian leaped from his mustang's back, squarely upon the back of the buffalo. It struggled to rise, but settled back upon its haunches.
The new leader was determined that he would drive the white man out of the Black
Hills, and was doing effective work along the line of his endeavor, when General Crook decided to put an end to it. Reno and Custer were chasing the wise old redskin over the wilds of Wyoming, and Custer, who was in advance, fell into an ambuscade, and his entire force was destroyed. I have walked over the battle ground and observed the location of the graves, as shown by the little white stones, for each was buried where he fell, and it tells the story of a struggle better than all else. All who are making a trip into the northwest, should, if possible, stop over one day at Crow agency, Montana, just over the Wyoming line, and spend that day at the battle ground, and in the woods on the Powder, where Sitting Bull pretended to be unprepared although keenly upon the alert.
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I have walked over the battle ground and observed the location of the graves, as shown by the little white stones, for each was buried where he fell, and it tells the story of a struggle better than all else. All who are making a trip into the northwest, should, if possible, stop over one day at Crow agency, Montana, just over the Wyoming line, and spend that day at the battle ground, and in the woods on the Powder, where Sitting Bull pretended to be unprepared although keenly upon the alert.
Reno was some distance away, but within sound of the battle, and has been criticised for not making an attempt to rescue Custer. One of the graves of a fallen soldier, was about two miles in the direction of Reno's camp, he evidently having broken through the red line of battle, and made a great run for life.
At the Red Cloud agency there were five thousand or more Indians, for the most part friendly ; but about eight hundred of them, fired by the news of Sitting Bull's achievements, left the agency to join him in the work of driving the whites cut of the hills.
General Sheridan ordered General Merritt, with four hundred men of the Fifth Cavalry, to proceed post-haste to re-enforce General Crook on Big Goose creek. He heard of the movement of the Indians at the agency, and disobeyed the order of his superior, to intercept them. Events justified his disobedience, as it often did in the kaleidoscope changes in fighting Indians. Colonel Cody, who at that time was in the midst of a Wildwest exhibition, at the Centennial Fair, abruptly closed his show at tremendous loss, and volunteered his services. He was made chief of scouts with General Merritt. To intercept the movements of the Indians the cavalry moved as directed by Buffalo Bill, seventy-five miles in twenty-four hours, and placed themselves directly in the path of the Indians.
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Events justified his disobedience, as it often did in the kaleidoscope changes in fighting Indians. Colonel Cody, who at that time was in the midst of a Wildwest exhibition, at the Centennial Fair, abruptly closed his show at tremendous loss, and volunteered his services. He was made chief of scouts with General Merritt. To intercept the movements of the Indians the cavalry moved as directed by Buffalo Bill, seventy-five miles in twenty-four hours, and placed themselves directly in the path of the Indians.
The advanced portion of the Indians was surprised, and drew up in battle line, to await these that were coming from the rear. The cavalry also were prepared. At this dramatic moment, Yellow Hand, issued his famous challenge to "Long Hair" (Buffalo Bill), and without waiting for orders from his superior, Colonel Cody rode out to meet him.
Little Bat, the interpreter, conveyed to General Merritt, the nature of the challenge, and
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
all eyes on both sides were centered on the duel. It was with such sudden rush and denouement, that it was over and the battle of War Bonnet Creek was on before it was hardly time to realize it.
Buffalo Bill and Yellow Hand spurred their horses straight for one another at full speed, and when near to each other, a bullet from Cody's rifle struck the Indian's horse squarely in the forehead. It fell with a forward momentum, and the horse Cody was riding fell over it. Yellow Hand and the veteran of the plains were both afoot, and went at each other without a moment's delay, one with his tomahawk, and the other with his knife. With his left hand Cody caught the blow of the tomahawk, and plunged the knife into the heart of the Indian. Falling upon him as he went down, Buffalo Bill lifted his war bonnet, and seized his scalp-lock.
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It fell with a forward momentum, and the horse Cody was riding fell over it. Yellow Hand and the veteran of the plains were both afoot, and went at each other without a moment's delay, one with his tomahawk, and the other with his knife. With his left hand Cody caught the blow of the tomahawk, and plunged the knife into the heart of the Indian. Falling upon him as he went down, Buffalo Bill lifted his war bonnet, and seized his scalp-lock.
The Indians waited no longer, but plunged forward to avenge the death of their chief. Cody shook in the faces his bloody scalp, and shouted : "the first scalp for Custer." With war bonnets streaming, and brilliantly painted they were almost upon him, when the veteran
Fifth Cavalry in action, swept by. with their carbines cracking. The nerve of the Cheyennes broke and they fled. Time after time, they tried to recover, and make a stand ; but before there was any organization, the soldiers were again upon them, and finally they broke and ran, pell mell for the agency.
There was some apprehension that when they got among the five thousand friendlies they would excite them to violence. It was determined to make a show of courage, and the troops, in solid formation, ready for any emergency, rode straight through the agency, to Fort Robinson.
That ended the insurrection at the agency, and Sitting Bull, whom Custer was trying to prevent from going north, when the massacre occurred, got away after wiping out that portion of the advance. He was pursued, but reached the Canadian line in safety.
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There was some apprehension that when they got among the five thousand friendlies they would excite them to violence. It was determined to make a show of courage, and the troops, in solid formation, ready for any emergency, rode straight through the agency, to Fort Robinson.
That ended the insurrection at the agency, and Sitting Bull, whom Custer was trying to prevent from going north, when the massacre occurred, got away after wiping out that portion of the advance. He was pursued, but reached the Canadian line in safety.
War Bonnet creek is a branch of Hat creek, coming in from the east. The point of convergence is in, or near the twenty-two thousand acre ranch of Colonel Charles Coffee, in northern Sioux County.
SAND HILLS STATION ROBBERY -- BIG BEAR, OR CRAZY WOMAN -- THE SOD CABIN -- PRIVATIONS OF EARLY YEARS
Hugo Koch, was one of the old freighters of the late fifties and early sixties. He is still living at Lander, Wyoming, and is an intimate friend of Charles Andrews of Scottsbluff, who had charge of the feeding business at the Scottsbluff Sugar Factory for many years. I have a letter from Koch in which he speaks of his connection with the Sand Hills station, which is located a few miles over the line in Wyoming, and he says : "eighteen miles west of Scottsbluff." This would indicate Robideaux Gap, far eighteen miles west of Mitchell Gap would not reach the state line.
It was shortly after the Grattan Massacre that Spotted Tail and a band of Sioux are credited with attacking this station as a stage from Salt Lake City was enroute east. They killed all the employes and the driver, and carried off twenty thousand dollars in gold, in twenty dollar gold pieces, belonging to the Livingston Kinkaides Company of Salt Lake City.
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I have a letter from Koch in which he speaks of his connection with the Sand Hills station, which is located a few miles over the line in Wyoming, and he says : "eighteen miles west of Scottsbluff." This would indicate Robideaux Gap, far eighteen miles west of Mitchell Gap would not reach the state line.
It was shortly after the Grattan Massacre that Spotted Tail and a band of Sioux are credited with attacking this station as a stage from Salt Lake City was enroute east. They killed all the employes and the driver, and carried off twenty thousand dollars in gold, in twenty dollar gold pieces, belonging to the Livingston Kinkaides Company of Salt Lake City. General Harney made a demand for the perpetrators of the deed, and Spotted Tail and the party made their spectacular entry into Fort Laramie singing their death songs.
Another point of interest is just over the Wyoming line, near the northwest corner of Sioux county. It is one of the many branches of the Cheyenne river, not much more than a creek or canyon, occasionally widening to small hay valleys. In the early days it bore the Indian name "Big Beard." the same obtaining from the character of the grass that grew along the bank of the stream. But for the last generation it has held the name of "Crazy Woman," because of incidents and adventures I have heretofore written in a crude story of verse under the title of "The Sod Cabin."
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It is one of the many branches of the Cheyenne river, not much more than a creek or canyon, occasionally widening to small hay valleys. In the early days it bore the Indian name "Big Beard." the same obtaining from the character of the grass that grew along the bank of the stream. But for the last generation it has held the name of "Crazy Woman," because of incidents and adventures I have heretofore written in a crude story of verse under the title of "The Sod Cabin."
The beginning of the adventure was in Lake Canyon, about thirty or forty miles south of
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
North Platte. Here a family of easterners, from the Buckeye state, had settled down and left for a time their happy, yet unhappy, surroundings for the primitive life and restfulness of the semi-mountain home.
But their persecutor, "Scar Face Ben," had followed and in the disguise of an Indian with a party of Indians, the home was invaded, and an attempt made to kidnap a young lady. Her mother, who had seen an Indian raise his tomahawk as she thought, to strike her daughter, had interposed, the blow fell upon her head and left a long ugly cut, with the temporary loss of consciousness.
This unexpected denouement, for there had been no intention of murder, for a moment disconcerted the outlaw, and in the moment the father and the girl escaped, but were separated in the night. The story tells of their wandering up through the valley of the Nortn Platte, and to the Horse creek caves. Then on through the Rocky Gap, where their persecutor chased the "Prairie Rose," as the heroine was called, until she fell over a cliff and made a footprint in the soft clay, that "after hardened into stone and left distinct the footprint there."
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This unexpected denouement, for there had been no intention of murder, for a moment disconcerted the outlaw, and in the moment the father and the girl escaped, but were separated in the night. The story tells of their wandering up through the valley of the Nortn Platte, and to the Horse creek caves. Then on through the Rocky Gap, where their persecutor chased the "Prairie Rose," as the heroine was called, until she fell over a cliff and made a footprint in the soft clay, that "after hardened into stone and left distinct the footprint there."
During the building of the Cheyenne and Northern. I was working in one of the camps, near the head of Chugwater, and one Sunday two of us boys scaled some very difficult rocks in the Rocky Gap, and we found the footprint which is part of the foundation of the story. The track was that of about number four size woman's or child's bare foot, and it was impressed fully an inch in what had become soft rock, during the lapse of years.
The girl's sweetheart was temporarily away from the lodge on the Medicine, and when he returned he found the cabin in ruins, and all had departed, including the woman. Of course he knew nothing of their fate, nor that the woman had been hit by a tomahawk, and had wandered away "a crazy woman."
Some instinct sent him on into the west, and there is quite a long story of it, and of how he witnessed from a distance the Custer Massacre.
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The girl's sweetheart was temporarily away from the lodge on the Medicine, and when he returned he found the cabin in ruins, and all had departed, including the woman. Of course he knew nothing of their fate, nor that the woman had been hit by a tomahawk, and had wandered away "a crazy woman."
Some instinct sent him on into the west, and there is quite a long story of it, and of how he witnessed from a distance the Custer Massacre.
The mad mother in the course of her wanderings came to the valley of the Big Beard, and here she lived for a year or more, subsisting on roots and berries and bark. Mere the father found her. and while she several times rushed away and hid at his approach as she did when strangers appeared, he at last caught her, and her reason returned.
The woman's living in this section changed ili< name of Big Beard to Crazy Woman.
As is the way with stories, this ended well, and the daughter was found, and then the
sweetheart, and also came the knowledge that their persecutor was dead. They then lived for a time in a huge sod cabin, some distance west of the Big Horn range in Wyoming, but later left their happy mountain domicile for the old home in Ohio.
"Sometimes when Lillie musing sits, A dreamy mist before her flits, And to her waking memories come Fair visions of a mountain home. And all her gilded marble halls Become transformed to sodded walls, Her frescoed ceilings fade away To rough hewn poles and boughs and hay.
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They then lived for a time in a huge sod cabin, some distance west of the Big Horn range in Wyoming, but later left their happy mountain domicile for the old home in Ohio.
"Sometimes when Lillie musing sits, A dreamy mist before her flits, And to her waking memories come Fair visions of a mountain home. And all her gilded marble halls Become transformed to sodded walls, Her frescoed ceilings fade away To rough hewn poles and boughs and hay.
"The mists they break before her eyes, 'Twas but a dream of Paradise.
"Since then the mountain fires swept o'er And burned the ivy round the door. The rotting door frame stands alone, Save idly swinging door, with moan, Its hinges coated o'er with rust. The walls have crumbled into dust."
There are not a great many of the old guard of pioneers surviving, but those that are still with us in their travels over western Nebraska, occasionally see the ruins of a sod cabin, and to each there come a sadness, for each sees therein the home shrine of a once hopeful family that came into the west.
We all had the same ambitions, and all did our level best to make those humble places of abode, real homes. We had no wild or extravagant ideas or desires, but we wanted that farm for ours and our children. A few, like the dwellers in the cabin west of the Big Horns, went back to better things (perhaps) in the east. The most of us that have survived are still here, where our lives are woven into the woof and warp of the fabric of western Nebraska.
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We all had the same ambitions, and all did our level best to make those humble places of abode, real homes. We had no wild or extravagant ideas or desires, but we wanted that farm for ours and our children. A few, like the dwellers in the cabin west of the Big Horns, went back to better things (perhaps) in the east. The most of us that have survived are still here, where our lives are woven into the woof and warp of the fabric of western Nebraska.
Together, we suffered the hardships of the lean years, and we hustled out for grub-stakes, singly or in pairs, leaving wives and families in the old soddies, dugouts, and log houses, looking after home affairs while we went after the few scattered dollars that we could pick up at work wherever we could find it. Up on the Cheyenne & Northern I met Harry Watson, John Frazier, and others from the Box Butt'e table. In the South Platte Vailey there were Theo. Harshman, Theo. Deutsch, William P. Young, Antoine and Wenzel Hiersche, and I know not how many others, picking spuds, herding sheep, or working at railroad construction. The Cheyenne & North-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
era and the Sterling & Cheyenne branches of the Burlington drew heavily from the granges of western Nebraska for the help needed to build them. Young and Hiersche brought in from Colorado the few sheep that was the nucleus of their later large herds.
Irrigation in the North Platte valley was in its infancy. A few of the smaller ditches were in operation, and others had been crudely surveyed. There was plenty of man power, and there were harness broken bronchos for horse power, but there was no equipment, and no money with which to buy it.
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era and the Sterling & Cheyenne branches of the Burlington drew heavily from the granges of western Nebraska for the help needed to build them. Young and Hiersche brought in from Colorado the few sheep that was the nucleus of their later large herds.
Irrigation in the North Platte valley was in its infancy. A few of the smaller ditches were in operation, and others had been crudely surveyed. There was plenty of man power, and there were harness broken bronchos for horse power, but there was no equipment, and no money with which to buy it. Men would take their payment in stocks and bonds, but these had no fixed value. They were hocked about, and traded and exchanged for provisions at low figures, or swapped for anything else of value. I furnished some tile for culverts and outlets for the Gering canal, and had to take my pay in bonds, at about two-thirds par. The bonds were sometimes as low as fifty cents on the dollar, in exchanges.
When the spud pickers were over on the South Platte and the Cache le Poudre, they noticed occasionally abandoned "slushers," or road scrapers, of the wooden back and Mormon tongued variety, lying by the road side, and inquiry failed to locate the owners.
On returning to the North Platte valley, they hooked up their grass-fed broncs, and returned to the location of the find. We are told that they again sought for but could not find the owners, and as they had apparently been abandoned for a long time, no doubt for better equipment, the old ones were loaded in the wagons and brought into western Nebraska. It is yet an open question if they sought very diligently for the owners, and also what they would have done had they not found them for they had no money to buy the scrapers.
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We are told that they again sought for but could not find the owners, and as they had apparently been abandoned for a long time, no doubt for better equipment, the old ones were loaded in the wagons and brought into western Nebraska. It is yet an open question if they sought very diligently for the owners, and also what they would have done had they not found them for they had no money to buy the scrapers. Be that as it may, these scrapers were used to good service in the North Platte irrigation building.
Lars Olson, of Banner county, and James Nighswonger were among the spud pickers
that went to Greeley, and there were many others.
Over on the Chadron plains and Box Butte table, the hardships seemed fully as acute. Often I wonder what mental processes worked out those years, and how those who stayed, survived, and how they managed to keep the wolf from the door.
A few miles east of Chadron there lived a German and his family. One day he was observed sitting in a disconsolate mood on the sidewalk, and a passing acquaintance stopped and asked his what was the matter. He said that there was no flour in the house, no food, that the children cried because they were so hungry, that he had brought a load of wood to town to try to trade for something. No one wanted to trade; the merchants needed money and not fire wood, and no one else would buy it. He only wanted a few dollars, and he could not borrow at the banks, or get credit at the stores. "I think I get a gun, and end it all," he said. "But that will not stop the hunger cries of the children," said his philosophic friend.
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He said that there was no flour in the house, no food, that the children cried because they were so hungry, that he had brought a load of wood to town to try to trade for something. No one wanted to trade; the merchants needed money and not fire wood, and no one else would buy it. He only wanted a few dollars, and he could not borrow at the banks, or get credit at the stores. "I think I get a gun, and end it all," he said. "But that will not stop the hunger cries of the children," said his philosophic friend. "Yes, but I cannot stand it to hear them, and that will end my hearing them, and maybe someone can feed them," was the answer.
"Listen," said the friend, "you take that wood up to my house and unload it. You go home and buck up, and do your best to take care of that wife, and your children," and he handed him three silver dollars. The German took courage, and weathered the gale, somehow, and lived and prospered in the land.
But the friend, what of him? Those three dollars were the last three dollars that he had in the world. What was he to do ? He managed it some way, just as many another managed it, and to this day, they can look back and say : "I do not see how it was done, or where it came from, or what kept the wolf away. Elijah was fed by the ravens, and I guess the ravens must have looked after us."
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Those three dollars were the last three dollars that he had in the world. What was he to do ? He managed it some way, just as many another managed it, and to this day, they can look back and say : "I do not see how it was done, or where it came from, or what kept the wolf away. Elijah was fed by the ravens, and I guess the ravens must have looked after us."
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
REVOLT OF DULL KNIFE -- WINTER FIGHTING IN THE PINE RIDGE -- END OF INDIAN WARS -- SIGN LANGUAGE
After the departure of Sitting Bull for the Canadas, it was decided to separate the disturbing element of the Indians and to remove those who most strenuously objected to the advancement of settlement in western Nebraska, to places remote. In consequence the Northern Cheyennes were taken to Indian Territory.
Dull Knife, Little Wolf, Wild Hog, and other chiefs with a large part of the tribe refused to be satisfied with the new location, and insisted on being returned to the north. They were accustomed to the cool climate and the pure water, and the feeling of dissatisfaction was intensified by an epidemic of malaria, which became so prevalent that two thousand were prostrated at one time. The supply of medicine was exhausted and it was necessary to discontinue its use.
On the night of September 9, 1878, eightynine men and two hundred and forty-six women and children, vanished in the darkness, leaving their tepees standing to deceive the soldiers. As soon as the departure was discovered, hundred of troops from a half dozen posts, were detailed to overtake or intercept them. Guards were placed along the Kansas Pacific and the Union Pacific railroads to prevent their crossing and engines with steam up and ready to go, were held in waiting to be instantly away, when the wires would flash the news that they had been discovered.
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On the night of September 9, 1878, eightynine men and two hundred and forty-six women and children, vanished in the darkness, leaving their tepees standing to deceive the soldiers. As soon as the departure was discovered, hundred of troops from a half dozen posts, were detailed to overtake or intercept them. Guards were placed along the Kansas Pacific and the Union Pacific railroads to prevent their crossing and engines with steam up and ready to go, were held in waiting to be instantly away, when the wires would flash the news that they had been discovered.
In spite of all this, the desperate little band of fugitives swept across Oklahoma and Kansas, killing more than forty settlers, and burning houses, and committing other outrages. Remounting on two hundred and fifty freshly captured horses, they crossed the Kansas Pacific between the patrols, and a few hours ahead of the pursuing party. On October tenth, after they had reached the Sand Hills of Nebraska, the troops temporarily abandoned the chase.
In their flight of five hundred miles, they had, besides the damage inflicted on the settlements, fought three engagements, each time with more than twice their number, and with a total loss of only fifteen Indians killed.
From prisoners taken later, it was learned that they were trying to reach their kinsmen in Montana, where they intended to surrender if they would he allowed to remain in the north. < Itherwise they were intending to push on, and join Sitting Bull in Canada.
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In their flight of five hundred miles, they had, besides the damage inflicted on the settlements, fought three engagements, each time with more than twice their number, and with a total loss of only fifteen Indians killed.
From prisoners taken later, it was learned that they were trying to reach their kinsmen in Montana, where they intended to surrender if they would he allowed to remain in the north. < Itherwise they were intending to push on, and join Sitting Bull in Canada.
In the meantime, their kinsmen were on their way south in charge of the noted scout '"Ben" Clark, and he, with rare tact, diplomacy and courage, avoided the track of the raiders, and kept his own people in ignorance of what was going on, until he had them safely landed at Fort Reno, Oklahoma.
Clark, at the age of sixteen years, had accompanied General Albert Sidney Johnston to Salt Lake City, to impress the Mormons into a state of mind acknowledging that the dominion of the United States meant Utah, as well as other states. He was at Ash Hollow in the summer of 1857, when the Cheyennes attacked the wagon train and killed three of the party. This was Clark's first experience with Indians, but he later became a scout of great renown.
When Dull Knife's band reached the sand hills of Nebraska, they scattered into small bands, and the pursuit of any single band resulted in that band breaking into fragments, and if a capture was effected, it was only a single Indian. The soldiers, weary of the long chase, and the baffling tactics of the Indians, went to Fort Robinson ; and after a brief respite, together with re-enforcements of soldiers, and friendly Sioux, the pursuit was resumed
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When Dull Knife's band reached the sand hills of Nebraska, they scattered into small bands, and the pursuit of any single band resulted in that band breaking into fragments, and if a capture was effected, it was only a single Indian. The soldiers, weary of the long chase, and the baffling tactics of the Indians, went to Fort Robinson ; and after a brief respite, together with re-enforcements of soldiers, and friendly Sioux, the pursuit was resumed
On October 23d, one hundred and forty-nine, which included Dull Knife's fragment of the band, together with Wild Hog, were captured by Captain Johnson. The remainder of the fugitives, under Little Wolf, escaped in a snow storm. These captured were taken, still protesting to Fort Robinson, and were confined in an empty barrack room. They declared that they would die, rather than be taken back to Indian Territory.
Red Cloud requested of the army officers that the knives be taken away from the Indians, for in event that the government should order that they be taken again south, they would, rather than yield to the order, take their own lives. This request was ignored by the military. In. the time that elapsed in getting orders from Washington there was apparently some laxity in vigilence, and the Indians had gotten possession of about fifteen guns and some pistols.
On the 3d day of January. 1879, the order came to return them to Indian Territory, and the next day Wild Hog gave an unequivocal negative to the proposition, saying that the fol-
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Red Cloud requested of the army officers that the knives be taken away from the Indians, for in event that the government should order that they be taken again south, they would, rather than yield to the order, take their own lives. This request was ignored by the military. In. the time that elapsed in getting orders from Washington there was apparently some laxity in vigilence, and the Indians had gotten possession of about fifteen guns and some pistols.
On the 3d day of January. 1879, the order came to return them to Indian Territory, and the next day Wild Hog gave an unequivocal negative to the proposition, saying that the fol-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
lowing would prefer to die. There were fortynine men, fifty-one women, and forty-eight children prisoners at the time, and it was undertaken to starve and freeze them into submission. Water was denied them three days, and fuel and food five days, but it was ineffecual. Dull Knife was wary, and Wild Hog. after being induced to come out, was put in irons, after stabbing a soldier.
At this, the others barricaded the doors, and covered the windows to conceal their movements. They then tore up the floors and constructed rifle pits in the enclosure, to command all the windows. About ten o'clock at night, on the night of January 9th, they killed two sentinels, took their guns and made good their escape. As they fled over the snow in the valley of Soldier creek, the alarm was given and hundreds of shots were exchanged with not many casualties, after which a tense quietness settled on the Pine Ridge hills.
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They then tore up the floors and constructed rifle pits in the enclosure, to command all the windows. About ten o'clock at night, on the night of January 9th, they killed two sentinels, took their guns and made good their escape. As they fled over the snow in the valley of Soldier creek, the alarm was given and hundreds of shots were exchanged with not many casualties, after which a tense quietness settled on the Pine Ridge hills.
There was a ranchman, named Bronson, who had located about five miles south of the fort, the first actual settler in the present limits of Dawes county, and he and his man heard the noise of battle. Knowing the danger if the Indians had broken out, and especially if they should happen to make their break to the southward. Bronson and man mounted their horses and rode toward the fort, keeping a sharp lookout. As they topped the Pine Ridges south of the valley, they could see it laying white with snow under the full moon, and not a sign of life. The fort was absolutely dark, save for one feeble needle of light. In the silence, they moved forward, and came upon tracks in the snow, indicating, the route taken by the fugitives. There was a dark spot upon the snow, that as they approached proved to be Buffalo Hump, a relative of Dull Knife, and he was near unto death. So near, that his only movement thereafter was a futile attempt to kill Bronson, which effort took his last ounce of vitality, and he fell back in the snow, dead.
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In the silence, they moved forward, and came upon tracks in the snow, indicating, the route taken by the fugitives. There was a dark spot upon the snow, that as they approached proved to be Buffalo Hump, a relative of Dull Knife, and he was near unto death. So near, that his only movement thereafter was a futile attempt to kill Bronson, which effort took his last ounce of vitality, and he fell back in the snow, dead.
There were a number of engagements in the Pine Ridges the following several days, and of the one hundred and forty-nine that escaped, there were killed a total of thirty-two, and seventy-one were re-captured. Of the forty-six still at large, nineteen were warriors. After several skirmishes and escapes these were intercepted January 22, by Captain Wessells, and twenty-three were killed and nine re-captured. The other fourteen joined Little Wolf's band, and on March 25th, Lieutenant Clark captured Little Wolf on the Box Elder, and with him, thirty-three warriors and eighty-one women and children.
Officially Dull Knife was reported killed in
some of the skirmishes in the Pine Ridges, or bad lands, although all information, except the official records, is to the effect that he lived for many years after. Bronson says that Dull Knife was with the Ogallalas, and that his later years were full of moroseness, and he was a sour and surly old Indian.
Of the three hundred and thirty-five that left Indian Territory, seventy-two were the total number killed. Two hundred and six were recaptured, and sixty finally made good their escape. They won their fight, however, for instead of sending them south, the others were brought north from the territory. The tribe was given a reservation in Montana, to which many of them were taken, but a large number remained with the Sioux, and some of them still live on the Pine Ridge reservation.
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Of the three hundred and thirty-five that left Indian Territory, seventy-two were the total number killed. Two hundred and six were recaptured, and sixty finally made good their escape. They won their fight, however, for instead of sending them south, the others were brought north from the territory. The tribe was given a reservation in Montana, to which many of them were taken, but a large number remained with the Sioux, and some of them still live on the Pine Ridge reservation.
That was practically the end of Indian fighting in western Nebraska. It is true that about 1890, there was a scare that went over the homestead territory, and the Medicine man, Sitting Bull, the incorrigible, worked a few of the tribe into a frenzy. "Ghost Dancing" was initiated, and some of the younger Indians had a slight reversion to the blood lust of early years. Sitting Bull was killed, and the Battle of Wounded Knee, nearly north of Rushville. was only a small affair compared with early Indian fights, and that was the last flare of the dying fire.
W. P. Clark, captain of the Second Cavalry, followed the work of Major North in training Indians for scouting and police work. North had a number of Pawnees at Summit Springs when Tall Bull's band was annihilated ; and as they were preparing to go into battle, they discarded Uncle Sam's uniforms, and wore only breachclouts. They painted the bodies thick with vermillion, red and black. That was their idea of how to dress for a fight.
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Clark, captain of the Second Cavalry, followed the work of Major North in training Indians for scouting and police work. North had a number of Pawnees at Summit Springs when Tall Bull's band was annihilated ; and as they were preparing to go into battle, they discarded Uncle Sam's uniforms, and wore only breachclouts. They painted the bodies thick with vermillion, red and black. That was their idea of how to dress for a fight.
In 1876, when gold was discovered in the Black Hills, it made a big rush, and with consequent irritation to the Indians. Captain Clark was established at Red Cloud Agency on White River with three hundred Indian scouts -- • Pawnee, Shoshone, Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Crow and Sioux. There were six tribes having six different vocal languages, yet thev managed to converse fluently and with ease. It was by the common sign language, and under such conditions it could not otherwise than impress one with its value and beauty.
On the march, by the camp fires, at early dawn, or just before the battle, one could see the signs, the recognition, and the perfect understanding. The sign language extended to the Assinoboines, Gros Ventres of the Prairie.
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the Bannocks, the Mandans and the Arikaries. It was the universal language of the race.
So impressed was General Sheridan with its importance that he detailed Captain Clark to prepare and submit to him a work on the silent language. This was not completed until 1881 ; too late to be of value in the wars, but of great interest and merit. Old Indian fighters and frontiersmen had, however, absorbed much of it in the earlier years, and it was of much use to them from time to time.
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It was the universal language of the race.
So impressed was General Sheridan with its importance that he detailed Captain Clark to prepare and submit to him a work on the silent language. This was not completed until 1881 ; too late to be of value in the wars, but of great interest and merit. Old Indian fighters and frontiersmen had, however, absorbed much of it in the earlier years, and it was of much use to them from time to time.
Its value lay in not only being able to communicate and receive impressions, but it checked unreliable interpreters. Sometimes, after a crooked interpreter would convey one impression, a silent sign from a friendly would tell the observer the truth.
Indians can sit for hours with only an occasional grunt, yet their hands are unweaving a tale, or they are exchanging opinions. There was a child among the Sioux, that was dumb, but she could talk fluently with her hands. Even the Zodiac was crudely exemplified in the silent language of the Indians. The Trail to the Happy Hunting Grounds was indicated by "the sign of the milky way," for the starry pathway across the sky was believed by the Indians to be the "Long, long trail." Arapahoes who fainted, and came to, said they had been along the Milky Way, and had seen the tepees and game.
THE WINDING STORY-- SAGES TALE OF ORGIES -- THE NEW DAWN
"The story winds as winds the river," and memory and history goes back along the Red Cloud Trail, when it did not bear the distinction of the common translation of the name, "Marpiya Luta." It was used, however, by the trapper and the trader, and the country of North Sioux county, then unorganized, was alive with dangers similar to those that marked the close of Indian wars.
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THE WINDING STORY-- SAGES TALE OF ORGIES -- THE NEW DAWN
"The story winds as winds the river," and memory and history goes back along the Red Cloud Trail, when it did not bear the distinction of the common translation of the name, "Marpiya Luta." It was used, however, by the trapper and the trader, and the country of North Sioux county, then unorganized, was alive with dangers similar to those that marked the close of Indian wars. The benevolent assimilation of all that the Indian possessed was in progress. The red man was drugged with the sweetened fire-water, and fought and robbed and murdered to get more.
When the Indian fought the emigrants and stages and pony express along the Great White Medicine Road, they were fighting for their own as they viewed it. The signal fires that burned at night on the hills the length of the North Platte Valley, the signal smokes that curled upward from the hills by day, the firearrows that marked lurid streaks across the dark skies of the terrible wilderness, the silence of the night, the sudden pandemonium- of sound, the whirlwind of activity, leaving death in its wake, the disappearing shadows, and then again the silence. That was the part of the Indian life that homeseekers, goldseekers, and early patriots of the west found.
But brutal commercialism found another side. Life, morality, soul, all the finer Instincts of man, were subordinated and submerged in the one great purpose of greed. The stories of Sage in Rock Mountain Travels, include events in the history of the Panhandle of Nebraska. Sage went out over the route later designated as the Red Cloud Trail, with a party of the traders, and his is a harrowing recital of the drama of life on the Running Water and White River in 1845.
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Life, morality, soul, all the finer Instincts of man, were subordinated and submerged in the one great purpose of greed. The stories of Sage in Rock Mountain Travels, include events in the history of the Panhandle of Nebraska. Sage went out over the route later designated as the Red Cloud Trail, with a party of the traders, and his is a harrowing recital of the drama of life on the Running Water and White River in 1845.
"Soon after arrival at White River, a man was sent to a nearby Indian village, with a keg of diluted rum for the purpose of trade. The Indians wanted it "as a gift on the prairie," which the trader refused. A fight ensued, and the trader and two protecting soldiers were beaten off, the former after having been dragged through the lodge fire three or four times, narrowly escaped with his life.
"The Indians then attacked and took the trading post of the American Fur Company, and robbed it of both liquor and goods."
About the same time two traders from another fur company appeared and one had liquor and the other goods to trade. The Indians were treated, and as usual, commenced to fight. In the end they attacked the other trader. He was compelled to flee, and through the friendly assistance of squaws, he managed to escape with his life. His goods were taken, and one of the Indians who had defended him, was
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
murdered, while several others suffered wounds.
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About the same time two traders from another fur company appeared and one had liquor and the other goods to trade. The Indians were treated, and as usual, commenced to fight. In the end they attacked the other trader. He was compelled to flee, and through the friendly assistance of squaws, he managed to escape with his life. His goods were taken, and one of the Indians who had defended him, was
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
murdered, while several others suffered wounds.
Not long after, Choteau's man was shot at three or four times, and one of his guards wounded. Another, while serving liquor was stabbed, and but for timely assistance would have been murdered. And still another was compelled to stand over a hot fire, nearly roasting alive, while Indians helped themselves to his stock. Two warriors entered a trader's post for a blanket. They were intoxicated and one of them was in the act of stabbing an unsuspecting clerk, when Sage caught his wrist. This trader was later, when surrounded by all his men. shot at and narrowly escaped death. And then, one night a party of Indians tried to burn his store, but the logs were too green to burn.
Sage was a partisan of the American Fur Company, and sought to enlist the interest of an old chief, by giving him a "soldier suit" to wear. Bull Eagle, another chief, was intoxicated and laughed at him. Inflamed he rushed to Sage's quarters, intending to kill "Yellow Hair," as Sage was called. He was tall, well made, and wild-eyed. Bull Eagle, in sudden anger appeared, and made a thrust at him with his knife, but the old chief caught the blade and nearly severed two of his fingers. His wife then interfered, but twenty of the partisans fought it out, while the white people stood around observing neutrality.
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Bull Eagle, another chief, was intoxicated and laughed at him. Inflamed he rushed to Sage's quarters, intending to kill "Yellow Hair," as Sage was called. He was tall, well made, and wild-eyed. Bull Eagle, in sudden anger appeared, and made a thrust at him with his knife, but the old chief caught the blade and nearly severed two of his fingers. His wife then interfered, but twenty of the partisans fought it out, while the white people stood around observing neutrality. Two were killed and others hurt. Two hours later the chief re-appeared and apologized and he and Sage became famous friends.
Sage also tells of a grand jollification at Fort Laramie, that "rivalled Bedlam and the Council Chamber beyond the Styx. Yelling, screeching, firing, shouting, fighting, swearing and such interesting performances were kept up without intermission, and there was no repose." Liquor sold for four dollars a pint. Men and women ran from lodge to lodge with vessels containing liquor. Susa-ceicha fell from his horse, while riding between Fort Platte and Fort John, and broke his neck. Low Bow, his son. preached a sermon, calling on "Wakan-tunga" the Great Spirit for help. All the Indians" cried like children, and the whites helped prepare a burial scaffold.
After all the chaos of early years, we wonder that there is anything left of the red men ; but time and another generation accomplish marvelous changes. There was a change in the few years that followed the visit of Sage. It was effervescing at that time.
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Low Bow, his son. preached a sermon, calling on "Wakan-tunga" the Great Spirit for help. All the Indians" cried like children, and the whites helped prepare a burial scaffold.
After all the chaos of early years, we wonder that there is anything left of the red men ; but time and another generation accomplish marvelous changes. There was a change in the few years that followed the visit of Sage. It was effervescing at that time.
When he and his friends built their cabin by the curiously shaped rocks on White river, then called "the Devil's Teapot," they encountered a nest of thirty-six torpid rattlesnakes. They heated water and scalded them to death in the presence of several Indians. This unusual proceeding struck the Indians with apprehension, as they had a sort of reverence for the serpent. For Standing Bear, the chief, it was the slaying of the dragons. It broke the chains of a mentality, theretofore bound down by custom and precedent.
Sometime later, an Indian stole Sage's bed, and while he was looking for it, the noble red man was trading it for liquor. Standing Bear apprehended the culprit, took his bows and arrows. He broke and shot away the arrows and broke and burned the bows, and then he sent the victim, dubbed a squaw, t> his tent, bellowing like a calf.
In the soul of Standing Bear, the "new day" was breaking. And the highly intelligent Indian, the farmer and the cattle raiser of the Pine Ridge, may some day know that the destruction of the serpents in White river, started the new thought, which, when the fires of the fourteen years of war burned out, left his race a new people, and his tribe with new ideals, and a destiny in common with the progress of the years.
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In the soul of Standing Bear, the "new day" was breaking. And the highly intelligent Indian, the farmer and the cattle raiser of the Pine Ridge, may some day know that the destruction of the serpents in White river, started the new thought, which, when the fires of the fourteen years of war burned out, left his race a new people, and his tribe with new ideals, and a destiny in common with the progress of the years.
There was another Indian born in the years too soon. That little brown maiden who in the early years dabbled her feet in the cool waters of Spotted Tail springs, and played in the nearby sands ; who looked up roguishly at the first white men. and who wiggled her shapely toes under the edge of her brightly colored calico gown, when white folks stopped to look at her.
Ah-ho-ap-pa (White Flower), the daughter of the chief Spotted Tail, in her first vision of budding womanhood, wanted to marry a particular white man, and finding this was impossible she was content to be nearby. Then she wanted her people to settle down, and live in houses like white people. She did not want them to be at war with the white race, and through all the years of the last great conflagration she suffered, and plead for the cause of peace.
To cure her infatuation for an officer at Fort Laramie, Spotted Tail took her over to the far Powder river. Here she pined away and died, the doctors said of tuberculosis, but the soul of White Flower has never died. "The dawn" for the new Indian race was breaking. and had she lived, she could have seen her daughters graduating at Carlisle, and teaching the younger Indians on (he Pine Ridge hills.
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She did not want them to be at war with the white race, and through all the years of the last great conflagration she suffered, and plead for the cause of peace.
To cure her infatuation for an officer at Fort Laramie, Spotted Tail took her over to the far Powder river. Here she pined away and died, the doctors said of tuberculosis, but the soul of White Flower has never died. "The dawn" for the new Indian race was breaking. and had she lived, she could have seen her daughters graduating at Carlisle, and teaching the younger Indians on (he Pine Ridge hills. But how "could she know what the generations would bring forth? She who stood almost alone in the vears of awful strife. Could her
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
fancy paint the daughters of her tribe, in modish garments of silk and hig-heeled shoes, as now we see them occasionally walking in the thoroughfares of Alliance, Chadron, Crawford, Gordon and Rushville?
She had asked to be buried at Fort Laramie, where she would always be near the white people, whom she idolized, and they swung her body between two ponies, and carried it thus two hundred miles to the river. They wrapped her body in beautifully dressed deer skins, and out north of the present ruin that was once the post hospital, they erected a scaffold, for her burying place. The soldiers helped to erect the scaffold, they went out to meet the burial
pageant, and over her resting place they fired the burial salute. . Her favorite white horse was killed and its head and tail fastened to the scaffold, that she might ride to the Happy Hunting Grounds.
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They wrapped her body in beautifully dressed deer skins, and out north of the present ruin that was once the post hospital, they erected a scaffold, for her burying place. The soldiers helped to erect the scaffold, they went out to meet the burial
pageant, and over her resting place they fired the burial salute. . Her favorite white horse was killed and its head and tail fastened to the scaffold, that she might ride to the Happy Hunting Grounds.
Not only in the Mists of the Hereafter does White Flower live. The new Indian girls see the embodiment of her far-off vision in the present progress of her people. While Indian boys of the second and third generations after the intellectual liberation of Standing Bear, accept the standard of our civilization, and join in the universal sentiment of 'America, advance."
PART III
WHEN CATTLE MEN WERE KINGS
WHEN CATTLE MEN WERE KINGS
The passing of the Indian menace in western Nebraska, brought into prominence its capacity as a range. True, before that, it had been brought to the attention of freighters, and "the builders" who had their herds of oxen, commonly called "bull herds," in the land about us.
From every source available we have thought to make this part of the story of the development of the high plains, complete, there being no authentic record. Only fragmentary incidents here and there, that have fiction and inaccuracy as a basis or for filling, it gives but little idea of the magnitude of the business. Naturally from the broken stories -- the material at hand -- this part will be broken and rambling, like the life of the nomadic cowboys-- here today and there tomorrow.
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From every source available we have thought to make this part of the story of the development of the high plains, complete, there being no authentic record. Only fragmentary incidents here and there, that have fiction and inaccuracy as a basis or for filling, it gives but little idea of the magnitude of the business. Naturally from the broken stories -- the material at hand -- this part will be broken and rambling, like the life of the nomadic cowboys-- here today and there tomorrow.
Some writers have said, that sometimes, these plains and these times will furnish the basis for a novel that will sweep popular fiction like a prairie fire. A few have undertaken to fulfill the prophecy.
Mrs. E. Joy Johnson, in "The Foreman of J-A-Six" has brought out some of the proper coloring, and has taken for her characters real persons. Very naturally, those whom she admired occupied the prominent place in her story and the novelist idea creeps in, regardless of the best efforts to keep it out.
William R. Lighten in his "Billy Fortune" series, has delineated the character of many of the range people correctly, although his stories were not pretended to be history. There are others who have attempted to portray the cowboy character, which have brought out the grosser of exaggerated types.
I find particular objection to the stories that picture the man of the range, on a dance floor with his "chaps" on, or wearing a hat or spurs
or gun. When such are given, it shows the ignorance of the writer. He never saw a cowboy dance, but has been at some low joint called a "dance hall" where "four-flushers" and tinhorn gamblers congregate ; a place that would not exist if the cowboys were the only patrons.
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I find particular objection to the stories that picture the man of the range, on a dance floor with his "chaps" on, or wearing a hat or spurs
or gun. When such are given, it shows the ignorance of the writer. He never saw a cowboy dance, but has been at some low joint called a "dance hall" where "four-flushers" and tinhorn gamblers congregate ; a place that would not exist if the cowboys were the only patrons.
The history, the incidents here related, come to me from years of association with old set-
\r "Signal Buttes"
tiers, cowmen particularly and from the most authentic sources available. They will come as near to a chronicle of the facts as will probably ever be written, for I have made considerable effort that it be true to the epoch that followed the Indian wars.
Among those who have contributed by letter, story, word or book, to that which I include, are William A. Paxton, John A. Creighton, John A. McShane, Tohn Bratt, Major Walker, W. F. Cody. A. B. Hall. I I. Mcintosh, Colin Hunter, Colonel Pratt. Mark M. Coad, Bartlett Richards. W. I. Kelly, Henry T. Clarke, S. J. Robb. John 'Wright'. Charles H. McDonald, and a score of others now that
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
have taken the "long, long trail," to Other Ranges.
And from those living, (1919), Frank and Jess Yoder, H. V. Redington, R. U. Vantassel, John Adams, Charles F. Coffee, John Hunton, Granville Tinnen, Joe Wilde, Eugene A. Hall, Perry Braziel, Robert Graham, Charles Nelson, Runey C. Campbell, Robert Harvey, Colonel Joe Atkins, L. J. Wyman, Morrill Wy-
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J. Robb. John 'Wright'. Charles H. McDonald, and a score of others now that
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
have taken the "long, long trail," to Other Ranges.
And from those living, (1919), Frank and Jess Yoder, H. V. Redington, R. U. Vantassel, John Adams, Charles F. Coffee, John Hunton, Granville Tinnen, Joe Wilde, Eugene A. Hall, Perry Braziel, Robert Graham, Charles Nelson, Runey C. Campbell, Robert Harvey, Colonel Joe Atkins, L. J. Wyman, Morrill Wy-
We drove our car to his very door, and as the rain had begun to fall it was suggested that we drive it upon his porch, which is a prodigious affair. It extends three hundred and fifty feet in length and sixteen feet wide along the length of his "residence," and the balcony floor forms the roof of the lower porch and is itself covered, and extends the full length and breadth of the lower porch.
'Branding Calves"
man. Ark (Henry county) Hughes, W. F. Connoly, Tom Snow, Dan McUlvane, Tom Powers, W. L. Wallace, Charlie Foster, Captain Cook, S. P. DeLatour, J. W. Harper, A. S. Neuman, W. F. Gumaer, Billy King, Harry Hynds, John Evans, Tom Hughes, and dozens of other of the old guard have come the stories of the time when the Panhandle of Nebraska was one vast pasture where roamed the long horns, and where wild horses and the bronchos ran free in the western wind.
In the new mode of travel, the motor car, I have gone many miles to find the man or the setting.
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Neuman, W. F. Gumaer, Billy King, Harry Hynds, John Evans, Tom Hughes, and dozens of other of the old guard have come the stories of the time when the Panhandle of Nebraska was one vast pasture where roamed the long horns, and where wild horses and the bronchos ran free in the western wind.
In the new mode of travel, the motor car, I have gone many miles to find the man or the setting.
Some time ago we (Mrs. Shumway and I) were at Fort Laramie to see John Hunton and Joe Wilde, who were the early settlers. First we called on Wilde.
We were hospitably entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Wilde, who for over forty years lived at Fort Laramie, and this, their dwelling, is a purchase from the United States, it being formerly the soldiers' quarters. Wilde had it worked over a little and has about half of the lower story for his dwelling and office and for feeding the travellers and others who may be journeying thence and onward. In the upper story about fifty rooms have been fitted out for the accommodation of the public, and the other half of the upper story is one immense hall with oak floors used by the people of the country wide as a meeting and dance hall. It is one hundred and seventy-five feet long and twenty-four in width.
Around about this building the barren severity of soldier's quarters has been changed into
fs Resting and Playing Mumblebeg.
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In the upper story about fifty rooms have been fitted out for the accommodation of the public, and the other half of the upper story is one immense hall with oak floors used by the people of the country wide as a meeting and dance hall. It is one hundred and seventy-five feet long and twenty-four in width.
Around about this building the barren severity of soldier's quarters has been changed into
fs Resting and Playing Mumblebeg.
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a wilderness of green, and a bower of trees, all planted by the busy hands of Mr. and Mrs. Wilde, since the departure of the soldiers, and in the foreground stood the host, his irrigation shovel in his hand, and his wife, whose sturdy German intelligence complemented that of her husband in the building of this part of the west.
Back of the home, upon a hill, there stood a ruin of apparently medieval architecture. Once it was the hospital, where soldier and civilian went, or were taken, in the days when roughing it meant occasionally broken limbs and bullet wounds. It was not uncommon in those early days of rough men for quick retort and challenge and resort to arms. And many a man was buried in the cemetery with "boots on" to lie in unmarked graves.
To the west and south of an oblong square formerly used for parade grounds, stands what is left of the officers quarters, which were excellent, well-built domiciles, and in the midst of them is "Bedlam." This interesting structure obtained its name from the scenes enacted therein by the rough soldiery of early years.
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It was not uncommon in those early days of rough men for quick retort and challenge and resort to arms. And many a man was buried in the cemetery with "boots on" to lie in unmarked graves.
To the west and south of an oblong square formerly used for parade grounds, stands what is left of the officers quarters, which were excellent, well-built domiciles, and in the midst of them is "Bedlam." This interesting structure obtained its name from the scenes enacted therein by the rough soldiery of early years.
Two doors north of "Bedlam" now (1919) lives John Hunton, whose word is accepted as final in things pertaining to early history. From him I obtained some interesting facts concerning the beginning of the cow business in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming.
In the early sixties a freighter lost some of his oxen, and he did not find them until the following spring. In some miraculous manner • they had escaped the Indians, and their excellent condition awoke in the mind of many the same thought, that cattle could be wintered without care, and that the grasses must be very nutritious. Then and thereafter the freighters decided to take a chance. The larger outfits, the Creightons, the Coads, and a few others, established "ranches" or a headquarters for a few caretakers, who were to look after the "bull herds," during the winter months.
Bull canyon, in western Banner county, is
one of these wintering places. Another point was on Cedar creek and Smith's lurk, near Mud Springs. In Carter canyon is the ruins of another of the old camps, and there were many others. The hazards were considerable, but if they escaped the Indian raids, they came through the winter in fine shape.
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The larger outfits, the Creightons, the Coads, and a few others, established "ranches" or a headquarters for a few caretakers, who were to look after the "bull herds," during the winter months.
Bull canyon, in western Banner county, is
one of these wintering places. Another point was on Cedar creek and Smith's lurk, near Mud Springs. In Carter canyon is the ruins of another of the old camps, and there were many others. The hazards were considerable, but if they escaped the Indian raids, they came through the winter in fine shape.
R. Proust, Sr.
As much of the work at that time was government freighting, the government eventually made good the losses occasioned by the Indians.
Old Bordeaux, who in 1847, looked after the business of the American Fur Company at Fort Laramie, had accumulated a few old cows, maybe a dozen or so, by 1866, and they were kept about eight miles down the river at Bordeaux place. Nick Genice had a similar bunch on Deer creek about four miles south of the fort.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
STAGE STATION RANCHES -- NAMING FORT MITCHELL ON THE NORTH PLATTE RIVER
FIRST RANCHES
Jules Beni, of early fame, once had a "ranch," on the south side of the South Platte about a mile from the mouth of the Lodgepole creek, and as early as sixty-four this ranch, which was nothing but a trading post, where occasionally a lame ox was left to recuperate, had (like other similar places) been abandoned.
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HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
STAGE STATION RANCHES -- NAMING FORT MITCHELL ON THE NORTH PLATTE RIVER
FIRST RANCHES
Jules Beni, of early fame, once had a "ranch," on the south side of the South Platte about a mile from the mouth of the Lodgepole creek, and as early as sixty-four this ranch, which was nothing but a trading post, where occasionally a lame ox was left to recuperate, had (like other similar places) been abandoned.
Jock Morrow had such a place near North Platte, and there were a number of trader stations called ranches, where the foot worn oxen were left, and those that had rested were taken by travellers at a good increase of price over the amounts paid for them.
Ben Holliday, the big man of the Overland Stage, appropriated the site of "Jules Ranch," and had built extensive barns. He called it "Julesburg Station." It was several miles up the river and on the other side, from the present town of Julesburg. As was common, he had the place fortified. He, Holliday, obtained his wood supply from Jack Morrow's canyon.
Ware tells us that there were two crossings of the Platte at Old Julesburg, one almost opposite the station and curving up the stream to a point about a half mile above the entrance, and the other several miles farther west. After crossing the Platte, these two routes continued up the Lodgepole on opposite sides for a number of miles. The lower was called the "California crossing," and the upper the "Mormon crossing."
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He, Holliday, obtained his wood supply from Jack Morrow's canyon.
Ware tells us that there were two crossings of the Platte at Old Julesburg, one almost opposite the station and curving up the stream to a point about a half mile above the entrance, and the other several miles farther west. After crossing the Platte, these two routes continued up the Lodgepole on opposite sides for a number of miles. The lower was called the "California crossing," and the upper the "Mormon crossing."
In the autumn of 1864, sod structures were built one mile west of "old Julesburg" and in the spring of 1865, Fort Sedgwick came into being, a military post of the United States having been established there.
General Mitchell, for whom Fort Mitchell came to be named, Camp Shuman being changed to that name, was in charge of the western military forces at the time, and the prairies were unusually good for pasturage. The Indians took advantage of the fact and did not go to the south as usual in the winter. Consequently, General Mitchell determined to drive them south so that they would cease their murdering and depredations along the Overland and Denver trails. On the evening of January 27, 1865, he set out prairie fires, simultaneously all the way from Fort Kearney to Denver. There was a brisk north wind blowing, and it "sure" was one sight to see the sheet of flame three hundred miles long, sweeping over the
table lands to the south, leaving blackness and desolation in its wake.
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Consequently, General Mitchell determined to drive them south so that they would cease their murdering and depredations along the Overland and Denver trails. On the evening of January 27, 1865, he set out prairie fires, simultaneously all the way from Fort Kearney to Denver. There was a brisk north wind blowing, and it "sure" was one sight to see the sheet of flame three hundred miles long, sweeping over the
table lands to the south, leaving blackness and desolation in its wake.
The effect of this was to drive the Indians north of the Platte, and the Indians from the south were soon joining them, and making life a hazard of great interest to the people of this section.
Early in February, they drove off some of Creightoirs fat work cattle from the head of Rush creek, and feasted upon them.
J. F. Coad had the contract for hauling wood for Fort Sedgwick from the wood reserve on Lawrence fork, and had difficulty with them also.
These adventures with the oldest of our cattlemen are related elsewhere, but it had the effect of the establishment of the very first of all the permanent ranches in this part of the west ; namely, the Creighton ranch on the Laramie Plains.
One of the oldest of the ranches to actually engage in raising cattle as a business is the Tracy ranch at Pine Bluffs. Mr. Tracy came to the country as early as 1867, and he cut cordwood in the Pine Bluff hills which he sold to the Union Pacific. This railroad was just then penetrating into the western part of Nebraska and they used, handled and sold large quantities of wood. Tracy had one pile of a hundred cords or more, cut in the winter of 1867, or the spring of 1868, waiting for the* acceptance of the company.
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Tracy came to the country as early as 1867, and he cut cordwood in the Pine Bluff hills which he sold to the Union Pacific. This railroad was just then penetrating into the western part of Nebraska and they used, handled and sold large quantities of wood. Tracy had one pile of a hundred cords or more, cut in the winter of 1867, or the spring of 1868, waiting for the* acceptance of the company. In this the government had an interest, and it was cut from government land. The Indians came upon it one day, and burned it completely. The government court of claims paid the loss in full to Mr. Tracy.
Tracy graduated from wood cutting into ranching in the late sixties, and put in a small herd of cows and heifers, and from that developed into reasonably large proportions. He was not so important as to size, however, as were the Texas herds that began to arrive about that time, or the bonanza cattle outfits that later took over his ranch with the others.
During his life at Pine Bluffs he had many interesting experiences and Indian troubles, and it was one of his "herdsman" referred to by Captain Charles King in his story of "Trumpeter Fred'."
John Hunton is authority for the statement that the first real cow business in the vicinity of Fort Laramie was when Benjamin Buckley
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Mills ( Buck Mills), a Kentuckian, brought two hundred and fifty short horn cows from southern Iowa and northern Missouri in October, 186S. These he located on the Laramie river about three miles up that stream from the position occupied by the old fort. This initiation stirred others to activity.
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John Hunton is authority for the statement that the first real cow business in the vicinity of Fort Laramie was when Benjamin Buckley
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Mills ( Buck Mills), a Kentuckian, brought two hundred and fifty short horn cows from southern Iowa and northern Missouri in October, 186S. These he located on the Laramie river about three miles up that stream from the position occupied by the old fort. This initiation stirred others to activity.
Colonel Bullock, who had been a post trader at the fort was early to see and follow tht lead of Mr. Mills. He went to eastern Kansas and western Missouri, and accumulated two hundred and fifty good shorthorn grades in cows, and drove them through, arriving at Fort Laramie late in the Spring of 1869. He picked out for his ranch location, Bordeaux place, about ten miles down the Platte river from Fort Laramie, and purchased the embryo herd that Bordeaux already had upon the ground.
John Hunton is a veteran of Fort Laramie, the Dean is perhaps the right word, for he is a man of wide knowledge and information. In 1867, he came to the fort and went to work for the Post-trader Seth E. Ward. Ward was succeeded by G. H. and J. Collins, who retained Hunton for several years.
J, F. Coad, the government wood contractor" up to 1872, yielded to Hunton, the contract for Fort Laramie, which Hunton held for ten years.
Hunton began to see something in ranching when the larger herds commenced to arrive, and he located a ranch about four miles up the river, and began to accumulate cattle. This he continued during the period he was supplying wood for the fort. His ranch is a short distance above the fort, being about two miles up the Laramie from the crossing of the new government canal.
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Coad, the government wood contractor" up to 1872, yielded to Hunton, the contract for Fort Laramie, which Hunton held for ten years.
Hunton began to see something in ranching when the larger herds commenced to arrive, and he located a ranch about four miles up the river, and began to accumulate cattle. This he continued during the period he was supplying wood for the fort. His ranch is a short distance above the fort, being about two miles up the Laramie from the crossing of the new government canal.
The contract for wood supply was very profitable. Dan McUlvane with five outfits was employed by Hunton to assist. He received five dollars per cord and could haul twenty cords per day, making twenty dollars per day for each man and wagon. Dan told
me a short time ago, even at the price, he failed to lay up very much, until he went into the cow1 business, and the cows and increase grew into money.
In the year 1871, Dan McUlvane, now (1919) living in Cheyenne, and until recently interested in the big "Hereford Ranch," at that place, went to western Missouri and eastern Kansas and secured about two hundred and fifty young shorthorn cows, which he drove through and established his ranch, on the Chugwater, about twenty miles southwest of Fort Laramie. He crossed the Kaw river on pontoon bridges and drove his herd through the streets of Topeka, when it was but a village.
These were among the first of the ranchers west of the junction of the Platte rivers. This magnificent cow country which lies west of the forks of the Platte, and east of Fort Laramie, soon was filled with great herds. The first herds were gathered about the places protected by forts, no doubt for that very reason.
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He crossed the Kaw river on pontoon bridges and drove his herd through the streets of Topeka, when it was but a village.
These were among the first of the ranchers west of the junction of the Platte rivers. This magnificent cow country which lies west of the forks of the Platte, and east of Fort Laramie, soon was filled with great herds. The first herds were gathered about the places protected by forts, no doubt for that very reason.
Phil and Jim Dater, who helped to blaze the Texas trail brought their cattle up from the south in 1872, and established the 66 brand on the north side of Sixty-six mountain. This brand, and the location of the Sixty-six ranch, has given rise to many mistakes in early tradition. Some have said that the brand indicated the year of the starting of the business there, and others tell us that the brand is what named the mountain. John Hunton would not be sure about that, but he thought the mountain was unnamed pior to the locating of the 66 brand. However, a number of old timers, namely: D. McUlvane, Colin Hunter, H. M. Ingraham, and others have said that the mountain was named before the Daters appeared in this country. The thrilling events that led to the naming of mountain forms another chapter in the history of the west. It was one of the strangest mysteries, and unwritten events in all the chronology of western Nebraska.
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John Hunton would not be sure about that, but he thought the mountain was unnamed pior to the locating of the 66 brand. However, a number of old timers, namely: D. McUlvane, Colin Hunter, H. M. Ingraham, and others have said that the mountain was named before the Daters appeared in this country. The thrilling events that led to the naming of mountain forms another chapter in the history of the west. It was one of the strangest mysteries, and unwritten events in all the chronology of western Nebraska.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
THE CATTLE OF SIXTY-SIX .MOUNTAIN
The death of M. Goshe in his cabin on Cherry creek, of Jacques Laramie on the Laramie river, of Gonneville on Pumpkin creek, of Hiram Scott on Scotts Bluff (mountain), of Ruleau in the Wild Cat range, of Creel in his famous Bull canyon, are tragedies that marked the territory around about Sixty-six mountain, as one of danger and death, long before the mountain was named. A spot upon the map of the world when conflict and homicide seemed inevitable and frequent. It was shunned by the trappers of old, except the most ventursome, and such as dared its reputation, almost invariably perished in the wilderness.
The fame of the mountain does not extend far across the wide reaches of western prairie, except along the Texas trail, where from the Panhandle of the Lone Star state to Assinnaboine, the cow-punchers knew of the Daters and the famous Sixty-six brand.
Only a few have heard of the battle of Sixty-six mountain, and most of the early ranchmen assume that the cattle brand brought into use the name. Phil and Jim Dater, however, who came up the trail in 1872, and established the ranch, adopted the brand because the mountain already bore the name.
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The fame of the mountain does not extend far across the wide reaches of western prairie, except along the Texas trail, where from the Panhandle of the Lone Star state to Assinnaboine, the cow-punchers knew of the Daters and the famous Sixty-six brand.
Only a few have heard of the battle of Sixty-six mountain, and most of the early ranchmen assume that the cattle brand brought into use the name. Phil and Jim Dater, however, who came up the trail in 1872, and established the ranch, adopted the brand because the mountain already bore the name. There is as much confusion of opinions as to the origin of the name, as there is mystery connected with the events that are here related.
Several years befor Ed. Stemler came into the west, Eugene Ware made the discovery of an abandoned wagon train, near Trapper's rock, a score or more of miles up the Lodgepole, west from old Fort Sedgwick. Yet, it remained for Ed. Stemler to clear up the mystery of the wagon train, and to provide the only story of the battle of Sixty-six mountain, and which also gives an index to the naming of the mountain. The mystery of it is that Ed. connected up with these people, and that he lived and experienced events that transpired many years before he had come into the west. About the silence of the wagons, and about the solitude of Sixty-Six mountain, there is wrapped one of the great tragedies of the west ; and one person only can tell that story in all its graphic details. It forms one of the most interesting unwritten chapters of adventure, and frightful consequence, that has ever painted red spots on the frontier.
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The mystery of it is that Ed. connected up with these people, and that he lived and experienced events that transpired many years before he had come into the west. About the silence of the wagons, and about the solitude of Sixty-Six mountain, there is wrapped one of the great tragedies of the west ; and one person only can tell that story in all its graphic details. It forms one of the most interesting unwritten chapters of adventure, and frightful consequence, that has ever painted red spots on the frontier.
The story begins on the banks of the Ohio, where lived an orphan boy, a little fellow whose father and mother were gone. He ran about
and played, and made boon companions of trees and flowers, of dogs and cats, of bees and butterfles. Children who have not the things that other children have, things that are necessary to childlife, will conjure them from the elements at hand : -- "make believe people," identities created from the animate and inanimate creatures about them.
The woods, the brook, the river bank with its myriad life, became his friends. But, one day they missed him from the familiar haunts, and for many days thereafter. The lady slipper, that rare wild flower, grew unplucked beside the trails that he had made. The people interested in him, his relatives, had many children of their own ; he was as a fifth wheel to a wagon, and they thought that he might make a place for himself in the west. So, at the age of fifteen or sixteen years, they sent him out to the far wilderness of Cheyenne, "to find work upon a ranch."
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The lady slipper, that rare wild flower, grew unplucked beside the trails that he had made. The people interested in him, his relatives, had many children of their own ; he was as a fifth wheel to a wagon, and they thought that he might make a place for himself in the west. So, at the age of fifteen or sixteen years, they sent him out to the far wilderness of Cheyenne, "to find work upon a ranch."
By way of Denver, he reached Cheyenne in the middle of a dark and stormy night. He had no money, and his sole possession aside from the clothes he wore, was an old horse pistol which his uncle had given him, and who said at the time that he "might need it to fight Indians."
He crawled underneath the wooden platform that then served at the Union Pacific depot, and indulged in fitful slunlber until dawn. Then he sought for a pawn shop, that he might get rid of his antiquated gun to furnish money for food. He also sought at the restaurants, and offered to leave the gun as security for his breakfast. One of the old night women of Cheyenne, straggling along in the grey dawn of morning, saw him, and bought him his breakfast. Her motherly intuition had sensed his needs, and her ragged heart had pulsed for the moment with the eternal sensibility of charity. Thus even in the lowly and the sinful, the spark of eternity ever shines.
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He also sought at the restaurants, and offered to leave the gun as security for his breakfast. One of the old night women of Cheyenne, straggling along in the grey dawn of morning, saw him, and bought him his breakfast. Her motherly intuition had sensed his needs, and her ragged heart had pulsed for the moment with the eternal sensibility of charity. Thus even in the lowly and the sinful, the spark of eternity ever shines.
A Black Hills freighter hired the tenderfoot, being in need of a man to drive a trail wagon. So, that freighting, and untangling a string of obstinate miles, was his initiation into the west ; from which interesting and engaging pastime, he graduated into his original purpose of "working upon a ranch."
That was more than two score years ago, and the prairies north of Cheyenne, was where he kept lonely vigils, caring for, and moving the cattle from place to place. It was monoton-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ous labor, and he longed for the woods, and the woodland companions on the banks of the Ohio. The bees and the butterflies were calling him.
The lone environment, the solitude of the prairies, are enough to try the intellects of mature people, and there is graver danger for the young. Out of the high tablelands, the mirage makes everything seem so unreal. Lakes where lakes are not, trees where the trees have never grown, inverted cities on the sky, mountains lifting themselves suddenly from the plain, to sink back again at one's approach.
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The bees and the butterflies were calling him.
The lone environment, the solitude of the prairies, are enough to try the intellects of mature people, and there is graver danger for the young. Out of the high tablelands, the mirage makes everything seem so unreal. Lakes where lakes are not, trees where the trees have never grown, inverted cities on the sky, mountains lifting themselves suddenly from the plain, to sink back again at one's approach.
No wonder lone herdsmen and lonely settlers became insane ; no wonder they build small habitations on the summits of hills or mountains where the "desert devils" find it difficult to reach ; no wonder that many of the herdsmen on reaching frontier-towns stand about and count the people, the vehicles, the trees, and watch the wheels go around ; or else take to drink, for the queer things of drunkenness are more substantial than desert things.
A "touch of the prairie," is madness incipient, and unless relief comes in some exciting diversion, or in the rush of tears, the victim will perish in the wilderness, or come wandering into the edges of civilization in a sort of driviling lunacy that may be permanent.
The writer remembers well his own experiences in Goshe's Holes, now called Goshen Park, where the goblins of the desert led him from place to place, without food or water, until he felt almost as etherial and wisplike as the most immaterial of them. Whether it was by accident or otherwise, Joe Wilde, the well known veteran of Fort Laramie, found me, and piloted me. to the safety of his home.
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A "touch of the prairie," is madness incipient, and unless relief comes in some exciting diversion, or in the rush of tears, the victim will perish in the wilderness, or come wandering into the edges of civilization in a sort of driviling lunacy that may be permanent.
The writer remembers well his own experiences in Goshe's Holes, now called Goshen Park, where the goblins of the desert led him from place to place, without food or water, until he felt almost as etherial and wisplike as the most immaterial of them. Whether it was by accident or otherwise, Joe Wilde, the well known veteran of Fort Laramie, found me, and piloted me. to the safety of his home.
And I can sympathize with Ed Stemler, the Buckeye boy, who, when alone in the wilderness, would seek the highest points of land, and look as far back east as his eyes could reach, and where he would bawl his heart out with a terrible, terrifying grief, with no witnesses save the brassy, unresponsive sky. Except for the clinging clay, he would tear away through the miles of intervening space to the hills that nourished him. When the tempest of his homesickness passed and the frame shook spasmodically with subsiding sobs, he would return to the duties of the range.
By and by, the prairies began to look different, he began to make friends with the cattle he tended, the horses he rode, and other life of the plains.
Nomadic red men drifted by at intervals and he had no fear of them. Like Fiddler Campbell, he found heartease in the music of
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When the tempest of his homesickness passed and the frame shook spasmodically with subsiding sobs, he would return to the duties of the range.
By and by, the prairies began to look different, he began to make friends with the cattle he tended, the horses he rode, and other life of the plains.
Nomadic red men drifted by at intervals and he had no fear of them. Like Fiddler Campbell, he found heartease in the music of
his violin. Astride his horse, without instruction, he learned to ply the bow with his left hand, while with his right he held the instrument upside down, its drum upon the saddle horn, and its neck extending upwards. In the later days, at the round-up and granger dances, he held the inverted fiddle upon his knees and the music was good.
A Mrs. Stickney, a writer of some note, once visited La Grange, and later published an accurate descriptive story of a round-up dance. The stories of Emerson Hough, in which he describes cowboys dancing in chaps and with spurs jingling, is purely fiction, and Mrs. Stickney did not yield to such impulses to ranmble and exaggerate. But she did describe the violinist as a "bow-legged, left-handed, red-headed and freckle-faced fiddler, who played with the violin standing on its head."
If one recognizes anyone from this description, perhaps one best be as circumspect as was Mrs. Stickney, and mention no name, for though now a grizzled veteran of the prairies, the described can clip the ears of a coyote at a distance of one hundred yards with his old forty-five, or a much greater distance with his new forty-thirty.
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But she did describe the violinist as a "bow-legged, left-handed, red-headed and freckle-faced fiddler, who played with the violin standing on its head."
If one recognizes anyone from this description, perhaps one best be as circumspect as was Mrs. Stickney, and mention no name, for though now a grizzled veteran of the prairies, the described can clip the ears of a coyote at a distance of one hundred yards with his old forty-five, or a much greater distance with his new forty-thirty.
Ed. Stemler, in his long years on the prairies, has had his little fights and his one great battle. In 1888, I "met up" with him at a roundup dance, and although intimately acquainted, I have never heard him relate of his adventures, nor whisper of the great battle of Sixty-six mountain.
Only recently did this story come to me, in the quiet undertone of an old plainsman, who sat in my office and related it, in the subdued tone of conversation that comes of long hours alone, when one talks much to one's self, for the companionship of a human voice, or in speaking soothingly to cattle when night riding about a herd -- 'so not to startle them -- for wild cattle always seem ready to stampede. I had heard of it before, but had never heard the story in its entirety until the side partner of "Shanghai" Pierce, dropped a few words that put me on the trail.
It was after the Union Pacific was builded, and the old Overland trails were falling into disuse, that Ed. Stemler came into the west, and the summit of Sixty-six mountain knew his homesick .grief and loneliness. Likewise the summits of Wild Cat mountain, of Big Horn and Bear mountains, and the High Divide of Flowerfield, or the Lone Pine eminence near the head of Lawrence fork.
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I had heard of it before, but had never heard the story in its entirety until the side partner of "Shanghai" Pierce, dropped a few words that put me on the trail.
It was after the Union Pacific was builded, and the old Overland trails were falling into disuse, that Ed. Stemler came into the west, and the summit of Sixty-six mountain knew his homesick .grief and loneliness. Likewise the summits of Wild Cat mountain, of Big Horn and Bear mountains, and the High Divide of Flowerfield, or the Lone Pine eminence near the head of Lawrence fork.
One day he left his herds on the Flowerfield Swell and started for Ohio. He was riding down the Lodgepole when he came upon the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
deserted wagons. The mystery of them appealed to him, and for the balance of the day, he rummaged in the chests found in the wagons. He handled the harnesses and rattled the chains. Night came on and after dark, the Shadows. The People came back to the wagons.
He walked among them, glad to companionship, and he heard their story :
They were a party of emigrants, and had left Julesburg several days previously; the grasses of the Lodgepole valley were so alluring to them and their worn stock, that when they reached the point where the Jules Cutoff left the valley for the table-lands, they were reluctant to follow the continental thoroughfare.
So, up the Lodgepole valley they continued for several miles. Here amidst luxurious grasses they formed the regular corral of their wagons by drawing them to a circle, and the stock was turned loose to graze.
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They were a party of emigrants, and had left Julesburg several days previously; the grasses of the Lodgepole valley were so alluring to them and their worn stock, that when they reached the point where the Jules Cutoff left the valley for the table-lands, they were reluctant to follow the continental thoroughfare.
So, up the Lodgepole valley they continued for several miles. Here amidst luxurious grasses they formed the regular corral of their wagons by drawing them to a circle, and the stock was turned loose to graze.
Early in the evening the wolves appeared howling about them in great numbers, and they wished their horses were safely within the enclosure. The campers were unable to determine certainly whether the cries were actually those of marauding wild beasts or Indians imitating them. If beasts, they should stay to their fires, if Indians, they should take to the shadows. A clatter of hoofs told that the horses had stampeded to the west. The howling continued about the camp, but in diminished volume until nearly dawn.
In the morning the emigrants on foot started upon the trail. The women and children, hardy and strong, joined, rather than be left behind, at the mercy of any nomadic band that might come prowling about.
The trail of the runaway horses took the emigrants to the head of "Lorren's Fork," then to the springs in the hills bordering Gonneville or Pumpkin creek. Now they had come back, but were going again. Abandoning his purpose of going to Ohio, the lone herdsman hereafter journeyed with them, showing them the way to Fort Laramie. He knew the route, the watering places, and the passes in the hills. They left the wagons where they stood.
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The trail of the runaway horses took the emigrants to the head of "Lorren's Fork," then to the springs in the hills bordering Gonneville or Pumpkin creek. Now they had come back, but were going again. Abandoning his purpose of going to Ohio, the lone herdsman hereafter journeyed with them, showing them the way to Fort Laramie. He knew the route, the watering places, and the passes in the hills. They left the wagons where they stood.
At the head of Pumpkin creek valley, on the west line of the state, a part in Nebraska, and a larger part in Wyoming, stands an eminence. Its summit is six miles long east and west. It is five hundred feet above surrounding plains, and five thousand feet above the sea. Its rugged slopes and base cover fifteen or twenty sections of land.
When the granger came, it was called Sixtysix mountain.
There were sixty-six emigrants, moving along the base of this mountain, one fatal day, when they were beset with Cheyenne Indians. They took refuge in the hills and fought long and hard. It was days before the remnant of the sixty-six were overcome near a spring on the north side of the mountain, and here it was that Ed. Stemler fell, as the others had fallen, fighting stubbornly.
There is a superstition among the Indians about red hair, atid it is said this fact is all that saved him from the shocking fate, and the scalping meted out to the others.
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They took refuge in the hills and fought long and hard. It was days before the remnant of the sixty-six were overcome near a spring on the north side of the mountain, and here it was that Ed. Stemler fell, as the others had fallen, fighting stubbornly.
There is a superstition among the Indians about red hair, atid it is said this fact is all that saved him from the shocking fate, and the scalping meted out to the others.
How long it was after the massacre that Ed. revived, he had no means of knowing, and why he set about and buried the dead, and why he went back to the herds north of Pine Bluffs, and why no report was ever made, are things which will give rise to lively speculation forever. My life and experiences on the range enable me to speculate more clearly, perhaps, than others.
After a few weeks of solitude, an adventure like this, and its miraculous finale for the one that lived, and who knew no reason why he had been spared, will make it all seem like a vagrant dream. A nightmare of the prairie, a figment that never had real substance.
Why had he left his herds? What directed him to these people, and how came they there ? Why had the Indians singled him out, and avoided dealing him the fatal injury? Surely, it must have been a dream, like, so many of the wild things he had dreamed before, out there in the solitude.
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After a few weeks of solitude, an adventure like this, and its miraculous finale for the one that lived, and who knew no reason why he had been spared, will make it all seem like a vagrant dream. A nightmare of the prairie, a figment that never had real substance.
Why had he left his herds? What directed him to these people, and how came they there ? Why had the Indians singled him out, and avoided dealing him the fatal injury? Surely, it must have been a dream, like, so many of the wild things he had dreamed before, out there in the solitude.
So he said nothing of it. And years later he built his ranch house on the mountain side, by the spring where the last stand had been taken.
A long time after, he told a few, only a few, and they with admonitions of secrecy. Secrecy because the story of the battle of Sixty-six mountain, if generally bandied about, would lead someone to doubt his integrity or his sanity. But Ed. Stemler is both sane and honest, and the story will not harm him now. For over forty years he has lived on the 66, sometime on one slope of the mountain and sometimes on the other, but always with the wraiths of the 66 emigrants that faded out of the world over a half century ago.
He has his thousands of acres, and his thousand cattle, but sometimes at night, the moonlight calls out images from the rocks -- images of the long ago -- and the shadows flee and flit from shelter to shelter, spectrals fighting a battle in silence, a battle which years ago involved tumult and noise. The "nieht herd is
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For over forty years he has lived on the 66, sometime on one slope of the mountain and sometimes on the other, but always with the wraiths of the 66 emigrants that faded out of the world over a half century ago.
He has his thousands of acres, and his thousand cattle, but sometimes at night, the moonlight calls out images from the rocks -- images of the long ago -- and the shadows flee and flit from shelter to shelter, spectrals fighting a battle in silence, a battle which years ago involved tumult and noise. The "nieht herd is
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running," and Ed. knows every detail in advance, and he is sure now of what he did not know -- that the color of his hair rendered him immunity from the scalping knife, and spared him for the years of usefulness to come.
(This narrative is given, not as history, although many believe it a true account of the battle, but for what it is worth, and as one of the shadowy affairs of the unwritten long ago. Eugene Ware found the wagons in perfect order, and and where the wheels rested upon the ground, the sand and dust had drifted
over the felloes, and grass was growing in the newly made ground. The harnesses were rotting on the wagon tongues. That Stemler knew of these wagons, that in the solitudes and the isolation he came in touch with People already gone, that in some way he connected up with Them, and Intelligence went through Experiences and in Companionship of possibly ten years before, is an explanation satisfactory to many old plainsmen, who have heard Voices out of the past, when alone in the silence of the prairie.)
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The harnesses were rotting on the wagon tongues. That Stemler knew of these wagons, that in the solitudes and the isolation he came in touch with People already gone, that in some way he connected up with Them, and Intelligence went through Experiences and in Companionship of possibly ten years before, is an explanation satisfactory to many old plainsmen, who have heard Voices out of the past, when alone in the silence of the prairie.)
THE RIDE OF DAN DILLON AND OTHERS-- THE START OF THE TENAS TRAIL
A few years ago (1916) I met Dan Mc- Ulvane and Colin Hunter in Cheyenne and had a long talk with them of early ranch life. McUlvane was pretty nearly an old timer when he went into the cow business in 1870. Six years before, or in 1864, he had whacked bulls from Leavenworth to Fort Laramie, under the government wagon boss, Merin Carlisle.
Colin Hunter, who since 1872 had a ranch at the confluence of Little Horse creek with Horse creek proper, recently died in Cheyenne. He owned the old ranch at the time of his death, and his son. Tom Hunter, still owns it. Tom has an office in Cheyenne. Colin Hunter was coming with a wagon train to Fort Laramie in 1867, when, on July 4th, the sound of guns attracted their attention. The sight of the blue coats gave them some apprehension. When the shooting subsided, they found the soldiers and a civilian or two, with one dead white man in their midst.
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He owned the old ranch at the time of his death, and his son. Tom Hunter, still owns it. Tom has an office in Cheyenne. Colin Hunter was coming with a wagon train to Fort Laramie in 1867, when, on July 4th, the sound of guns attracted their attention. The sight of the blue coats gave them some apprehension. When the shooting subsided, they found the soldiers and a civilian or two, with one dead white man in their midst.
Just what the difficulty was they could not learn, nor did he ever learn, but the dead man was killed by a white man's bullet, and the shot was fired from behind the bank of the river. This happened near Bordeaux's place. The dead man was George Riptoe, whose experiences along with others followed the massacre at Fort Phil Kearney up on the Piney, and the rescue of that beleagured garrison.
Coutant tells a pretty story of the famous ride of John Phillips on Colonel Carrington's fine thoroughbred, all the way alone through
the bitter cold Christmas weather, from the Piney to Horseshoe station. There is another story which many old timers tell concerning that message and how it was transmitted,. that I am led to believe, after much inquiry.
Many of the older people will remember Jim Bellamy, and his Nine Mile station, or ranch nine miles up the Platte river from Fort Laramie.
On the night of December 24, 1866, late in the night, Bellamy and Daniel McUlvane, and several others were sitting by a roaring fire at Nine Mile station, when out of the bitter cold and darkness appeared four horsemen, whose names should go down in history. They were Dan Dillon, big diffident Dan, Sam Gregory, George Riptoe and John Phillips. They had all ridden all the way from Fort Phil Kearney.
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Many of the older people will remember Jim Bellamy, and his Nine Mile station, or ranch nine miles up the Platte river from Fort Laramie.
On the night of December 24, 1866, late in the night, Bellamy and Daniel McUlvane, and several others were sitting by a roaring fire at Nine Mile station, when out of the bitter cold and darkness appeared four horsemen, whose names should go down in history. They were Dan Dillon, big diffident Dan, Sam Gregory, George Riptoe and John Phillips. They had all ridden all the way from Fort Phil Kearney.
Dillon was the bearer of dispatches, and asked if they could get a wire to the Fort at Laramie. They had previously tried to do so from Horseshoe station farther west, but could not. The storm of the Indians had put the line out of commission, but as their horses were utterly exhausted, they had to put up for a rest.
Dan gave the dispatches to Bellamy, who locked them in his big chest for the night. All rested for several hours, and early the next morning, Bellamy gave Dillon the dispatches again, and the four journeyed on to the fort. All who mention it tell me that Dillon and not Phillips was the bearer of the dispatches.
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Old Bedlam was alive with a merry party, which had been dancing all the night. On the upper floors the officers had administrative quarters, and the lower part of the building was full of the dancers. Dillon, because of his bashfulness, found it difficult to attract the notice of any of the soldiers who were busy dancing attention to the ladies ; and while hesitating, Phillips grabbed the dispatches from his hands, ran into the throng, and up the stairs to the officers' quarters.
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Old Bedlam was alive with a merry party, which had been dancing all the night. On the upper floors the officers had administrative quarters, and the lower part of the building was full of the dancers. Dillon, because of his bashfulness, found it difficult to attract the notice of any of the soldiers who were busy dancing attention to the ladies ; and while hesitating, Phillips grabbed the dispatches from his hands, ran into the throng, and up the stairs to the officers' quarters.
When Coutant wrote his history, these four men were scattered to the four winds. Riptoe had been killed, and Dillon was supposed to be in Mexico. Gregory, who had later been chief of police in Laramie City, had departed for parts unknown. Coutant's story came from Phillips and from his patriotic political friends. The historian is now also dead, he having died at Chinook, in the far northwest.
Dan Dillon, the bearer of the message that reached the fort, having returned from the south and rejoined his command, was in 1881, given some dispatches at Fort Robinson, Nebraska, for delivery on the other side of the Indian reservation, at Fort Meade, South Dakota. He vanished somewhere in the Cheyenne river country. Nor has he or his remains, .or any of his effects, horse, saddle, or accouterments, ever been found. Possibly the quicksands of the river could tell more of faithful Dan, but they only whisper on and on in voices mysterious and unintelligible to us all.
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Dan Dillon, the bearer of the message that reached the fort, having returned from the south and rejoined his command, was in 1881, given some dispatches at Fort Robinson, Nebraska, for delivery on the other side of the Indian reservation, at Fort Meade, South Dakota. He vanished somewhere in the Cheyenne river country. Nor has he or his remains, .or any of his effects, horse, saddle, or accouterments, ever been found. Possibly the quicksands of the river could tell more of faithful Dan, but they only whisper on and on in voices mysterious and unintelligible to us all.
From a very early date the mines about Hartville, Wyoming, had been prospected. In fact, the time antedates any record, and it was believed that the white people who were separated several hundred years ago, a fragment of which were never heard from, might have been among the early men at Hartville. This is the purest conjecture, however, and only the fragments of old tools give evidence of early pilgrims of superior intelligence.
During the days of the cowmen it again became quite a center of activity, and here was one of the relaxation points of the west. Others were Antelopeville, Cheyenne, Ogallala, Sidney, and Camp Clarke. Alliance, the present headquarters of the Stockmen's association, was not then on the map. The Box Butte table lay in all its virgin glory under the western sun.
The Texas trail was three hundred miles wide, if you take in all its deflections and ramifications. From east of Ogallala to the Laramie plains ran the parallel lines of trvael, sometimes crossing one another, according to the
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Others were Antelopeville, Cheyenne, Ogallala, Sidney, and Camp Clarke. Alliance, the present headquarters of the Stockmen's association, was not then on the map. The Box Butte table lay in all its virgin glory under the western sun.
The Texas trail was three hundred miles wide, if you take in all its deflections and ramifications. From east of Ogallala to the Laramie plains ran the parallel lines of trvael, sometimes crossing one another, according to the
idea of the men having a herd in charge, as to pasturage and water.
Occasionally somewhere between the starting point and the destination, a large herd would entirely disappear, and with it the men in charge. The general belief was that these were gigantic thefts, but there came a story filtering into the south country, of a mysterious arroyo or canyon, somewhere about the vicinity of the southeast corner of Colorado, where these herds of cattle were stampeded by a phatom steer, run over a bluff, and all killed. I think I shall tell this story as it came to me more than a score of years ago.
The route of the original Texas Trail was not direct, it swung eastward across Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, to Coffeyville ; then swung westward up the Arkansas river valley a hundred or more miles, and while such a route had water advantages over a route more direct, I had often wondered if that was the reason for its being in such an indirect way.
The story came to me in the later eighties, that in about 1860, a herd had been sent north by the direct route, but that it never reached the Arkansas river. Searching parties failed to disclose what became of them although they found evidences of a stampede near the southwest corner of Kansas.
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The route of the original Texas Trail was not direct, it swung eastward across Oklahoma, or Indian Territory, to Coffeyville ; then swung westward up the Arkansas river valley a hundred or more miles, and while such a route had water advantages over a route more direct, I had often wondered if that was the reason for its being in such an indirect way.
The story came to me in the later eighties, that in about 1860, a herd had been sent north by the direct route, but that it never reached the Arkansas river. Searching parties failed to disclose what became of them although they found evidences of a stampede near the southwest corner of Kansas. The following year another expedition was planned but it met with the same fate. Not a trace beyond a few miles from where they had appeared to stampede.
The next expedition was manned with a bunch of trustworthy men, and absolutely fearless. It occurred to the owners that perhaps somewhere off to the westward someone or several were starting new ranches at the expense of the Texas owners. So after sending out the original party, a second outfit of ten men and a wagon were directed to follow. Their duty was apparently to pick up the stragglers that were left behind, or that would get up in the night and start back along the trail.
One of those beautiful moonlight nights so common to the southwest, while the cattle were all lying down apparently at ease, they suddenly arose, and after a brief thunder of hoofs, seemed to melt into the moonlight mist, and the night riders had gone with them. When daylight came the trail was followed a short distance after which it became too indistinct to follow. In the night a sudden whirl wind had arisen and shifting sands had obliterated the tracks.
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One of those beautiful moonlight nights so common to the southwest, while the cattle were all lying down apparently at ease, they suddenly arose, and after a brief thunder of hoofs, seemed to melt into the moonlight mist, and the night riders had gone with them. When daylight came the trail was followed a short distance after which it became too indistinct to follow. In the night a sudden whirl wind had arisen and shifting sands had obliterated the tracks. The country about was searched closely for many miles, but with barren results.
The returning men to the Texas range were so chagrined that they begged the privilege of taking a smaller bunch, and go over the
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same trail. Only two of these men returned, and their story ended trailing cattle through that particular section of the south for a great many years.
They had crossed the Kansas line as usual, and the night was one of those typical stampeding nights. The utmost vigilence had been observed. The night herd had been doubled, and they were to move about the dozing cattle, and to keep up whistling or singing the soothing tones that only night-herders know will tend to keep the cattle from taking alarm.
As John A Lomax says in his book : "The Songs of The Cowboy."
"What keeps the herds from running, Stampeding far and wide? The cowboy's long, low whistle And singing by their side."
Suddenly, like one, the entire herd arose, and the silence of the night was changed to a pandemonium of sound. The earth trembled with the beating of hoofs, the cowboy's tranquil call rose to a shrill crescendo, shouts and shots woke the startled prairie owls, and all was feverish anxiety. The two men who returned to Texas were at the camp, when the tornado of activity awoke.
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The cowboy's long, low whistle And singing by their side."
Suddenly, like one, the entire herd arose, and the silence of the night was changed to a pandemonium of sound. The earth trembled with the beating of hoofs, the cowboy's tranquil call rose to a shrill crescendo, shouts and shots woke the startled prairie owls, and all was feverish anxiety. The two men who returned to Texas were at the camp, when the tornado of activity awoke. They were a little behind the others ; one was a little in advance of the other, and both were riding to overtake the herd.
One of the riders far in advance suddenly disappeared, then another went down, and that
meant ground to death under the feet of the trampling steers. One after another the head riders fell, and there were left but the two. One was riding into the rear, and the other shut his eyes for a moment, for such a performance meant only one thing, and that, death. Instantly he opened them again for in closing his eyes he had apparently closed his ears. The Pandemonium of sound had ceased. When he looked forward, it was upon an empty plain, save for the one lone horseman, that came riding back to him.
"Did you see it?" he asked.
The other had seen nothing that could be designated as "It."
"The Phantom Steer" said the first spokesman. "As sure as we live there was a big, shadowy steer that led the bunch, and these that came on became as he, for I rode through them, and cut them with my rope, time after time."
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When he looked forward, it was upon an empty plain, save for the one lone horseman, that came riding back to him.
"Did you see it?" he asked.
The other had seen nothing that could be designated as "It."
"The Phantom Steer" said the first spokesman. "As sure as we live there was a big, shadowy steer that led the bunch, and these that came on became as he, for I rode through them, and cut them with my rope, time after time."
The Phantom Steer was a Thing in the semi-mythology of the west, that always leads herds and men "to the end of the trail." And they say, out in that section of the land somewhere, there is an arroyo where the herds have gone down, led by this mysterious creature, and if you will go there at night when the moon is full, you can see the shadows moving, and you can hear the "moo" as of belated cattle'.
So the Texas Trail was swung away to the east, where the Thing did not interfere with safe delivery on to the northern range.
COWBOY ESCAPADES -- DEATH OF TIMMEY TATE -- RED PATH BILL -- FRA- TERNAL AND CLASS SENTIMENT
When the Cheyenne and Northern railroad was built, the trail went into disuse. The cattle were brought north by rail and unloaded at Wendover, and trailed from there into the Big Horn Basin and the British possessions.
I "skinned mules" on the head of Pole (Xodgepole) creek, Horse creek and the Chugwater, and I cooked for an outfit from the river to "the basin." I had had no experience at cooking to amount to anything, but I could boil spuds and beans, make "sore-finger bread," and make good coffee. The recipe for
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The cattle were brought north by rail and unloaded at Wendover, and trailed from there into the Big Horn Basin and the British possessions.
I "skinned mules" on the head of Pole (Xodgepole) creek, Horse creek and the Chugwater, and I cooked for an outfit from the river to "the basin." I had had no experience at cooking to amount to anything, but I could boil spuds and beans, make "sore-finger bread," and make good coffee. The recipe for
good coffee is "a couple of hands full to a dipper of water." What more does a hungry man want? Also I had the advantage over some cooks in that I kept my dishes cleaned up after every meal, and I was always on the job. When the boys would pass a settlement where there were any girls, some of the settlers would be sure to have a roundup dance. Either among the boys, or among the settlers there were fiddlers. Among the cowboys, I knew several: there was Runey Campbell, Ed Stemler, Ed Wright and Ark. Hughes -- all
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alive today (1919), and still able to draw a bow across the strings. In fact I would like to go to one of the old fashioned dances, \Vith the old fashioned music, and a crowd of the old timers. To be sure, it would be nothing like the gymnastic performances of the new people, the dips, the trots, and the wiggles that we are told is dancing now.
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Hughes -- all
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alive today (1919), and still able to draw a bow across the strings. In fact I would like to go to one of the old fashioned dances, \Vith the old fashioned music, and a crowd of the old timers. To be sure, it would be nothing like the gymnastic performances of the new people, the dips, the trots, and the wiggles that we are told is dancing now.
When near one of the old frontier towns, the boys were due for a little relaxation.
Once down at Sidney, Jimmy Tate and Johnny Frantz had gone to town, and every-
Four Old Time Cowpunchers
Left to right, standing: John Shear, Jimmey Tate,
sitting : Johnny Frantz and Frank Fitz.
body knew what that meant. Each would try to excel the other in some prank, or deed of daring. Riding their horses into saloons, sitting on the floor of a grocery store in tests of endurance eating cove oysters from the can by the handful, and such other general foolishness.
Late that night six rapid fire shots, and the sharp staccato of horse's hoofs announced the return of Johnny, and with him was Tate's riderless horse. The boys tumbled out of their blankets and tarpaulins, and Johnny tumbled from his horse. He told a sort of an incoherent, reproachful tale that Tate was dead, hack in the road.
All were more or less concerned, for Tate was supposed to have intentions of giving evidence against the Bay State Company concerning some of their acquisition of land from the government, and the empty saddle looked bad, for Jimmy was a good rider, even when intoxicated. "Long" (Wyatt) Heard, now (1919) and before of Uvalde county, Texas, then headquartered on Pumpkin creek, was telling about it. He said that the story they got from Johnny was that Tate had fallen from his horse and was killed.
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All were more or less concerned, for Tate was supposed to have intentions of giving evidence against the Bay State Company concerning some of their acquisition of land from the government, and the empty saddle looked bad, for Jimmy was a good rider, even when intoxicated. "Long" (Wyatt) Heard, now (1919) and before of Uvalde county, Texas, then headquartered on Pumpkin creek, was telling about it. He said that the story they got from Johnny was that Tate had fallen from his horse and was killed.
"But how do you know that he is dead?" was asked.
With all sincerity Frantz told them that he had stopped, and called to Tate several times, and received no answer, and then he had "rode over him two or three times, and he never moved."
Jimmy came out of it all right, but afterwards died with his boots on, in the same old town of Sidney, and many believed that his revelations concerning the land matters had something to do with his sudden and violent death. He now lies in "Boots Graveyard," a part of the Sidney cemetery, that was set aside for the boys who died in the classic way of the early west.
"Bad men" were always drifting in and out of the early camps, and through the frontier towns, and it was somewhat difficult to distinguish the real from the make-believe. Occasionally one would make his bluff stand up for a time, but he eventually met someone that "called him."
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He now lies in "Boots Graveyard," a part of the Sidney cemetery, that was set aside for the boys who died in the classic way of the early west.
"Bad men" were always drifting in and out of the early camps, and through the frontier towns, and it was somewhat difficult to distinguish the real from the make-believe. Occasionally one would make his bluff stand up for a time, but he eventually met someone that "called him."
In "Ole Cheyenne" it used to be the standing joke that a cowpuncher who had taken on too much of a load, was a candidate for Hat creek. Why Hat creek was the proposed destination for a fellow that was full, is more than I ever learned. But that stream, if it may be called a stream, is up towards the headwaters of White river, and was on the line of the trail from Fort Laramie to Deadwood. Sending them up Hat creek became a classic in western expression, symbolizing a drunken cowpuncher, and it never failed to humiliate and shame.
One time a "bad man" drifted into Cheyenne, and his name was enough to strike terror to tenderfeet. "Red Path Bill" was a dread combination. "Bill" was a favorite name in the wild first years of the west, especially if the person was a bad man; but "Red Path" prefixed would certainly indicate for a bad man nothing less than a trail of human gore.
Red Path Bill was hungry -- voracious for human bones to crush in his mighty jaws, and
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One time a "bad man" drifted into Cheyenne, and his name was enough to strike terror to tenderfeet. "Red Path Bill" was a dread combination. "Bill" was a favorite name in the wild first years of the west, especially if the person was a bad man; but "Red Path" prefixed would certainly indicate for a bad man nothing less than a trail of human gore.
Red Path Bill was hungry -- voracious for human bones to crush in his mighty jaws, and
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')•!
he was famishing for drink -- red liquor of the first magnitude, and mixed with human blood. He could not be appeased. Pounds of steak -- blood raw -- or such stale things as coffee and common bar drinks, could not satisfy such an appetite as he possessed.
So he rambled from place to place, until he found the place of Harry Hynds.
Hynds came to Cheyenne in the early years, and had joined with a man named Elliott in the trade of blacksmithing. He had a strong arm, and was not afraid to use it ; and he was also a reader of human character. He quit blacksmithing, and opened an emporium of entertainment and refreshments. There he had to know the science of humankind to survive.
His business developed, and at the time Red Path Bill appeared, the place contained a vestibule, with cigars and the like ; and behind swinging doors of mahogany was a mahogany bar and crystal glass, and then a third room separated from the second by swinging doors of green. In this latter room were the choice of any number of tame amusements : the faro box, the roulette wheel, monte, twenty-one, craps, poker, and sometimes keno.
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His business developed, and at the time Red Path Bill appeared, the place contained a vestibule, with cigars and the like ; and behind swinging doors of mahogany was a mahogany bar and crystal glass, and then a third room separated from the second by swinging doors of green. In this latter room were the choice of any number of tame amusements : the faro box, the roulette wheel, monte, twenty-one, craps, poker, and sometimes keno.
These interested, amused and entertained, and sometimes broke and hurried a man up Hat creek.
Gambling was a quiet vice and the besetting sin of the cowboy was activity -- great activity -- and noise. He was tired of the mighty reaches of the prairie, and was glad to be where he could bump into something. He had wearied of the silent solitudes, and he wanted the reverberation of sound. So the gun -- that six gun -- its roar within the confines of a room, was different from the futile little pops out on the open range. The jingling glass, and his pride of marksmanship that often plunged a room in darkness, was the transcendant glory of the new free west. Especially was this true, when an unwilling and half wild mustang had been coaxed, rowled, jabbed and coerced, rearing over threshholds into unaccustomed haunts. Furthermore the boys did enjoy seeing the gamblers duck for cover under the tables or behind the bar.
Red Path Bill, with moccasined feet, came silently in. His deep voice called for the strongest at the bar, and then, to the swinging doors of the inner room. Suddenly he was electrified. A heavy fist smote simultaneously each door, and they swung wide. With spectacular effect he had made an entrance. No one seemed to notice him, and he was offended.
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Furthermore the boys did enjoy seeing the gamblers duck for cover under the tables or behind the bar.
Red Path Bill, with moccasined feet, came silently in. His deep voice called for the strongest at the bar, and then, to the swinging doors of the inner room. Suddenly he was electrified. A heavy fist smote simultaneously each door, and they swung wide. With spectacular effect he had made an entrance. No one seemed to notice him, and he was offended.
"I'm Red Path Bill," he roared, and glared about to see if anyone dared dispute it. None
did. Instead, the man at the wheel droned : "Double OO in the green," and the rumble of "Deuce-Nine," or "a natural," or "an alsa," came from different parts of the room. These expressions may have been a reference to his entrance, or they may have referred to the plays at the different tables. Smiles here and there would have indicated the former. The games and the players went on as usual. Red Path Bill was offended. Somebody had killed his act in the vaudeville of life. He went about annoying the players, who tolerated him with rare good nature, until he trod upon the toes of a bystander.
Fred Ashford was working in the Union Pacific shops at the time. He had for several years whacked bulls on the Black Hills route for Billy Hecht. Fred was a man r f medium stature and prodigious strength. He quit freighting in 1882 and joined a cow outfit, and then later went into the shops.
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He went about annoying the players, who tolerated him with rare good nature, until he trod upon the toes of a bystander.
Fred Ashford was working in the Union Pacific shops at the time. He had for several years whacked bulls on the Black Hills route for Billy Hecht. Fred was a man r f medium stature and prodigious strength. He quit freighting in 1882 and joined a cow outfit, and then later went into the shops.
To step upon a man's toes in the west was an affront and a challenge, and when Red Path Bill picked Ashford for the offense, he did not know his man. Fred's right arm swung once. The rest were better told by a humbled and contrite spirit.
"I am what remains of Red Path Bill. They took a caseknife and tried to scrape me off the wall where I had been splattered, but they could not get enough to do much good."
Each of the classes that inhabited the early west held the other in contempt. That is : the soldier aKvays treated the cowboys as "herdsmen," and the cowboys returned the sentiment with vigor. The gamblers respected the men of the range for their money, for the game way they took a loss, but generally with utter contempt for their skill at cards. Occasionally they miscalculated. Sandy Ingraham caught a fellow "out on a limb" once in the Capitol saloon of Cheyenne. After a delay of careful deliberation of fifty minutes, he called the gambler's bet of seven hundred dollars, and won with "two deuces."
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That is : the soldier aKvays treated the cowboys as "herdsmen," and the cowboys returned the sentiment with vigor. The gamblers respected the men of the range for their money, for the game way they took a loss, but generally with utter contempt for their skill at cards. Occasionally they miscalculated. Sandy Ingraham caught a fellow "out on a limb" once in the Capitol saloon of Cheyenne. After a delay of careful deliberation of fifty minutes, he called the gambler's bet of seven hundred dollars, and won with "two deuces."
Captain Chas. King, who wrote Trumpeter Fred, and other tales of local color, always used the offensive appellation "herdsman." Thus the whipping of a drunken or saucy sol-' dier by a cowboy or freighter was always considered legitimate sport.
Occasionally the cow outfits would sweep down on old Fort Fetterman, or some other camp or sub-station in the Fort Laramie district, and would rope the mountain howitzers, and antiquated brass cannon, jerking them from their positions, would drag them about the fort. Soldiers knew better than to inter-
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fere with such pranks, for when the sport was over, the boys would make amends.
When there came real Indian troubles, the civilian was a valuable asset. An average
freighter or cowman was much better skilled in the tactics of Indian warfare, and were needed when trouble arose.
COAD'S RANCH AT SCOTTSBLUFF STATION -- SHEEDY'S SEVEN-U RANCH ■ ANECDOTES ABOUT THEM
About 1870, the Coad Brothers took possession of the old Stage station, "Scotts Bluffs," and put in a herd of cows. This they developed to colossal proportions. The younger Coads still have the ranch north of Cheyenne at which Mark M. Coad was killed a few years ago by a Mexican. At the early date, however, the principal ranch was just a little west of the present site of Melbeta, and their range took in all of the south part of the North Platte valley, from Court House rock to and including Mitchell valley.
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About 1870, the Coad Brothers took possession of the old Stage station, "Scotts Bluffs," and put in a herd of cows. This they developed to colossal proportions. The younger Coads still have the ranch north of Cheyenne at which Mark M. Coad was killed a few years ago by a Mexican. At the early date, however, the principal ranch was just a little west of the present site of Melbeta, and their range took in all of the south part of the North Platte valley, from Court House rock to and including Mitchell valley. The partners were J. F. and Mark M. Coad. They had 10,000 cattle and their brands best known were FF-Bar and C-12. The "Wisconsin Ranch" previously operated by Coad, near Julesburg, was for caring for bull herds and was the scene of bloody Indian conflicts.
From Perry Braziel, who "met up" with "Shanghai" Pierce at Coffeyville, and drifted up the Texas Trail in 1880, and who went to work for the Coads in 1882, and who still lives in the splendid country south of Henry, and from R. C. Campbell and from other old timers, I have been able to get a fairly accurate description of the old buildings at the Scotts Bluff Station, which became the Coad ranch house.
It faced the south, and was 20 by 50 feet, its walls were thirty inches thick and the sod were eight or ten inches in thickness. It had red cedar cross logs and ridge poles, and poles and dirt were used for the roof. A row of posts through the center supported the center ridge log. The building contained two rooms, the smaller being about 12 by 20, was used for the kitchen. A large sod fireplace added cheer to the larger room.
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It faced the south, and was 20 by 50 feet, its walls were thirty inches thick and the sod were eight or ten inches in thickness. It had red cedar cross logs and ridge poles, and poles and dirt were used for the roof. A row of posts through the center supported the center ridge log. The building contained two rooms, the smaller being about 12 by 20, was used for the kitchen. A large sod fireplace added cheer to the larger room.
It was in and around this old building that "Baldy" Kelly, and "Iron Leg Bill" DeCamp had their bout over who should win the affections of their enamorita. I never learned
her name, but the stories first gave Baldy an advantage, and then Bill's Winchester took part, and the last of Kelly was a fading fog in the direction of Cheyenne, with a pocket full of Yorick Nichol's money.
The younger generations of Coads are now here frequently, and are interested in developing the feeding industry in the land where their fathers ran the big range herds.
The Powers brothers came into the Scottsbluff country in 1870 or 1871, and they built a ranch on the north side of the river, within a mile of the present site of the north end of the Bayard state aid bridge. They were Texans and run from 4,000 to 5,000 cattle. Dennis Sheedy bought this outfit sometime after, and here was the famous Seven-U (7U) brand. He increased the herd to large proportions. Sheedy accumulated a fortune and has been busy for years in the commercial affairs of Denver, being president of the Denver Dry Goods Company only a short time ago, and now (1919) vice-president of Colorado National Bank. It is to be ventured that his active brain is still working in lines for which it was splendidly equipped.
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Dennis Sheedy bought this outfit sometime after, and here was the famous Seven-U (7U) brand. He increased the herd to large proportions. Sheedy accumulated a fortune and has been busy for years in the commercial affairs of Denver, being president of the Denver Dry Goods Company only a short time ago, and now (1919) vice-president of Colorado National Bank. It is to be ventured that his active brain is still working in lines for which it was splendidly equipped.
Around the Seven-U clusters a number of old anecdotes which extended down to the advent of the granger. The cowboys used to sing a song, "The Famous Seven-U Brand," when I first came into the west. It was more of a slam than a song, and one time years after, when Sheedy stopped at Tusler's, the lady, who had an old melodian, thought to revive a pleasing memory by singing it, but it made Mr. Sheedy indignant.
James O'Hallern was in charge at the time I first visited this ranch, and he was a character all to himself. He liked company and had many festive occasions at the old sod ranch house, where the people came for one hundred miles to dance.
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Tim Montrose was the cook, and a good one he was, albeit that he "was not much larger than a drink of water," as the cowboys used to say. Tim was particularly tired of one fellow in the olden days who settled down near the ranch and made it his general source of provender. Almost; daily he would sojourn from his squatter's cabin to the ranch to visit Timmy, and incidentally "get his fill of grub."
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Tim Montrose was the cook, and a good one he was, albeit that he "was not much larger than a drink of water," as the cowboys used to say. Tim was particularly tired of one fellow in the olden days who settled down near the ranch and made it his general source of provender. Almost; daily he would sojourn from his squatter's cabin to the ranch to visit Timmy, and incidentally "get his fill of grub."
One day Tim pulled out of the capacious oven a particularly delightful roast of great dimension. The visitor's nose soon led him to it. He gorged himself outrageously and had some internal pains as a result. Yet he felt called upon to compliment the cook. Tim asked him if he knew how to make roast beef tender in the cooking. Receiving the negative response, he told him to put a little strychnine upon it -- not too much, as a little too much might be fatal, but that he always put some on his own cooking. This suggestion, and the internal agonies increasing, so frightened his visitor that he never bothered Tim any further.
Montrose made regular trips to Chicago, to his old home ward, and he invariably came back with the scars of battle, for he loved a fight.
One time in a cow outfit, a big bully tried to "run a whizzer" on Timmy. For a little time those who knew Montrose were surprised to see the stranger apparently "getting by with it." Suddenly the battle fire in the little Irishman blazed up, and after a short but terrific battle, the bully turned and ran.
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Montrose made regular trips to Chicago, to his old home ward, and he invariably came back with the scars of battle, for he loved a fight.
One time in a cow outfit, a big bully tried to "run a whizzer" on Timmy. For a little time those who knew Montrose were surprised to see the stranger apparently "getting by with it." Suddenly the battle fire in the little Irishman blazed up, and after a short but terrific battle, the bully turned and ran.
James O'Hallern liked a good time, and he frequently called the scattered people of the country together in the big buildings at the Seven-U, where they would dance all night and into the next day.
One time when they had gathered for one hundred miles to trip the light fantastic, the cook, Montrose, found access to too many flasks, which the boys had hidden in the barn. Tim had found the cache and his condition was such that O'Hallern had to deny him the joy of the dance floor. He was tremendously humiliated, to hear him tell it, and likewise angry in a maudlin way. He planned deeply and from his pondering a scheme of revenge was formed, that lacked only one little essential element of successful strategy.
He saddled his pony, from the woodpile he selected a club. Ordinarily he was a good man with his fists, but this time he was taking no chances. He took his station at the door from which he had been ejected. Soon one of the boys stepped out to take the air, and Montrose very politely asked him to tell O'Hallern that there was a gentleman at the door who
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He planned deeply and from his pondering a scheme of revenge was formed, that lacked only one little essential element of successful strategy.
He saddled his pony, from the woodpile he selected a club. Ordinarily he was a good man with his fists, but this time he was taking no chances. He took his station at the door from which he had been ejected. Soon one of the boys stepped out to take the air, and Montrose very politely asked him to tell O'Hallern that there was a gentleman at the door who
wanted to speak to him. As the foreman crossed the threshhold, 'the blow fell, and it was well aimed and effective. O'Hallern fell across the doorstep, and was insensible for several hours. With a whoop of exultant victory and defiance at the whole world, Tim Montrose leaped into his saddle and rode away across the yard toward the Camp Clarke trail. Here came the disastrous detail he had overlooked. The clothesline was hung at a proper height to lift him from the saddle, and the impact upon the earth was sufficiently hard to leave him in an insensible condition until the next day. But scratches and bruises were common in those days, and after a brief delay to ascertain how serious were the casualties, the gay party went on with the dance until after sunrise.
At the Seven-U there are four graves -- two of which were emigrants and two are old cowboys that died with their boots on and were so buried. One of the latter was a brother of Henry Bradford, who was with the English boys later, and the other a Texan concerning whom later reference is made.
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But scratches and bruises were common in those days, and after a brief delay to ascertain how serious were the casualties, the gay party went on with the dance until after sunrise.
At the Seven-U there are four graves -- two of which were emigrants and two are old cowboys that died with their boots on and were so buried. One of the latter was a brother of Henry Bradford, who was with the English boys later, and the other a Texan concerning whom later reference is made.
The surviving Bradford had become possessed of a large acreage north of Camp Clarke, which was called the Bradford ranch, and which was operated by a man named Elliott. Bradford had some income therefrom, and he spent part of his time at the Seven-U until his brother was killed.
One day they were discussing a certain outlaw horse that had been run into the corral with great difficulty. The discussion was mixed with sundry libations. At a certain stage "Brad" offered to bet twenty-five dollars that he could saddle and bridle the animal unassisted. The bet was covered and he repaired to the corral. After much difficulty he managed to get a rope over its head and this he looped about a log in the barn. Gradually he worked the animal nearer and finally he got it into the barn and snubbed up to the manger. Here he proceeded to blind it with a gunny sack, and then saddle and bridle it. One sudden upward swing of the head at an unexpected moment took "Brad," who was leaning over the partition from an adjoining stall, squarely in the face, and he lost all the teeth of his upper jaw on the left side. Occasionally afterwards, he would point out and display the gold teeth with which they were replaced, and say: "Well, I won the twenty-five, but it cost me a hundred."
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Here he proceeded to blind it with a gunny sack, and then saddle and bridle it. One sudden upward swing of the head at an unexpected moment took "Brad," who was leaning over the partition from an adjoining stall, squarely in the face, and he lost all the teeth of his upper jaw on the left side. Occasionally afterwards, he would point out and display the gold teeth with which they were replaced, and say: "Well, I won the twenty-five, but it cost me a hundred."
When the granger came, the Seven-U was occupied by Ed Burnett, who was one of the old families about Bayard. Ed one night had a very vivid dream about the grave of one of
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the emigrants who was buried at the Seven-U. He awoke the next morning convinced that the grave was a cache for hidden gold, and he proceeded to put his faith in dreams into his works. But when he reached the proper depth
he found a crude decayed coffin and the remains of a little girl. After that. Burnett lost all faith in dreams, and such foolish things.
SURVEYOR SCHLEICxEL'S TEAMSTER HUNG AT SIDNEY -- THE BOSLER RANGE -- THE VB BRAND -- MINNIE MONTGOMERY HONEY- MOON--THE HOUSE OF LA GRANGE
Contemporaneously with the establishment of the Powers ranch (about 1871), Bosler Brothers & Company built their home ranch on the lower Blue, near the present site of Lewellen, and extended their business to include several ranches up and down the North Platte river on the north side, but they always maintained the principal quarters on the Blue. They ran 15,000 to 20,000 cattle and were one of the big firms of the time. B-Bar and others were their brands.
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Contemporaneously with the establishment of the Powers ranch (about 1871), Bosler Brothers & Company built their home ranch on the lower Blue, near the present site of Lewellen, and extended their business to include several ranches up and down the North Platte river on the north side, but they always maintained the principal quarters on the Blue. They ran 15,000 to 20,000 cattle and were one of the big firms of the time. B-Bar and others were their brands.
About 1872 E. E. Cunningham, surveyor general with headquarters at Plattsmouth, sent Alex. Schleigel to survey a part of the Platte river country between North Platte and Camp Clarke bridge. I met Mr. Schleigel a few years ago in Washington, D. C. He was then a draughtsman in the Interior Department, but now lives at Lincoln, Nebraska. He is an old soldier (being under Lt. Beecher in the Battle of Beecher Island), and has been in many Indian battles, and he is an intimate friend of Robert Harvey, our state surveyor, and of John E. Evans of North Platte.
This territory he was to invade was generally known as the Bosler range, although it was occupied by Boyd brothers, of which Ex- Governor James E. Boyd was one ; and the other ranches of less importance in relation to size. Schleigel had been at the work two or three weeks, when he took two men and teams and crossed the country to Sidney for supplies. He bought his provisions at the old C. A. Moore supply depot, then a big concern of the frontier town.
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This territory he was to invade was generally known as the Bosler range, although it was occupied by Boyd brothers, of which Ex- Governor James E. Boyd was one ; and the other ranches of less importance in relation to size. Schleigel had been at the work two or three weeks, when he took two men and teams and crossed the country to Sidney for supplies. He bought his provisions at the old C. A. Moore supply depot, then a big concern of the frontier town.
The Boslers and other big cattle men did not approve of the survey, for it meant the final settlement of the land by homesteaders.
After the wagons were loaded, one of the drivers of the party failed to show up. When
they were ready to depart they made a search for him,, and in a cottonwood tree that stood in the vicinity of the garrison at Sidney, they found the teamster hanging to the limb, dead, and on his body was pinned a placard, "Horse Thief."
SchleigeFs party believed the dead man had stolen no horses, but that cattlemen thought so little of human life, they had hung an innocent man, in order to scare them into giving up the survey.
There was no evidence that it was the work of the Boslers or any clue as to the identity of the parties who committed the deed, and perhaps the man had stolen a horse some time and the vigilantes had just caught him.
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SchleigeFs party believed the dead man had stolen no horses, but that cattlemen thought so little of human life, they had hung an innocent man, in order to scare them into giving up the survey.
There was no evidence that it was the work of the Boslers or any clue as to the identity of the parties who committed the deed, and perhaps the man had stolen a horse some time and the vigilantes had just caught him.
However, a general impression prevailed as to who it was and why it had been done. If so, Alex. Schleigel was built of different stuff than they had calculated. He, the old soldier, continued his work and finished the survey in due time.
Mark Bouton arrived over the Texas Trail in 1873. He decided that Bear creek, about fifty miles northeast of Cheyenne, looked good to him, and here he went into the cow business. On his way to the north, Mark had taken a side trip into Denver, and there he met his affinity. After settling down on Bear creek he returned to Denver and sought out his "Virginia," and brought her with him to the ranch. The romance of Virginia Bouton, placed upon the range the old and familiar name. "VB" brand.
One born to the range, cannot change his habits instantly, and while anchored on BeaT creek, Mark Bouton traveled much. Mrs. Bouton frequently accompanied him, and at such times he gave way to the passion of
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After settling down on Bear creek he returned to Denver and sought out his "Virginia," and brought her with him to the ranch. The romance of Virginia Bouton, placed upon the range the old and familiar name. "VB" brand.
One born to the range, cannot change his habits instantly, and while anchored on BeaT creek, Mark Bouton traveled much. Mrs. Bouton frequently accompanied him, and at such times he gave way to the passion of
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jealously, for his wife was prepossessing, attractive and fond of company.
One time they were in Cheyenne, and he became obsessed of a fear that she intended to leave him, or to go back to the old wilderness of passion in which he had first met her. He warned her not to leave the hotel, under penalty of death. Sometime after dinner she was gone. Mad with affection and fear, he sought in all the probable places, but failed to find her.
In the evening, two ladies were approaching the hotel, when from behind a pile of lumber on the west side of Eddy street, a pistol shot rang out. One lady fell dead, and she had much the same graceful carriage as Mrs. Bouton, but proved to be another and an entirely innocent girl. Her companion was Minnie Montgomery, the daughter of John Montgomery, who owned the log stage station on the Black Hills route, at the north end of the Fort Laramie bridge.
Miss Montgomery did not see the assailant, and whoever he was, he made good his escape. No one knows who fired the shot, but all old timers had their suspicions.
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One lady fell dead, and she had much the same graceful carriage as Mrs. Bouton, but proved to be another and an entirely innocent girl. Her companion was Minnie Montgomery, the daughter of John Montgomery, who owned the log stage station on the Black Hills route, at the north end of the Fort Laramie bridge.
Miss Montgomery did not see the assailant, and whoever he was, he made good his escape. No one knows who fired the shot, but all old timers had their suspicions.
Bouton finally sold his ranch to Seberry & Gardner, who built a big stone house, and went into the business of raising hurdle ponies, for cross-country riding, and other fancy purposes.
Leaving the ranch, Bouton and his wife went to Deadwood, and by and by there drifted back along the route a rumor that he had found his wife talking to a mining man of considerable prominence, and had started a row, in which he had come off second best. They said he was buried in Boots graveyard at Deadwood.
Young Gardner, of the new firm, was the trainer for the ranch, and his tiny saddles were the jokes of the country wide. Once, when a number of prospective buyers were at the ranch, young Gardner proposed to give them a demonstration. He had a series of hurdles of various kinds over a given run and he mounted one of his well broken ponies and rode away. The first hurdle, which was an insignificant affair, proved too much for his thoroughbred, and they went down in a heap. A great shout of laughter went up from the assembled ladies and gentlemen, which provoked young Gardner into a torrent of language so inelegant, albeit so expressive of his sentiments, that the party beat a hasty retreat.
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He had a series of hurdles of various kinds over a given run and he mounted one of his well broken ponies and rode away. The first hurdle, which was an insignificant affair, proved too much for his thoroughbred, and they went down in a heap. A great shout of laughter went up from the assembled ladies and gentlemen, which provoked young Gardner into a torrent of language so inelegant, albeit so expressive of his sentiments, that the party beat a hasty retreat.
John Montgomery, the father of Minnie Montgomery, who was with the unfortunate young lady who was murdered at Cheyenne, after the passing of the Black Hills stage, sold his location and buildings to Whipple & Hay, who put some cattle on the range, and
established the 4J brand. The same brand is now (1919) owned by Ed Covington, whose range is in the Pine Ridge and Hartville mountains.
One of the brands acquired by the Bay State Land and Cattle Company, was the 4J, but it was of another herd, and of less importance. Just east of Wild Cat mountain, in the northern part of Banner county, is a spring that adds its flow to that of Pumpkin creek. This was located by a man named Brown, and the forty acres on which it was situated was sold to the Bay State. This spring is known as the "Four- Jay-Spring."
Ed Bouton, a brother of Mark Bouton, of the VB, followed from Texas soon after the location of the VB ranch on Bear creek. He also had a temper and an inclination to homicide. A sister arrived and in due time was married to one of the early men, Ed Bryant.
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This was located by a man named Brown, and the forty acres on which it was situated was sold to the Bay State. This spring is known as the "Four- Jay-Spring."
Ed Bouton, a brother of Mark Bouton, of the VB, followed from Texas soon after the location of the VB ranch on Bear creek. He also had a temper and an inclination to homicide. A sister arrived and in due time was married to one of the early men, Ed Bryant.
Bryant had a house in Cheyenne on. Sixth street, but he was out at the ranch considerable of the time, while his wife lived in the city. One day Bryant had an altercation with Ed Bouton, and came off second best.
It was thought best to send the body to the widow, and it was accordingly placed in a spring wagon, and a Teutonic employee was tojd to drive with it to Cheyenne. Two cowpunchers were delegated to ride along, and see the safe delivery of the remains.
Reaching the city late one evening, the punchers went into an emporium for a bracer, before going to break the news. The Dutchman waited some time, and being thirsty, and also rightly sensing the boys were taking several before returning, he decided to make the delivery alone. Mrs. Bryant heard the knock on the door, and answered the summons. The Dutchman said simply :
"Mrs. Bryant, Ed is here."
"Ed who ?" asked Mrs. Bryant, not knowing if he meant husband or brother.
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Reaching the city late one evening, the punchers went into an emporium for a bracer, before going to break the news. The Dutchman waited some time, and being thirsty, and also rightly sensing the boys were taking several before returning, he decided to make the delivery alone. Mrs. Bryant heard the knock on the door, and answered the summons. The Dutchman said simply :
"Mrs. Bryant, Ed is here."
"Ed who ?" asked Mrs. Bryant, not knowing if he meant husband or brother.
"Why, Ed Bryant," was the answer.
"Well, why don't he come in?" she asked.
"Why, damn it, he's dead," was the gentle way he finally broke the news to her.
But the sudden and melancholy end of men, and the sudden widows of the early west, had no discouraging effect upon matrimonial events and ventures.
I have mentioned John Montgomery, the keeper of the stage station at the north end of the Fort Laramie bridge. Montgomery had a daughter -- most everyone has a daughter for that matter -- and Miss Minnie Montgomery was like other daughters of the early west. She liked to ride, and frequently met the "birds of passage," the early cowboys, and the
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other cowmen that settled down and anchored themselves to the soil.
Among her admirers was a foreman of the P. F. ranch. This foreman used to make periodical visits to Deadwood, taking from the ranch some of the fat cattle for Deadwood markets. The P. F. people were not receiving the liberal returns that they had been led to believe was in the ranching business, and grew suspicious of their foreman. An examination of the books seemed to give an impression that all the cattle sold in Deadwood were not accounted for, and they had a warrant out for their foreman.
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This foreman used to make periodical visits to Deadwood, taking from the ranch some of the fat cattle for Deadwood markets. The P. F. people were not receiving the liberal returns that they had been led to believe was in the ranching business, and grew suspicious of their foreman. An examination of the books seemed to give an impression that all the cattle sold in Deadwood were not accounted for, and they had a warrant out for their foreman. Officers went to the ranch in search of the alleged criminal, but not finding him, were returning to Cheyenne. As they reached Horse creek crossing they met him in company with John Montgomery's daughter, Minnie. They had been married in Cheyenne the day before, and were on their return home.
The. Bride's Day may have been fair and clear, but it was "dark in the east and west" for the groom. I never learned what came of the trial, or of the principals in the little romance, but I hope big John Montgomery took a hand, and that they lived happy ever after.
We lack interest in history and the older events, frequently because we have no intimate relationship. Yet, to know that this new land of ours had its loves and romance fifty or more years ago, attunes our hearts to the reception of stories of the days so long past. We travel about and find places named ; and they are of mountain or plain, or city or valley, and we seldom stop to think what it was that named it. For instance, a mark has been left
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We lack interest in history and the older events, frequently because we have no intimate relationship. Yet, to know that this new land of ours had its loves and romance fifty or more years ago, attunes our hearts to the reception of stories of the days so long past. We travel about and find places named ; and they are of mountain or plain, or city or valley, and we seldom stop to think what it was that named it. For instance, a mark has been left
on Horse creek in the name of LaGrange. Yet, it has no significance to the ordinary settler, tourist or individual. There are perhaps a few dozen living people, that a reference to LaGrange will interest. With them a recitation of the little intimacies, and memories of experience, or a word of the personnel of the old times, will arouse a train of memories that will trail by with their pleasant recollections for a number of hours. And it might interest some of the newer people of the community.
All the cowboys of the time knew Kale La- Grange, as a "squaw man" along with Hi Kelly. Nick Genice, and Frank Vallet. It was over a score of years ago that LaGrange quit the western range and went back to his old home in Iowa, and afterwards married a white woman.
Kale's mother, old timers all remember "Aunt Delia," was a much married woman. I think she had buried a round half dozen husbands, before she met Tommy Chanavierre (Shunover) and in the late eighties Tommy was her spouse -- the one we knew. Tommy was the one whose pride of ancestry runs back to the time when Marchioness La Pompadour was spreading the French Empire over the western world, but to us he was merely a jolly old Frenchman, who liked to talk with his hands, his shoulders and otherwise, and who, merely for the love of activity and society, went visiting about the country in "dat old buckboard," with "dem old plug." "Shunover" died in Iowa.
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I think she had buried a round half dozen husbands, before she met Tommy Chanavierre (Shunover) and in the late eighties Tommy was her spouse -- the one we knew. Tommy was the one whose pride of ancestry runs back to the time when Marchioness La Pompadour was spreading the French Empire over the western world, but to us he was merely a jolly old Frenchman, who liked to talk with his hands, his shoulders and otherwise, and who, merely for the love of activity and society, went visiting about the country in "dat old buckboard," with "dem old plug." "Shunover" died in Iowa. I am not advised if "Aunt Delia" survived to marry again.
CREIGHTON'S -- THE FIRST RANCH OF ALL -- DEATH OF CREEL IN BULL CANYON -- TOM KANE'S ADVENTURE -- A COWBOY WEDDING
After the loss of his cattle on Rush creek in 1865, John A. Creighton decided to get out of the lines of the regular raids of Indians. It seemed that their north and south line of travel centered in the territory east of Court I [ouse rock.
It will be observed also that this line was the path of the buffalo at an earlier date, and it later became the route of the travelers into the gold field of the Black Hills, where Henry
T. Clarke's steel lined stages went over the old toll bridge. Now the travel is by motor, or over the Burlington.
Creighton went west up Gonneville or Pumpkin creek. Then over to Horse creek, and up to the Laramie Plains. Here he built a substantial set of ranch buildings, securing the materials from the Laramie mountains.
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It will be observed also that this line was the path of the buffalo at an earlier date, and it later became the route of the travelers into the gold field of the Black Hills, where Henry
T. Clarke's steel lined stages went over the old toll bridge. Now the travel is by motor, or over the Burlington.
Creighton went west up Gonneville or Pumpkin creek. Then over to Horse creek, and up to the Laramie Plains. Here he built a substantial set of ranch buildings, securing the materials from the Laramie mountains.
From this beginning in 1867, originally for the protection of his bull herds, the great
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Creighton ranch was born. He was first in the work of tying the east and west with wires and electric communication, so was he first in all Wyoming and western Nebraska to go into the cow business. The Creighton ranch operations extended and establishments were built on Horse creek and Pumpkin creek, and his ten or twelve thousand cattle roamed the ranges of the east half of Wyoming and the western part of Nebraska. The half-circlebar brand, of the very early days, developed into the quarter-circle-block, generally called "circle-block" in the later years.
Pumpkin creek ranch became the "Home Ranch" after its acquisition by the Bay State, and the name Pumpkin creek, in place of Gonneville creek, rose in usage, as the wild vegetable which provoked it gradually disappeared. The range cattle were very fond of the product, and the vine, and the very roots of the vine, were stamped out by the cattle trying to get more of the tasty verbiage.
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The half-circlebar brand, of the very early days, developed into the quarter-circle-block, generally called "circle-block" in the later years.
Pumpkin creek ranch became the "Home Ranch" after its acquisition by the Bay State, and the name Pumpkin creek, in place of Gonneville creek, rose in usage, as the wild vegetable which provoked it gradually disappeared. The range cattle were very fond of the product, and the vine, and the very roots of the vine, were stamped out by the cattle trying to get more of the tasty verbiage.
The "Home Ranch" is woven into song and story by cowboys. It can be made to apply to any Home Ranch anywhere in the universe, and there was a song that had the run on the ranges when I came into the west which was entitled "Pumpkin Creek's My Home."
Bull Canyon is an arroyo that leads down from the Flowerfield Swell to the lower tables at the head of Pumpkin creek, and it was once the rendezvous of freighters' bulls used on the Black Hills route.
These animals were not always enduring, and they required periods of rest. A man named Creel decided he would make a business of handling the tired cattle until they should be able to resume the burden of the yoke.
Bull canyon was unnamed and unappropriated, and there was an abundance of water, and the nearness of the range to Cheyenne made it a desirable spot for the purpose. So Creel built his crude cabin and rode about looking after the herd of bulls.
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These animals were not always enduring, and they required periods of rest. A man named Creel decided he would make a business of handling the tired cattle until they should be able to resume the burden of the yoke.
Bull canyon was unnamed and unappropriated, and there was an abundance of water, and the nearness of the range to Cheyenne made it a desirable spot for the purpose. So Creel built his crude cabin and rode about looking after the herd of bulls.
The Good Book says something about it not being good for man to dwell alone, but I do not think that had anything to do with the fact that Creel, on one of his visits to Cheyenne, brought back with him a woman.
This woman had no thought of remaining alone in the solitudes. The sight of the great herd of cattle, and the isolation put into her head the thought of independence sudden and swift. She pointed out to Creel that it would be easy to get away with the cattle and out of the country long before the probability of being discovered. The plan failed, and Creel
was killed, and Bull Canyon became only a name and a memory.
Tom Kane used to run the ranges of the Pumpkin creek country. Kane was known in Sidney in the early days. One day he had a brush with the Indians, and escaped into the rushes on the creek bank ten miles east of Wild Cat mountain, where he lay three days caring for his wound before he managed to get away.
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The plan failed, and Creel
was killed, and Bull Canyon became only a name and a memory.
Tom Kane used to run the ranges of the Pumpkin creek country. Kane was known in Sidney in the early days. One day he had a brush with the Indians, and escaped into the rushes on the creek bank ten miles east of Wild Cat mountain, where he lay three days caring for his wound before he managed to get away.
And from that fact, occurring about 1874, the point of rock that extends into the valley just west of Wright's Gap became known as Kane's Point. This part of the Wild Cat range is one of the beauty spots of nature, and the long wall of windworn rocks that extends from Kane's Point to the northwest, in back of Kelly's ranch, resembles the ruins of a Frowning City built by hands.
John Wright came to Pumpkin creek from Horse creek in 1877; he earlier resided in Colorado. Finding some rich, unappropriated natural meadows in the vicinity of Kane's Point, he settled down and proceeded to accumulate cattle. It was adjoining the Wright ranch that I located a homestead in the middle eighties, and I remember meeting John Wright shortly after.
He was driving by, and stopped to watch me turn over the sod with my grasshopper breaker. , In the course of our conversation I said that it would be a mighty good thing if the grangers and the cowmen could dwell together in harmony. John exclaimed that I was the first granger that he had ever heard say such a thing, and asked me why I thought so. I told him that I thought the cowmen would furnish a home market for the product of the granger, to which he agreed.
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He was driving by, and stopped to watch me turn over the sod with my grasshopper breaker. , In the course of our conversation I said that it would be a mighty good thing if the grangers and the cowmen could dwell together in harmony. John exclaimed that I was the first granger that he had ever heard say such a thing, and asked me why I thought so. I told him that I thought the cowmen would furnish a home market for the product of the granger, to which he agreed.
We were marked for good friends, Wright and I, and we always were glad to meet each other. I am sure that it was a sincere friendship.
About the first event of any consequence that occurred after my coming into the west was a cowboy wedding.
Miss Alice (Dude) Wright was John Wright's oldest daughter. Ed A. Boots was with a cow outfit for the Bay State, and he and Miss Wright were married at the home of the Wrights, on Pumpkin creek. The event brought friends for five hundred miles.
Elder Stephens was then located at Sidney, and he was retained to perform the ceremony. "Retained" is probably a legal expression, but when you bring a minister sixty or seventy miles into a country, I take it that it is proper to "retain" him.
The Wrights had some homemade rhubarb
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
wine, and in the early prodigal way of the west, a dish pan full of this was set out on the table for use of any who desired to partake. It was said that they even insisted that the Elder take some, and that he did touch it to his lips. This was taken as evidence that he did not hold himself above his associations, and there were few boys on the range that would not swear by Elder Stephens.
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wine, and in the early prodigal way of the west, a dish pan full of this was set out on the table for use of any who desired to partake. It was said that they even insisted that the Elder take some, and that he did touch it to his lips. This was taken as evidence that he did not hold himself above his associations, and there were few boys on the range that would not swear by Elder Stephens. He was a powerful influence for good in the early west.
The wine was a little light for some of them, and they surreptitiously emptied their flasks into the beverage. The result was that it grew stronger as the evening waned.
W. J. Kelly, who recently died in Denver, and who was the oldest actual resident of Banner county at the time of his death, was there, and he took Jim Pogue into the kitchen for refreshment. He had Jim to put his lips to the edge of the pan, while he tipped it, and Jim let the mixed beverage run down his throat in considerable quantity. As Pogue straightened up, he wiped the tears from his eyes, and said: "Bill, I always did have a good time when I was with you."
The groom was a bit nervous, and the boys would urge him to "take a bracer and buck up. It ain't as bad as it seems," and otherwise "jolly" him. Boots usually was a very brave man, but the boys' tormenting got on his nerves, and he wept during the ceremony, which filled the boys with glee.
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As Pogue straightened up, he wiped the tears from his eyes, and said: "Bill, I always did have a good time when I was with you."
The groom was a bit nervous, and the boys would urge him to "take a bracer and buck up. It ain't as bad as it seems," and otherwise "jolly" him. Boots usually was a very brave man, but the boys' tormenting got on his nerves, and he wept during the ceremony, which filled the boys with glee.
After a while someone missed Kelly and Al Stringfellow. They went outside and found
these two worthies playing "andy over" the haystack with their six shooters. This was the regular pastime for these two after that, whenever they met, and were in the proper frame of mind.
The dance continued until morning, and when some of them were departing, one made a misstep as he meant to swing into the saddle. The horse swung away, and there he was with one foot fastened in the stirrup. The wild bronc made a quick swerve, and the man swung out clear of him and the ground while it ran in a short circle. The quick wit of some other cowboy, and his skill, saved the man. He dropped a rope over the animal's head, and brought it up, head end to the man on the ground.
"Swing your pardners," shouted that worthy, as he jumped to his feet. The near tragedies of old times were so lightly held and affairs that ended well were experiences worth while, and compensated fully for the danger involved.
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The wild bronc made a quick swerve, and the man swung out clear of him and the ground while it ran in a short circle. The quick wit of some other cowboy, and his skill, saved the man. He dropped a rope over the animal's head, and brought it up, head end to the man on the ground.
"Swing your pardners," shouted that worthy, as he jumped to his feet. The near tragedies of old times were so lightly held and affairs that ended well were experiences worth while, and compensated fully for the danger involved.
I often attended the dances given in the old Wright school house, and was also at a double wedding at Wright's when Ed Wright and Miss Elizabeth Osborne, and Henry Heard of Texas and Miss Ono Wright were married. The country had changed by that time, and it was more on the order of weddings usual in older communities. Boots now resides at Thermopolis, Ed Wright at Morrill, and Henry Heard at Long Beach, California. Thus the tides of life separate and distribute the peoples of the world.
FIRST RANCH IN NEBRASKA WEST OF NORTH PLATTE, KEITH & BARTON H. V. REDINGTON'S RANCH -- NERUD'S CORNER -- LATER SNAKE CREEK RANCHES
The first to actually engage in ranching in western Nebraska, that is west of North Platte, was Keith & Barton. Morrill C. Keith was grandfather of Ex-Governor Keith Neville, and Guy C. Barton was well known in Omaha business and club circles for many years. The location of their ranch was at O'Fallon's Bluff, and about eighteen miles west of North Platte. Guy Barton was the originator of the ranch, in which Keith soon joined. After Keith and Barton, it was owned and operated by Barton & Dillon.
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The first to actually engage in ranching in western Nebraska, that is west of North Platte, was Keith & Barton. Morrill C. Keith was grandfather of Ex-Governor Keith Neville, and Guy C. Barton was well known in Omaha business and club circles for many years. The location of their ranch was at O'Fallon's Bluff, and about eighteen miles west of North Platte. Guy Barton was the originator of the ranch, in which Keith soon joined. After Keith and Barton, it was owned and operated by Barton & Dillon.
The year that Creighton built his ranch near Wyoming station on the Laramie Plains (1867), Barton embarked in the sheep business at O'Fallons. In 1868, when Robert Harvey was with a surveying party in that vicinity, the ranch was not much of an affair. But it was the nucleus, and on the site was builded the big stone house that still stands.
John Bratt, later for many years around North Platte, came up the Texas Trail in 1866, and the following year, he built the second ranch in Wyoming on the Laramie Plains,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
but the altitude, and the better grasses in the vicinity of North Platte, made a change in his plans and he was almost as early in that vicinity as Keith & Barton. His first ranch there, however, was south of the river and east of North Platte city, and the high posts a little east of the state experiment farm, indicate the gateway of the original ranch. He later moved to the Birdwood, twenty miles northwest of North Platte, on the north side of the "North river."
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but the altitude, and the better grasses in the vicinity of North Platte, made a change in his plans and he was almost as early in that vicinity as Keith & Barton. His first ranch there, however, was south of the river and east of North Platte city, and the high posts a little east of the state experiment farm, indicate the gateway of the original ranch. He later moved to the Birdwood, twenty miles northwest of North Platte, on the north side of the "North river."
Next in the order of seniority, but in fact the first ranching in the Panhandle of western Nebraska, was started by H. V. Redington, in 1870.
Mr. Redington still lives at Sidney (1919). In 1870 he landed at Sidney, and he located his ranch on "Lorren's" fork, about a mile from its junction with Gonneville or Pumpkin creek. This ranch was not far distant from the identical spot where Gonneville, the French trapper, lost his life years before.
The nearest ranch to the westward at that time was Creighton's Horse creek ranch -- over sixty miles. The nearest to the south was Iliff's ranch on the South Platte river -- seventy-five miles. And the nearest ranch to the east was Keith & Barton's at O'Fallon's -- one hundred miles. And the whole country to the north was Indian land.
His ranch dates the same year that Coad Brothers took over Scottsbluff Stage station for their cattle operations, but earlier in the year.
The country along the Platte was a year or two later than Mr. Redington in the matter of seniority of ranch locations. But north of the river into the Black Hills remained Indian domain until some years after when gold discoveries in the Hills brought about a transformation. Stage routes from Sidney and Cheyenne, and the tremendous freight transportation opened up this new country in 1876, and later.
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His ranch dates the same year that Coad Brothers took over Scottsbluff Stage station for their cattle operations, but earlier in the year.
The country along the Platte was a year or two later than Mr. Redington in the matter of seniority of ranch locations. But north of the river into the Black Hills remained Indian domain until some years after when gold discoveries in the Hills brought about a transformation. Stage routes from Sidney and Cheyenne, and the tremendous freight transportation opened up this new country in 1876, and later.
On the south side of the Platte, just a short distance below Bridgeport, are some ditches that look like rifle pits of the Indian days. These are all that remains of the original Hart ranch in western Nebraska. The trenches were made around hay stacks in the place of fences, and were to keep range cattle away from them, which it did very successfully. The later location of the Hart ranch, on Snake creek, was about one and one-half miles up the creek from the Sidney crossing. This ranch branched into mercantile business and had a post-office.
This location later became known as Nerud's corner, and the four corners were occupied by
different branches of business. A timely wag immortalized them in verse that ran as follows :
Nerud's corner,
Baxter Street,
Foster's restaurant,
And nothing to eat.
Joe Nerud had long since become the owner of a valuable place on Snake creek. He had the blacksmith's shop at the Corners in the early days.
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This ranch branched into mercantile business and had a post-office.
This location later became known as Nerud's corner, and the four corners were occupied by
different branches of business. A timely wag immortalized them in verse that ran as follows :
Nerud's corner,
Baxter Street,
Foster's restaurant,
And nothing to eat.
Joe Nerud had long since become the owner of a valuable place on Snake creek. He had the blacksmith's shop at the Corners in the early days.
Old Joe frequently comes to Scottsbluff to trade, but an indiscreet joker has made his visits less frequent than of yore. His country is naturally tributary to Scottsbluff, and his son, Young Joe, married one of the Scottsbluff's charming girls, Matilda Montz.
Old Joe was here a number of years ago, and at the time the bootlegger, Bill Bowen, was doing business. Like most old timers, Nerud likes a nip now and then, and if the weather is just right he may take two. Bill had the goods, and it just so happened that the chief of police was hot on his trail, and had him pulled for a "vag."
Bill was a pitiful object of humanity and Nerud's sympathies were aroused. He told the officers of the law that he would take Bill out to the ranch, if they would let him off. The humor of the situation was too great to be resisted, and he was put into the wagon alongside of Joe. and sent out to Snake creek.
I cannot say what brought about the transformation in Nerud's sentiment, but the fact is, that a day or two later, Bill Bowen arrived on the Burlington with a paid in advance passage from Angora, and he did not have a cent when he left Scottsbluff.
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He told the officers of the law that he would take Bill out to the ranch, if they would let him off. The humor of the situation was too great to be resisted, and he was put into the wagon alongside of Joe. and sent out to Snake creek.
I cannot say what brought about the transformation in Nerud's sentiment, but the fact is, that a day or two later, Bill Bowen arrived on the Burlington with a paid in advance passage from Angora, and he did not have a cent when he left Scottsbluff.
A man is not to be censured if he changes his mind. Wise men have that privilege -- and no one would blame any man, who in an impulse of sympathy or sentiment should pick up a bug, if he should decide, when he came to an analytical study of the insect, that he had no further use for it. A kind heart only would take the trouble of returning it to the spot from which he had taken it.
Pearson's ranch was one of the later places on Snake creek, and he needed more range and came into the hills about three miles north of the west end of Lake Alice, where he established a camp -- as a sub-station for the ranch. These sub-stations consist usually of a well and windmill and a set of watering tanks. Sometimes a small shack and corral is added. This sub-station of the Pearson ranch was the only watering place between Snake creek and the' North Platte river.
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Pearson's ranch was one of the later places on Snake creek, and he needed more range and came into the hills about three miles north of the west end of Lake Alice, where he established a camp -- as a sub-station for the ranch. These sub-stations consist usually of a well and windmill and a set of watering tanks. Sometimes a small shack and corral is added. This sub-station of the Pearson ranch was the only watering place between Snake creek and the' North Platte river.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
When Pearson sold to Billy Haynes, he reserved this sub-station for his own use.
Pearson had two daughters, and the oldest, Alma, married Joe Maycock and they went to Lusk to live. She did not live very long -- only a couple years, I believe, and then Joe married the younger daughter, Mamie.
A few years ago they removed to Canada, where Joe has since died.
The 'Maycock brothers were among the cowboys when the grangers began to arrive. For when the contingent that settled old Tabor (now Minatar'e) landed in the valley, John Maycock was the first to greet them. He at once "spread the alarm" up and down the valley for manv miles.
Virgil' Grout and Captain W. R. Akers were building their first irrigation ditch over the Wyoming line, when they saw John coming, riding like the wind, and when he got in hearing distance he commenced to shout the news : "There is a whole colony settling on the river down below Scottsbluff, and they have brought along everything, even a postoffice." This latter was, of course, an invention or imagination, but all who knew John Maycock are not surprised at this -- in fact it was moderation. Some years later John Maycock dropped dead from his horse in the sage brush of central Wyoming, and there was another on the Final Roundup.
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Akers were building their first irrigation ditch over the Wyoming line, when they saw John coming, riding like the wind, and when he got in hearing distance he commenced to shout the news : "There is a whole colony settling on the river down below Scottsbluff, and they have brought along everything, even a postoffice." This latter was, of course, an invention or imagination, but all who knew John Maycock are not surprised at this -- in fact it was moderation. Some years later John Maycock dropped dead from his horse in the sage brush of central Wyoming, and there was another on the Final Roundup.
Mike Elmore's ranch was down Snake creek a few miles from the old Sidney crossing. This well known place has passed into the hands of the big grading outfit, Kilpatrick Brothers, who use it for wintering horses. They built a large reservoir on the creek running sheet piling down into the substrata to raise the underflow for a supply for irrigation. The experiment was only partly successful. They did increase the supply a small amount, but not nearly so much as they had expected. Mike Elmore was recently ' (1919) killed at Sheridan, Wyoming, by being struck with a passing automobile.
Wilbur L. Wallace went to Snake creek in 1S87, and located near the old Hart ranch. He also needed more range than was obtainable near there and he came into the Lake Alice country, and established a sub-station about a mile northwest of the Pearson wells, Wallace's wells then became a watering place for many travelers. In due time. Wallace's business took him to Scottsbluff, and he and his family have resided in that city for about all the life of the municipality. He is now a heavy dealer in livestock for range or feeding purposes and in banking business at Henry (1919).
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He also needed more range than was obtainable near there and he came into the Lake Alice country, and established a sub-station about a mile northwest of the Pearson wells, Wallace's wells then became a watering place for many travelers. In due time. Wallace's business took him to Scottsbluff, and he and his family have resided in that city for about all the life of the municipality. He is now a heavy dealer in livestock for range or feeding purposes and in banking business at Henry (1919).
John Caddis located on Snake creek at the
same time that Wallace went there, and his daughter Nellie, who later became Mrs. Wallace, and together they have followed the trail of human events, and shared the joys and responsibilities for over a quarter. of a century.
Turner Harris come into the Snake creek country in 1888, and went over to Mud Springs for his selection. This place also developed and became a postoffice. Were it not for this, the postoffice department and the Burlington railroad would be asked to change the name of meaningless "Simla" to "Mud Springs." As that railroad station south of Bridgeport is the location of the famous Mud Springs of history.
The Mud Springs in Sioux county soon passed to the hands of the Schoonovers, and they in turn sold it to Ed Eastman. Eastman used to live at Minatare, and was identified in the story of Jimmy Moore, related elsewhere.
Eastman wanted more land, and Mrs. Eastman secured a divorce on very good grounds of periodical intoxication. She then took a claim near his land, and in due time made final proof. Then Mr. and Mrs. Eastman secured a license and went before a magistrate to remarry.
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The Mud Springs in Sioux county soon passed to the hands of the Schoonovers, and they in turn sold it to Ed Eastman. Eastman used to live at Minatare, and was identified in the story of Jimmy Moore, related elsewhere.
Eastman wanted more land, and Mrs. Eastman secured a divorce on very good grounds of periodical intoxication. She then took a claim near his land, and in due time made final proof. Then Mr. and Mrs. Eastman secured a license and went before a magistrate to remarry.
The judge noticed that the names were both Eastman, and he asked some question about it. Mrs. Eastman told him that they had been previously married, and he wanted to know why they had been divorced. She told him, honestly, that she had secured a divorce on the grounds of drunkenness. The humor of the affair was that at the time of the second wedding, she might have had ample grounds for a second divorce on the same complaint.
John Maycock bought out Eastman after a few years, and the place finally went to Joe Schramek, who sold it to Chas. Loucomer, the present owner.
Below the Elmore ranch on Snake creek, Billy Haines was known to many of the later people. He had bought out Frank Harris, Will Benn, Iperhope and some others, and made quite a ranch. After Billy's death, Mrs. Haines sold the ranch to Wilson brothers. Doc. Wilson was quite active for a time, but the ranch finally went to Scotty Henderson. Scotty has been in the Snake creek for a third of a century, and is the present owner of the valuable ranch, the history of which runs back to almost the beginning of the cow business in this part of the west.
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He had bought out Frank Harris, Will Benn, Iperhope and some others, and made quite a ranch. After Billy's death, Mrs. Haines sold the ranch to Wilson brothers. Doc. Wilson was quite active for a time, but the ranch finally went to Scotty Henderson. Scotty has been in the Snake creek for a third of a century, and is the present owner of the valuable ranch, the history of which runs back to almost the beginning of the cow business in this part of the west.
Jim McKinney was also upon this creek some distance below the Elmore ranch. Mc- Kinney sold out and went into the creamery business at Alliance.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
COLONEL CHARLES COFFEE OF CREIGHTON'S, BOX ELDER, ROCK RANCH,
HAT CREEK AND CHADRON -- EMMET & BREWSTER -- ARREST
OF FLY SPECK BILL -- FIRST GARDENS IN SIOUX COUNTY
The Texas trail has brought many a good man into the western range country, and it did not depart from the custom when Colonel Charles Coffee arrived in 1873, at the Creighton ranch on Horse creek. Charlie was quite a fellow to "play his own hand," so he soon went over on the Box Elder in the Goshen Holes and built his initial ranch on the northern range.
The following year he went to the river, for hay and grasses of the Goshen Holes then made rather short picking for the stock in winter. Around the Rock ranch location, then as now, there were some excellent meadows. The summer range around there was good, and the valley produced good hay for winter. This brought about the building of the ranch at that point about 1877.
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Charlie was quite a fellow to "play his own hand," so he soon went over on the Box Elder in the Goshen Holes and built his initial ranch on the northern range.
The following year he went to the river, for hay and grasses of the Goshen Holes then made rather short picking for the stock in winter. Around the Rock ranch location, then as now, there were some excellent meadows. The summer range around there was good, and the valley produced good hay for winter. This brought about the building of the ranch at that point about 1877.
The earlier years had witnessed activity in the same vicinity. Carleton Clinton tells us that the original name was Stone ranch, from the fact that a southerner first located it, that his name was Stone, and that he brought north with him a number of slaves, and lived there for a time. Clinton has not given us his authority, and we have been unable to convince ourselves that slavery has ever existed in the North Platte valley. None of the chroniclers of events along the Overland trail has mentioned it, and the trail fell into disuse about the time or shortly after slavery was abolished.
The overland stage and the pony express had a stopping place near the present ranch, and the meadows were used for supplying feed for their stock. But I am conviced that Rock ranch as a ranch- came into existence, almost simultaneously with the abandonment of the old Red Cloud agency. Stealing stock, particularly horses, by the Indians was common at that time.
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None of the chroniclers of events along the Overland trail has mentioned it, and the trail fell into disuse about the time or shortly after slavery was abolished.
The overland stage and the pony express had a stopping place near the present ranch, and the meadows were used for supplying feed for their stock. But I am conviced that Rock ranch as a ranch- came into existence, almost simultaneously with the abandonment of the old Red Cloud agency. Stealing stock, particularly horses, by the Indians was common at that time.
The horses of Charles Coffee were so stolen, except a few of the most useless, and the work of building the original rock house on this ranch was principally by hand. The rocks were torn out of the hills close at hand and wheeled by hand to the site, where they were laid up in alkali gumbo. The barn, previously built, was west of the house, the house was provided with port-holes commanding a view of the barn, for the purpose of preventing the success of any further Indian raids
upon the stock. The original building is the north part of the present Rock house, and the port-holes are filled in with masonry.
Sometime before the building of this ranch, or about 1876, Coffee was at Ogallala, and in company with a man named Gordon, who is the father of the Gordon in the Gordon Con- . struction Company. They had what was called, "The Wild West Exchange" at Ogallala at this time, and here the boys challanged one another for feats of doing or daring characteristic of the Wild West. Someone had captured a young buffalo, and had it properly confined. While generally the talk was of horses, and Gordon was expostulating concerning the merit of his horse, as a racer, Coffee told him his horse was not so much, that he could beat it and ride the buffalo.
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They had what was called, "The Wild West Exchange" at Ogallala at this time, and here the boys challanged one another for feats of doing or daring characteristic of the Wild West. Someone had captured a young buffalo, and had it properly confined. While generally the talk was of horses, and Gordon was expostulating concerning the merit of his horse, as a racer, Coffee told him his horse was not so much, that he could beat it and ride the buffalo. That naturally led to an expression of doubt as to whether the young Texan could stick to the animal.
Gordon and Coffee met only a few days ago, and when Gordon sprung the old incident, Charlie said: "The boys told me that I had a pretty good time at that affair, and looking myself over in the grey light of the morning after, I am confident that they were right." He had ridden the buffalo, but there were a few indications that the buffalo might have stepped on Charlie sometime during the performance.
At the time they were at Ogallala, a noted character named "Fly Speck Bill." his face being well spotted with freckles that had the appearance of fly specks, had been apprehended and placed in the city jail. But the jail was a flimsy affair, and failed to hold him for long. A day or two later, as Coffee was leaving Sidney for the north on the stage, Bill was found to be one of the passengers. At Camp Clarke they separated, and Charlie did not see him again until the following year.
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At the time they were at Ogallala, a noted character named "Fly Speck Bill." his face being well spotted with freckles that had the appearance of fly specks, had been apprehended and placed in the city jail. But the jail was a flimsy affair, and failed to hold him for long. A day or two later, as Coffee was leaving Sidney for the north on the stage, Bill was found to be one of the passengers. At Camp Clarke they separated, and Charlie did not see him again until the following year.
He had then just stolen John Durbin's horse at Cheyenne and was making his get-away. Here he obtained a good look at the man and sensed his identity, although he did not make himself known.
Sometime later, when in Cheyenne, Coffee met Billy Likens, the redoubtable man that run down Doc. Middleton about the same time, and Likens asked if he knew "Fly Speck Bill." Being assured, he asked Coffee if he would
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
point him out, as he had reason to believe the horsethief was in town.
They went into the Tivola saloon, then on the corner west of the old Inter-Ocean hotel, and the man was sitting at one of the tables. Likens pressed a gun muzzle against the back of his neck and said : "Fly Speck Bill, you are my meat." The arrest proved a tame affair, for the man merely glanced at the officer, and threw up his hands, saying: "Oh, all right!"
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point him out, as he had reason to believe the horsethief was in town.
They went into the Tivola saloon, then on the corner west of the old Inter-Ocean hotel, and the man was sitting at one of the tables. Likens pressed a gun muzzle against the back of his neck and said : "Fly Speck Bill, you are my meat." The arrest proved a tame affair, for the man merely glanced at the officer, and threw up his hands, saying: "Oh, all right!"
By this time the Coads had laid claim to about all of the North Platte valley, east of Scottsbluff mountain. They had put fences in the gaps in the hills, and had some pole bars in Mitchell Gap.
Among early ranchmen, a custom had sprung up to respect the calves belonging to another, and if a cow and calf were found in a herd, off of their proper range, it was customary to put on the calf the brand of the real owner. Coad early refused to follow the custom, and the calves of other fellows found in his herds were left unbranded.
One time a calf belonging to the Coads crawled through the bars, into Mitchell valley, and was found by a bunch of fellows from higher up the river. That Coads might understand the custom, they singed the hair on one side of the calf with big letters "M-A-R-K" and on the other side "C-O-A-D," Coad did not like it, but he took the hint.
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Coad early refused to follow the custom, and the calves of other fellows found in his herds were left unbranded.
One time a calf belonging to the Coads crawled through the bars, into Mitchell valley, and was found by a bunch of fellows from higher up the river. That Coads might understand the custom, they singed the hair on one side of the calf with big letters "M-A-R-K" and on the other side "C-O-A-D," Coad did not like it, but he took the hint.
By 1879 the North Platte valley had become ' too tame for Colonel Coffee, he determined to try the wilderness once more. Near the present site of Ardmore, on Hat creek, he found Hugh Jackson. He told Hugh that he was looking for a new location, and with the courtesy of the first cowmen, he asked Jackson if he would like a neighbor. Being assured that he would be welcome, Coffee went up Hat creek, looking for a suitable place. He estimated his speed, and took note of the time by his watch, until he had reached, as he thought, about fifteen miles -- that being a neighborly distance.
There he and his wife and boys, Charles T. Jr., the youngest was only six months old, settled down in a cabin on what proved to be section fourteen, township thirty-three, range fiftyfive. There the O-Ten-Bar brand and ranch was born. Coffee still has the place, and twenty-two thousand acres around it, vast herds of cattle, a bank in Chadron, and various other matters to occupy his attention.
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He estimated his speed, and took note of the time by his watch, until he had reached, as he thought, about fifteen miles -- that being a neighborly distance.
There he and his wife and boys, Charles T. Jr., the youngest was only six months old, settled down in a cabin on what proved to be section fourteen, township thirty-three, range fiftyfive. There the O-Ten-Bar brand and ranch was born. Coffee still has the place, and twenty-two thousand acres around it, vast herds of cattle, a bank in Chadron, and various other matters to occupy his attention.
Granville Tinnin is the hero in the pretty story, "The Foreman of the JAC. This ranch is on the Rawhide, and is partly owned by Coffee, who has often told Mrs. E. Joy Johnson, the writer, that she made a hero out of the wrong partner. I presume Tinnin would take issue with his producer on this matter.
About the same time that the Hat creek ranch was located, Emmet & Brewster established the S-Bar-E brand twelve miles farther west. Two of the hangers on about the S-Bar-E ranch were "Whitney Jim," and "Trapper Tom," and they built an independent cabin on a branch of Hat creek, where they could follow their own inclinations wittiout interference. Jim had an inclination, or propensity, for strong drink, and a pronounced aversion to cleanliness. In season he would gather a wagon box full of wild plums, take them to Fort Laramie, and come back amply provided with booze, which Tom would help him to consume. They had interesting times trying to put each other to bed, when in this maudlin state, both maintaining with the dignity of intoxication that the other was drunk.
446
Two of the hangers on about the S-Bar-E ranch were "Whitney Jim," and "Trapper Tom," and they built an independent cabin on a branch of Hat creek, where they could follow their own inclinations wittiout interference. Jim had an inclination, or propensity, for strong drink, and a pronounced aversion to cleanliness. In season he would gather a wagon box full of wild plums, take them to Fort Laramie, and come back amply provided with booze, which Tom would help him to consume. They had interesting times trying to put each other to bed, when in this maudlin state, both maintaining with the dignity of intoxication that the other was drunk.
Tom captured hundreds of beaver, and sold the pelts for one dollar each, which supplied all that was necessary during the winter periods. The pair originated farming into the northwestern corner of the state -- they raised gardens and potatoes usually sufficient for their needs.
The different branches of Hat creek and White river began to take on the euphoneous names of early days, such as "Dirty Jim Creek," "Sow-belly Creek," "Tom Creek," "War Bonnet Creek," and the like, and Coffee's ranch, after he had removed to Chadron and the kangaroo rats made merry around the place, was nick-named "Lickit ranch." While the place was abandoned part of the time, it was kept well provisioned. Sometimes those who were there for a day or two, left without washing the dishes, and one time, when some others had stopped and found the dirty plates, one complained and another said : "Why don't you 'lick it', if you don't like it." Thus originated the name that endures.
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The different branches of Hat creek and White river began to take on the euphoneous names of early days, such as "Dirty Jim Creek," "Sow-belly Creek," "Tom Creek," "War Bonnet Creek," and the like, and Coffee's ranch, after he had removed to Chadron and the kangaroo rats made merry around the place, was nick-named "Lickit ranch." While the place was abandoned part of the time, it was kept well provisioned. Sometimes those who were there for a day or two, left without washing the dishes, and one time, when some others had stopped and found the dirty plates, one complained and another said : "Why don't you 'lick it', if you don't like it." Thus originated the name that endures.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
JOHN ADAMS JOINS REDINGTON IN FIRST RANCH OF THE PANHANDLE- THE RUSTLERS -- ORIGIN OF RANCHES ON CEDAR CREEK-- SMITH'S FORK OR RUSH CREEK -- VANTASSEL'S TIE CONTRACT
In 1874, John M. Adams, allured by the big profits then apparent in the cattle business, the Indian depredations having practically ceased, came to Sidney, and formed a partnership with H. V. Redington, under the name of Adams, Redington & Company, at the ranch near the junction of "Gonneville" creek and Lorren's fork, about a mile south of the present location of Redington. Their range included the lower Pumpkin creek country and Lawrence fork. Adams in a recent letter tells of it, and emphasizes the name "Lorren's fork," explaining its original significance. "Lorren's," of French derivation, indicates robbers, and the rocks about the head of this stream were once the rendezvous of a band of robbers, who preyed upon the unprotected stragglers along the Overland. Adams, Redington & Company ran 4,000 to 6,000 cattle, and their principal and best known brand was H-Bar.
448
Their range included the lower Pumpkin creek country and Lawrence fork. Adams in a recent letter tells of it, and emphasizes the name "Lorren's fork," explaining its original significance. "Lorren's," of French derivation, indicates robbers, and the rocks about the head of this stream were once the rendezvous of a band of robbers, who preyed upon the unprotected stragglers along the Overland. Adams, Redington & Company ran 4,000 to 6,000 cattle, and their principal and best known brand was H-Bar.
The Greenwood ranch of Tusler Brothers was one of the well known spots along the Sidney trail. Merchant & Wheeler built this about 1872, and it was operated as a horse ranch when I first knew of it.
I was then new to the ways of the west. Clark Streeter, who had been ranging cattle on Medicine creek, south of North Platte until the grangers came into that territory, and I, were riding to the North river country, when we arrived at the Tusler ranch a little after noon. We dropped our bridle reins over the heads of our tired beasts, and walked to the door and asked if we could get dinner. A lady told us "No, we never feed travelers," and she no doubt meant it. The travel along the route was doubtless quite extensive and they had adopted the system. We asked how far it was to the next ranch, and she stepped outside to show us the road. Seeing our horses and accoutrements, she exclaimed : "Oh, you are cowboys, are you ? Well, come right in, and we will find a bite for you."
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A lady told us "No, we never feed travelers," and she no doubt meant it. The travel along the route was doubtless quite extensive and they had adopted the system. We asked how far it was to the next ranch, and she stepped outside to show us the road. Seeing our horses and accoutrements, she exclaimed : "Oh, you are cowboys, are you ? Well, come right in, and we will find a bite for you."
I was not then a cowboy, but I was young and hungry, and Streeter was audacious and hungry, and we went "right in." While we were eating, the lady asked us a question that would have floored me, but Clark had been a little longer in the west. She asked : "What outfit do you belong to?"
"We are working independent," answered Clark promptly. "We are looking for cows
branded 'L,' on the left shoulder, and some Oregon mares that got away and started back along the trail."
I told you Streeter was audacious, but he went it stronger than I could have imagined. I was later informed that there was this much truth to his reply: The cows he used to run were branded "L" on the left shoulder; also several years before his father had bought a bunch of Oregon mares, and some of them had gotten away, and never came back.
C. C. Nelson and Dr. Geo. C. Keenan bought this ranch, and I think they own it now (1919). Keenan was a brother of Mrs. Tusler.
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I was later informed that there was this much truth to his reply: The cows he used to run were branded "L" on the left shoulder; also several years before his father had bought a bunch of Oregon mares, and some of them had gotten away, and never came back.
C. C. Nelson and Dr. Geo. C. Keenan bought this ranch, and I think they own it now (1919). Keenan was a brother of Mrs. Tusler.
A letter from Adams tells of the hospiltality of the early ranchers, but we are inclined, from our first experience, to think that this hospitality had its limitations to the ranch class ; that the only way to reach this hearty hospitable nature, was to bear "some of the earmarks of a range critter."
Adam's letter says : "at these ranches, the truest and freest of hospitalities prevailed, and the way-farers and weary travelers were always welcome to any and all comforts and necessities that the abode could furnish for man or beast. In fact each ranch was supplied with the necessities of life in abundance and the way-farer was welcome to help himself without awaiting the presence of, or asking the consent of the owner or his representative. This practice was continued until the county settled up more thickly, and the abuses of such generous courtesies caused the stockmen to discontinue their liberalities to some extent.
"The ranchmen learned to have in their outlaying ranches, only such things as they could have locked up, nailed down, or otherwise guarded from petty pilferers, and malicious and unseemly jokers."
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In fact each ranch was supplied with the necessities of life in abundance and the way-farer was welcome to help himself without awaiting the presence of, or asking the consent of the owner or his representative. This practice was continued until the county settled up more thickly, and the abuses of such generous courtesies caused the stockmen to discontinue their liberalities to some extent.
"The ranchmen learned to have in their outlaying ranches, only such things as they could have locked up, nailed down, or otherwise guarded from petty pilferers, and malicious and unseemly jokers."
Tusler ran about two thousand cattle and one thousand horses, and the ranch brand was Sixty-six on the left side, and cow animals were also marked with dewlaps on the brisket.
In 1885, Elijah Tusler was riding in a private car of an official of the Union Pacific, when it arrived at Sidney. Yielding to the importunities of "the bunch" on board, Tusler remained on the car after it left for the west. Before it arrived at Potter, he stepped out on the rear platform, and not returning as
11.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
quickly as the party thought he should, another opened the door, and on the platform lay the form of Tusler. He was quite dead, apparently from heart disease, and was taken back to Sidney, from which point the fact was communciated to the widow at the ranch.
"Ark" or "Henry County" Hughes was working for the Tusler people at the time. Hughes had come up from the mines of Colorado in 18S0. He went to work on the Tusler ranch in 1883, and remained there for four years. In the meantime he had "picked out" a place on Horse Creek, where he established his own ranch and range.
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He was quite dead, apparently from heart disease, and was taken back to Sidney, from which point the fact was communciated to the widow at the ranch.
"Ark" or "Henry County" Hughes was working for the Tusler people at the time. Hughes had come up from the mines of Colorado in 18S0. He went to work on the Tusler ranch in 1883, and remained there for four years. In the meantime he had "picked out" a place on Horse Creek, where he established his own ranch and range.
The Tusler cattle were sold to the Ogallala company, and the Greenwood ranch continued in the horse business a number of years. Charlie Nelson, a veteran of the other years, still operates it (1919), and it is worth while to start him reminiscensing, and hear story after story follow as he leads out like a hound upon a trail.
On Cedar creek, which the earlier maps designate as Rush creek, C. A. Moore built a ranch in the early seventies. The Shiedley Brothers bought this place for their North river operations. Mac Radcliff now owns it. The first convention that I ever attended in western Nebraska, was at Sidney, and Mac Radcliff was the nominee of the democratic party for county commissioner of old Cheyenne county.
The Rush creek shown on the maps today, was originally called Smith's Fork. Moore had from one thousand to two thousand cattle and his range extended from the mouth of Smith's Fork to the ranch.
When the Shiedley Brothers acquired this ranch, Moore went into the mercantile business. He established a big supply depot at Sidney for ranch supplies and Black Hills outfitting. And at one time the sod emporium at the north end of the Camp Clarke bridge was owned by Moore.
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The Rush creek shown on the maps today, was originally called Smith's Fork. Moore had from one thousand to two thousand cattle and his range extended from the mouth of Smith's Fork to the ranch.
When the Shiedley Brothers acquired this ranch, Moore went into the mercantile business. He established a big supply depot at Sidney for ranch supplies and Black Hills outfitting. And at one time the sod emporium at the north end of the Camp Clarke bridge was owned by Moore.
Just at what time, and how it came about, that Rush creek was changed Cedar creek, and Smith's Fork was changed to Rush creek, I do not know, but this explanation has served to clear up some of the foggy ideas concerning locations of Indian battles and other early historic events. Modern maps give these streams the later designations.
On the head of Smith's Fork, Lambert Jenkins of Sidney, began building his ranch structures in 1873. The widow of Jim Moore, the pony express rider, having some means, acquired an interest in this ranch, which she sold at the time of her moving to Cheyenne to become Mrs. VanTassel. Tom Kane purchased
her interests, and Henry Newman also took a part in the ranch's destinies. Then a number of railroad men organized a company, and bought the entire outfit, and put George Green in charge. They were succeeded by Reuben Lisco, and the late Thos. Wells of Chicago. Under the latter ownership the Rush Creek Land & Cattle Company has remained under the direct charge of Mr. Lisco until the present time.
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The widow of Jim Moore, the pony express rider, having some means, acquired an interest in this ranch, which she sold at the time of her moving to Cheyenne to become Mrs. VanTassel. Tom Kane purchased
her interests, and Henry Newman also took a part in the ranch's destinies. Then a number of railroad men organized a company, and bought the entire outfit, and put George Green in charge. They were succeeded by Reuben Lisco, and the late Thos. Wells of Chicago. Under the latter ownership the Rush Creek Land & Cattle Company has remained under the direct charge of Mr. Lisco until the present time.
This ranch was owned by many and different firms, but I am not advised that the ownership was always satisfactory to the owners. I will venture the opinion that when Lambert Jenkins sold it, he did so at a profit ; and that under the present ownership it has been well managed and is one of the solid affairs of the kind.
R. S. VanTassel, of Cheyenne, who married Mrs. Jim Moore, was, and still is, for that matter, one of the most lively wires that evel came into the west. He started in the territory of Wyoming, and it has ever since been his home. He was unlike Post and some others that "Cut quite a swath" for a time and then went on to other fields. His field has always been Wyoming, although at the time this ii written (1916) he is in a hospital in Denver, attended by his present faithful and charming wife. I say "present" for the reason that he has been married four times. Once before his uniting with Mrs. Moore, and twice since. The first two died, and the third, who was an excellent woman and the daughter of Big Alex Swan, is divorced because of incompatibility of temperament.
455
His field has always been Wyoming, although at the time this ii written (1916) he is in a hospital in Denver, attended by his present faithful and charming wife. I say "present" for the reason that he has been married four times. Once before his uniting with Mrs. Moore, and twice since. The first two died, and the third, who was an excellent woman and the daughter of Big Alex Swan, is divorced because of incompatibility of temperament.
Mr. VanTassel came with the Union Pacific, and he took a contract to supply that company with a million and a quarter ties at a million and a quarter dollars, in 1867. These ties were to be taken from the land grant and government lands in the Medicine Bow mountains, and delivered at a station called Medicine Bow. to be located on the railroad near the edge of the Laramie Plains.
During the winter large camps of wood choppers were maintained, and they piled up the ties along the gulches and frozen streams to await the spring freshets. Then came the work of "booming ties," one of the perilous, daring and strength-testing undertakings in the west. Men were detailed to keep the ties from jamming, and to break jams should they occur. At Medicine Bow, a string of ties fastened together stretched across the stream, and workmen pulled the floating ties ashore and piled them up in great ricks as fast as they came down to this obstruction. A man was here detailed to mark them and two men kept tally of
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Then came the work of "booming ties," one of the perilous, daring and strength-testing undertakings in the west. Men were detailed to keep the ties from jamming, and to break jams should they occur. At Medicine Bow, a string of ties fastened together stretched across the stream, and workmen pulled the floating ties ashore and piled them up in great ricks as fast as they came down to this obstruction. A man was here detailed to mark them and two men kept tally of
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the marked ties. The marks were made by a hammer on one end of which was the letter "S" for identification in the wood. The other end of the hammer was smooth. The two score keepers were selected, one by the Union Pacific and the owner by Mr. VanTassel.
One of these chanced to be John Snodgrass, later identified with the Bay State Company. A wily little Irishman was detailed to use the hammer and as the strokes resounded, the
score-keepers would record -- one -- two -- three -- four -- tally, etc., etc. It developed that about every other tap that the Irishman made, was with the smooth end of the hammer on a tie already marked or next to be marked. So that for a while the Union Pacific was receiving only about half the ties that they paid for. I did not learn whether the Irishman got fired or promoted, but he "sure" was making money for R. U. VanTassel while it lasted.
457
score-keepers would record -- one -- two -- three -- four -- tally, etc., etc. It developed that about every other tap that the Irishman made, was with the smooth end of the hammer on a tie already marked or next to be marked. So that for a while the Union Pacific was receiving only about half the ties that they paid for. I did not learn whether the Irishman got fired or promoted, but he "sure" was making money for R. U. VanTassel while it lasted.
JIM KIDD'S TRAINING GROUND -- Y-CROSS AND CHERRY CREEK RANCHES
-- HENHY COUNTY HUGHES -- LITTLE MOON POST-OFFICE --
OELRICH'S WILD ESCAPADES
About four miles north of La Grange formerly was the old Y-Cross ranch. It is one of the oldest places in the country. It was built by the Daters early in the seventies, not long after those Texans had established the Sixty-six. Ben Morrison ran the ranch for the Daters, and it was under him that Jim Kidd became a wonderful rider. So wonderful indeed was his skill in the saddle that he traveled with Buffalo Bill's wild west show around the world, and finally he married one of the women riders of that aggregation. Lowe bought the place from Daters, and Hi Kelly once owned it. In 1888 it was a sort of a road house, where mighty poor meals were served for "six bits a throw." About 1900 it was bought by the Yoders, and is now the ranch of Yoder and Marsh.
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So wonderful indeed was his skill in the saddle that he traveled with Buffalo Bill's wild west show around the world, and finally he married one of the women riders of that aggregation. Lowe bought the place from Daters, and Hi Kelly once owned it. In 1888 it was a sort of a road house, where mighty poor meals were served for "six bits a throw." About 1900 it was bought by the Yoders, and is now the ranch of Yoder and Marsh.
I was then bound for the Big Horn Basin. When I crossed the Goshen Holes it was one of those queer mirage days, when everything was a shimmer, and everything unreal. I passed within a mile or so of the Cherry Creek ranch, originated by Coffee in 1874, owned by Doty in 1888, and now belonging to the Clays. I am sure that the solid ground on which the ranch stands then appeared to be one vast inland sea, and boats floating upside down. Charles Coffee built the first structures of this ranch, Doty & Chamberlain enlarged it, and in 1886 they had a splitup. Chamberlain closed out his interests and went to Douglas, from which city he was elected to the State Senate. He made a lot of money in the sheep business later. Doty held to the place for twelve
years, when he sold to the Two-Bar people. Both Doty and Chamberlain are now with the Final Roundup over the Great Divide.
The ranch is still owned by the Clays, and Curtis Templeton is the genial local manager.
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Chamberlain closed out his interests and went to Douglas, from which city he was elected to the State Senate. He made a lot of money in the sheep business later. Doty held to the place for twelve
years, when he sold to the Two-Bar people. Both Doty and Chamberlain are now with the Final Roundup over the Great Divide.
The ranch is still owned by the Clays, and Curtis Templeton is the genial local manager.
"Henry County" Hughes has his ranch in this section of the country, although he lives at Scottsbluff much of the time. "Henry County" quit the Tuslers about 1887 and went to work for the Bay State. He was in Chris Streeks' outfit for a season or two.
Hughes is like Runey Campbell and Ed. Stemler in the respect that he likes to play the fiddle, and he is like J. S. Robb, in that he was one of the best story-tellers of the western range ; and he is like Wyatt Heard, and J. W. Hoke, and Auctioneer Hollingsworth or E. von Forell, that he is stall and spare, and like Mark Twain that his humor is droll and full of subtle elements.
Around cow outfits, at night he loved to get strung out with his yarns, and get the "boys agoing." But the foreman always settled matters when his stories reached too far into the night. He would roll up in his "tarp," and if "Henry County" failed to take the hint, he would say : "Ark, you better catch a horse, and go on night herd tonight," and that meant an order, and it also meant no more stories for that night.
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Around cow outfits, at night he loved to get strung out with his yarns, and get the "boys agoing." But the foreman always settled matters when his stories reached too far into the night. He would roll up in his "tarp," and if "Henry County" failed to take the hint, he would say : "Ark, you better catch a horse, and go on night herd tonight," and that meant an order, and it also meant no more stories for that night.
On lower Horse Creek, at the crossing of the Overland Trail, there was an old sod structure used by the hurrying pony express riders. It was just northwest of this station, that John Sparks, in 1872, built a sod house for his men.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
About the same time he built a similar place on the Lodgepole near Potter.
This Horse Creek ranch house, from descriptions given by many old timers, and particularly by L. J. Wyman, who made it his headquarters for years and who owned the land until 1919, cannot fail to be of interest and historic value.
It was twenty-four by twenty-six feet inside, and the walls were thirty inches thick. It had three windows and a door. The door was made of plank, and the windows had shutters made of plank, which were hauled from a sawmill located in the Laramie mountains. This was the same mill that supplied much of the material used in the buildings at Fort Laramie. The floor and roof board were double, and on the roof was placed several inches of dirt.
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It was twenty-four by twenty-six feet inside, and the walls were thirty inches thick. It had three windows and a door. The door was made of plank, and the windows had shutters made of plank, which were hauled from a sawmill located in the Laramie mountains. This was the same mill that supplied much of the material used in the buildings at Fort Laramie. The floor and roof board were double, and on the roof was placed several inches of dirt.
Four port-holes were in the walls, one on each of the four sides, made in the manner of an hour glass placed in a horizontal position, to give a wide range of territory in case of an Indian attack. We have no record that it was ever attacked. The Red Cloud agency was then on the spot where the Lower PF now stands, but it was moved fifty miles or more to the north in 1876.
In this soddy there was a post-office established, the first in Scotts Bluff county territory, and William Lancaster was the first postmaster. It was called "Little Moon," after a noted Indian chief. When the post-office was established, the soddy was enlarged to make room for it, although it did not take much room. It must have been abandoned about 1874, for Lancaster resigned and returned to the eastern part of the state, and went into the drug business.
The house faced the southeast. In addition Mr. Sparks had about two acres, enclosed by a sod wall, three feet thick and five feet high. He also fenced a meadow of about one hundred and sixty acres, and some of the posts are still in use after nearly fifty years. This ranch was sold to W. C. Lane and Thomas Sturgis in 1876. Mr. Sparks moved to Nevada, where he later became governor.
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It must have been abandoned about 1874, for Lancaster resigned and returned to the eastern part of the state, and went into the drug business.
The house faced the southeast. In addition Mr. Sparks had about two acres, enclosed by a sod wall, three feet thick and five feet high. He also fenced a meadow of about one hundred and sixty acres, and some of the posts are still in use after nearly fifty years. This ranch was sold to W. C. Lane and Thomas Sturgis in 1876. Mr. Sparks moved to Nevada, where he later became governor. While he was here he owned a valuable riding horse which he kept for his wife, for prior to her death she loved to ride the great prairies. After his departure the horse was in charge of Jim Shaw, "Fiddler" Campbell's buddy, and was kept at the Circle Arrow east of Antelopville, now called Kimball, and at the Circle Block at the head of Pumpkin Creek.
Once S. J. Robb, (the father of Mrs. Frank McCreary of Scottsbluff,) who was then foreman at the Circle Block, and who recently died in Arizona, was riding "Old Fox," as the
horse was called, when he came upon a bunch of wild horses. Old Fox so quickly overtook them that Robb did not have time to get his lariat into action. He seized one of them by the tail, and threw her off her step, and so delayed her progress, that another cowman on a slower horse, roped and captured a pretty young mare.
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Frank McCreary of Scottsbluff,) who was then foreman at the Circle Block, and who recently died in Arizona, was riding "Old Fox," as the
horse was called, when he came upon a bunch of wild horses. Old Fox so quickly overtook them that Robb did not have time to get his lariat into action. He seized one of them by the tail, and threw her off her step, and so delayed her progress, that another cowman on a slower horse, roped and captured a pretty young mare.
A little before, and during the trouble of Jim Shaw over the Collins shooting affair at Camp Clarke bridge, the horse was taken care of by Chris Streeks, the veteran "line rider," and Old Fox was the favorite riding horse of the young lady who later became the wife of the writer of this history. The horse was Kentucky bred, and was of such fine spirit that after getting settled in Nevada, Mr. Sparks had him shipped to that state.
L. J. Wyman, went to work for Sturgis & Lane in 1882, and he made his home in the famous old soddy for years. He owned the place until this year (1919) and has the distinction of being very nearly the first permanent settler in Scotts Bluff county. Charley Foster contests with him this honor, and he may have a short time the best of it.
Sturgis & Lane organized the Union Cattle Company, and Mr. Goodell was one of the big stockholders. The Bridle-Bit brand was theirs, and it was one familiar to the early grangers. This company is credited with hiring men from the Union Pacific shops at Cheyenne, and the women of the wild district, as well as cowboys, to file upon lands. Be that as it may, it secured a vast acreage, much of which will come under the Fort Laramie government canal for irrigation.
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Sturgis & Lane organized the Union Cattle Company, and Mr. Goodell was one of the big stockholders. The Bridle-Bit brand was theirs, and it was one familiar to the early grangers. This company is credited with hiring men from the Union Pacific shops at Cheyenne, and the women of the wild district, as well as cowboys, to file upon lands. Be that as it may, it secured a vast acreage, much of which will come under the Fort Laramie government canal for irrigation.
About five thousand acres of this land was on lower Horse Creek in Nebraska, and a "Lincoln Land Company," of Minnesota was negotiating for its purchase in 1907, when the news came that the "Lincoln Land Company" of Nebraska, had purchased the stock of the corporation, thereby acquiring the enormous acreage in this state, as well as in Wyoming.
Nearly opposite this ranch, on the other side of the North Platte river, was Oelrich's ranch. When the Scotchmen were becoming excited over the bonanza ranching in the high plains region, the Oelrich brothers, Harry and Charlie, came out from Cheyenne, and acquired a small holding of hay meadows, on the north side of the river in the vicinity of the present site of Morrill. This they fenced like the Sturgis & Lane hay meadows were fenced, with native cedar and pitch pine posts, and barbed wire.
There was no bridge at this point, but the river was generally in good condition to ford,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
465
When the Scotchmen were becoming excited over the bonanza ranching in the high plains region, the Oelrich brothers, Harry and Charlie, came out from Cheyenne, and acquired a small holding of hay meadows, on the north side of the river in the vicinity of the present site of Morrill. This they fenced like the Sturgis & Lane hay meadows were fenced, with native cedar and pitch pine posts, and barbed wire.
There was no bridge at this point, but the river was generally in good condition to ford,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
and there was a ford here that was used for a great many years. Land seekers looking for claims north of the river on the now famous Dutch Flats, generally crossed at Oelrich's ranch.
The brothers were of the wild sort of fellows, and had no conception of the value, or the endurance, of horseflesh. Often they would make the drive from the ranch to Cheyenne in less time than they should, and would ruin a good horse or two in the operation. Driving out they observed about the same judgment. They were inclined to indulge in the flowing bowl more than discretion would approve, and that was perhaps one of the reasons for their rapid driving.
This ranch was located about the time the Union Cattle Company was inaugurating its campaign for separating Uncle Sam of many valuable acres of land. The Union Company, had a large number of filings made by men who were to work in the railroad shops, and by women, some of whom it was said had not the best of reputations. Some of these claims were desert claims where a pretence of developing irrigation was possible, and there are yet the marks of the old ditches that run up and down the hills along Horse Creek, in Wyoming, that were used to make Desert "proof of irrigation" to secure patent to the land.
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The Union Company, had a large number of filings made by men who were to work in the railroad shops, and by women, some of whom it was said had not the best of reputations. Some of these claims were desert claims where a pretence of developing irrigation was possible, and there are yet the marks of the old ditches that run up and down the hills along Horse Creek, in Wyoming, that were used to make Desert "proof of irrigation" to secure patent to the land.
On the Nebraska sice of the state line, the desert land laws did not apply, and the men and women filed pre-emptions, expecting to make proof after six months alleged residence. Some pretense of residence was necessary, and the parties would absent themselves from their usual haunts at Cheyenne, for a week or two. perhaps twice during the six months of "residence" on these claims, and they found Oelrich's one of the free and easy places, where they assembled, when presumed to be residing upon their respective clairrs just across the river.
One time Oelrichs had 1 illed a horse in the hard ride from Cheyenne, and they were stranded at the ranch. Hank Ingraham had just been up to Fort Laramie, and bought a team of condemned United States horses, and had paid thirty-seven dollars for the team. This was about 1883.
Charlie Oelrich ran across Hank on his way down the river to the feeding meadows in Mitchell Valley, and wanted to buy the team. Hank said : "They will cost you four hundred dollars." Charlie never hesitated ; he wrote him a check and took the team.
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Hank Ingraham had just been up to Fort Laramie, and bought a team of condemned United States horses, and had paid thirty-seven dollars for the team. This was about 1883.
Charlie Oelrich ran across Hank on his way down the river to the feeding meadows in Mitchell Valley, and wanted to buy the team. Hank said : "They will cost you four hundred dollars." Charlie never hesitated ; he wrote him a check and took the team.
We are told that the men and women, who were a little behind their expected schedule, and consequently a little short on a few of the things that go to make life a merry jest, started for Cheyenne with the team going at a rapid pace. At the Big Willows on Horse Creek, in the Goshen Holes, there was a deep pool, and some one suggested that the party stop for a swim. This appealed to the popular fancy of the party, and the horses were sent forward at breakneck speed. On arriving there, those of the party were in such haste for the cool, inviting waters of the pool, that they forgot to tie the team, with the result that in a smashup that followed, one of the horses was killed. The other was ridden back to the ranch for a mate, while the crowd had abundance of time for bathing, and waiting for the return.
Charlie's wife was an actress, of whom it is said that she enjoyed the wild life of the old frontier, even though moral standards were frequently shattered by her associates.
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On arriving there, those of the party were in such haste for the cool, inviting waters of the pool, that they forgot to tie the team, with the result that in a smashup that followed, one of the horses was killed. The other was ridden back to the ranch for a mate, while the crowd had abundance of time for bathing, and waiting for the return.
Charlie's wife was an actress, of whom it is said that she enjoyed the wild life of the old frontier, even though moral standards were frequently shattered by her associates.
The Oelrichs also had a ranch a few miles north of Cheyenne, where Talaho rides were among the pleasures and pastimes.
Harry Oelrichs, as manager of the Anglo- American Cattle Company, as it was sometimes called, received a salary of $25,000.00 a year, yet he always started the year about $10,000 00 in debt.
Charlie went into the brokerage and commission business in New York, and Harry had a stroke of paralysis.
James Gordon Bennett took care of him after that, and for eight years before his death he was utterly helpless.
One of the old Two-Bar men tells me that Harry, who though not married, was infatuated with a theatrical celebrity, who frequently visited the Oelrich ranches ; namely, Lillian Langtry, well known on the stage a generation ago.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
AROUND CAMP WAGONS -- A HORSE TRADE WITH DOC. MIDDLETON --
ARBUCKLE'S BREAK POST-- SCOTCHMEN BUY BIG RANCHES
-- TOHN CLAY AND THE TWO-BAR
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James Gordon Bennett took care of him after that, and for eight years before his death he was utterly helpless.
One of the old Two-Bar men tells me that Harry, who though not married, was infatuated with a theatrical celebrity, who frequently visited the Oelrich ranches ; namely, Lillian Langtry, well known on the stage a generation ago.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
AROUND CAMP WAGONS -- A HORSE TRADE WITH DOC. MIDDLETON --
ARBUCKLE'S BREAK POST-- SCOTCHMEN BUY BIG RANCHES
-- TOHN CLAY AND THE TWO-BAR
Merry making around the camp wagons of the round-ups, and in the frontier towns was of the cruder sort, if you measure by the standards of the effete east. But wags, and there are wags everywhere, and humor, uses the instruments at hand. If it does not appeal to cultivated taste, it is due to the setting.
Stories are told of the old "desert rats" whose passion for gambling took every conceivable turn, and used every excuse to make a wager. It was the monotonous life of the desert which made them seek diversion in gambling. The life of the early cowboy was a gamble ; a fair-paid hazard whether one would return from the round-up, whole or in pieces, or at all.
One of the old time boys, much of whose life had been spent in the saddle, was Chris Streeks. He was here in the days when the Likens-Middleton contest, or feud, or man hunt, was stirring to partisanship every dweller or transient between Colorado and the Dakotas. Yet old as he was to the ways of the round-up, he, in an unguarded instant, let a wild horse at the end of his lariat catch the horse he was riding with the taut rope in a sidewise position. Anyone versed in the work of the range knows that to meet the jerk at the end of a rope it to have the horse end to, with the front end towards the careening animal.
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Yet old as he was to the ways of the round-up, he, in an unguarded instant, let a wild horse at the end of his lariat catch the horse he was riding with the taut rope in a sidewise position. Anyone versed in the work of the range knows that to meet the jerk at the end of a rope it to have the horse end to, with the front end towards the careening animal.
Chris' horse went down, and he was insensible so long that it was a gamble if he would ever "come back." This happened somewhere in the vicinity of the J-Pens, on Horse Creek, and Chris was taken to Fort Laramie, put in the post hospital and attended by the doctor of the fort.
Such incidents are in the nature of "scratches" to the boys of the prairie, and there is always a reluctance in getting word to the injured man's people, for the chances are that, if he don't die, he will be about again shortly, and possibly gone on about his business before word could be gotten a hundred to five hundred miles and the folks get back to the scene.
But the news of the accident to Streeks filtered through the Goshen Holes, across Horse creek and down Pumpkin creek and finally reached Streeks's wife, who lived then just southeasl of the present Airdale ranch.
Mrs. Streeks and her sister took a wagon
and started to run down the rumor and tryto find Chris, for betime the story had reached them it was merely a rumor that he had been hurt, and the location of the accident was very vague. They made Horse creek the first day, and stayed at a ranch where most of the people were transient, and knew nothing of the accident.
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But the news of the accident to Streeks filtered through the Goshen Holes, across Horse creek and down Pumpkin creek and finally reached Streeks's wife, who lived then just southeasl of the present Airdale ranch.
Mrs. Streeks and her sister took a wagon
and started to run down the rumor and tryto find Chris, for betime the story had reached them it was merely a rumor that he had been hurt, and the location of the accident was very vague. They made Horse creek the first day, and stayed at a ranch where most of the people were transient, and knew nothing of the accident.
It was rather daring on their part, and the night was one long to be remembered, for the men were quarreling, and they seemed to have some grudge against a young fellow, and each seemed to take a turn to pick at him. They could not make out the cause of the trouble, but it wore away without any fights or gun play; and in the morning the ladies renewed their search for something tangible about the accident. They struck a fresh trail at the Y- cross ranch and finally landed at Fort Laramie. Mrs. Streeks later, after Chris had recovered sufficiently, returned for him and they made him a bed in the wagon box and started for home.
In the Scotts Bluff mountains, about ten miles southwest of Gering, they passed the home of a "nestor," or one of the "sooners" that have exhausted all their land rights, yet move ahead of settlement, squatting on tracts which they think will become desirable, and for which they will be able to obtain a few dollars for a "squatter's right." The woman, a large lady of Irish antecedents, ran out at approach of the wagon and seeing the form of a man covered up in the back part of the wagon, requested the privilege of looking upon "the pretty corpse."
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In the Scotts Bluff mountains, about ten miles southwest of Gering, they passed the home of a "nestor," or one of the "sooners" that have exhausted all their land rights, yet move ahead of settlement, squatting on tracts which they think will become desirable, and for which they will be able to obtain a few dollars for a "squatter's right." The woman, a large lady of Irish antecedents, ran out at approach of the wagon and seeing the form of a man covered up in the back part of the wagon, requested the privilege of looking upon "the pretty corpse."
I have often heard the pleasantry of allusion to Chris with his six feet three, and two hundred and twenty-five pounds as the "makings" of a "pretty corpse."
Chris Streeks has gone now to the "Home Ranch across the Great Divide," and quit line-riding between the states of Nebraska and Wyoming, which work was necessary because Wyoming had free range and Nebraska a herd law.
And Mrs. Streeks has also gone. I wonder if she rides in a golden chariot there, or if she drives the keen spirited mustangs of the earlier days. Are there golden streets, or is it the winding trail over beautiful fresh prairies that are like these were when the west was new?
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
One time in the early eighties, when Doc. Middleton "went wrong," (or shall we say that what he did was wrong?) Chris Streeks was riding in the usual duties of the range, when a tall spare man with keen eyes, came "fogging up the trail" from the direction of Sidney.
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Are there golden streets, or is it the winding trail over beautiful fresh prairies that are like these were when the west was new?
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
One time in the early eighties, when Doc. Middleton "went wrong," (or shall we say that what he did was wrong?) Chris Streeks was riding in the usual duties of the range, when a tall spare man with keen eyes, came "fogging up the trail" from the direction of Sidney.
Chris had never met him prior to that time, but this was the redoubtable Doc.
"Fine horse you got, let's trade," said he.
The horse the doctor was riding was pretty well winded and did not show up well with the fresh animal that Chris was riding.
"How much boot?" asked Chris, "about a hundred ?"
"Strip off your saddle," answered Doc, "I just killed a couple soldiers down at Sidney, and they are after me."
Streeks made no further reference to the boot. To dispute under such circumstances would have been useless, and possibly fatal for some one. A few weeks later a rider came past the ranch and left a package for Chris. "Tell him Doc. Middleton sent it," he said. When Streeks opened the package he found it contained one hundred dollars. That was a big price for the common horse of the range in those days.
That is the way Doc. Middleton did things. And while he was an outlaw according to the statutes, there were extenuating circumstances, and the civilians of the west generally assisted him in his efforts to keep out of the clutches of that tiresome tyrant called "law."
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Middleton sent it," he said. When Streeks opened the package he found it contained one hundred dollars. That was a big price for the common horse of the range in those days.
That is the way Doc. Middleton did things. And while he was an outlaw according to the statutes, there were extenuating circumstances, and the civilians of the west generally assisted him in his efforts to keep out of the clutches of that tiresome tyrant called "law."
The killing of the soldiers was the result of a brawl. They had all been drinking together, and two of the soldiers imagined they were offended at something the doctor had said, or failed to say, as is the way with drunken men. They attacked him, and had him down on the bar-room floor, pummeling him in good order. He warned them to quit, but they kept at it, and he shot them both from where he lay. Had they been civilians, it would have been self-defense, but being Uncle Sam's soldiers, it became a crime. This was the final thing that made Doc. Middleton an outlaw, in the real sense of the word.
In those days -- the days of the Texas Trail -- Ogallala, Camp Clarke, Hartville. Sidney, Antelopeville (now Kimball) and Cheyenne were the regular cowtowns. Those were the halcyon days of the cow business. Big companies were being organized, and absorbing the ranches, and buying -- book value -- 'the local institutions.
Post sold out to the Arbuckles, and several were absorbed by the big Bay State Land and Cattle Company. The Swans had Scotch millions behind them. Big Alex Swan would buy ten thousand cattle, while the most of us were quibbling over the price.
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Sidney, Antelopeville (now Kimball) and Cheyenne were the regular cowtowns. Those were the halcyon days of the cow business. Big companies were being organized, and absorbing the ranches, and buying -- book value -- 'the local institutions.
Post sold out to the Arbuckles, and several were absorbed by the big Bay State Land and Cattle Company. The Swans had Scotch millions behind them. Big Alex Swan would buy ten thousand cattle, while the most of us were quibbling over the price.
The Swans organized a big company of Edinburgh, Scotland, men and passed their holdings to the new company, retaining an interest in the company themselves. The new company was taking over herds at book value as a rule, but the canny Scotch decided on requiring actual count. Thus it occurred that certain cows found their way through the counting chutes more than once to make up the number. The Scotchmen "smelled a mouse," and required another count. This time each animal that passed was to be daubed with paint, so that a second count of the same animal would be impossible.
There is a peculiar quirk of psychology in the old boys of the plains. They were true to a fault in their fidelity to their old masters and associates, although when a new outfit bought a brand it was assumed that the boys were to continue with the new outfit.
When Arbuckle broke Post and his Cheyenne bank, it took the saving of nearly all the boys, that were at all frugal, for Post's bank was their depository. Yet few of them would blame Post. They were firm in the faith that his grand-stand play in Cheyenne, when his wife allowed him to sell her jewels, and the house over her head, to put the proceeds into the assets of the wreck, that it was all on the square.
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When Arbuckle broke Post and his Cheyenne bank, it took the saving of nearly all the boys, that were at all frugal, for Post's bank was their depository. Yet few of them would blame Post. They were firm in the faith that his grand-stand play in Cheyenne, when his wife allowed him to sell her jewels, and the house over her head, to put the proceeds into the assets of the wreck, that it was all on the square. Some of us wonder if the machinery through which it passed was not well oiled. Certain it is, that Mrs. Post continued to live in the house until her removal to Salt Lake. And Post either had ability or finance to get him on his feet rather suddenly in their new home.
When the showdown of the Scotch was required, the old boys felt in duty bound to assist in making the count correspond as nearly as possible, with the book value. Counting thousands of cattle is no easy matter, and it took both speed and time. As they were crowded through the chutes, the marker would call off, and the men with the tally sheets would mark it down. Two men were detailed to mark the cattle with the paint brush. They were Davy Morris, who now lives at Squaw Mountain south of Laramie Peak, and Jim Hubbard, who once homesteaded the farm in Mitchell Valley that was owned by Harry Thornton for many years.
That these men were experts with the paint brush goes without saving, for some of the eye witnesses of the affair tell me that about every other number that they called was an animal invisible to the naked eve. Thev would
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They were Davy Morris, who now lives at Squaw Mountain south of Laramie Peak, and Jim Hubbard, who once homesteaded the farm in Mitchell Valley that was owned by Harry Thornton for many years.
That these men were experts with the paint brush goes without saving, for some of the eye witnesses of the affair tell me that about every other number that they called was an animal invisible to the naked eve. Thev would
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
daub one and call, and then make a pass through the air and call another, and the men with the tally sheets were kept too busy to see what was going on. Thus, with all their care, the Scotchmen failed to get nearly so many cattle as they thought they were getting. Is it any wonder, with a handicap of forty or fifty per cent., and after the disaster of the Big Spring storm of 1886, with prevailing low prices at that time, that the company became embarrassed?
I am not surprised that John Clay came out and took over the ranch and holdings of the Swan Land & Cattle Company in 1886. but I am surprised that he could make anything out of the wreck. Under his management, however, the Two-Bar is a most substantial institution. Clay says: "Still sticking by the ship. I found many of the faithful old cowboys of better days. There was Billy Hooker,
and Al Bowie, and Harry Haig, and Duncan Grant, and Dave Morris, and Rufe Rhodes, and Frank Shiek, and Ed. Banks."
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I am not surprised that John Clay came out and took over the ranch and holdings of the Swan Land & Cattle Company in 1886. but I am surprised that he could make anything out of the wreck. Under his management, however, the Two-Bar is a most substantial institution. Clay says: "Still sticking by the ship. I found many of the faithful old cowboys of better days. There was Billy Hooker,
and Al Bowie, and Harry Haig, and Duncan Grant, and Dave Morris, and Rufe Rhodes, and Frank Shiek, and Ed. Banks."
"Bleaching bones littered many a trail, and told the story of disaster."
Book value where livestock should have been, and dead cattle, where originally were live ones. What was there to do but make the best of a tremendously bad situation. John Clay has done that in a manner that few others could have done.
The Swans went the way of other big companies. A few held their herds together and went to other ranges, one or two other, particularly the Bay State and the Union Land & Cattle Company, acquired landed possessions that eventually pulled them out of the hole.
The Ogallala was one that went into Wyoming with the herds, and Paxton pulled that company through in due time, and good shape.
FREWEN'S RANCH EXPERIENCE -- HANGING OF BILLY NURSE BY VIGI- LANTES--HOLDING UP DOC. M1DDLETON -- DEATH OF THE FAMOUS CHARACTER
About the time that Mills and Bullock and others, were putting in their herds a few hundred cows around Fort Laramie, the big herds began to arrive from Texas.
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A few held their herds together and went to other ranges, one or two other, particularly the Bay State and the Union Land & Cattle Company, acquired landed possessions that eventually pulled them out of the hole.
The Ogallala was one that went into Wyoming with the herds, and Paxton pulled that company through in due time, and good shape.
FREWEN'S RANCH EXPERIENCE -- HANGING OF BILLY NURSE BY VIGI- LANTES--HOLDING UP DOC. M1DDLETON -- DEATH OF THE FAMOUS CHARACTER
About the time that Mills and Bullock and others, were putting in their herds a few hundred cows around Fort Laramie, the big herds began to arrive from Texas.
Westward from the eastern border of Wyoming much of the prairie and inter-mountain country was not good range for cattle. There were bad lands, sage brush lands, and greasewood lands galore, but occasionally were patches of natural meadows. The Laramie Plains was one of these green pastures of nature, and it was soon located by the cowmen looking for places to run their herds. The Texas herds ran into thousands.
As John Bratt says : "from 1867 the business kept changing. From the date that they drove their first herds from Texas to the Laramie Plains, for ten years, ten thousand head was considered a large herd. But in the next ten years, or until about 1886, twenty thousand was not considered a big herd, and some book accounts ran as high as forty thousand."
It was in the early eighties that the Swans were buying herds in great quantities. A
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As John Bratt says : "from 1867 the business kept changing. From the date that they drove their first herds from Texas to the Laramie Plains, for ten years, ten thousand head was considered a large herd. But in the next ten years, or until about 1886, twenty thousand was not considered a big herd, and some book accounts ran as high as forty thousand."
It was in the early eighties that the Swans were buying herds in great quantities. A
ten word telegram would buy ten thousand. Those were sunny cattle days.
Frewen brothers came from London with quantities of money to invest in ranches. Dick Frewen of the Powder River Cattle Company was on the ground early, and he learned too late that many thousand cattle were counted twice over and paid for twice, out of the money that he had to invest.
When the ten days' storm in the spring of 1886 had passed and when every creek and gully was full of dead cattle, when about the only live cattle in this section were found in protected places, there was little left of the Frewen holdings.
The brothers have returned to London, long ago, and when someone asks them about going into ranch business, they whisper low: "Don't say 'ranch' -- say 'farm.' "
Many of the first "cowpunchers" were from Texas where the cow business had been developed for a number of years. But the cooks and wagon men, and occasionally a northern born "puncher" were among the outfits. I
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When the ten days' storm in the spring of 1886 had passed and when every creek and gully was full of dead cattle, when about the only live cattle in this section were found in protected places, there was little left of the Frewen holdings.
The brothers have returned to London, long ago, and when someone asks them about going into ranch business, they whisper low: "Don't say 'ranch' -- say 'farm.' "
Many of the first "cowpunchers" were from Texas where the cow business had been developed for a number of years. But the cooks and wagon men, and occasionally a northern born "puncher" were among the outfits. I
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
don't know whether it was something a little wrong in the upper story, or whether it was a touch of the prairie that made so many cooks just a wee bit "oft."
Wagon men and cooks seemed to have irrational attributes oftener than the men who rode. The diversion of the riding, and the business of looking after cattle, served to occupy more fully their attention, and they were tired at night. But the monotony of the camp life, and the continual round of pots, dishes and pans, and baking bread, or cooking beans and meat, were the things that sent some of them "out of their heads."
It was in the early seventies, before J. S. Robb had gone back to Texas, that he was
with an outfit that had just turned loose a big Texas herd at Creighton's Horse Creek ranch. The boys were away, in pairs, looking after and getting the cattle acquainted with their new range, when one of the queer spells seized Billy Nurse, the cook. This one was, unfortunately, a drug eater before he went with the outfit.
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It was in the early seventies, before J. S. Robb had gone back to Texas, that he was
with an outfit that had just turned loose a big Texas herd at Creighton's Horse Creek ranch. The boys were away, in pairs, looking after and getting the cattle acquainted with their new range, when one of the queer spells seized Billy Nurse, the cook. This one was, unfortunately, a drug eater before he went with the outfit.
At supper that night, the first boy down at mess picked up a biscuit and bit into it. There was a bitterness that he did not like and he failed to eat the part bitten off and threw the biscuit to a dog. The dog ate it, and in a moment of two was taken sick, and died very shortly afterwards. The whole pan of biscuits went into the fire, and the boys were chary about what they ate that night. The cook went about as normal, but perhaps a little more morose, but the boys all sensed that there was something wrong.
The next day at evening, Robb and a man
named Parks were returning, when a shot came out of the bushes, and the bullet whistled uncomfortably near. They rushed to the cover of brush but found no one. That night, while Parks was writing a letter in the old soddy, the cook shot him in the back, killing him instantly. Before he could get any further action with his six-shooter, the boys overpowered him. He was taken to Pine Bluffs, then to Cheyenne, and turned over to the authorities, and in due time was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for life.
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named Parks were returning, when a shot came out of the bushes, and the bullet whistled uncomfortably near. They rushed to the cover of brush but found no one. That night, while Parks was writing a letter in the old soddy, the cook shot him in the back, killing him instantly. Before he could get any further action with his six-shooter, the boys overpowered him. He was taken to Pine Bluffs, then to Cheyenne, and turned over to the authorities, and in due time was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for life.
It was brought out in the trial that he had shot at Robb and Parks earlier in the evening of the murder, and that he had tried to kill the whole outfit by poison so that he could take and get away with the thousands of cattle. Failing in the poison effort, he had decided to kill them two by two, or singly, as they returned from their work. His marksmanship being poor, he had then started in with the intention of killing the outfit single handed, and wholesale robbery as his objective.
There was no pentitentiary in Wyoming at the time, and the custom of taking care of prisoners of this character, was to take them to the prisons of other states, the state of Wyoming paying the state which furnished the accommodation a stipulated fee.
The cook, Nurse, was accordingly taken to Joliet, Illinois, to serve his sentence. For some cause or other he obtained a parole, and as is frequent in such cases, the criminal character of the man reasoned that having escaped with light punishment, there was a little danger in the field of criminals, and there were chances of great gain. He went to South Dakota.
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There was no pentitentiary in Wyoming at the time, and the custom of taking care of prisoners of this character, was to take them to the prisons of other states, the state of Wyoming paying the state which furnished the accommodation a stipulated fee.
The cook, Nurse, was accordingly taken to Joliet, Illinois, to serve his sentence. For some cause or other he obtained a parole, and as is frequent in such cases, the criminal character of the man reasoned that having escaped with light punishment, there was a little danger in the field of criminals, and there were chances of great gain. He went to South Dakota.
Here he proved more successful than on Horse Creek. He killed four perfectly good men, before the vigilantes took a hand in the matter, and Mr. Nurse was very properly hung.
Such events added zest and spice to the life of the range, just as Robb's little event coming from Denver at one time produced a thrill. J. S. had been south, and was returning by train over the Union Pacific out of Denver to the north.
At that time gambling for mild stakes was but a frivolous pastime and was permitted on the trains running through the western country. Robb and a number of others were passing away the time with a little game of "twenty-five cent limit," and were having considerable amusement.
Some one called Robb's attention to a herd of cattle that was passing, and when he turned his attention again to the game, he picked up
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S. had been south, and was returning by train over the Union Pacific out of Denver to the north.
At that time gambling for mild stakes was but a frivolous pastime and was permitted on the trains running through the western country. Robb and a number of others were passing away the time with a little game of "twenty-five cent limit," and were having considerable amusement.
Some one called Robb's attention to a herd of cattle that was passing, and when he turned his attention again to the game, he picked up
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
a hand with four kings. He said: "If the limit was off, 1 would bet five dollars on this hand."
One of the players, a tall spare fellow with sharp, black eyes, looked his hand over, and answered: "If you did, I would raise you ten." They got to bandying words about the merits of their respective hands, and finally made a bet of fifteen dollars. The other fellow had four aces.
Robb got to mulling the incident over in his mind, and decided that when his attention was directed outside the car window, there had been some juggling of the cards.
"My friend," he said, and there was that tense thrill and the quiet that always followed certain tones of expression in the west, "My friend, I guess I will have to trouble you to hand me back that money. I am too old a stager for that kind of work," and his sixshooter was there ready to help argue the matter.
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Robb got to mulling the incident over in his mind, and decided that when his attention was directed outside the car window, there had been some juggling of the cards.
"My friend," he said, and there was that tense thrill and the quiet that always followed certain tones of expression in the west, "My friend, I guess I will have to trouble you to hand me back that money. I am too old a stager for that kind of work," and his sixshooter was there ready to help argue the matter.
"Oh !" said the stranger, "alright, alright." He passed the money over, and the game went on.
The stranger was known to some of those present, and to Robb afterwards. He was Doc. Middleton. Rob had held up the great western desperado, and the event was often thereafter related as one of the anecdotes of western adventure. Robb never boasted of it, he was not a boaster, and then Doc. might have considered it bad taste. He had sensitive notions on such matters, and a very delicate trigger finger.
When driven to it, Doc. Middleton became an outlaw that made his a name that ranks high in importance. He knew the location of more good horses than any man on the western ranee, and he could take them from the South Platte to Cheyenne river in less time than any other. The organization of the cattlemen's association of Wyoming and western Nebraska, was brought into active use in bringing him to justice. This was co-operated in by the United States Government.
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Middleton became an outlaw that made his a name that ranks high in importance. He knew the location of more good horses than any man on the western ranee, and he could take them from the South Platte to Cheyenne river in less time than any other. The organization of the cattlemen's association of Wyoming and western Nebraska, was brought into active use in bringing him to justice. This was co-operated in by the United States Government.
John Bratt wrote me sometime before his death, that he was one of the ten men who put in one hundred dollars each, to hire Billy- Likens to bring him in, dead or alive. Billy went after him, and had several brushes in western Nebraska, and one in particular on the Niobrara, where both were clipped in the gun melee. But Likens finally landed his man, alive, and he served a term for his misdeeds.
After that he returned to the old range and spent his declining years at Ardmore, in the drug business. Doc. would close his store any day that a bunch of horses came to town, and go out and size them up. He loved a horse.
Some years ago, when Jim Dahlman was candidate for governor, and I was looking futilely towards the seat of Moses Kincaid in congress, we met the old grizzled wolf, Middleton, at Crawford, and he rode with us to Chadron. I looked out at the pine ridges that are visible to the south from this highway, and thought of the old days when Middleton knew every canyon and gulch, and where were the best hiding places for horses. In my blithesome way, I suggested that if the auto played out Middleton might know where there were horses to pull us in. In some way, I received an impression that the pleasantry was not appreciated, but there was no serious aversion to it.
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I looked out at the pine ridges that are visible to the south from this highway, and thought of the old days when Middleton knew every canyon and gulch, and where were the best hiding places for horses. In my blithesome way, I suggested that if the auto played out Middleton might know where there were horses to pull us in. In some way, I received an impression that the pleasantry was not appreciated, but there was no serious aversion to it.
Doc. liked excitement, and became the victim when John Barleycorn went out of business. He was arrested in some connection with a bootlegging deal, but no one who knows Doc. Middleton will accuse him of being in a petty sneaking affair. He might drink, and he might help a friend get a drink, which probably was just what got him involved.
He died in jail at Douglas in 1918, for his old frame could not endure the racking and hardships of younger years.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
PERRY YEAST'S SUCCESS -- JUDGE GASLIN, WHO WROTE "THE LAW OF THE WEST-'-- TOM RYAN'S DEFIANCE
Along the line of the Union Pacific, between the towns of Lewellen and Keystone, there is a sand hill ridge that runs down from its associates almost to the railroad track.
This section up which it is situated contains just about enough level ground for the location of a house and ranch buildings, and the buildings are there.
This was once the humble home of Perry Yeast, who now lives in his palatial home in Lincoln, and is worth a million or so.
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Along the line of the Union Pacific, between the towns of Lewellen and Keystone, there is a sand hill ridge that runs down from its associates almost to the railroad track.
This section up which it is situated contains just about enough level ground for the location of a house and ranch buildings, and the buildings are there.
This was once the humble home of Perry Yeast, who now lives in his palatial home in Lincoln, and is worth a million or so.
When Perry settled there, it was ranches all around him. the Ogallala Company and John Bratt & Company in particular. Perry was an adept at the work of discovering unbranded stock on the range. He built him a rack, or pen on wheels, with which he used to roam about the country, and unidentified stock of the range would soon wear his brand. He simply took to himself the same rights that the cattle associations assumed they possessed. The Ogallala people thought it might be best to keep him occupied in other pursuits, and gave him a contract for putting up the hay on their North river meadows one year. He cleared up several thousand dollars in the deal.
When the Burlington built through the Sand Hills he contracted to furnish meat for the construction gangs and he did furnish it in such quantity that Bratt & Company thought he could not be supplying it entirely from his own herd. An investigation and search of the Sand Hills disclosed a secluded spot with the fragments of about a hundred hides, all of which were once worn by Bratt cattle.
490
He cleared up several thousand dollars in the deal.
When the Burlington built through the Sand Hills he contracted to furnish meat for the construction gangs and he did furnish it in such quantity that Bratt & Company thought he could not be supplying it entirely from his own herd. An investigation and search of the Sand Hills disclosed a secluded spot with the fragments of about a hundred hides, all of which were once worn by Bratt cattle.
Yeast was arrested, but he sprung a surprise with a bill of sale from some Omaha firm, of cattle which Bratt & Company had marketed there, and which later had been sold to Yeast. Bringing Bratt cattle with Bratt's brand on to the Bratt. range, yet in the legitimate ownership of Mr. Yeast, made any successful prosecution impossible, and was embarrassing to the Bratt Company.
For eighteen months before the election of Harrison as President in 1888. the Burlington building operations stood still. Yeast sold some beef, but in very diminished quantity. He went over into Sand Hills north of the new line, and located on Swan Lake.
Here he built a ranch on more prodigai proportions, and had a nice hay valley all his own.
The section homestead act went into effect, and he was one of the men who saw its possibilities under the older lax methods of the land office department, and a number of men who settled around him were supposed to have contracts to deed him the land after acquiring title. He was indicted on the federal charge of conspiracy to defraud the government, at the same time that Bartlett Richards and others were in the same trouble.
491
The section homestead act went into effect, and he was one of the men who saw its possibilities under the older lax methods of the land office department, and a number of men who settled around him were supposed to have contracts to deed him the land after acquiring title. He was indicted on the federal charge of conspiracy to defraud the government, at the same time that Bartlett Richards and others were in the same trouble.
The case against him was finally dismissed, and he continued to enjoy the fruits of successful ranching, alternating between the Burlington and the Northwestern for an outlet for his product.
We are told now, that Mr. Yeast lives in splendid manner in Lincoln, while he also has a magnificent ranch in the far northwest, the newer country of Alaska.
Yeast came at the time that cattle kings were losing their scepters, and the ranges were breaking up into smaller fragments, and the smaller the unit the greater respect for law. This theory will hold good in any of the walks of life, or the industry of our country. The old cattlemen were not dishonest, but the very nature of their business made them adopt rules concerning "mavericks," and other rules that in effect took the property of others.
There came a time when all of this changed in western Nebraska, and also a time when courts reached out. There was a judge who wrote the law on the sunset sky, who by sheer courage compelled the wild west to lift its sombrero to the majesty of legal jurisprudence. Courage alone would not have done it, but integrity and justice took the place of mouldy statute, and silly precedent or decision. Judge Gaslin was the man.
492
There came a time when all of this changed in western Nebraska, and also a time when courts reached out. There was a judge who wrote the law on the sunset sky, who by sheer courage compelled the wild west to lift its sombrero to the majesty of legal jurisprudence. Courage alone would not have done it, but integrity and justice took the place of mouldy statute, and silly precedent or decision. Judge Gaslin was the man.
The supreme court often overruled his decisions, when ''Appeals in Error" were made. Those cases made "vigilantes," and as the judge succinctly remarked when he saw a horse thief hanging at Camp Clarke bridge: "There is one conviction that the Supreme Court will not reverse."
The main Texas Trail used to cross at Ogallala and Ash Hollow, and the Texas ranch was just below Ash Hollow. It was the annual rendezvous of the cowboys that came up from the Lone Star State. Its' nearness to Ogallala, made it handy for the boys who liked the wild life of the old cow town.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
One of the many reminiscences of Judge Gaslin has to do with that city. The judge had a name as a dispenser of justice that struck terror to evil doers, and echoed all the way from Texas to Assiniboine, for the nomads that went north in the spring and south in the fall, knew that Judge Gaslin was in western Nebraska.
One stormy night, the men of the trail were in the old hotel that used to stand just opposite the depot at Ogallala, and as the night was stormy, so were the natures of many gathered there.
493
The judge had a name as a dispenser of justice that struck terror to evil doers, and echoed all the way from Texas to Assiniboine, for the nomads that went north in the spring and south in the fall, knew that Judge Gaslin was in western Nebraska.
One stormy night, the men of the trail were in the old hotel that used to stand just opposite the depot at Ogallala, and as the night was stormy, so were the natures of many gathered there.
The landlord became alarmed at homicidal indications, and besought Judge Gaslin, who was in his room, to come down, and just show himself for a few moments in the lobby and bar. He at first demurred, but finally consented. The time was propitious, for just as he stepped into the room, a fight had started and one man had been knocked down.
As he appeared, someone shouted above the pandemonium that prevailed: "Judge Gaslin, boys ! the judge !"
A silence followed and all stood still. Finally one of the originators of the quarrel stepped sheepishly forward and extended his hand to the judge, mumbling something about being a little excited over a political argument.
"Yes," said the judge in answer, "and if I had not arrived just as I did, I suppose I would have had you up before me for trial the next time I came up this way."
"No, God forbid!" exclaimed the man, impulsively, "that is judge, I hope I may never have to be tried in your court."
494
Finally one of the originators of the quarrel stepped sheepishly forward and extended his hand to the judge, mumbling something about being a little excited over a political argument.
"Yes," said the judge in answer, "and if I had not arrived just as I did, I suppose I would have had you up before me for trial the next time I came up this way."
"No, God forbid!" exclaimed the man, impulsively, "that is judge, I hope I may never have to be tried in your court."
This compliment was taken as intended, and after a few moments the judge again retired. You never saw a more peacefully inclined lot of rangers in your life. Drinking and games continued, but all was quiet and orderly.
Another incident happened at Sidney, when Gaslin held court there, which was a characteristic of the judge. A young fellow had been accused of horse stealing; he had taken without leave another man's horse and ridden it many miles, but turned it loose. It seemed to the jury there was some ground for leniency, so they brought in a verdict of guilty, with recommendation of a light sentence. The judge took the recommendation as a transgression of the prerogatives of the court, and said: "Alright, we will say -- well, fifteen years."
The jury was angry, and so fast as cases come up they returned verdicts of not guilty.
At the close of the term, the judge called for the young man who had been sentenced to fifteen years. lie was brought up, trembling in anticipation of something more severe, but
495
It seemed to the jury there was some ground for leniency, so they brought in a verdict of guilty, with recommendation of a light sentence. The judge took the recommendation as a transgression of the prerogatives of the court, and said: "Alright, we will say -- well, fifteen years."
The jury was angry, and so fast as cases come up they returned verdicts of not guilty.
At the close of the term, the judge called for the young man who had been sentenced to fifteen years. lie was brought up, trembling in anticipation of something more severe, but
the judge delivered to him something like the following :
"Young man, the honorable jury of Cheyenne County has seen fit to turn loose every other damned rascal in the county, and I don't see any reason why you should not also go. Your sentence is indefinitely suspended."
In general, Judge Gaslin had the rough, western element "buffaloed," but there was one occasion, and one man in the Panhandle that upset the general rule. Two men named McCauley and Clarke had been incarcerated in Cheyenne county jail on a felonious charge, and big Tom Ryan appeared before the judge at Sidney to arrange for their release.
The court was sitting, and as usual, hitting the evil-doers hard, and Clarke and McCauley were getting their share of the roast. To assail one's friend is to offend the man, and Tom Ryan took serious offense. He knocked the judge off the Bench, literally and figuratively.
496
Two men named McCauley and Clarke had been incarcerated in Cheyenne county jail on a felonious charge, and big Tom Ryan appeared before the judge at Sidney to arrange for their release.
The court was sitting, and as usual, hitting the evil-doers hard, and Clarke and McCauley were getting their share of the roast. To assail one's friend is to offend the man, and Tom Ryan took serious offense. He knocked the judge off the Bench, literally and figuratively.
It was such an unusual affair that no one thought of interfering, while Tom Ryan walked like a victorious gladiator from the room. He then went to the jail and broke it open, liberating his friends. To each he gave a gun and a pint of whiskey, and they rode over to Greenwood ranch together.
Mose Howard, now (1919) to be found around the Stock Exchange building in South Omaha, was sheriff of Cheyenne County at the time. It took but little thought on his part to know that he must arrest Tom Ryan and his friends, or attempt to apprehend them, and to do so probably meant some very brisk gun fire, with three determined men ; or that he should resign as sheriff. "He resigned.
Sam Fowler was appointed to succeed him, and Sam started for the Greenwood ranch, but on reaching the destination, he did not even hesitate. In the next few days, he rode past the ranch two or three times, but each time he "played his hunch" to ride on. One day, Ryan met a friend of Fowler's, and told him to tell Sam, that he had seen him ride by the ranch several time lately, and. to say to him, that he (Ryan) knew what Sam was looking for. "You also tell Sam that he played his hunch right each time when he failed to stop.
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In the next few days, he rode past the ranch two or three times, but each time he "played his hunch" to ride on. One day, Ryan met a friend of Fowler's, and told him to tell Sam, that he had seen him ride by the ranch several time lately, and. to say to him, that he (Ryan) knew what Sam was looking for. "You also tell Sam that he played his hunch right each time when he failed to stop. And tell him for me," Ryan continued, "that I will give him another hunch. Not to waste any more time on me: for if he does, I will kill him." Sam played the hunch.
Mose Howard was with Robb on the Creighton ranches, for a while after that, but of late years, he has been around the Stock Exchange and Stock Yards of South Omaha.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA 1
NEWMAN'S RANCH ON THE RUNNING WATER-- BARTLETT RICHARDS COMPANY -- THE SCOURGE OF THE LAND INQUISITION --CATTLE RUSTLERS -- HALL & EVANS -- EVAN'S BATTLE FOR RIGHT -- FIRST DAIRY HERD
E. S. Newman established the largest ranch on the Niobrara or Running Water, and it was the first in point of time, in this part of the sand hills. It was there as early as 1878 or earlier. He ran as high as twenty thousand cattle at one time, and ranged them all the way from Hat Creek, and over the Wyoming and Dakota lines to the northwest, as far east as Valentine. The ranch was located in the western part of Cherry county, at the mouth of the Antelope Creek, and the original site has now been abandoned. The land is occu-
498
Newman established the largest ranch on the Niobrara or Running Water, and it was the first in point of time, in this part of the sand hills. It was there as early as 1878 or earlier. He ran as high as twenty thousand cattle at one time, and ranged them all the way from Hat Creek, and over the Wyoming and Dakota lines to the northwest, as far east as Valentine. The ranch was located in the western part of Cherry county, at the mouth of the Antelope Creek, and the original site has now been abandoned. The land is occu-
Loxc Horn's !■'
pied by new people. Newer ranch buildings were built about a quarter of a mile from the old site, and it is (1919) known as Fagin's ranch. It has been variously called Mayberry, or Circle, or Boiling Springs ranch. George Morehead of Omaha had a brother killed near there by Cheyenne Indians.
Jim Dahlman, range rider from Texas, later sheriff of Dawes county, and mayor of Omaha for many years, worked for E. S. Newman after his arrival on the northern range. Other old time punchers on this ranch were James Ouigley of Valentine, Charles Hoyt of Whitman, Robert Miller of Burwell, and Henry and John Stitler.
Newman ranch was followed by Newman & Hunter's, and later Newman retired. Hunter & Evans had a ranch at the confluence of Pine Creek with the Niobrara in the western part of Sheridan county as early as 1878. Among the many brands well known in this territory at an early date were Z-Bar and Lazy-33. When the granger came, the big herd was driven to Milk River, Montana, where the company continued business for a time.
499
Newman ranch was followed by Newman & Hunter's, and later Newman retired. Hunter & Evans had a ranch at the confluence of Pine Creek with the Niobrara in the western part of Sheridan county as early as 1878. Among the many brands well known in this territory at an early date were Z-Bar and Lazy-33. When the granger came, the big herd was driven to Milk River, Montana, where the company continued business for a time.
Bartlett Richards & Company, which had been organized farther west, and which held their stock on the Belle Fourche and Donkey Creek, looked upon the sand hill territory abandoned by Hunter & Evans as an open field, and moved into and occupied it. The Standard Cattle Company and the Spade ranch was but a part of their activities, although they ran about twenty thousand head of cattle. Numerous "locations" were made in the hay meadows between Lakeside and Ellsworth on the present line of the Burlington, and Rushville and Gordon on the Northwestern. Bar-O, Spade, and O-Bar were among their well known brands.
They were accused of attempting to follow the precedent established by the Bay State, the Bridle Bit, Sturgis & Lane, and others, and sought to acquire title to a vast acreage of government land, through the then prevailing loose land office methods.
L. C. Baldwin, of Council Bluffs, who had several thousand cattle ranging on the Lodgepole in the vicinity of Pine Bluffs, and on Crow Creek, was accused of following the same methods of acquiring land. The best known brands of Mr. Baldwin were F-H-C and 3-3-3.
500
They were accused of attempting to follow the precedent established by the Bay State, the Bridle Bit, Sturgis & Lane, and others, and sought to acquire title to a vast acreage of government land, through the then prevailing loose land office methods.
L. C. Baldwin, of Council Bluffs, who had several thousand cattle ranging on the Lodgepole in the vicinity of Pine Bluffs, and on Crow Creek, was accused of following the same methods of acquiring land. The best known brands of Mr. Baldwin were F-H-C and 3-3-3.
All the west knows the spasm of virtue that swept over the United States Land Department when the dominating influence of Gifford Pinchot was high under the Roosevelt regime.
The most of us thought that the land acquired was not of sufficient value to make much trouble over, much less make criminals out of men who had done only the same deeds that had been followed for generations.
Bartlett Richards, W. G. Comstock, L. C. Baldwin. Charles Tulleys, J. H. Edmiston. C. C. Jamieson, Perry Yeast, and others suffered the federal inquistion, and LI. S. Marshall Matthews lost his official head as a result. Some parts of the west were seared as by a prairie fire, and finally came President Taft and Secretary Ballinger. Pinchot sunk into the oblivion that his ill-advised activities deserved. When a man attempts to climb over the wrecks of others he has ruined, natural laws of compensation will prevail.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The Standard Cattle Company, with headquarters at Cheyenne, ranged fifteen to twenty thousand cattle over the headwaters of Horse Creek and the Chugwater, in the later days of the cow business.
501
Some parts of the west were seared as by a prairie fire, and finally came President Taft and Secretary Ballinger. Pinchot sunk into the oblivion that his ill-advised activities deserved. When a man attempts to climb over the wrecks of others he has ruined, natural laws of compensation will prevail.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The Standard Cattle Company, with headquarters at Cheyenne, ranged fifteen to twenty thousand cattle over the headwaters of Horse Creek and the Chugwater, in the later days of the cow business.
Earlier the cowmen had organized associations for their mutual protection, and for cooperation. They developed the round-up to a system. They hired fearless men for detectives, and trailed fugitives from justice into far countries. The ramifications of this ann of the cow business was necessary, albeit sometimes unjust.
Vigilantes hung thieves without stint or conscience and occasionally a transgressing ranchman very nearly met that melancholy fate. Horse thieves and cattle thieves were trailed into the Britich Provinces, and southward to and through Mexico into the South American Republics, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
John Bratt was one of the live members of the old executive committee of the Cheyenne Stock Growers' Association, which he helped to organize, and was on the Executive Board for several years.
One of the rules adopted by this organization was that all unbranded cattle found by the roundups were to be taken to the final rendezvous, and there sold to the highest bidder, the proceeds to go into the treasury of the association. This was obviously about the only thing they could do, but should the roundup catch the lone cow of an early settler, if she chanced to be unbranded, it was appropriating property that did not belong to the association. I think there was one or two decisions that gave the cow back even after being branded, where the ownership was proven.
502
One of the rules adopted by this organization was that all unbranded cattle found by the roundups were to be taken to the final rendezvous, and there sold to the highest bidder, the proceeds to go into the treasury of the association. This was obviously about the only thing they could do, but should the roundup catch the lone cow of an early settler, if she chanced to be unbranded, it was appropriating property that did not belong to the association. I think there was one or two decisions that gave the cow back even after being branded, where the ownership was proven.
Early grangers found considerable fault with this scheme and there is no doubt that this practice or system brought in the mind of many a settler, and even some cowboys, justification for rustling calves, and killing for beef.
This rustling in western Nebraska, became almost a joke in the years of 1887 and 1888. Men increased their herds at a rapid rate. Many cows raised "twins" and on one occasion, a steer was credited with raising seventeen calves in one season. The smaller ranches were as busy as the grangers in this work. That is they did as much or more of it, but they held aloof from any entangling alliances.
The cowboys learned the trick, and located unbranded stuff in the herds driven ahead with the roundup. At some likely place, in some manner, one of the men would manage to single out the cow, or heifer, or steer without
503
Many cows raised "twins" and on one occasion, a steer was credited with raising seventeen calves in one season. The smaller ranches were as busy as the grangers in this work. That is they did as much or more of it, but they held aloof from any entangling alliances.
The cowboys learned the trick, and located unbranded stuff in the herds driven ahead with the roundup. At some likely place, in some manner, one of the men would manage to single out the cow, or heifer, or steer without
a brand, and it would break away from the herd. He would ride furiously after it, and suddenly his horse would become unmanageable, and run between it and the rest of the bunch. All the time it was running farther away, and finally would disappear with the rider in full pursuit, over a ridge or down a gulch. After a bit the rider would return, but the animal never. And the next roundup would find it with the private brand of the cowboy who had chased it into the distance.
"Bay State Beef" and "Bridle Bit Beef" and "Ogallala Beef," became a sort of a standard food in the early days. Nearly everyone ate it, however, few would acknowledge it. Yet it became a subject of humor and common jest. One of the early missionaries sent out by the Presbyterians into Banner county, complained to his hosts that he was tired of Bay State Beef, and hungry for chicken.
On one occasion, I was coming through the Wildcat Range on my way to Gering, and stopped at a settler's place near Rifle Gap, for the night. The man of the place and I were talking when a roly poly boy came to his father's knee. The father fondly patted his round form, and said : "My son, what makes you so fat?" The little imp looked up and grinned as he answered: "Bay State Beef." The father laughed, and I joined, being quite sure the boy had told the truth.
504
On one occasion, I was coming through the Wildcat Range on my way to Gering, and stopped at a settler's place near Rifle Gap, for the night. The man of the place and I were talking when a roly poly boy came to his father's knee. The father fondly patted his round form, and said : "My son, what makes you so fat?" The little imp looked up and grinned as he answered: "Bay State Beef." The father laughed, and I joined, being quite sure the boy had told the truth.
In the winter of 1887-88, and also the winter following, small herds drifted across the state line of Wyoming, in the storms when the "line riders" could not carefully guard the entire distance. These cattle seldom returned. The men who were sent after them would see hanging to ridge logs, or on the corners of houses, nice fresh quarters of beef, and in hidden places they might find the waste materials of slaughtered cattle.
In the winter of 1885-86, I was working for Hall & Evans, whose ranch was established in 1871 on White Horse Creek, about two miles northeast of North Platte. They had about two hundred and fifty head of cattle, and forty or fifty horses. They put up several hundred tons of hay along the river bottoms, and they milked from thirty to fifty cows.
Mr. Evans was in the County Clerk's office at North Platte, and Mr. and Mrs. Hall, whose only daughter was Mrs. Evans, lived upon the ranch. They made butter, and kept several hundred hens, and had private customers for the product.
505
They had about two hundred and fifty head of cattle, and forty or fifty horses. They put up several hundred tons of hay along the river bottoms, and they milked from thirty to fifty cows.
Mr. Evans was in the County Clerk's office at North Platte, and Mr. and Mrs. Hall, whose only daughter was Mrs. Evans, lived upon the ranch. They made butter, and kept several hundred hens, and had private customers for the product.
Prior to their settlement upon this acreage, which was about 1867, Major L. Walker owned the place and the LW brand. His one
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
thousand to two thousand cattle ranged the sand hills northward, and along White Horse Creek and the North Platte river. Settlement had begun to make a change at the time I was there. In fact, the spring following there was almost a ceaseless caravan of covered wagons moving on into the west. I wondered that it could hold so many, and yet leave any land unoccupied.
"Grandpa" and "Grandma" Hall are gone to their rewards, both being devout Methodists. John E. Evans, his wife, and son Everett, are still at North Platte, and John E., as usual, is doing official duty.
He served in the legislature at the time Millard and Diederick were elected United States senators, after the all winter deadlock. It will be remembered that D. E. Thompson of Lincoln desired one of the places, and his railroad influences were hard at work. Tohn £.
506
"Grandpa" and "Grandma" Hall are gone to their rewards, both being devout Methodists. John E. Evans, his wife, and son Everett, are still at North Platte, and John E., as usual, is doing official duty.
He served in the legislature at the time Millard and Diederick were elected United States senators, after the all winter deadlock. It will be remembered that D. E. Thompson of Lincoln desired one of the places, and his railroad influences were hard at work. Tohn £.
Evans was one of the "Lily White" Republicans that refused to be led into the railroad camp. And for that little band of courageous Republicans, withstanding the castigation of the party whip, there will be some day a suitable testimonial in the hall of fame. There will come a time when the descendants of such people will be proud of their ancestry, as the world will be proud of its truly great and courageous men.
Let us give a word of credit to a living woman, Mrs. W. C. Ritner, now living at North Platte, (1919) for her faith in the dairy of western Nebraska. This resource is yet in its infancy, but thirty-five years ago, Mrs. Helen Randall, widow of Ex-Governor Randall, now Mrs. Ritner, had about five hundred head of cattle, principally dairy stock, upon her ranch, on the north side of the North Platte river, between White Horse creek and the Birdwood.
BIG RANCHES ROUND ABOUT -- FIRST DRY FARMING AT BIG SPRINGS --
OTHER RANCHES ON LODGEPOLE -- NEWMAN LEADS THE TURKS --
507
Ritner, now living at North Platte, (1919) for her faith in the dairy of western Nebraska. This resource is yet in its infancy, but thirty-five years ago, Mrs. Helen Randall, widow of Ex-Governor Randall, now Mrs. Ritner, had about five hundred head of cattle, principally dairy stock, upon her ranch, on the north side of the North Platte river, between White Horse creek and the Birdwood.
BIG RANCHES ROUND ABOUT -- FIRST DRY FARMING AT BIG SPRINGS --
OTHER RANCHES ON LODGEPOLE -- NEWMAN LEADS THE TURKS --
THROUGH "JERUSALEM" -- WALRATH, FROM OX TEAM
TO AEROPLANE
One of the peerless cowmen of early years was David Rankin. Years ago he ran his ten thousand cattle on North and Middle Loup rivers, and at Seneca, in the midst of the majestic Sand Hills, he had his home ranch and range. His brands were Bar-7 and others.
This is a little out of the territory covered by my narrative, but so is Bent & Evans, later Nichols & Son, of the 96 brands, who ranged their six thousand cattle east of Fort McPherson and west of Plum Creek, and so is Biff's F L ranch on the South Platte river, where the pony express rider, Jim Moore, met his death. Iliff was called the Cattle King in his time. Burke Brothers, with the flat iron brand on three or four thousand cattle between North Platte and Fort McPherson, were not in the
Panhandle ; nor was C. W. Wright, now to be found about the Denver Club, who ranged his two or three thousand cattle branded D D on Brigadier creek, Bad Water and Poison Spider in Wyoming. All of these had scattering cattle in western Nebraska and they had representatives with the annual roundup, to accumulate these and return them to their own respective ranges.
508
Burke Brothers, with the flat iron brand on three or four thousand cattle between North Platte and Fort McPherson, were not in the
Panhandle ; nor was C. W. Wright, now to be found about the Denver Club, who ranged his two or three thousand cattle branded D D on Brigadier creek, Bad Water and Poison Spider in Wyoming. All of these had scattering cattle in western Nebraska and they had representatives with the annual roundup, to accumulate these and return them to their own respective ranges.
One of the big ranches on the South Platte country, located at Big Springs, in the present borders of Deuel county, was Shiedley Brothers & Company, with its O S O brands, and its ten thousand cattle. This firm had Kansas City offices, and supplied many of the smaller concerns, people with five hundred to two thousand head, with cattle or finance.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
There came the time when W. A. Paxton quit "wacking bulls" and went into the cow business. He located at Keystone with the Keystone brand. Later he organized the big Ogallala Company that amalgamated several of the largest herds on the range. What the Bay State accomplished at Kimball and north, and Tom Swan in Wyoming, the Ogallala company did at Alkali, now Paxton, Nebraska, and north and west.
This company put ten or twelve thousand cattle into the business at the home ranch, and then bought the Shiedley outfit with its many thousands, Sheedy's Seven U, Boyd Brothers' herd. Sharp's ranch, the Tusler cattle, and several of the other herds of five hundred to two thousand.
509
What the Bay State accomplished at Kimball and north, and Tom Swan in Wyoming, the Ogallala company did at Alkali, now Paxton, Nebraska, and north and west.
This company put ten or twelve thousand cattle into the business at the home ranch, and then bought the Shiedley outfit with its many thousands, Sheedy's Seven U, Boyd Brothers' herd. Sharp's ranch, the Tusler cattle, and several of the other herds of five hundred to two thousand.
The Shiedley ranch was the location of the first dry farming in that part of Nebraska. In 1881, Otto Baumgarten went out on an island in the South Platte, and plowed some ground, and planted a diversity of crops, mostly garden stuff. His success was a surprise and revelation to the cowmen, who had no idea that anything would grow without irrigation in this semi-arid, or as then called "arid" west. Even after this demonstration, the ranchmen did not take to farming, but left that achievement for other times and other people. Nor was gardening undertaken. Everything was purchased, even to butter, although the ranch might have ten thousand cows.
West of Sidney on the Lodgepole were several ranches as early as 1874. John M. Adams and H. V. Redington were among the first. Adams and Redington had organized a company to take over the ranch at the mouth of "Lorren's" fork. Sidney was the accessible trading point, and there was more or less social life there on account of the fort. It was determined that a ranch nearer Sidney would also have its advantages, especially at shipping time. Cattle could be moved to the railroad and allowed to rest on the fine pasturage and hay meadows, then shipped with little or no shrinkage. The best available spot for the use of Adams & Redington was found near the presert site of Potter.
510
Sidney was the accessible trading point, and there was more or less social life there on account of the fort. It was determined that a ranch nearer Sidney would also have its advantages, especially at shipping time. Cattle could be moved to the railroad and allowed to rest on the fine pasturage and hay meadows, then shipped with little or no shrinkage. The best available spot for the use of Adams & Redington was found near the presert site of Potter. This ranch is still owned by Adams, who also has a southern home at Augusta, Georgia, called "The Hill." The Adams ranch is one of the beauty spots along the Lodgepole. This firm ran four thousand to six thousand cattle and their principal brand was H-Bar.
Just below their Potter location, near the station of Bronson, Callahan & Mursheid had a ranch, which about the time of establishing the Adams-Redington ranch, went to the ownership nf Thos. Kane.
Henry Newman, who once had an interest in the holdings that finally came under the masterhand of Reuben Lisco, located in 1873 a ranch near the present site of Sunol. The structures were all of discarded railroad ties set on end, making rude but comfortable stockades.
After the building of the Union Pacific, for many years there were parties of emigrants crossing the continental divide in the old way. There were parties of different nationalities occasionally, and one time forty or fifty Turks were making their way up the Lodgepole valley. True to their faith and custom, they wore the picturesque costumes of their native land. As they neared Newman ranch, Henry was out with his saddle horse to see what was coming.
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After the building of the Union Pacific, for many years there were parties of emigrants crossing the continental divide in the old way. There were parties of different nationalities occasionally, and one time forty or fifty Turks were making their way up the Lodgepole valley. True to their faith and custom, they wore the picturesque costumes of their native land. As they neared Newman ranch, Henry was out with his saddle horse to see what was coming.
Noticing that the Turks were a bit exercised at his approach, he thought to give them ample justice for the apprehension. He discharged his six shooter with rapid successive shots, and then dropped his rope over the man who appeared to be their leader. A dozen other Turks ran to the rescue, and grabbed hold of the rope, but the sturdy bronco had turned about, and Newman had taken a hitch around the saddle horn. They started moving steadily along with the Turks tugging vigorously to stop them or release their leader.
Another cowman came along at this time and hailed Neuman.
"What's the game, old timer?" he asked.
"Nothing," answered NeumanL "only I'm leading these d -- d Turks through" New Jerusalem."
Having had his little escapade, he let them proceed.
Down at Big Springs, besides the Shiedley ranch, were the Walraths, whose ranch dates back to 1873. The Walrath ranch was owned by A. J. and Baggage Walrath. Their herd was a comparatively small one at the time, but it later grew to large proportions. Baggage Walrath has gone on, to the Final Roundup, but A. J. still lives in the land where he has seen the transition. The veteran of the plains can be found at Julesburg, and has a rich fund of reminiscence.
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Down at Big Springs, besides the Shiedley ranch, were the Walraths, whose ranch dates back to 1873. The Walrath ranch was owned by A. J. and Baggage Walrath. Their herd was a comparatively small one at the time, but it later grew to large proportions. Baggage Walrath has gone on, to the Final Roundup, but A. J. still lives in the land where he has seen the transition. The veteran of the plains can be found at Julesburg, and has a rich fund of reminiscence.
A. J. Walrath, when he first saw the South Platte and the Lodgepole, drove an ox team. From whacking bulls he has seen the coming of the mule teams, the railroad, the automobile, truck and tractor, and recently (1919) there passed overhead thirty flying- machines in one dav. This, all in the span of one life.
The Stone ranch, with its six thousand cattle branded C on the left hip. quite fully occupied the territory east of Ogallala, but Russell Watts built a ranch near there which was retained as headquarters, although his
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
herds of three or four thousand cattle were to be found principally on Snake Creek and the Niobrara, where the brand WW on the left hip and side were held during the summer seasons. In the winter he brought them to the ranges nearer to the home ranch.
Sparks and Timmon, who had ten or twelve thousand cattle on the ranges of Gooseberry creek, Nevada, maintained offices at Cheyenne, and part of the time had cattle on the same range occupied by Watts, in Nebraska, on the Running water and Snake creek. Their herds used to mingle in the early days, but the territory was later left to others. The Hart ranch had occupied the Snake creek country, and as conditions were changing, smaller herds began to come, and ranches of only a few hundred head became quite common.
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Sparks and Timmon, who had ten or twelve thousand cattle on the ranges of Gooseberry creek, Nevada, maintained offices at Cheyenne, and part of the time had cattle on the same range occupied by Watts, in Nebraska, on the Running water and Snake creek. Their herds used to mingle in the early days, but the territory was later left to others. The Hart ranch had occupied the Snake creek country, and as conditions were changing, smaller herds began to come, and ranches of only a few hundred head became quite common.
On Chadron creek and White river the Half- Diamond E owned by Price & Jenkins, of Chadron, was one of the well known early brands.
J. H. Jewett, who owned the JHJ brand, and ranged his cattle near Sidney, was not of the very oldest. He came at the date when the big ranches were passing into the hands of the Bay State, Swan and Ogallala concerns, and smaller ranches were sandwiching in wherever they could find watering places, and a little hay bottom.
The larger concerns had visions as broad as the western horizon, but the smaller men had a more correct interpretation of the trend of the times. Westward the tide of empire was wending and it soon moved into western Nebraska, driving before it the Big Stampede. The men of lesser means mingled with the grangers, and stuck to the land. Many are still to be found, grizzled pioneers, and the vanguard of the present land of activity and progress.
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The larger concerns had visions as broad as the western horizon, but the smaller men had a more correct interpretation of the trend of the times. Westward the tide of empire was wending and it soon moved into western Nebraska, driving before it the Big Stampede. The men of lesser means mingled with the grangers, and stuck to the land. Many are still to be found, grizzled pioneers, and the vanguard of the present land of activity and progress.
CHAPTER NIN
CREIGHTON EXPANDS -- SNODGRASS AND McSHANE -- McINTOSH FOUNDS
"THE CIRCLE ARROW" -- SIMPSON ORGANIZES THE
BAY STATE COMPANY
Two or three years after Creighton located on the Laramie Plains, he built a ranch on Horse creek. It was in 1875 before he built the "Pumpkin Creek Ranch," which became the home ranch of the Bay State Company. Creighton's Point, in the north part of Banner county, became the permanent name of the outpost of Wildcat Mountain.
A few miles down the Laramie river from Creighton's ranch on the Laramie Plains, John Bratt, in 1867, built the second ranch located in Wyoming. This location antedated the activities of Bratt at North Platte, but a short time.
The Circle Arrow ranch, which is on Lodgepole creek a few miles east of Kimball, was established by J. J. Mcintosh in 1872. Griffin & Harken bought it and later sold it to John Sparks, who had the ranch on lower Horse creek. This was one of the ranches acquired by the Bay State Land & Cattle Company.
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A few miles down the Laramie river from Creighton's ranch on the Laramie Plains, John Bratt, in 1867, built the second ranch located in Wyoming. This location antedated the activities of Bratt at North Platte, but a short time.
The Circle Arrow ranch, which is on Lodgepole creek a few miles east of Kimball, was established by J. J. Mcintosh in 1872. Griffin & Harken bought it and later sold it to John Sparks, who had the ranch on lower Horse creek. This was one of the ranches acquired by the Bay State Land & Cattle Company.
H. H. Robinson was manager of the Bay State when I came into the west and he lived
at Kimball, which was the new name of Antelopeville.
Johnny Peters, the cowboys called him "Pete," found his first work in western Nebraska, at the Circle Arrow, digging a cellar, the autumn of 1882. Peters and "Big Nose George" (that is the only name I ever heard for him,) were at work shoveling out the dirt. Peters had been up to the tie camps at Medicine Bow, and his muscles wrere hard from hewing ties, but "Big Nose George" was totally unused to work. He was a gambler of some repute, but had had a streak of bad luck, which his skill could not overcome. Being on his uppers, he had to do something, and fell in with Peters on this job. His lily white hands were a mass of cruel blisters, but he possessed the ability of sticking to the job.
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Peters had been up to the tie camps at Medicine Bow, and his muscles wrere hard from hewing ties, but "Big Nose George" was totally unused to work. He was a gambler of some repute, but had had a streak of bad luck, which his skill could not overcome. Being on his uppers, he had to do something, and fell in with Peters on this job. His lily white hands were a mass of cruel blisters, but he possessed the ability of sticking to the job.
In the evenings he entertained Johnny with his card skill, and found Peters quite an adept pupil. In witness whereof ask most any of the old boys of the range that knew him during the next three or four years.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Creighton's Horse Creek ranch was just below the point where the Pine Bluffs branch connects with the creek. This branch has some springs in it, and is partly dry most of the time. He had here the Circle Bar brand which was later converted into the half circle block.
The J. H. D.. which was owned by Mead, Evans & Company, was twenty-five miles west of Creighton's. Billy Likens was once the foreman. Likens, after serving a term as sheriff of Laramie county, became the cattle detective of the Wyoming Livestock Association. He had many nervy and dare-devil experiences.
G. W. Simpson came out from Boston, and organized the Bay State Land & Cattle Company in 1882, and he was its president. He managed to get Evans interested, and Evans held the startegic real estate of the J. H. D. Simpson bought it and then he undertook to make terms with O. W. Mead, the senior and remaining principal stockholder of the old concern. Mead refused to capitulate. He moved the cattle farther up Horse creek, and put the Four K brand upon the range.
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Simpson came out from Boston, and organized the Bay State Land & Cattle Company in 1882, and he was its president. He managed to get Evans interested, and Evans held the startegic real estate of the J. H. D. Simpson bought it and then he undertook to make terms with O. W. Mead, the senior and remaining principal stockholder of the old concern. Mead refused to capitulate. He moved the cattle farther up Horse creek, and put the Four K brand upon the range. In 1886 he sold this ranch and went to Nevada.
"Four-K Ed" was one of the employees of Mead that stayed with him, and finally went to the newer west with him. He was a wiry little Irishman, full of mother wit, and with a fondness for strong drink, which one can hardly believe of an Irishman.
Count John A. Creighton, John Snodgrass, and John A. McShane had in the meantime become the owners of the Circle Arrow at Kimball. The Bay State negotiated with them, and acquired this valuable ranch, along with other Creighton possessions. The sum paid was said to be around seven hundred thousand dollars. John Snodgrass was made general manager.
The Bay State Company bought the Circle Arrow in the Spring of 1883, and Creighton sold to the Company in the autumn of the same year his entire ranch possessions, including Pumpkin creek, Horse creek, and Laramie Plains ranches.
In 1883, the Bay State Company branded all their cattle with the "Circle Block," which correctly speaking is only a "quarter circleblock," and that remained their standard brand until they drove their herds into the northwest, four or five years later.
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The Bay State Company bought the Circle Arrow in the Spring of 1883, and Creighton sold to the Company in the autumn of the same year his entire ranch possessions, including Pumpkin creek, Horse creek, and Laramie Plains ranches.
In 1883, the Bay State Company branded all their cattle with the "Circle Block," which correctly speaking is only a "quarter circleblock," and that remained their standard brand until they drove their herds into the northwest, four or five years later.
John A. McShane became quite active on the range then, but he was something of a tenderfoot.
When a big herd was brought in from Texas and turned loose in this country, it was necessary for tin- boys to herd them for a while, until tiny became familiar with the country. So two
by two they would set forth in the mornings and would go about the wild herds that were inclined to run their foolish legs off, to hold them in check, and move them about until they became familiar with the springs and watering places.
One day, as the earliest of the men were dropping back to the ranch at the head of Pumpkin creek, after the cattle had been properly rounded in, they found McShane cooking dinner for several lazy, fat buck Indians. These Indians were perfectly harmless, but McShane did not know it. They had been visiting somewhere down south and were returning to the Red Cloud Agency on White river.
They could not resist the temptation to throw a little scare into people as they went along. At the Circle Arrow they shot off their rifles and left some stones lying in peculiar positions, which old Bill Gaw, the trapper, told the people at the ranch, were "war signs."
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These Indians were perfectly harmless, but McShane did not know it. They had been visiting somewhere down south and were returning to the Red Cloud Agency on White river.
They could not resist the temptation to throw a little scare into people as they went along. At the Circle Arrow they shot off their rifles and left some stones lying in peculiar positions, which old Bill Gaw, the trapper, told the people at the ranch, were "war signs."
They were not without a sense of humor, and when they found John A. alone at the ranch, and observed his fear of them, they made "hunger signs," and McShane, not knowing if they were friendly or untamed, had set about getting them a good dinner.
McShane later went to Omaha, where he was elected to Congress in a race with Thos. J. Majors, Edward Rosewater's opposition to Majors, assisted materially in the result.
This little event on Pumpkin creek did not put McShane among the class of irrational cooks. There were many exceptions to that rule
There was Muldoon, the best cook that ever dipped a pail of water from the creek. It is said that once one of the boys of Muldoon's outfit had an aversion to rice. Rice was a staple food on the roundup, and Muldoon told him that he just had to eat it. He came in hungry one night, and the dinner had a pudding that met nicely his taste. He said it was fine and asked of what it was made.
520
There was Muldoon, the best cook that ever dipped a pail of water from the creek. It is said that once one of the boys of Muldoon's outfit had an aversion to rice. Rice was a staple food on the roundup, and Muldoon told him that he just had to eat it. He came in hungry one night, and the dinner had a pudding that met nicely his taste. He said it was fine and asked of what it was made.
"It is made of that rice that you don't like," answered Muldoon.
There was Jim Raley, the beau brummel of all the countrywide. Aside from being an excellent cook, Raley was one of the best looking fellows on the range. Large, well built, fine dark eyes and mustache. He was a good entertainer, and the girls all liked him, and he was as fine as they thought he was, which was "going some." The only thing the boys had against Jim was that he could almost any time he wanted to, take their girls away from them.
And in addition to McShane, and Muldoon
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
and Raley, the writer officiated over the pots apples, dried currants, rice, and occasionally the
and kettles once, and cannot find the heart to luxury of prunes. These with coffee. A cook
say that it was not a first-class profession, es- who cannot satisfy a hungry man with variapecially where dominated by a first-class man. lions of those staples of diet, was not a cook
521
And in addition to McShane, and Muldoon
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
and Raley, the writer officiated over the pots apples, dried currants, rice, and occasionally the
and kettles once, and cannot find the heart to luxury of prunes. These with coffee. A cook
say that it was not a first-class profession, es- who cannot satisfy a hungry man with variapecially where dominated by a first-class man. lions of those staples of diet, was not a cook
Sore-finger bread, sow-bellv, beans, dried for a cow outfit.
CHAPTER XN
EARLY SUB-IRRIGATION -- BAY STATE BUYS COAD'S NORTH RIVER RANCH
-- J. S. ROBB, FOREMAN -- MARY ROSE'S GRAVE -- THE GROUT
HOUSE -- I- H. D. RANCH -- ROUND-UP AT CIRCLE
ARROW -- DEATH OF "SKY PILOT" AT
PINE BLUFFS
While Simpson was managing the affairs at the J. H. D., big Jim Boyd and Runey Campbell were working at the ranch. And just below the ranch house in the creek are still some rocks that were piled there in the indifferent but substantial manner of lazy cowboys, to form a sort of a dam for raising the water level in the creek, and causing it to percolate back into the hay bottoms belonging to that ranch. The theory of sub-irrigation was here promulgated.
The spring of 1884 witnessed further changes in the Bay State developments. Three quarters of a million dollars had already been spent in acquiring Creighton's and other ranch possessions. Now the company reached over to the North River and bought out the Coads, paying therefor seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The Bay State people ran over fifteen thousand cattle by actual count, although when they bought, they obtained a book value of about twelve thousand from Creighton's and about ten'thousand from Coads.
522
The spring of 1884 witnessed further changes in the Bay State developments. Three quarters of a million dollars had already been spent in acquiring Creighton's and other ranch possessions. Now the company reached over to the North River and bought out the Coads, paying therefor seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The Bay State people ran over fifteen thousand cattle by actual count, although when they bought, they obtained a book value of about twelve thousand from Creighton's and about ten'thousand from Coads.
Coads had a nice bunch of horses that went with their possessions, and as the Creighton horses were not very good, the co.wpunchers of the Bay State were pleased when the Coad horses came into Bay State ownership.
This put the ranch at the head of Pumpkin creek about the center of operations, and it consequently became the Home ranch of (he company.
The new organization was G. W. Simpson, of Boston, president and general financier; John A. McShane. of Omaha, was interested, for the Omaha people had taken some stock in the new concern. H. H. Robinson now (1919) living in Denver, became the range manager.
John Snodgrass had built a large dwelling on the north side of the railroad track, east of the Pumpkin Creek Trail at Antelopeville. This he made his headquarters. Kimball, who was one of the big eastern investors, spent a great deal of his time at the different ranches of the company, getting in touch with the business first hand. It was in his honor that the Union Pacific and the post-office department, changed the name of Antelopeville to Kimball.
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John Snodgrass had built a large dwelling on the north side of the railroad track, east of the Pumpkin Creek Trail at Antelopeville. This he made his headquarters. Kimball, who was one of the big eastern investors, spent a great deal of his time at the different ranches of the company, getting in touch with the business first hand. It was in his honor that the Union Pacific and the post-office department, changed the name of Antelopeville to Kimball.
J. S. Robb had been here at an earlier date, but he had gone back to his old home in Uvalde county, Texas, and served a term as sheriff there. Returning to this county a short time before the date of the organization of the Bay State, he had been put in charge as foreman on the Pumpkin creek ranch by Creighton.
Johnny Peters was sent over from the Circle Arrow and plied his skill with a broad ax, hewing the logs that were builded into the one and one-half story log house, which Robb used for a dwelling at the head of Pumpkin creek. He then built the stone spring house, which was delightfully cool, there being a large cold spring therein.
Mrs. Robb was not much in love with the solitudes. She often had visiting with her, one of the women of the ranch proprietors, or what she really enjoyed more, were the visits of the girls that were just then beginning to come into the valley.
In the summer of 1S87. Mary Rose, whose father was a soldier in Sidney and whose mother was dead, came out to visit the Livingstons, who had cared for her during her childhood, and were like parents to her. Livingston's grout house stood about six miles east of
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She often had visiting with her, one of the women of the ranch proprietors, or what she really enjoyed more, were the visits of the girls that were just then beginning to come into the valley.
In the summer of 1S87. Mary Rose, whose father was a soldier in Sidney and whose mother was dead, came out to visit the Livingstons, who had cared for her during her childhood, and were like parents to her. Livingston's grout house stood about six miles east of
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Wildcat mountain and in addition contained a postoffice, and was quite a place of social enjoyment. In 1888, while Alary Rose was up at the head of the creek visiting Mrs. Robb she was taken ill. and a little later died. She was buried at Livingston. The grout dwelling is now crumled into dust, and in a neglected wire enclosure, overgrown with weeds, sweet clover and wild roses, there is now the little mound where one of the charming "first girls" was laid to rest.
"Wild roses grow on Mary Rose's grave."
Robb had one of the best memories, and if one could get him started on reminiscence, he could string out interesting stories by the hour, and his experiences would fill a book.
Before Runey Campbell knew that Robb was a foreman, he and J. S. fell in together, and were traveling up the Horse creek country going to the J. H. D. ranch. At this branch there was a queer old pair of people, such as sometimes drift into out-of-the-way-places and stick.
525
Robb had one of the best memories, and if one could get him started on reminiscence, he could string out interesting stories by the hour, and his experiences would fill a book.
Before Runey Campbell knew that Robb was a foreman, he and J. S. fell in together, and were traveling up the Horse creek country going to the J. H. D. ranch. At this branch there was a queer old pair of people, such as sometimes drift into out-of-the-way-places and stick.
Jule Kransky was a weazened old Dutchman who would not weigh over a hundred and twenty-five pounds, and his wife, just as shrivelled, and dried up, would weigh about ninety. Runey told Robb he would introduce him as belonging to Creighton's. and he added, "maybe the old cuss will treat us half-way civil." Kransky evidently believed him one of the high officials, for 'he killed a chicken and gave them a fine dinner.
Jule and his wife talked in high squeeky voices, and they often had altercations and sometimes these developed into fights. In the latter, however. Mrs. Kranskv was no match for her formidable husband, but she could run the faster, so the bouts usually ended in a foot race.
Once, however, when she was racing ahead of him around the house, crying back in her shrill staccato accents: "Jule, Jule, Jule," he gave up the chase. She kept on running still thinking he was in pursuit. As she rounded a corner of the house she met him face to face and it was too late to escape. That time he caught her and gave her the whipping which he thought she needed. Perhaps it was from that event, came the old saying: "I whipped a woman once fifty years old, and I believe T could have whipped her had she been a hundred."
526
She kept on running still thinking he was in pursuit. As she rounded a corner of the house she met him face to face and it was too late to escape. That time he caught her and gave her the whipping which he thought she needed. Perhaps it was from that event, came the old saying: "I whipped a woman once fifty years old, and I believe T could have whipped her had she been a hundred."
Below the Circle Arrow at Kimball was one of the bivouacing places of the roundup. It was on the hank of the Lodgepole. below the lower ranch fence. Here the outfits always paused in passing, and from here the boys could go t<> \.ntelopeville fur recreation. One
time, they left at the camp a big bully of a Dutch butcher who was acting in the capacity of cook and a young fat kid about seventeen or eighteen years old.
Almost invariably there is a kid on the round-up, or with the trail wagon, or, for that matter, anywhere else in the early west, and he is usually the object of a great many rough jokes and ill-temper. This kid, being fat, was no exception.
On this occasion, as the boys returned, singly or in pairs, at eventide, they found the kid strutting about the camp in high feather. He told them that he had been boss for the day. It appeared that the bully had begun to work off his ugly feelings, by abusing the kid, finally daring him to fight, and offering to let him tie his hands behind him, and start in. The kid did tie his hands securely, and then jumping on his horse he threw a rope over the cook, and dragged him into the creek, and up and down the creek a number of times, nearly drowning him.
527
He told them that he had been boss for the day. It appeared that the bully had begun to work off his ugly feelings, by abusing the kid, finally daring him to fight, and offering to let him tie his hands behind him, and start in. The kid did tie his hands securely, and then jumping on his horse he threw a rope over the cook, and dragged him into the creek, and up and down the creek a number of times, nearly drowning him. Finally he had cried enough, and the kid untied him. after which he was going to give the boy a thrashing, but the boy "threw down" on him. made him throw up his hands, and promise to be good. For the day the fat boy had ruled the camp with an iron hand.
Here is was that Buddy Crocket, Al Harris, Ad Carthage, Al Stringfellow, Jimmy Tate, Johnny Frantz, E. L. Harrison, Henry- Heard, and a host of the other old time boys of the range used to camp, and go to Antelopeville for their pay checks and a good time. One night there had been quite a storm and the boys were returning to the outfit, where a number had remained. As they approached they observed the big tent was lying flat, and there was no one stirring about it. They dismounted and proceeded to put the tent up, when they discovered under it a number of men who were asleep.
It occurred that the wind had blown it down, and the boys finding by calling to one another that no one was hurt, and being sleepy and perfectly' dry and comfortable, they went on with their slumber without putting up the tent.
528
As they approached they observed the big tent was lying flat, and there was no one stirring about it. They dismounted and proceeded to put the tent up, when they discovered under it a number of men who were asleep.
It occurred that the wind had blown it down, and the boys finding by calling to one another that no one was hurt, and being sleepy and perfectly' dry and comfortable, they went on with their slumber without putting up the tent.
The Tracy ranch was one of the early places acquired by the Bay State. The brand was the T F Circle, and the location near Pine Bluffs. The old trails used to lead from Pine Bluffs northward over the fine tables now called Golden Prairie, and down the branch of Horse creek to Creighton's Horse creek ranch. Southward the trails led to Crow creek ranges and beyond.
Pine Bluffs was not a large town, but any sort of a place in those days had a saloon, and
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
someone about the place could entertain at poker.
Sometimes the churches of the east would send out missionaries who would endeavor to turn the unregenerate saddle boys into the paths of duty. But those paths were not well defined, although the boys back in their minds had a respect for the teachings of their mothers, many, many years ago. The trail of the wicked are broad, and easy to follow even out on the wide prairies.
One of these "sky pilots" landed at Pine Bluffs, and the boys rigged up the hall over the saloon, which generally served as a place to dance, and the saloon was closed for an hour or two that all might hear the sermon. After the missionary had told the old, old story, and sang a few hymns, they again went down stairs.
529
The trail of the wicked are broad, and easy to follow even out on the wide prairies.
One of these "sky pilots" landed at Pine Bluffs, and the boys rigged up the hall over the saloon, which generally served as a place to dance, and the saloon was closed for an hour or two that all might hear the sermon. After the missionary had told the old, old story, and sang a few hymns, they again went down stairs. There seemed few ways to show the hospitality of the west, and one of the boys, just to be friendly, asked the missionary to join with others at the bar.
Everybody lined up, and ordered their preference, expecting the man of cloth might ask for a soda. Imagine their surprise when he ordered Scotch. This was the beginning. Everybody had to set 'em up and every time the minister took his strong decoction.
The affair turned into a sort of an orgy, and one of the boisterous fellows, old Carthage, I believe it was, swapped his sombrero for
the man's plug hat. After while a team was hitched up and the preacher loaded with a well jagged driver to make the trip to Antelopeville, whe.re he was next due.
In the night he drove up in front of the Lynch hotel, and observing a light in the office called to men there to come out and help him "unload a dead man." During the journey, the preacher had slumped over against the driver, and he believed him to be in a drunken stupor. He called him a dead man in attempted jocular manner, but imagine his surprise, when they came out and carried him into the hotel, to find that he was actually dead.
530
In the night he drove up in front of the Lynch hotel, and observing a light in the office called to men there to come out and help him "unload a dead man." During the journey, the preacher had slumped over against the driver, and he believed him to be in a drunken stupor. He called him a dead man in attempted jocular manner, but imagine his surprise, when they came out and carried him into the hotel, to find that he was actually dead.
It created quite a sensation, and while each of them felt in a measure guilty of wrong doing, there was really nothing that could fix any guilt, or even guilt on any of them.
Six or eight months later. Carthage was down at Sterling, when he received an express package. He opened it and it was the plug hat which he had left at Pine Bluffs. When he saw what it was, he went white, and several days were required to steady his nerves to normal condition.
The event served to sober down all those present. After that they were less inclined to "turn themselves loose," when the unexpected happened. Each felt the message : "Am I my brother's keeper." with new force.
PAXTON'S OGALLALA COMPANY -- HALL'S FAMOUS DRIVE TO PINE RIDGE DICK BEAN'S DEATH -- GUN MEN AND FRANTZ'S COMICAL EPISODE
The organization of the Ogallala Cattle Company, was contemporaneous with that of the Two-Bar and the Bay State, and while Alex Swan was buying the big herds of Wyoming, and G. W. Simpson, at Antelopeville, W. A. Paxton was buying those from Sidney to Ogallala. Among his lieutenants in Nebraska were Eugene A. Hall, Mac. Radcliffe, and Dick Bean.
531
PAXTON'S OGALLALA COMPANY -- HALL'S FAMOUS DRIVE TO PINE RIDGE DICK BEAN'S DEATH -- GUN MEN AND FRANTZ'S COMICAL EPISODE
The organization of the Ogallala Cattle Company, was contemporaneous with that of the Two-Bar and the Bay State, and while Alex Swan was buying the big herds of Wyoming, and G. W. Simpson, at Antelopeville, W. A. Paxton was buying those from Sidney to Ogallala. Among his lieutenants in Nebraska were Eugene A. Hall, Mac. Radcliffe, and Dick Bean.
Paxton's Keystone ranch was the first, and the nucleus of the Ogallala company's holdings. Shortly after the Shiedley ranches were acquired, and then began negotiations for the much desired Bosler herds ; George Bosler, the leading spirit in that organization knew that
the brothers' many cattle had suffered less loss during the preceding winters, and that there was a large number of marketable steers. Paxton knew this also, but was not able .o make a satisfactory offer to the Boslers.
He then took up negotiations with Dennis Sheedy, who had bought the Seven-U from Powers Brothers a few years before. Mr. Sheedy's books showed that he had thirty-five thousand cattle, but the Ogallala boys had been over the range and had found large quantities of dead cattle of that brand. 'Gene Hall estimated the survivors at not to exceed one-half of the book number. Paxton made two offers on this basis : one at twenty-eight dollars per
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
head on actual count, or about half that amount if accepted on book account.
532
Mr. Sheedy's books showed that he had thirty-five thousand cattle, but the Ogallala boys had been over the range and had found large quantities of dead cattle of that brand. 'Gene Hall estimated the survivors at not to exceed one-half of the book number. Paxton made two offers on this basis : one at twenty-eight dollars per
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
head on actual count, or about half that amount if accepted on book account.
Jerry Drummer had been foreman of the Seven-U for about twelve years, and he advised Sheedy to take the offer of twenty-eight dollars per head. Hall, with ten expert cowmen, besides the wagon men, was detailed to receive, and to prevent any possible errors in count, each animal received, was to be branded "S". Paxton evidently believed that an effort would be made to swamp the receiving outfit, and confuse the count ; perhaps expecting that a number would get away, and be rushed through the counting chutes the second time. To prevent any such complication, he sent two other outfits of equal dimension, under Radcliffe and Bean, to assist.
On the first day of August, 1884, six thousand cattle were rounded up out of Nine Mile canyon, now in Scotts Bluff county, and delivered at the Seven-U ranch. The thirty men had them about half branded with the receiving brand, when four thousand more were delivered from the Winter creek round-up, which was a few miles farther up the rive. The cattle were mostly of the long-horn Mexican type.
533
To prevent any such complication, he sent two other outfits of equal dimension, under Radcliffe and Bean, to assist.
On the first day of August, 1884, six thousand cattle were rounded up out of Nine Mile canyon, now in Scotts Bluff county, and delivered at the Seven-U ranch. The thirty men had them about half branded with the receiving brand, when four thousand more were delivered from the Winter creek round-up, which was a few miles farther up the rive. The cattle were mostly of the long-horn Mexican type.
"Now," sand 'Gene, "Mr. Sheedy has shot his wad." And so it proved. About five thousand more were delivered in smaller bunches that fall, and about five hundred the following spring. That concluded the delivery. Had Sheedy accepted Mr. Paxton's alternate offer, he would have been ahead, and the fact that his foreman, Drummer, had wrongly advised, caused some friction between Sheedy and Drummer in the days that followed.
George Bosler died shortly after the Seven-U transfer, and Paxton in 1885 struck a deal with the other brother for the entire Bosler outfit, for one million dollars. The 3oslers had ranches on the Blue, on Brown creek, on Coldwater and Lost creek. It was a great stroke of business for the Ogallala, for big dividends of the company followed the shipment of beef cattle the three following years, and these beef cattle came very largely from the Bosler herds. Ten thousand beeves were shipped in the autumn of 1885, practically all Bosler cattle, and the company paid seventeen per cent, dividends. The following year ten thousand more, principally Bosler steers, went on the market, and another big dividend was declared.
534
It was a great stroke of business for the Ogallala, for big dividends of the company followed the shipment of beef cattle the three following years, and these beef cattle came very largely from the Bosler herds. Ten thousand beeves were shipped in the autumn of 1885, practically all Bosler cattle, and the company paid seventeen per cent, dividends. The following year ten thousand more, principally Bosler steers, went on the market, and another big dividend was declared.
'The Jews," and others of the east began to take notice and nibble at the capital stock of the Ogallala company, but Paxton held them off. The big storm of the spring of 1886, destroyed many thousand cattle, and drove Swan and his Two-Bar outfit on the rocks,
and John Clay took the helm. But Paxton's outfit was stronger, and weathered the storm with little loss. The big shipment of 1886, were followed by shipments in 1887 that exceeded all expectations and drove investors towards the Ogallala company, clammering for a chance to invest in the capital stock. Seventeen thousand beeves were shipped, and of those about ten thousand came from the Bosler herds.
The granger settlements made it advisable to move the remainder of the cattle to Wyoming, and the home ranch was to be on Little Wind river, about sixty-five miles northwest of Fort Fetterman, or Douglas. Paxton had bought the Boyd herds which were on the lower North river, and in all he had about probably fifteen thousand head to move, besides several thousand calves. One of the Boyds (James E.) later became governor. Boyds sold to the Ogallala company about three thousand cattle.
535
The granger settlements made it advisable to move the remainder of the cattle to Wyoming, and the home ranch was to be on Little Wind river, about sixty-five miles northwest of Fort Fetterman, or Douglas. Paxton had bought the Boyd herds which were on the lower North river, and in all he had about probably fifteen thousand head to move, besides several thousand calves. One of the Boyds (James E.) later became governor. Boyds sold to the Ogallala company about three thousand cattle.
Herds were divided into four lots, and 'Gene Hall broke the trail with thirty-six hundred cattle and one thousand calves. One of the other herds was under Bill Hanger, and another was in charge of Bud Chambers.
On August first, Hall started from Camp Lake, which is the present site of the Hall & Graham ranch, in south Box Butte county.
1888, being the tenth years for Hall upon the range, he determined that it should be his last, except in business for himself. W. C. Irvine had been made general manager for the Ogallala company, and the company was passing into the hands of new people. Irvine had ideas of economy that meant reduced wages, and one was to cut 'Gene's salary from one hundred dollars to seventy-five dollars per month. 'Gene said "nothing doing," so he remained out the . season at the old figure, for Paxton had told Irvine that he had better keep him at that. Knowing that Hall intended to quit at the end of the season, he thought he would give him a job that would break his headiness, and keep him on the range, for he was a good cowman.
536
Irvine had ideas of economy that meant reduced wages, and one was to cut 'Gene's salary from one hundred dollars to seventy-five dollars per month. 'Gene said "nothing doing," so he remained out the . season at the old figure, for Paxton had told Irvine that he had better keep him at that. Knowing that Hall intended to quit at the end of the season, he thought he would give him a job that would break his headiness, and keep him on the range, for he was a good cowman.
Fie gave him three thousand and thirty steers by actual count for delivery at the Rosebud agency. The trip was a trying one, over a dry country, but it was made so carefully that it ended with a full count, and all in good condition. The feat caused considerable favorable comment at the time.
The habit of the steer is to get lonesome, or homesick for the native range, and once in a while after bedding down at night, a single steer will get up and start back along the trail in the darkness. When perhaps a hundred
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
feet away from the herd, he will begin a low moo, or call; and sometimes another, or several others will get up and follow. In the morning, a few out of a herd of thousands are seldom missed.
To avoid this loss, after the cattle were bedded down and the boys had turned in, Hall would go back along the trail three or four hundred yards, and tethering his broncho to his wrist, would crawl into his tarpaulin. The lowing of a straying steer never failed to awaken him, and he would rise and turn it back into the herd. Eight or ten other steers were picked up along the way, and they made up any loss that did occur, for in spite of the best of care, occasionally one will drop by the wayside.
537
To avoid this loss, after the cattle were bedded down and the boys had turned in, Hall would go back along the trail three or four hundred yards, and tethering his broncho to his wrist, would crawl into his tarpaulin. The lowing of a straying steer never failed to awaken him, and he would rise and turn it back into the herd. Eight or ten other steers were picked up along the way, and they made up any loss that did occur, for in spite of the best of care, occasionally one will drop by the wayside.
Hall's old partner, Bean, had rounded up a smaller bunch on the North river, and had driven them from Camp Clarke to the Rosebud, and he was there when Hall arrived.
Mort Eberly, who was Hall's right hand man on the trip, later became inspector for the Wyoming Stock Association, and was stationed at Sheridan, from which place, in 1893, he went "the long trail."
William A. Paxton, whose family is now extinct, stood pre-eminent among Cattle Kings of all the early years. He would stand by his friends, even though it entailed personal losses through their weakness. He was unfaltering in fidelity. In some ways he was most diffident. I once witnessed a meeting between the Cow-premier and Roosevelt. Paxton was timid, and appeared ill at ease in the presence of Theodore, evidently looking up at the position of President, and had a consciousness of his own inferior position. Yet, I am sure there are others who join with me in the thought that in many ways Paxton was the greater of the two. And that takes nothing from the glory of Teddy Roosevelt.
538
I once witnessed a meeting between the Cow-premier and Roosevelt. Paxton was timid, and appeared ill at ease in the presence of Theodore, evidently looking up at the position of President, and had a consciousness of his own inferior position. Yet, I am sure there are others who join with me in the thought that in many ways Paxton was the greater of the two. And that takes nothing from the glory of Teddy Roosevelt.
Among Paxton's "pets" was John Stringfellow, who went to work for him on the Keystone ranch in 1873. He had met him the year before, but went back to Texas, only to return the following year, to hunt up and seek employment of "the man with the big black whiskers."
Stringfellow drank furiously on occasion, and played Monte whenever he could find a game. This kept him indebted to Paxton, who several times wiped out a score of fifteen hundred dollars debt, just because John was a good cowman, and sometimes went to pieces when he contemplated the amount that he owed. Old cowmen and associates said that he was "a whirlwind of hell, when drunk," whatever that may mean.
Paxton once promised him a hundred steers
if he would remain sober for one year. He held out from September until the following July, when a visit to Ogallala, and the meeting of some old friends, ended in a spree of unusual dimension'.
John was a brother of Al Stringfellow, who was with the late Bay State round-ups in western Nebraska. Al was the fellow who, with Bill Kelly, at the wedding of Ed. A. Boots and "Dude" Wright on Pumkin creek, were found in the grey dawn playing "andy over" the hay stack with their six-shooters.
539
He held out from September until the following July, when a visit to Ogallala, and the meeting of some old friends, ended in a spree of unusual dimension'.
John was a brother of Al Stringfellow, who was with the late Bay State round-ups in western Nebraska. Al was the fellow who, with Bill Kelly, at the wedding of Ed. A. Boots and "Dude" Wright on Pumkin creek, were found in the grey dawn playing "andy over" the hay stack with their six-shooters.
Dick Bean was another of Paxton's "favorites," who while one of the finest fellows on the range, and one of the best cowmen in the Ogallala outfits, also had a weakness for strong drink. Bean could single out a steer and drive it through fire and water, and he could stick to the back of a horse, but he could not drive a team. It would always ramble about at will. Most of the teams were gentle cow-ponies broken to harness, and they would rather take to the prairies than follow the road. This inability to drive caused his death in 1894 under a load o+ lumber, which he was hauling to the North river to build a house for himself and wife on a small ranch that he had picked out for their future home.
Charles Stepp had a little affair with Bean that illustrates his peculiar characteristics. Stepp had charge of a bunch of cattle that had to cross the river a little below Camp Clarke and Bean was to assist. The river was high, and the cattle turned down stream when they reached the deep water, and commenced to swim. Bean was looking after the lead cattle to keep them from turning about, and start a mid-stream mill -- or circling movement. Stepp became excited, and shouted to Bean to head them off and turn them to the other shore.
540
Stepp had charge of a bunch of cattle that had to cross the river a little below Camp Clarke and Bean was to assist. The river was high, and the cattle turned down stream when they reached the deep water, and commenced to swim. Bean was looking after the lead cattle to keep them from turning about, and start a mid-stream mill -- or circling movement. Stepp became excited, and shouted to Bean to head them off and turn them to the other shore. Bean was a better cowman than Stepp, and shouting directions in a cow outfit, is a violation of the ethics of the range. Bean was tempted to pull in shore, and let them go as they willed, but they were Ogallala cattle, and he was working for the Ogallala Cattle Company.
He swam his horse beside the lead steers for one hundred and fifty yards down the stream, in order to let Stepp do some worrying, and then turned his horse close to the leaders, and with his hand slapped a little water on the side of their heads nearest to him. They were turned easily, and quietly, and swam straight for the other shore, as desired.
Stepp realized that he had made a bad break, and that night and for several days, he tried to show favoritism for Bean, but he was too dignified to acknowledge that he had broken
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
cow-camp ethics, or to apologize. Not long thereafter, Bean quit the outfit and went to Cheyenne. Paxton heard of his departure, and also heard of the episode.
541
They were turned easily, and quietly, and swam straight for the other shore, as desired.
Stepp realized that he had made a bad break, and that night and for several days, he tried to show favoritism for Bean, but he was too dignified to acknowledge that he had broken
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
cow-camp ethics, or to apologize. Not long thereafter, Bean quit the outfit and went to Cheyenne. Paxton heard of his departure, and also heard of the episode.
"Charlie," he said, "you done it. Now, you go to Cheyenne and bring him back. Do whatever is necessary to bring him back. See ?"
Stepp evidently "observed," for he went to Cheyenne, and Bean came back with him, and they were apparently the best of friends. The stockmen's convention was on at that time ; the Hart outfit had found Bean unattached, and had hired him, but Stepp had done "what was necessary" to secure his release.
A short time before Bean's marriage, 'Gene Hall went to Ogallala, where he found Bean, with John Hewitt, Charlie Gifford and Jim McMahon in a high state of hilarity. They were wearing long linen dusters and straw hats, as burlesque new-comers. Bean went over to the store, and soon returned with a straw hat, and dragging a new linen duster by the sleeve. They insisted that 'Gene join them in the celebration, but Hall said the country was settling up with civilized folks, and that he did not aprove of the "rough stuff" they were pulling off, and that he told them as much. Which little lecture on proper etiquette was received with much merriment by the four hilarious men.
542
Bean went over to the store, and soon returned with a straw hat, and dragging a new linen duster by the sleeve. They insisted that 'Gene join them in the celebration, but Hall said the country was settling up with civilized folks, and that he did not aprove of the "rough stuff" they were pulling off, and that he told them as much. Which little lecture on proper etiquette was received with much merriment by the four hilarious men.
In the Texas Panhandle, and along the Texas trail as far north as Dodge City, the gun man was much more in evidence, than in the northern ranges. In the south range country, feuds sprang up that sometimes wiped out an entire outfit. There were many gun fights, and homicide whenever there was the slightest provocation. The northern ranches tried to evade the mistakes of the fire-brand, hairtrigger south.
If a sure-enough bad man became affiliated with an outfit, he was the first one to be let out by the management. Hunter & Evans were not so vigilant as Shiedleys, Daters, Boslers, Coad, Swan, Creighton, Paxton and many others, in keeping out the undesirables, but all had their troubles.
Floyd Grey was a "Bosler terrier" one season, but was let out at its close, as many another was let out for the same reason. Grey
was a very angry man, and said if he ever met George Bosler, he would knock his teeth down his throat with his six-shooter. George died a short time after, so that if the threat was ever put into execution, it was on Another Range.
543
Hunter & Evans were not so vigilant as Shiedleys, Daters, Boslers, Coad, Swan, Creighton, Paxton and many others, in keeping out the undesirables, but all had their troubles.
Floyd Grey was a "Bosler terrier" one season, but was let out at its close, as many another was let out for the same reason. Grey
was a very angry man, and said if he ever met George Bosler, he would knock his teeth down his throat with his six-shooter. George died a short time after, so that if the threat was ever put into execution, it was on Another Range.
Occasionally some one would come up the trail looking for the man who had killed his friend. Justification for killing the man, would lay in the fact that the proposed victim had taken unfair advantage of the friend and sent him away on the "long, long trail."
In some of the worst killing towns, it became the habit of the authorities to disarm the boys that went on a spree. Truly that took away a lot of the fun, but it lessened the danger. Not that the boys cared to avoid the dangers, but the Cattle-premiers did not want to lose their valuable men.
John Frantz was one of the boys that kept a gun just for the fun of hearing it pop. He was not a bad man, and had no homicidal traits of character. One day he arrived off the range at Kimball, and stopped at Ham Lilly's front street livery barn, which then stood next to the alley at the rear of the present Wheatgrowers hotel. Between the barn and the corner west, was Gassman's grocery store, and the few who could play horns, had gathered out in front of the store, practicing as "the Kimball Cornet Band." Johnny stepped into the alley beside the livery- stable, and espied a big sow, peacefully rooting into the stable debris.
544
One day he arrived off the range at Kimball, and stopped at Ham Lilly's front street livery barn, which then stood next to the alley at the rear of the present Wheatgrowers hotel. Between the barn and the corner west, was Gassman's grocery store, and the few who could play horns, had gathered out in front of the store, practicing as "the Kimball Cornet Band." Johnny stepped into the alley beside the livery- stable, and espied a big sow, peacefully rooting into the stable debris. A good rider, wiry, and quick as a cat, Johnny leaped upon the back of the sow, who let out a series of grunts of disapproval, and plunged out of the alley, scattering the members of the band, as Johnny firing his six-shooter into the earth or sky, rode the frightened hog along the street. Without the gun, this escapade would have lost some of its joy for Johnny. He landed safely, "forked end down," after riding the protesting animal a few rods beyond the scattered but laughing musicians. The "practice" was off for the night, but Lew Schaefer did a thriving business in cove oysters that evening, and Billy Day and Mike Lynch were busy in their place of business. When Johnny landed in town, he always "touched it off."
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRAi
A. HALL AND ROBERT GRAHAM'S OLD TIME RANCH -- OGALLALA MEN AND EVENTS -- INDIANS GET SOUTHERS -- BARGAIN SALES OF RANCH LOCATIONS -- HARPER'S DEAL
Gene Hall, the foreman of the Blue River ranch, was but a kid of eighteen years, when he "drove drags," up the Texas trail in 1878. The older men of the outfit made him "eat dust," which consisted of picking up the stragglers in the rear of the herds.
545
A. HALL AND ROBERT GRAHAM'S OLD TIME RANCH -- OGALLALA MEN AND EVENTS -- INDIANS GET SOUTHERS -- BARGAIN SALES OF RANCH LOCATIONS -- HARPER'S DEAL
Gene Hall, the foreman of the Blue River ranch, was but a kid of eighteen years, when he "drove drags," up the Texas trail in 1878. The older men of the outfit made him "eat dust," which consisted of picking up the stragglers in the rear of the herds.
Young as lie was, 'Gene saw the great grass ranges of western Nebraska, and mentally vowed to come back some day, and have a ranch of his own. How well he has succeeded, one can see by a visit to Camp Lake, where Hall and Graham have one of the finest ranches and range in the west. It is modelled after the old ranches ; foreman's or main ranch dwelling, mess house, bunk house, and stockade corral. A little of the "modern" has crept in, birds have come with the groves, blue grass and clover have come with the birds, and in this age of concrete, no one could escape a little cement. But it has kept "the identity" of the ranches of forty years ago.
In the spring of seventy-nine, Hall returned and arrived in Sidney "broke flat." He stopped at the "Miner's Hotel," which was in the southwest corner of the block in which you will now find Hon. W. P. Miles, and the Hons. Joseph and Robert Oberfelder. three of the old timers of Sidney. In the days of the middle eighties this block contained the emporium of Mike Tobin and Harry Winters, and the Metropolitan held the position on Front Street. Nearly all the old timers stopped at the Miner's hotel in 1879, and the landlord took 'Gene in and let him stay without pay, until he secured work.
546
In the spring of seventy-nine, Hall returned and arrived in Sidney "broke flat." He stopped at the "Miner's Hotel," which was in the southwest corner of the block in which you will now find Hon. W. P. Miles, and the Hons. Joseph and Robert Oberfelder. three of the old timers of Sidney. In the days of the middle eighties this block contained the emporium of Mike Tobin and Harry Winters, and the Metropolitan held the position on Front Street. Nearly all the old timers stopped at the Miner's hotel in 1879, and the landlord took 'Gene in and let him stay without pay, until he secured work. Stopping at the hotel was John Graham, with whom Hall visited and talked.
Graham had drifted up the trail to Ogallala a year or two before, and while there, two of his friends, Billy Brewdon and another were killed in an affair with four other fellows. The four were said to be a rough lot, but one of them was Jack Southers, then deputy sheriff. The others were Joe Hughes, Billy Thompson and Bill Phebeus. Billy Thompson had the reputation of a really bad man, he having said to have killed the sheriff of Ellsworth, Kansas, about 1873. Phebeus was later hung by vigilantes at Pueblo, Colorado, for stealing cattle.
After the episode, Graham quit the range and took up his old trade of blacksmithing at Ogallala, waiting for the opportunity to pay them back in their own coin. He wanted to
get the four together and "clean the whole outfit" at one time. Once he had the affair almost in hand, when Frank King, who recently died at Broadwater, and who was then an officer of the law at Ogallala, got "a whiff of the wind," and took Graham's guns away from him.
547
After the episode, Graham quit the range and took up his old trade of blacksmithing at Ogallala, waiting for the opportunity to pay them back in their own coin. He wanted to
get the four together and "clean the whole outfit" at one time. Once he had the affair almost in hand, when Frank King, who recently died at Broadwater, and who was then an officer of the law at Ogallala, got "a whiff of the wind," and took Graham's guns away from him.
Graham stayed there all summer, then came to Sidney, for the four were now drifted their several ways. Graham complained bitterly, saying it "was ad -- d shame that he never got satisfaction for the murdering of his friends." Graham went to work for the H- Three-Bar, or Hunter & Evans.
The deputy sheriff in the Ogallala affair drifted up on the Niobrara and White river ranges also, and the story came down the Sidney Trail that the Indians had killed him. Years afterwards, the story comes out, of a meeting between Bill Nagles. of Hunter & Evans' outfit, and E. A. Hall of the Ogallala, which took place on Box Butte creek, north of Alliance. Nagles was in charge of a bunch of horses when they met.
"Get down, 'Gene, and let's visit," says Bill. And they did, sitting cross-legged on the prairie for a long time. Finally the conversation turned to the death of Southers, and Hall said:
"Billy, do you reallv think the Indians killed him?" '
548
Years afterwards, the story comes out, of a meeting between Bill Nagles. of Hunter & Evans' outfit, and E. A. Hall of the Ogallala, which took place on Box Butte creek, north of Alliance. Nagles was in charge of a bunch of horses when they met.
"Get down, 'Gene, and let's visit," says Bill. And they did, sitting cross-legged on the prairie for a long time. Finally the conversation turned to the death of Southers, and Hall said:
"Billy, do you reallv think the Indians killed him?" '
Bill looked at 'Gene in apparently owl-eyed astonishment, but each had sensed the other's though without the words. Then Nagles said: "I could put my hand on a horse in this bunch that could tell, if he could talk : and John Graham was riding that horse at the time Southers was killed."
So Graham had got one of the four, the vigilantes another, and of the other two there is no report. Graham was later shot and killed by a Missourian. Bill Nagles a little later went to Oklahoma and accumulated wealth, and now they call him William Nagles.
This unwritten law "to get the man who gets your friend" is responsible for one ol the graves at the Seven-U. When Powers Brothers were still at the helm, in 1879. two Texans drew their pay and started for their old range, and both had considerable money. The mother of one of them lived there. A week or two later one of them returned and said that he had changed his mind, and came back to work,
549
This unwritten law "to get the man who gets your friend" is responsible for one ol the graves at the Seven-U. When Powers Brothers were still at the helm, in 1879. two Texans drew their pay and started for their old range, and both had considerable money. The mother of one of them lived there. A week or two later one of them returned and said that he had changed his mind, and came back to work,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
but that his pard, the one whose mother was in Texas, had "gone on down the trail.*'
Shortly afterwards a cow outfit was coming north, and they found in the brush along the Frenchman, the body of a dead man. There was another young Texan at the Seven-U who heard the story, and made some inquiry which satisfied him that it was the man who had started to go to his mother in Texas. Subsequent correspondence from the mother said that her son had never reached home. The dead man had been shot and robbed.
One day the Texan who had returned, said he guessed he would go to Camp Clarke, and the young man said : "I guess I'll ride along." Some of those about the old ranch said they felt that vibrant tenseness of the old west, that presaged "an event." But it was not the policy of one man to interfere with the "affairs" of another.
The young man came back alone, and they buried the Texan with his boots on near the old ranch. Thus ended another matter where one fellow looked after the fellow who killed his friend. The grief of the mother was perhaps softened by the thought that her dead boy, had a living friend of such purpose, in the far North Platte valley.
550
One day the Texan who had returned, said he guessed he would go to Camp Clarke, and the young man said : "I guess I'll ride along." Some of those about the old ranch said they felt that vibrant tenseness of the old west, that presaged "an event." But it was not the policy of one man to interfere with the "affairs" of another.
The young man came back alone, and they buried the Texan with his boots on near the old ranch. Thus ended another matter where one fellow looked after the fellow who killed his friend. The grief of the mother was perhaps softened by the thought that her dead boy, had a living friend of such purpose, in the far North Platte valley.
A few of the others connected with the Ogallala Company, and of the times are here briefly referred to :
Frank King, who recently died at Broadwater, bought the Brown Creek ranch of the Ogallala Company after they took their cattle to Wyoming. He paid six hundred dollars for the land, buildings and equipment at the place. He was sheriff of Keith county at one time.
Tom Fanning, who lives near Mitchell, came from Saint Louis in 1877, and went to work for Paxton & Wier on the Keystone ranch, which was on Clearwater creek.' Tom Lawrence was foreman. He was afterwards with Wier at Ogallala. when Wier was range manager of the Ogallala company, which he, and Paxton had organized, with headquarters in that city.
551
He paid six hundred dollars for the land, buildings and equipment at the place. He was sheriff of Keith county at one time.
Tom Fanning, who lives near Mitchell, came from Saint Louis in 1877, and went to work for Paxton & Wier on the Keystone ranch, which was on Clearwater creek.' Tom Lawrence was foreman. He was afterwards with Wier at Ogallala. when Wier was range manager of the Ogallala company, which he, and Paxton had organized, with headquarters in that city.
W. A. Paxton, the originator of the company, came from Missouri in 1867. He there learned the art of "whacking bulls." He had two yoke and a wooden axle sulky plow for breaking sod. It had a larger wheel for the furrow side, and no apparatus for levelling it up when on level ground. He took up freighting on arriving, which was considerable of an enterprise in western Nebraska, even after the Union Pacific was built.
One M. R. Jacket and Louis Auftcngardner
were interested in the cattle company. The latter still lives at Ogallala, and when the herd was taken to the northwest, Jacket parted with his interests, and located a ranch in Spring Canyon, just south of Lewellen, where I believe he still lives (1919).
Jacket's men captured a pair of young buffalo over on the Stinking water, in the south part of Keith county, now Perkins county, in 1885. He kept them with his herd until 1891, when he sold them to a butcher in Ogallala, who shipped them to Omaha. Cattle were low priced then, and when these buffalo brought one hundred dollars each, it was considered an excellent price.
552
The latter still lives at Ogallala, and when the herd was taken to the northwest, Jacket parted with his interests, and located a ranch in Spring Canyon, just south of Lewellen, where I believe he still lives (1919).
Jacket's men captured a pair of young buffalo over on the Stinking water, in the south part of Keith county, now Perkins county, in 1885. He kept them with his herd until 1891, when he sold them to a butcher in Ogallala, who shipped them to Omaha. Cattle were low priced then, and when these buffalo brought one hundred dollars each, it was considered an excellent price.
E. M. Searle, afterwards state auditor, was station agent at Ogallala, then the greatest cattle shipping point west of Omaha. George Halligan, a brother of Attorney John Halligan at North Platte, was marshal, and being marshal of Ogallala required nerve, and good judgment. Mart DePreist was sheriff of Keith county about that time, which was also a job of responsibility in those earlier days. DePreist is now chief of police at Ogallala, (1919).
Charlie McCune, who lives at Scottsbluff, is one of the boys that worked for the Ogallala outfit in its later days, when they were gathering the herds for the Wyoming drive.
The several locations of ranches that had come into the possession of the Ogallala concern were sold on about the same basis of that sold to Frank King -- a few dollars each. The values of such places were not considered of much consequence. Watering places had been early appropriated, and usually some cow puncher would make a government filing, and after making final proof, he would sell to the outfit for a few hundred extra dollars.
553
The several locations of ranches that had come into the possession of the Ogallala concern were sold on about the same basis of that sold to Frank King -- a few dollars each. The values of such places were not considered of much consequence. Watering places had been early appropriated, and usually some cow puncher would make a government filing, and after making final proof, he would sell to the outfit for a few hundred extra dollars.
Among these first locations of different cow companies were a lot of springs in the vicinity of Camp Clarke, which seemed to be quite a center of business, and well watered. Pumpkin creek and Lawrence Fork are to the southwest, with springs in many of the canyons. There were also Camp Creek springs, Deep Holes, Mud Springs, Rush and Cedar creeks to the southeast. Coldwater Canyon, Pussy Springs, Lower Dugout, Finguard creek, and Brown Creek springs were down the river and mostly on the north side.
While these places had little commercial value to the bonanza cowmen who were taking their -herds out of the country, they have been acquired and ard the foundations of many of the new ranches. There is Remsburg's ranch at Pussy Springs, Lisco ranch on Cedar and Rush creeks, Beerline's ranch
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
at the mouth of Brown creek ; Wagner's ranch, a little below it on the river; Slater's ranch in the Tar valley section ; Richardson's ranch, south of Horse Lake ; and there is J. W. Rodger's ranch, Hibler's ranch, Peer's ranch, Hubble's ranch, Smith's ranch, Johnson's ranch, Club ranch, DD ranch, Margesson's ranch. Hill's ranch, Hague's ranch, and many others.
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There is Remsburg's ranch at Pussy Springs, Lisco ranch on Cedar and Rush creeks, Beerline's ranch
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
at the mouth of Brown creek ; Wagner's ranch, a little below it on the river; Slater's ranch in the Tar valley section ; Richardson's ranch, south of Horse Lake ; and there is J. W. Rodger's ranch, Hibler's ranch, Peer's ranch, Hubble's ranch, Smith's ranch, Johnson's ranch, Club ranch, DD ranch, Margesson's ranch. Hill's ranch, Hague's ranch, and many others.
Illustrative of the value placed upon them, is the consideration of Adams, Redington ranch in Morrill county, which was probably as good a location as any of them.
J. W. Harper came to Sidney, in September, 1884, and homesteaded on the tableland, a few miles southwest of the old "Water Holes." In 1893, he bought Berry Brothers' quarter of land on Lawrence Fork, and shortly after acquired the Redington quarter and the Adams quarter. Adjoining the Berry land was four hundred and eighty acres belonging to Sam Fowler, and used as a horse ranch. Harper's water for irrigating his hay meadow came off the Fowler land, and he wanted to buy it. Fowler asked $1,400.00 for the whole acreage, which Harper thought was too much.
But Fowler sold it to an Iowa man by the name of Battleax, I believe, and he immediately offered to sell it for $2,200.00. Harper again refused to buy it, and Battleax sold to Bickel, another Iowa man. Bickel again tilted the price, and Harper, as he relates it, says : "I was afraid to take any more chances on Iowa men, and so negotiated its purchase for $3,200.00, and a new wagon."
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Fowler asked $1,400.00 for the whole acreage, which Harper thought was too much.
But Fowler sold it to an Iowa man by the name of Battleax, I believe, and he immediately offered to sell it for $2,200.00. Harper again refused to buy it, and Battleax sold to Bickel, another Iowa man. Bickel again tilted the price, and Harper, as he relates it, says : "I was afraid to take any more chances on Iowa men, and so negotiated its purchase for $3,200.00, and a new wagon."
When Redington was attacked by the ''selling fever," he offered his one hundred and sixty acres which contained some beautiful timber and about a mile of the creek, for $800.00. It also contained some valuable hay ground. Harper made him an alternate offer which he accepted. Harper was to put twenty cows on the place and Redington was to care for them. At the end of three years, all the increase of the herd was to belong to Redington and the land to belong to Harper; and Harper was to make up the calf shortage each year, so that Redington was to have the full number of calves to start. Redington made some money by the transaction and Harper made more in the long run. About five years ago he sold the land to Neihus brothers for $19,250.00
AN INDIAN WAGON RACE -- BUILDING CAMP CLARKE BRIDGE -- ROUND-UP
WILD WEST SHOWS -- TOM HORN'S OUTLAW HORSE -- SIX
THOUSAND CATTLE MILLING IN THE RIVER
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At the end of three years, all the increase of the herd was to belong to Redington and the land to belong to Harper; and Harper was to make up the calf shortage each year, so that Redington was to have the full number of calves to start. Redington made some money by the transaction and Harper made more in the long run. About five years ago he sold the land to Neihus brothers for $19,250.00
AN INDIAN WAGON RACE -- BUILDING CAMP CLARKE BRIDGE -- ROUND-UP
WILD WEST SHOWS -- TOM HORN'S OUTLAW HORSE -- SIX
THOUSAND CATTLE MILLING IN THE RIVER
The gold seekers going into the Black Hills had three routes : One was by way of the Northwestern as far as the line was completed, somewhere in the Valentine country. From there the route was overland. The establishment of the Red Cloud agency on White river, and the attempt to domesticate the Indian, brought some freight to the agency by the same route. Indians were engaged to haul it. They were fitted out with a number of new wagons, which were loaded with provisions for regular distribution. They had an accompaniment of a detachment of cavalry. All went well until they were well out of the Sand Hills, and in the vicinity of Gordon or Rushville. Here they were strung out for a number of miles, and the notion seems to permeate each of the drivers at the same time, that he
would like to be the first to arrive at the agency and show his new wagon. There was a gradual speeding up of the teams, in spite of the efforts of the cavalry to hold them down. By the time they reached the vicinity of Chadron they were going at a swift trot. In the meantime the drivers, who had been clad in overalls or jeans for the first time had become uncomfortable from the heat, and they had cut out the seats of their pantaloons to add to their comfort.
557
There was a gradual speeding up of the teams, in spite of the efforts of the cavalry to hold them down. By the time they reached the vicinity of Chadron they were going at a swift trot. In the meantime the drivers, who had been clad in overalls or jeans for the first time had become uncomfortable from the heat, and they had cut out the seats of their pantaloons to add to their comfort.
When within twenty-five or thirty miles of the agency, the horses were warming up also, and to make it easier on them, the Indians began to throw out sacks of flour, and slabs of bacon. They reached Red Cloud agency in a whirlwind of dust and going at top speed, and the road for miles back was lined with the pro-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
visions that were intended for regular distribution. There were no serious losses except for time, for the provender was gathered up, and the tough little horses of the range stood the race fairly well.
Another route to the Black Hills was by Cheyenne, where the trail had been well broken to the North Platte river, and fairly well defined as far as Red Cloud, on White river.
The third route was more of importance to western Nebraska. It was from Sidney, north, and was known as the Sidney trail. Its disadvantages were that during the early part of the season, the North Platte river was high and dangerous to cross. Fort Laramie had a cantilever bridge, which is still in use (1919), and which had been hauled by wagons from Fort Leavenworth more than a decade earlier, in 1867, and erected at a cost of about $70,- 000.00 by the government.
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The third route was more of importance to western Nebraska. It was from Sidney, north, and was known as the Sidney trail. Its disadvantages were that during the early part of the season, the North Platte river was high and dangerous to cross. Fort Laramie had a cantilever bridge, which is still in use (1919), and which had been hauled by wagons from Fort Leavenworth more than a decade earlier, in 1867, and erected at a cost of about $70,- 000.00 by the government.
During the dry season when the river crossing north of Sidney was easy to ford, there were two or three other places where water was scarce.
Henry T. Clarke became the man of the hour. He went to the Union Pacific officials and secured their co-operation and they shipped the materials for the bridge , free of freight. Fie then secured the co-operation of the freighters, who each hauled a load or two to the river, free of expense, and some of them volunteered a part of the work.
Camp Clarke came into existence, and with it the toll bridge. Tolls were charged the men who had donated work, and while they objected,, they paid the price, because they could not stop to palaver about it. Camp Clarke became the most important place of crossing the North Platte river, and it was on the center line of the Texas Trail. In the days of the cowmen it became a place of tremendous significance.
According to stories of the early days the bridge also served other purposes than for crossing the river. A white desperado was found hanging there one time, with a placard rudely daubed pinned to him, which read : "In some ways he was a bad man, and in others a damnsite wuss."
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Camp Clarke became the most important place of crossing the North Platte river, and it was on the center line of the Texas Trail. In the days of the cowmen it became a place of tremendous significance.
According to stories of the early days the bridge also served other purposes than for crossing the river. A white desperado was found hanging there one time, with a placard rudely daubed pinned to him, which read : "In some ways he was a bad man, and in others a damnsite wuss."
Here the round-ups of Nebraska and Wyoming met and the Nebraska chuck wagons, many of them turned back, sending only representatives farther west to collect scattering strays.
Some times thirty or forty outfits would assemble at the "Sidney bridge." as the cow men called it. And, talk of your Wild Wot die iw ! There has been nothing like it in history. There was nothing artificial in the bucking bronchos, or the roping, branding, or other hardy adventures incident of the round-up.
Five hundred cowpunchers of the real sort gathered here in the early eighties, and they made a show of such marvelous dexterity and horsemanship that the trained athletes of Buffalo Bill's and Frontier Aggregations seem like fading images on the sky-line of a glorious past.
Camp Clark was situated on the south bank of the river, and the fort and a trading post, afterwards named Wellsville, were at the north end of the bridge. Here also was the famous old sod saloon.
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Five hundred cowpunchers of the real sort gathered here in the early eighties, and they made a show of such marvelous dexterity and horsemanship that the trained athletes of Buffalo Bill's and Frontier Aggregations seem like fading images on the sky-line of a glorious past.
Camp Clark was situated on the south bank of the river, and the fort and a trading post, afterwards named Wellsville, were at the north end of the bridge. Here also was the famous old sod saloon.
In the unwritten history of the cow men are many adventures, thrilling games, and occasionally a shooting-up of the old "soddy," and some of these events lap over the advent of the granger into western Nebraska.
Some forty outfits and five hundred cowpunchers were there in eighty-four. It was a wet time and there had been a steady downpour for two days, checking the progress of the work.
"Swede Pete," a well-known character, was going into the old soddy to warm up, when he found his singing pardner who had taken on too much, was leaning in an attitude of dejection, with both hands gripping into the rainsoftened sod walls. His insecure handhold gave way, and he crumbled down in the alkali mud in a sorry heap. Just then he noticed "Pete," he said mournfully, " 'taint because 1 don't like it. but I just can't keep it," -- and he justified the statement.
Then this man who had ridden a runaway "loco" over a sixty foot bluff, killing the horse, he himself coming up unhurt ; and who had ridden before stampedes on stormy nights, perhaps felt closer to the summit of the Great Divide than ever before ; or perhaps it was in humorous impulse, for he moaned dismally from the old cowboy song. "Oh. bury me not on the lone prairieee-- ee."
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Just then he noticed "Pete," he said mournfully, " 'taint because 1 don't like it. but I just can't keep it," -- and he justified the statement.
Then this man who had ridden a runaway "loco" over a sixty foot bluff, killing the horse, he himself coming up unhurt ; and who had ridden before stampedes on stormy nights, perhaps felt closer to the summit of the Great Divide than ever before ; or perhaps it was in humorous impulse, for he moaned dismally from the old cowboy song. "Oh. bury me not on the lone prairieee-- ee."
Mrs. E. Joy Johnson of Lusk, Wyoming, writes charmingly of these round-ups in "The Foreman of J. A. 6." when Laughlin, Chamberlain, St. Claire, Woody, Snyder, DeHart, Robb, Sanely Ingraham. Flomer Welker, Perry Braziel, Johnny Minser, Johnny Frantz, Harry Haig, Ed. Wright, and others, many of whom still reside in western Nebraska were among the cowpunchers of the gatherings of eightyfour, and she also relates many amusing incidents.
One of her stories is of Tom Horn's adventures with an outlaw horse.
The picturesqueness of American frontiersmen would lose some of its attractiveness, -- it
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
would be less of an accurate figure of history, -- 'if it lost the classical language of the cowmen. The profanity of a cowpuncher never seemed quite so profane as that of other men. It lacked the grossness of old-time sea captains and longshoremen. It seemed to have the justification of being the effect of a cause. For instance, the picturesque name of Tom Horn's outlaw horse was "Damned-if-I-Do,"' which obtained from its peculiar characteristic never to carry a rider across a stream. Horn's experience was none different from others. He was thrown in midstream and came near drowning. Perhaps, in view of his later achievements and death from the hangman's noose at Cheyenne a few years ago, it would have been better had they let him perish.
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It seemed to have the justification of being the effect of a cause. For instance, the picturesque name of Tom Horn's outlaw horse was "Damned-if-I-Do,"' which obtained from its peculiar characteristic never to carry a rider across a stream. Horn's experience was none different from others. He was thrown in midstream and came near drowning. Perhaps, in view of his later achievements and death from the hangman's noose at Cheyenne a few years ago, it would have been better had they let him perish. This seems to emphasize the old saying that a man who is born to be hung, will never drown.
In 1885 the "greasers" arrived in large numbers, in charge of cattle from the south, which were being taken to Big Horn Basin and Montana for summer range. ( )ne herd of six or seven thousand cattle, in charge of Mexicans, had been held on the south side of the river, just below Clarke's bridge, for a number of days, because of the swollen condition of the stream.
The Mexican is not a daredevil fatalist like the American cowpuncher, and the hazard of crossing the river was "a plenty" to inspire him to indolence and waiting. The foreman was J. S. Robb, well-known as a good cowman, who was worried by the delay. He finally obtained the assistance of Johnny Peters and Runey Campbell. The former "went the Long-long Trail" a number of years ago, being a resident of Scotlsbluff at the time, and the latter now lives near Gering. Robb has also taken the "Long Trail."
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The Mexican is not a daredevil fatalist like the American cowpuncher, and the hazard of crossing the river was "a plenty" to inspire him to indolence and waiting. The foreman was J. S. Robb, well-known as a good cowman, who was worried by the delay. He finally obtained the assistance of Johnny Peters and Runey Campbell. The former "went the Long-long Trail" a number of years ago, being a resident of Scotlsbluff at the time, and the latter now lives near Gering. Robb has also taken the "Long Trail."
The cattle, after much effort were forced over the river bank, and away they went, swimming steadily, until about half-way across.
when the leaders turned an arc downstream and started to return. Peters, Campbell and the foreman plunged their horses in to turn them back, but in the turning they continued the arc, and in a few moments six thousand cattle were milling in midstream where the water was six or eight feet deep.
A fortune. $100,000.00 or more, was threatened with complete destruction. Three American cowboys' reputations were in the scales (it destiny. Six thousand cattle were circling in the vortex of a whirlpool. Waves radiated out, waves ten or twelve feet high, and the "troughs" between them bared the sand of the river bed.
On horse between the waves, the shores were hidden by walls of water, and then a ten foot wave would slap horse and rider in the face and roll over their heads, like a comber on the beach. The flaring cow-ponies met the succeeding waves head end. In the troughs between two waves their hoofs braced in the yielding sand, their ears back, and the waves often lifted them backward a few feet. Emerging the alert ears flipped the water off, and the riders quickly getting their bearings the horses moved rapidly as indicated by knee pressure and bridle rein.
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On horse between the waves, the shores were hidden by walls of water, and then a ten foot wave would slap horse and rider in the face and roll over their heads, like a comber on the beach. The flaring cow-ponies met the succeeding waves head end. In the troughs between two waves their hoofs braced in the yielding sand, their ears back, and the waves often lifted them backward a few feet. Emerging the alert ears flipped the water off, and the riders quickly getting their bearings the horses moved rapidly as indicated by knee pressure and bridle rein. Steadily they worked round, not daring to turn side to the milling steers, -- for a wave to strike them sideways contained fearful menace.
Peters reached the opposite side of the herd first. The opportunity was soon presented to turn the heads of a few to the northern shore and the wheeling thousands slowly unwound as the thread of swimming steers strung out towards the grassy flats on the north side. The herd had been saved and tin- cowboys had justified the reputation of courage and daring which was the boast of the fraternity. The Mexicans crossed the Camp Clarke bridge, and took the cattle on into the north.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
THE FARQUERERS AND CROSS COUNTRY RIDING -- HUNTING GEESE ON
HUGHES ISLAND -- FUN OF THE FRONTIER -- JIMMY
MOORE'S LONG WALK
About the time of the coming of the grangers, Farquerer Brothers arrived, and located in the canyons between Redington Gap and Chimney Rock. They were also picturesque Englishmen, like Geo. Laing. Henry Bradford who stayed at the Seven-U much of the time, went about with the Farquerers and Laing.
565
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
THE FARQUERERS AND CROSS COUNTRY RIDING -- HUNTING GEESE ON
HUGHES ISLAND -- FUN OF THE FRONTIER -- JIMMY
MOORE'S LONG WALK
About the time of the coming of the grangers, Farquerer Brothers arrived, and located in the canyons between Redington Gap and Chimney Rock. They were also picturesque Englishmen, like Geo. Laing. Henry Bradford who stayed at the Seven-U much of the time, went about with the Farquerers and Laing.
Bradford had a penchant for exaggeration and a vivid imagination. As the Hon. T. C. Osborne, elected members of the new constitutional convention, (1919) says: "Bradford was a constitutional pervaricator," an opinion once quite general among the old timers.
At that, he was an entertainer of the first class, and when it came to good yarn, "Old Brad," as he was called, was an inexhaustible supply. He was an interesting character, and full of droll humor.
One time Brad was with a party doing the sights of early Sidney, when his exchequer ran low. He politely told the others of his intention to retire. When hard pressed he told the reason that he had no further funds to draw upon. The others, with true western spirit, told him that they did not care for his money, but that they wanted his society. He said: "Alright, boys, if it is my intellect that you want, I am with you, but I am out of cash."
These English boys used to keep good hounds and guns, and horses, and rode their English postage-stamp saddles straight up and many was the time that they rode to hounds, chasing wolves and coyotes, and antelope.
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The others, with true western spirit, told him that they did not care for his money, but that they wanted his society. He said: "Alright, boys, if it is my intellect that you want, I am with you, but I am out of cash."
These English boys used to keep good hounds and guns, and horses, and rode their English postage-stamp saddles straight up and many was the time that they rode to hounds, chasing wolves and coyotes, and antelope.
John M. Adams, now of Georgia ; £. V. S. Pomeroy, now of California ; J. J. Mcintosh, late of Sidney ; and others, joined with them in these rides.
The bridge north of McGrew in the east part of Scotts Bluff county, crosses what is known as Hughes Island, and in the early days wild geese nested upon this island, and hatched their young.
The English sportsmen and their guests would take their hounds and horses, when the young geese were big enough to swim, but not old enough to fly, and they would drive a brood into the water, and try to ride them down, or catch them with the dogs. There was a great splashing and shouting, and the dogs entered into i'h full spirit of the chase. Occasionally
a horse would strike a honey-comb place in the sand and go down, the rider taking a full dive into the water over the animal's head. The young geese would try to swim away from their pursuers, but when nearly overtaken they would dive, coming up hundreds of feet away, and then hunters and hounds would go after them again. It was great sport for the sportsmen, but a little hard on the young geese ; and there is no more nesting on Hughes Island.
567
a horse would strike a honey-comb place in the sand and go down, the rider taking a full dive into the water over the animal's head. The young geese would try to swim away from their pursuers, but when nearly overtaken they would dive, coming up hundreds of feet away, and then hunters and hounds would go after them again. It was great sport for the sportsmen, but a little hard on the young geese ; and there is no more nesting on Hughes Island.
Only a few days ago, someone speaking of the "English boys," mentioned Margeson Brothers. The Margesons came at a later date, and they, along with good old Dan Callahan, lived at the head of Creighton canyon. The Farquerers were earlier, and differently identified. Cheighton canyon was named after the Creightons acquired Coad's ranch at old Scotts Bluff stage station.
There were three of the Margesons, who later went into the country east of Camp Clarke, then they separated and went their several ways. One is quite wealthy in the ranch business near Pueblo, Colorado ; another went to Australia, and prospered in the sheep business. Hal, the younger, was educated for the cloth, and returned to England, where he took up the work of the ministry.
1887 and 1888 witnessed the last round-ups in Nebraska, where I assisted in driving the Circle-Block cattle across the state line into Wyoming. In 1888 a considerable party of North river folks had gone to Sidney to make final proof on pre-emptions, crossing the river at Clarke's bridge. A number, including Jimmy Moore, (not the Pony Express rider,) were from Minatare. They had been together on the trip, and were a trifle the worse for wear, when they stopped at W'ellsville overnight on their return.
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1887 and 1888 witnessed the last round-ups in Nebraska, where I assisted in driving the Circle-Block cattle across the state line into Wyoming. In 1888 a considerable party of North river folks had gone to Sidney to make final proof on pre-emptions, crossing the river at Clarke's bridge. A number, including Jimmy Moore, (not the Pony Express rider,) were from Minatare. They had been together on the trip, and were a trifle the worse for wear, when they stopped at W'ellsville overnight on their return.
The driver, Ed. Eastman, had charge of a pony of whiskey, which, he alleged, was for a neighbor, and he had just reason to fear its safety. He hid it under "Extract" Smith's bed, which was not exercising the best of judgment.
"Extract" Smith was custodian of the old sod saloon, and the first part of his monicker obtained of his consecration to the cause of absorbing lemon extract.
It is needless to say that Ed.'s strategy did nut avail, and early in the evening a number
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
of the party, including Jimmy, found way to the pony. After several visits into the inner sanctuary of the sod cabin, Jimmy startled his friends by emerging in the open, hugging the pony in his arms, and declaring himself the reincarnation of the Pony Express rider, and that in the hereafter he would carry the pony as a penance" for the pony's previous experience in carrying him. Only a part of this voluntary acceptance of Karmic law, came to his friends in the crude classics of mortals, and much was derived by inference and deduction.
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After several visits into the inner sanctuary of the sod cabin, Jimmy startled his friends by emerging in the open, hugging the pony in his arms, and declaring himself the reincarnation of the Pony Express rider, and that in the hereafter he would carry the pony as a penance" for the pony's previous experience in carrying him. Only a part of this voluntary acceptance of Karmic law, came to his friends in the crude classics of mortals, and much was derived by inference and deduction.
Before long Jimmy was carefully tucked away, outside the building, his couch the terra firma, his canopy the sky, while his friends continued the night revels. In the early morning, he awoke, thoroughly chilled, and loud were his lamentations ; so continuously loud that other sleepers were disturbed. So when the belated stars were vanishing, Jimmy's outfit took up its journey on to Minatare, twenty miles away. In some manner Jimmy's departure was delayed. He departed about one hundred yards behind the wagon.
It was thoughtful of the boys to relieve Jimmy of a part of his load if he were compelled to walk twenty miles. His six guns, weighing several pounds, had been thoughtfully transferred to the wagon before starting.
While Jimmy lacked a bit the night before in ability to stay by his friends, today he gave evidence of his splendid qualities. And for the
twenty miles he followed the wagon at a maximum distance of about one hundred yards. When he ran the wagon rattled along a little faster, and when he walked the wagon slowed down, and there were opportunities for social chatter.
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His six guns, weighing several pounds, had been thoughtfully transferred to the wagon before starting.
While Jimmy lacked a bit the night before in ability to stay by his friends, today he gave evidence of his splendid qualities. And for the
twenty miles he followed the wagon at a maximum distance of about one hundred yards. When he ran the wagon rattled along a little faster, and when he walked the wagon slowed down, and there were opportunities for social chatter.
Sometimes the conversation waxed warm, as Jimmy vehemently expressed pronounced opinions on sociology, genealogy and evolution, specifically referring to the men in the wagon as examples. 'The classic outbursts were unfortunately forever lost in an atmosphere of constantly increasing temperature, and on and appreciative but delirious audience ahead. The wagon arrived at Minatare at exactly 12:10 P. M., mountain time, Jimmy at 12:12, and at intervals of about fifteen minutes, for sometime thereafter, other wagons followed Jimmy into town. These were driven by Winfield Evans, A. W. Mills, Ab. Malloy, and others, who were at times almost within hailing distance, and plain in view for the greater part of the twenty miles.
They had witnessed a splendid triumph of mind over matter. The obsession of Jimmy's intellect in the one determination to ride in the one particular wagon, and intense interest in the lines of conversation, obscured the slightest flash of reasoning that by waiting a few moments at the roadside, one of the succeeding wagons could overtake him.
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Malloy, and others, who were at times almost within hailing distance, and plain in view for the greater part of the twenty miles.
They had witnessed a splendid triumph of mind over matter. The obsession of Jimmy's intellect in the one determination to ride in the one particular wagon, and intense interest in the lines of conversation, obscured the slightest flash of reasoning that by waiting a few moments at the roadside, one of the succeeding wagons could overtake him.
THE FIRST GRANGERS -- MURDER OF COLLINS AT CAMP CLARKE -- SHERIFF CAMPBELL GETS DOC. ROMINE -- BEGINNING OF MINATARE
About five miles east of Scotts Bluff mountain, and two or three miles northeast of the Overland stage and pony express stopping place, which in the younger years was called "Scotts Bluff Station," there is a log house. This house is a commodious one-story building, the logs being hewn from the native pines, which in earlier days crowned the hills, encircling round to the south, and from which the sturdy energy of pioneers made their habitations.
In the turbulent years of the Overland Trail, Howard Stansbury wrote of the great dead forest of red cedar, fallen as if destroyed
by a storm, and young pines were growing in the midst thereof.
These pines had reached the proportions of sizeable house-logs when the pioneers of a generation ago availed themselves of the gift of nature, to build homes, barns, sheds, corrals, and they took the dead cedars and dry pitch pine logs for fence posts and fuel.
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In the turbulent years of the Overland Trail, Howard Stansbury wrote of the great dead forest of red cedar, fallen as if destroyed
by a storm, and young pines were growing in the midst thereof.
These pines had reached the proportions of sizeable house-logs when the pioneers of a generation ago availed themselves of the gift of nature, to build homes, barns, sheds, corrals, and they took the dead cedars and dry pitch pine logs for fence posts and fuel.
In the dwelling mentioned, the first rooms of which were builded over thirty-five years ago, lives one of the first permanent settlers of the present Scotts Bluff country.
"Fiddler Campbell," the cowboys used to call him. and far and wide Runey Campbell and his
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
old violin travelled to attend the round-up dances, and hops of the early grangers.
Years ago, this editor found "the gem of the prairie" under the shadow of Wildcat mountain ; and when we were married, Runey Campbell and Wellington Clark brought their violins twenty-five miles to play at our wedding party. Clark had a dulcinier or lap-organ, also, with which he varied the music.
And "with heart and fiddle still in tune," Campbell and his fine family reside happy in their rugged, comfortable bungalow, and surrounded by the broad fertile acres of alfalfa, which, like a carpet of green stretches away towards the hills and to the river.
Runey Campbell, is a distant relative of Robert Campbell, who erected the first rude stockade on Jacques Laramie's Fork, which was destined to become the historic Fort Laramie. He, himself, came into western Nebraska country before the famous Bay State Land & Cattle Company began their extensive operations in the west.
573
And "with heart and fiddle still in tune," Campbell and his fine family reside happy in their rugged, comfortable bungalow, and surrounded by the broad fertile acres of alfalfa, which, like a carpet of green stretches away towards the hills and to the river.
Runey Campbell, is a distant relative of Robert Campbell, who erected the first rude stockade on Jacques Laramie's Fork, which was destined to become the historic Fort Laramie. He, himself, came into western Nebraska country before the famous Bay State Land & Cattle Company began their extensive operations in the west.
At that time, the territory embraced in, Scotts Bluff county contained not a permanent settler, and no white woman had ever trod the turf, or gathered wild flowers here, except the transient" pilgrims of the tragic Overland Trail.
Kimball, then called Antelopeville, was a small station on the Union Pacific, consisting of a little box depot, a section house, and two stockade dwellings, made of railroad ties on end, with dirt for roof and floor.
Jim Kinney, the veteran ranchman and attorney of Kimball county, lived in one, and in the other dwelt Will Gaws, the hunter and trapper, surrounded by his simple wants -- his traps, his guns, his few handy untensils, and the skins of animals slain.
Campbell secured employment with the Circle-Arrow ranch, then operated by Mead, Evans & Company. Jim Shaw was foreman.
Shaw and Campbell became intimate friends, and when Shaw was arrested for the murder of Collins, the bartender of the sod saloon at the north end of Camp Clarke bridge, Campbell firmly believed and maintained that he was wrongfully accused.
574
Jim Kinney, the veteran ranchman and attorney of Kimball county, lived in one, and in the other dwelt Will Gaws, the hunter and trapper, surrounded by his simple wants -- his traps, his guns, his few handy untensils, and the skins of animals slain.
Campbell secured employment with the Circle-Arrow ranch, then operated by Mead, Evans & Company. Jim Shaw was foreman.
Shaw and Campbell became intimate friends, and when Shaw was arrested for the murder of Collins, the bartender of the sod saloon at the north end of Camp Clarke bridge, Campbell firmly believed and maintained that he was wrongfully accused.
The events which led to the killing are partly lost in the shadows of the past, but there was a witness to the tragedy, who told the following story.
Shaw, Campbell and others engaged in the drive, bad gathered at the famous crossing of the river, and according to regular custom, Shaw was engaged in a social game of poker, with four or five others, including a gambler b\ the name of G illins.
Of those present, few knew of any hard feelings existing between Collins, the gambler, and Collins, the bartender, yet there are those who maintain that such an enmity existed. Shaw had had a few words, not at all violent, with Collins the bartender, but that had passed with no lingering sulkiness.
The game had proceeded with • the regular grind, without premonition of trouble. Shaw sat facing the bar, with Collins, the gambler, directly opposite. Collins, the bartender, came along and stood behind Collins the gambler, when the latter, with deliberation took his sombrero from his head, and with a downward sweep, extinguished the lamp. There followed a flash and report. My informant believes that Collins the gambler swung his left arm backwards and discharged the weapon.
575
The game had proceeded with • the regular grind, without premonition of trouble. Shaw sat facing the bar, with Collins, the gambler, directly opposite. Collins, the bartender, came along and stood behind Collins the gambler, when the latter, with deliberation took his sombrero from his head, and with a downward sweep, extinguished the lamp. There followed a flash and report. My informant believes that Collins the gambler swung his left arm backwards and discharged the weapon.
Collins the bartender was instantly killed, and Jim Shaw arrested, but after an expensive delay and trial at Sidney, he was liberated for want of evidence.
Campbell's nearest neighbors were ten miles away, and they were ranchmen, but that was not for long. A. W. Mills was soon putting up his soddy just across the river, and Joe Smith was building at Tabor (now Minatare). George W. Fairfield, Wellington Clark, Theodore Harshman, and others builded in the same vicinity. Josh Stevens builded his humble home in Cedar Valley, and Charley Smith in the Creighton flat near the present site of Melbeta. Captain W. R. Akers, the veteran irrigator built near Collins (now Morrill) the famous "sod house that covered seven Akers," as the old settlers used to tell the tenderfeet. Wild horses were plentiful then, while blacktail deer and droves of antelope were common, and mountain sheep sported in the rocks of Scotts Bluff and Castle Rock.
Campbell has always been direct in his dealings with his fellow men, and true to the ways of the untrammeled west, the fine little technicalities so common in law bothered him not one whit when later he was chosen sheriff of the new county of Scotts Bluff.
576
Akers, the veteran irrigator built near Collins (now Morrill) the famous "sod house that covered seven Akers," as the old settlers used to tell the tenderfeet. Wild horses were plentiful then, while blacktail deer and droves of antelope were common, and mountain sheep sported in the rocks of Scotts Bluff and Castle Rock.
Campbell has always been direct in his dealings with his fellow men, and true to the ways of the untrammeled west, the fine little technicalities so common in law bothered him not one whit when later he was chosen sheriff of the new county of Scotts Bluff.
When Romine wrecked the finances of the mercantile establishments at new Mitchell and Bridgeport, he fled to Boston. Sheriff Campbell, armed with a warrant for his arrest followed. A Massachusetts official held Romine, waiting Campbell's arrival, told Runey to get a requisition from the governor and take the prisoner.
"What do I need of anything like that?" asked Campbell, "I came after him, didn't I? Well, I can take him home without bothering the governor." which he did, for Romine came
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
back with Campbell and was turned over to the courts here for trial.
A. W. Mills and Joe Smith were the first to build houses on the north side of the river in the present limits of Scotts Bluff county. Mills started his first and Smith finished his the first. The first pump was driven by Wellington Clark on the place of Mr. Purdy, and while a man was on the way to the river to get some water to prime the pump, a cow was milked and the pump was primed with milk.
577
Mills and Joe Smith were the first to build houses on the north side of the river in the present limits of Scotts Bluff county. Mills started his first and Smith finished his the first. The first pump was driven by Wellington Clark on the place of Mr. Purdy, and while a man was on the way to the river to get some water to prime the pump, a cow was milked and the pump was primed with milk.
One evening, while Mills and Smith were working on Mills's soddy, they had reached the top of the walls, the sods seemed so heavy to
them that they improvised a slide with the endgate from the wagon to the top of the wall, and were working them up in the slow and laborious way. George Baltes came along afoot. He had walked all the way from Sidney. They told him when they finished unloading they would go to camp, and get supper, and he had better tarry with them for the night. George accepted, and notwithstanding his long walk and weariness, he picked up the sod and planted them on the top of the wall without slide or help. George was a powerful young man and he keeps much of his strength rnd vigor after thirty-five years.
PERRY BRAZIEL ARRIVES ON THE TEXAS TRAIL -- TRAILING CATTLE TUDITH BASIN -- SUNDERLING'S ELK-SKIN TROUSERS -- THE DRIVE TO PINE RIDGE -- TWO GIRLS OF THE PRAIRIE
Along about 1879, Perry Braziel "met up" with "Shanghai" Pierce, at Coffeyville, Kansas, and from there to the North Platte valley was only a short drive according to old ways of thinking. Colonel Braziel said that the country looked good enough to stay in a while, and he went to work for Coad, by whom he was employed for two or three years.
578
PERRY BRAZIEL ARRIVES ON THE TEXAS TRAIL -- TRAILING CATTLE TUDITH BASIN -- SUNDERLING'S ELK-SKIN TROUSERS -- THE DRIVE TO PINE RIDGE -- TWO GIRLS OF THE PRAIRIE
Along about 1879, Perry Braziel "met up" with "Shanghai" Pierce, at Coffeyville, Kansas, and from there to the North Platte valley was only a short drive according to old ways of thinking. Colonel Braziel said that the country looked good enough to stay in a while, and he went to work for Coad, by whom he was employed for two or three years. Then the cow business went through a transformation.
In 1878 the range loss had been enormous, estimated by the men on the ground at fifty percent, owing to the severity of the winter. In 1884 history repeated itself in this respect, although not quite to the same proportion.
The old timers had gotten enough of the cow business. As the romance of ranching was appealing to eastern investors and adventurers, the westerners thought it a good time to sell out. The ranchers kept book accounts, of the stock supposed to belong to them out on the range. This was done by adding a reasonable percentage for increase of calves. For each one thousand cows put upon a given range, say in the spring of 1875, by "the spring of 1878. there should be about six thousand head of mixed cattle. There ought to be eight hundred or more old cows ready for the market.
With a fifty percent loss, the proceeds from the ranches purchased would show up considerably less than anticipated from an examination of the books. Sixteen hundred marketable cattle, which would more than pay the original investment, were cut down to eight hundred by actual roundup count. It was better business tactics not to sell the actual cattle, but to sell the ranches and the numbers shown on the books.
579
There ought to be eight hundred or more old cows ready for the market.
With a fifty percent loss, the proceeds from the ranches purchased would show up considerably less than anticipated from an examination of the books. Sixteen hundred marketable cattle, which would more than pay the original investment, were cut down to eight hundred by actual roundup count. It was better business tactics not to sell the actual cattle, but to sell the ranches and the numbers shown on the books. This could not be done to old timers at face value, and the new crowd needed some one of local standing to tie to, in their transactions. That is what brought into existence the vast spreading activities of Creighton, Paxton and Swan.
In 1886 Braziel had charge of one of the big herds, about seven thousand head, bound for the Judith Basin in Montana. In the outfit were a number of those whose names were familiar in western Nebraska ; among which were George W. Sunderling, and "Gunny Sack" Pete, and there was a long lean Mexican in the bunch. George W. had one crowning virtue that gave him the respect of all his associates, although some of the boy> treated him lightly. He was loyal and indulgent to his mothers and sisters. The mother was one who aspired for a more aristocratic life than their humble circumstances would permit, and had a considerable degree of intellectual attainment, and Grace and Bessie shared in the ambition. George W. would impoverish himself to secure for them all the comfort possible on the old place on Pumpkin creek.
580
George W. had one crowning virtue that gave him the respect of all his associates, although some of the boy> treated him lightly. He was loyal and indulgent to his mothers and sisters. The mother was one who aspired for a more aristocratic life than their humble circumstances would permit, and had a considerable degree of intellectual attainment, and Grace and Bessie shared in the ambition. George W. would impoverish himself to secure for them all the comfort possible on the old place on Pumpkin creek.
When he started with Braziel on this trip.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
he was not clad in an overplus of garment. In fact, by the time they had reached Big Horn Basin, George was very nearly "out of pants."
In one of the tall cottonwoods along the river bank, high up in the branches, the Mexican discovered the burial place of a Cheyenne Indian. He threw his rope up and got hold of the limb and shook the corpse to the ground. He then unrolled the body and took therefrom a fine pair of elkskin trousers. With them he returned to camp and sold them to Sunderling for ten dollars on time. It was sometime later, before George W. learned of the place where he had secured them, but as he really needed them, and had experienced no ill effects from their use, he continued to wear them. They were of excellent material for they lasted him three or four years.
The last heard of George Sunderling he was sheep inspector for the state of Montana, and wore a Prince Albert coat with a top hat. His brother Lee, or better known as "Spud," was also in Montana.
581
It was sometime later, before George W. learned of the place where he had secured them, but as he really needed them, and had experienced no ill effects from their use, he continued to wear them. They were of excellent material for they lasted him three or four years.
The last heard of George Sunderling he was sheep inspector for the state of Montana, and wore a Prince Albert coat with a top hat. His brother Lee, or better known as "Spud," was also in Montana.
The coming on of settlers, the filling up of vacant lands in the valleys and on the high plains of western Nebraska crowded the Texas trail steadily farther west, and the last of its use was at the crossing of the North Platte river near the mouth of Rawhide creek. It scarcely touched the soil of Nebraska, except such herds as were driven to Red Cloud and Spotted Tail agencies. These were taken generally up the Rawhide past "Texas Toms" Snow's place, and near the Patrick ranch, to the head waters of Running Water or White river, depending upon which agency they were destined.
In the spring of 1888, Colonel Braziel trailed his last large herd, which were fat cattle from Mitchell valley, and were taken to the Pine Ridge, or Spotted Tail agency. They were routed down the river through the granger settlements to Camp Clarke, and from there through the sandhills into Sheridan county.
After that year the roundup ceased to be an institution of great importance in this state, and those of farther west were never of the magnitude of these that swept across the vast pastures of western Nebraska.
582
In the spring of 1888, Colonel Braziel trailed his last large herd, which were fat cattle from Mitchell valley, and were taken to the Pine Ridge, or Spotted Tail agency. They were routed down the river through the granger settlements to Camp Clarke, and from there through the sandhills into Sheridan county.
After that year the roundup ceased to be an institution of great importance in this state, and those of farther west were never of the magnitude of these that swept across the vast pastures of western Nebraska.
In the middle eighties Doc. Middleton was a respectable cowpuncher working for Powers, on the Kingen ranch near the present site of Mitchell. But about that time he visited Sidney, and in a fight with two soldiers and John Barleycorn, there was a little case of homicide which started him, and it took Billy Likens and the majesty of the law to bring him back.
Leonard Harrison, late of the Driftwood and now of Gering valley; Hank Wise, the oneeyed cowpuncher; Al Stringfellow, Ad Carthage, and many of the other old boys were here ; and a larger number of them have gone "trailing on the Other Ranges."
In 1885 and 1886 the grangers came up the North river in long caravans. Among the earliest to arrive were the Rayburns, who settled in Horseshoe Bend, and the Ashfords, who located on Pumpkin creek near Wildcat mountain. Ida Rayburn and Gertrude Ashford were about the first eastern young ladies to arrive, and they became great chums, often visiting one another. That is how I first met Colonel Braziel. He had taken to heart the words written in those days, which ran as follows : :
583
In 1885 and 1886 the grangers came up the North river in long caravans. Among the earliest to arrive were the Rayburns, who settled in Horseshoe Bend, and the Ashfords, who located on Pumpkin creek near Wildcat mountain. Ida Rayburn and Gertrude Ashford were about the first eastern young ladies to arrive, and they became great chums, often visiting one another. That is how I first met Colonel Braziel. He had taken to heart the words written in those days, which ran as follows : :
As settlement moves to the west,
The cowmen have receded ; They're "branded" with the dim, dim past,
To other lands "stampeded."
The grangers scar the virgin sod With breaking plow and harrow,
They mar the fields of golden rod For harvests of tomorrow.
We gladly bid you stay through life Come with us and be a granger ;
Come, settle down and take a wife, And cease to be a ranger.
For thirty years these girl chums have shared with Perry and me all the joys and regrets of the growing west. I often wonder how they were so unwise, but as Waldo Wintersteen of Fremont, once said, we were "sure enough romancers."
The moonlight is beautiful on Wildcat mountain and on the castles in the hills of Horse Shoe Bend. There were:
"The wild goose haunts on the willowed isles, And mad, mad rides for a dozen miles.'
These were elements that diverted analytic minds. They fell in love with the prairie and the mountains, and we were entities thereof, which was our good fortune. Signal Buttes stand sentinels above the broad irrigated acres of Colonel Braziel and family, in the west edge of Scotts Bluff county, while the Babylonian facades of Scotts Bluff mountain stand like collosal ruins frowning across the river at the citv in which we dwell.
584
"The wild goose haunts on the willowed isles, And mad, mad rides for a dozen miles.'
These were elements that diverted analytic minds. They fell in love with the prairie and the mountains, and we were entities thereof, which was our good fortune. Signal Buttes stand sentinels above the broad irrigated acres of Colonel Braziel and family, in the west edge of Scotts Bluff county, while the Babylonian facades of Scotts Bluff mountain stand like collosal ruins frowning across the river at the citv in which we dwell.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
LAING'S RANCH -- THE WATER HOLES -- DEATH OF WHEELER -- FIRST HOGS
ON NORTH RIVER -- FIRST HOGS ON PUMPKIN CREEK --
KILLING RATTLESNAKES
When the grangers began to come into this country, along about 1885, they found a number of ranches, that were not of the really early ones. Sim. Laing had a ranch on "Lorrens ' Fork, where that fine creek pours out of the canyons, and this creek crossing, with its cooling little grove of mountain ash, was a stopping place after the long hard, hot drive, over the tablelands from Sidney.
The Sidney-Black Hills trail struck the valley of the North Platte at Greenwood, coming down from the divide at Tuslers. But a branch trail used by ranchmen and early travellers, left the Black Hills Road sixteen miles northwest of Sidney, at what was known as the "Water Holes." These holes are located about six or seven miles south and the same distance west of the present site of Dalton. This was the branch generally used by early grangers, and there 'was a drive of about twenty miles to "Lorren's" Fork and Laing's ranch. Sim had a brother, Guy, who was in business in North Platte, and who had an interest in the ranch.
585
But a branch trail used by ranchmen and early travellers, left the Black Hills Road sixteen miles northwest of Sidney, at what was known as the "Water Holes." These holes are located about six or seven miles south and the same distance west of the present site of Dalton. This was the branch generally used by early grangers, and there 'was a drive of about twenty miles to "Lorren's" Fork and Laing's ranch. Sim had a brother, Guy, who was in business in North Platte, and who had an interest in the ranch.
Besides stocking the ranch with horses and cattle, they stocked the creek with brook trout which have flourished excellently, and they brought in and turned loose a pair of quails. From that beginning, are many little coveys of quail here and there all through the hills, and on the islands along the river. Most people have been very considerate, and have refrained from shooting them, but those on the islands west of Scottsbluff were nearly exterminated by the Japanese before they knew what value local people place upon the cheerful "Bob Whites."
Laing was one of the best of fellows, ordinarily, but he would go to Sidney frequently, and drink was about the easiest thing attainable in those days. When Sim got a full load of the fire water, he, who had done so much to make his ranch like the old homes back east, would imagine himself a very bad cattle king and with lots of hard feelings for the grangers.
586
Most people have been very considerate, and have refrained from shooting them, but those on the islands west of Scottsbluff were nearly exterminated by the Japanese before they knew what value local people place upon the cheerful "Bob Whites."
Laing was one of the best of fellows, ordinarily, but he would go to Sidney frequently, and drink was about the easiest thing attainable in those days. When Sim got a full load of the fire water, he, who had done so much to make his ranch like the old homes back east, would imagine himself a very bad cattle king and with lots of hard feelings for the grangers.
The Water Holes referred to consisted of a pond in a depression of the prairie, and two shallow wells from which there was a never failing supply.
J. F. Raymond of Scottsbluff, and H. J. Raymond of Sidney were two of the early grangers of the table north of Sidney. They hauled water twelve miles from the Water
Holes to their claims, until they had a well put down. The water at the "Holes" was so distasteful, a number of grangers decided on cleaning the wells. They met at an appointed date, and found their opinions justified. A number of dead skunks and jack rabbits were removed, and the wells thoroughly cleaned.
Just as they were finishing the work Sim Laing arrived from Sidney with "plenty on board." He also had picked up an old human derelict at Sidney, in an impulse of sentiment, and was taking him out to the ranch. Laing swung into the Water Holes with a whoop, drove his mustangs across the depression and up the slope and nearly into one of the uncovered wells.
587
A number of dead skunks and jack rabbits were removed, and the wells thoroughly cleaned.
Just as they were finishing the work Sim Laing arrived from Sidney with "plenty on board." He also had picked up an old human derelict at Sidney, in an impulse of sentiment, and was taking him out to the ranch. Laing swung into the Water Holes with a whoop, drove his mustangs across the depression and up the slope and nearly into one of the uncovered wells.
Frank Raymond ran forward to turn them aside and prevent a catastrophe, whereby Sim felt himself very much offended, and advised the whole listening world that he had been there before any of the d -- d grangers, and that he did not need to be directed about by any of them. And to show that he knew what he was talking about he whipped up his horses so suddenly that the seat toppled over backwards out of the rig, carrying him and his ancient pickup into the dust. The horses were sensible and waited events.
"Old man," said Laing, penitently to his derelict friend, "I am used to this kind of a thing, but I am sorry if I hurt you."
The Water Holes, at that time, had a roadhouse on the slope north of the depression, and it was run by Wheeler & Son. Ordinarily the grangers would take along their "grub," but occasionally they would drop in for meals. There were unsophisticated strangers who occasionally stopped there for provender and who did not get much to eat but paid seventy-five cents for a meal.
588
"Old man," said Laing, penitently to his derelict friend, "I am used to this kind of a thing, but I am sorry if I hurt you."
The Water Holes, at that time, had a roadhouse on the slope north of the depression, and it was run by Wheeler & Son. Ordinarily the grangers would take along their "grub," but occasionally they would drop in for meals. There were unsophisticated strangers who occasionally stopped there for provender and who did not get much to eat but paid seventy-five cents for a meal.
As young Wheeler put it: "We are fixed for them all. When a granger conies along we give him his twenty-five cent meals, but when a traveling-man or tourist drops in, we give him a six-bit meal. We put prunes on the table for him."
Some years later, the elder Wheeler was bitten by a dog, and he literally went to pieces. He became a nervous wreck and died. The incident occurred at the ranch of Widow Smith at the head of Rush creek. All who knew Wheeler will remember that he was a nervous
I4(>
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
sort of a person, and it is probable that he kicked or struck at the dog, before it attacked him. Wheeler, however, started a suit for damages, but it was never finished.
Just below Laing's ranch on "Lorren*s" Fork. about half way to the ranch of Adams & Redington, Sam Fowler, well known in the Democratic politics of old Cheyenne county, had his location, where he ran a bunch of horses.
589
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
sort of a person, and it is probable that he kicked or struck at the dog, before it attacked him. Wheeler, however, started a suit for damages, but it was never finished.
Just below Laing's ranch on "Lorren*s" Fork. about half way to the ranch of Adams & Redington, Sam Fowler, well known in the Democratic politics of old Cheyenne county, had his location, where he ran a bunch of horses.
There are not many prettier sights within my recollection; along after noon on a hot <la\. than a bunch of sleek, fat horses, that have been out on attractive but dry feeding places, head for the watering gaps, springs or creeks. As they draw near, they begin to feel more thirsty, and one will break into a trot ; another will go it one better and gallop, and then, before long, they all are racing wild and free with heads up and plumes flying down the long slopes to the water. It is a grand sight that has passed forever.
Situated about two miles up the Platte river from Bridgeport, on the south side of the river, is a cottonwood grove. It was once the ranch of George Laing, a young Englishman who came out here for the love of adventure, and the alluring profits in raising cattle. His ranch cannot be classed as one of the early locations, but it was ahead of the grangers, and that puts it back about thirty-five or forty years ago.
590
Situated about two miles up the Platte river from Bridgeport, on the south side of the river, is a cottonwood grove. It was once the ranch of George Laing, a young Englishman who came out here for the love of adventure, and the alluring profits in raising cattle. His ranch cannot be classed as one of the early locations, but it was ahead of the grangers, and that puts it back about thirty-five or forty years ago.
The virile English are flesh-eaters, and Laing liked variety. He brought in a few hogs. They were not for profit, but merely that he might have pork as well as beef, and not rely on the old "sow-belly" of the early market houses.
In 1885, he made a trip up Pumpkin creek and stopped at Chris Streeks's place, south of Rifle Gap. He stayed all night, and sometime during the conversation, mentioned his pigs. Chris asked him where he could get a hog, that he wanted to get one for a change. George told him that the "blawsted 'awgs are increasing so fawst that they are about to run us off the place, and if you will come down and get them, you can 'ave a pair."
Laing was then a candidate for sheriff, and it is possible that his generous feelings were partly inspired by that good brotherhood spirit that gets into a man's blood when he
is running for office. Laing was defeated, and still he made good cheerfully on his proffer, so that we must say that he was a thoroughbred sport.
591
George told him that the "blawsted 'awgs are increasing so fawst that they are about to run us off the place, and if you will come down and get them, you can 'ave a pair."
Laing was then a candidate for sheriff, and it is possible that his generous feelings were partly inspired by that good brotherhood spirit that gets into a man's blood when he
is running for office. Laing was defeated, and still he made good cheerfully on his proffer, so that we must say that he was a thoroughbred sport.
Nelson Ashford, with his son William and family, and daughter Gertrude arrived the autumn of 1885, Mrs. Nelson Ashford arriving the following spring.
Will Ashford was a live wire and he believed in living as he journeyed through life. As he was coming down Long Springs hill, he got a glimpse of the beautiful virgin valley where Harrisburg was later planted, and at the bottom of the hill was a creek, and the tops of green trees were to be seen. Will let out a bray, like a homecoming mule, and startled the silent watches of the wilderness. Out of the canyon there scurried in all directions wild animals that had been down to drink. There were wild horses, deer and antelope.
Being Grangers, the Ashfords wanted pigs as well as cattle, and there were none. Then it occurred to Mrs. Streeks, (also a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Ashford) that Laing had told them of his hogs. It was a long ways to Laing's ranch, the nearest source of supply, but not so very far comparatively with the overland journey from beyond the Missouri.
592
Out of the canyon there scurried in all directions wild animals that had been down to drink. There were wild horses, deer and antelope.
Being Grangers, the Ashfords wanted pigs as well as cattle, and there were none. Then it occurred to Mrs. Streeks, (also a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Ashford) that Laing had told them of his hogs. It was a long ways to Laing's ranch, the nearest source of supply, but not so very far comparatively with the overland journey from beyond the Missouri.
One day Mrs. Ashford and her younger daughter hitched up the team to the wagon and started out for Laing's. That night they had negotiated the hills through Wright's gap, and reached Charley Smith's in Creighton Flat. Here they stayed all night. The next day they drove on down to Laing's, passing Chimney Rock, and Court House Rock on the way. The country between those landmarks was alive with rattlesnakes. At first they stopped and killed them, but there were so many, after they had killed fourteen or fifteen, they gave up the work of extermination, and passed a great many, which rattled saucily at them.
Laing had many of the charming characteristics of his native land, his accent was delightful and perfect, and he was a good entertainer. He fixed up a crate, and loaded the two pigs for the women folks, and they returned. Laing's were the first hogs on the North Platte river, and Ash ford's were the first on Pumpkin creek or into the territory later embraced bv the boundaries of Banner county.
593
At first they stopped and killed them, but there were so many, after they had killed fourteen or fifteen, they gave up the work of extermination, and passed a great many, which rattled saucily at them.
Laing had many of the charming characteristics of his native land, his accent was delightful and perfect, and he was a good entertainer. He fixed up a crate, and loaded the two pigs for the women folks, and they returned. Laing's were the first hogs on the North Platte river, and Ash ford's were the first on Pumpkin creek or into the territory later embraced bv the boundaries of Banner county.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
THE VIRGINIAN -- ARBUCKLE'S RANCH -- ROMANCE OF PARENTS OF MADE- LINE FORCE-LINGLE OF VALLEY VIEW -- CONNOLYS OF THE "PF" -- NEW RANCHES -- HANK INGHRAM'S NARROW ESCAPE
A few years ago, a book called "the Virginian" had quite a run in the western country. Many of the incidents contained therein were from experiences in the Panhandle of Nebraska, and eastern Wyoming. One of the stories told was that of the pranks of two cow punchers at a dance. While the mothers of a number of sleeping infants were dancing, the boys changed the wraps which the babies wore and changed their positions, to the end that when the dance broke up, most of the parents started home with the wrong baby. As the discoveries were not made until the parents were at home, in some cases twenty miles from the scene, it took considerable time to straighten out the tangle of who was who in Babyland.
594
While the mothers of a number of sleeping infants were dancing, the boys changed the wraps which the babies wore and changed their positions, to the end that when the dance broke up, most of the parents started home with the wrong baby. As the discoveries were not made until the parents were at home, in some cases twenty miles from the scene, it took considerable time to straighten out the tangle of who was who in Babyland.
This incident, or its prototype, occurred at Alex Perry's on Little Horse creek, and the two miscreants, some of the mothers called them criminals, were Chris. Mitchell and Tom McShane.
Molly Woods, who taught school on Beaver creek, was one of the central characters in the story, and she married the Virginian.-
The book was quite true to the life of the west, twenty-five to forty years ago, and while the author selected his characters in this vicinity, they had their prototypes in many localities. The loves, the hates, the combats, the mischief makers, and all that went to make up life in the cow country, was found here, and elsewhere, wherever the range cattle roamed.
One of the old favorite poems, one which Abraham Lincoln often repeated was "we tread the same paths that our fathers have trod."
This sometimes runs so literally true that one thinks the writer thereof had lived long years. Take the story of the family of Astors, for illustration. In 1812 and 1813 Robert Stuart and his party of Astorians wintered a little north of Scottsbluff. and since then four generations of the Astors have had some calling back to the land of western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming, although their interests here seemed to have terminated long ago.
595
This sometimes runs so literally true that one thinks the writer thereof had lived long years. Take the story of the family of Astors, for illustration. In 1812 and 1813 Robert Stuart and his party of Astorians wintered a little north of Scottsbluff. and since then four generations of the Astors have had some calling back to the land of western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming, although their interests here seemed to have terminated long ago.
One of the pretty romances of the great prairies came about in the early eighties, and it involves well known characters locally, as well as in high finance.
When Tonv Kennedy arrived from Ireland
with James Baxter, they landed at Pittsburg. Both were strapped and both wanted a job. One took one side of the street and one the other and both landed jobs in stores almost opposite each other. Kennedy went to work for Arbuckle, who later became one of the Arbuckle Brothers, whose coffee was all over the country a generation ago. Baxter and Kennedy came on to western Nebraska in 1886.
The Arbuckles made money, and contracted the ranch fever. They came to Cheyenne, and bought the A. M. Post horse ranch on "Pole" creek, sixteen miles north of that city. They built a large two story ranch house, with modern conveniences on each floor, and otherwise improved the place to make it coincide with their views of what a ranch should be ; and they had saddles and talahoes, and servants and all that added to comfort.
596
The Arbuckles made money, and contracted the ranch fever. They came to Cheyenne, and bought the A. M. Post horse ranch on "Pole" creek, sixteen miles north of that city. They built a large two story ranch house, with modern conveniences on each floor, and otherwise improved the place to make it coincide with their views of what a ranch should be ; and they had saddles and talahoes, and servants and all that added to comfort.
Post sold the ranch with a book value of five thousand mares, and they wanted a count. The old game of running the mares around a hill, and delivering the same lot two or three times was pulled off successfully here, and the Arbuckles received about two thousand instead of five. Naturally, they made the discovery in due time, but entered no protest. One day their private car was set off at Cheyenne and Post was invited to be their guest.
They told him that a man of his attainments ought to be in the big game field of the east, so the story goes, and he "fell for it." So in due time he was dabbling in stocks, which they advised him were good. He made money by a number of transactions, and then they advised the big plunge as a rare opportunity. It broke him and his Cheyenne Bank, and with it went the savings of the frugal cowpunchers.
William A. Force was put in charge of the ranch of Pole creek, and among the young fellows who went to work for him was Fred Wolt, for many years a well known resident and business man of Gering, and now ( 1920) President of the Chamber of Commerce at Norfolk, Nebraska.
597
He made money by a number of transactions, and then they advised the big plunge as a rare opportunity. It broke him and his Cheyenne Bank, and with it went the savings of the frugal cowpunchers.
William A. Force was put in charge of the ranch of Pole creek, and among the young fellows who went to work for him was Fred Wolt, for many years a well known resident and business man of Gering, and now ( 1920) President of the Chamber of Commerce at Norfolk, Nebraska.
Among the New York visitors at the ranch was Lillian Force, a sister of the foreman, and her chum, Kate Talmadge.
The freedom of the ranch, the glorious talaho rides in the rarified western air, the white light of moonlit nights, the stars that
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
seem so close to the earth, and the attentions of the dashing foreman of the big ranch, all had a part in the result that Kate Talmadge became Mrs. William A. Force. From this union Madeline Force was born, Madeline Force who became Mrs. John Jacob Astor. He, the grandson of John Jacob Astor the first, went down on the Titanic a few years ago, when that great vessel sank in the Atlantic on its maiden trip, and but for the romance of the high plains here related, Madeline Force would never have been born, and he would likely not have been on the fatal trip.
The horses from Arbuckle's ranch often were brought to the "North River" to winter. Robert F. Neeley took charge of winter feeding the first winter, and then John R. Stilts built some large sod barns and sheds and for several winters attended to the business. Fred Wolt came over to the valley, and remained. He married one of the valley's young ladies, Lillian Brashear, and went into mercantile business at Gering.
598
He, the grandson of John Jacob Astor the first, went down on the Titanic a few years ago, when that great vessel sank in the Atlantic on its maiden trip, and but for the romance of the high plains here related, Madeline Force would never have been born, and he would likely not have been on the fatal trip.
The horses from Arbuckle's ranch often were brought to the "North River" to winter. Robert F. Neeley took charge of winter feeding the first winter, and then John R. Stilts built some large sod barns and sheds and for several winters attended to the business. Fred Wolt came over to the valley, and remained. He married one of the valley's young ladies, Lillian Brashear, and went into mercantile business at Gering. Fred had the distinguishing characteristics of the Bostonian, which was different from the ways of the west. Some of the boys called him "dudish," but he got along well with them, and has made a splendid success in a business way. First in general merchandise, then specializing in furniture, hardware and undertaking, in which he is now en-
Valley View ranch came into existence at a later date with Hiram D. Lingle as the master mind. This was located in the valley of the Rawhide, and when the Burlington built the North River branch, they named a town near his several thousand acres of fine alluvial land in honor of his genius and enterprise. He bonded the whole acreage with several thousand additional under the Carey Act and built an irrigation system. About this time the government irrigation act was passed, and the North Platte project thereof found that "Lucky Valley," occupied by Lingle's Colonization Canal, was the only practical route through the barrier of sand hills between Rawhide and Sheep creek.
599
This was located in the valley of the Rawhide, and when the Burlington built the North River branch, they named a town near his several thousand acres of fine alluvial land in honor of his genius and enterprise. He bonded the whole acreage with several thousand additional under the Carey Act and built an irrigation system. About this time the government irrigation act was passed, and the North Platte project thereof found that "Lucky Valley," occupied by Lingle's Colonization Canal, was the only practical route through the barrier of sand hills between Rawhide and Sheep creek. Lingle sold his ditch to the government, and has since divided his lands into small farms and sold all to settlers except the home place of two hundred and forty acres, which he retains for a summer home. Mr. and Mrs. Lingle reside in Chicago the balance of the year.
The well known PF ranch in the vicinity of old Red Cloud agency came into existence afh r iIk departure of the Indians for their new quarters en White river. The two locations known to the present generations are at Lingle, Wyoming and Henry, Nebraska.
Al. S. Connoly was the foreman for a number of years, and was a remarkable man, having a grasp upon the details of all the several locations that was almost uncanny. What happened to him never came out clearly, but it may have been the weariness of the grind. At any rate, he quit the ranch work and made quite an extended search of Wyoming, with the hope of locating a bed of "coking coal." Had he been successful, Guernsey would have been the great foundry center that the inhabitants thereof have long hoped it would be.
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Connoly was the foreman for a number of years, and was a remarkable man, having a grasp upon the details of all the several locations that was almost uncanny. What happened to him never came out clearly, but it may have been the weariness of the grind. At any rate, he quit the ranch work and made quite an extended search of Wyoming, with the hope of locating a bed of "coking coal." Had he been successful, Guernsey would have been the great foundry center that the inhabitants thereof have long hoped it would be.
Owing to the lack of that kind of coal, it has been found expedient to ship the iron ore from Sunrise mines to Pueblo, Colorado, near the fields where this variety of coal is found.
In some way Connoly ran at cross-purposes to Senator Francis E. Warren, and for a number of years he was tireless in his attempts to make that respected statesman answer for some of the land frauds of eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska, particularly on Horse creek, where thousands of acres of Uncle Sam's domain went to private ownership by means that have often been criticized.
Connoly is now in Washington, at some work in the Interior Department.
In 18S4, Ferris was in charge of the State Line ranch, which later went to Colonel Pratt. Al. Smith, in the early days designated "Swearing" Smith, to distinguish him from "Extract" Smith and "Whispering" Smith, had charge of the ranch later, and now I believe his son is managing the place or owns it. Sheldon has a picture of one of the partly dismantled sod houses on this place that was erected at or about the time the ranch occupied the old Red Cloud site.
601
In 18S4, Ferris was in charge of the State Line ranch, which later went to Colonel Pratt. Al. Smith, in the early days designated "Swearing" Smith, to distinguish him from "Extract" Smith and "Whispering" Smith, had charge of the ranch later, and now I believe his son is managing the place or owns it. Sheldon has a picture of one of the partly dismantled sod houses on this place that was erected at or about the time the ranch occupied the old Red Cloud site.
The upper PF ranch went to Field & Leiter of Chicago, and later to the Leiter estate, in which it still remains. Except that part which has been sold to business men and other people in the town of Lingle.
W. P. (Billy) Connoly, brother of the former manager of the ranches for Pratt & Ferris, is now local manager of the Leiter properties, as well as the wide ramifications of his own activities. "Billy" is in banking, mercantile, farming, ranching and road contracting work, and attends them all equally well. In addition to this he sells real estate for the Leiter people, as the town of Lingle is rapidly developing into a city.
When Connoly took charge of the Leiter local affairs, Billy Ashby, an Englishman, was foreman of the Bridle Bit ranch, but he left soon after and went to Douglas. While on the cow ranch, he hated sheep "like skunks," but
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
not long after he was in the sheep business and accumulated wealth.
602
In addition to this he sells real estate for the Leiter people, as the town of Lingle is rapidly developing into a city.
When Connoly took charge of the Leiter local affairs, Billy Ashby, an Englishman, was foreman of the Bridle Bit ranch, but he left soon after and went to Douglas. While on the cow ranch, he hated sheep "like skunks," but
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
not long after he was in the sheep business and accumulated wealth.
"Texas Tom" Snow is one of the characters of this vicinity, arriving in the North Platte valley in the day of the Texas trail, and he has established himself on the Rawhide at "Snow's Point," which is one of the landmarks north of Lingle. Drilling for oil will start in this vicinity sometime during the coming spring (1920).
About the time of the coming of the granger, a number of new men arrived with ranching instead of grangering instincts, and these became the "ranchmen" best known for the last quarter of a century. Many of them accumulated large herds and an empire of fertile land.
Joe Sanford, who is north of Mitchell, is a notable example. He has about a township of land, or over twenty-thousand acres. Dr. Miller, who acquired extensive ranch possessions north of Morrill about fifteen miles, has "gone to another range," but the excellent property is owned and managed by his son, True Miller. Chas. Loucomer has the old Wind Springs ranch. E. von Forrell has lately acquired a large acreage north of Lake Alice in Sioux county, where Forrell and son run their fine Herefords. On the Harry Haig ranch in Mitchell valley lives (1919) one of the characters of the old west, H. M. Inghram. He drove stage for Gilman & Salsbury, who owned the "Black Hills route" from Cheyenne in its. earliest years.
603
Miller, who acquired extensive ranch possessions north of Morrill about fifteen miles, has "gone to another range," but the excellent property is owned and managed by his son, True Miller. Chas. Loucomer has the old Wind Springs ranch. E. von Forrell has lately acquired a large acreage north of Lake Alice in Sioux county, where Forrell and son run their fine Herefords. On the Harry Haig ranch in Mitchell valley lives (1919) one of the characters of the old west, H. M. Inghram. He drove stage for Gilman & Salsbury, who owned the "Black Hills route" from Cheyenne in its. earliest years.
"Stuttering" Brown had charge of the division between Cheyenne and Fort Laramie.
"Hank" Inghram had an adventure and narrow escape in the north part of Sioux county about this time. He was coming down from Deadwood with one of the Cheyenne stages, and fell in with two Irishmen. He drove the stage to Custer, and "deadheaded" to Indian creek. Here they were attacked by Indians with needle guns and Marlin rifles. They were pursued down the old road for eighteen or twenty miles when the horses played out. The men left them, and ran into a burnt over wild cherry thicket, and down a ravine.
It was after sundown, twilight settled quickly, and the party became separated, but all headed in the general direction of Soldier creek, making their several ways by moonlight. They were chased for a part of the distance, and one Irishman who arrived safely at dawn declared that he had been pursued all night. The others arrived at an earlier hour, and Inghram had his pants cut with bullets twice. One bullet cut through the cloth and underwear, and just burnt the skin.
604
It was after sundown, twilight settled quickly, and the party became separated, but all headed in the general direction of Soldier creek, making their several ways by moonlight. They were chased for a part of the distance, and one Irishman who arrived safely at dawn declared that he had been pursued all night. The others arrived at an earlier hour, and Inghram had his pants cut with bullets twice. One bullet cut through the cloth and underwear, and just burnt the skin.
The papers at Cheyenne and Omaha reported he had been killed, but he has lived many years since and still retains the trousers, or a part of the cloth thereof, as a memento of the narrow escape. Among the reminiscences of H. M. Inghram is that of a big dance in 1876. Nick Genice gave it at his place on Bordeaux, and the people came for many miles. They danced without ceasing for three days and nights.
THE SHIFTING SANDS -- THE STORM OF 78-- FIRST SETTLERS ON PUMPKIN
CREEK -- FIRST COWT IN WESTERN NEBRASKA -- MENTAL GIANTS
OF THE BIG COW DAYS
When the west was young, who would have selected W. F. Cody for the historic character of the "Wild West?" Who could have guessed the destiny of Paxton. or Creighton, or Bratt, or Van Tassel, or McShane. or Coffee, or Swan? The other men of the west shifted and strayed abroad, or settled on their local acres, or the acres of some other state or land.
605
CREEK -- FIRST COWT IN WESTERN NEBRASKA -- MENTAL GIANTS
OF THE BIG COW DAYS
When the west was young, who would have selected W. F. Cody for the historic character of the "Wild West?" Who could have guessed the destiny of Paxton. or Creighton, or Bratt, or Van Tassel, or McShane. or Coffee, or Swan? The other men of the west shifted and strayed abroad, or settled on their local acres, or the acres of some other state or land.
We find Frank Brainard, who held horses on the table north of Scottsbluff, in the winter of 1879, now stock inspector at the' stock yards of Chicago. That winter, he tells us. a half dozen Indians had their dugout on the bank of the river near the bad lands.
We find Ben Graham, the brother of Joe Graham of Mollie's Fork, in the same business at Sioux City. Hugh McFee is inspec-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
tor al Denver. He is the brother of Earl Mc- Pee, who hunt,' himself near the 1'F ranch, because of a love affair.
Earl had ridden his horse underneath a limb of a big Cottonwood, and attached his lariat thereto, and around bis neck. He then kicked the broncho and it ran away, leaving him suspended. When found he was quite dead. Some of the boys were removing his boots preparatory for burial, when Smith, the foreman of the outfit, accused them of trying to steal a dead man's boots. The others were thinking only of the newer methods of burial, but Smith insisted on the old order being carried out. McFee was therefore buried with his boots on, at Fort Laramie.
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He then kicked the broncho and it ran away, leaving him suspended. When found he was quite dead. Some of the boys were removing his boots preparatory for burial, when Smith, the foreman of the outfit, accused them of trying to steal a dead man's boots. The others were thinking only of the newer methods of burial, but Smith insisted on the old order being carried out. McFee was therefore buried with his boots on, at Fort Laramie.
Charlie Talbot, another old timer, is inspector in Omaha. Mose Howard was to be found about the stock yards for years, but he died recently. Wyatt Heard is in Texas. Henry Heard at Long Beach, California, E. A. Moots is at Lander and Thermopolis. Wyoming, Johnny Minser died on his farm near Fort Laramie, in 1918. One could go on naming the boys and their many destinies, but they were almost as numerous as the sands of the Great Sand Hills. A great many have gone on the "long, long trail." And out of these great stretches of waste or pasturage, have come a number of the stronger characters of Nebraska.
In the winter of 187S came one of the worst storms that had ever visited the western plains. It wrecked the finances of some of the cattle companies. But few of them were prepared for ,-i storm of such severity. It commenced on the seventh of March and lasted until the tenth.
The storm caught Tommy Chaunavierre ( Shunover), Bob Cavalier, and "Scotty," hunting mountain sheep. The)- had killed one on Wildcat mountain, before the storm struck, n headed for Dicky Brown's place at Kane' Point! Shunover was the one of the three to reach shelter. The other two hardy frontiersmen perished in the drifts on the way. After the storm, Cavalier was found near Sand Hill south of the Sunderling place, which is now (1919) owned by Theo.
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The storm caught Tommy Chaunavierre ( Shunover), Bob Cavalier, and "Scotty," hunting mountain sheep. The)- had killed one on Wildcat mountain, before the storm struck, n headed for Dicky Brown's place at Kane' Point! Shunover was the one of the three to reach shelter. The other two hardy frontiersmen perished in the drifts on the way. After the storm, Cavalier was found near Sand Hill south of the Sunderling place, which is now (1919) owned by Theo. Johnson. "Scotty" reached the Will Kelly place he lore he went down. The son-in-law of Nick Genice was caught in this storm and went "tin long trail." ('has. I leek had twelve teams, fourteen yoke to the team, completely wiped i in by the blizzard.
In 1879, while watching cattle near Kane's ' nt. I larve Beeson was killed by Indians, wlii i crawled up in the rushes and shot him. II'' either was afraid to crawl to the cabin.
or could not do so, for when found he had lain for two days, and had stuffed his shirt into the wound to stop the blood. This occurred about three hundred yards up the stream from the point where Wright's ranch house was erected.
WTight came down the valley from Horse creek and he found Dicky Brown near Kane's Point. Dicky sold out to Wright a short time afterwards. His brother, Jonathan Brown, built the cabin at the Four-J spring, east of Wildcat, and he made final proof on the land.
John Wright's ranch became the center of affairs for a number of years on the valley of the Pumpkin. Will Kelly located near him, and then came Earley, and Livingstons, who secured a postofhce and built a story and a half grout house, where the first settlers enjoyed many a social evening.
608
Dicky sold out to Wright a short time afterwards. His brother, Jonathan Brown, built the cabin at the Four-J spring, east of Wildcat, and he made final proof on the land.
John Wright's ranch became the center of affairs for a number of years on the valley of the Pumpkin. Will Kelly located near him, and then came Earley, and Livingstons, who secured a postofhce and built a story and a half grout house, where the first settlers enjoyed many a social evening. Wrights and Livingstons led all the rest when it came to roundup dances and social festivities, before the grangers came and submerged the older order of things.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dicky Brown, which were the first wdiite children born in that section. They both died early and are buried on the home claim. Bess Kelly was the first white child born on Pumpkin creek that lived to maturity. She is nowdead. Her brother, Ted, still has the old place where he was born.
The cow business had its run for about twenty years. But the first domestic cow in western Nebraska, was that which William Sublette trailed after his wagon in the trapper days, when he drove the first wagons into the mountains. When he met Fitzpatrick, and necessity required more speed than they were regularly making, they turned the cow loose, near the present site of Morrill, and she became the first range cow in the Panhandle of the state. That was before Fort William, the antecedent of Fort Laramie, was built.
609
But the first domestic cow in western Nebraska, was that which William Sublette trailed after his wagon in the trapper days, when he drove the first wagons into the mountains. When he met Fitzpatrick, and necessity required more speed than they were regularly making, they turned the cow loose, near the present site of Morrill, and she became the first range cow in the Panhandle of the state. That was before Fort William, the antecedent of Fort Laramie, was built.
The next cows were ten years later, being taken through to Oregon. Then for about a quarter of a century, plodding oxen were the cattle that trailed across the land. During that period the buffalo w^ere nearly exterminated, and the prairies grew luxuriant grasses, only to be burned, or to feed mustangs and wild horses, and work oxen. After that the real run of cattle affairs for a score of years, before the granger came.
Permanent settlement began in the vicinity of Scottsbluff in 1884. Before that date, for a number of years, there were cowpunchers working up and down the North river country, who later became permanent fixtures. Charlie Foster and L. J. Wyman were the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
earliest in point of time. They were in a measure fixed here several years before any of the others, but it was in the capacity of rangers looking after cattle. They settled down and took land in the early eighties. ■ Runey C. Campbell, who still resides upon his homestead (1919), George Marsh, lately removed to the newer land of Montana, and W. E. Ingraham, who was killed by a colt on his farm in Mitchell valley, were the next to build permanent domiciles in the vicinity. They located about ten miles apart, that being in their judgment a good neighborly distance.
610
They were in a measure fixed here several years before any of the others, but it was in the capacity of rangers looking after cattle. They settled down and took land in the early eighties. ■ Runey C. Campbell, who still resides upon his homestead (1919), George Marsh, lately removed to the newer land of Montana, and W. E. Ingraham, who was killed by a colt on his farm in Mitchell valley, were the next to build permanent domiciles in the vicinity. They located about ten miles apart, that being in their judgment a good neighborly distance. Campbell was near the old Coad ranch in what later became Gering Valley. Ingraham was in Mitchell Valley northwest of the old fort a few miles, and Marsh on Kiowa and Horse creek. Wyman and Foster were nearer neighbors for Marsh. These houses were all on the south side of the siver, and were made of logs, with poles and sod for roofs and dirt floors.
In the spring of 1885, "Sailor Joe" Hanson built a log cabin in Mitchell Valley, and lived there for a number of years. One day his boy got his foot tangled in a lariat rope, the other end of which was attached to a wild saddle horse. The animal promptly ran away, and dragged the boy to his death, after which Hanson sold out, and left the country.
Perry Braziel, who had been here off and on since 1882, took some land adjoining the old Bay State ranch in Mitchell Valley, about this time. Perry had been at the ranch considerable of his time for three or four years, working on the roundups and feeding stock in the winter.
611
One day his boy got his foot tangled in a lariat rope, the other end of which was attached to a wild saddle horse. The animal promptly ran away, and dragged the boy to his death, after which Hanson sold out, and left the country.
Perry Braziel, who had been here off and on since 1882, took some land adjoining the old Bay State ranch in Mitchell Valley, about this time. Perry had been at the ranch considerable of his time for three or four years, working on the roundups and feeding stock in the winter.
Working for the bonanza cattle outfits, the men upon the ground saw the trend of the times. This land could not always remain free range, and so the hay meadows were taken up by the boys who wanted to make this their permanent abiding place. They may have even thought that the mental giants did not have their ears to the ground, but Paxton and Creighton visualized the future. They saw the advancing line of settlement, and they heard the tread of coming thousands. Their amalgamations were but the shrewder instincts "Getting from under" as they felt bonanza ranching tottering and trembling to its fall. They could see that soon the free range would be no more. When I think of their achievements, I am
proud of the people of the west. Much may justly be said of later people, but I am to speak of them in their turn and place.
I refer now to the men of old. Of Creighton, and Paxton, and Swan, and McShane. and Bratt. and Sheedy, and Van Tassel, and Coffee. Of the men who pioneered in their line. Who were unafraid of Indians or personal dangers, and bad men, and roughed it with the roughest.
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proud of the people of the west. Much may justly be said of later people, but I am to speak of them in their turn and place.
I refer now to the men of old. Of Creighton, and Paxton, and Swan, and McShane. and Bratt. and Sheedy, and Van Tassel, and Coffee. Of the men who pioneered in their line. Who were unafraid of Indians or personal dangers, and bad men, and roughed it with the roughest.
It was an achievement to string the first wires from the Missouri to Salt Lake City, placing the east and the west in instantaneous communication. These men drove their own oxen and conducted their own trail wagons east, west, north, south, criss-crossing western Nebraska with the marks of their wagon wheels. They helped to drive the buffalo from the western range, and filled the wide pastures of the plains with domestic cattle. They organized and amalgamated mighty herds, and trailed them from the Rio Grande to the Yellowstone.
By and by they took up other vocations, and their dominant genius built the pillars of cities. Firm and enduring were the foundations of their fortunes. And so much of their great work was after they had attained middle age.
Paxton told me once that some men have youthful minds until they are forty of fifty years of age. He himself was thirty-nine before he had accumulated a thousand dollars. But all the earlier years he had been learning at the University of Nature, the School of Abraham Lincoln and other mental giants of the world.
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Firm and enduring were the foundations of their fortunes. And so much of their great work was after they had attained middle age.
Paxton told me once that some men have youthful minds until they are forty of fifty years of age. He himself was thirty-nine before he had accumulated a thousand dollars. But all the earlier years he had been learning at the University of Nature, the School of Abraham Lincoln and other mental giants of the world.
Whacking bulls, night-herding- the nervous herds, stringing telegraph wires through an Indian wilderness, building great ranches, constructing giant packing plants, and pillars of masonry, endowing schools, moulding the destinies of a state, handling fortunes in a clay, these men stand out examples of western enterprise and energy. Life whirled them from one vocation to another, but in each environment, there shone the fire of individual identity. Each was a human dynamo, with coils of experience, and the name of any one of them is a symbol of tremendous power. They met all manner of dragons, and were victorious over all save death. And some of them bid fair to hold him off for many years to come.
1 1 [STORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
VIGI] WTFS II \XG REED AT SIDNEY -- THE GREAT BULLION ROBBERY WHISPERING SMITH GETS TWO
The cowman's period of taming the wilderness also included the period of Black Hills gold discoveries, which had a tendency of concentrating rough elements at the terminals of the trails to and from the gold fields. Thus Sidney became a storm center of deadly activity in the Panhandle of Nebraska.
614
And some of them bid fair to hold him off for many years to come.
1 1 [STORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
VIGI] WTFS II \XG REED AT SIDNEY -- THE GREAT BULLION ROBBERY WHISPERING SMITH GETS TWO
The cowman's period of taming the wilderness also included the period of Black Hills gold discoveries, which had a tendency of concentrating rough elements at the terminals of the trails to and from the gold fields. Thus Sidney became a storm center of deadly activity in the Panhandle of Nebraska.
In 1879, Sidney was a pretty rough f render town. The gold excitement had run for about three years, and this landing place for those who had been successful and were returning east, attracted a lot of good business men who supplied the prosperous miner with new outfits suitable for the old home back east. Merchantmen also outfitted those who were going into the hills.
There was another class that sought by all sorts of intrigue to separate the miner from his money, and then, they presumed that the loss of fortune would send the men back to dig more gold. Gamblers and saloon men of the time always justified any act necessary to get the money, with the following philosophy : "These men are naturally spenders, booze fighter.-, and otherwise dissolute. When they have money, they lay around the towns, drink, and make themselves generally disgusting and disagreeable. Therefore take the money from them as quickly as any device can be arranged. It stops their ruinous notions and sends them into the healthy life of the open, to be 'producers.' "
615
Gamblers and saloon men of the time always justified any act necessary to get the money, with the following philosophy : "These men are naturally spenders, booze fighter.-, and otherwise dissolute. When they have money, they lay around the towns, drink, and make themselves generally disgusting and disagreeable. Therefore take the money from them as quickly as any device can be arranged. It stops their ruinous notions and sends them into the healthy life of the open, to be 'producers.' "
This logic is about as reasonable as that of profiteers born of the late world war.
Sidney had its large bunch of self-appointed guardian-- of ihis class. So it was that one Saturday morning the town woke up +o the effect that one of its best men, Henry Locmis, had been shot by a gambler named Charles Reed, Loomis was taken to the United States hospital at the Sidney army post, where it was found that the thigh bone was shattered, and an amputation was necessary. He died at live o'clock in the afternoon of May 10, 1879.
Reed had lied to the rocks north of Sidney, bul was taken by Sheriff Zweifel and a posse, and incarcerated in jail. About eleven o'clock in the night four hundred masked men arrived ai lb. jail, overpowered the guards, and took Reed to a telegraph pole on the south side of the track opposite the Union Pacific depot. A ladder was procured, and a rope thrown over tin' cross-bar of the pole, one end of which
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Reed had lied to the rocks north of Sidney, bul was taken by Sheriff Zweifel and a posse, and incarcerated in jail. About eleven o'clock in the night four hundred masked men arrived ai lb. jail, overpowered the guards, and took Reed to a telegraph pole on the south side of the track opposite the Union Pacific depot. A ladder was procured, and a rope thrown over tin' cross-bar of the pole, one end of which
was looped around Reed's neck. He was asked if he had anything to say.
"Only, good-bye, gentlemen," was his answer, and he was swung aloft. A few shots were fired into the body, and there were expressions here and there that "Loomis is avenged." The crowd dispersed quietly, with but few words.
The body swung in the air all during the next day, and thrilled and shocked the passengers going through Sidney on the overland trains.
The rougher element was quiet for a time, but soon again were going strong. A year or
Hanging Reed by Vigilantes Committee
two later it culminated in an eighty thousand dollar robbery of gold bullion in broad daylight. This was believed to have been planned some days in advance, and with the co-operation of rbe stage driver and the Sidney express agent.
On the day mentioned the stage arrived too late to catch the east bound train. C. K. Allen, a fine-looking man, was express agent. He took four gold bars, valued at twenty thousand dollars each, and several thousand in currency and put them in the freight room. He locked the door and went to lunch.
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This was believed to have been planned some days in advance, and with the co-operation of rbe stage driver and the Sidney express agent.
On the day mentioned the stage arrived too late to catch the east bound train. C. K. Allen, a fine-looking man, was express agent. He took four gold bars, valued at twenty thousand dollars each, and several thousand in currency and put them in the freight room. He locked the door and went to lunch.
On returning he found that a hole had been sawed through the floor, and the gold bars and currency were gone. A tunnel, which must have required the work of several days, led to and under another building, and the robbers were gone.
Albert Sorenson tells of the following events in this way, in a recent issue of the Omaha Bee :
"General Superintendent Morsman of fhe
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Pacific Express company and John M. Thurston, then assistant general attorney of the Union Pacific, upon arriving at Sidney to investigate the robbery, found Robert Law, superintendent of the mountain division, already on the ground. Law had brought with him James H. Smith, known as "Whispering Smith." the railroad detective, whose headquarters were at Cheyenne.
After carefully looking over the situation and weighing all the circumstances, it was concluded by the railroad officials that the robbery was committed by four men ; that the leader was a man named McCarthy, who had served as sheriff in 1876 and 1877, and at this time was conducting the Capitol saloon and gambling house. He was a man of considerable political influence and had for his warmest friends the entire tough element which ran the town to suit themselves.
618
After carefully looking over the situation and weighing all the circumstances, it was concluded by the railroad officials that the robbery was committed by four men ; that the leader was a man named McCarthy, who had served as sheriff in 1876 and 1877, and at this time was conducting the Capitol saloon and gambling house. He was a man of considerable political influence and had for his warmest friends the entire tough element which ran the town to suit themselves.
The other suspects were Patsy, one of Mc- Carthy's bartenders, a barber named Flannagan and C. K. Allen, the station agent, ( for some reason the stage driver was not included). McCarthy's influence was so strong that he at first prevented an indictment from being found by the grand jury, but the district attorney made a motion before Judge Gaslin that Thurston be appointed special assistant in order to permit him to go before the grand jury.
"The judge granted the order and Thurston, after great difficulty and in spite of numerous obstacles, put in his way by McCarthy, finally convinced the requisite number of jurors that they would be justified in voting for an indictment.
"When the case came up for trial Thurston appeared as prosecutor. In relating the story of this affair to me, in the summer of 1916, ex- Senator Thurston told some interesting incidents regarding Whispering Smith, who was assisting him in the case. They occupied Superintendent Law's private car and every night Smith asked Thurston to take a walk up the track to a lonely spot and there in a low tone -- hardly above a whisper -- would discuss the events of the day's proceedings.
619
"When the case came up for trial Thurston appeared as prosecutor. In relating the story of this affair to me, in the summer of 1916, ex- Senator Thurston told some interesting incidents regarding Whispering Smith, who was assisting him in the case. They occupied Superintendent Law's private car and every night Smith asked Thurston to take a walk up the track to a lonely spot and there in a low tone -- hardly above a whisper -- would discuss the events of the day's proceedings.
One night he said: "Judge Thurston, you're not a-goin' to get those fellows. They-ve set the pins against you in this county. McCarthy is the ringleader, and I can settle this whole thing for you if you just let me go down and take McCarthy out, and bring him up here and hang him to a telegraph pole."
Smith night after night tried to persuade Thurston to let him carry out this plan, and the detective seemed very much disappointed at the attorney's refusal to take any steps that were not in accordance with law and order.
"Well, you are going to get left," said Smith, "that jury is set against you."
That evening, just as Thurston was about to leave for Omaha, Smith took him behind the station and whispered to him : "I told you so, but Pm a-goin' to stay here a day or two, and I think Pll get one or two of 'em."
At midnight "Long" Kelly, the train conductor, woke Thurston and handed him this dispatch from Superintendent Law : "Jim got Patsy." At noon the next day Thurston received another dispatch from Law. It was : "Jim got the barber."
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That evening, just as Thurston was about to leave for Omaha, Smith took him behind the station and whispered to him : "I told you so, but Pm a-goin' to stay here a day or two, and I think Pll get one or two of 'em."
At midnight "Long" Kelly, the train conductor, woke Thurston and handed him this dispatch from Superintendent Law : "Jim got Patsy." At noon the next day Thurston received another dispatch from Law. It was : "Jim got the barber."
Some time later, Law met Thurston and related the details of Smith's two "gettings." "I went down to the Capitol saloon," said Smith to Superintendent Law, "and waited for Mc- Carthy to show up, but I guess he heard I was there and didn't appear. Bob, I got tired a-waitin', and goin' up to the bar I called Patsy, the barkeeper, a damned unhung robber. Patsy pulls his gun and shoots at me but misses. I .guess he was a little nervous like. I pulled and let go, and when they look Patsy over they'll find a hole just about two inches to the left of his lower vest button. Bob, I pulled for the button but I sighted a little off. Somebody knocked out the lights and I emptied my gun over the heads of the other people and then came away."
Patsy was badly wounded, and was a long time in recovering. His wound was at the very place that Smith said the hole would be found. Smith was arrested but was discharged the next morning on the ground of self-defense. A few minutes later as he was approaching the Lockwood house, barber Flanagan said: "That murderous whelp shot Patsy; this is a hell of a country for law and order."
621
Somebody knocked out the lights and I emptied my gun over the heads of the other people and then came away."
Patsy was badly wounded, and was a long time in recovering. His wound was at the very place that Smith said the hole would be found. Smith was arrested but was discharged the next morning on the ground of self-defense. A few minutes later as he was approaching the Lockwood house, barber Flanagan said: "That murderous whelp shot Patsy; this is a hell of a country for law and order."
Smith replied with a vile epithet, and asked the barber what he had to do with the matter. The barber pulled a revolver and fired at Smith but missed him. The next instant the barber was a dead man, a shot from Smith's gun having hit him in a vital spot. Smith was again arrested and again released on the ground of self-defense.
Excitement now ran high in Sidney. A vigilance committee arrested McCarthy and lodged him in jail. That night the prisoner was informed that he was to be hanged in the morning and a friendly informant told him that the best thing he could do was to mount a saddled horse standing outside the jail and leave the country. He took the hint, the jail door being opened for his exit. He was probably allowed to escape by the sheriff with the consent of the vigilantes.
McCarthy never returned to Sidney, and it
HISTORY ( )I; WESTERN NEBRASKA
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That night the prisoner was informed that he was to be hanged in the morning and a friendly informant told him that the best thing he could do was to mount a saddled horse standing outside the jail and leave the country. He took the hint, the jail door being opened for his exit. He was probably allowed to escape by the sheriff with the consent of the vigilantes.
McCarthy never returned to Sidney, and it
HISTORY ( )I; WESTERN NEBRASKA
was thought for a long time that Whispering Smith had trailed him and ended his career. This belief was due to the fact that Smith disapeared from Sidney the same night that .Mc- Carthy made his getaway and was mysteriously absent for two days.
The fourth gold brick was found under Mc- Carthy's saloon several years after his departure. The find was made by workmen who were excavating for the foundation of a new bank building. McCarthy, who fled to Montana, was said to have been a "Molly Maguire" who escaped from Pennsylvania, after the great "Molly Maguire" excitement, in which he was a leader in the coal fields against law and order.
Col. A. B. Persinger, owner of Hardscrabble ranch near Lodgepo'.e, was a resident of Sidney at the time of the "great bullion robbery," as it was called, and while in Omaha last week, related several interesting incidents connected with the sensational affair. When station agent Allen was arrested his bond of $10,000 was signed within a few minutes by the best citizens of Sidney.
623
McCarthy, who fled to Montana, was said to have been a "Molly Maguire" who escaped from Pennsylvania, after the great "Molly Maguire" excitement, in which he was a leader in the coal fields against law and order.
Col. A. B. Persinger, owner of Hardscrabble ranch near Lodgepo'.e, was a resident of Sidney at the time of the "great bullion robbery," as it was called, and while in Omaha last week, related several interesting incidents connected with the sensational affair. When station agent Allen was arrested his bond of $10,000 was signed within a few minutes by the best citizens of Sidney.
No one for a moment believed him guilty, as he was held in the highest esteem by everybody in the community. After his acquittal, the firm of Persinger & Whitney, wholesale and retail grocers, employed him as bookkeeper and confidential cashier. Prior to becoming
station agent Allen had served as county clerk and treasurer, and had the entire confidence of the people. Upon leaving Sidney, Allen located in Pueblo. Colorado, where he became paymaster of a large coal company.
Colonel Persinger does not class Smith as a hero, such, as he is made to appear in a novel bearing the title of "Whispering Smith," written some years ago by Frank H. Spearman. He knew Smith very well, and regarded him more as an outlaw.
Whispering Smith was a dead shot ; a man of nerve ; cold-blooded, calculating and fearless ; and a man who would cunningly and tauntingly provoke an enemy to commit the first overt act, thus giving Smith ground for self-defense. That was Smith's game. Such is Colonel Persinger's iconoclastic estimate of the hero of Spearman's novel, in which the "great bullion robbery" is not even remotely referred to.
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He knew Smith very well, and regarded him more as an outlaw.
Whispering Smith was a dead shot ; a man of nerve ; cold-blooded, calculating and fearless ; and a man who would cunningly and tauntingly provoke an enemy to commit the first overt act, thus giving Smith ground for self-defense. That was Smith's game. Such is Colonel Persinger's iconoclastic estimate of the hero of Spearman's novel, in which the "great bullion robbery" is not even remotely referred to.
Julius Thoelecke, who resided at Sidney at the time, does not share with Colonel Persinger in his high esteem of agent Allen.
Mr. Persinger and his "Hardscabble Ranch" are both interesting. His is a personality and his ranch a landmark on Lodgepole creek, near the town of Lodgepole. He established the ranch about 1878, or ten years after the coming of the Union Pacific.
OBERFELDERS DEMONSTRATE HOG AND ALFALFA COMBINATION -- LATER
RANCHERS N I '.AROSHKOSH -- POOR'S RANCH, WHERE SHELDON HIT
Tlllv WEST -- COWBOYS MARKING GRAVES -- THE MIDNIGHT
RIDE OF WILD HORSE HARRIS
\ great many people passing along that valley, on the < )verland trains, or the Lincoln 1 lighway, have admired a green oasis near the pretty village of Lodgepole, which is the Oberfelder ranch. < >berfelder Brothers are pioneer merchants al Sidney, and this ranch was a side issue. I [ere was where a demonstration of what hogs would do, if properly handled in alfalfa fields, proved of great value to the owners, a- well as to western Nebraska at large. id "Bob" l >berfelder have done splendidly their part in western development.
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\ great many people passing along that valley, on the < )verland trains, or the Lincoln 1 lighway, have admired a green oasis near the pretty village of Lodgepole, which is the Oberfelder ranch. < >berfelder Brothers are pioneer merchants al Sidney, and this ranch was a side issue. I [ere was where a demonstration of what hogs would do, if properly handled in alfalfa fields, proved of great value to the owners, a- well as to western Nebraska at large. id "Bob" l >berfelder have done splendidly their part in western development.
Permanent ranching at the mouth of the
Blue Water and west along the North Platte valley is marked by the names of old timers in the present limits of Garden county. Here we find foremost among them several persons still living, and of distinguished interest.
Reuben Lisco still holds the famous ranch heretofore mentioned in detail.
Samuel P. DeLatour still has a ranch in "Cheyenne Canyon" on the Blue, which he established before 1885.
H. C. Gumaer came up from Howard county and permanently settled here about 1885, with headquarters in section thirty-five. Township
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
seventeen, north of Range forty-four west. He organized the Oshkosh Land & Cattle Company.
D. C. Hooper arrived and went into ranching about the same time. Previously, Knowles- Baldwin Company, the Ogallala Company,, Adams, Redington & Company, and the LJsco ranch were in practical control of the range, the Ogallala having taken over many of the _ other ranches. This company had a "camp" at the mouth of the Blue, when the latter day ranchmen began to arrive.
626
seventeen, north of Range forty-four west. He organized the Oshkosh Land & Cattle Company.
D. C. Hooper arrived and went into ranching about the same time. Previously, Knowles- Baldwin Company, the Ogallala Company,, Adams, Redington & Company, and the LJsco ranch were in practical control of the range, the Ogallala having taken over many of the _ other ranches. This company had a "camp" at the mouth of the Blue, when the latter day ranchmen began to arrive.
About 1878, on the north side of the Niobrara, west of Valentine, some English people financed and builded what became known as Poor's ranch. The place was about due north of Nenzel, although there were neither Nenzel or Valentine at that time, and it grew to the proportions, then necessary to be called a ranch, namely: the number of cattle ran upward of a thousand. The range extended westward twenty or more miles and north to the Dakota line.
Two cowboys were killed by Indians there in its early years.
This ranch was where Addison E. Sheldon, present secretary of the State Historical Society, stopped for a time on his first journey into northwest Nebraska. With the coming of the granger the ranch was abandoned.
Earnest Brothers, who located on the Niobrara in Sioux county, in 1882, held the ranch for twenty years or more. Wilse Earnest moved to Scottsblufr about 1900, but Jim was ranching some years later. Both are now dead.
Mr. Meeks, who located on the Niobrara, about 1878, fifteen miles up the river from Agate, was at the crossing of the old Ft. LaraT mie-Ft. Robinson Military road.
627
With the coming of the granger the ranch was abandoned.
Earnest Brothers, who located on the Niobrara in Sioux county, in 1882, held the ranch for twenty years or more. Wilse Earnest moved to Scottsblufr about 1900, but Jim was ranching some years later. Both are now dead.
Mr. Meeks, who located on the Niobrara, about 1878, fifteen miles up the river from Agate, was at the crossing of the old Ft. LaraT mie-Ft. Robinson Military road.
Lusk became quite a cowtown in the eighties. The cemetery there would no doubt show a few evidences of the hilarious chivalry of cowdays. It became a custom then, when anyone died with "boots on," to put him in a vehicle that answered the purpose of a hearse, and haul it to the cemetery with lariats attached to the saddle horns of cow ponies.
After the burial, a strong board was set up at the head of the grave, and to properly identify it as the burial place of one of the western bunch, it was shot full of holes.
Some of these boards marked the graves of departed ones for years, and no doubt some of them are still to be found. Occasionally, to let their sleeping comrades know that those "still on top of the turf," were keeping alive the spirit of the west and its traditions, a party of passing cow-punchers would re-decorate these crude wooden markers with a battery of fresh bullet holes.
Recently I rambled through the somewhat
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After the burial, a strong board was set up at the head of the grave, and to properly identify it as the burial place of one of the western bunch, it was shot full of holes.
Some of these boards marked the graves of departed ones for years, and no doubt some of them are still to be found. Occasionally, to let their sleeping comrades know that those "still on top of the turf," were keeping alive the spirit of the west and its traditions, a party of passing cow-punchers would re-decorate these crude wooden markers with a battery of fresh bullet holes.
Recently I rambled through the somewhat
neglected Boot Hill graveyard at Sidney. The soldiers who were buried there have been taken to Cottonwood or Fort McPherson national cemetery, but many of the old wooden markers are- still at the graves. Generally all signs of identification are gone, except the substantial evidence of "six-guns." The story of only occasionally one of the one hundred and fifty or two hundred that were buried there is here related. In fact, the stories of the others are generally unknown. In the rush of fifteen hundred a day that passed through Sidney, if one fell by the wayside, even though suddenly and violently, it left no lasting impression.
Only the passing of someone who was identified with the community, as townsmen or herdsmen, occasioned any extensive remark. Men like Loomis, or Tate, or the Pinkstons, or perhaps those who went at the hands of vigilantes.
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In fact, the stories of the others are generally unknown. In the rush of fifteen hundred a day that passed through Sidney, if one fell by the wayside, even though suddenly and violently, it left no lasting impression.
Only the passing of someone who was identified with the community, as townsmen or herdsmen, occasioned any extensive remark. Men like Loomis, or Tate, or the Pinkstons, or perhaps those who went at the hands of vigilantes.
In one of those graves lies "Fritzie," who, while he perished with less ostentation and dramatic suddenness than some of the others, was given that type of burial because his • friends thought he might prefer it.
The misfortunes of Fritzie were not entirely due to himself, and none of his old time acquaintances that I have met could tell me his other name. Concerning him, "The Midnight Ride of Wild Horse Harris" eclipsed many of the dramatic riders in history, which are chronicled in prose, poetry and song. Harris rode, not for the liberation of a nation, but for the relief of a suffering friend.
Many old timers knew Fritzie as the onelegged cowpuncher who, for a time, ran Miner's hotel in Sidney. Fritzie's infirmity was caused by the intoxication, carelessness, and magnified sense of humor possessed by his buddy. Said buddy arrived home late one night, after an hilarious time in Sidney. Fritzie was sleeping when his buddy entered, and buddy decided it would be funny to shoot into the bed near enough to make his partner jump. He did, the partner jumped, his leg was shattered by the bullet, and later amputated.
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Many old timers knew Fritzie as the onelegged cowpuncher who, for a time, ran Miner's hotel in Sidney. Fritzie's infirmity was caused by the intoxication, carelessness, and magnified sense of humor possessed by his buddy. Said buddy arrived home late one night, after an hilarious time in Sidney. Fritzie was sleeping when his buddy entered, and buddy decided it would be funny to shoot into the bed near enough to make his partner jump. He did, the partner jumped, his leg was shattered by the bullet, and later amputated.
After that Fritzie had paralytic spells. They came on suddenly and left almost as quickly.
He was at Kane's ranch near Bronson once when attacked. Two wild horse trailers had captured a band and had them in Kane's big pine pole corral. The trailers were Jerry McGahon and Walter Harris, called "Wild Horse Jerry," and "Wild Horse Harris."
They were excited over Fritzie's paralytic attack, and Harris was going to Sidney for the doctor. Their own horses were rambling
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
out on the prairie somewhere, and Harris said he would ride a wild one. Jerry held the lantern and Harris threw a rope at random into the corral. He caught a wild-eyed mare. They snubbed her up to the fence, saddled her,' and Harris mounted in the saddle. In the lantern light she reared, knocked out the light and disappeared in blackness. Jerry struck a match, and saw Harris aholding the animal down.
"Open the gate," he said.
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out on the prairie somewhere, and Harris said he would ride a wild one. Jerry held the lantern and Harris threw a rope at random into the corral. He caught a wild-eyed mare. They snubbed her up to the fence, saddled her,' and Harris mounted in the saddle. In the lantern light she reared, knocked out the light and disappeared in blackness. Jerry struck a match, and saw Harris aholding the animal down.
"Open the gate," he said.
This was done, and the dark form of horse and rider shot into the night. That ride to Sidney, over prairies full of badger and prairie dog holes, buffalo wallows, and the
like, on a wild, never-before-ridden horse, in the night, was accomplished in short order.
Harris kept the animal headed east and generally between the railroad and the creek, by slapping the side of its head, this side and then the other, with rope, and hat and hand. After the first frenzied effort to roll him off, its one purpose seemed to be to wish to run away from its tormentor, but he stuck like a leach.
The doctor arrived before daylight.
Later Fritzie went entirely to the bad and died in the poor-house. The boys liked him, but he wasted whatever they liberally bestowed upon him, and in useless dissipation.
chapter xxxii
Mcdonald hung by vigilantes at sidney-- sheriff trognitz's toke -- practical tokes of old timers
By 1881, the gun men of Sidney were again making themselves so generally obnoxious, that a drastic and a lawless exhibition became necessary to show them that it must end. The slow process of courts would not have the immediate effects which conditions urged, and which the vigilantes hoped to accomplish.
632
The boys liked him, but he wasted whatever they liberally bestowed upon him, and in useless dissipation.
chapter xxxii
Mcdonald hung by vigilantes at sidney-- sheriff trognitz's toke -- practical tokes of old timers
By 1881, the gun men of Sidney were again making themselves so generally obnoxious, that a drastic and a lawless exhibition became necessary to show them that it must end. The slow process of courts would not have the immediate effects which conditions urged, and which the vigilantes hoped to accomplish.
In the passing of the frontier communities, heroic measures are frequently necessary. The hanging of Reed in 1879 toned down the wild gang for a time, but in a year or two, the shifting of bad men from place to place, again made Sidney the temporary abode of a tough gang of thieves and gamblers. The getaway of the bullion robbers added to their general recklessness.
McCarthy's saloon was the Capitol, which later was owned by Harry Winters. Mike Tobin ran the corner saloon on Second street from the railroad. Zig Gudfruend had his emporium on Front street, and there were
nlllcl's.
Thi soldiers stationed at Fort Sidney were not "t" the lily white variety. An Irishman named John Mathews and his wife ran a joint some distance east of the present site of tin- American Stale Bank, and they got mixed up in an embroglio with a bunch of soldiers. Early in the morning those who had retired, I Sidney was then a town where sale open day and night) wen- awakened b) hots, and the few who
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Thi soldiers stationed at Fort Sidney were not "t" the lily white variety. An Irishman named John Mathews and his wife ran a joint some distance east of the present site of tin- American Stale Bank, and they got mixed up in an embroglio with a bunch of soldiers. Early in the morning those who had retired, I Sidney was then a town where sale open day and night) wen- awakened b) hots, and the few who
were stationed where they could witness the affair, said that the Irishman and his wife stood in the door side by side, and each emptied a six-shooter at the soldiers, some six or seven of whom were wounded. Then they went inside and barred the door, and immediately dropped flat upon the floor. The soldiers riddled the front of the building with bullets, but all were too high to hit the recumbent occupants. This was only an incident of the life'there.
Julius Thoelecke ran a jewelry store and watch repairing establishment on Second street about a half block east of the American State Bank corner, in 1881, and he resided in the same building. He had a living room at the rear of the store, and a kitchen to the rear of that. West of the living room was the bedroom, and in front of that was another room occupied by a milinery store and living room, which was owned by a Mrs. Ferguson.
Thoelecke had a brothe'r at North Platte, who occasionally shipped hay to Sidney, and Julius attended to the distribution. Sam Fowler was then sheriff, he having succeeded Mose Howard who had resigned. He had a deputy named "Cottontail" Strater, a fearless man possessed of a desire to see a little more law enforced. On the morning in mind he visited Thoelecke's place for the purpose of negotiating regarding some hay.
634
West of the living room was the bedroom, and in front of that was another room occupied by a milinery store and living room, which was owned by a Mrs. Ferguson.
Thoelecke had a brothe'r at North Platte, who occasionally shipped hay to Sidney, and Julius attended to the distribution. Sam Fowler was then sheriff, he having succeeded Mose Howard who had resigned. He had a deputy named "Cottontail" Strater, a fearless man possessed of a desire to see a little more law enforced. On the morning in mind he visited Thoelecke's place for the purpose of negotiating regarding some hay.
Fowler and "Cottontail" had "stirred up
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the animals," as the saying went, and the gamblers vowed vengeance. By some arrangement the duty fell upon one named McDonald to get rid of "Cottontail," and on that morning he entered the store after Strater, and. pulled his gun. Strater had just time to duck, and he clucked into the living-room of the Thoeleckes. Getting a grip on his gun he started for the front room again, when Mrs. Thoelecke took a hand. She was a strong woman weighing about one hundred and eighty pounds and she seized the diminutive deputy sheriff and forced him into a chair. She then opened the door, and McDonald, thinking it was the returning deputy, dropped his gun upon her. She was absolutely fearless, and he discovered his error in time to prevent homicide. Still bent upon his purpose, he turned out of the door and ran around the millinery store towards a side door of the kitchen. But here Mrs. Thoelecke again met him, and demanded that he leave the place "like a gentleman." The story of the event spread like a prairie fire. The gamblers gathered in force on the corner in front of Tobin's saloon, and condemned Mc- Donald for his fiasco ending of the affair.
635
Still bent upon his purpose, he turned out of the door and ran around the millinery store towards a side door of the kitchen. But here Mrs. Thoelecke again met him, and demanded that he leave the place "like a gentleman." The story of the event spread like a prairie fire. The gamblers gathered in force on the corner in front of Tobin's saloon, and condemned Mc- Donald for his fiasco ending of the affair. Fowler and Strater went about deputizing men to take the gang. Occasionally one who stood in with the rough element or did not court any trouble with them, would refuse to be deputized, until they saw the muzzle of a gun, and the determined faces, then he would join, sometimes with a humorous remark, that after all he "guessed he would go too."
How they got away with it without a shot being fired and a number of killed and wounded, was only a miracle. But Fowler went into the saloon and brought out McDonald. He and Hugh Bean, "the gentleman gambler," Dan Sullivan, Frank Anderson, and some half a dozen others were disarmed, marched to the old Sidney jail, and locked in.
Sometime in the night a number of men, some of whom still reside in the new and better Sidney, got their heads together. In the morning McDonald was found near the court house hung to a pole, and the other gambler prisoners, had all "vamoosed" for healthier climates. One of the scattered clan recently died in Pocatello, Idaho, and what became of the others is of little consequence.
636
He and Hugh Bean, "the gentleman gambler," Dan Sullivan, Frank Anderson, and some half a dozen others were disarmed, marched to the old Sidney jail, and locked in.
Sometime in the night a number of men, some of whom still reside in the new and better Sidney, got their heads together. In the morning McDonald was found near the court house hung to a pole, and the other gambler prisoners, had all "vamoosed" for healthier climates. One of the scattered clan recently died in Pocatello, Idaho, and what became of the others is of little consequence.
The deputy sheriff very likely owed his life to the activities of Mrs.' Thoelecke, although he may have proven the quicker had he been permitted to return to the store, and McDonald been the victim of a gun fight instead of at the hands of vigilantes. Had he chosen his fate, that would probably have been the alternative. The staging of the affair in a jewelry
store, instead of the usual haunts,, indicated a yellow start, and the hope to catch his proposed victim unprepared.
This was the last hanging by vigilantes in the Panhandle, but occasionally the cow-punchers, to give travelers on the Union Pacific a thrill, would pull off a stunt by hanging a dummy to a pole near the railroad, and shoot it full of holes, as a train pulled into town.
In the middle eighties, Charley Trognitz was sheriff of Cheyenne county, and he had a bill disallowed by the commissioners, which he himself considered was an error upon their part. The board then consisted of A. Frame, J. W. Harper and Joe Atkins.
637
This was the last hanging by vigilantes in the Panhandle, but occasionally the cow-punchers, to give travelers on the Union Pacific a thrill, would pull off a stunt by hanging a dummy to a pole near the railroad, and shoot it full of holes, as a train pulled into town.
In the middle eighties, Charley Trognitz was sheriff of Cheyenne county, and he had a bill disallowed by the commissioners, which he himself considered was an error upon their part. The board then consisted of A. Frame, J. W. Harper and Joe Atkins.
In the routine of county business there came a time when they must inspect the county jail. Trognitz let them all get well inside, and locked them in. Rattling the big keys upon the bars, he asked. "Now will you allow the bill." They capitulated. Charley said he knew he could not hold them to it, but they also knew that he knew enough about them to keep them there for life, and a little touch of it would bring it home to them.
"The trouble." said Charley, "was that I could not tell on them, for I was in it when it happened. But they allowed the bill of a man whom they thought was desperate."
One time J. W. Harper was in Omaha, and he met Colonel Charles Coffee of Chadron and a number of other old timers. They had stopped for lunch at the Millard cafe, and one of the fellows more bibulous than the others, had lingered long over his chops. The others grew tired of waiting and wandered up town. After a time their absent friend joined them and told them of a wonderful work of art, the portrait of a woman in the cafe of the Millard, which the others had failed to note.
638
Harper was in Omaha, and he met Colonel Charles Coffee of Chadron and a number of other old timers. They had stopped for lunch at the Millard cafe, and one of the fellows more bibulous than the others, had lingered long over his chops. The others grew tired of waiting and wandered up town. After a time their absent friend joined them and told them of a wonderful work of art, the portrait of a woman in the cafe of the Millard, which the others had failed to note.
So enthusiastic was his endorsement of the work, that they were finally sufficiently interested to return and look at it. The picture proved to be a commonplace portait of a woman, and none could see the cause for such enthusiasm. The amateur art critic made each one of them stand in front of the picture, then to each side, then in the far corners, and each time look at the woman's eyes. Still they were unmoved and demanded that he point out the particular features of art that appealed to him.
"Why, can't you see?" he said with apparent earnestness, "that wherever in this room you stand, her eyes are fixed upon you. It is wonderful. You over there and me over here, and she is looking squarely at both of us at the same time."
The fellows looked at each other, ami Cof-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
fee broke the silence. "Come on, boys, I'll buy."
The coming of prohibition will forever end certain of the rough pranks and jollity of men. Much of the good fellowship and humor of the west was where the spirits were enlivened by frequent and sundry libations. Not all of the early men drank, but those who did not, frequented the places where those bent on revelry were inclined to congregate.
639
The fellows looked at each other, ami Cof-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
fee broke the silence. "Come on, boys, I'll buy."
The coming of prohibition will forever end certain of the rough pranks and jollity of men. Much of the good fellowship and humor of the west was where the spirits were enlivened by frequent and sundry libations. Not all of the early men drank, but those who did not, frequented the places where those bent on revelry were inclined to congregate. Comical incidents that were common in the bar room, would be inappropriate in a soda parlor or a grocery store. Valentine King and Charley Nelson, initiating a newcomer into the glories of the west, would be out of place in a candy kitchen.
These old time gentlemen had a tenderfoot in Zig. Gudfreund's saloon at Sidney, and their conversation drifted into the mysterious power of mind. Nelson declared he was a mind reader and the stranger, as expected, disputed the existence of such power. A small wager was put up, and Nelson retired. The stranger was to hide some article, selected after Charley, had left the room, and Nelson was to find it upon his return.
The stranger was looking for some suitable article to hide, when King innocently suggested an egg, there being a number in a dish behind
the bar. The unusual article Valentine suggested could be hid in the stranger's cap, which would be an unlikely place to look for it.
Charley was then called in, and he experienced some difficulty in getting his mental apparatus in working order. He maneuverated about, and reached up his arms, for a while, and finally, when it was in the right position, he said : "Well, whatever it is, I have a feeling that it is right here." His hand went down with a slap upon the tenderfoot's head and smashed the egg.
640
The unusual article Valentine suggested could be hid in the stranger's cap, which would be an unlikely place to look for it.
Charley was then called in, and he experienced some difficulty in getting his mental apparatus in working order. He maneuverated about, and reached up his arms, for a while, and finally, when it was in the right position, he said : "Well, whatever it is, I have a feeling that it is right here." His hand went down with a slap upon the tenderfoot's head and smashed the egg. The smeared and indignant man, was finally coaxed into good humor, with the perfect understanding that he was now a full-fledged westerner, and at liberty to practice on any stranger that might happen along.
King and Nelson have both left this land, the former on the "long, long trail." and Nelson to Cuba, which has not yet adopted the single standard of water, with nothing above two and one-half per cent alcohol. He says it is asking too much of one of the old boys who used to take it straight, to drink forty gallons of water to get one of "licker." His stay in Cuba will not be permanent, for Nelson has been too long in western Nebraska to part with it forever.
GORDON'S AND WHITEHEAD'S RANCHES -- YODER'S BEGINNING AND EX- PANSION -- NEW DEVELOPMENT IN GOSHEN HOLES -- BE- GINNING OF ALFALFA AND SUGAR BEETS
On our first trip up Horse creek in the eighties, we stopped at the Gordon ranch, in company with George Whitehead. Gordon was .'in active Scotchman and had built an irrigation plant. He, in one place, had made a tunnel through a hill, as I remember it quite a long distance, and large enough to work a team in.
641
GORDON'S AND WHITEHEAD'S RANCHES -- YODER'S BEGINNING AND EX- PANSION -- NEW DEVELOPMENT IN GOSHEN HOLES -- BE- GINNING OF ALFALFA AND SUGAR BEETS
On our first trip up Horse creek in the eighties, we stopped at the Gordon ranch, in company with George Whitehead. Gordon was .'in active Scotchman and had built an irrigation plant. He, in one place, had made a tunnel through a hill, as I remember it quite a long distance, and large enough to work a team in.
The house was modern and had "upholstered" furniture. The night we were there, we were entertained in the parlor, along with a couple of "punchers" from the south. These were decidedly ill at ease sitting on the sofa, until they got their feet drawn up under them, (in the "plush" upholstery. Gordon tried Iiin l.i'si to In unconcerned aboul using his style
furniture as a boot mat, but he occasionally grunted ; "that must be comfortable."
The Gordon ranch later became a part of the Colen Hunter ranch, and I believe it so remains. The building and improving of the ranch involved Gordon in heavy obligations which he was unable to meet in the later money-pinch. He built an ideal, but was unable to retain it. like so many of the ideals which dreamers build. Someone else absorbed the benefits of his genius and industry, because he built on borrowed money.
I do not know the present ownership of the old Whitehead ranch, although, as I recall, it was quite a place then.
642
The building and improving of the ranch involved Gordon in heavy obligations which he was unable to meet in the later money-pinch. He built an ideal, but was unable to retain it. like so many of the ideals which dreamers build. Someone else absorbed the benefits of his genius and industry, because he built on borrowed money.
I do not know the present ownership of the old Whitehead ranch, although, as I recall, it was quite a place then.
In 1881, P. T. Yoder and his son H. F.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBR \SK \
(Frank) came from Aft. Pleasant, Iowa, and located on Bear creek, about ten miles west of the present site of Meridian. This ranch started with thirty-seven heifers and a dozen horses. Mr. Goodman, a squawman, lived not far from where they settled.
Homer Z. Yoder, no relative of the original family, has a ranch at this time, three or four miles down the creek from the first Yoder ranch.
There was a school house on Bear creek at the time -- said to be the one in which Molly Woods, heroine of "The Virginian" once taught school.
Frank Yoder. attended school here in the winter of 1881 and 1882, being the only white pupil in attendance. Five daughters of Goodman attended this school, they being beadyeyed half-breeds of varying ages.
At the tap of the bell for intermission, noon or night, these girls would move silently to the door, but as soon as in the clear, they would scatter and run for the brush like scared rabbits. Then at the call bell they would silently re-emerge and file shyly into their seats.
643
Frank Yoder. attended school here in the winter of 1881 and 1882, being the only white pupil in attendance. Five daughters of Goodman attended this school, they being beadyeyed half-breeds of varying ages.
At the tap of the bell for intermission, noon or night, these girls would move silently to the door, but as soon as in the clear, they would scatter and run for the brush like scared rabbits. Then at the call bell they would silently re-emerge and file shyly into their seats.
Jess Yoder, a brother of H. F., arrived in 1882. The humble beginning developed and at sometime or another these Yoder boys have owned a lot of the ranches thereabout.
The Dollar ranch, on Bear creek ; the Greasewood ranch in the Goshen Holes, and several others, were owned at one time or another.
The Yoder-Marsh Company, consisting of Jess Yoder and a brother-in-law named Marsh, now own the old Y-cross ranch, which they bought nearly twenty years ago. The}' run three to four thousand cattle at this time.
H. F. Yoder, about five years ago, acquired the fine old Brown ranch near La Grange. This place had 3,160 acres of excellent land. Here Frank keeps in the neighborhood of one thousand cattle.
The Yoder boys are active in banking and finance in the Citizen's National Bank of Cheyenne, the Torrington National Bank at Torrinsrton, and elsewhere.
The Hawk Springs Development Company was of their conception, and from its reservoir it supplies water for several thousand acres of excellent farms in the heart of the Goshen Holes.
644
Yoder, about five years ago, acquired the fine old Brown ranch near La Grange. This place had 3,160 acres of excellent land. Here Frank keeps in the neighborhood of one thousand cattle.
The Yoder boys are active in banking and finance in the Citizen's National Bank of Cheyenne, the Torrington National Bank at Torrinsrton, and elsewhere.
The Hawk Springs Development Company was of their conception, and from its reservoir it supplies water for several thousand acres of excellent farms in the heart of the Goshen Holes.
In this same section of the Goshen Hole country, the Springers -- •Henry and John -- have their reservoir and private lands and canals covering a thousand acres of their own.
They also supply water for Lon Merchant. the McHenrys. Airs. Armitage, Security Land Company and others.
Also here is built the "Bump-Sullivan" ditch now owned by "Goshen Ditch Company." This company also has a storage reservoir and is jointly owned by Tom, Charlie (Pit) and Jack Lacy, the Sullivans,- Paul Woods, Ethel Rowell, Airs. Perry Sullivan, the Selbys and Wm. Hingelfelt. In this vicinity is destined to be a city of considerable importance when the Union Pacific extends its line up the North Platte Valley, as is contemplated in 1921.
Some excellent alfalfa fields are in this part of the valley, and a sugar factory is one of the early anticipations after the advent of the railroad. It takes a long time to realize dreams, but the west was built by dreams.
There are living and active in business in the state capital, Lincoln, Nebraska, men who sat in the shadow of sod houses, and dreamed that some day there would be a railroad builded to the Salt Basin, and Lancaster Hill, now the city of Lincoln. It was then inland, and reached by trail wagons and stage.
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Some excellent alfalfa fields are in this part of the valley, and a sugar factory is one of the early anticipations after the advent of the railroad. It takes a long time to realize dreams, but the west was built by dreams.
There are living and active in business in the state capital, Lincoln, Nebraska, men who sat in the shadow of sod houses, and dreamed that some day there would be a railroad builded to the Salt Basin, and Lancaster Hill, now the city of Lincoln. It was then inland, and reached by trail wagons and stage.
Fifty years ago there lived in North Platte a dreamer by the name of J. B. Park. In 1870, he advocated through the columns of the Lincoln County Adventurer, the planting of sugar beets and lucerne. From France he imported some sugar beet seed which was the beginning of that crop which now runs to ten million dollars a year, in western Nebraska alone.
He also imported several bags of Chilian clover seed, thus planting the first alfalfa in Nebraska. In that day it was known as Lucerne, Chilan clover, or California clover, the name alfalfa coming into general use later on. It is difficult to estimate the value which Colonel Parks initiation has been to our community and commonwealth.
During the campaign of 1920, the output from the four sugar mills at Scottsbluff, Gering, Bayard and Mitchell will be approximately one thousand pounds of refined sugar every minute of the day and night, a total of some one hundred and fifty million pounds.
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In that day it was known as Lucerne, Chilan clover, or California clover, the name alfalfa coming into general use later on. It is difficult to estimate the value which Colonel Parks initiation has been to our community and commonwealth.
During the campaign of 1920, the output from the four sugar mills at Scottsbluff, Gering, Bayard and Mitchell will be approximately one thousand pounds of refined sugar every minute of the day and night, a total of some one hundred and fifty million pounds.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
SAND HILL RANCHES OF TODAY -- DANGERS OF THE STAMPEDE -- ORIGIN OF SOME WESTERN EXPRESSIONS -- PRANKS OF EARLY DAYS
The Sand Hill regions of Sheridan, Sioux and Garden counties, are more extensive than others of the Panhandle, though not having the area of Cherry county, which lies further east, or not having the percentage of grazing land that a number of the small counties in the Sand Hills contain.
These Sand Hill regions are now the home of many great ranches that have come since the old cattle baron went over the Great Divide. In early granger days, and while the sand hills were passing to title under the section homestead act, we heard stories of feudal despots known as "cattle barons." But always these bold, bad buccaneers were "over the hill," somewhere. They were elusive, and no one ever quite "met up" with one.
A few half insane bachelors like John Krause, added a touch of realism to the stories told. But the real ranchers of the sand hills were fellows like Charles Tulleys, Festus Carothers, Everett Eldred, Ed Meyers, John Batchelor, Avery Brothers, L. E. Ballinger, George Richardson, Smith Brothers and scores of others that could be named.
647
In early granger days, and while the sand hills were passing to title under the section homestead act, we heard stories of feudal despots known as "cattle barons." But always these bold, bad buccaneers were "over the hill," somewhere. They were elusive, and no one ever quite "met up" with one.
A few half insane bachelors like John Krause, added a touch of realism to the stories told. But the real ranchers of the sand hills were fellows like Charles Tulleys, Festus Carothers, Everett Eldred, Ed Meyers, John Batchelor, Avery Brothers, L. E. Ballinger, George Richardson, Smith Brothers and scores of others that could be named.
A number of the younger ranchmen obtained their start from such men as Festus Carothers. Some very successful young men have been "put upon their feet" by this enterprising and splendid old man of the Hills, more than once, before they succeeded in getting a grip upon themselves.
Some of the Sand Hill ranches are landed empires.
Eldred's ranch in northern Garden county contains about four townships. He runs vast herds -- probably more than 10,000 cattle and 1000 horses. In the big storm of March, 1913, fifteen hundred cattle were lost by their drifting into Swan lake.
The Avery ranches are also large. Charles has a ranch covering two townships, and well stocked. Sam also has a fine ranch. Fine hay meadows, and a hunting lodge on one of the Avery lakes, built for the accommodation of friends and visitors, is the way Avery Brothers do things.
648
He runs vast herds -- probably more than 10,000 cattle and 1000 horses. In the big storm of March, 1913, fifteen hundred cattle were lost by their drifting into Swan lake.
The Avery ranches are also large. Charles has a ranch covering two townships, and well stocked. Sam also has a fine ranch. Fine hay meadows, and a hunting lodge on one of the Avery lakes, built for the accommodation of friends and visitors, is the way Avery Brothers do things.
Boyd and Rice own Crescent ranch which
covers about three townships, and is well stock-
' d George Richardson has more than a towni E Ballinger twenty thousand acres.
R. M. Hampton's ten thousand acre ranch in the northern part of Morrill county, has
been merged into the thirty-five thousand acre ranch of Hall and Graham. This ranch cuts thousands of tons of hay annually, and suffered a great hay loss by fire in 1920. They have from three thousand to four thousand cattle.
All these ranches are under the new order, as the old free range has passed away. The big roundups are no more, except perhaps in remote regions of Argentine, or on the Amazon, in South America.
Neither do we have the stampedes that used to wither the grass as the trampling feet of wild-eyed cattle passed. Those were days when "The Phantom Steer" led herds to perdition. To quote from verse written in the running style of the running cattle:
"For at my side with a flaming nose, And eyes that glowed as foxfire glows, With a body of quivering, pulsing mist My rope cut through as it, whirling, hissed. Was a Thing that sped with the speed of deer : I was neck and neck with "The Phantom
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Neither do we have the stampedes that used to wither the grass as the trampling feet of wild-eyed cattle passed. Those were days when "The Phantom Steer" led herds to perdition. To quote from verse written in the running style of the running cattle:
"For at my side with a flaming nose, And eyes that glowed as foxfire glows, With a body of quivering, pulsing mist My rope cut through as it, whirling, hissed. Was a Thing that sped with the speed of deer : I was neck and neck with "The Phantom
Steer;" The Thing that never was known to miss A bottomless bog, or a precipice ; The Thing that leads both herds and men To where they never come back again."
The old familiar and effective way to stop a stampede, was to ride well in the lead, and turn the leaders into an ever narrowing circle, until they were into a slowly revolving wheel with those in the center hardly moving out of their tracks. This contained its perils, for the riding at night is nearly always on strange ground. If a horse should fall it was almost sure death.
Thus the use of the word "mill" or "milling," took on additional meaning. A crowd moving about was "milling around." Dancing the old "round dances" were sometimes called "milling." Occasionally dancers and dancing were referred to as "the night herd is a-running," or "the herd, it got to milling when the fiddle got in tune."
Wyatt ( Long) Heard, of Uvalde county, Texas, drifted through Banner county, on the last roundup. He liked the social early times, but had the fault of getting seriously in earnest with the girls he liked best. Those early girls liked a good time, but none of them cared anything about "a solid fellow."
650
A crowd moving about was "milling around." Dancing the old "round dances" were sometimes called "milling." Occasionally dancers and dancing were referred to as "the night herd is a-running," or "the herd, it got to milling when the fiddle got in tune."
Wyatt ( Long) Heard, of Uvalde county, Texas, drifted through Banner county, on the last roundup. He liked the social early times, but had the fault of getting seriously in earnest with the girls he liked best. Those early girls liked a good time, but none of them cared anything about "a solid fellow."
HISTORY <>]• WHSTKRX XKBKASKA
One with whom Wyatt had gone several times, when asked by him to attend another party, plead a previous engagement. She appeared at the party with Grant Mills.
Homer Welker, a wag of the range, knew of the affair and when he got the proper surroundings he said : "The only way to stop a "Heard" is to get it to "Mill." Then he snorted. Every body but Heard appreciated the joke.
There were a lot of pranks pulled off at parties and dances, and where some "puncher's" horse, or buggy team was tied at the gate or corral of a place where one of the first girls were known to reside. I found my broncho untied late one night when I was starting for home. The "fool critter" traveled ahead of me in the moonlight from fifty to one hundred yards distant, all the way. It was a nice seven mile walk. I never knew who did the untying.
651
There were a lot of pranks pulled off at parties and dances, and where some "puncher's" horse, or buggy team was tied at the gate or corral of a place where one of the first girls were known to reside. I found my broncho untied late one night when I was starting for home. The "fool critter" traveled ahead of me in the moonlight from fifty to one hundred yards distant, all the way. It was a nice seven mile walk. I never knew who did the untying.
I have participated in changing a fellow's buggy wheels, putting the small wheels on the
rear, so that the occupants would drive home "up hill most of the way."
Another time, a "hitch rope" was taken from one of the horses, and the hind wheels tied together. The effect was, when the fellow started home with the girl, the first revolution of the wheels brought the rope across the back of the buggy box, and then the wheels slid. He worried about the sagging buggy box, and thought a spring must be broken. Also, the ponies failed to pick up any speed, and seemed to be pulling hard on the light rig. Xext morning he discovered the cause.
One of the jokes of the ranchmen in north Garden county, whenever visiting Omaha or other markets, was to pose as the "Mayor of Mumper." Mumper was a postoffice at a ranch in the Sand Hill country, and while "Mayor of Mumper" was impressive among distant strangers, at home it had about as much significance as mayor of a hill of sand.
652
Also, the ponies failed to pick up any speed, and seemed to be pulling hard on the light rig. Xext morning he discovered the cause.
One of the jokes of the ranchmen in north Garden county, whenever visiting Omaha or other markets, was to pose as the "Mayor of Mumper." Mumper was a postoffice at a ranch in the Sand Hill country, and while "Mayor of Mumper" was impressive among distant strangers, at home it had about as much significance as mayor of a hill of sand.
FIRST RAXCH IN DAWES COUNTY -- GRAHAM AND SNYDER ON NIOBRARA RIVER -- OTHER RANCHES XEAR FORT ROBINSON -- STAM- PEDIN' ON THE OLD TRAIL
After the establishment of Fort Robinson, soldiers of fortune and others began building ranches within the radius of its protection.
The first to enter ranching activities in the territory now embraced in Dawes county, was Edgar Beecher Bronson, on Dead Man's creek, a few miles southwest of the present site of Crawford. The Sioux name for this creek was Ghost creek. Bronson located there about 1878, and about the same time Dr. E. B. Graham and R. Snyder established themselves on the Niobrara, at Agate, which has later become famous as the home of Captain James H. Cook.
Bronson moved to the Niobrara in 1879, and located about twelve miles east of Graham and Snyder. He became a writer of considerable note, publishing a book of western adventure.
Captain Cook is also a well known character in western Nebraska early life when Indians were a menace. At the Agate ranch has been unearthed and developed one of the most famous fossil beds of the world. Mr. Cook, though long before in the west, purchased the Graham ranch about 1887.
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Bronson moved to the Niobrara in 1879, and located about twelve miles east of Graham and Snyder. He became a writer of considerable note, publishing a book of western adventure.
Captain Cook is also a well known character in western Nebraska early life when Indians were a menace. At the Agate ranch has been unearthed and developed one of the most famous fossil beds of the world. Mr. Cook, though long before in the west, purchased the Graham ranch about 1887.
Jack Carpenter was one of the first near
Fort Robinson. He initiated his work about 1879, on White river a few miles west of the fort.
About the same time, Captain Hamilton, an officer at the fort, started on Soldier creek. I believe he took the location which Bronson abandoned on going to the Niobrara.
Powers Brothers of the Seven-U put in a sub-station on Bordeaux creek.
Six miles east of the fort, a Mr. Russell, who represented and was backed by the Diiector of the Port of New York, built the Ox-Yoke ranch. Russell was a brother-in-law of the Director. These ranches were not of large proportion, and did not endure for long.
Carpenter's boy -- Willie -- arrived in the winter of 1879-1880 and was snow-bound in Sidney for three or four weeks. He was a nice kind of a kid and stayed in Oberfelder's store. Some years later a big, wiskered man with a deep voice came into the store and asked for Bob. When Bob appeared he said: "I want your father," but after a bit he discovered it was the same Bob of old. He asked if Bob remembered Jack Carpenter. Bob answered :
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Carpenter's boy -- Willie -- arrived in the winter of 1879-1880 and was snow-bound in Sidney for three or four weeks. He was a nice kind of a kid and stayed in Oberfelder's store. Some years later a big, wiskered man with a deep voice came into the store and asked for Bob. When Bob appeared he said: "I want your father," but after a bit he discovered it was the same Bob of old. He asked if Bob remembered Jack Carpenter. Bob answered :
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
"< if course I do, and also his son Willie."'
"Well," said the visitor, "by I am Willie."
He had developed into a powerful man mentally and physically, and had removed to Idaho, where he had become very wealthy.
From 1893 to 1910, the Union Cattle Company leased its Goshen Hole lands, west of Wyoming line to the Two-Bar or Swan outfit.
Will Sturgis had a number of tests made, looking for coal, oil and gas. Some five wells were put down, ranging from 500 to 1000 feet. At one time, making some assessment work, he employed Howard Thomas, who was subject to epileptic fits. He had a shaft down about six feet, when one of these fits rendered him helpless. He drowned in less than a foot of water.
Tom Sturgis had Whispering Smith employed in the eighties to keep Cheyenne county from going for the herd law. He failed in his efforts for the grangers were strong for it. McGinley and Stover located three miles west of Agate in 1882, and Earnest Brothers located three miles farther up the river about the same time.
655
He had a shaft down about six feet, when one of these fits rendered him helpless. He drowned in less than a foot of water.
Tom Sturgis had Whispering Smith employed in the eighties to keep Cheyenne county from going for the herd law. He failed in his efforts for the grangers were strong for it. McGinley and Stover located three miles west of Agate in 1882, and Earnest Brothers located three miles farther up the river about the same time.
"Hank" Clifford ran the station at the Niobrara crossing about 1878 or 1879. The same time, or thereabouts, Mr. Meeks located his ranch fifteen miles northwest of Agate, where the Ft. Laramie-Ft. Robinson Military road crossed the river.
A third nf a century ago, the granger broke into the open range, and the cowmen scattered, or stampeded, or settled down to the new order. Every little while we now hear of one who has gone "stampedin' on the Old Trail." Yet, today, we find a few anchored to the soil of the wonderful land, which they have helped to tame from the wilderness of old, to the present wilderness of green, done in seventeen shades of glory and productivity.
Recently there seems to be a Stampede of the old boys, heading for the Home Ranch Across the Great Divide, and it is fitting that we should close this history of an epoch in the taming 0f (he west, with a few lines dedicated to the brave and true spirits who wrought the transformation :
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Every little while we now hear of one who has gone "stampedin' on the Old Trail." Yet, today, we find a few anchored to the soil of the wonderful land, which they have helped to tame from the wilderness of old, to the present wilderness of green, done in seventeen shades of glory and productivity.
Recently there seems to be a Stampede of the old boys, heading for the Home Ranch Across the Great Divide, and it is fitting that we should close this history of an epoch in the taming 0f (he west, with a few lines dedicated to the brave and true spirits who wrought the transformation :
Stampedinj ox the Old Trail
The 1>ovs are leavin' this old range,
Where once they liked to ride; And hittin' for the Home Ranch,
\< TO ■ ilu- I ,rcat Divide. We .-ill were goin' sometime
P.n! never had agreed
1,1 quil the flats in bunches -- A regular stampede.
From Circle Arrow ranch the first
To drift or fade away, Were Jimmy Tate at Sidney,
And" Kimball Billy Day. He's put in Boot Hill Graveyard,
With boots on, as he died, W7hen Jimmy quit the Lodgepole
And hit the Great Divide.
And then to take the High Roau
Was our old Captain Jenks ; He went with the Rough Riders
When shuffling off the kinks. Then Chris Streeks of a sudden
Snuffed out the light, and died -- He swung into the saddle
For the Long and Lonely Ride.
657
To drift or fade away, Were Jimmy Tate at Sidney,
And" Kimball Billy Day. He's put in Boot Hill Graveyard,
With boots on, as he died, W7hen Jimmy quit the Lodgepole
And hit the Great Divide.
And then to take the High Roau
Was our old Captain Jenks ; He went with the Rough Riders
When shuffling off the kinks. Then Chris Streeks of a sudden
Snuffed out the light, and died -- He swung into the saddle
For the Long and Lonely Ride.
Old Baldy Kelly hit The Road
From Little Moon lakeshore, For Iron Leg Bill was spittin' fire
From out the cabin door. Now. Baldy 's way of queerin' Bill
Was coarse, as coarse could be. He ought a hung with old Tom Horn
Or swung with Earl McFee.
O'Hallern with his boots on
Done quit the Seven-U : And Charley Moore, of Wellsville,
Said he'd go Trailin', too. They left the old sod shanty
At the north end of the bridge, And the last was seen of either.
He was trailin' o'er The Ridge.
The Maycock brothers, John and Joe,
Each passed along The Way. John dropped in from the sagebrush,
And Joe from Canada. And boys, a waitin', millin' 'round.
For calls to come up higher. Saw Colonel Pratt fade up The Trail
A settin' her afire.
Then from the Runnin' Water
Went the Earnests -- Jim and Wilse, And from the Mitchell valley
Went a ridin' John R. Stilts, Peg Wiggins went from Torrington,
658
He was trailin' o'er The Ridge.
The Maycock brothers, John and Joe,
Each passed along The Way. John dropped in from the sagebrush,
And Joe from Canada. And boys, a waitin', millin' 'round.
For calls to come up higher. Saw Colonel Pratt fade up The Trail
A settin' her afire.
Then from the Runnin' Water
Went the Earnests -- Jim and Wilse, And from the Mitchell valley
Went a ridin' John R. Stilts, Peg Wiggins went from Torrington,
And Extract Smith, be blowed With Gunnysack Pete, thru the dusk
A burnin' up The Road.
Then Wright, who lived on "Pumpkin Cieek'
We always called him "John," Said, "Boys, I guess it's quittin' time
And I'll be movin' on." And Sandy Ingraham spread his hand
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
And guessed he'd quit the game, While Peters cashed his checks in, And said he'd do the same.
They saw a shadow foggin'
And a fannin' up The Vale "It's Johnny Boyle," they shouted,
"That's the way he hits The Trail." Then Haig, he quits the Two-bar,
To travel on The Road, A lookin' for old Snodgrass,
McShane and Mark M. Coad.
He'll find them sittin' in the game
In good old fashioned style, And, maybe, lookin' on, he'll find
His neighbor, Milton Byal. There's Tusler, and~Sam Fowler,
And Laing, who lived upon The "Lorren's Fork" a plavin'
With old Doc Middletom
It sure is quite an outfit
Of saddle boys that goes. Jim Brantner, of White river,
And little Tim Montrose. And they have caught Lew Saunders
659
To travel on The Road, A lookin' for old Snodgrass,
McShane and Mark M. Coad.
He'll find them sittin' in the game
In good old fashioned style, And, maybe, lookin' on, he'll find
His neighbor, Milton Byal. There's Tusler, and~Sam Fowler,
And Laing, who lived upon The "Lorren's Fork" a plavin'
With old Doc Middletom
It sure is quite an outfit
Of saddle boys that goes. Jim Brantner, of White river,
And little Tim Montrose. And they have caught Lew Saunders
A trailin' o'er The Hills : And Grangers of the Frontier --
There's Dad, A. W. Mills.
Raymond, Rayburn, Thornton,
Ashford -- ■ pioneers Are plowin' up the turf There
As here, in early years. But that won't make them worry
They won't have long to wait, 'Til someone after that Long Ride
Will say, "Let's irrigate."
There's H. M. Springer -- drivin' fast •
Along the Dusty Trail There's P. J. Yoder leavin'
The Bear creek -- Fox Creek Vale. And Colin Hunter from Horse creek --
He crossed the Cheyenne Plain Where Gordon had gone on before,
Along with Doc. Tremaine.
Sam Lawyer -- arms a flappin'
And floppin' like a sail Went foggin' and a fannin' up
The Dim and Dusty Trail I faintly hear an anvil,
And ringin' blacksmith tools : I wonder if Jack Hilton's there
A shoein' Spanish mules.
Bronson left the Deadman's\ creek
A "Ghost" upon the Wind. Doc Graham went from Agate
A followin' close behind. Bill Kelly went from Pumpkin creek
660
He crossed the Cheyenne Plain Where Gordon had gone on before,
Along with Doc. Tremaine.
Sam Lawyer -- arms a flappin'
And floppin' like a sail Went foggin' and a fannin' up
The Dim and Dusty Trail I faintly hear an anvil,
And ringin' blacksmith tools : I wonder if Jack Hilton's there
A shoein' Spanish mules.
Bronson left the Deadman's\ creek
A "Ghost" upon the Wind. Doc Graham went from Agate
A followin' close behind. Bill Kelly went from Pumpkin creek
A trailin' old Tom Kane And Newman's quit the Lodgepole
To lead the Turks again.
Dick Bean could drive a herd of steers
Across the river Styx. But drivin' harnessed bronchos
Got him in a regular fix. When horses, harness, wagon,
They had all begun to "mill," Why Dick, he up and leaves them
On the Old Ash Hollow Hill.
With old association gone
Bratt didn't care a hoot 'Bout things along the Birdwood,
So they run him through the Chute With Keith and Barton on One Range
And maybe A. B. Hall, Or Chas. McDonald on another
Wouldn't do at all.
So Bratt, he said, no Bogy
Could scare one of his stamp, If he had men like Cody
Or Likens, in his camp. He'd hunt the scattered Dogies
And as he found his pals, He'd round 'em up and drive 'em in
To his Home Ranch Corrals.
I wonder if the old boys.
Join in the "round up mill :" I wonder if the bronchos
Are linin' the corral: And girls with merry laughter.
661
Wouldn't do at all.
So Bratt, he said, no Bogy
Could scare one of his stamp, If he had men like Cody
Or Likens, in his camp. He'd hunt the scattered Dogies
And as he found his pals, He'd round 'em up and drive 'em in
To his Home Ranch Corrals.
I wonder if the old boys.
Join in the "round up mill :" I wonder if the bronchos
Are linin' the corral: And girls with merry laughter.
And boys with shouts of glee, Swing "a-la-man" at Livingston
To the tune of Fiddler Lee.
The old grout house is crumbled,
And soddies of the west, Where gatherings were welcome
When roundup outfits passed, Are gone ; and gone the fiddler
Who played the prancin' tune. When "the night herd was runnin' "
'Til the settin' of the moon.
I wonder if the mess house
Is like it used to be ; I wonder if the bunk house
Is calling you and me. I wonder if the old boys
Arc plavin' seven up.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
And callin' Collins, bring 'em in An overbrimmin' cup.
D'ye reckon that is why they
Are tearin' down The Slope. Like rippin' into Sidney,
Or down on Antelope. D'ye reckon there's a Camp Clarke,
A Hartville or Cheyenne, A waitin' for us yonder where
The other boys have gone.
Is Jim Moore there a playin'
A game of solitaire, Or is he ridin' "the Express,"
And fannin' through the air? For many a long gone year he's been
662
And callin' Collins, bring 'em in An overbrimmin' cup.
D'ye reckon that is why they
Are tearin' down The Slope. Like rippin' into Sidney,
Or down on Antelope. D'ye reckon there's a Camp Clarke,
A Hartville or Cheyenne, A waitin' for us yonder where
The other boys have gone.
Is Jim Moore there a playin'
A game of solitaire, Or is he ridin' "the Express,"
And fannin' through the air? For many a long gone year he's been
A waitin' for The Run He knew was sure a comin' when
The Stampede was begun.
We'll meet with old Count Creighton,
He'll be there without fail, And we'll find Billy Paxton,
A freightin' up The Trail. I feel like tightening the cinch,
To quit the sorry grange, And join one of the outfits
Headed for the Other Range.
I wonder if the fordin's good? If not, I'll have to fix
With H. T. Clarke, and cross his toll- Bridge o'er the River Styx.
Dear old Dad White will be there A holdin' out his hand,
To take the final tribute,
E're we reach the Promised Land.
CHEYENNE COUNTY
Nothing in history exceeds in romantic interest the discovery and settlement of the New World, of which Nebraska and Cheyenne county are a part. The history of Nebraska begins with the Spanish Invasion of Mexico, and settlements at Santa Fe and Taos. Then later with the voyage of La Salle when he took New France, now Canada, and the region of the Great Lakes and the territory of Louisiana, in the name of Louis the Great, King of France. Spain followed by France thus became the first owners of the territory now comprised in Nebraska ; in 1763, Louisiana Territory was* ceded back to Spain, and what is now Cheyenne county, though unmarked and unnamed was in this territory.
663
Then later with the voyage of La Salle when he took New France, now Canada, and the region of the Great Lakes and the territory of Louisiana, in the name of Louis the Great, King of France. Spain followed by France thus became the first owners of the territory now comprised in Nebraska ; in 1763, Louisiana Territory was* ceded back to Spain, and what is now Cheyenne county, though unmarked and unnamed was in this territory. In 1802, Spain again ceded the territory to France, which prepared the way for Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, to negotiate the Louisiana purchase by which Louisiana Territory became a part of the young Republic in 1803. Cheyenne county was a part of it.
This section of the country was inhabited only by the roving bands of Indians at that time and little was known of the country this far west. May 30, 1854, Nebraska Territory was created by an act of Congress, and in 1866 the question of the admission of Nebraska as a state was raised. All conditions required by Congress were complied with and on March 1, 1867, the territory ceased to be, and the great state of Nebraska came into existence.
Cheyenne county was created by act of the first state legislature in 1867, and at that time contained the territory since erected into Banner, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill and Scotts Bluff counties. At the present time the county lies in the Panhandle section of Nebraska, in the second tier from the western boundary and the south tier north of the Colorado-Nebraska boundary. Cheyenne county is bounded on the north by Morrill county ; on the east bv Garden and Deuel counties, on the
664
Cheyenne county was created by act of the first state legislature in 1867, and at that time contained the territory since erected into Banner, Deuel, Garden, Kimball, Morrill and Scotts Bluff counties. At the present time the county lies in the Panhandle section of Nebraska, in the second tier from the western boundary and the south tier north of the Colorado-Nebraska boundary. Cheyenne county is bounded on the north by Morrill county ; on the east bv Garden and Deuel counties, on the
south by Colorado, and on the west by Kimball and Banner counties.
The general topography of the country may be described as high rolling plains, ranging from broken cliffs along the Lodgepole to the level lands of tableland and valleys. The land is composed mostly of rich sand loam, occasionally traversed by deep canyons showing some rock out cropping. Profitable farming is extensively carried on in the county. Where much was given over to stock-raising by using the native grasses for forage, and pasture, in early days, it is now secondary- in point of importance.
The Lodgepole creek valley leads all the valley in the county in size. It enters the county at the west line south of the center north and south, is several miles wide and runs east entirely across the country in an almost direct east and west direction. In addition to this major stream, the Lodgepole valley has a south branch running northeast from the western line and smaller valleys, many unnamed. Lodgepole valley is generally "level, deep soiled and well watered and in an early day was attractive to the homeseekers. The lands were the first lands to be settled and today are the sites of the oldest ranches and farms. In the early days the stream was wooded along its banks with trees native to this locality, while the bluffs bordering the . valley contained scattering Cedar 'and Pine.
665
In addition to this major stream, the Lodgepole valley has a south branch running northeast from the western line and smaller valleys, many unnamed. Lodgepole valley is generally "level, deep soiled and well watered and in an early day was attractive to the homeseekers. The lands were the first lands to be settled and today are the sites of the oldest ranches and farms. In the early days the stream was wooded along its banks with trees native to this locality, while the bluffs bordering the . valley contained scattering Cedar 'and Pine.
Cheyenne County Weather
No detailed description of climatic conditions in Cheyenne county is necessary. The climate is much the same as in all parts of the western highlands of the state and the middle west, and is admirably adapted to stock-raising and agriculture. It is a very healthful climate.
Early Settlement
Contemporaneous with ami following the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
building of the Union Pacific, the cattlemen came into the country. All was government and railroad land, and the stockmen came to use the ranges. Originally they described their brands and range, thereby indicating a claim for so many miles of prairie that assured plenty of territory. Ranges seldom overlapped, but the cattle became mixed and the round up instituted. After Gates demonstrated efficacy of barbwire some began to build fences. In 1869 and 1870, cattle were wintered in the country now' comprised in Cheyenne county though the ranges had been used before that time for oxen. For a number of years no taxes were levied against the cattle, no investments in real estate were necessary and the profits were large. Later the cattlemen and ranchers had to pay their taxes to the organized counties adjacent. They had no benefit from them and no enforcement of the laws and in order to accomplish this it was evident that county organization should be established.
666
In 1869 and 1870, cattle were wintered in the country now' comprised in Cheyenne county though the ranges had been used before that time for oxen. For a number of years no taxes were levied against the cattle, no investments in real estate were necessary and the profits were large. Later the cattlemen and ranchers had to pay their taxes to the organized counties adjacent. They had no benefit from them and no enforcement of the laws and in order to accomplish this it was evident that county organization should be established.
County organization began to be talked over when the Union Pacific began building west through what is now Cheyenne county and the history of the county, and the town of Sidney, are so closely associated that they will be written together.
Sidney and Cheyenne County
The story of Cheyenne county and Sidney begins in 1867 when the Union Pacific Railroad reached the site of the present city.
On December 13, 1867, the United States established Sidney Barracks, a sub-post of Fort Sedgewick, Colorado Territory.
On November 28, 1870, it became an independent post.
The first purpose of the soldiers at Fort Sidney was to protect the builders of the railroad; four troops of the Third and Fifth United States Cavalry were stationed there and a portion of the Third Infantry for a time but they were later sent to another post. General Dudley was in command of Sidney Post and remained two years before being relieved by Genera] Merritt. A companv of soldiers was stationed at or near the present site of the town of Lodgepole and another twenty miles west, where Potter is now located. In the middle eighties troops from Vancouver and other Pacific coast garrisons were sent
667
The first purpose of the soldiers at Fort Sidney was to protect the builders of the railroad; four troops of the Third and Fifth United States Cavalry were stationed there and a portion of the Third Infantry for a time but they were later sent to another post. General Dudley was in command of Sidney Post and remained two years before being relieved by Genera] Merritt. A companv of soldiers was stationed at or near the present site of the town of Lodgepole and another twenty miles west, where Potter is now located. In the middle eighties troops from Vancouver and other Pacific coast garrisons were sent
tO these posts for a time.
Politics, even at this early day, entered into
he lifi mi Cheyenne county, as George W. E.
member of Congress from the Third
Nebraska District, which extended a;
a- Fremont, his Ik. me. used the threat or
scare regularly to have Fort Sidney abandoned, as an excuse to be returned to Congress. He succeeded in being elected until the farmers' revolution resulted in the election of Omer M. Kem. Four years after he was first elected, or in 1894, the post was abandoned and the government property later sold to the Burlington railroad and used as the site for the present station grounds.
The Union Pacific railroad was built on to the west from Sidney in 1868, and with it went a large part of the population of the town when it was the end of the road. There was a large, nomadic, rough element in the country at the time, which always followed the rail head where it could prey on the laborers. The post was reduced to the mere needs of protection from Indians, which grew less and less each year.
668
The Union Pacific railroad was built on to the west from Sidney in 1868, and with it went a large part of the population of the town when it was the end of the road. There was a large, nomadic, rough element in the country at the time, which always followed the rail head where it could prey on the laborers. The post was reduced to the mere needs of protection from Indians, which grew less and less each year.
For a period there was little life in the town and county, after the road reached farther west, bur, in 1870, things began to liven up, and the people began to consider organization. A partial set of officers were named and plans made for a regular election. This took place October 8, 1871, when Sidney's pioneer attorney, George W. Heist, was elected probate judge, but refused to qualify. He was later appointed and did qualify. George Cook was elected sheriff, but was removed and John Ellis was appointed in his place. James Moore was elected treasurer of the county but was unable to give the county commissioners a satisfactory bond and Thomas Kane was appointed for that office, and D. Cowigan was commissioner, but later resigned. L. Connell, elected county clerk, served. Even at this early day there were indications that a political ring had been formed in Cheyenne county and unless a man was favored by the members he did not succeed in public life.
The Cattee Business
The stagnation of the town and county continued through the next five years. The trail herds passing through the town and county enlivened life occasionally, when cattle werei driven from Texas into the country north of Sidney. The cattle business was becoming important in the Nebraska Panhandle where abundant pasture was available.
669
Even at this early day there were indications that a political ring had been formed in Cheyenne county and unless a man was favored by the members he did not succeed in public life.
The Cattee Business
The stagnation of the town and county continued through the next five years. The trail herds passing through the town and county enlivened life occasionally, when cattle werei driven from Texas into the country north of Sidney. The cattle business was becoming important in the Nebraska Panhandle where abundant pasture was available. A report of Thomas Kane, secretary of the Cattle Association, made August 5, 1876, indicates that the growth of this industry in Cheyenne county was considerable. The report gives only the cattle actually in the county, though some of the companies or ranchmen had large herds in other counties of the state, and in Colorado
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
and Wyoming. Some of the most important companies and ranchmen with their holdings are as follows : Adams, Redington & Co., six thousand head ; Codd Brothers, five thousand head ; Creighton Herd, three thousand head ; Tusler Brothers, thirty-five hundred head; Pratt & Ferris, three thousand head ; Bostler & Irwin, twenty-five hundred head ; Bostler & Lawrence, two thousand head ; other men who had large numbers were Maybury, C. A. Moore, Harkinson & Griffin ; Thomas Kane. D.
B. Lynch, H. Newman, Callihan & Murshied,
C. McCarty, Walrath Brothers, Robert Howard, Jesse Montgomery, Merchant & Wheeler.
First Events of Interest
670
Some of the most important companies and ranchmen with their holdings are as follows : Adams, Redington & Co., six thousand head ; Codd Brothers, five thousand head ; Creighton Herd, three thousand head ; Tusler Brothers, thirty-five hundred head; Pratt & Ferris, three thousand head ; Bostler & Irwin, twenty-five hundred head ; Bostler & Lawrence, two thousand head ; other men who had large numbers were Maybury, C. A. Moore, Harkinson & Griffin ; Thomas Kane. D.
B. Lynch, H. Newman, Callihan & Murshied,
C. McCarty, Walrath Brothers, Robert Howard, Jesse Montgomery, Merchant & Wheeler.
First Events of Interest
The first white child born in Cheyenne county was Fanny Fisher, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Fisher of Sidney. She was born in 1869, as her parents had come to the county some time previously.
The first cemetery was started when it was found necessary to bury a white man killed by the Indians.
A log hut served as the first store building in Sidney and was built by a man called "French Louis." It was located about four miles south of the present town site, but when a station was established at Sidney on the railroad, he moved the store to the town. Most of the stock of goods at that day consisted of necessary supplies and whiskey.
In 1868, Charles Moore built a frame hotel, store and saloon, and about the same time Thomas Kane built the second frame store building and became the first postmaster of Sidney.
671
A log hut served as the first store building in Sidney and was built by a man called "French Louis." It was located about four miles south of the present town site, but when a station was established at Sidney on the railroad, he moved the store to the town. Most of the stock of goods at that day consisted of necessary supplies and whiskey.
In 1868, Charles Moore built a frame hotel, store and saloon, and about the same time Thomas Kane built the second frame store building and became the first postmaster of Sidney.
The name of Tom Kane stands out conspicuously in the development of Sidney and Cheyenne county, as he was naturally a builder and pioneer developer, taking an active part in all public affairs. He was not only the first
postmaster, but also the first treasurer of the county. He was instrumental in the movement to have the county organized. Mr. Kane was a prominent ranchman of this district, located near Bronson where he made good improvements, being among the first to erect a good stone dwelling house. As an early attorney of Cheyenne county, Mr. Kane was naturally a leader in many movements for the development of the country. He became secretary of the Cattle Association of Western Nebraska when it was formed, taking part in the settlement of many of the cattle disputes and diffi-
A Fine Residence of Sidney
culties of the early days. When the railroad tried to evade paying taxes Mr. Kane siezed an engine on the track. First he order the deputy sheriff, A. Solomonson, to stand in front of the engine ; then the engineer started the engine and Solomonson yelled to Kane, who replied, "Stand where you are." "But they will run the engine over me," replied Solomonson.
672
He became secretary of the Cattle Association of Western Nebraska when it was formed, taking part in the settlement of many of the cattle disputes and diffi-
A Fine Residence of Sidney
culties of the early days. When the railroad tried to evade paying taxes Mr. Kane siezed an engine on the track. First he order the deputy sheriff, A. Solomonson, to stand in front of the engine ; then the engineer started the engine and Solomonson yelled to Kane, who replied, "Stand where you are." "But they will run the engine over me," replied Solomonson. "If they do I will make them pay dearly for it," Kane replied. Solomonson stood in the track and was not hurt as Kane had attached a log chain to the engine and track and the engine did not move until the taxes were paid. Mr. Kane never ran a saloon in the new country and never was prominent in the roystering life of the frontier. Characteristic of his high spirits, he named his three boys. Tom, Dick and Harry.
The first saloon was built and started in the new town of Sidney, by Dennis Carrigan. Sidney one time had twenty-three saloons in one block between First and Second streets west of Rose street, now Center street. Now there is none. The business died of its own excesses and vice. Carrigan went into other business and became one of the progressive citizens, in later years. Saloon business in a "cow town" was vastly different from the same business in the mining rush. The people to deal with were of different type and character.
673
Sidney one time had twenty-three saloons in one block between First and Second streets west of Rose street, now Center street. Now there is none. The business died of its own excesses and vice. Carrigan went into other business and became one of the progressive citizens, in later years. Saloon business in a "cow town" was vastly different from the same business in the mining rush. The people to deal with were of different type and character.
1(,S
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
In 1,876, Sidney suddenly found itself the nearest town of consequence to the Black Hills at the time of the gold rush. Cheyenne entered into a spirited contest for the business which grew with leaps and bounds from the many men rushing in and requiring outfits ; Kearney
the head, "Why argue with a man who has no brain?" The satire and sarcasm of the early day newspapers was at its best between Sidney and Cheyenne.
By September, 1876, Sidney had a population of a thousand inhabitants, and the matter
Clarke's Centennial Express to the Black Hills.
Custer Cily. am . route may 3U,ip \|pad flt Sidney,
Care_6f.H._T._CLARKE,
Sidney, Neb.; -ac-sStl^of. js.vvKU.PE fsjiD I-', Tii
I^viV^ESS_DC5rNt;SS.
pill
lilt
SIDNBY SHOR'Ii ROXFtW
THI BLACK BXLXil
ISKOW OPEN FOR TRAVEL. AND, WITH THS ROAD.lS " .
Guarded £y the United ^States Troops'! v
ONLY 167 MILES TO CUSTER CITf
, TOOa THE BSIOll PACIFIC BAIUOAD. _
la'.y. aEd^Ctmp Olarto^liU* KlvwBrt'ds
B RlWr,-ri,nn.nK through to R*d Cloi ;L* i»n lutnlsh [rsoiporuiloo for Sidney to Custer City, i»<ir; I roc
674
Custer Cily. am . route may 3U,ip \|pad flt Sidney,
Care_6f.H._T._CLARKE,
Sidney, Neb.; -ac-sStl^of. js.vvKU.PE fsjiD I-', Tii
I^viV^ESS_DC5rNt;SS.
pill
lilt
SIDNBY SHOR'Ii ROXFtW
THI BLACK BXLXil
ISKOW OPEN FOR TRAVEL. AND, WITH THS ROAD.lS " .
Guarded £y the United ^States Troops'! v
ONLY 167 MILES TO CUSTER CITf
, TOOa THE BSIOll PACIFIC BAIUOAD. _
la'.y. aEd^Ctmp Olarto^liU* KlvwBrt'ds
B RlWr,-ri,nn.nK through to R*d Cloi ;L* i»n lutnlsh [rsoiporuiloo for Sidney to Custer City, i»<ir; I roc
nwa1
HRVUISl. OF EN\
FASBEHGEK RAT3S - Omabi to Ouster CUT. lit cUii fit.' 3d cUUi |3t Xicteifor sale of £rn{ou Paiifia Railroad andr/ri*cii7al,Ilaitroad_TickttJ.
Short Route to Black Hills
also opened a route to the Hills across the sand hills of central Nebraska. Kearney soon dropped out of the running, but Cheyenne kept up for years, though Sidney held its own. Dr. George L. Miller ran the Omaha Herald at the time and made mention of the advantages of Sidney : a spirited fighl followed in the columns of the Cheyenne papers though it could not be denied that Sidney was sixty miles nearer od than Cheyenne. The Sidney Telegraph quoted extensively from the paper's under
of city government and a permanently platted city engaged much attention, although gold was the item of paramount interest to everyone. It was not until May 1, 1877, that a plat of the town was filed.
In 1876 and 1877, there arrived and departed from Sidney about fifteen hundred people daily in the rush to the Black Hills for gold. People were going to and from the Black Hills, except for a few who stopped in Sidney
675
of city government and a permanently platted city engaged much attention, although gold was the item of paramount interest to everyone. It was not until May 1, 1877, that a plat of the town was filed.
In 1876 and 1877, there arrived and departed from Sidney about fifteen hundred people daily in the rush to the Black Hills for gold. People were going to and from the Black Hills, except for a few who stopped in Sidney
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
a few days farther west, also itinerant gamblers and the following of every gold rush.
Growth of Business
Business grew and was well represented in Sidney in 1876 and 1877, but of the men then engaged in retail trade only two merchants remain in business today, namely : the Oberfelder Brothers, clothiers. During the rush through this section P. J. Cohn & Company,
ture store, Kelley & Cameron and G. H. and J. S. Collins carried harness and saddles. "Regular outfitting stores were owned by C. A. Moore, R. S. Van Tassel and the Oberfelders. At the latter the office of the Stevenson stage line was maintained with an all night service. The only jewelry store was owned by B. M. L. Thoelecke ; C. E. Borquist was the pioneer druggist of Sidney, establishing his store in 1871, and in 1876 C. F. Goodman opened the second drug house.
MOORE' H'lTEL
cJLl
operated the Star Clothing House which for a time rivalled the Oberfelder store. P. J. Cohn was the original senior member. His nephews operated the store. Louis and Mike Cohn were cousins and Louis later became sole owner. Mike sold his interest for $40,000, took it to Chicago, and lost it. William France had a hardware store here in 1876, and among the grocers were Henry Gantz & Son, wholesale merchants ; W.
676
MOORE' H'lTEL
cJLl
operated the Star Clothing House which for a time rivalled the Oberfelder store. P. J. Cohn was the original senior member. His nephews operated the store. Louis and Mike Cohn were cousins and Louis later became sole owner. Mike sold his interest for $40,000, took it to Chicago, and lost it. William France had a hardware store here in 1876, and among the grocers were Henry Gantz & Son, wholesale merchants ; W. I. McDonald, G. W. Dudley and H. T. Clarke. C. A. Morian and Dennis Carrigan each ran a combined dry goods and grocery store while an exclusive dry goods house was owned by Stevens & Wilcox and another by A. S. Brown. Dewey & Stone ran a furni-
The first doctor to locate in Sidney who served the town and a large part of Cheyenne county, was Dr. Boggs, and Dr. J. G. Ivy, physician and surgeon, came in the autumn of 1876. The only dental office in the town was run by the Urmy Brothers.
N. Grant and John Carrier were the first men to run barber shops, the called "fashionable barbers," soon followed by J. H. Surles and Charles M. Rouse.
Pratt and Ferris, well known as the "P F" were the early freighters, doing an extensive business in Cheyenne county and the Black Hills, while G. W. Dudley advertised "Dear's Stage Line to the Black Hills." The main
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
stage line was run by Stevenson and the Dears line was not long in operation.
677
Grant and John Carrier were the first men to run barber shops, the called "fashionable barbers," soon followed by J. H. Surles and Charles M. Rouse.
Pratt and Ferris, well known as the "P F" were the early freighters, doing an extensive business in Cheyenne county and the Black Hills, while G. W. Dudley advertised "Dear's Stage Line to the Black Hills." The main
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
stage line was run by Stevenson and the Dears line was not long in operation.
Half a dozen hotels and as many restaurants were built and operated to accommodate the rush of travelers, the best known being the Lockwood House, the Germania, the Gilt Edge, the Southern, the Delmonico, the Miners, the American and H. M. McFadden's, not one of which is in business today, having passed with the transient life of that day. All the men who operated them have gone but Mr. McFadden who still maintains his home in Sidney though retired from business. It should be stated that H. M. McFadden advertised in a way that stood out like an island in a tempestuous sea. "No gambling tables connected with this house."
In April, 1876, the only resident lawyers in Sidney were George W. Heist and George R Ballou, though by the spring of 1877 V. Bierbower, A. M. Stevenson, Guy Barnum, Jr., and Tom Kane were also established in law practice.
Mail Route
In 1876, the United States established a mail mute between Sidney, Nebraska, and Greeley, Colorado. Sidney Probst was the driver from 1876 to 1878, and his many experiences of those early days are interesting and instructive, telling of the life of the vanguard of civilization. Probst died a few years ago in Colorado. This route did not compare in peril with that to the north on the Black Hills' route, for that line ran through hostile Indian country, and the stages were lined with steel foi the protection of the passengers.
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Sidney Probst was the driver from 1876 to 1878, and his many experiences of those early days are interesting and instructive, telling of the life of the vanguard of civilization. Probst died a few years ago in Colorado. This route did not compare in peril with that to the north on the Black Hills' route, for that line ran through hostile Indian country, and the stages were lined with steel foi the protection of the passengers. Major North, with his Pawnee scouts, and the Crows, with an hereditary enmity for the Sioux, were valuable assets to the while in subduing the Indian troubles north of the North I Made river.
Rivalry Between Towns
Kearney's ambition to compete with Sidney and Cheyenne for the Black Hills' business resulted in the establishment of a road, stage line and pony express through the sand hills north into Dakota. This line crossed the Niobrara river at the Newman ranch near the mouth of Antelope creek. It was a longer and
Overland Mail on the "Old Trails" Route por San Francisco
more dangerous line. Charles Fordyce, one of the pony express riders, was killed by Indians a little north of that station.
In 1877, a white man who had been selling or trying to sell trees in the Hills drove into the Newman station. It was snowing and the Newman outfit tried to persuade him to stay until the storm was over but he pressed on. Later appeared an advertisement asking
Pony Express and Overland Mail Of Fort Kearney
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Charles Fordyce, one of the pony express riders, was killed by Indians a little north of that station.
In 1877, a white man who had been selling or trying to sell trees in the Hills drove into the Newman station. It was snowing and the Newman outfit tried to persuade him to stay until the storm was over but he pressed on. Later appeared an advertisement asking
Pony Express and Overland Mail Of Fort Kearney
the whereabouts of a tree man, saying last seen on Cheyenne river traveling south. The following spring Hunter & Evans outfit found him. Fie had perished in the snow.
The Kearney route was given up about January, 1878, and the route through Sidney became the main traveled one to the gold fields.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Idians Attack Surveyors
Indians were hostile to all white advances, especially to surveyors and when I. W. La- Munyon was surveying on Pumpkin creek in 1872, a detachment of soldiers were sent to guard the surveying party. There had been no sign of Indians and one day the soldiers rode out a considerable distance from the surveyors at work and the camp. The Indians then seemed to rise out of the prairie and the surveyors "dug in" making a hole about eight feet square into which they put the provisions and water, then crawled in themselves. The Indians circled about on ponies, swinging over their sides and shooting under the animals necks; but the soldiers heard the firing, returned in haste, and the Indians fled. No one was hurt although a number of Indian ponies were shot by the surveyors.
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The Indians then seemed to rise out of the prairie and the surveyors "dug in" making a hole about eight feet square into which they put the provisions and water, then crawled in themselves. The Indians circled about on ponies, swinging over their sides and shooting under the animals necks; but the soldiers heard the firing, returned in haste, and the Indians fled. No one was hurt although a number of Indian ponies were shot by the surveyors.
First Newspapers The Sidney Telegraph came into existence
in May, 1873, and in 1874 was published by Joseph B. Gossage. George G. Darrow joined the force in the spring of 1875. Darrow later went to Denver and Gossage to the Black Hills, and in 1920, was publishing the Journal at Rapid City, South Dakota. The Telegraph was not only the first newspaper published in Cheyenne county, but first in the Nebraska Panhandle.
Toll Bridge axd Death Toll
When Plenry T. Clarke decided to build a toll bridge across the North Platte river at "Camp Clarke," he sent a number of choppers into the Pumpkin creek hills to cut suitable logs for the piles and necessary timbers for the bridge. It was dangerous work as is testified by the killing of a man named Brocklay, and later Webber, in 1876, near the Tusler ranch, by Indians. The bridge was built, however, and was used by the people passing north and south.
SIDNEY'S WILDEST DAYS
Sidney had by this time become a boiling caldron of humanity, some serious and hurried, others serene, methodical and unruffled, all with the one object, gold. The town was wide open, and day and night business houses, saloons, dance halls and theatres were thronged with people. It has been claimed that Sidney introduced to the world, the all-night theatre, with continuous performances.
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The bridge was built, however, and was used by the people passing north and south.
SIDNEY'S WILDEST DAYS
Sidney had by this time become a boiling caldron of humanity, some serious and hurried, others serene, methodical and unruffled, all with the one object, gold. The town was wide open, and day and night business houses, saloons, dance halls and theatres were thronged with people. It has been claimed that Sidney introduced to the world, the all-night theatre, with continuous performances.
The Telegraph of 1876 refers to the floating population as "freighters, teamsters, herders, 'cowboys,' Mexicans, half-breeds, gamblers, and 'Nymphs du pave.' " The name "cowboy" was apparently just coming into use. In subsequent years the term "herdsman" was made to apply only to those who attended flocks of sheep.
The character of Sidney's Wildest Days, before the vigilantes hung Reed, and partially subdued the town, was such that the Union Pacific railroad issued orders refusing to allow through passengers to get off their trains at the station. This came as a result of complaints of tourists, who were held up or mistreated on the station platform. The men committing these offenses were "Three-finger Jack," "Hold-'em-up Johnny" and others of their kind. Jack made a tactical blunder in a storm and held up a citizen of the town, following which he and some of the worst citizens "dusted," as a result of public sentiment. A number of incidents, some tragic, and others nearly so, and some of boisterous humor, are here chronicled, which indicate the life of the time and place with historic accuracy.
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The men committing these offenses were "Three-finger Jack," "Hold-'em-up Johnny" and others of their kind. Jack made a tactical blunder in a storm and held up a citizen of the town, following which he and some of the worst citizens "dusted," as a result of public sentiment. A number of incidents, some tragic, and others nearly so, and some of boisterous humor, are here chronicled, which indicate the life of the time and place with historic accuracy.
"Squire" Newman's Narrow Kscape
All kinds of life had its zest because of the danger involved. Henry Newman had been elected Justice of the Peace, and thereby was called "Squire" or "Jedge" as occasion prompted, but that is not the story.
There were several men engaged in the work of capturing wild horses, and breaking them for domestic uses. Murshied and Pashon, two of the old-timers, had roped a wild horse near Callahan & Murshied's ranch, and had him in a corral. A number were looking him over, this being an especially fine animal,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
but of the fighting kind. Newman was nearby in the corral on a horse when the wild animal attacked him, knocking horse and rider down. It then reared, and was on the point of setting his forefeet down on the prostrate man and stamping him to death, when R. S. Van Tassell seized the rope which was trailing from the wild horse's neck, and '"set on it," swerving it from its objective by a few feet. Quick action saved a tragedy.
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Newman was nearby in the corral on a horse when the wild animal attacked him, knocking horse and rider down. It then reared, and was on the point of setting his forefeet down on the prostrate man and stamping him to death, when R. S. Van Tassell seized the rope which was trailing from the wild horse's neck, and '"set on it," swerving it from its objective by a few feet. Quick action saved a tragedy.
The Schaefer Massacre
One of the tragedies of the period occurred in 1878. The Schaefer family came from Plattsmouth and went to work at Tusler's ranch. The man was employed as cook at the mess house, while the family resided in
\\ Old "Prairie Schooner"
an independent house near the other ranch building. When Lone Wolf's band went on a rampage, part of them journeyed near here. The incorrigible Sioux passed on, but when they passed this man, his wife, and three children were no more.
Three Die at a Dance
About the time of Sidney's last lynching episode, that of McDonald'in 1881.' frightful orgies were common at a road house some dist iiiii' north of town, at one of the spring creeks leading down to the Platte river. One night, a dance and carouse was going full '•win- when a soldier accidentally shot himself dead. The others deposited the body in a corner of the room and ordered the music to proceed. After a time a fellow named Jack Page and another had a little altercation, Jack's adversary, dead, was placed into the corner villi the soldier, and the dance went wildly on.
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About the time of Sidney's last lynching episode, that of McDonald'in 1881.' frightful orgies were common at a road house some dist iiiii' north of town, at one of the spring creeks leading down to the Platte river. One night, a dance and carouse was going full '•win- when a soldier accidentally shot himself dead. The others deposited the body in a corner of the room and ordered the music to proceed. After a time a fellow named Jack Page and another had a little altercation, Jack's adversary, dead, was placed into the corner villi the soldier, and the dance went wildly on.
Later in the night a third man was killed, and ibis broke up the dance. The lights were shol -in Daylight found some sleeping off
their drunken stupor and others gone. The three dead were taken to Boot Hill Graveyard.
Killing of Wild Bill
Forty hours after the killing of Wild Bill (W. J. Hickok) by John McCall, at Deadwood, which event occurred in a gambling joint, August 2, 1876, the news reached Sidney. It created a profound sensation that a thoroughly established king of gunmen should be taken off by a mere kid.
A hastily selected jury heard the boy's story that Wild Bill had killed his brother in Kansas the year before. He was found "not guilty," according to the code of the times, but was told to get out of the Black Hills. Before the event, Wild Bill had heard that a kid was looking for him, and he had said, "a kid looking for me, is the only kind I am afraid of : he may get me."
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A hastily selected jury heard the boy's story that Wild Bill had killed his brother in Kansas the year before. He was found "not guilty," according to the code of the times, but was told to get out of the Black Hills. Before the event, Wild Bill had heard that a kid was looking for him, and he had said, "a kid looking for me, is the only kind I am afraid of : he may get me."
A Yellow Affair
Appearing in the Telegraph of August 4, 1S77, was the following notice, affording a basis for some range of the imagination:
"Calamity Jane No. 2 has arrived from the Black Hills. She received promotion on the road as assistant wagon boss. She became so powerful as to lead to the discharge of a number of hands. She has now gone west with a bull-whacker to learn the trade. Her husband is not a violent mourner. She is a stubby customer, American, and cus-sed. If she has any conscience, she took it with her, and if she had any virtue, her husband didn't know it. Her child is now in good hands, and the painter is happy.
Evidently the painter was unhappy, and took an unkindly departing shot at his neglectful spouse. According to codes then prevalent, either the Black Hills wagon boss or the painter would have tarried permanently somewhere beside the Trail. One or the other failed to measure up to the standard required by the red-blooded men of the period. True, it was probably better thus, for none of them was the worse, and the "child is now in good hands." which is an objective worthy a tempi irary humanity.
686
Evidently the painter was unhappy, and took an unkindly departing shot at his neglectful spouse. According to codes then prevalent, either the Black Hills wagon boss or the painter would have tarried permanently somewhere beside the Trail. One or the other failed to measure up to the standard required by the red-blooded men of the period. True, it was probably better thus, for none of them was the worse, and the "child is now in good hands." which is an objective worthy a tempi irary humanity.
The Pinkston Murder
James and A. J. Pinkston, father and son, located on Middle creek in 1885, and employed a man named Reynolds to help build a log house. They lived in a tent meanwhile, and cooked and ate their meals in the open,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
having an improvised table in front of the tent.
On the night of September 16, from the story toldy over a very trifling affair, the Pinkstons were killed and Reynolds later hung.
According to Reynold's story it started at the supper table over a difference of five dollars in wages, whether the amount due was seven dollars or twelve dollars. He said the Pinkstons attacked him with clubs and he used the axe in self defense.
His first story, however, told at Trognitz barn, which then occupied the present site of tht U. S. A. Theatre at Sidney, was that a stranger came along, and killed the Pinkstons in a fight, and had compelled him to help bury them. This story not being satisfactory to the officers, he was arrested, and later confessed.
687
According to Reynold's story it started at the supper table over a difference of five dollars in wages, whether the amount due was seven dollars or twelve dollars. He said the Pinkstons attacked him with clubs and he used the axe in self defense.
His first story, however, told at Trognitz barn, which then occupied the present site of tht U. S. A. Theatre at Sidney, was that a stranger came along, and killed the Pinkstons in a fight, and had compelled him to help bury them. This story not being satisfactory to the officers, he was arrested, and later confessed.
Of the numerous hangings in Cheyennecounty, this was conspicuously the only legal execution within its borders.
An Imaginary Calf
It must not be understood that the recitation of these gruesome and sorrowful events indicates all the early history of Sidney and Cheyenne county were of such color. There were lively affairs that possessed only sufficient danger to quicken the pulses, and a modicum of humor to justify the hazard.
There were attempts by swindlers and crooks that sometimes went well, but generally ended in disaster.
There were "Happy Jacks," carefree as the western wind, always with ingenious methods evolved of necessity, when an unlucky chance stripped them of all they possessed. Never discouraged by adverse circumstances, for the darkness of the night meant to them the sun was soon to rise. "Whitie" was one of these genial souls.
"Whitie" had a run of luck that put him "down upon his uppers," and conceived a scheme for a moderate stake. He invented a calf and valued it at ten dollars. He told three companies he had such a calf, and if they would give him two and a half dollars each, he would sit in a game of "freezeout" to see who should own the calf.
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Never discouraged by adverse circumstances, for the darkness of the night meant to them the sun was soon to rise. "Whitie" was one of these genial souls.
"Whitie" had a run of luck that put him "down upon his uppers," and conceived a scheme for a moderate stake. He invented a calf and valued it at ten dollars. He told three companies he had such a calf, and if they would give him two and a half dollars each, he would sit in a game of "freezeout" to see who should own the calf. They "fell for it," and a local man won. Then it was played for again and another won. A dozen times that night the imaginary calf changed hands. This calf was introduced into Sidney in 1876 ; in 1879 men were still playing for it, always at a value of ten dollars ; and no one ever saw the calf.
The Lockwood House Gang
Dropping off of the Black Hills travel, due to railroad extension, emptied some of the hotels in Sidney, the Lockwood House being one. This was rented to Wm. Godfrey, his wife and another man. They were a trio of crude swindlers with a unique scheme. They selected the names of several hundred people in all parts of the United States, and wrote letters on "Lockwood House" stationery, of similar import to each. These were to the effect that someone had died in the hotel owing a little bill. Upon examination of his effects they were led to the opinion that the deceased was a relative of the one addressed, that the deceased had left some personal effects ranging in value from six hundred to one thousand dollars, and consisting of bank deposit slips, diamond rings and watches.
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They selected the names of several hundred people in all parts of the United States, and wrote letters on "Lockwood House" stationery, of similar import to each. These were to the effect that someone had died in the hotel owing a little bill. Upon examination of his effects they were led to the opinion that the deceased was a relative of the one addressed, that the deceased had left some personal effects ranging in value from six hundred to one thousand dollars, and consisting of bank deposit slips, diamond rings and watches.
The letter continued that the hotel had given the body a decent burial, which cost with the hotel bill, care, and the like, amounted to one hundred, eight dollars or an approximate sum. If the addressed cared to send this amount, the effects would be sent to them ; otherwise they would be sold to pay the bill. They reasoned that the recipients of the letters would send the money to get the goods, even though not expecting any legacy, and not having any relation, who would likely be in Sidney to die. They were not mistaken in the weakness of their fellow men. The money came by check, draft and money order.
After they had accumulated about forty thousand dollars. Postmaster Fred Clary became suspicious and reported the facts so far as he knew them to the Federal authorities. The trio were arrested, and Judge Dundy sentenced them to Federal prison. The woman broke down and died in Sidney Jail, the others being taken to Leavenworth.
690
They reasoned that the recipients of the letters would send the money to get the goods, even though not expecting any legacy, and not having any relation, who would likely be in Sidney to die. They were not mistaken in the weakness of their fellow men. The money came by check, draft and money order.
After they had accumulated about forty thousand dollars. Postmaster Fred Clary became suspicious and reported the facts so far as he knew them to the Federal authorities. The trio were arrested, and Judge Dundy sentenced them to Federal prison. The woman broke down and died in Sidney Jail, the others being taken to Leavenworth.
Clary, who came to Sidney as a telegraph operator, served a term as postmaster and then returned to the Western LInion. He is now general superintendent of the eastern district.
A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Reverend Benton, a Methodist minister, came to Kimball about 1890, and satisfied people there and at Sidney with his credentials.
Shortly after the Morgan & Johnson bank blew up and Morgan committed suicide, Benton tried to cash an eight thousand dollar draft at Cheyenne. He wanted three thousand cash immediately, and would leave the other five thousand on deposit. There was little cash available
HISTORY < >F WESTERN NEBRASKA
and the bank did not accept the proffer. Henry St. Rayner and Mr. Donaldson, were at Cheyenne at the time, and when they returned to Sidney, told the local bankers of "the preacher with the eight thousand dollar draft." As expected, Benton came to Sidney, this time willing to take two thousand dollars in cash.
691
He wanted three thousand cash immediately, and would leave the other five thousand on deposit. There was little cash available
HISTORY < >F WESTERN NEBRASKA
and the bank did not accept the proffer. Henry St. Rayner and Mr. Donaldson, were at Cheyenne at the time, and when they returned to Sidney, told the local bankers of "the preacher with the eight thousand dollar draft." As expected, Benton came to Sidney, this time willing to take two thousand dollars in cash.
L. W. Bickel, banker at Kimball, had loaned Benton twenty-five dollars, and said he guessed he had "kissed it good by," when he learned that Benton was peddling a big draft. He told Officer Trognitz to get the twenty-five if he could.
Benton was stopping with a Methodist brother named Whitney, although leaving his bag at a hotel. Trognitz got a warrant and searched the bag, finding it contained old clothes, a characteristic tramp's outfit. Then he arrested Benton at the Whitney home. The good people could hardly believe Benton was really a bad character. However, Trognitz found four of the Bickel five dollar bills in the end of his spectacle case, and some silver in his pockets.
The papers headlined a story of "cowboy Sheriff arrests a preacher." Two days later Cashier Stone of Sioux City Savings Bank, arrived and identified Benton, as a swindler named Simpson. His method was to get part cash on a large draft, drop his c!ergyman"s attire, and don the garb of a tramp until well out of the community. He was also wanted at Central City. Sheriff Trognitz received one thousand dollars reward.
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However, Trognitz found four of the Bickel five dollar bills in the end of his spectacle case, and some silver in his pockets.
The papers headlined a story of "cowboy Sheriff arrests a preacher." Two days later Cashier Stone of Sioux City Savings Bank, arrived and identified Benton, as a swindler named Simpson. His method was to get part cash on a large draft, drop his c!ergyman"s attire, and don the garb of a tramp until well out of the community. He was also wanted at Central City. Sheriff Trognitz received one thousand dollars reward.
First Celebration of the Fourth
The first Fourth of July celebration held at Sidney in 1877, was at the same time the first event of the kind held in the Panhandle of Nebraska. An extensive and interesting story of this affair, which lacked the hampering espionage customary in older communities, is told by the Sidney Telegraph of July 7, 1877. American humor was a part and parcel of the young west, as evidenced by high lights of the narrative.
"The National salute of one hundred and one guns was fired by Sidney's battery at sunrise. Let it be stated, for once, that more than a hundred shots were fired in Sidney without in a< ' ident."
"Fitzpatrick was ruled out of the greasedpole climbing contest because of his great length. He was too near the top of the "pole :ii the start."
"C K. Allen came within an ace of plucking
immon, but just as he was reaching
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"The National salute of one hundred and one guns was fired by Sidney's battery at sunrise. Let it be stated, for once, that more than a hundred shots were fired in Sidney without in a< ' ident."
"Fitzpatrick was ruled out of the greasedpole climbing contest because of his great length. He was too near the top of the "pole :ii the start."
"C K. Allen came within an ace of plucking
immon, but just as he was reaching
for the nugget, when as luck would have it,
some buttons attaching his suspenders to his trousers in the rear, gave way, and Mr. Allen retired as gracefully as the circumstances would permit."
"Smithy played a 'stopless' organ, and for aught we know he is playing it still."
There was a greased pig, cortests of all sorts, and a race between "bulls" and "mules" attached to freight wagons. "A lot of money changed hands on this affair, for the 'bulls' won by ten feet."
The Affair at Zobel's
In 1877, John Zobel ran a restaurant with a bar on the west side of Rose street. It was typical of the time and usually full of customers.
A friend of the Oberfelders from New York had come to Sidney, and Bob, while showing him around, dropped in Zobel's place. At one table sat three distinguished characters ; Hank Clifford, from the Stage station on the Niobrara river ; Ben Tibbets, beef killer and squawman from Red Cloud agency, and "Arkansas John" Wyseckler. Their bibulous feast had reached a stage of mellowness where they were shampooing one another with tomato ketchup. One of them reached for the pepper sauce bottle, and Bob and his guest "beat it."
694
A friend of the Oberfelders from New York had come to Sidney, and Bob, while showing him around, dropped in Zobel's place. At one table sat three distinguished characters ; Hank Clifford, from the Stage station on the Niobrara river ; Ben Tibbets, beef killer and squawman from Red Cloud agency, and "Arkansas John" Wyseckler. Their bibulous feast had reached a stage of mellowness where they were shampooing one another with tomato ketchup. One of them reached for the pepper sauce bottle, and Bob and his guest "beat it."
One of the celebrating three let out a yell like a Sioux Indian, and the shooting began. When the smoke cleared, all the lights were out of commission, and the front of the building was a total wreck. No one was killed.
Cattle Rustlers
In the few years of change, where ranges gave way to grangers, cattle rustling became common. Early in this period, Doc Middleton committed the offense of killing two dissolute soldiers, and thereby became an outlaw. Contemporaneously others made it a business, using the settler as a "Smoke screen." As often as possible they made the granger an accomplice, giving him meat for domestic needs, which needs were frequently sufficient. Occasionally cowboys and near cowboys became cattle detectives, and sometimes outside detectives were empolyed.
Jack Crittendon's services were presumed to be on the side of cattlemen, but he evidently "played both ends." When Tom Kane was preparing some cases against offenders of cowmen's ethics, Jack became alarmed that he might not be on the winning side. He sought Kane to give assurance of his dependability. Kane was busy making out some papers and
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Contemporaneously others made it a business, using the settler as a "Smoke screen." As often as possible they made the granger an accomplice, giving him meat for domestic needs, which needs were frequently sufficient. Occasionally cowboys and near cowboys became cattle detectives, and sometimes outside detectives were empolyed.
Jack Crittendon's services were presumed to be on the side of cattlemen, but he evidently "played both ends." When Tom Kane was preparing some cases against offenders of cowmen's ethics, Jack became alarmed that he might not be on the winning side. He sought Kane to give assurance of his dependability. Kane was busy making out some papers and
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
told Jack to wait, but being nervous and excited he would occasionally interrupt with "I can swear to" this or that. Kane told him to wait "until 1 finish this," and he continued, "then 1 will tell you what you have got to swear to." A faithful chronicle of the event is that Jack waited.
The people on lower Pumpkin creek were disturbed during this period by the arrest of Lee Nunn by Detective Talbert. Talbert apparently decided to join in homing making, and as brought out at Nunn's trial, he made the suggestion and induced Nunn to' join him in killing a range beef. There was no dispute as to fact, but the question of the value would settle the sentence, whether a fine or the penitentiary. Talbert was the expert witness for the cattlemen who wanted the accused "sent over the road." Judge Isaac Woolf, tangled the detective's testimony, who in fact, was not an expert, but Woolf was. To the general satisfaction of grangers, Nunn was released.
696
Talbert apparently decided to join in homing making, and as brought out at Nunn's trial, he made the suggestion and induced Nunn to' join him in killing a range beef. There was no dispute as to fact, but the question of the value would settle the sentence, whether a fine or the penitentiary. Talbert was the expert witness for the cattlemen who wanted the accused "sent over the road." Judge Isaac Woolf, tangled the detective's testimony, who in fact, was not an expert, but Woolf was. To the general satisfaction of grangers, Nunn was released.
Bonanza Days
The bonanza days and big profits in Sidney occurred during the Black Hills rush. Then Colt's revolvers sold for forty dollars and everything else in proportion. Freighters who figured loads at two tons per mule or ox, cursed picks and shovels as "bulky freight." There was not room on a wagon to put the customary ten tons. Two wagons trailing behind ten mules were supposed to carry twenty tons -- two tons to the mule.
Back to Normal
The lean years of the early nineties, broke many cattlemen, and the grangers were "not yet upon their feet." Intense privation and heart-aches covered the broad acres of Cheyenne county. The prices of merchandise dropped very low in Sidney and elsewhere. Brilliant financiers and politicians call it back to normal, and helpless mortals echo the apology
for the crime of financial depression, from time to time.
The New Order
Raising of wheat has changed the business of the county which has been settled by farmers and small ranchers and Cheyenne county is today one of the productive areas of the state.
697
The lean years of the early nineties, broke many cattlemen, and the grangers were "not yet upon their feet." Intense privation and heart-aches covered the broad acres of Cheyenne county. The prices of merchandise dropped very low in Sidney and elsewhere. Brilliant financiers and politicians call it back to normal, and helpless mortals echo the apology
for the crime of financial depression, from time to time.
The New Order
Raising of wheat has changed the business of the county which has been settled by farmers and small ranchers and Cheyenne county is today one of the productive areas of the state.
Sidney now has twenty-eight wholesale distribution branches of farm machinery and the like. The city also contains some hundred and twenty-five business houses which handle all kinds of merchandise, including the stocks of autos, trucks, tractors, and all sorts of implements required by the farmer. Her stone quarries and gravel pits have been used extensively in local building and these products are shipped into other parts of the state. While wheat and cattle stand out as the great resources of Cheyenne county, her other agricultural products are many and valuable.
At the present time interest is taken in the Lodgepole valley in oil and natural gas. A deformation, or structure points to oil land, and an old surveyor's report shows oil seeps east of Sidney but up to the present no well has been brought in.
United States Land Office
The United States Land Office was established in Sidney in July, 1887, with the first officers as follows: John M. Adams, register and G. B. Blakely, receiver ; G. B. Blanchard, register and L. M. Neeves, receiver, succeeded them. They in turn were succeeded by John M. Adams, register and P. G. Griffith, receiver ; George W. Heist, register and R.
698
A deformation, or structure points to oil land, and an old surveyor's report shows oil seeps east of Sidney but up to the present no well has been brought in.
United States Land Office
The United States Land Office was established in Sidney in July, 1887, with the first officers as follows: John M. Adams, register and G. B. Blakely, receiver ; G. B. Blanchard, register and L. M. Neeves, receiver, succeeded them. They in turn were succeeded by John M. Adams, register and P. G. Griffith, receiver ; George W. Heist, register and R. D. Harris, receiver. Judge Heist died in office after which R. D. Harris was made register with Matt Daugherty receiver. R. D. Harris was reappointed register and J. L. Mcintosh receiver, following which these two officials reversed positions which they held until the office was abandoned in March, 1906.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ORGANIZATION OF CHEYENNE COUNTY
Before Cheyenne county came into existence, the western part of Nebraska was divided by an arbitrary act into counties. Two of these, Lyons and Taylor counties, and a part of Monroe county comprised the territory which in 1867, was made into Cheyenne county. These counties had no organization and no government was needed. Between 1867 and 1870, Cheyenne county was attached to Lincoln county for all revenue, administrative and judicial purposes. In 1870, Thomas Kane went to Lincoln, the state capital, to prevail upon Governor David Butler, to call an election for choosing officers for Cheyenne county, which was done by a proclamation in August, 1870. The following officers were chosen: Thomas Kane, treasurer; John Ellis, sheriff; C. A. Moore, Fred Glover, and H. L. Ellsworth, commissioners, and H. A. Dygart, clerk. The latter served but a short time and D. A. Martin was appointed to succeed him.
699
In 1870, Thomas Kane went to Lincoln, the state capital, to prevail upon Governor David Butler, to call an election for choosing officers for Cheyenne county, which was done by a proclamation in August, 1870. The following officers were chosen: Thomas Kane, treasurer; John Ellis, sheriff; C. A. Moore, Fred Glover, and H. L. Ellsworth, commissioners, and H. A. Dygart, clerk. The latter served but a short time and D. A. Martin was appointed to succeed him. October 8, 1871, occurred the first regular general election in the county when the following officials were elected: "George W. Heist, probate judge; George C. Cooke, sheriff; L. Connell, clerk; James H. Moore, treasurer; D. Cowigan, commissioner, but he resigned. George Cooke was removed and John Ellis was appointed in his place. George Heist refused to qualify but was later appointed and did qualify. James Moore's bond was not acceptable and Thomas Kane was appointed and qualified. The commissioners elected were : Henry Newman and Joseph Cleburne. The coroner was P. Bailey, who refused to qualify. The superintendent of schools was George R. Ballou ; county surveyor, John Griffin, who refused to qualify; while the justices of the peace were Thomas Kane and Frederick Glover.
The early records of the county are very meagre. Some of the early officers performed very little service. Salaries were small, some officers serving without any recompense. The offices were not as attractive as they are now and not sought. A list of the officers of the county down to 1918, follows: 1872, the commissioners were Henry Newman, and Joseph Cleburne; Judge, G. W. Heist; sheriff, J. J. Ellis; coroner. P, Bailey (refused to qualify) ; treasurer, Thomas Kane; superintendent of schools, George R. Ballou; surveyor, John Griffin i refused to qualify): Justice of the Peace, Thomas Kane and Frederick Glover. ] time the Cheyenne county judges
700
The offices were not as attractive as they are now and not sought. A list of the officers of the county down to 1918, follows: 1872, the commissioners were Henry Newman, and Joseph Cleburne; Judge, G. W. Heist; sheriff, J. J. Ellis; coroner. P, Bailey (refused to qualify) ; treasurer, Thomas Kane; superintendent of schools, George R. Ballou; surveyor, John Griffin i refused to qualify): Justice of the Peace, Thomas Kane and Frederick Glover. ] time the Cheyenne county judges
have been as follows : D. Carrigan, George Darrow, C. D. Essig, Julius Neubauer, A. Pease, Robert Shuman, Leroy Martin, F. H. DeCastro, A. A. Ricker, M. J. Saunders, James Tucker, Henry E. Gapen and C. P. Chambers. Succeeding Moore, Glover, Ellsworth, Newman and Cleburne, commissioners serving have been as follows : J. J. Mcintosh, H. V. Redington, James Callahan, Henry Newman, R. S. Van Tassel, Henry Tusler, J. F. Simpson, A. J. Walrath, Henry Snyder, J. W. Haas, T. H. Lawrence, Moritz Urbach, John Snodgrass, J. B. Stetson, August Newman, Frank L. Smith, Morris Davis, P. C. Johnson, A. H. Frame, E. S. Crigler, J. W. Vanderhoof, A. W. Atkins, W. R. Wood, J. W. Harper, Frank A. Rowan, Fred Lindburg, Robert Emanuelson, W. C. Dugger, Jerome B. Haiston, Louis R. Bareaw, J. B. Haiston, Lewis Brott, L. R. Barlow, Frank X. Rihn, N. H. Troelstoup, W'illiam Codings and J. L. Reed.
County Treasurers
A complete roster of the county officers has been hard to obtain. Some of the offices have been created since the organization of the county but the persons who have been trusted with the public funds are as follows : Thomas Kane. Henry Snyder, C. K. Allen, Carl E. Borgquist, James Sutherland. C. D. Essig, Adam Ickes, James L. Mcintosh, A. Pease, Fred Lehmkuhl, A.
701
H. Troelstoup, W'illiam Codings and J. L. Reed.
County Treasurers
A complete roster of the county officers has been hard to obtain. Some of the offices have been created since the organization of the county but the persons who have been trusted with the public funds are as follows : Thomas Kane. Henry Snyder, C. K. Allen, Carl E. Borgquist, James Sutherland. C. D. Essig, Adam Ickes, James L. Mcintosh, A. Pease, Fred Lehmkuhl, A. K. Greenlee, J. S. Hagerty, W. R. Wood, Simon Fishman, Mabel Lancaster. The latter is the first woman to occupy this important position, and regrets have been expressed that her efficiency cannot be rewarded by more than two terms under the statute.
County Clerks
II. A. Dygart was the first clerk to serve in the county, being named by the governor's proclamation in August, 1870. He has been followed by L. Connell, C. K. Allen, J. J. Mcintosh, L. B. Cary. Dan McAleese. C. J. Osborn, William C. Bullock, Tames Burns, Robert E. Barrett, Henry T. Doran, F. N. Slawson, who splendidly assisted in the compilation of this data.
G irxrv Superintendents
The office of superintendent of public in-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
struction dates from the organization of the county and first election October 8, 1872. The first superintendent was George R. Ballou, being succeeded in September, 1874, by I_. Jenkins, then in 1875, by L. H. Bordwell. Since that time the following men have filled that office: Daniel Hirlihy, E. M. Day, Joseph Oberfelder, Leslie Stevens, Mrs. Julia Shelton, Mrs. E. O. Lee, Mattie McGee, C. P. Chambers, Otis D. Lyon, Mrs. A. B. Knox, Minnie E. Chase, William Ritchie, Jr., Edith H. Morrison, and Anna McFadden. The records of the superintendent's office, and Mrs. McFadden assisted excellently in this work.
702
Ballou, being succeeded in September, 1874, by I_. Jenkins, then in 1875, by L. H. Bordwell. Since that time the following men have filled that office: Daniel Hirlihy, E. M. Day, Joseph Oberfelder, Leslie Stevens, Mrs. Julia Shelton, Mrs. E. O. Lee, Mattie McGee, C. P. Chambers, Otis D. Lyon, Mrs. A. B. Knox, Minnie E. Chase, William Ritchie, Jr., Edith H. Morrison, and Anna McFadden. The records of the superintendent's office, and Mrs. McFadden assisted excellently in this work.
Other County Officers
J. J. Ellis was the first sheriff of Cheyenne county ; he was first appointed, then elected October 8, 1872, being followed in office by C. McCarty, John Zweilfel, F. R. Curran, Robert
(Xn Court, Sheriff's Residence
C. Howard, S. O. Fowler. W. T. Eubank, Charles Trognitz, John Daugherty. Daniel Mc- Aleese, Frank King, S. H. Babb, J. W. Lee, J. W. McDaniel, Adam D. Waggy, and then J. W. McDaniel, the present incumbent, returned to duty.
In 1873, precincts for the first time took on importance and elected officers and from this time have continued to elect the necessary officers from time to time.
The first county surveyor was elected in 1872, being John Griffin who refused to qualify; Joseph Callihan was elected in 1873, and refused to qualify, since which time the surveyors elected have served. The first coroner was P. Bailey, who refused to qualify and was followed the next year by George Williams who also refused to qualify, but since that time the men elected have generally served.
703
In 1873, precincts for the first time took on importance and elected officers and from this time have continued to elect the necessary officers from time to time.
The first county surveyor was elected in 1872, being John Griffin who refused to qualify; Joseph Callihan was elected in 1873, and refused to qualify, since which time the surveyors elected have served. The first coroner was P. Bailey, who refused to qualify and was followed the next year by George Williams who also refused to qualify, but since that time the men elected have generally served.
In 1881. occurs the first mention of a county attorney, when V. Bierbower's name is given at the returns of the November elections. He has been followed by W. C. Reilly, E. O. Lee,
William P. Miles, Henry Gapen, Mark Spanogle, Henry Gapen, Lerov Martin, Robert W. Devoe, C. S. Radcliffe.
Judicial
William Gaslin, Jr., was the first district judge to sit in Sidney and Cheyenne county, and was the man who made much of western Nebraska bow to the law. He served from 1876 to 1880. Samuel Savage next sat upon the bench but his were not the years of stress that preceded or followed as he held office from 1880 to 1884.
From 1884 to 1888, Francis G. Hamer, afterwards a member of the Nebraska supreme court, served in this district. His record is written in the hearts of the people whose homes he saved by delay of process of law in the interests of justice. In the end everyone was served well.
704
Samuel Savage next sat upon the bench but his were not the years of stress that preceded or followed as he held office from 1880 to 1884.
From 1884 to 1888, Francis G. Hamer, afterwards a member of the Nebraska supreme court, served in this district. His record is written in the hearts of the people whose homes he saved by delay of process of law in the interests of justice. In the end everyone was served well.
From 1888 to 1892, A. H. Church was the judge presiding in the western end of the tenth district of Nebraska. Conditions in this section of the state were changing and he had difficulty in meeting the many new demands.
William Neville, one of the best and most able judges that ever sat on a bench, presided over the destinies of Cheyenne county and those counties afterward carved from old Cheyenne, from 1892 to 1896. He then went to Congress.
For fifteen years H. M. Grimes sat in this district, which was divided about ten years ago.
By the creation of the new district, R. W. Hobart was appointed and took over the northern counties that had been carved from Cheyenne. Judge Grimes still presides when court meets in Cheyenne, Deuel, or Kimball counties. He starts now upon his twenty-fifth year as judge of the district in which Cheyenne county is located, which is evidence of a satisfied people.
From 1868 to 1885, the statutes provided for the election of district attorneys. During those years one name stands alone to the credit of the Panhandle of Nebraska, that of Vic Bierbower, of Sidney, who was elected in 1S80 and served one term.
705
Judge Grimes still presides when court meets in Cheyenne, Deuel, or Kimball counties. He starts now upon his twenty-fifth year as judge of the district in which Cheyenne county is located, which is evidence of a satisfied people.
From 1868 to 1885, the statutes provided for the election of district attorneys. During those years one name stands alone to the credit of the Panhandle of Nebraska, that of Vic Bierbower, of Sidney, who was elected in 1S80 and served one term.
Cheyenne County Court House No. 1
The present Cheyenne County Court House, is of Doric simplicity and is a constant source of pleasure to the eye and satisfaction to the people. It is a little more than a decade old, as $50,000 worth of bonds were voted for the erection of a court house March 21, 1911. On April 15, of the same year the contract
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
for the new structure was let to C. F. Goodhand of Ord.
The 'building is sixty by eighty-four feet, exclusive of the portico and is built of white stone. The interior is finished in oak where wood is used and the walls are natural sand finish. The main entrance and rotunda are tiled. The stairway is of steel and slate with banisters of steel and brass. There are three full stories including the basement which is light and airy and contains the jail, the furnace room, and two convenient rest rooms for the public.
eel with it is an office for the judge. On this floor are jury rooms, counsel chambers and the caretaker's apartments. The old county buildings were sold and wrecked when the new court house was placed in use so the grounds today are beautifully laid out in lawns, making the court house yard a real park for Sidney.
706
There are three full stories including the basement which is light and airy and contains the jail, the furnace room, and two convenient rest rooms for the public.
eel with it is an office for the judge. On this floor are jury rooms, counsel chambers and the caretaker's apartments. The old county buildings were sold and wrecked when the new court house was placed in use so the grounds today are beautifully laid out in lawns, making the court house yard a real park for Sidney. Section Homestead Bill Goes Into Effect As a result of the Congressional measure known as the Section Homestead Bill, passed in 1S94, more than two million acres of land were thrown open to homesteaders under provision by which an entryman was entitled to
ClIEYF.XXK Coixty Court House. Sir
The rest room in the northwest corner of the basement, maintained by the Women's Club, is cozy, comfortable and convenient and is free to all the women of the county. The rest room for men practically duplicates this. A fine heating plant is in the basement so that every part of the building is well heated and also well lighted with electricity. All the county offices an- located on the first floor and are equipped with every convenience including vaults for the records and county treasurer's papers. The offices include those of thi il-il. superintendent, assessor, commissioners, surveyor and county judge, which includes an office and court room. The third floor or second story houses the district court ii h i- large and convenient. Connectsix hundred and forty acres, and to such homesteaders under the old law, who had vacant lands adjoining, they could increase their acreage to a section. A thirty day preference was allowed in which to make filing. All the rest was open to the entrymen first coming.
707
The offices include those of thi il-il. superintendent, assessor, commissioners, surveyor and county judge, which includes an office and court room. The third floor or second story houses the district court ii h i- large and convenient. Connectsix hundred and forty acres, and to such homesteaders under the old law, who had vacant lands adjoining, they could increase their acreage to a section. A thirty day preference was allowed in which to make filing. All the rest was open to the entrymen first coming. This caused a land rush into western Nebraska as hundreds of people wanted to make entries under the new law, Sidney displayed considerable activity some days prior to June 28, when the homestead law took effect. Many new settlers thus came into Cheyenne county who became permanent residents and aided in the further settlement of this section. The enlarged homestead was first introduced by Congressman Wm. Neville for two sections, the fruitful suggestion of Judge Homer Sullivan
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
of Broken Bow. Congressman M. P. Kincaid, followed and reduced the acreage to one section. The law was then confined to Nebraska, but now includes all the western states.
Cheyenne; County Schools
District No. 1, was organized in 1871, with C. E. Borgquist, moderator; D. Carrigan, director, and Joseph Cleburne, treasurer. It included Cheyenne county as it then existed, and unorganized Sioux county which then extended eastward to the present line of Holt county. In a period of less than fifty years twenty-three counties have been formed in this first school district, which originally included all northwestern Nebraska.
708
The law was then confined to Nebraska, but now includes all the western states.
Cheyenne; County Schools
District No. 1, was organized in 1871, with C. E. Borgquist, moderator; D. Carrigan, director, and Joseph Cleburne, treasurer. It included Cheyenne county as it then existed, and unorganized Sioux county which then extended eastward to the present line of Holt county. In a period of less than fifty years twenty-three counties have been formed in this first school district, which originally included all northwestern Nebraska.
The first teacher in this district was Irene Sherwood, who taught the school of twelve pupils at her home in Sidney, during the winter of 1871-1872. Ten years later there were four school districts in all this territory, located at Sidney, Big Springs, Antelopeville (now Kimball) and Lodgepole. Sidney reported one hundred and fifty pupils with a two room school. J. M. Brenton was principal and Mrs. N. L. Shelton, assistant.
By 1884, nine districts lined the Union Pacific Railroad from Big Springs to Cheyenne and one district had been created in the still unorganized territory of Sioux county, near Fort Robinson on White river. Miss Mary Delahunty was the teacher, and Daniel Klein, director. The next year two more districts were organized in Cheyenne county ; one on Pumpkin creek and the other on the North Platte river. Districts Nos. 2 and 3 were organized in Sioux county with John Tucker and W. V. Pennington directors of the two districts, in the order named.
There seems to have been no county superintendent in Cheyenne county until January, 1871, when George Ballou assumed the duties of that office. He was the first county superintendent of a territory covering nearly a third of the state. On the first Saturday in February, 1873, he held the first teacher's examination at which Rose C.
709
Districts Nos. 2 and 3 were organized in Sioux county with John Tucker and W. V. Pennington directors of the two districts, in the order named.
There seems to have been no county superintendent in Cheyenne county until January, 1871, when George Ballou assumed the duties of that office. He was the first county superintendent of a territory covering nearly a third of the state. On the first Saturday in February, 1873, he held the first teacher's examination at which Rose C. Michael and Mrs. L. M. Ballou were the only applicants and were granted certificates numbered one and two. School moneys available were appropriated for the use of district No. 1, there being only the one district. The board of directors then consisted of Thomas Kane, George W. Heist and John Ellis.
L. Jenkins, the second superintendent, was elected September 1, 1874. and granted a seccond grade certificate to Miss Mollie A. Pressley, for one year. All moneys again went to
the first district. On September 14, 1875, a second grade certificate was granted to Miss Delia A. Sharpless, and district No. 1 had all the school funds. February 19, 1878, County Superintendent L. H. Bordwell created district No. 2, at Big Springs and sent notice of its organization to John McCann. Election was held February 26, 1878, to elect school officers who were as follows : G. W. Banhart. moderator; R. A. J. Walrath, director; a man named Green was treasurer, but the district was abandoned as no school was held. On August 4, 1879. a petition for reorganization of district No. 2, was filed and asked that the following officers be named : R. J. Coerdon, moderator; E. W. Ormsby, director; A. J. Walrath, treasurer. No. 2 district was created by E. M. Day, superintendent, who had been appointed to fill a vacancy July 8, 1879.
710
J. Walrath, director; a man named Green was treasurer, but the district was abandoned as no school was held. On August 4, 1879. a petition for reorganization of district No. 2, was filed and asked that the following officers be named : R. J. Coerdon, moderator; E. W. Ormsby, director; A. J. Walrath, treasurer. No. 2 district was created by E. M. Day, superintendent, who had been appointed to fill a vacancy July 8, 1879.
District No. 3. at Antelopeville, now Kimball, was created August 8, 1879, with J. J. Kinney, moderator; John J. Mcintosh, director and William Gaw, treasurer. There was a contest of "School" and "No School," and it would seem that the "No School" faction had the best of it and had its board appointed. The first election overturned this and, in 1S80, Thomas B. Evans, to which "taxable inhabitant" the notice of the district's organization had been sent, and James Lynch and Walter Derrig were elected members of the school board.
The first school was held in a building made of railroad ties set on end, and had a dirt roof and dirt floor. Soon afterward a frame building was bought ; it had formerly been used by J. J. Mcintosh as a saloon. This served until the school grew and required more room and better quarters, which were provided. The old frame structure was sold to the Swedish Lutheran church and in 1920, was still used for church purposes though remodeled and with additions.
District No. 4, was organized at Lodgepole, August 19, 1879, by E. M. Day. county superintendent. H. Barrett, was moderator ; A. C. Drake, director ; and James Green, treasurer.
711
Mcintosh as a saloon. This served until the school grew and required more room and better quarters, which were provided. The old frame structure was sold to the Swedish Lutheran church and in 1920, was still used for church purposes though remodeled and with additions.
District No. 4, was organized at Lodgepole, August 19, 1879, by E. M. Day. county superintendent. H. Barrett, was moderator ; A. C. Drake, director ; and James Green, treasurer.
S. V. Livingston became county superintepdent in 1880, and no new districts were formed while he was in office. Only six certificates were issued during his term.
Jos. Oberfelder was then elected superintendent, and assumed office in 1882. Eleven certificates were issued by him, and district No. 5, at Potter, came into existence September S, 1883, when John O'Leary was selected as moderator; James Evans, director ; and Adam Gunderson, treasurer.
Leslie Stevens, who served as superintendent
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
after 1884, discontinued the record of sertificates issued, except for the entry of the number, names and address.
District No. 6, at Bushnell, was organized September 26, 1884. with A. Tracy, Walter Derrig and S. A. Pierce the members of the board. .March 7, 1885. district No. 7, was formed at Chappell, with Messrs. Johnson, Newman and McLoskey making up the board. Districts Nos. 8 and 9, were "formed on the railroad at Bronson and Colton. District No. 10, the first organized away from the railroad, in Cheyenne county, was on Pumpkin creek at the old Wright ranch, while Leslie Stevens was superintendent. It came into existence in March, 1885, and the district comprised practically all the territory now embraced in Banner county, and all south of the North Platte river in the present Scotts Bluff county. The taxable property consisted of some railroad land and ranch cattle.
712
Districts Nos. 8 and 9, were "formed on the railroad at Bronson and Colton. District No. 10, the first organized away from the railroad, in Cheyenne county, was on Pumpkin creek at the old Wright ranch, while Leslie Stevens was superintendent. It came into existence in March, 1885, and the district comprised practically all the territory now embraced in Banner county, and all south of the North Platte river in the present Scotts Bluff county. The taxable property consisted of some railroad land and ranch cattle.
Lora Sirpless was the first teacher; Tohn Wright was director, and. in 1887 L. D. Livingston and Hugh Milhollin became members of the board. A local contest appeared here, and the following years Mrs. Ellen Streeks. S. B. Shumway and Jacob Keleton were elected to the school board. The first school house in the district was made of logs with dirt floor and roof, but. in 1887. a frame building about sixteen by tweney-four feet was erected and Clara Shumway was selected teacher in 1888. Camp Clark district, No. 11, was organized the same month as district 10, being the second away from the railroad. After this schools were organized thick and fast as the county was settling up and by the autumn of 1888 there were a hundred and thirty-two districts in Cheyenne county. Julia Shelton was superintendent during this period of expansion. I he first district organized and holding school in the present Scotts Bluff county was at Tabor, now Minatare. in August, 1886. Basil Decker, Theodore Harshman and Wellington Clark constituted the board. Horseshoe Bend had the first school in the North Platte valley. It was held in an old claim shack, with Gertrude Ashford as teacher. The district was organized March 7. 1886, with George Williams as director. Cheyenne county has since been divided and retains only a small part oi it- original territory but the schools have maintained a high standard of efficiency in tional work. 'I'l'<- firsl school in unorganized territory later Sioux county, and now Sheridan county Wished by fas. i Iberfelder in 1882 It was located near Fori Robinson and Red Cloud Agency, and all the pupils NVL>re ha]f i,reed
713
The district was organized March 7. 1886, with George Williams as director. Cheyenne county has since been divided and retains only a small part oi it- original territory but the schools have maintained a high standard of efficiency in tional work. 'I'l'<- firsl school in unorganized territory later Sioux county, and now Sheridan county Wished by fas. i Iberfelder in 1882 It was located near Fori Robinson and Red Cloud Agency, and all the pupils NVL>re ha]f i,reed
Indians. There were forty-two of them, principally the children of Sioux women and white "squaw" men. We are told that the famous chief Red Cloud had descendants in this school. The children of Nick Janis and his Crow Indian wife were among them. Mary Delahunty was the courageous teacher to go into this wilderness to teach.
New High School, Sidney
Cheyenne county as it now exists has seventy districts, which include several that are partly in Cheyenne, and partly in adjoining counties. According to the school census of 1920, there are two thousand seven hundred and forty-eight pupils in the county, ranging in age from five to twenty-one years. There are four accredited city and town high schools as follows. Sidney, with twenty-three teachers ; Lodgepole, with nine ; Potter, with seven ; and 'Dalton with seven. There are consolidated schools at Sunol and Gurley, the first having five teachers and twelve grades, while Gurley has seven teachers and eleven grades.
The rural schools, sixty-five in number do, not seem to be following the extreme consolidation plans of some other counties, it being the general opinion in Cheyenne county that schools of two or three rooms and a teacher's cottage are best. That teaching well all subjects up to the eighth and tenth grades meets
714
There are consolidated schools at Sunol and Gurley, the first having five teachers and twelve grades, while Gurley has seven teachers and eleven grades.
The rural schools, sixty-five in number do, not seem to be following the extreme consolidation plans of some other counties, it being the general opinion in Cheyenne county that schools of two or three rooms and a teacher's cottage are best. That teaching well all subjects up to the eighth and tenth grades meets
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the most demands with highest efficiency and economy in administration.
There are four parochial schools in the county : The Catholic Academy at Sidney, and three others which are Lutheran : one at Sidney, one south of Sidney and the third at Gurley. Each of these three has but one teacher. There has been some friction to get them to qualify under the Simon law but not as much as in other counties. The main difficulty has been to get these schools to supply the required text books. Miss Anna McFadden is the present superintendent of Cheyenne county, and takes much interest in her work.
Municipal Enterprises
Sidney possesses as good and cheap a water system as can be found in the state. The water is obtained from a well on the north side. This well goes down to second water and never lowers a foot. Its quality is of the purest. It is pumped to the reservoir on the hill and from there distributed to the town by a fall of a hundred and twenty feet. The reservoir will hold a hundred and twenty-five thousand gallons. The system is owned by the city and was put in at a cost of $25,500. Consumers get a water rate that is very reasonable. A sewer system has been a badly needed innovation and has improved sanitary conditions.
715
Its quality is of the purest. It is pumped to the reservoir on the hill and from there distributed to the town by a fall of a hundred and twenty feet. The reservoir will hold a hundred and twenty-five thousand gallons. The system is owned by the city and was put in at a cost of $25,500. Consumers get a water rate that is very reasonable. A sewer system has been a badly needed innovation and has improved sanitary conditions. This is also owned by the town. The lighting, heating and power plant, known as the Sidney
Birdseye View, Sidney
Electric Service Company, is maintained as a private enterprise and its functions are as indicated. The entire town receives the light and power if desiring to and the business section is furnished heat also. The service is excellent in each branch. Rose street is lighted by electroliers.
This plant has a contract for pumping the city water and furnishes lights for the railroad yards and shops and power for the turn table. The Nebraska Telephone Company is
located in the Cleburne Block and enjoys a large patronage. More than four hundred subscribers are served and have connections with about any place in the world. Four girls are busy throughout the twenty- four hours.
Sidney has more than sixteen miles of cement sidewalks, much of it twelve feet wide. These lead to all the better portions of the town town and take the pedestrian past houses that are a credit to any city.
716
located in the Cleburne Block and enjoys a large patronage. More than four hundred subscribers are served and have connections with about any place in the world. Four girls are busy throughout the twenty- four hours.
Sidney has more than sixteen miles of cement sidewalks, much of it twelve feet wide. These lead to all the better portions of the town town and take the pedestrian past houses that are a credit to any city.
Fire protection is as yet quite adequate with two volunteer fire companies, the Citizens and
the Railroad Boys. Fire plugs are placed at frequent intervals over the town, the water supply is unlimited and the pressure great. The town has been remarkably free from fires and to the rare cases the firemen have given the highest degree of service. They are without a suitable home and in conjunction with the Village Board are planning to build a city hall with a fire department. They already have a considerable fund toward that end.
Railroad Importance
As has been stated Sidney has railroads, the Burlington lying north and south and the Union Pacific traversing her length east and west. The; Burlington has four passenger trains a day and two local freight carrying passengers. The U. P. has a division at this point and employs upward of three hundred men. The payroll for the current months has amounted monthly to $15,000. The round house, car department and coal heavers received $5,800, monthly, while the roadmaster's office and the five sections within the county total $2,0^7.07. There are thirteen passenger trains on this road each day and at this point two local freights carrying passengers. An attractive depot of stone, steam-heated and with every convenience for travelers, is so exquisitely kept that strangers are often heard to remark
717
The payroll for the current months has amounted monthly to $15,000. The round house, car department and coal heavers received $5,800, monthly, while the roadmaster's office and the five sections within the county total $2,0^7.07. There are thirteen passenger trains on this road each day and at this point two local freights carrying passengers. An attractive depot of stone, steam-heated and with every convenience for travelers, is so exquisitely kept that strangers are often heard to remark
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
upon its unusual neatness. The windows look out upon a pretty and well-kept park.
In truth, the whole of the railroad property is so orderly and neat that the house-keepers could learn lessons by inspection of the buildings and yards, where conditions are so adverse to neatness. It will be readily understood that the Union Pacific railroad is a large part of Sidney.
First Irrigation in Western Nebraska
The first irrigation in western Nebraska was in the Lodgepole valley, and was practiced by the soldiers under the command of General Dudley of Sidney in 1871. A dam was built across the creek and the waters thus impounded were used to irrigate the tracts of land alloted to the companies. Rivalry existed between the companies is growing the best gardens. Let it be known to the credit of this early tillage that the soldiers raised nice gardens, but the grasshoppers discouraged their efforts. The first produce was intended to supply two hundred and fifty enlisted men and their officers and finally ended in the addition of several hundred dollars worth of produce being sold in town.
718
A dam was built across the creek and the waters thus impounded were used to irrigate the tracts of land alloted to the companies. Rivalry existed between the companies is growing the best gardens. Let it be known to the credit of this early tillage that the soldiers raised nice gardens, but the grasshoppers discouraged their efforts. The first produce was intended to supply two hundred and fifty enlisted men and their officers and finally ended in the addition of several hundred dollars worth of produce being sold in town.
When the fort was abandoned in 1894, trees two or three feet in diameter were flourishing. After the valley was settled more densely, ditches were constructed until irrigation was practiced extensively along the borders of the entire creek. The dams averaged from three to ten feet in height and seventy-five to one hundred feet in length, and were located from a half to three-quarters of a mile apart along the course of the stream. The discharge of Lodgepole Creek is small in comparison with many other streams thus utilized in Nebraska. This is explained by the fact that the stream is fed from numerous springs along its entire course and also by the fact of the valley being from one to three miles in width. The irrigation of such land thus being very close proximity to the stream that water reappears promptly, after being spread over the bordering land. It has been observed frequently that when all the flow was being diverted at one point the stream a half mile further down would flow again the same as if no water had been diverted above.
719
This is explained by the fact that the stream is fed from numerous springs along its entire course and also by the fact of the valley being from one to three miles in width. The irrigation of such land thus being very close proximity to the stream that water reappears promptly, after being spread over the bordering land. It has been observed frequently that when all the flow was being diverted at one point the stream a half mile further down would flow again the same as if no water had been diverted above.
LODGEPOLE
The town of Lodgepole is the second oldest town in Cheyenne county. It had the first newspaper, the first bank, first business house, and first postoffice in the county outside of Sidney. School district No. 4 was located there, which is the second district organized within the present limits of the county. Its high character of morality, and its religious and educational institutions appeal to people who are looking for a permanent abiding place.
There are now resident there some excellent people who came and located when the cattlemen occupied the wide domain. They have adopted the newer standards of an ownership of acreage, instead of the open range.
There arc the first grangers also, who came and remained through the years of stress, a number of which are ye< residents after the lap e of a third of a century. Here was horn the first white boy in thai part of the county; Guy C. Newman. Here also is Col. V B. ■ and his I tardscrabble ranch. Here
720
They have adopted the newer standards of an ownership of acreage, instead of the open range.
There arc the first grangers also, who came and remained through the years of stress, a number of which are ye< residents after the lap e of a third of a century. Here was horn the first white boy in thai part of the county; Guy C. Newman. Here also is Col. V B. ■ and his I tardscrabble ranch. Here
two of the names that mean much to early history of the region were recently united in marriage. Not the younger generation, but the principals who were in the drama of early years. A. B. Persinger. aforesaid, was a ranchman of the seventies, while Mrs. G. H. Jewett, the bride, was the widow of the first state senator from the Panhandle of Nebraska. He it was who built the first bridge across the South Platte river at Big Springs in the early eighties.
At Lodgepole also is the veteran editor, J. V. Wolfe, who for so long, directed the destinies of the Express, recently retiring in favor of Claude Grisham, who is keeping a standard of excellence. This paper was established about 1884.
Lodgepole also had to its credit one of the state's best members of the legislature in 1917- 1919, and who in 1921 became regent of the State University, William L. Bates.
Fred Lehmkuhl is another Lodgepole name
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
that runs steadily through the progress of town, county, and community welfare, from the very beginning. J. R. Young is still another long familiar name, a pioneer in merchandising, and always forefront for the good of the town.
721
Lodgepole also had to its credit one of the state's best members of the legislature in 1917- 1919, and who in 1921 became regent of the State University, William L. Bates.
Fred Lehmkuhl is another Lodgepole name
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
that runs steadily through the progress of town, county, and community welfare, from the very beginning. J. R. Young is still another long familiar name, a pioneer in merchandising, and always forefront for the good of the town.
F. H. Wolf, cashier of the Cheyenne County Bank, can tell you stories of forty years ago, when he and his brother Ed, were two of the four pupils attending the first school (a private school) held in the old wreck of a depot at Chappell where John O'Neil, the station master, gave him his first lesson.
Lodgepole is located on the Union Pacific railroad near the east line of Cheyenne county. It is beautifully located, surrounded by many
the main crop Lodgepole has prospered. Irrigation has led to the growing of potatoes and other produce which has given the surrounding country an impetus which is reflected in the town. After its incorporation and the good years of plenty, sidewalks were laid. Miles of concrete walks were laid, and an electric light plant and water system were established that render excellent service and give Lodgepole a metropolitan aspect. The electric plant and water works are housed in the same building. Lodgepole has a modern school house of cut stone and it is rated one of the best in the county. Lumber and coal vards have been established, elevators to handle
722
After its incorporation and the good years of plenty, sidewalks were laid. Miles of concrete walks were laid, and an electric light plant and water system were established that render excellent service and give Lodgepole a metropolitan aspect. The electric plant and water works are housed in the same building. Lodgepole has a modern school house of cut stone and it is rated one of the best in the county. Lumber and coal vards have been established, elevators to handle
natural meadows in which are many lakes made by darning Lodgepole creek. This locality is popular with hunters from the eastern part of the state. The town lies in the valley which has a gentle rise to the north and south. It has a park which was established by the railroad, is well kept and has a band stand. A statue of Lincoln marks the spot where Lodgepole's first school house stood, now the center of the park.
The station was first established when the railroad built through the county. At first it was very small, just a section house and improvised depot. Not until 1882 or 1883 was there any town. A school was established in 1S79. Merchandising came later when the country began to settle up with permanent farmers. Year by year more homes have been erected and since the introduction of wheat as
the grain, hardware and implement houses have been started and furnished the country side with all machinery and articles needed by the farmers. The leading mercantile house was started in 1888 by a Mr. Young and a large fine building was erected to house the store in 1892. It is an establishment of which Lodgepole may well be proud. A furniture store was one of the early business houses, established by E. Fenske, also handling hardware, harness and monuments and for years he operated the elevator.
723
the grain, hardware and implement houses have been started and furnished the country side with all machinery and articles needed by the farmers. The leading mercantile house was started in 1888 by a Mr. Young and a large fine building was erected to house the store in 1892. It is an establishment of which Lodgepole may well be proud. A furniture store was one of the early business houses, established by E. Fenske, also handling hardware, harness and monuments and for years he operated the elevator. Lodgepole was established as a postoffice some years after the railroad was built and for years I.. R. Barlow, one of the early settlers was postmaster. Today Lodgepole is one of the attractive and prosperous towns of the Panhandle and with its rich surrounding country has thrived and
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
grown into one of the good shipping and trading points on the Union Pacific.
Lodgepole's shipment of wheat in 1920 totalled three hundred and fortv-four cars, approximating a value of $600,000. Last year ( 1919) the value of wheat shipments was around $800,000.
Potter
Potter, situated in the western part of Cheyenne county, midway north and south, is located on the Union Pacific railroad, not far
stands and also built the building first used for the postoffice after it was removed from the station. William and Andrew McAdam built on the corner where the James Lumber Company now has an office. They were engaged in the furniture business. The Mc- Adams also built the old school house which stood for years on school house hill, whkh was later remodeled and used for a hotel on Main street. This old school was built about 1887 or 1888, but after being removed from the station the first school was held in a small
724
William and Andrew McAdam built on the corner where the James Lumber Company now has an office. They were engaged in the furniture business. The Mc- Adams also built the old school house which stood for years on school house hill, whkh was later remodeled and used for a hotel on Main street. This old school was built about 1887 or 1888, but after being removed from the station the first school was held in a small
from the western boundary. It owes its existence and early establishment to the railroad. The station house of the railroad, built in 1870, was the only building in Potter for a number of years and was at one time, station, postoffice. and school room as the first school was held in this building with a teacher from Omaha. The country around the Potter station was used first by the cattlemen but gradually some settlers came. Among the men prominent in .settling up this locality was the Reverend Charles Anderson, who lived at Sidney but was active in locating people in the Potter district. Another family prominent in the promotion of the town was the Brotts, (Andrew and Lewis.) and their families. They established the first hardware store on m r where the Citizens' State Rank now
frame building where the Thornburg house was built later. The teacher then was Miss Alary O. Strong. By this time Potter had quite a few houses and was becoming a village. One of the first postmasters was Fred Nelson. The old livery barn was built by Frank Hyde and was one of the oldest buildings in Potter outside the section house and depot. He dug a well, the first in Potter and put up a tank and windmill, and even went so far as to pipe water to some of the buildings and houses, installing the first water system in the town, though it is primitive, and of simple construction.
725
One of the first postmasters was Fred Nelson. The old livery barn was built by Frank Hyde and was one of the oldest buildings in Potter outside the section house and depot. He dug a well, the first in Potter and put up a tank and windmill, and even went so far as to pipe water to some of the buildings and houses, installing the first water system in the town, though it is primitive, and of simple construction.
Civic advancement began in real earnest in 1885, when the first hotel was built just west of Thornburg's building, O. L. Erickson being the proprietor. By 1889 Potter was thriv-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ing, it had two grocery stores, two hardware stores, a newspaper called the Potter Press, one hotel, one restaurant, one blacksmith shop, a furniture store and a feed store. About this time the Lutheran church was built in practically its present form except for the tower and some interior changes. Mr. D. Shultz was one of the prominent men in its organization. The Potter Press was short lived and within a couple of years Potter was without a paper. Later the Potter Review was started but was likewise abandoned. A third attempt was made when H. Stevens was hired by some enterprising men to reestablish the Review and has been published ever since under that name.
By 1890 the farmers who had settled around Potter began to raise grains, mostly wheat and oats and as 1892 was a good year, Potter had to build grain storage houses but not of the type used today. Everything seemed bright for the young village of Potter but the droughts of 1893 to 1895 made great changes. Many settlers left the country and the small country towns suffered from the migration and hard times.
726
Stevens was hired by some enterprising men to reestablish the Review and has been published ever since under that name.
By 1890 the farmers who had settled around Potter began to raise grains, mostly wheat and oats and as 1892 was a good year, Potter had to build grain storage houses but not of the type used today. Everything seemed bright for the young village of Potter but the droughts of 1893 to 1895 made great changes. Many settlers left the country and the small country towns suffered from the migration and hard times. Some better years followed but made little change in Potter. After the section homestead bill was passed Potter began to look up a little and, in 1907, the first bank was organized, before which the people of Potter had to bank at Sidney. The next few years saw great changes in Potter, new stores were erected, the Gunderson hotel was built. Dr. Ames put up a building and the Potter State Bank, after organization, was located in a new building.
In the meantime Potter was incorporated and began to put in sidewalks. Bonds were voted and municipal light and water systems were established. The Union Pacific railroad built a new station and tank, while the farmers organized and put up a large grain elevator; later they also erected a flour mill. Mr. Seyfang projected a theatre building and hall for the growing town. New additions were laid out while many fine homes were constructed. Farming was prosperous and was reflected in the growth and development of the town, so that today it is one of the prosperous young towns of the Panhandle with great opportunities for bigger and still better expansion.
727
The Union Pacific railroad built a new station and tank, while the farmers organized and put up a large grain elevator; later they also erected a flour mill. Mr. Seyfang projected a theatre building and hall for the growing town. New additions were laid out while many fine homes were constructed. Farming was prosperous and was reflected in the growth and development of the town, so that today it is one of the prosperous young towns of the Panhandle with great opportunities for bigger and still better expansion.
The Lutheran church is of stone with furnace heat. It has a large membership with a resident pastor. The Methodist church also has a large membership with resident minister and both organizations have societies for church work.
Potter's school has developed from the old station where it was organized by Joseph Oberfelder, when count}- superintendent in 1883, to two rooms in the late eighties and about 1915 to four rooms well equipped, in a brick structure with basement, gymnasium, domestic science and clay molding.
In the winter of 1886-1887 the grangers to the north used to bring in red cedar posts and trade for groceries.
During that winter I was in Potter a number of times on that mission. The first time was with George Hendricks. I believe we broke the road just about as it now stands. I am sure our little pony team was the first to go up that hill with a wagon out of Big Horn canyon on the east side of the place where the principal road now runs. We crossed Lawrence Fork at the same point this road now occupies. We were unable to sell or trade the posts in Potter and drove to Sidney, where we made the necessary exchange with A. Pease, then in business there.
728
I am sure our little pony team was the first to go up that hill with a wagon out of Big Horn canyon on the east side of the place where the principal road now runs. We crossed Lawrence Fork at the same point this road now occupies. We were unable to sell or trade the posts in Potter and drove to Sidney, where we made the necessary exchange with A. Pease, then in business there. On the way in I shot and wounded an antelope, but had only the one cartridge and could not complete the job, for it could still travel.
In someway while there Hendricks managed to get a pair of soldier blankets and a United States rifle, inveigling them out of some dissolute soldier. Soldiers were forbidden to sell them but occasionally they needed the money and risked doing so.
Another time in Potter with Martin Draper, we were in a store, and there was a little kitten playing on the counter. Unless one has been used to the domestic animal life of older communities, and has been transplanted into a wilderness where only wild life exists one cannot understand the yearning and homesickness for old associates, when reminded of them.
This feeling proved too strong for Draper and he surreptitiously slipped the kitten into his overcoat pocket. It was taken out to Pumpkin creek, the first domestic cat in the present Banner county limits.
The Potter Review calls that town the "biggest little city in Nebraska," which is emphasized by the character of its numerous business houses of today. Among these are Farmers Union Trading Company, Johnson-Cords Company, Thornburg & Hager, Housen-Seyfang Mercantile Company, Potter Lumber Company, Johnson's Implement & Feed Store, Potter Grain Company, Jones Furniture Store, Central Market, Potter Bakery, Gunderson's Hotel, Seyfang Theatre.
729
It was taken out to Pumpkin creek, the first domestic cat in the present Banner county limits.
The Potter Review calls that town the "biggest little city in Nebraska," which is emphasized by the character of its numerous business houses of today. Among these are Farmers Union Trading Company, Johnson-Cords Company, Thornburg & Hager, Housen-Seyfang Mercantile Company, Potter Lumber Company, Johnson's Implement & Feed Store, Potter Grain Company, Jones Furniture Store, Central Market, Potter Bakery, Gunderson's Hotel, Seyfang Theatre. The City Garage, Hite's Transfer, and numerous others.
The two banks have substantially aided in the progress of the community, furnishing credit for the rapid expansion of agriculture
HISTORY OF-WESTERN NEBRASKA
and the development of the raw prairie into magnificient fields of wheat.
At one time in the county division agitation a "Potter county" was proposed. This proposal which left Sidney on the edge of two counties had much to do with Sidney's sudden change of heart in 1888, and brought that city to support the five-county plan, which carried.
In 1920 Potter shipped 375 cars of wheat, of a value of approximately $700,000. a drop of probably one-third from last year's total cash, but twenty-five percent of the wheat is yet in the fanners' bins.
Dalton
The high divide north of Sidney was traversed by the overland stage, pony express, and western bound emigrants, before Sidney existed. The Jules Cut-off from the South Platte valley at Fort Sedgewick (now Julesburg) went up Lodgepole creek to near the present site of the town of Lodgepole. Here it crossed the divide to Mud Springs (now Simla) then up the North Platte river on the other old trails.
730
In 1920 Potter shipped 375 cars of wheat, of a value of approximately $700,000. a drop of probably one-third from last year's total cash, but twenty-five percent of the wheat is yet in the fanners' bins.
Dalton
The high divide north of Sidney was traversed by the overland stage, pony express, and western bound emigrants, before Sidney existed. The Jules Cut-off from the South Platte valley at Fort Sedgewick (now Julesburg) went up Lodgepole creek to near the present site of the town of Lodgepole. Here it crossed the divide to Mud Springs (now Simla) then up the North Platte river on the other old trails.
After the coming into existence of the town of Sidney cattlemen locating in the "North River" county opened new roads across the empire of buffalo grass. Then the Black Hill's trade made one of them of high importance.
A handicap to this territory from the settlement point of view was lack of water. "The Water Holes" offered the one spot where it was possible to obtain shallow water. The freighters and stage routers had located this spot and put down some wells.
So the first locating on the divide aside from timber claims, was in this vicinity, that they could haul water until such a time as they could dig a well. As water was two hundred to three hundred feet below the surface, welldigging was no small undertaking.
These "Water Holes" were some distance southwest of the present town of Daiton. Eventually such beaut ful lands were destined to become homes ; they were settled upon by homesteaders, many of whom are yet to be found in the prosperous community. At first wells were dug at rare intervals', but later the drill, the windmill, and the gasoline engine have solved the water problem.
731
As water was two hundred to three hundred feet below the surface, welldigging was no small undertaking.
These "Water Holes" were some distance southwest of the present town of Daiton. Eventually such beaut ful lands were destined to become homes ; they were settled upon by homesteaders, many of whom are yet to be found in the prosperous community. At first wells were dug at rare intervals', but later the drill, the windmill, and the gasoline engine have solved the water problem.
The Burlington in 1920 projected its line
south from Uliance to the North Platte river,
establishing Bridgeport, then up the North
Guemse} It connected Bridgeport
1 lenver by way of Sidney. Th
on the divide were Dalton, Gurley and Huntsman.
Dalton led off in progress and enterprise, and was a town of growing importance in proportion to the acreage of buffalo grass that was plowed up, and the acres of wheat sown.
Dalton is located on one of the high points in the county and commands a beautiful view. Twenty -five years ago this site was a field of grass ; a wagon road leading from the river country wound through this territory, and the location was visited by a party of eastern men. as they passed over the divide in a freighter's wagon, for Sidney was then the first town south of Alliance. On reaching the "highest point," where Dalton, "Queen of the Prairie," today lifts her head, the men stood up and asked why the country was not fanned better and why better stock was not raised
732
Twenty -five years ago this site was a field of grass ; a wagon road leading from the river country wound through this territory, and the location was visited by a party of eastern men. as they passed over the divide in a freighter's wagon, for Sidney was then the first town south of Alliance. On reaching the "highest point," where Dalton, "Queen of the Prairie," today lifts her head, the men stood up and asked why the country was not fanned better and why better stock was not raised
Blind Cannon Xear Poixt of Rocks
and the driver responded that farming did not pay. Great has been the change from that day to this for Dalton is now surrounded by a rich, productive agricultural district. Only three years after the travelers passed the Burlington railroad was built through Cheyenne county and a side track and section house were established on the top of the notch of the divide and named Dalton. Shortly afterward a man put up a store and scales and the scattered people who lived in the district began to come in for supplies saving the longer trip to Sidney. Then settlers east of Dalton told that they had been raising enough wheat and grain for their use. Other farmers questioned why large fields would not yield as well as small ones. Macaroni wheat was introduced, which had drouth resisting qualities. Farmers remembered the years of 1893 and 1895, which were well nigh rainless. The pioneer merchant. W. S. Woolsey, became busy and prosperous and another man ventured into the station town to establish the Clough store. During this period farms grew closer to the village and a small school was established. From
733
Other farmers questioned why large fields would not yield as well as small ones. Macaroni wheat was introduced, which had drouth resisting qualities. Farmers remembered the years of 1893 and 1895, which were well nigh rainless. The pioneer merchant. W. S. Woolsey, became busy and prosperous and another man ventured into the station town to establish the Clough store. During this period farms grew closer to the village and a small school was established. From
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
this time the town grew ; gradually more buildings of good and permanent character were built for commercial purposes. Livery and feed barns sprang up to accommodate the farmers ; the postoffice was established in the Woolsey store; J. A. Walford and C. B. Shanks ran a grocery and meat market ; the Bridgeport Lumber Company established a lumber yard under the management of Jesse Ewing, and J. C. Franden opened a drug store, while Dr. A. E. Hedlund was the early physician to open an office, and enjoyed a good practice. Not long after, when farm lands began to sell. H. C. Anderson opened a real estate office. The busy blacksmith shop was conducted by Herman Martin and a hardware and furniture store by Charles Veith ; a confectionery store by H. C. Christensen and a livery and implement house by C. W. Handley. J. B. Hire managed a restaurant while A. P. Gustin operated a pool hall and barber shop. The garage of Dalton was opened by Ben Carter, while his wife was in charge of the telephone exchange. Steve Davis, the well driller, was a busy man.
734
The busy blacksmith shop was conducted by Herman Martin and a hardware and furniture store by Charles Veith ; a confectionery store by H. C. Christensen and a livery and implement house by C. W. Handley. J. B. Hire managed a restaurant while A. P. Gustin operated a pool hall and barber shop. The garage of Dalton was opened by Ben Carter, while his wife was in charge of the telephone exchange. Steve Davis, the well driller, was a busy man.
Dalton supports four lodges, all of which are thriving; they are the Workmen, the Woodmen, the Yeomen and the Royal Neighbors. Since the town was incorporated many cement sidewalks have been laid which makes the business and residence property most attractive. The Bridgeport Lumber Company established a plumbing and tinware department, always busy and a number of carpenters are active building the new residences with the increase of population.
With the increase in agricultural products it was necessary to have means to handle the immense quantities of grain shipped from Dalton and three of its four elevators were built more than ten years ago ; the Central which was then conducted by Ray Clough ; the Farmers Co-operative, managed by H. Harmuch, and the Foster Milling Company conducted by James Morrison.
D. R. Jones & Company are large realty dealers of Dalton ; they have handled several hundred families in farms and also deal in city property. Due to the growing business Mr. Jones took into partnership in 1913, A. J. Jorgenson, who had been the local manager of the McNish Land Company. The Western Realty Company was organized in 1906 with W. E. Swartzlander as president. This company always has a large list of farm properties for sale or rent with automobiles ready to take the prospective buyer to look at land.
735
Jones & Company are large realty dealers of Dalton ; they have handled several hundred families in farms and also deal in city property. Due to the growing business Mr. Jones took into partnership in 1913, A. J. Jorgenson, who had been the local manager of the McNish Land Company. The Western Realty Company was organized in 1906 with W. E. Swartzlander as president. This company always has a large list of farm properties for sale or rent with automobiles ready to take the prospective buyer to look at land.
Today Dalton is well represented in church
work and civic improvement institutions. It is remarkable the growth the town has had within such a short period, and as it serves an agricultural community all its business is necessarily such as supplies the wants of the farms and the progressive owners who trade in Dalton. Its main business street has many good and attractive business houses ; the stores are up-to-date in stock equipment and service and all are doing a fine business.
A traveler arriving by train sees the twostory hotel just across the street from the statu m. It is enjoying a fine trade and already is growing small for the accommodation of the traveling public. This house was conducted by W. N. Foster who also kept a ranch ten miles from town.
Dalton now has a population of about three hundred and fifty, two excellent banks, and four elevators. Its mercantile interests are well represented. The Farmers and Merchants Bank, and the Dalton State Bank look after financial affairs, which is an undertaking in a wheat town where elevators of the capacity of those at Dalton are in evidence. Three hundred and forty-one cars of wheat were shipped from Dalton of the 1920 crop to the close of the year.
736
Dalton now has a population of about three hundred and fifty, two excellent banks, and four elevators. Its mercantile interests are well represented. The Farmers and Merchants Bank, and the Dalton State Bank look after financial affairs, which is an undertaking in a wheat town where elevators of the capacity of those at Dalton are in evidence. Three hundred and forty-one cars of wheat were shipped from Dalton of the 1920 crop to the close of the year. In 1919 the shipments were tour hundred and twenty-one cars. The value last year was about $1,000,000, but this year's wheat shipments fell off in value as well as quantity, being probably $600,000. About thirty percent of the crop remains unsold.
Gurley
Gurley, the next town of importance in the progress of Cheyenne county, is five or six miles south of Dalton. It has two banks and is otherwise represented in a business way. Gurley shipped two hundred and fifty-two cars of wheat in 1920.
There was a drop in production in 1920, but owing to the lack of cars there was also a short shipment. This year's crop is only seventy percent marketed, thirty percent being in local elevators and farmers' bins.
The character of the country about Gurley is a continuation of the Dalton community.
Huntsman
I [untsman lies still further south on this tableland, and nearer to Sidney. The town has a bank and mercantile facilities. There being no station agent the grain shipments and other products are billed from and included in the report of the Burlington at Sidney.
737
This year's crop is only seventy percent marketed, thirty percent being in local elevators and farmers' bins.
The character of the country about Gurley is a continuation of the Dalton community.
Huntsman
I [untsman lies still further south on this tableland, and nearer to Sidney. The town has a bank and mercantile facilities. There being no station agent the grain shipments and other products are billed from and included in the report of the Burlington at Sidney.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Lorenzo
Lorenzo is near the Colorado line south of Sidney on the "South Table" as it is called, but is of little commercial interest, except as a shipping station. Its freight business is likewise handled by the Burlington agent at Sidney. The "South Table" did not come into importance until after the "North Table" had been settled. The first homesteaders were attracted north on account of the pine and cedar forests that covered the rough lands, supplying fuel and building materials for the first important needs.
Along the lodgepole valley on the Union Pacific railway, aside from Sidney, Lodgepole and Potter, there are in Cheyenne county a number of shipping points. Colton and Bronson are cared for by the agent at Sidney.
Sunol
Sunol has an individual identity, and its quota in the shipment of wheat in 1920 was one hundred and six cars, valued at about $250,000. It has a bank, stores and garage, being on the Lincoln Highway-
Government statistics put the total wheat product of Cheyenne county at 2,900,000 bushels for 1920. Shipments, however, were in excess of that amount. Conservative figures show a total of 2,111 cars of wheat shipped out, or about 3,100,000 bushels, and that represents but seventy percent of the crop. The other thirty percent on hand will bring a grand total yield in 1920 of around four and onehalf million bushels.
738
It has a bank, stores and garage, being on the Lincoln Highway-
Government statistics put the total wheat product of Cheyenne county at 2,900,000 bushels for 1920. Shipments, however, were in excess of that amount. Conservative figures show a total of 2,111 cars of wheat shipped out, or about 3,100,000 bushels, and that represents but seventy percent of the crop. The other thirty percent on hand will bring a grand total yield in 1920 of around four and onehalf million bushels. Sidney and the stations handled from there, shipped 693 cars.
Of the 2,111 cars shipped, 1,197 went over the Union Pacific, and 914 over the Burlington, the difference being due to better railroad and car service.
The Lincoln Highway traverses the county east and west, paralleling the Union Pacific railway, and a highway from Denver and Sterling north, passes through Sidney. Its connections are with the North Platte Valley Road, Yellowstone Road, and the Black Hills.
Important community centers in Cheyenne county were established and postofnces located, but generally these have given way to rural routes from railroad stations, and the automobile has shortened the time between the railroad and the interior communities.
STATE OFFICIALS
The territory of Lyons, Taylor and Monroe counties later erected into Cheyenne county and the "Beavais Terres" to the north, was included in the district represented by V. Krummer, of Columbus, in 1866, or the last territory legislature. This district included all of western Nebraska. The representative district was limited in 1873, to all territory west of Hastings and Grand Island, while the eastern boundary of the senatorial district was Norfolk, Columbus and Seward. Guy C. Barton of North Platte, was senator in 1873 and in 1875. He was the pioneer ranchman of Nebraska, west of North Platte.
739
The territory of Lyons, Taylor and Monroe counties later erected into Cheyenne county and the "Beavais Terres" to the north, was included in the district represented by V. Krummer, of Columbus, in 1866, or the last territory legislature. This district included all of western Nebraska. The representative district was limited in 1873, to all territory west of Hastings and Grand Island, while the eastern boundary of the senatorial district was Norfolk, Columbus and Seward. Guy C. Barton of North Platte, was senator in 1873 and in 1875. He was the pioneer ranchman of Nebraska, west of North Platte.
Platte, Colfax, Butler, Merrick, Hall, Buffalo, Lincoln, Dawson, Howard, Sherman, Valley, Greeley, Boon. Antelope, and Cheyenne counties, were by the Act of March 3, 1872, included in this senatorial district. The repive district comprises Lincoln, Dawson, Buffalo, Sherman, Valley, Franklin, and Cheyenne counties. Prior to that the man to represent this district was Wells Brewer in 1869-1870. Cheyenne county has never had a state official except in the house and senate. The time set by law for convening court in Cheyenne county was the third Monday of June, each year. The law at the time required a petition of two hundred of whom ten must be "taxable inhabitants," to organize a county. Sioux county, then unorganized, was attached to Cheyenne for administrative, judicial and taxation purposes.
In the Senate and Legislature
G. H. lewett, of Sidney was state senator in 1879 ; G. W. Heist, of Sidney, in 1883 ; D. Carrigan, of Sidnev, was representative in 1881 ; V. Bierbauer, 'in 1883; J. M. Adams in
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The law at the time required a petition of two hundred of whom ten must be "taxable inhabitants," to organize a county. Sioux county, then unorganized, was attached to Cheyenne for administrative, judicial and taxation purposes.
In the Senate and Legislature
G. H. lewett, of Sidney was state senator in 1879 ; G. W. Heist, of Sidney, in 1883 ; D. Carrigan, of Sidnev, was representative in 1881 ; V. Bierbauer, 'in 1883; J. M. Adams in
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
1885, and George C. Lingenfelter in 1893. All were from Sidney. In 1913, Lewis Brott, or Sextrop, Cheyenne county, was elected and was followed by William L. Bates, of Lodgepole. Bates served two terms in 1917 and 1918, and was then elected regent of the State University in 1920. He had removed to Kimball county before being elected to this office.
State Fish Commission
Robert Oberfelder was appointed State Fish Commissioner by Governor A. H. Holcomb about 1896. He served for six years, proving an efficient and conscientious official. His wide information as to streams and lakes of western Nebraska, enabled the planting of the right kind of fish in the right place. That trout now abound in many western streams is due to his initiation.
Banking and Finance
In 1876, there was but one bank in the Panhandle of Nebraska. It was located at Sidney. A private bank, the first in this part of the state, was established by Raynolds and Wallace and was called the Cheyenne County Bank." A. H. Raynolds was from Canton, Ohio, and was a relation of President McKinley. William Wallace was for years connected with the Omaha National Bank, and a figure of prominence in the financial world. After establishing and operating their bank for a time Raynolds and Wallace sold to Saxton Brothers, who were also from Ohio, and also related to McKinley.
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A private bank, the first in this part of the state, was established by Raynolds and Wallace and was called the Cheyenne County Bank." A. H. Raynolds was from Canton, Ohio, and was a relation of President McKinley. William Wallace was for years connected with the Omaha National Bank, and a figure of prominence in the financial world. After establishing and operating their bank for a time Raynolds and Wallace sold to Saxton Brothers, who were also from Ohio, and also related to McKinley. That bank continued to operate and was known as the Exchange Bank. It went to the wall in latter financial depressions, and the assets were taken over by Morgan and Johnson, who ran it for a number of years. About 1889, Mr. Morgan shot himself and the bank became financially embarrassed. The county treasurer, Adam Ickes, had county funds in it and he went broke trying to make good the county losses, turning over all his private funds and property in an effort to save his bondsmen.
The American Bank, which had just been established, took over what was left of the wrecked Exchange Bank and J. J. Mcintosh, president of the American Bank, was made receiver of the Exchange. Edwin M. Mancourt, of Terre Haute, Indiana, a proficient banker, established the Merchants Bank. He was more conservative than had been his predecessors in Sidney's banking circles. After a few years he liquidated and went east, being a large banker in Detroit, Michigan, today,
and also vice-president of the consolidated coal companies. The third bank in Sidney was established by Milton Ahrends, but it was later merged with the First National Bank.
742
Mcintosh, president of the American Bank, was made receiver of the Exchange. Edwin M. Mancourt, of Terre Haute, Indiana, a proficient banker, established the Merchants Bank. He was more conservative than had been his predecessors in Sidney's banking circles. After a few years he liquidated and went east, being a large banker in Detroit, Michigan, today,
and also vice-president of the consolidated coal companies. The third bank in Sidney was established by Milton Ahrends, but it was later merged with the First National Bank.
The fourth bank was called the Sidney State Bank. After operating two years it was taken over and merged with the American Bank, the present officers of the latter institution being: T. C. McNish, president; M. C. Dinnery, G. E. Taylor and G. R. Buckner, vice-presidents; E. D. McAllister, cashier; J. L. McCarthy, assistant cashier. When this bank was organized, A. S. Raymond, now of Raymond Brothers & Clarke, wholesale grocers of Lincoln and Scottsbluff, was president; J. J. Mcintosh, vice-president ; and George E. Taylor, the present active vice-president was then cashier. S. H. Burnham, now of the First National Bank, of Lincoln, succeeded Raymond as president and he was succeeded by J. J. Mcintosh, July 4, 1894. Mr. Mc- Nish became president in 1918. The present capital and surplus amounts to $145,000.
The First National Bank came into existance in 1902. It has a capital and surplus of $75,800, and its present officers are: W. E, Swartzlander, president ; A. K. Greenlee, vicepresident ; Leslie Neubauer, cashier ; Charles L- Mann and Lena L. Jensen, assistant cashiers. The men who were influential in its organization were B. A. Jones, J. W. Harper, Charles Callihan, Milton Ahrends, A. K. Greenlee, C. D. Essig, Daniel Bergman, M. H. Tobin and A. Pease. The original capital was $25,000.
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The First National Bank came into existance in 1902. It has a capital and surplus of $75,800, and its present officers are: W. E, Swartzlander, president ; A. K. Greenlee, vicepresident ; Leslie Neubauer, cashier ; Charles L- Mann and Lena L. Jensen, assistant cashiers. The men who were influential in its organization were B. A. Jones, J. W. Harper, Charles Callihan, Milton Ahrends, A. K. Greenlee, C. D. Essig, Daniel Bergman, M. H. Tobin and A. Pease. The original capital was $25,000.
For fifteen years the two banks stood the test of Sidney's growth in commercial importance. Wheat then began to be a factor of Cheyenne county, and bank accounts, credits and deposits began to swell. The Nebraska State Bank was organized in 1917; with F. M. Wooldbridge, president ; and M. L. Wooldbridge, cashier. It has grown steadily and is firmly established. In 1920, the officers were: F. M. Wooldridge, president; F. D. Wooldridge and J. A. Simones, vice-presidents ; M. L. Wooldridge, cashier; and Helen Wooldridge and C. E. Wooldridge, assistant cashiers. The bank has a capital and surplus of $54,670. The Liberty State Bank came into existence in 1919, with F. N. Slawson, president ; H. R. Fuller, vice-president ; R. A. Barlow, cashier; and Marius Christenson, assistant cashier. It has prospered since organization and today has a capital and surplus of $33,000.
The oldest bank in Cheyenne county, outside of Sidney, was established at Lodgepole in 1889, and was called the First State Bank. It
744
The bank has a capital and surplus of $54,670. The Liberty State Bank came into existence in 1919, with F. N. Slawson, president ; H. R. Fuller, vice-president ; R. A. Barlow, cashier; and Marius Christenson, assistant cashier. It has prospered since organization and today has a capital and surplus of $33,000.
The oldest bank in Cheyenne county, outside of Sidney, was established at Lodgepole in 1889, and was called the First State Bank. It
1-1,1
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
has a capital and surplus of $32,200. The present officers are: W. G. Milton, president; J. W. Rogers, vice-president and W. J. Chase, cashier.
The Cheyenne County Bank, of Lodgepole, was organized in 1915. It has a capital and surplus of $31,540, and the officials are as follows : Ray Isenberger. president ; Fred Lehmkuhl. vice-president; F. H. Wolf, cashier and W. J. Barrett, assistant cashier.
Potter has two banks, the Potter State Bank being established in 1911. It has a capital and surplus of $31,500. J. A. Woten is president ; C. W. Johnson and P. Jensen, vicepresidents and Thomas Cowger, cashier. A small bank organized in 1907 was the antecedent of this strong organization.
The Citizens State Bank, began business in 1917. It has a capital and surplus of $18,000, with the following officers : G. A. Roberts, president ; Clarence Johnson, vice-president ; R. A. Babcock, cashier and D. F. Enevoldsen, assistant cashier.
Dalton has two banks, both established in 1908. The Dalton State Bank has $33,800 capital and surplus, with W. J. Ewing, president ; H. A. Fecht, vice-president ; J. L. Willis, cashier and R. Buchanan, assistant cashier.
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The Citizens State Bank, began business in 1917. It has a capital and surplus of $18,000, with the following officers : G. A. Roberts, president ; Clarence Johnson, vice-president ; R. A. Babcock, cashier and D. F. Enevoldsen, assistant cashier.
Dalton has two banks, both established in 1908. The Dalton State Bank has $33,800 capital and surplus, with W. J. Ewing, president ; H. A. Fecht, vice-president ; J. L. Willis, cashier and R. Buchanan, assistant cashier.
The Farmers State Bank has a capital and surplus of $27,640 and the following officers: J. H. Foster, president ; P. T. Higgins, vicepresident ; and Leslie C. Opper, cashier.
The Gurley State Bank, which began business in 1915, has a capital and surplus of $32,- 480. C. E. Wyerts is president ; A. E. Leclair, vice-president; and S. P. Johnson, cashier.
The Fanners State Bank of Gurley began business in 1917, has a capital and surplus of $18,500 and the following officers : S. J. Hanson, president; and C. W. Smith, vice-president.
The Farmers State Bank of Sunol, was organized in 1914, and has a capital and surplus of $24,930, and the following officers : T. W.
Rogers, president ; W. G. Nielton, vice-president and G. W. Barlow, cashier.
The Huntsman State Bank, six miles north of Sidney began business in 1919, and now has a surplus of $4,500 and a capital of $10,000. Its officers are : W. A. Sparks, president ; J. A. Chaon, vice-president, and W. E. Cunningham, cashier.
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The Farmers State Bank of Sunol, was organized in 1914, and has a capital and surplus of $24,930, and the following officers : T. W.
Rogers, president ; W. G. Nielton, vice-president and G. W. Barlow, cashier.
The Huntsman State Bank, six miles north of Sidney began business in 1919, and now has a surplus of $4,500 and a capital of $10,000. Its officers are : W. A. Sparks, president ; J. A. Chaon, vice-president, and W. E. Cunningham, cashier.
This concludes the list of financial institutions past and present of Cheyenne county and shows a remarkable history. The first flush of the gold years, the bonanza cattle days, the lean years of the droughts, and now the agricultural years of plenty. The great wide wheat fields with their wealth of grain in this county, is reflected in the volume of business shown in the fourteen banks. The only discordant note in the financial history of Cheyenne county in a quarter of a century has been the attempts of the older banks to keep new ones out. The new banks were needed by the growth of business in Sidney and the surrounding country.
The Farmers State Bank of Sunol was robbed July 28, 1916 at noon. The robbery was supposedly planned by R. G. Lukins and Frank Connell, the former acting as lookout while Connell took the money. He locked C. W. Smith, the cashier in the vault and started away with the loot, but two men were in the road. He shot through the windshield and killed them both. Others headed him off, and he ran his car into a corn field. Lukins was arrested in the town and Connel was captured in the willows near Tobin's ranch. He confessed, and both men were sent to the penitentiary.
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Lukins and Frank Connell, the former acting as lookout while Connell took the money. He locked C. W. Smith, the cashier in the vault and started away with the loot, but two men were in the road. He shot through the windshield and killed them both. Others headed him off, and he ran his car into a corn field. Lukins was arrested in the town and Connel was captured in the willows near Tobin's ranch. He confessed, and both men were sent to the penitentiary.
Two other concerns handle money in the county though they are not bankers. Oberfelder Brothers handle hundred of thousands of dollars annually, discounting warrants. Dr. Eichner discounts farm paper and other obligations in large amounts.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
THE PRESS
There has been no agency employed that is entitled to more credit for the development and advancement of Cheyenne county from its organization than its newspapers. During the first years of the county's history there was not a newspaper published within its boundaries. The Sidney Telegraph clearly has the field in priority of journalism, in Cheyenne county and the Nebraska Panhandle. It was first issued in May, 1873, in style being more like a pamphlet than the news sheet of today. It had four pages with four columns to the page. L. Connell was the publisher at its initiation. It was then bought by Joseph B. Gossage in the autumn of 1874, and the next year George C. Darrow became a partner in the ownership. The Telegraph was then published under the firm name of Joseph B. Gossage & Company. In 1878, a rival newspaper appeared, the Plaindcaler, which was started by W. H. Michael. In 1881, this paper was sold to A. C. Drake who consolidated it with the Telegraph which he then owned.
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It was then bought by Joseph B. Gossage in the autumn of 1874, and the next year George C. Darrow became a partner in the ownership. The Telegraph was then published under the firm name of Joseph B. Gossage & Company. In 1878, a rival newspaper appeared, the Plaindcaler, which was started by W. H. Michael. In 1881, this paper was sold to A. C. Drake who consolidated it with the Telegraph which he then owned. This gave the Telcgraph-Plaindcaler a clear field for some time. J. C. Bush bought it, and then Charles Callahan was the controlling spirit of the Telegraph for a number of years, "Plaindealer" being dropped from the name. For a long time now, H. E. Gapen has been the able editoi. He is a good politician as well as an efficient newspaper man and the combination has led to the Telegraph taking the leading place in the local newspaper world. Mr. Gapen has served as county attorney five times and was later county judge.
The files of the old Telegraph have contributed materially to the history of the county as herein recorded.
J. F. Wellington ran the Sidney Democrat for a period about 1886-1887, but owing to a change of administration it ceased to exist.
The Sidney Journal came into existence in 1888. It was supported by some politicians who were dissatisfied because the Telegraph sold space to the Democrats. They declared that the Telegraph, which was then managed by Charles Callahan, "had sold its birthright for a mess of pottage." The new paper won official patronage during 1890-1891, but its owner sold out. The paper was not successful and its publication ceased. The farmers rise in political prominence in 1890, brought new interest and a paper was started by L. C.
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It was supported by some politicians who were dissatisfied because the Telegraph sold space to the Democrats. They declared that the Telegraph, which was then managed by Charles Callahan, "had sold its birthright for a mess of pottage." The new paper won official patronage during 1890-1891, but its owner sold out. The paper was not successful and its publication ceased. The farmers rise in political prominence in 1890, brought new interest and a paper was started by L. C.
Stockwell, but it too faded away in the hard years of 1894 and 1895.
The Sidney Enterprise began its fourth year as a newspaper January 6, 1921. Its publishers, Perry and Caroline Coler, came from Kansas. They have a well equipped plant and publish an up-to-date paper. Mrs. Coler is a writer of prose and poetry. She has been known for many fine poems ; the Sidney Woman's Club has accepted some of her work and the Choral Society has set some of her poems to music. Sidney with its population of over three thousand is thus well served with newspapers.
Honorable Charles H. Randall, now a member of Congress from southern California, started the Western Nebraska Observer, at Antelopeville, now Kimball, in 1885. The paper is now known as the Kimball Observer, and was the second newspaper to appear in the Panhandle and Cheyenne county outside of Sidney, for a number of years. Randall later published the "Centropolis World" which became "The World," then "The Early Day." It was consolidated by C. L. Burgess, with "The Advocate," and is now the Banner County News, issued at Harrisburg, Nebraska. In 1884 the Lodgepole Express was established. It was a small affair, started with donations and insufficient capital, and more than a quarter of a century ago passed into the efficient hands of James C.
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The paper is now known as the Kimball Observer, and was the second newspaper to appear in the Panhandle and Cheyenne county outside of Sidney, for a number of years. Randall later published the "Centropolis World" which became "The World," then "The Early Day." It was consolidated by C. L. Burgess, with "The Advocate," and is now the Banner County News, issued at Harrisburg, Nebraska. In 1884 the Lodgepole Express was established. It was a small affair, started with donations and insufficient capital, and more than a quarter of a century ago passed into the efficient hands of James C. Wolfe. The town plat had been filed July 10, 1884, shortly before the Express was started. James Wolfe was a pioneer of this region as he homesteaded north of Lodgepole in 1885, and is familiar with all the trials and hardships of life here at an early day, also the failures and discouragements of the drought years. He published the Express for more than twenty-five years, and only recently sold it to Claude E. Grisham, the present efficient owner and editor. Mr. Grisham was formerly of Scottsbluff, a member of the staff of the Star-Herald and later on the Republican. In 1920. Lodgepole had a population of five hundred.
The Potter Review was started in 1912, although prior to that date, years ago, there was a newspaper published there from about 1888 to 1891, called the Press. The first paper had quite a patronage at the time of final proof of claims for homeseekers but after that discontinued publication. When wheat became
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Grisham was formerly of Scottsbluff, a member of the staff of the Star-Herald and later on the Republican. In 1920. Lodgepole had a population of five hundred.
The Potter Review was started in 1912, although prior to that date, years ago, there was a newspaper published there from about 1888 to 1891, called the Press. The first paper had quite a patronage at the time of final proof of claims for homeseekers but after that discontinued publication. When wheat became
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the great agricultural crop in Cheyenne county there was a desire for a local paper for news around Potter and the Review was established. For a time it suspended but was revived. The present editor, H. Stevens, also owns the paper. The town plat of Potter was filed May 14, 1885, and today Potter has a population of over five hundred inhabitants. About 1913, J. W. and L. C. Thomas started the Dalton Herald. The original name is changed, the first owners gone. Tom Laley succeeded the Thomases. The localitv is now served by the Dalton Delegate published by Don Fey Ermand. The paper was first established in 1914, and has a good circulation, being in fact the successor to the Herald. Dalton itself came into existence with the building of the Burlington railroad in 1901, and the town plat was filed April 4, 1906, and today Dalton has a population of three hundred and' fifty people. This completes the roster of the newspapers of Cheyenne county which is well and efficiently served by newsy, well edited papers.
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The paper was first established in 1914, and has a good circulation, being in fact the successor to the Herald. Dalton itself came into existence with the building of the Burlington railroad in 1901, and the town plat was filed April 4, 1906, and today Dalton has a population of three hundred and' fifty people. This completes the roster of the newspapers of Cheyenne county which is well and efficiently served by newsy, well edited papers.
FRATERNAL ORDERS AND CLUBS
The first fraternal organization in Cheyenne county was created bv the Masons December 26, 1877. It was the Frank Welsh Lodge No. 75, A. F. & A. M. The charter was granted June 25, 1879, with the following men as charter members : John A. Carley, Master ; George W. Russell, Senior Warden ; Julius Neubauer, Junior Warden; Norman F. Hazen, Peter Smith, John W. Griffin, Robert G. Howard, Dennis Carrigan, Henry Snyder, Henry Crohurst, Alfred Johnson, Robert S. Oberfelder, John Glickauf, Albert G. Persinger, Edward S. Ebbs and A. C. Drake. Only three of these original members were still alive in 1920; Messrs. Carrigan, Oberfelder and Persinger. The officers of the lodge at the present time are: Frank M. Wooldridge, Master; George Brewer, Senior Warden ; John W. Johnson, Junior Warden ; Leslie Neubauer, secretary and Leon Fine, treasurer.
In 1908, the building at the corner of Rose street, now Center avenue, and Third street, was erected by the Masonic order and used for all meetings. The lodge is now contemplating the erection of a fine new temple to take the place of the first building. There are sixty Shriners in Sidney and they have a Shrine Cluli organized which has arranged social events that are attractive, pleasant and instructive. Following the organization of the Masonic lodge, an Order of the Eastern Star came into existence and has had a consistent growth with the Masonic body and in 1920, was an active organization, with the following Mrs, < "live Agnew, Worthy Matron;
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The lodge is now contemplating the erection of a fine new temple to take the place of the first building. There are sixty Shriners in Sidney and they have a Shrine Cluli organized which has arranged social events that are attractive, pleasant and instructive. Following the organization of the Masonic lodge, an Order of the Eastern Star came into existence and has had a consistent growth with the Masonic body and in 1920, was an active organization, with the following Mrs, < "live Agnew, Worthy Matron;
Leon Fine, Worthy Patron ; Mrs. C. P. Grant, Associate Matron; Mrs. Grace Simondynes, Conductress; Mrs. D. Saxon, Associate Conductress; Miss Esther Devine, secretary; Mrs. Tulia Mann, treasurer; Mrs. Grace E. King, Ada; Mrs. A. E. Ahrends, Ruth; Mrs. C. C. Jones, Esther; Miss Katheryn Greenlee, Martha ; Mrs. J. J. Mcintosh, Electa ; Mrs. James Worden, chaplain ; Mrs. C. L. Mann, organist ; Mrs. Anna Osborn, warden ; Mrs. A. J. Jorgenson, marshal, and Herman Schroeder, sentinel.
The Modern Woodmen of America organized in Sidney in 1887, with twenty-two members. The lodge now has a hundred and six members. The Oberfelder brothers were active in establishing the Modern Woodmen in Cheyenne county and Joseph Oberfelder was state consul in 1917. The Woodmen have had a consistent growth from the start and are one of the strong organizations in the county today. The present officers are: Joseph Oberfelder, vice-consul ; V. F. Kucero, adviser ; F. D. Wooldridge, banker ; F. M. Wooldridge, clerk ; and C. M. Wright, O. R. Owens and Hugh D. Moore, trustees.
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The Oberfelder brothers were active in establishing the Modern Woodmen in Cheyenne county and Joseph Oberfelder was state consul in 1917. The Woodmen have had a consistent growth from the start and are one of the strong organizations in the county today. The present officers are: Joseph Oberfelder, vice-consul ; V. F. Kucero, adviser ; F. D. Wooldridge, banker ; F. M. Wooldridge, clerk ; and C. M. Wright, O. R. Owens and Hugh D. Moore, trustees.
Valiant Lodge No. 98, Knights of Pythias, was organized May 19, 1888, by the Grand Chancellor, O. L. Green of Kearney, with the following charter members : W. C. Reillv, C. S. Ickes, M. L. Tobin, Zig Gutfriend, T. Neubauer, Robert Shuman, T. C. Bush, T- F. Wellington, H. S. Kelter, R. J. Wallace, L. B. Cary, George W. Heist, Morris Davis, H. E. Gapin, J. E. Trinnier, Dr. C. H. Fields, J. W.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Norval. T. B. Dawson, J. W. Vanderhoof, J. E. Van Olinda, W. F. Bassett, Robert S. Oberfelder, J. W. Meyers, W. H. Adams, W. P. Miles, H. D. Meyers, George W. Jenner, T. St. Rayner, P. R. Borgquist, I. J- Mcintosh, E. O. Lee, J. A Carlev, J. Z." Denton and J. T. Thoelecke. The Knights of Pythias has been a strong organization from the first with most of the prominent men among its members ; many of the charter members are still alive and are today active in its councils.
Sidney Lodge No. 196, Ancient Order of United Workmen was started in 1891, with thirty-five members and the following officers : Joseph Oberfelder, past master workman; George F. Blanchard, master workman ; Charles Peterson, foreman ; James R. Williams, overseer and Albert Armstrong, secretary. The officers in 1920 were : Carl Muller. master workman ; Everett Foster, foreman ; John Daugherty, overseer ; Herman Schroeder, treasurer; Joseph Oberfelder, financial secretary and Everett Foster, A.
755
The Knights of Pythias has been a strong organization from the first with most of the prominent men among its members ; many of the charter members are still alive and are today active in its councils.
Sidney Lodge No. 196, Ancient Order of United Workmen was started in 1891, with thirty-five members and the following officers : Joseph Oberfelder, past master workman; George F. Blanchard, master workman ; Charles Peterson, foreman ; James R. Williams, overseer and Albert Armstrong, secretary. The officers in 1920 were : Carl Muller. master workman ; Everett Foster, foreman ; John Daugherty, overseer ; Herman Schroeder, treasurer; Joseph Oberfelder, financial secretary and Everett Foster, A. S. Ayle and W. J. Shoemaker, trustees. Today the Woodmen have a hundred and seventy-six members in Sidney.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was established by the activities of Joseph Oberfelder, Joseph Taylor and J. G. Tate, (now of Portland, Oregon). Joseph Oberfelder has been a member of the State Finance Committee of the Odd Fellows since 1908. The present officers of the Sidney Lodge No. 91 are: Oscar Hatcher, noble grand ; J. C. Hatcher, vice grand ; C. S. Chambers, past grand, and Mr. Jones, secretary. C. M. Wright is treasurer with N. W. Olson, O. M. Harris and C. P. Chambers, trustees. Charles Couch is district deputy grand master. The Odd Fellows is a very live organization living up to the tradition for charity for which it is noted. Naturally the Daughters of Rebekah are as active and have the usual social affairs in which the brother Odd Fellows .participate, especially the popular suppers.
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Chambers, past grand, and Mr. Jones, secretary. C. M. Wright is treasurer with N. W. Olson, O. M. Harris and C. P. Chambers, trustees. Charles Couch is district deputy grand master. The Odd Fellows is a very live organization living up to the tradition for charity for which it is noted. Naturally the Daughters of Rebekah are as active and have the usual social affairs in which the brother Odd Fellows .participate, especially the popular suppers.
The Degree of Honor has two lodge organizations in Sidney. Degree of Honor No. 122 is headed by Mrs. Anna Minshall as chief of honor; the other officers for 1921 are: Goldie Sweet, lady of honor; Catherine Reiners, chief of ceremonies; Margaret Roth, usher; Minnie Leege, associate usher ; Mayme Davis, treasurer; Ella Williams, recording financier; Lizzie Burkhardt, inside watch and V. Kucera, outside watch.
Dora Lodge, Degree of Honor is headed by Mrs. Herman Schroeder, as chief of honor.
The Macabees are also represented in Sidney.
The Knights of Columbus are active in Sidney as large classes are regularly initiated and the Catholic ladies serve fine banquets in St. Patrick's auditorium at such times.
In Sidney the Sidney Community Association looks after all public enterprises and new industries and has a remarkable record for the good done for the city. President Buckner and Secretary Keppler have for the past year set an example of proficiency which the new officers say they are going to excel for the upbuilding of the community. The following men are to make the attempt : M. Dimery, president ; E. L. Uptagrove, vice-president ; Leon Fine, treasurer, with the following men on the board of directors : C. W. Hornaday, W. P. Miles, Frank Whitelock, W. H. Hodkin, W. E. Swartzlander and G. R. Buckner.
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President Buckner and Secretary Keppler have for the past year set an example of proficiency which the new officers say they are going to excel for the upbuilding of the community. The following men are to make the attempt : M. Dimery, president ; E. L. Uptagrove, vice-president ; Leon Fine, treasurer, with the following men on the board of directors : C. W. Hornaday, W. P. Miles, Frank Whitelock, W. H. Hodkin, W. E. Swartzlander and G. R. Buckner.
Sidney has an active gun club organized on January 9. 1920, which is booked for ten contests in 1921 with Fort Lupton, Greeley, Longmont, Pueblo, Wray, Yuma, Colorado Springs, Denver and Douglas, Wyoming. Scottsbluff or Alliance may be taken for the one vacant date on the schedule.
All of the fraternal organizations of Cheyenne county have taken an active part in public and municipal affairs and the members are always on the lookout to assist in the development of the county and their own communities which shows the true western and progressive spirit. Twenty-two nights out of each month are lodge nights in Sidney.
I'M
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
THE CHURCH, THE BAR, THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
The story of the church in Cheyenne county is a romance of life in this section of the country. For the first few years after the building of the railroad, there were no towns and Sidney was small. The lack of permanent settlers made church activities of necessity supported almost entirely by outside contributions, and there were not many of these from 1869 to 1875. The "Panic of 73" and the difficulties of obtaining funds are still clearly remembered by the oldest settlers.
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The story of the church in Cheyenne county is a romance of life in this section of the country. For the first few years after the building of the railroad, there were no towns and Sidney was small. The lack of permanent settlers made church activities of necessity supported almost entirely by outside contributions, and there were not many of these from 1869 to 1875. The "Panic of 73" and the difficulties of obtaining funds are still clearly remembered by the oldest settlers.
It was about 1876 or 1877 that signs of a larger and permanent town became noticeable in Sidney. Elder T. B. Lemon of the Methodist Episcopal church brought a fearless minister of rather erratic tendencies into what
was then considered the wilderness of sin of Cheyenne county and in the language of the time, "turned him loose." There was a man in Sidney at the time, a former judge, who said that if a church was established in the town he would move out. The minister heard of the remark and accepted the challenge. He began his work among the lowly and unfortunate but he was so earnest that people went to hear him. He gained in popularity, and within two years had raised funds among the people to buy a building in the wildest district. The house which was a dance hall to that date, was renovated and remodeled, and the firsl Methodist church was established by 1879. By this work this abode of sin and crime, became consecrated ground. As he had promised, the judge left Sidney after the church was founded and went to the Black Hills; later he became a changed man and a pillar of tin* Methodist church in the home he adopted. Rev. Turner was minister in 1881. A little later Leslie Stevens tilled the pulpit.
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The house which was a dance hall to that date, was renovated and remodeled, and the firsl Methodist church was established by 1879. By this work this abode of sin and crime, became consecrated ground. As he had promised, the judge left Sidney after the church was founded and went to the Black Hills; later he became a changed man and a pillar of tin* Methodist church in the home he adopted. Rev. Turner was minister in 1881. A little later Leslie Stevens tilled the pulpit.
Stevens later, after service as county superintendent, went to China where he died.
The beautiful new Methodist church of today, is built upon the identical spot where the fearless minister established his congregation forty-two years ago. The old building was torn down in 1884, and a larger one erected. L. D. Livingston, later of Pumpkin creek, was one of the men who helped in the building. A parsonage was built in 1889, and, in 1907, the church was remodeled. It served well until the congregation outgrew the building and members desired a newer and larger home. In 1918, the new edifice was built at an approximate cost of seventy thousand dollars and was dedicated April "13, 1919, by Bishop Matt S. Hughes. It is one of the finest church buildings in the Panhandle and, in 1921, there are three hundred members, while the Sunday School has an enrollment of over four hundred. Reverend T. Porter Bennett, the present pastor, is a man of unusual vitality and progressive spirit, and his usefulness is emphasized by a large growth in the membership.
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In 1918, the new edifice was built at an approximate cost of seventy thousand dollars and was dedicated April "13, 1919, by Bishop Matt S. Hughes. It is one of the finest church buildings in the Panhandle and, in 1921, there are three hundred members, while the Sunday School has an enrollment of over four hundred. Reverend T. Porter Bennett, the present pastor, is a man of unusual vitality and progressive spirit, and his usefulness is emphasized by a large growth in the membership.
The Episcopalian church was the second established in Cheyenne county and Sidney. Reverend William Page Chase came here in 1879, and held services regularly from September, to May, 1880. After he left there were only occasional services held by missionaries of the Episcopal church. On May 2, 1880, Bishop Clarkson confirmed seven persons and then visited Sidney occasionally, holding services until 1884. Reverend John H. Babcock of North Platte, held services in March, 1886. Bishop Worthington, accompanied by Reverend Babcock made one visit in April, 1886, and baptised four children whose parents were members of the church. The Bishop organized a mission by the name of "Christ Mission," and appointed the following officers : Colonel E. W. Stone, warden ; Andrew Haskell, treasurer ; Fred H. DcCostro, clerk and Lieutenant Daniel Carnman, superintendent of the Sunday School. Colonel Stone was also made lay reader. At this time eighteen persons partook of the Holy Communion and it was estimated that twenty families were connected with the church. Sixty dollars a month was pledged for a minister and the Masonic Order volunteered the use of its hall for church purposes. A church guild was organized with Mrs. Fred E. H. Ebstein. president; Mrs. Douglas, treasurer and Airs. Morgan, secretary. At the request
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DcCostro, clerk and Lieutenant Daniel Carnman, superintendent of the Sunday School. Colonel Stone was also made lay reader. At this time eighteen persons partook of the Holy Communion and it was estimated that twenty families were connected with the church. Sixty dollars a month was pledged for a minister and the Masonic Order volunteered the use of its hall for church purposes. A church guild was organized with Mrs. Fred E. H. Ebstein. president; Mrs. Douglas, treasurer and Airs. Morgan, secretary. At the request
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
l'»5
of the Bishop, Mr. Babcock took charge May 26, 1886, and more than four hundred dollars was raised for church funds at a bazaar held at the Post Theatre in June of that year. A lot was donated by J. Thorn Clarkson and two more adjoining were purchased for three hundred and fifty dollars. Bishop Worthington gave three hundred dollars and the Guild the other fifty for the purchase price. These lots were deeded to the Cathedral Chapter of the Diocese of Nebraska in trust for the use of the church.
During the fall of 1886, a small building fund was raised. F. M. Ellis of Omaha, drew plans for a church building and Thomas W. Walsh in November was awarded a contract for putting in a foundation. The corner stone was laid by the Masonic Order and Bjshop Worthington, on November 23, 1886. A. Pease built the church which was completed and consecrated July 28, 1889. Reverend Callaghan McCarthy succeeded Mr. Babcock and Reverend Thomas W. Barry, chaplain of the United States army at Sidney Post, and Reverend Robert G. Osborn followed in turn. In 1920, Reverend Henry Ives has charge and is Dean of western Nebraska, including Kimball and Scottsbluff. He is faithful and unfailing in his stewardship of the trust which has been' well rewarded with the results in church work.
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Pease built the church which was completed and consecrated July 28, 1889. Reverend Callaghan McCarthy succeeded Mr. Babcock and Reverend Thomas W. Barry, chaplain of the United States army at Sidney Post, and Reverend Robert G. Osborn followed in turn. In 1920, Reverend Henry Ives has charge and is Dean of western Nebraska, including Kimball and Scottsbluff. He is faithful and unfailing in his stewardship of the trust which has been' well rewarded with the results in church work. Right Reverend A. R. Graves and Bishop George A. Beacher. were contemporaneous with this period, men of vast influence and service to the church.
The Presbyterian church was established in this section at a later day. Today the work of this denomination is in the capable hands of Reverend Samuel Light. The church is growing and is representative of Sidney and Chevenne county.
Reverend L. L. Holmes, of the Christian church is building substantial foundations of his denomination and his church is one of the newer ones that has had a fine growth in Sidney, as well as the county.
The Catholic church, usually a pioneer, was among the first to become established in Sidney. Father Conway used to come here from North Platte, and occasionally a priest from Cheyenne came both before and after 1880. Father Conway had the rectory built in 1883 and Vallie Williams says that there was a small frame church built here a few years earlier, about 1880. Father M. J. Barrett was the first resident priest, coming to Sidney in 1883. The parish then included Paxton and Ogallala, and later was made to include Oshkosh, Lisco. Bridgeport, Scottsbluff, and Dalton. Reverend Waldron was put in charge of
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Father Conway used to come here from North Platte, and occasionally a priest from Cheyenne came both before and after 1880. Father Conway had the rectory built in 1883 and Vallie Williams says that there was a small frame church built here a few years earlier, about 1880. Father M. J. Barrett was the first resident priest, coming to Sidney in 1883. The parish then included Paxton and Ogallala, and later was made to include Oshkosh, Lisco. Bridgeport, Scottsbluff, and Dalton. Reverend Waldron was put in charge of
the parish in 1888, being followed by Reverend St. Lawrence in 1891, Reverend J. R. McGrath in 1893; Reverend J. F. McCarthy in 1895, Reverend J. J. Flood in 1899, who died and was buried in Sidney Catholic cemetery in 1902, Rev. J. P. DeVane was placed in charge after the death of Father Flood and was succeeded by Reverend T. D. Sullivan in 1904 ; Reverend James Dobson in 1907, who remained until 1912. That year the Diocese of Omaha was divided and the Diocese of Kearney created with James M. Duffle, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, as Bishop. Father Dobson left for the east and his first assistant. Reverend Campman was in charge until June, 1913, when Father Anton Link, the present efficient priest was placed in charge, and Chappel. Lodgepole, Kimball and Angora were added to the parish.
In August, 1912, the new stone church was commenced, the corner stone laid in October following, and it was completed and dedicated November 18, 1914. That year the old parish house was wrecked and a new modern parsonage erected. The church cost about thirty-five thousand dollars which was quite an undertaking for the members of the church.
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Reverend Campman was in charge until June, 1913, when Father Anton Link, the present efficient priest was placed in charge, and Chappel. Lodgepole, Kimball and Angora were added to the parish.
In August, 1912, the new stone church was commenced, the corner stone laid in October following, and it was completed and dedicated November 18, 1914. That year the old parish house was wrecked and a new modern parsonage erected. The church cost about thirty-five thousand dollars which was quite an undertaking for the members of the church.
In 1915, a small frame school house was built and school began January 10, 1916. The beginning of the academy was undertaken reluctantly but the building was soon crowded. Five sisters of the Ursuline Community, of Louisville, Kentucky, arrived in December, 1915, to take charge of the school and by the spring of 1916, it was necessary to enlarge the school. The first part of the academy cost twenty-five thousand dollars, and, in 1920 it was enlarged by an addition costing a hundred thousand dollars. This was dedicated January 7, 1921. Fifteen sisters are now members of the teaching force of the school and there is an attendance of a hundred and seventy-five day scholars and a hundred and twenty-five boarders who live at a distance.
Sidney has two Lutheran churches. The English Evangelical Lutheran, presided over by Reverend Kahl, who also has Gurley charge of Reverend Karl Fenske, and the Trinity Lutheran church is under the guidance of E. Borgmeyer and is called Southeast Trinity.
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Fifteen sisters are now members of the teaching force of the school and there is an attendance of a hundred and seventy-five day scholars and a hundred and twenty-five boarders who live at a distance.
Sidney has two Lutheran churches. The English Evangelical Lutheran, presided over by Reverend Kahl, who also has Gurley charge of Reverend Karl Fenske, and the Trinity Lutheran church is under the guidance of E. Borgmeyer and is called Southeast Trinity.
The Methodist Episcopal church at Lodgepole recently dedicated a new church building, Bishop Homer C. Stuntz, officiating, assisted by District Superintendent Dr. M. E. Gilbert and Reverend Henry F. .Martens, who was appointed to this charge in 1918. The consecration ceremonies occurred in December, 1920. This church was established in the Union Pacific depot January 1. 189S. A stone church
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
was dedicated the following year with Reverend Dr. Shank, the editor of the Omaha Christian Advocate, as master of ceremonies. It took nearly ten years to pay off the debt and mortgage on the building. J. R. Young, Fred Lehmkuhl, Lewis A. Ganson, Charles N. Coates and John F. Ganson were the members of the building committee of the old stone church. The building committee of the new church were R. O. Bond, H. L. Lucke. F. H. Wolf, B. J. Watson, W. T. Hafer, and Fred Lehmkuhl. The last named, served on both building committees. The comer stone of the new building was laid July 2, 1920, by Grand Master Joseph B. Fradenburg, of the Masonic order of Nebraska. The edifice cost thirty-five thousand dollars. Reverend A. W. Amsbury held the first quarterly conference here January 21, 1893. and the constitution of the church was drafted by J. F. Ganson and Charles N. Coates.
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J. Watson, W. T. Hafer, and Fred Lehmkuhl. The last named, served on both building committees. The comer stone of the new building was laid July 2, 1920, by Grand Master Joseph B. Fradenburg, of the Masonic order of Nebraska. The edifice cost thirty-five thousand dollars. Reverend A. W. Amsbury held the first quarterly conference here January 21, 1893. and the constitution of the church was drafted by J. F. Ganson and Charles N. Coates.
Gurley has a live Methodist Episcopal organization and church with Reverend Coffman in charge.
Potter has three churches, and as has been usual in this county, the Methodist church was pioneer, and is most active. Reverend Chas. O. Troy is pastor.
Trinity Lutheran and Catholic churches each are here provided.
Although not a church organization, the Women's Christian Temperance Union is associated with its work in many particulars. The organization has been in existence in Cheyenne county for many years. The local institution at Potter is particularly virile, and has done much excellent work. Mrs. A. J. Woten is the present executive head and is ably directing it for civic and communal good.
In addition to the churches mentioned and those in the interior of the county rural districts, a tribute should be paid to the congregations that assembled in sod houses, log huts and dug outs in the days when the grangers were spreading over the western prairies and before churches were built. Services and Sunday schools were held in every neighborhood and volunteer laymen were everywhere doing their part in religious work.
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Woten is the present executive head and is ably directing it for civic and communal good.
In addition to the churches mentioned and those in the interior of the county rural districts, a tribute should be paid to the congregations that assembled in sod houses, log huts and dug outs in the days when the grangers were spreading over the western prairies and before churches were built. Services and Sunday schools were held in every neighborhood and volunteer laymen were everywhere doing their part in religious work.
Bar Banquet 1887
Shortly after the re-election of Judge Francis (',. I lamer as district judge of the enormous district then comprising the greater portion of the western end of the state, a complimentary banquet was tendered him at the old Railroad eating house at Sidney on December 14, 1887. mention ni the time and the place
would prove that in modern parlance, "some time" was had by all those who were fortunate enough to be present. A roster of those who were present will serve to awaken many memories and it will also serve as a pretty complete directory of those who took a prominent part in the local and district governmental affairs of the large territory then embraced in Cheyenne county. Naturally there were not very many resident lawyers in that vicinity at that date, so in this list will be found the mention of numerous other attorneys who used to journey to Sidney when court was in session there. Surviving members of this list have assured the compilor that this occasion was one that had not been forgotten in the thirty-three years since it took place, and that they had experienced no social occasion that could come up to this one.
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Naturally there were not very many resident lawyers in that vicinity at that date, so in this list will be found the mention of numerous other attorneys who used to journey to Sidney when court was in session there. Surviving members of this list have assured the compilor that this occasion was one that had not been forgotten in the thirty-three years since it took place, and that they had experienced no social occasion that could come up to this one.
Those recorded as being present were : Hon. Geo. W. Heist, toastmaster ; F. G. Hamer, guest of honor; General H. A. Morrow; Major J. J. Mcintosh ; Attorneys J. J. Halligan, E. M. Day, of Ogallala; Judge Lacey, of Cheyenne; J. E. Alexander ; J. W. Bartholemew, of Grand Island; J. W. Brewster, Court Reporter; J. M. Adams, Register of United States Land ! >fnce ; C. B. Blakeley, Receiver of United States Land Office; Major George Laing, C. D. Esseg, Judge J. J. Neubauer ; City Councilman M. T. Tobin, C. Trognitz, Joseph Oberfelder ; County Judge A. Pease, Postmaster A. J. Brennan, L. B. Cary, County Clerk elect. F. L. Smith, County Commissioner. W. P. Miles, ludge Shuman, Tudge J. W. Norvell, W. C. Reilley, Thos. Kane. City Marshal; Judge W. S. Beall; Henry St. Rayner; E. O. Lee ; T- F. Wellington, of the Democrat, and J. C. Bush of the Telegram.
Cheyenne County Bar
The Bar of Cheyenne county has been represented by men of ability and sound judgment since the courts were stablished. The first lawyers to practice in Sidney and Cheyenne county were Messrs. Heist, Bierbower, Kane and Norval. Many other lawyers have been mentioned on other pages of this history where their many activities in the interests of the county have been recounted.
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Wellington, of the Democrat, and J. C. Bush of the Telegram.
Cheyenne County Bar
The Bar of Cheyenne county has been represented by men of ability and sound judgment since the courts were stablished. The first lawyers to practice in Sidney and Cheyenne county were Messrs. Heist, Bierbower, Kane and Norval. Many other lawyers have been mentioned on other pages of this history where their many activities in the interests of the county have been recounted. The 'present members of the Cheyenne County Bar are: W. P. Miles, the oldest member and dean; H. E. Gapen, J. L. Mcintosh, Joseph Oberfelder, A. Warren. Paul Martin. C. S. Radcliffe. W. H. Hodgkin, Thomas Powell and J. L. Tewell. Many hard and difficult cases have been fought, won and lost in the county by the well known lawyers and at all times their integrity and
HISTORY OF WKSTERX NEBRASKA
high standards have been maintained. As a rule, the community now is not involved extensively in litigation.
The Medical Profession
In the early days there were few physicians in Cheyenne county, but with the gradual settlement, doctors came into this wild, newly settled country and here became established to aid and succor the people. The first physician was Dr. Boggs, who served a large part of the
county around Sidney. He was followed by Dr. J. G. Ivy in the" fall of 1878. The first dentists in this section were the Urmy brothers. With the passing years well known professional men have opened offices and today the medical fraternity is well represented by the following: Doctors Mantor, Eichner, Roche, Taylor, Simons, Schwartzlander, regular physicians ; Doctors Donahoe, Pettibone, Webster and Witham, dentists ; Dr. Montgomery, optician and Dr. Barger, osteopath. Dr. A. J. James is the physician at Potter.
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He was followed by Dr. J. G. Ivy in the" fall of 1878. The first dentists in this section were the Urmy brothers. With the passing years well known professional men have opened offices and today the medical fraternity is well represented by the following: Doctors Mantor, Eichner, Roche, Taylor, Simons, Schwartzlander, regular physicians ; Doctors Donahoe, Pettibone, Webster and Witham, dentists ; Dr. Montgomery, optician and Dr. Barger, osteopath. Dr. A. J. James is the physician at Potter.
THE WORLD WAR
Immediately upon the entrance of the United States into the World War, Cheyenne county organized for practical co-operation, determined to help the government in every way. The prominent business men and bankers of the different towns formed a county council of defense. The different bond drives were organized and successfully carried out and all went over to the top. The people in every community assembled in their halls, churches and school rooms and the interest manifested by them was remarkable. The complete list of the men who served in the army and navy from Cheyenne county has been sent to Xational Headquarters but the First Xational Bank of Sidney compiled as complete a list as it is possible to obtain at this time, which is as follows : Anderson, Royal; Andrews. Glenn M. ; Anderson, Emery Evert; Aldrich, J.; Armstrong, Raymond William ; Anderson, Emil ; Anderson, Edward Christian ; Ahlm, Sexton David V. ; Bangert, Harry Fred ; Brott, John Peter ; Bassett, Kenneth ; Blackwell, Wesley ; Bryan, Ilyod McKinley ; Bartholamew, Leo A. ; Bentley, Charlton B. ; Bolm, William A. ; Burkland, Edgar ; Borquist, Carl August ; Baumbach, Herman R. ; Brachtenbach, John ; Bennett, Geo. Elmer ; Baker, George ; Baker, Harry B. ; Bixby, Harry L. ; Bates, Glen ; Bennett, John Wesley; Baliff, Lee M. ; Cook, Funston ; Costello, John ; Collins, John Era ; Coons, John Willet ; Carey.
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Glenn M. ; Anderson, Emery Evert; Aldrich, J.; Armstrong, Raymond William ; Anderson, Emil ; Anderson, Edward Christian ; Ahlm, Sexton David V. ; Bangert, Harry Fred ; Brott, John Peter ; Bassett, Kenneth ; Blackwell, Wesley ; Bryan, Ilyod McKinley ; Bartholamew, Leo A. ; Bentley, Charlton B. ; Bolm, William A. ; Burkland, Edgar ; Borquist, Carl August ; Baumbach, Herman R. ; Brachtenbach, John ; Bennett, Geo. Elmer ; Baker, George ; Baker, Harry B. ; Bixby, Harry L. ; Bates, Glen ; Bennett, John Wesley; Baliff, Lee M. ; Cook, Funston ; Costello, John ; Collins, John Era ; Coons, John Willet ; Carey. George Howard ; Cheeney, Walter Aney; Coder, Ralph; Clark, Robert Glenwood ; Christensen, Andrew ; Closman, Esbon Tohn ; Couch, Asa Thomas ; Coates,
Roy ; Calwell, Fred ; Couch, James Clarence ; Copeman, Andrew C. ; Cook, Simmons W. ; dishing, Fred A. ; Clinton, Ray Lawrence ; Chambers, Allen; Chambers, Guy ; Clark, Carl ; Cook, Delbert; Davis, James; Davis, Walter F. ; Daniel, Lee Marion ; Durnell, Lennie ; Dedrick, Russell Franklin; Dedrick, Guy Clayton; DiMarks, Joe; Dowing, Oliver Holden; Doofe, Henry; Dunbar, Charles T. ; Dennv, Alva H.;
Durnell, Rov Forest; Durnell, Fail; Evans, William; Edner. Alfred; Ells, David; Ehmke, Herman; Farr, Charles; Fenske, Oscar E. ; Fuller, James Hubert ; Francis. Clarence ; Fine, Samuel"; Flora. Floyd F. ; Fine, Joseph; Greenlee, Rov C. ; Greenlee, Albert David; Gould. Ernest 'P. ; Grabill. Blaine Chester; Gregory, Harry Edward; Gross, Charley: Gundel, Fred E. ; Grabill, Isaac Elmer. Jr. ; Grant. Lawrence C; Gould. Henry; Could. William; Griffith,
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Roy ; Calwell, Fred ; Couch, James Clarence ; Copeman, Andrew C. ; Cook, Simmons W. ; dishing, Fred A. ; Clinton, Ray Lawrence ; Chambers, Allen; Chambers, Guy ; Clark, Carl ; Cook, Delbert; Davis, James; Davis, Walter F. ; Daniel, Lee Marion ; Durnell, Lennie ; Dedrick, Russell Franklin; Dedrick, Guy Clayton; DiMarks, Joe; Dowing, Oliver Holden; Doofe, Henry; Dunbar, Charles T. ; Dennv, Alva H.;
Durnell, Rov Forest; Durnell, Fail; Evans, William; Edner. Alfred; Ells, David; Ehmke, Herman; Farr, Charles; Fenske, Oscar E. ; Fuller, James Hubert ; Francis. Clarence ; Fine, Samuel"; Flora. Floyd F. ; Fine, Joseph; Greenlee, Rov C. ; Greenlee, Albert David; Gould. Ernest 'P. ; Grabill. Blaine Chester; Gregory, Harry Edward; Gross, Charley: Gundel, Fred E. ; Grabill, Isaac Elmer. Jr. ; Grant. Lawrence C; Gould. Henry; Could. William; Griffith,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Ferl ; Green, Albert ; Heinzman, Paul ; Harper, John \Y. ; Hargens, William; Hajek, Alonis ; Hatcher, Grover; Herbert, Francis James; Heise, Paul; Henrickson, William August; Harmsen, August; Hite, Guy Victor; Hutchinson, Carl Henry ; Hahler, Frank ; Henke, Peter; Hopkins, Oliver Lee ; Hornby, Paul D. ; Hink, Otto P.; Haiston, Frank E. ; Hedges, Roy ; Hornby, Paul ; Hedges, Allen ; Hulslander, C. A. ; Johnson, Henry Iven ; Johnson, Oscar N. ; Judd, Soloman ; Johnson, Bastian J. ; Johnson, John ; Johnson, Ralph Palmer ; Jones, Henry C. ; Jones, Hugh T. ; Jackson, Glenn ; Johnson. Albert ; Kluck, Rudolph ; Kucera, Joseph T. ; Kottwitz, Henry Chas. ; Konlroulis, Mike ; Knudson. Knud Olaf ; Greuger, Elmer Jay ; Kelley, Emerson W. ; King, F. A. ; Kucera, James ; Kretz, Winfield ; Lawson, Charles A. ; Loval, William Carl ; Lingwall, John Albert ; Ledbetter, Carl ; Lampros, Alex ; Lorimore, Kenneth Claire ; Langhram, James Arthur ; Lauritsen, William ; Lindberg, Oscar R.R ; Lund, Leonard F. ; Lewis, David G.
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Albert ; Kluck, Rudolph ; Kucera, Joseph T. ; Kottwitz, Henry Chas. ; Konlroulis, Mike ; Knudson. Knud Olaf ; Greuger, Elmer Jay ; Kelley, Emerson W. ; King, F. A. ; Kucera, James ; Kretz, Winfield ; Lawson, Charles A. ; Loval, William Carl ; Lingwall, John Albert ; Ledbetter, Carl ; Lampros, Alex ; Lorimore, Kenneth Claire ; Langhram, James Arthur ; Lauritsen, William ; Lindberg, Oscar R.R ; Lund, Leonard F. ; Lewis, David G. Livoni, Max ; Ledbetter, Frank ; McGrane James M. ; McDaniel, James Willis ; McKin ney, Fred Alvin ; McMillan, Clyde Harold McKean, Elroy; McFadden, John; Mills, R C. ; Meier, Marhew ; Mauero, Angelo ; Mahlke: Ernest; Martin, Llewellyn; Mead, George Wesley ; Moore, Sidney Allen ; Marvin, Ernest; Mickley, William; Mariotte, Lewis; Mason, Clarence Lewis ; Miller, Lawrence William; Martin, Paul L. ; Miller, Don Leo; Mann, C. L. ; Mohatt, James; Millett, C. P.; Melroes, Harry ; Mitchell. James ; Mikkelson, Bert ; Neilson, Christian Emil ; Neil, Fred Lee ; Neilson, Jens ; Otten, Oakley ; Osborne, Jess ; Oberfelder, Irving T. ; Pavlat, Frank ; Pappis, George ; Peetz, John ; Price, Milo Earl ; Pindell, Isaac Lee : Panabaker, Earling F. ; Parks, John Clayton ; Perry, Clarence Harvey ; Parks, Charles Fred ; Pierce, Wm. E. ; Perry, Charles ; Robinson, Henry Andrew ; Roberts, Russell C. ; Raddatz. Alfred John ; Russell. Verne Wesley; Runge, Frederick ; Runge, Edward ; Reisdorff, Jake: Ruttner, Edward; Roche, R. E. ; Spearow, Herschel ; Spearow, Lynn ; Simodynes, Joseph ; Sauer, Hughlen O. ; Schimpy, Frederick C. ; Shoemaker, Edward Joseph ; Stikal, Joe J.; Straight, Albert Peter; Sullivan. John Lawrence; Semoian, Naazov; Sparks, Harry; Stratta. James: Shea. Thomas Lawrence; Schroeder, Frank Rudolph; Stowell, David: Schwartz, Harry Benjamine; Schroeder, Sidney .Albert ; Straight, Walter F. ; Spitler, Roy C. ; Swanson, Lynn Theodore; Slawson, Hugh; Studt, Fred; Schwartz, Fran- - i : Troidl, Michael; Tewell, James Leonard; i.
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E. ; Spearow, Herschel ; Spearow, Lynn ; Simodynes, Joseph ; Sauer, Hughlen O. ; Schimpy, Frederick C. ; Shoemaker, Edward Joseph ; Stikal, Joe J.; Straight, Albert Peter; Sullivan. John Lawrence; Semoian, Naazov; Sparks, Harry; Stratta. James: Shea. Thomas Lawrence; Schroeder, Frank Rudolph; Stowell, David: Schwartz, Harry Benjamine; Schroeder, Sidney .Albert ; Straight, Walter F. ; Spitler, Roy C. ; Swanson, Lynn Theodore; Slawson, Hugh; Studt, Fred; Schwartz, Fran- - i : Troidl, Michael; Tewell, James Leonard; i. Thomas V.; Vacik, Jerry C. ;
Vaughn, Fred W. ; Venturelli, Antonio ; Walsh, William Stephen ; Wilburn, John Ernest ; Wills, Pearl; Wright, Charles Thomas; Wise, Earl; Wills, Grover Cleveland; Wilson, Alva Williams ; Wooldridge, Clark ; White, Arthur C. ; Willis, Wm.; Wright, Elmer; Wright, Clarence ; Wright, Milton ; Wallace, Gerald ; Wallace, Cyril; Witters, John.
The Legion of Honor was organized at Sidney by the returned soldiers, also at Lodgepole and Potter. The Sidney organization has about a third of the returned veterans of Cheyenne county on its rolls. The organization at Potter was established in January, 1921, that at Lodgepole was earlier. Attorney Martin was the head of the Legion in Sidney last year and the present officers are: Morley Pearson, commander; I. L. Pindell, vice-commander; Frank Schroeder, financier; Roy Greenlee, Adjutant and Charles Marsh, sergeant-at-arms.
The Red Cross
Soon after the outbreak of hostilities of the World War a chapter of the American Red Cross was established in Cheyenne county and did valiant service throughout the war, and is now engaged in splendid work of relief at home. Mrs. C. W. West was head of the Sidney organization and proved an excellent executive. Leon Fine, the retiring treasurer of the Sidney Red Cross Society turned over to successor ten thousand, two hundred and seventy-seven dollars, which testifies to the growth and stability of the organization at the present time.
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Soon after the outbreak of hostilities of the World War a chapter of the American Red Cross was established in Cheyenne county and did valiant service throughout the war, and is now engaged in splendid work of relief at home. Mrs. C. W. West was head of the Sidney organization and proved an excellent executive. Leon Fine, the retiring treasurer of the Sidney Red Cross Society turned over to successor ten thousand, two hundred and seventy-seven dollars, which testifies to the growth and stability of the organization at the present time.
Conclusion
In all the history of the Panhandle, Cheyenne county and Sidney will hold their places in the progress and development of the section. From Sidney has radiated that civilization and progressive spirit that has changed the Panhandle from a wilderness to the homes of a rich farming and agricultural community, today a wide reach of land that is rich and fertile. The start was made by the building of the Union Pacific railroad ; the building of the Burlington has given Cheyenne county a stragetic position, as it has also Sidney, which will become a distributing center for the two lines of railroad. Though Cheyenne county is much reduced in size from the "old Cheyenne" county, it has retained rich land of great fertility. A large proportion of the county is suitable for cultivation. There is little waste land and only a small part is rough. Cheyenne bids well to become one of the richest counties in the Panhandle.
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The start was made by the building of the Union Pacific railroad ; the building of the Burlington has given Cheyenne county a stragetic position, as it has also Sidney, which will become a distributing center for the two lines of railroad. Though Cheyenne county is much reduced in size from the "old Cheyenne" county, it has retained rich land of great fertility. A large proportion of the county is suitable for cultivation. There is little waste land and only a small part is rough. Cheyenne bids well to become one of the richest counties in the Panhandle.
BOX BUTTE COUNTY
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY
Box Butte county had its first inception in the minds of its citizens during the summer months of 1886. The one thousand and eighty square miles now comprising Box Butte county was at that time the southern half of Dawes county. The reason of this was the great distance from Chadron, the county seat. The average distance was sixty miles, which the people were compelled to travel, by team or on horseback, in order to pay their taxes, serve on juries, and attend to their legal matters. The population of this territory had grown to be about three thousand people, which was probably as great a number as lived in the northern half of the county.
A convention was held during the summer of 1886, and at that convention it was decided that steps be taken to secure a division of Dawes county and that the new county erected in the south half, if division succeeded, should be called Box Butte county. Committees were appointed, petitions were circulated and unanimously signed, asking the County Commissioners of Dawes county to submit the question of county division to a vote of the people at the general election to be held in November of that year.
777
A convention was held during the summer of 1886, and at that convention it was decided that steps be taken to secure a division of Dawes county and that the new county erected in the south half, if division succeeded, should be called Box Butte county. Committees were appointed, petitions were circulated and unanimously signed, asking the County Commissioners of Dawes county to submit the question of county division to a vote of the people at the general election to be held in November of that year. The Commissioners granted the request, and at the November election a majority of the votes were cast in favor of division. The governor of Nebraska, Honorable John M. Thayer, issued a proclamation designating a special election, at which election the people of the new county were to choose a location for their county seat, and elect a complete set of county officers.
Of the one thousand or more voters participating in that election held thirty-four years ago, but few are still residents of the county. Among those recalled are E. I. Gregg, who with his good wife were very industrious in circulating the petition asking for county division. Other residents of Alliance who participated in that, election are R. M. Hampton, F. M. Knight, Robert Garrett, John O'Keefe, Si
Coker, Moses Wright, C. H. Underwood, Julius Atz, Jack Mettlen, Henry Clayton, George Gadshy, and possibly a few others.
Prior to this special election, political conventions were held when Democrats and Republicans each nominated a complete ticket of candidates for the county offices. The country being rather thinly settled and no rapid means of communication, people were unable to become personally or intimately acquainted with the respective candidates, and apparently went to the polls and voted their party tickets. This resulted in the election of the entire Republican ticket.
778
Underwood, Julius Atz, Jack Mettlen, Henry Clayton, George Gadshy, and possibly a few others.
Prior to this special election, political conventions were held when Democrats and Republicans each nominated a complete ticket of candidates for the county offices. The country being rather thinly settled and no rapid means of communication, people were unable to become personally or intimately acquainted with the respective candidates, and apparently went to the polls and voted their party tickets. This resulted in the election of the entire Republican ticket.
There were two candidates for the location of county seat: Nonpareil and Hemingford. They were two cross-road villages of about equal size, each having a couple of stores, blacksmith shop, bank, law and locater's offices, and Nonpareil had a newspaper and Hemingford had two. Nonpareil received a majority of votes and was declared the county seat of the new county.
The county officers were as follows : County Clerk, George W. Clark ; Treasurer, Eli Gerber; Sheriff, Fred A Shonquist ; County Attorney, James H. Danskin ; Surveyor, Charles A. Barney; County Superintendent, N. S. Simpson ; Coroner, Doctor John Blood ; County Commissioners, James Barry, Louis C. De- Coudress, and a Delbert S. Reed.
When the result of the election became known, Judge-elect Field drove to Chadron and there took the oath of office as County Judge, returned to Nonpareil and administered the oath of office to his associate officers. He approved the bonds of the county commissioners, who immediately met in special session and commenced to plan to launch the new county upon its career as a struggling commonwealth. The first set of officers elected proved to be careful, able and painstaking officers. The county did not have a dollar in its treasury,
779
When the result of the election became known, Judge-elect Field drove to Chadron and there took the oath of office as County Judge, returned to Nonpareil and administered the oath of office to his associate officers. He approved the bonds of the county commissioners, who immediately met in special session and commenced to plan to launch the new county upon its career as a struggling commonwealth. The first set of officers elected proved to be careful, able and painstaking officers. The county did not have a dollar in its treasury,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
not a dollar of tax had been levied, and its credit had yet to be established.
Nonpareil, the County Skat
The people of Nonpareil, as an inducement or bribe to the voters, had made a pre-election promise that in case Nonpareil was chosen as the county capital, that they, the people of Nonpareil would, at their own expense, erect a frame courthouse suitable to house the couniv officers and in which to transact the county's business. This promise they fulfiLled by erecting a flimsy frame structure, twenty by thirty feet in dimensions, one and a half stories in height. This building was not plastered, neither did it have a chimney, the floors were all rough boards, counters, tables and other furniture was manufactured out of rough sawn Pine Ridge lumber by local carpenters. A large fire proof safe, costing one thousand dollars was bought on long time payments, which the commissioners promised to pay when funds were derived from taxation. This was completed .in May or June of 1887. A small jail, containing two cells, built of two by four scantling securely spiked together and covered with a rought board roof was also erected.
780
This building was not plastered, neither did it have a chimney, the floors were all rough boards, counters, tables and other furniture was manufactured out of rough sawn Pine Ridge lumber by local carpenters. A large fire proof safe, costing one thousand dollars was bought on long time payments, which the commissioners promised to pay when funds were derived from taxation. This was completed .in May or June of 1887. A small jail, containing two cells, built of two by four scantling securely spiked together and covered with a rought board roof was also erected.
The first duty of County Clerk Clark was to take an assistant and go to Chadron and transcribe the records of the county which pertained to the few tracts of deeded land, mortgages, and other legal records, which were necessary, and the basis of the present county records. There were verv few duties for the new county officers to discharge, outside of those of the Countv Clerk. Clerk of the District Court, and the County Judge. There were no taxes collected during that year, and the County Treasurer spent a few days only of his time at the new county seat.
This set of county officers were elected to serve for the remainder of the year 1887, a period of about nine months, and their successors were elected at the election held November 4. 1S87. After a very warm political battle staged between the Republican and Democratic parties, with the Prohibitionists casting aboul thirty votes in the county, a ticket composed of both Democrats and 'Republicans was elected. The Pepublicans elected Fred V Shonquist, Sheriff; A. L. Field, County Judee; Doctor W. II. Smith, Coroner; while the Democrats elected John O'Keefe, County Treasurer; [olm Leith, County Superintendenl : C. V Burlew, County Clerk ; and Thomas L.
781
This set of county officers were elected to serve for the remainder of the year 1887, a period of about nine months, and their successors were elected at the election held November 4. 1S87. After a very warm political battle staged between the Republican and Democratic parties, with the Prohibitionists casting aboul thirty votes in the county, a ticket composed of both Democrats and 'Republicans was elected. The Pepublicans elected Fred V Shonquist, Sheriff; A. L. Field, County Judee; Doctor W. II. Smith, Coroner; while the Democrats elected John O'Keefe, County Treasurer; [olm Leith, County Superintendenl : C. V Burlew, County Clerk ; and Thomas L. Irvine. Robert R. Ralls. Charles Nichols, Countv Commissioners.
The upper story of the courthouse was fitted up as a court room, and the first term of District Court for the new county was held in June, 1887, with Honorable M. P. Kinkaid, our present congressman, as Judge, with A. L. Warrick official reporter. There were not many cases of importance tried at this term of court.
Nonpareil continued to be the seat of county government until the first day of January, 1891, a period of three and one-half years. The Burlington railroad having been built diagonally through the county during the spring and summer of 1889, passing through the new town of Alliance which had sprung up in the meantime, and the village of Hem-
How the Court Hocse in Alliance, Nebraska,
WAS MOVED TO HemINGFORII, THE NEW COUNTY
Seat of Boy Butte County, by the
782
Nonpareil continued to be the seat of county government until the first day of January, 1891, a period of three and one-half years. The Burlington railroad having been built diagonally through the county during the spring and summer of 1889, passing through the new town of Alliance which had sprung up in the meantime, and the village of Hem-
How the Court Hocse in Alliance, Nebraska,
WAS MOVED TO HemINGFORII, THE NEW COUNTY
Seat of Boy Butte County, by the
Chicago, Burlington and Quincy
Railroad
ingford, and missing the county seat by a distance of five miles, a movement was started seeking to locate the county seat on the railroad. Petitions were circulated and largely signed, asking the County Commissioners to submit the question of re-location at a special election. This special election on the question of re-locating the countv seat was called for Tuesday, the 7th day of March, 1890. Three places were voted for at this election, namely : Alliance, Hemingford and Nonpareil. Neither of these places received the necessary threefifths vote required for removal, so it was necessary to call a second special election, which was done by the Commissioners, and the election held on Tuesday, the 8th day of April, 1890. This election was also indecisive, although Nonpareil failing to receive the necessary two-fifths vote which would enable it to retain the county seat, dropped out as a candidate, and, under the law, the decisive election went over until the general election in November.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
783
Neither of these places received the necessary threefifths vote required for removal, so it was necessary to call a second special election, which was done by the Commissioners, and the election held on Tuesday, the 8th day of April, 1890. This election was also indecisive, although Nonpareil failing to receive the necessary two-fifths vote which would enable it to retain the county seat, dropped out as a candidate, and, under the law, the decisive election went over until the general election in November.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Hemingford, Seat of Government
At this election, Alliance and Hemingford were the opposing candidates and it was only necessary for one or the other to receive a bare majority of the votes cast to become the county seat on the first day of January following. This election was the most bitterly fought contest that ever occurred in the county
Following a tacit agreement or understanding, which had been entered into between the officials of the Burlington
The people of Alliance were sorely disappointed and felt very bitter at the opposition, especially the action of the railroad company, and were at first disposed to not abide by the decision of the voters. Their first plan was to seize the county records from the flimsy courthouse at Nonpareil, convey them to Alliance by force of arms, contest the election in the hope that by showing that fraudulent votes had been cast they might eventually reverse the decision rendered at the polls by appeal to the courts. This plan was not put into opration because they learned that the Burling-
784
The people of Alliance were sorely disappointed and felt very bitter at the opposition, especially the action of the railroad company, and were at first disposed to not abide by the decision of the voters. Their first plan was to seize the county records from the flimsy courthouse at Nonpareil, convey them to Alliance by force of arms, contest the election in the hope that by showing that fraudulent votes had been cast they might eventually reverse the decision rendered at the polls by appeal to the courts. This plan was not put into opration because they learned that the Burling-
County Court House. Alliance.
sidary corporation, the Lincoln Land Company, parties of the first part, and the respective citizens of Alliance, parties of the second part, it was agreed and understood that the new town of Alliance should be made a division point and shops established, which factors would be the foundation for a thriving city, and that Hemingford should be given the county seat, which would make of it a thriving town ; and this arrangement would enable the Lincoln Land Company to make a market for its town lots in both towns, of which it was the owner. This agreement the railroad officials kept to the best of their ability, and as a result there were one hundred and twentysix votes cast in Alliance in favor of Hemingford for the county seat. This enabled Hemingford to win by a majority of sixteen votes.
ton officials had an engine fired up and a coach attached, loaded with Burlington detectives, special agents, and other employees, which they intended using upon evidence that the mob had left Alliance. This special train was to have been run to Hemingford and the posse coin-eyed by team, a distance of five miles, to Nonpareil, and would be there to defend the seizure of the records upon the arrival of the raiding party.
785
This enabled Hemingford to win by a majority of sixteen votes.
ton officials had an engine fired up and a coach attached, loaded with Burlington detectives, special agents, and other employees, which they intended using upon evidence that the mob had left Alliance. This special train was to have been run to Hemingford and the posse coin-eyed by team, a distance of five miles, to Nonpareil, and would be there to defend the seizure of the records upon the arrival of the raiding party. However, the then county officials, of whom the author was one, supported by the sheriff. Eugene Hall, armed with Winchesters guarded the records and had the raiders appeared they would have met a very warm reception.
The county seat was moved from Nonpareil to Flemingford on January 1st. 1891. The county officials occupied temporary quarters
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
from then until the May following, when the commodious courthouse which had been promised by the people of Hemingford, backed by the Lincoln Land Company, was erected. Hemingford remained the county seat from the latter date until the month of March, 1899, when by a large majority vote of the people, cast at a special election held previously, it was moved to Alliance, where the officials occupied temporary quarters in the Phelan Opera Block until the following July.
Alliance, the County Seat
In the meantime, the county commissioners purchased of the Lincoln Land Company, to whom it had reverted, the Hemingford courthouse, at a price of fifteen hundred dollars. This was moved to the present court house site. at Alliance on the Burlington railroad, and was considered a great engineering feat. The building was forty-five by fifty-four feet with trussed roof forty feet in height. E. W. Bell, yet a resident of Alliance, superintended the removal. This court house was used for county purposes until November, 1914, when the present magnificent court house was completed and occupied.
786
In the meantime, the county commissioners purchased of the Lincoln Land Company, to whom it had reverted, the Hemingford courthouse, at a price of fifteen hundred dollars. This was moved to the present court house site. at Alliance on the Burlington railroad, and was considered a great engineering feat. The building was forty-five by fifty-four feet with trussed roof forty feet in height. E. W. Bell, yet a resident of Alliance, superintended the removal. This court house was used for county purposes until November, 1914, when the present magnificent court house was completed and occupied.
Towns and Villages of the County
The first village in the county was old Nonpareil, first called Buchanan because many of the settlers in the immediate vicinity came from the town of Buchanan, Michigan, and desired that the new town be called after their old home town. This name was later changed to Nonpareil, at the instigation of Gene Heath, eidtor and publisher of its sole newspaper called "Gene Heath's Grip," in imitation of those frontier publications, "Bill Barlow's Budget" and "Bill Nye's Boomerang." Mr. Heath being a printer, the word Nonpareil which is the name of printers' type appealed to him as more euphonious than that of Buchanan. He being a Democrat and influential with the then Democratic Administration, he was influential enough to have the postoffice named in accordance with his wishes- -- -Nonpareil.
This village, at the time the county seat was located there, consisted of two general stores, a blacksmith shop, two livery barns, one bank, one newspaper, two hardware stores, a harness shop, one law office, one feed store, lumber yard and agricultural implement depot combined. Nonpareil ceased to exist soon after ili'- removal of tin- county seat to Hemingford in 1891, There is nothing left to mark its site frame school house which yet stands
787
This village, at the time the county seat was located there, consisted of two general stores, a blacksmith shop, two livery barns, one bank, one newspaper, two hardware stores, a harness shop, one law office, one feed store, lumber yard and agricultural implement depot combined. Nonpareil ceased to exist soon after ili'- removal of tin- county seat to Hemingford in 1891, There is nothing left to mark its site frame school house which yet stands
five miles south and one mile west of Hemingford.
The village of Hemingford was founded and was named by several natives of Canada, among whom were R. McLeod, J. W. Roberts, J. S. Paradis, J. K. Green, Joseph Hare and others. The name Hemingford was adopted because of old associations with a town of that name in Canada. The postoffice was called Carlyle, and was located four miles due east of the present site of Hemingford, and F. W. Milek was the first postmaster. This postoffice, with the consent of the postal department, was transferred to Hemingford, but still retained its name Carlyle for a year af-^ terward.
There was another yillage and postoffice fourteen miles due east of Hemingford, called Box Butte postoffice, but it never boasted but one store, postoffice, a blacksmith shop, a notary public, and real estate office. Like most villages, it had what was then well known as a Locator's office, a term now obsolete. The business of this functionary was to secure government plats from the land office of the district in which he was located, showing the govtrnment land unfiled upon, and which for a fee of ten to twenty-five dollars he would show to the prospective homesteader, prepare his filing papers and locate him upon the vacant quarter section which he selected.
788
Like most villages, it had what was then well known as a Locator's office, a term now obsolete. The business of this functionary was to secure government plats from the land office of the district in which he was located, showing the govtrnment land unfiled upon, and which for a fee of ten to twenty-five dollars he would show to the prospective homesteader, prepare his filing papers and locate him upon the vacant quarter section which he selected.
Another village was thirteen miles west and one mile north of Hemingford, which was called Lawn. It had a postoffice and store combined.
The city of Alliance was unknown or unheard of at the organization of the county. It really had its inception on the 27th day of May, 1887. On this date the department of public lands of the state of Nebraska, through its commissioner, advertised in the public press that all school lands in Box Butte county, which consisted of sections sixteen and thirtysix in each township would be offered for sale to the highest bidder on the following terms :
No land would be sold for less than seven dollars per acre.
If a bid of seven dollars was received and no higher bid made, it would be sold to the bidder on payment of one-tenth of the purchase price down, and the balance in twenty-one years at six percent interest. If not sold, it would be offered for lease at its appraised value, the lessee to pay six percent per annum on that appraisement which ranged from one dollar and a quarter to four dollars per acre. This auction was held in front of the Bank
789
If a bid of seven dollars was received and no higher bid made, it would be sold to the bidder on payment of one-tenth of the purchase price down, and the balance in twenty-one years at six percent interest. If not sold, it would be offered for lease at its appraised value, the lessee to pay six percent per annum on that appraisement which ranged from one dollar and a quarter to four dollars per acre. This auction was held in front of the Bank
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
of Nonpareil, the court house not yet having been completed. Deputy- Land Commissioner, J. S. Scott, was in charge of this sale, but little of the land offered found buyers until section thirty-six, township twenty-five, range fortyeight, the present site of Alliance, was reached in its order. This brought on spirited bidding.
J. B. Weston, representing the Lincoln Land Company, bid seven dollars per acre on the first forty acre tract offered for sale. This bid was immediately raised by J. H. Sigafoos, and the land was bid up and finally sold to J. B. Weston for forty-three dollars per acre. Bidding on other forty acre tracts was just as spirited, being sold to the same purchaser for prices ranging from thirty-three to forty dollars per acre. Finally the last forty acre tract, it being where South Alliance is now located, was dropped to Mr. Sigafoos at a price of thirty-eight dollars per acre.
The high price which this land brought was convincing proof to the people of western Nebraska that upon the arrival of the Burlington railroad then building westward, this would be made an important division point with shops and other things calculated to make a large and thriving city, all of which expectations have been realized.
790
Finally the last forty acre tract, it being where South Alliance is now located, was dropped to Mr. Sigafoos at a price of thirty-eight dollars per acre.
The high price which this land brought was convincing proof to the people of western Nebraska that upon the arrival of the Burlington railroad then building westward, this would be made an important division point with shops and other things calculated to make a large and thriving city, all of which expectations have been realized.
The purchase of this school section at the land sale deeded it to the Lincoln Land Company. In the hope of counting on the building of the city, people came from different parts of Nebraska and surrounding states to the embryo town, but the Lincoln Land Company refused to plat a town site and offer the lots for sale until after the arrival of the railroad.
These people congregated into a mushroom town or community on the deeded land of Samuel A. Smith, just east of the present town, where the dump ground and pest house are now located. This was named Grand Lake, and during the late summer of 1887 it became a typical western village of probably a thousand people. It had four banks, two newspapers, several general merchandise stores, livery stable, hotels, a blacksmith shop, and residences, all housed in rude structures built of rough Pine Ridge lumber, supplemented by canvas.
The railroad grade of the Burlington which had been rapidly pushed westward during the spring and summer of this year from Anselmo, closely followed by the laying of rails, reached Alliance about January 1st, 1888. A station was opened and named Alliance, the company refusing to recognize the name Grand Lake because of its similarity to that of Grand Island, which it was claimed would result in a
791
It had four banks, two newspapers, several general merchandise stores, livery stable, hotels, a blacksmith shop, and residences, all housed in rude structures built of rough Pine Ridge lumber, supplemented by canvas.
The railroad grade of the Burlington which had been rapidly pushed westward during the spring and summer of this year from Anselmo, closely followed by the laying of rails, reached Alliance about January 1st, 1888. A station was opened and named Alliance, the company refusing to recognize the name Grand Lake because of its similarity to that of Grand Island, which it was claimed would result in a
confusion in train orders. F. M. Phelps, a resident of Alliance, was the first agent.
Following this the town site was platted, recorded and widely advertised throughout the east, and a sale of town lots in the coming metropolis of Alliance was held on the 25th day of February, 1888. To assist in bringing people to the new city, the Burlington railroad, through posters and the press advertised that they would run an excursion train from all Missouri river points to Alliance and return, and the fare for the rcmd trip would be five dollars. This brought a train load of prospective citizens, mechanics, artisans, merchants, hotel men, and included all the elements that generally rush to a new mining discovery or a new town. The little village of Grand Lake was overrun and was unable to adequately shelter or feed the train load of excursionists. Many men came already prepared to go into business, their stocks of goods were bought, lumber was in cars on sidetracks with which to erect buildings, there was an abundance of carpenters, plasterers and other workmen who had come with their tool boxes all prepared to build a city.
792
This brought a train load of prospective citizens, mechanics, artisans, merchants, hotel men, and included all the elements that generally rush to a new mining discovery or a new town. The little village of Grand Lake was overrun and was unable to adequately shelter or feed the train load of excursionists. Many men came already prepared to go into business, their stocks of goods were bought, lumber was in cars on sidetracks with which to erect buildings, there was an abundance of carpenters, plasterers and other workmen who had come with their tool boxes all prepared to build a city.
At the lot sale, the first lot offered was the one where the First National Bank now stands. It brought fourteen hundred and fifty dollars, and was purchased by Porter Eihlers & Company. This firm had been in the banking business in a temporary structure in the town of Grand Lake, and they immediately proceeded to erect on this lot a frame building of the same size as the present bank building. In this they opened the State Bank known as Porter Eihlers & Company.
The next lot sold was directly opposite, where the Alliance National Bank now stands, and this was purchased by the Bank of Alliance, which later merged into the Alliance National Bank, and of which F. M. Knight was then cashier, and has remained in the hands of the original purchasers since that time. This lot was sold for one thousand and fifty dollars.
The prices from these corners extending back were graded down where the lot upon which the present Chinese laundry is located sold for six hundred dollars. Some residence lots were sold in the vicinity of Sixth and Cheyenne Avenues at prices ranging from two hundred to three hundred dollars.
793
Knight was then cashier, and has remained in the hands of the original purchasers since that time. This lot was sold for one thousand and fifty dollars.
The prices from these corners extending back were graded down where the lot upon which the present Chinese laundry is located sold for six hundred dollars. Some residence lots were sold in the vicinity of Sixth and Cheyenne Avenues at prices ranging from two hundred to three hundred dollars.
The building of a town immediately commenced, there being an abundance of lumber, nails, hardware, lime and other building materials on hand with a large supply of skilled workmen. The first eight business blocks
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
from the depot northward were rapidly changed from raw prairie into a bustling town. More than one hundred buildings were under construction at the same time. As soon as they were roofed over the people from Grand Lake began moving into them so that by the Fourth of July of that year Alliance probably had a population of two thousand people.
At this time Alliance had no form of civil government, but it realized that this was necessary. After a lapse of a few months a mass meeting was held and it was decided to incorporate as a village under the laws of the state. A petition was presented to the county commissioners asking that it be incorporated under the name of the village of Alliance and that five village trustees be appointed to serve until the following April when a regular election would be held and regular trustees elected thereat. The first board of trustees consisted of F. M. Sands, J. C. Weeter. C. F. Grant, W. (',. Simonson, and F. YV. Markham.
794
After a lapse of a few months a mass meeting was held and it was decided to incorporate as a village under the laws of the state. A petition was presented to the county commissioners asking that it be incorporated under the name of the village of Alliance and that five village trustees be appointed to serve until the following April when a regular election would be held and regular trustees elected thereat. The first board of trustees consisted of F. M. Sands, J. C. Weeter. C. F. Grant, W. (',. Simonson, and F. YV. Markham.
Alliance continued under the village form of government until 1891 when it changed to a city of the second class with a mayor and four councilmen. It was divided into two wards. The first ward comprised the territory lying west of Box Butte Avenue, and the second all that lying east of Box Butte Avenue. Frank H. Smith was Alliance's first mayor. Mr. Smith was chief clerk to the division superintendent of the Burlington, J. R. Phelan. He was succeeded by R. M. Hampton as mayor, who filled that position during the installation of the city's svstem of waterworks in 1892.
Alliance remained a terminus of the Burlington railroad from January, 1888, until the track was laid northwestward in September, 1889. During this year and a half, being the rail head, it was a very lively place. All material for the building of Belmont tunnel, culvert pipe, machinery for the Newcastle coa mines and supplies for the grading camps from Alliance to Newcastle was freighted by team from Alliance out along the right of way. Hundreds of men were shipped out from eastern centers to work on the grade and Alliance with its six saloons did a thriving business with hoboes. However, it was fairly orderly, considering the character of its floating population, only one or two murders being committed during that time.
795
All material for the building of Belmont tunnel, culvert pipe, machinery for the Newcastle coa mines and supplies for the grading camps from Alliance to Newcastle was freighted by team from Alliance out along the right of way. Hundreds of men were shipped out from eastern centers to work on the grade and Alliance with its six saloons did a thriving business with hoboes. However, it was fairly orderly, considering the character of its floating population, only one or two murders being committed during that time.
Alliance continued to grow and thrive until
the panic and hard limes of 1893 and 1894,
when for a few years it seemed to conic to a
standstill -- neither increased nor decreased in
. n new life in the spring
'Inn the Burlington commenced to
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
build southward when the Platte Valley line was built and later in the summer extended on southward to Denver. Since that time it has had a steady and healthy growth, until at the present time it has become a leading city in western Nebraska, with a population of over five thousand people.
Agricultural and Live Stock Industries
This is primarily an agricultural country, ninety-five percent of its total area is tillable. Only about sixty percent of this is in actual
hogs during the summer season and the corn to finish them in the fall. Hog cholera is unknown.
Dairy products are of much importance. The county has one large creamery, which uses a large percent of the native product, but considerable is shipped to outside factories. The Snake Creek valley, having an average width of five miles and a length of thirty miles, produces a great deal of wrild hay. On the table lands straw, corn fodder, alfalfa and kaffir corn are used for rough feed.
796
hogs during the summer season and the corn to finish them in the fall. Hog cholera is unknown.
Dairy products are of much importance. The county has one large creamery, which uses a large percent of the native product, but considerable is shipped to outside factories. The Snake Creek valley, having an average width of five miles and a length of thirty miles, produces a great deal of wrild hay. On the table lands straw, corn fodder, alfalfa and kaffir corn are used for rough feed. Many farmers have adopted the silo method of pre-
High School, Alliance
cultivation, the remainder being unbroken prairie used for pasture when used at all. The soil is rich, porous and very productive. Itcontains potash, sufficient for renewal and fertilization, and is consequently inexhaustible. Land farmed continuously for thirty years produced greater crops the last year than the first. The soil is especially adapted to the production of potatoes, it being sufficiently sandy and loose to enable them to reach enormous growth, and being raised without irrigation, they are of splendid quality and keep well into the following year.
The next largest crop is of small grain -- wheat, oats, rye and barley all making satisfactory yields. Corn is a secondary crop, but the yield is continuously increased so that many more hogs are raised than formerly. Alfalfa is increasing in acreage and importance every year. This crop is used to pasture the
serving ensilage. The soil is very easily cultivated and the surface being very nearly level, farm labor is very light compared with that of eastern states.
797
The next largest crop is of small grain -- wheat, oats, rye and barley all making satisfactory yields. Corn is a secondary crop, but the yield is continuously increased so that many more hogs are raised than formerly. Alfalfa is increasing in acreage and importance every year. This crop is used to pasture the
serving ensilage. The soil is very easily cultivated and the surface being very nearly level, farm labor is very light compared with that of eastern states.
Cattle, horses, and hogs are raised. The cattle industry is of considerable importance. The cattle grow rapidly on the nutritious feed produced and are sigularly free from all diseases.
Manufacturing and Industrial Plants Owing to the great distance from the coal fields, the county has hut little manufacturing. Harness, saddle, tinware, water tanks, ice cream and butter are manufactured in sufficient quantities to supply the adjacent territory.
Railroads Box Butte county has hut one railroad. The Burlington traverses it from southeast to
21V,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
northwest, havinga mileageof forty-two miles, with a branch line connecting with the Platte Valley branch and Denver connections with a total mileage of fourteen miles. It maintains a division station with a division superintendent, also offices of a general superintendent having supervision over four other divisions, large roundhouse with shops for the repair of its rolling stock. About eight hundred employes in normal times are on the paytion of their children. These pioneer schools first were conducted in a small room of a private house, in a dugout, or any other shelter that was available until school houses could be erected. As the county grew, these primitive school houses gave way to modern frame school houses equipped with the best appliances for teaching, and all school books are provided for the pupils at public expense.
798
About eight hundred employes in normal times are on the paytion of their children. These pioneer schools first were conducted in a small room of a private house, in a dugout, or any other shelter that was available until school houses could be erected. As the county grew, these primitive school houses gave way to modern frame school houses equipped with the best appliances for teaching, and all school books are provided for the pupils at public expense. There are now two graded high schools in the county,
School, Alliance
roll, which averages one hundred and fifty thousand dollars per month, and is one of the county's principal resources.
Public Institutions
There are no state of public institutions located in this county.
• Schools
The people of Box Butte county have always been deeply interested in having the best schools that their means could afford. The very earliesl settlers considered the school of sufficient importance that among their first public act- was to organize school districts, tax and provide schools for the educathe one at Hemingford occupying two buildings and employing five teachers. The public schools of Alliance occupy three large commodious buildings with a superintendent and a corps of thirty teachers. More than one thousand pupils are enrolled.
The great interest which the people of the county take in their schools, and the importance with which they are considered, is shown by the fact that more than one-half of the money raised by taxation in the county is used for the support of its schools.
799
The very earliesl settlers considered the school of sufficient importance that among their first public act- was to organize school districts, tax and provide schools for the educathe one at Hemingford occupying two buildings and employing five teachers. The public schools of Alliance occupy three large commodious buildings with a superintendent and a corps of thirty teachers. More than one thousand pupils are enrolled.
The great interest which the people of the county take in their schools, and the importance with which they are considered, is shown by the fact that more than one-half of the money raised by taxation in the county is used for the support of its schools.
In addition to the public schools there is located at Alliance St. Agnes' Academy, a parochial school, which is graded and has the same course of instruction as the high school, with an average attendance of two hundred and twenty-five pupils.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
CHURCHES -- THE PRESS -- THE
PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES
Practically all of the leading church denominations have organizations and church buildings in the county. The Catholics have churches in Alliance and Hemingford and Lawn. The Methodists have churches at Alliance, Hemingford, and at Fairview, twelve miles northeast of Alliance. The Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Seventh Day Adventists, and Lutherans each maintain a church in Alliance. The Congregationalists have a church in Hemingford.
The people are sufficiently interested in religious matters to support their ministers, as well or better than in other communities of much larger population.
800
Practically all of the leading church denominations have organizations and church buildings in the county. The Catholics have churches in Alliance and Hemingford and Lawn. The Methodists have churches at Alliance, Hemingford, and at Fairview, twelve miles northeast of Alliance. The Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Seventh Day Adventists, and Lutherans each maintain a church in Alliance. The Congregationalists have a church in Hemingford.
The people are sufficiently interested in religious matters to support their ministers, as well or better than in other communities of much larger population.
The Salvation Army maintains a corps at Alliance, being one of only five in the entire state of Nebraska.
Press
The press has played an important part in the development of the county, and has had many ups and downs, the number of papers published varying at different times.
At the organization of the county in 1887, there were three papers published, which is the same number as at present. At Hemingford was published "The Gleaner," with Joseph Hare as editor and Publisher. The "Box Butte Rustler" was published by Charles A. Burlew, while "Gene Heath's Grip" flourished at Nonpareil. Soon after this "The Gleaner" was purchased by Gilman Brothers, moved to Nonpareil, and its name changed to that of "Box Butte County Republican:" It survived one year when it gave up the ghost.
During the summer of 1887 the "Northwestern Times" was established at Nonpareil by H. B. Fetz and W. E. Hitchcock. After two months publication it was moved to Grand Lake and its name changed to "Grand Lake Times." In the spring of 1888 it was again moved to the present town of Alliance and the name changed to "Alliance Times," and continued under the same ownership and management until 1892 when it was purchased by H. J. Ellis, and continued under his ownership and management for a number of years.
801
Fetz and W. E. Hitchcock. After two months publication it was moved to Grand Lake and its name changed to "Grand Lake Times." In the spring of 1888 it was again moved to the present town of Alliance and the name changed to "Alliance Times," and continued under the same ownership and management until 1892 when it was purchased by H. J. Ellis, and continued under his ownership and management for a number of years. During this time it was made a semi-weekly and by Mr. Ellis sold to the present owner, Ben J. Sallows. It has continuously increased in influence and importance for a period of thirtyfour years.
The "Box Butte Rustler" ceased to exist
about 1890, and its printing machinery was moved to Berea, and Mr. and Mrs. B. W. Raymond established the "Berea Tribune" which. after a dozen issues, also ceased to exist.
The original Nonpareil newspaper, "Gene Heath's Grip" was moved to Alliance in 1890, purchased by F. M. Broome, and its name changed to the "Pioneer Grip." It continued being published until about 1902 when this business was taken over by its rivals and the printing outfit sold to Crawford parties.
"The Guide" was established by J. S. Paradise at Hemingford in 1889 and its publication continued there until the spring of 1898, when it was moved to Alliance where it was published for one year and was then absorbed by its rivals.
Hemingford was without a newspaper about a year when the "Hemingford Herald" was established by T. J. O'Keefe. This was moved to Alliance in 1901 and the name changed to the "Alliance Herald." Mr. O'Keefe later, sold it to J. W. and L. C. Thomas, who continued its publication until 1920, when it passed, into the hands of the present owners, Edwin M. and George L.
802
Paradise at Hemingford in 1889 and its publication continued there until the spring of 1898, when it was moved to Alliance where it was published for one year and was then absorbed by its rivals.
Hemingford was without a newspaper about a year when the "Hemingford Herald" was established by T. J. O'Keefe. This was moved to Alliance in 1901 and the name changed to the "Alliance Herald." Mr. O'Keefe later, sold it to J. W. and L. C. Thomas, who continued its publication until 1920, when it passed, into the hands of the present owners, Edwin M. and George L. Burr, who publish it as the "Alliance Semi-Weekly Herald."
There is one paper now published at Hemingford known as the "Hemingford Ledger" which is owned and published by A. M. Vance. Other publications in the county with a brief existence were the "Alliance Argus" and the "Alliance Nezvs."
Bench and Bar
The bar of Box Butte county had its organization in 1887, and consisted of four lawyears. James H. Danskin and C. W. Gilman were located at Hemingford, wdiile W. G. Simonson and A. L. Field practiced at Nonpareil. During the year 1887 their numbers were increased by admission to practice of R. M. Hampton, W. J. McCandless. J. V. Parker and Smith P. Tuttle. Among the lawyers arriving in the county and engaging in practice during the next two years were B. F. Gilman, J. P. Arnott, R. C. Noleman, Charles T. Jenkins and William Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell has been in continuous and successful practice for more than a third of a century, and is at present the Dean of the Box Butte County Bar.
803
During the year 1887 their numbers were increased by admission to practice of R. M. Hampton, W. J. McCandless. J. V. Parker and Smith P. Tuttle. Among the lawyers arriving in the county and engaging in practice during the next two years were B. F. Gilman, J. P. Arnott, R. C. Noleman, Charles T. Jenkins and William Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell has been in continuous and successful practice for more than a third of a century, and is at present the Dean of the Box Butte County Bar.
The present bar consists of the law firms of Boyd, Metz and Meyer, Mitchell and ('..-mi/.
;, |8
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Burton and Reddish, with L. A. Berry. F. A. Bald, E. C. Barker. B. E. Romig and Lee Basye as single practitioners.
Box Butte county was originally a part of the twelfth judicial district which was created by the legislature of 18S7. when the Honorable Moses 1'. Kinkaid was appointed by the governor as first judge of the new- district. He continued in this capacity until 1892 when the district was given an additional judge, and the Honorable Alfred Bartow, of Chadron was made the colleague of Judge Kinkaid. This district was about three hundred miles in length, extending from the east line of Holt county to the Wyoming state line. Judge Bartow was succeeded by Honorable W. H. Westover in 1896, who lias held the office and is still judge of this district. Judge Westover had for his colleague, after the election of fudge Kinkaid to Congress, Judge J. J. Harrington of O'Neill, Nebraska. Later the district was divided. Judge Harrington presiding over the new district created from the eastern half, and Judge Westover presiding over the new district created from the western half.
804
This district was about three hundred miles in length, extending from the east line of Holt county to the Wyoming state line. Judge Bartow was succeeded by Honorable W. H. Westover in 1896, who lias held the office and is still judge of this district. Judge Westover had for his colleague, after the election of fudge Kinkaid to Congress, Judge J. J. Harrington of O'Neill, Nebraska. Later the district was divided. Judge Harrington presiding over the new district created from the eastern half, and Judge Westover presiding over the new district created from the western half.
In the county court, the first judge was A. L. Field, who served two terms. Me was succeeded by Judge D. K. Spacht, who served two terms, followed by James H. H. Hewitt, win i served two terms and was succeeded by Bruce Wilcox, who served one term and was succeeded by D. K. Spacht. who served one term, followed by Abel Hill, who died after a few months service and was succeeded by B. F. Gilman, who served his unexpired term, followed by L. A. Berry, who filled the position for eleven years. Uwing to ill health, Judge Berry retired January 1st, 1917, and was succeeded by Ira F. Tash, the present incumbent.
Medic \i. Profession
The medical profession at the organization of the county was represented by Dr. John Blood, practicing at Hemingford, Dr. W. H. Smith looking after the physical ills of the people of Nonpareil and vicinity. Dr. Blood was a middle age man, wore a silk hat and full beard, drove a fasl stepping team and made quite a dignified appearance, and it was generally understood thai hi- knowledge of the horse far exceeded his knowledge of the human anatomy. Dr. Smith was a young practitioner just mil of schooli whose principal claim of distinction was a splendid nerve.
805
Smith looking after the physical ills of the people of Nonpareil and vicinity. Dr. Blood was a middle age man, wore a silk hat and full beard, drove a fasl stepping team and made quite a dignified appearance, and it was generally understood thai hi- knowledge of the horse far exceeded his knowledge of the human anatomy. Dr. Smith was a young practitioner just mil of schooli whose principal claim of distinction was a splendid nerve.
The first amputation performed in the county wa< by Dr. Smith, who amputated the arm
of one Albert Nelson who was the victim of a hunting accident. The doctor was not supplied with up-to-date surgical instruments and his kit was especially deficient in saws, so he called upon a local carpenter, Mr. D. J. Lahr, who consented to file one of his fine carpenter saws to such a state that the doctor used it in amputating Nelson's arm. Nelson being of strong physique survived the operation.
During the summer of 1887, Dr. H. B. Miller joined the profession and opened an office at Nonpareil. The next amputation was performed by Doctors Smith and Miller, who amputated the limb of William Morton, a victim of a gun shot wound, and as they consumed most of a forenoon Morton did not survive the shock and died that night.
Dr. F. M. Knight was a regularly accredited practitioner, but being engaged in the more remunerative business of banking, practiced but very little ; and, as he used homeopathic remedies, he never was accused of doing any harm, though he may not have done any good.
806
The next amputation was performed by Doctors Smith and Miller, who amputated the limb of William Morton, a victim of a gun shot wound, and as they consumed most of a forenoon Morton did not survive the shock and died that night.
Dr. F. M. Knight was a regularly accredited practitioner, but being engaged in the more remunerative business of banking, practiced but very little ; and, as he used homeopathic remedies, he never was accused of doing any harm, though he may not have done any good.
Dr. W. H. Smith is practicing in Los Angeles, California, while Dr. H. B. Miller is practicing in Lincoln Nebraska, and Dr. John Blood is dead. The oldest practitioner now practicing in the county is Dr. Luther W. Bowman, who came to Alliance in 1888 and has been in continual practice since that time. Another of the pioneer doctors now retired was Dr. W. K. Miller, yet living, who had an extensive practice and served the county in the capacity of coroner for several terms.
There are now eleven members of the medical profession in active practice, all of whom seem to be quite busy, and with the facilities afforded by St. Joseph's Hospital, which has a capacity sufficient to care for fifty patients, the health of the community is well cared for.
Banking and Finance
\\ hen the county was organized there were three hanking institutions in operation within its borders. These were the Box Butte Bank. of which C. A. Burlew was president and manager; The Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, of which B. F. Jones was president and E. A. Coates was cashier, both located at Hemingford. Nebraska; and the Bank of Nonpareil, located at Nonpareil, with F. M. Sands, president. II. C. Hashoff. cashier, and F. M. Knight. assistant cashier.
807
\\ hen the county was organized there were three hanking institutions in operation within its borders. These were the Box Butte Bank. of which C. A. Burlew was president and manager; The Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, of which B. F. Jones was president and E. A. Coates was cashier, both located at Hemingford. Nebraska; and the Bank of Nonpareil, located at Nonpareil, with F. M. Sands, president. II. C. Hashoff. cashier, and F. M. Knight. assistant cashier. Each of these three banks was capitalized at five thousand dollars. The two former went into voluntary liquidation.
The Bank of Nonpareil, when Nonpareil ceased to exist, hecame the Bank of Grand I. .ike. later the Bank of Alliance, which was
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
merged into the Alliance National Bank and is still operated with F. M. Knight as president, who has been connected with it since its organization in 1886, and is therefore the dean of banking circles in the county.
The next oldest bank in existence was started in Alliance and called the American Bank, operated under a state charter, which later absorbed the Citizens' Bank, and also took over the business of Porter, Eihlers & Company, and was continued under this name until the fall of 1889, when it was reorganized with the same officers and became the First National Bank of Alliance. Its first president was O. M. Carter, with R. M. Hampton, cashier and D. M. Forgan, assistant cashier. Mr. Hampton is now president of the institution and has been in the banking business continuously since 1888.
808
The next oldest bank in existence was started in Alliance and called the American Bank, operated under a state charter, which later absorbed the Citizens' Bank, and also took over the business of Porter, Eihlers & Company, and was continued under this name until the fall of 1889, when it was reorganized with the same officers and became the First National Bank of Alliance. Its first president was O. M. Carter, with R. M. Hampton, cashier and D. M. Forgan, assistant cashier. Mr. Hampton is now president of the institution and has been in the banking business continuously since 1888.
Among the other banks of the county was the Bank of Hemingford, which was established in 1888 and failed in 1895, and the Box Butte Banking Company of Alliance, which was founded in 1888 and failed in 1896. These were the only two bank failures in the county since its organization. The financial interests of the county are now cared for by seven banks : The Alliance National Bank, the First National Bank, First State Bank and Guardian State Bank, all of Alliance; the First State Bank, First National Bank, and Farmers' State Bank, of Hemingford.
Social and Fraternal Organizations
The first fraternal organization to organize in the county was the Knights of Pythias, who instituted Clarion Lodge No. 88 in the second story of the courthouse at Nonpareil in September, 1888. This lodge was later moved to Alliance, but after some years was discontinued.
The next fraternal organization was that of the Masons. A preliminary meeting was held in November of that year, in the second story of the wooden building on the north side of west Third Street in Alliance, which is now used as a cream station. Word was sent out and about all the Masons living in Box Butte county assembled in this small hall and selected a committee to secure a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of the state.
809
The next fraternal organization was that of the Masons. A preliminary meeting was held in November of that year, in the second story of the wooden building on the north side of west Third Street in Alliance, which is now used as a cream station. Word was sent out and about all the Masons living in Box Butte county assembled in this small hall and selected a committee to secure a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of the state. This petition was signed by the requisite number of Master Masons in good standing. Reverend Henry J. Brown, a Presbyterian minister hitched his two horse tandem to a high wheeled cart, and
he and Thomas Shurtz drove to Hay Springs and secured the approval of that lodge. This petition was presented to the Grand Lodge and a dispensation issued in January, 1889, authorizing Alliance Lodge to confer degrees.
The first officers were : Henry J Brown, Worshipful Master; John Carman, Senior Warden ; David Peters, Junior Warden ; J. W. Phillips, Secretary; and H. W. Axtell, Treasurer.
In July, 1889, a charter was granted and the name of Alliance Lodge No. 183, A. F. & A. M., assigned, which has had a continuous existence since that time, and has grown to a membership of over three hundred and fifty, owns and occupies a fine three story temple at the corner of Laramie Avenue and Third Street in Alliance, which is also used by Sheba Chapter No. 54, Royal Arch Masons, Bnena Commandery No. 26, Knights Templar, Aloyah Chapter No. 185, Order of the Eastern Star, and Adoniram Lodge No. 6, Scottish Rite Masons, with the institution of a consistory and the order of the Mystic Shrine in the near future.
810
M., assigned, which has had a continuous existence since that time, and has grown to a membership of over three hundred and fifty, owns and occupies a fine three story temple at the corner of Laramie Avenue and Third Street in Alliance, which is also used by Sheba Chapter No. 54, Royal Arch Masons, Bnena Commandery No. 26, Knights Templar, Aloyah Chapter No. 185, Order of the Eastern Star, and Adoniram Lodge No. 6, Scottish Rite Masons, with the institution of a consistory and the order of the Mystic Shrine in the near future.
The next oldest fraternal order was that of the Independent ( Irder of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 168 being established in Alliance, with another lodge of the same order at Hemingford. The Odd Fellows also own their own hall on West Third Street in Alliance.
The most recent fraternal organization to organize in Alliance is that of the Knights of Columbus, who have a large and growing membership with their hall located on Box Butte Avenue between Third and Fourth.
The Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks was organized in 1904 with William Mitchell as its first Exalted Ruler. It has had a prosperous existence and continuous growth and is numbered 961. It now has a membership of over six hundred and owns a handsome building located on Box Butte Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Streets.
Other fraternal orders which have had more or less precarious existences are the Modern Woodmen, Woodmen of the World. Ancient Order of United Workmen, Highlanders, Eagles, Owls, Modern Brotherhood of America, as well as other fraternal labor organizations.
811
It has had a prosperous existence and continuous growth and is numbered 961. It now has a membership of over six hundred and owns a handsome building located on Box Butte Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Streets.
Other fraternal orders which have had more or less precarious existences are the Modern Woodmen, Woodmen of the World. Ancient Order of United Workmen, Highlanders, Eagles, Owls, Modern Brotherhood of America, as well as other fraternal labor organizations.
Among the social organizations are The Rotary Club, Tost M., Travelers' Protective Association, Lions Club, Country Club. Womans Club, P. E. O., while all of the churches have their guilds and aid societies.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
MILITARY HISTORY
I >wing to its isolation, the county has never taken any important part in the wars which have occurred since its organization. The first military unit formed in the county was a troop of cavalry organized at Nonpareil during the summer of 1888 and named in honor of the then governor of the state, John M. Thayer. This consisted of forty-two members. Temporary organization was formed by electing A. L. Field Captain ; F. M. Sands, First Lieutenant ; Fred A. Shonquist, Second Lieutenant ; and Michael Shindler, Third Lieutenant. There was really no place for third lieutenant, but as Mike was the only man in the company who had any cavalry experience, this honorary position was created in order to give him authority. After a sergeant major and other sergeants numbering up to the eighth, with a corresponding number of corporals, musicians, saddlers, and farriers were appointed, there were just two left as privates. These were James H. Danskin and Ira E. Tash, who, because they could not have any office, refused to be sworn into service. This broke up the company, as the officers did not have anyone to command, but all of the members retained their sabers and several of them still have them as souvenirs of their first experience as warriors.
812
After a sergeant major and other sergeants numbering up to the eighth, with a corresponding number of corporals, musicians, saddlers, and farriers were appointed, there were just two left as privates. These were James H. Danskin and Ira E. Tash, who, because they could not have any office, refused to be sworn into service. This broke up the company, as the officers did not have anyone to command, but all of the members retained their sabers and several of them still have them as souvenirs of their first experience as warriors.
The Spanish-American war of 1898-99 did not effect the county as there was no company formed and no one from the county enlisted for service in that conflict. Since then a number of those who participated in that war have become residents of the county and maintain a Spanish-American war veterans organization or camp in Alliance.
Indian Scare
The nearest Box Butte county ever came to war was in the winter of 1890-91, when the Sioux Indians on the Pine Ridge Reservation, seve,nty-five miles north became crazed over what the) believed to be the coming of a Messiah, whom they thought would, with their help, drive all the white settlers from the western county, bring back the buffalo and the game, .mil organized for a general massacre of the white settlers in the surrounding country. Fortunately there was a deep snow at this time win.]] delayed their movements until the United States Army, commanded by General Nelson A. Miles, could throw a cordon of
813
The nearest Box Butte county ever came to war was in the winter of 1890-91, when the Sioux Indians on the Pine Ridge Reservation, seve,nty-five miles north became crazed over what the) believed to be the coming of a Messiah, whom they thought would, with their help, drive all the white settlers from the western county, bring back the buffalo and the game, .mil organized for a general massacre of the white settlers in the surrounding country. Fortunately there was a deep snow at this time win.]] delayed their movements until the United States Army, commanded by General Nelson A. Miles, could throw a cordon of
troops around the reservation, and after the battle of Wounded Knee, fought between the Seventh United States Cavalry and a band of Indians commanded by Chief Big Foot, in which one hundred and fifty Indians and about twenty officers and soldiers of the cavalry were killed, the uprising was ended. The Nebraska militia was called to arms and patrolled the state border north of Hay Springs, Rushville and Gordon. At Hemingford a company for protection was organized, armed with Winchester repeating rifles and held themselves in readiness to defend the inhabitants of the county from threatened extermination at the hands of the blood-thirsty Sioux Indians.
Box Butte County's Part in the World War
This county did its full share in furnishing men and the sinews of war for the World War of 1917-18-19. A volunteer company was formed at Alliance, known as Company "G" of the Fourth Nebraska National Guard which entered the federal service and became later Battery "D" of the 127th United States Field Artillery. This organization spent nearly a year at Camp Cody, New Mexico, and was a part of the 34th or Sandstorm Division which reached France in September, 1918, but. as an organization, they did not participate in active fighting.
814
This county did its full share in furnishing men and the sinews of war for the World War of 1917-18-19. A volunteer company was formed at Alliance, known as Company "G" of the Fourth Nebraska National Guard which entered the federal service and became later Battery "D" of the 127th United States Field Artillery. This organization spent nearly a year at Camp Cody, New Mexico, and was a part of the 34th or Sandstorm Division which reached France in September, 1918, but. as an organization, they did not participate in active fighting. However, many of its members, by being assigned to other divisions, took part in the closing months of the fighting in the Argonne Forest and on other fronts ; the companv returning to Alliance in the spring of 1919. This company was commanded by Captain John B. Miller."
There were seven hundred and ninety-five young men of the county, between the ages of twenty-one and thirty-one, enrolled in the selective draft. Of this number over three hundred were actually called into service, while there were many enlistments from this county, of which there is no record. No roster of the soldiers from Box Butte county, who were in the service of their country, has as yet been compiled.
Four Box Butte county boys are known to have given up their lives for their countrv while serving in France. They were W. C. Herman, Charles Martin, Richard Haugh, who were killed on the field of battle, while Dean Harris died of injuries received in the service.
815
Of this number over three hundred were actually called into service, while there were many enlistments from this county, of which there is no record. No roster of the soldiers from Box Butte county, who were in the service of their country, has as yet been compiled.
Four Box Butte county boys are known to have given up their lives for their countrv while serving in France. They were W. C. Herman, Charles Martin, Richard Haugh, who were killed on the field of battle, while Dean Harris died of injuries received in the service.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The young men who served from Box Butte county, upon their return, immediately organized a Post of the American Legion, which is No. 7 in the state. It is quite active and has a membership of about two hundred. Its first commander was Earl L. Meyer, who was succeeded by J. B. Miller, and upon his removal from the city was succeeded by Joseph J. Dixon, its present commander.
The people of Box Butte county were very patriotic during the period of the war. They oversubscribed their quota of every liberty loan, practically doubled the quota for the Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., Knights of Columbus, Salvation Army, and finally in the combination drive for funds. They maintained a local chapter of the American Red Cross and an active and efficient County Council of Defense, a Home Guard of uniformed and armed men, strictly enforced the food regulations, and as a whole rendered valuable services to the country.
816
They oversubscribed their quota of every liberty loan, practically doubled the quota for the Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., Knights of Columbus, Salvation Army, and finally in the combination drive for funds. They maintained a local chapter of the American Red Cross and an active and efficient County Council of Defense, a Home Guard of uniformed and armed men, strictly enforced the food regulations, and as a whole rendered valuable services to the country.
Early Settlers
The first white men, other than the French trappers and traders to see Box Butte county, was that great flood of gold seekers who, in 1878 to 1880, traversed its extreme width from south to north over the old Sidney trail from Sidney, Nebraska, to Deadwood, South Dakota, following the discovery of gold there in 1876. These men told the story of the level plains which they crossed between the Platte River on the south, and the Niobrara river on the north. These stories attracted the attention of the owners of the great range herds farther to the eastward.
The next people to visit it were the big cattle owners, their foremen and cowboys. They used the Box Butte plains as a summer range for the cattle which fattened on the nutritious grass with which the plains were thickly covered.
The federal government surveyed the lands in 1879 and 1880, after which they were thrown open to settlement. A few of the earliest settlers came in over the Union Pacific as far as Sidney and then traveled overland following the Sidney trail, and took up homesteads in the southwestern part of the county. On the completion of the Northwestern railroad to Chadron in 1885, the railroad company advertised the rich lands tributary to it throughout the east, and there was a great inrush of settlers, most of whom came over the railroad to Hay Springs, which was the nearest railroad point.
817
A few of the earliest settlers came in over the Union Pacific as far as Sidney and then traveled overland following the Sidney trail, and took up homesteads in the southwestern part of the county. On the completion of the Northwestern railroad to Chadron in 1885, the railroad company advertised the rich lands tributary to it throughout the east, and there was a great inrush of settlers, most of whom came over the railroad to Hay Springs, which was the nearest railroad point.
The first filing made in Box Butte countv was in 1881 by A. H. McLaughlin, who filed
on a preemption and tree claim on tin: Niobrara river about four miles west of Marsland. Mr. McLaughlin has the distinction of being the oldest living settler of this county. During the time of his residence on this place, which he still owns, he was a resident of Sioux county, unorganized, which comprised the north half of the Panhandle of Nebraska, and Mr. McLaughlin transacted his official business at Sidney, the county seat of Cheyenne county, to which Sioux county was attached for administrative and judicial purposes. The line between Sioux and Cheyenne counties running
Oscar O'Bannon and S. Avery, (right) was one of the Old Time Trappers in Northwestern Nebraska
east and west is the south line of the present Box Butte county. Later, Sioux county was divided into three equal portions -- the western part named Sioux, the central part Dawes, and the eastern third Sheridan county. Sheridan and Sioux still retain their original boundaries. Mr. McLaughlin, without changing his residence, then became a citizen of Dawes county and served as one of its county commissioners. Chadron was the county seat. Upon the division of Dawes county into Dawes and Box Butte county, he then became a resident of Box Butte county, without changing his residence.
818
Later, Sioux county was divided into three equal portions -- the western part named Sioux, the central part Dawes, and the eastern third Sheridan county. Sheridan and Sioux still retain their original boundaries. Mr. McLaughlin, without changing his residence, then became a citizen of Dawes county and served as one of its county commissioners. Chadron was the county seat. Upon the division of Dawes county into Dawes and Box Butte county, he then became a resident of Box Butte county, without changing his residence.
The early settlers of the county were mostly of American birth, with a sprinkling of nearly all the principal nationalities. The Bohemians apparently were clannish and located in large numbers and were the dominant factor in Running Water, Lawn and Liberty precincts. There were a great many of German birth scattered over the county, without there being sufficient number to be called a German settlement in any one particular place. This was
!12
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
true of the [rish, excepl that a number of families--the Collins. Mahoneys, Shays, ' >'Maras and Silks settled in one neighborhood in Box Butte precinct. There was quite a settlement of Norwegians east of Hemingford. There were five "families of Danes congregated together a few miles west of Nonpareil. Four of these families are still residents of the county and with the increase in the families can buast of being the only nationality which now has more representatives than they had at the time the county was organized.
The pioneers probably endured more hardships than fell to the lot of their brothers who settled the middle and eastern states. While they had no forests to clear or stones to remove in order to make a home they had but little to build that home with. Ninety-seven percent of the houses which sheltered the first settlers were erected out of native sod.
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Four of these families are still residents of the county and with the increase in the families can buast of being the only nationality which now has more representatives than they had at the time the county was organized.
The pioneers probably endured more hardships than fell to the lot of their brothers who settled the middle and eastern states. While they had no forests to clear or stones to remove in order to make a home they had but little to build that home with. Ninety-seven percent of the houses which sheltered the first settlers were erected out of native sod. The typical settler usually arrived in a covered wagon, with a crate of chickens tied on behind, leading a cow, together with a breaking plow, a spade, axe and a few primitive tools. Upon arriving at the place he had selected for his homestead, he usually unloaded his wagon, removed the wagon box, left the wife and children to get along as best they could there while he, with the running gears of the wagon, went to the Pine Ridge, fifty miles away, to secure ridge poles, some rough boards and fire wood. Accompanied by one or two neighbors who assisted in loading the logs and doubling teams up steep hills, they returned after a few days. Then, hitching on the breaking plow he turned a quantity of sod which he cut into three foot lengths with the spade, carried and erected the walls of their future habitation, placing the ridge poles upon this, covi red with a layer of boards or poles, upon which he placed a layer of sod with the grass side down, thus forming a rude shelter from the elements. The same process was followed in a sod stable erected to shelter the team and cow. lie usually had to travel several miles ring or neighboring stream and haul water in a barrel for household use until such time as a well could be put down.
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Then, hitching on the breaking plow he turned a quantity of sod which he cut into three foot lengths with the spade, carried and erected the walls of their future habitation, placing the ridge poles upon this, covi red with a layer of boards or poles, upon which he placed a layer of sod with the grass side down, thus forming a rude shelter from the elements. The same process was followed in a sod stable erected to shelter the team and cow. lie usually had to travel several miles ring or neighboring stream and haul water in a barrel for household use until such time as a well could be put down.
Practically all of the supplies had to be hauled from Hay Springs. Of course, the first year no crops could be produced, except a small amount of sod corn; but later the first settlers were able to earn some money by breaking out. tending and planting tree claims for non-residents and erecting houses for those who happened to have more money than led to depend wholly for their supply of fresh meal U]
1 jack- rabbits, which were abundant,
with now and then a deer ; but fresh pork was an unknown quantity, there being no corn or other fattening food produced upon which hogs could be raised. There was also a scarcity of material with which to make enclosures for the hogs. One settler tried the expedient of building a pig pen out of sod, but on leaving home one Sunday for a call upon a neighbor some miles distant and returning after dark, found that the family pig had rooted a hole through the sod, invaded the house and crawled into the family bed.
821
with now and then a deer ; but fresh pork was an unknown quantity, there being no corn or other fattening food produced upon which hogs could be raised. There was also a scarcity of material with which to make enclosures for the hogs. One settler tried the expedient of building a pig pen out of sod, but on leaving home one Sunday for a call upon a neighbor some miles distant and returning after dark, found that the family pig had rooted a hole through the sod, invaded the house and crawled into the family bed.
The settlers managed to find some social enjoyment by being mutually helpful to each other, organizing Sunday schools, holding prayer meetings, and sometimes religious services with a sermon delivered by an itinerant minister, and in the more thickly populated settlements by having dances and parties during the long winter evenings.
Notwithstanding the hardships, the health of the early settlers was very good -- very few deaths occurred from diseases and not many from accidents. Among the accidents of the early days, which were singularly free from fatalities, was that which occurred at the home of Charles Schilling, northeast of Hemingford. He with his large family lived in quite a large sod house with a leanto kitchen in the rear, back of which was a cave cellar. An eighteen hundred pound horse belonging to his neighbor, Frank Porter, got out of his stall one Sunday night, wandering over to Neighbor Schilling's, first walked on the cave cellar and from that to the leanto and from there to the main part of the house. His weight was too much for the ridge pole, which broke, and precipitated him bottom side up down among the soundly sleeping Schilling family. The kickings and squealings of the horse led the rudely awakened family to believe that the world had come to an end.
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An eighteen hundred pound horse belonging to his neighbor, Frank Porter, got out of his stall one Sunday night, wandering over to Neighbor Schilling's, first walked on the cave cellar and from that to the leanto and from there to the main part of the house. His weight was too much for the ridge pole, which broke, and precipitated him bottom side up down among the soundly sleeping Schilling family. The kickings and squealings of the horse led the rudely awakened family to believe that the world had come to an end. Air. Schilling finally succeeded in getting the horse onto his feet, led him out of the front door, and lighting the lamp discovered that the damage was one hole in the roof, the complete wreck of two bed steads, two partitions knocked out, and one boy with a scalp wound and a skinned heel. The neighbors turned out the next day and put a new sod roof on the house, and Mr. Potter paid the doctor for coming out and attending to the boy's wound-, and the incident was soon forgotten.
Another accident which resulted fatally occurred at the home of Allan Bearss, in the western part of the county. While the family were surrounding the breakfast table one morning, the ridge pole of their house, which was not of sufficient diameter to support the weight
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
of the sod roof, suddenly snapped asunder, precipitating tons of sod and roof boards down onto the family. Their little five year old girl was instantly killed.
823
Another accident which resulted fatally occurred at the home of Allan Bearss, in the western part of the county. While the family were surrounding the breakfast table one morning, the ridge pole of their house, which was not of sufficient diameter to support the weight
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
of the sod roof, suddenly snapped asunder, precipitating tons of sod and roof boards down onto the family. Their little five year old girl was instantly killed.
Another accident occurred when two Bohemians of unpronounceable names had taken a contract to dig a well on the homestead of William Wilmot, six miles west of Hemingford. They had reached a depth of about sixty feet, were hoisting the earth out with a horse and rope which passed over a pulley, this pulley supported by three poles forming a triangle. The horse backed up and tumbled down the well on top of the digger, but as the horse filled the capacity of the well quite completely, did not descend very rapidly and the digger was enabled to take advantage of what space the horse did not take up and escaped with his life. He was brought to the surface and the neighbors gathered to rescue the horse from the well. The fall had not killed him. so a strong rope was secured. Mr. Wilmot owned a large gray team. A rope was placed about the horse, the team attached to the other end, and he was hoisted to the surface ; but, through some miscalculation, he did not get into the clear. The gray team commenced to back up when Mrs. Wilmot, thinking they would be drawn into the well, and being one of their most valued possessions, seized a sharp butcher knife, rushed out and drew its edge across the taut rope, severing it, which precipitated the old horse to the bottom of the well a second time.
824
A rope was placed about the horse, the team attached to the other end, and he was hoisted to the surface ; but, through some miscalculation, he did not get into the clear. The gray team commenced to back up when Mrs. Wilmot, thinking they would be drawn into the well, and being one of their most valued possessions, seized a sharp butcher knife, rushed out and drew its edge across the taut rope, severing it, which precipitated the old horse to the bottom of the well a second time. This was his finish. The injured man raised himself on his elbow and said, "Dot was a horse on me."
Another and fatal accident occurred in putting down a well northeast of Hemingford, when a colored man named Lewis, while placing some curbing in a strata of sand at a depth of about a hundred feet, the curbing gave way, precipitating him to the bottom of the well, a further distance of fifty feet, with tons of the caving earth burying him there. It was too dangerous to attempt the rescue of the body, so the surviving wife mortgaged the homestead for about four hundred dollars, made a contract with some experienced well diggers, who sank a new well some ten feet away from the old well, tunneled from the new to the old, rescued the body, brought it to the surface, and it was given decent interment.
Box Butte
The county derives its name from a large butte, located in the east central part of the county, which rudely resembles a box. The early French trappers named this Box Butte, pronounced "bute." butte being French for hill or elevation. The early cattle men called the country contiguous thereto the Box Butte country, to distinguish it from the White Clay country, and similarly named localities.
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It was too dangerous to attempt the rescue of the body, so the surviving wife mortgaged the homestead for about four hundred dollars, made a contract with some experienced well diggers, who sank a new well some ten feet away from the old well, tunneled from the new to the old, rescued the body, brought it to the surface, and it was given decent interment.
Box Butte
The county derives its name from a large butte, located in the east central part of the county, which rudely resembles a box. The early French trappers named this Box Butte, pronounced "bute." butte being French for hill or elevation. The early cattle men called the country contiguous thereto the Box Butte country, to distinguish it from the White Clay country, and similarly named localities. It naturally followed that this should be selected as the name of the new county.
There is no record of any battle ever having been fought in the county between the Indians and United States troops, the nearest being when a band of Indians left their reservation in Colorado and started to return to the country from which they had been taken in the Dakotas. They were followed up by a company of soldiers under the command of Major Thornburg, who followed the trail to Bronco Lake near Alliance : and the trail seeming to scatter there, the command left their wagons, camp equipage, etc., while they scouted the sand hills to the south, believing the Indians were hidden in some of the canyons. Upon their return to camp, they found the Indians had visited it. carried off what provisions they could, and burned the remainder, together with the wagons, tents, and the rest of the outfit. This band was under the leadership of Chief Little Hog. They were later captured and imprisoned in a stockade at Ft.
826
They were followed up by a company of soldiers under the command of Major Thornburg, who followed the trail to Bronco Lake near Alliance : and the trail seeming to scatter there, the command left their wagons, camp equipage, etc., while they scouted the sand hills to the south, believing the Indians were hidden in some of the canyons. Upon their return to camp, they found the Indians had visited it. carried off what provisions they could, and burned the remainder, together with the wagons, tents, and the rest of the outfit. This band was under the leadership of Chief Little Hog. They were later captured and imprisoned in a stockade at Ft. Robinson, sixty miles to the northwest. The soldiers got tired of guarding them and one night left the gate to the stockade open and the Indians started to escape during the night, when the soldiers opened fire with their carbines and practically exterminated the entire band.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
CIVIL WAR VETERANS
A roster of Civil War veterans officially prepared in the year 1891, showed the names of eighty-one men residing in the county, who wore the blue uniform of their country during the '60s. and now that a generation has passed this number has been lessened to barely a dozen survivors. The ranks have been reduced principally by death, there being fifty-two graves of Civil War soldiers in Greenwood cemetery at Alliance, and twenty-one at Hemingford. A few have moved to other states, and those still remaining in the county in 1921 are:
827
A roster of Civil War veterans officially prepared in the year 1891, showed the names of eighty-one men residing in the county, who wore the blue uniform of their country during the '60s. and now that a generation has passed this number has been lessened to barely a dozen survivors. The ranks have been reduced principally by death, there being fifty-two graves of Civil War soldiers in Greenwood cemetery at Alliance, and twenty-one at Hemingford. A few have moved to other states, and those still remaining in the county in 1921 are:
Albert Wiker, 11th Iowa Infantry, Alliance; Robert Garrett, 24th Iowa Infantry, Alliance ; Aaron Pool, 89th Illinois Infantry, Alliance ; Joseph B. Denton, 139th Pennsylvania Infantry, Alliance ; James Dickey, 98th New York Infantry, Alliance; Elsa Vaughn, 8th Iowa Cavalry, Alliance ; Cal. H. Underwood, 8th Missouri Infantry, Alliance; Fred Abley, 6th Michigan Infantry, Hemingford ; Alvin M. Miller, 76th Illinois Infantry, Hemingford; Robert Anderson, 127th U. S. Colored Infantry. Hemingford ; Augustin H. McLaughlin, 18th Iowa Infantry, Marsland ; Ambrose Hadley, 3d Rhode Island Infantry, Alliance ; Lewis R. Corbin, 83d Pennsylvania Infantry, Alliance.
Concerning the boys in service in the great World War, a list has come to the editor in chief which is added to the splendid story of Ira L. Tash, the county editor. This list may not be complete, but is presumed to be. There were three ways open to entrance in the service for the government army : enlistment, voluntary induction, and induction in the draft.
828
McLaughlin, 18th Iowa Infantry, Marsland ; Ambrose Hadley, 3d Rhode Island Infantry, Alliance ; Lewis R. Corbin, 83d Pennsylvania Infantry, Alliance.
Concerning the boys in service in the great World War, a list has come to the editor in chief which is added to the splendid story of Ira L. Tash, the county editor. This list may not be complete, but is presumed to be. There were three ways open to entrance in the service for the government army : enlistment, voluntary induction, and induction in the draft.
There were seventy-two enlistments as follows :
Earl E. Acord, Harold W. Berg, Henry L. Coker, Albert A. Duncan, Matison P. Gasteneau, Leon C. Ives, John Martin King, Clarence E. Levere, Norman A. McCorkle, Russell C. Miller, George J. Moscrip, Elmer F. Noe, George E. Ormsby, Ray Vernon Reddish, Horace H. Anderson, Don Brenaman, Donald Cooper, Daniel Elliott, William H. Hammond, John Henry Kane, John Spencer Knight, Frank Lyman Lewis. Ervin J. Macken, Ronald Moore, Robert W. Murphey, Martin J. Nolan, Wilbur F. Patterson, Clarence H. Reed. Elza I Barger, IVIerritt L. Chaffee. William 1''.. Davis, Louis l\. Federlin, Claude Hersch, E. Katon, Wincel Lackey, Glen Dale Locke, Leo Roscoe May, William Moravek,
Archie E. Nickerson, Everett B. O'Keef, John Priess, Harry Roberts, Harvey Benjamin, John Tyler Claver, Floyd R. Donovan, John T. Fitzgerald, Howard Oliver, Frederick A. King, Joe Lando, Roy A. McCluskey, Herbert E. Milan, Harrv A. Morrisey, Leo M. Nicolai, William L. O'Keefe, Gaylord H. Pry, Clifford T. Roberts, Howard Rucker, Charles F. Schafer, James H. Tally, Rex Truman, James E. Rundle, Guy E. Speaker, Lloyd Thomas, Walter H. Voight, Frank M. Schmidt, George C. StoII, Chester M. Thompson, Chester Z. Wells, Pete Sciora, Dick W. Strong, Francis Townsend, Corbin V. Witty.
829
Donovan, John T. Fitzgerald, Howard Oliver, Frederick A. King, Joe Lando, Roy A. McCluskey, Herbert E. Milan, Harrv A. Morrisey, Leo M. Nicolai, William L. O'Keefe, Gaylord H. Pry, Clifford T. Roberts, Howard Rucker, Charles F. Schafer, James H. Tally, Rex Truman, James E. Rundle, Guy E. Speaker, Lloyd Thomas, Walter H. Voight, Frank M. Schmidt, George C. StoII, Chester M. Thompson, Chester Z. Wells, Pete Sciora, Dick W. Strong, Francis Townsend, Corbin V. Witty.
In addition there were voluntary inductions numbering nineteen as given here :
Howard H. Bennett, George A. Hielman, Carl Theo. Koester, George Dening Read, Walter W. Anderson, Lester G. Brittan, Leland Bane Hirst, Roy E. Mendenhall, Chester H. Shreve, Raymond L. Bartlett, Gilbert Dayton, John Albert Johnson, Norman M. Newberry, Donald W. Spencer, Abram E. Bennett, John E. Diesberger, Chester C. Johnson, Carl H. Powell, James E. Wiley.
Those who were inducted through the regular order of the draft are as follows :
Alexander Barrv, Dwight L. Bennett, Leo Brandle, Charles A. Barlew, Alex C. Cahill. Harry Chester, Charles A. Conley, Petenon Domenico, William M. Ellis, Mike Abas, John P. Bayer, Conrad Blume, William J. Brandon, Floyd' S. Barnes, Peter F. Callahan, Hans P. Christensen, Louis E. Cottrell, Emil H. Dryson, Ruben E. Elquist, William G. Bailey, Perley J. Beach, Malcolm M. Bogar, Archie Brown, Robert W. Burns, John Thomas Capps, Fred W. Cloud, Frederick E. Cutts, Robert Duchon, Jacob H. Elsea, Clarence O. Baldwin, Fred A. Beckenbach, John S. Bostrom, Frederick R. Brown, William H. Butler, William M. Casey, Harold I. Cochrane, Harrison H. Derric, James Earl Eaton, Henry G. Emde, X'eal W. Erskine, Martin L. Fitzgerald, Joe B. Frohnapfel, Harry Gavelick, Eddie W. Green, lames Theo. Halev, George A. Harry, < >rla I [awley, Cecil R. Henry, James G. Hibbert, Vern Fred Hucke.
830
Burns, John Thomas Capps, Fred W. Cloud, Frederick E. Cutts, Robert Duchon, Jacob H. Elsea, Clarence O. Baldwin, Fred A. Beckenbach, John S. Bostrom, Frederick R. Brown, William H. Butler, William M. Casey, Harold I. Cochrane, Harrison H. Derric, James Earl Eaton, Henry G. Emde, X'eal W. Erskine, Martin L. Fitzgerald, Joe B. Frohnapfel, Harry Gavelick, Eddie W. Green, lames Theo. Halev, George A. Harry, < >rla I [awley, Cecil R. Henry, James G. Hibbert, Vern Fred Hucke. John Jiackas, Adrian J. Kean, Joe Kelly, Charles E. Kincade, Fred Krebs, Loyd Langford, Edward P. Lewis, Paul Glenn Lundin, Peter L. Manewal. Charles E. Martin. William J. Eversall. David E. Fleming. James E. Ford, Thos. A. Golshannon, Waller k. Griffith, Albert Hare. Richard Haugh,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Hugh L. Hawkins, Clarence R. Herbison, George Hoke, Ira Irby, Henning M. Johnson, Milton J. Keegan, Charles G. Keough, Ulyssess Kirk, Frank Kriz, junior, Forrest A. Lape, Joe Lopaze, Ernest D. McCarty, John J. Manion, Clay R. Melick, Jess G. Fairchild, Eugene S. Flickinger, Tom Ford, John E. Glass, Wilbur L. Haggerty, George E. Hare, Roy Haugh, William F. Head, William C. Herman. Roy Holton, James R. Jacobs, Samuel Lee Johnson, Benjamin C. Keeler, Bedford Keown, Moritz Kittleman, Anthony M. Kuhn, Solomon H. Lazerus, Lyle W. Lore, Archie E. McNeill, Warren O. Marcy, Clarence E. Meek, Ponde S. Fileff, Wilard J. Freshla, Thomas W. Gahagan, Royce L. Glass, Leslie A. Hall, Obe Harris, Cyril Havalik, George R. Heckman, John H. Hessler, Fred Homan, Thomas A. Jewell, Gilbert F. Kays, James E. Keenan, Albert Kibler, Robert Klase, Olaf David Kuhn, Armond J. LeSage, Adam Jay Lortz, Arthur Macken, Fred L. Marsh, Chester A. Melvin, Fred J. Meyer. Jr., Martin Nelson, Ranson Herby Parks, ]ohn Peltz, Leslie L. Poole, Floyd Ratleff, Elvis James Rhein, William K.
831
Fileff, Wilard J. Freshla, Thomas W. Gahagan, Royce L. Glass, Leslie A. Hall, Obe Harris, Cyril Havalik, George R. Heckman, John H. Hessler, Fred Homan, Thomas A. Jewell, Gilbert F. Kays, James E. Keenan, Albert Kibler, Robert Klase, Olaf David Kuhn, Armond J. LeSage, Adam Jay Lortz, Arthur Macken, Fred L. Marsh, Chester A. Melvin, Fred J. Meyer. Jr., Martin Nelson, Ranson Herby Parks, ]ohn Peltz, Leslie L. Poole, Floyd Ratleff, Elvis James Rhein, William K. Robertson, Frank A. Rumer, Oakley D. Seeley, Irving E. Smith, John Ames Stastny, Fred Birdsell Sweeney, Jay H. Vance, Benjamin F. Ward, Joseph Williams, James J. Moore, John Earl Nolan, George H. Parsons, Montague H. Pendleton, Carl H. Powell, Wayne L. Reddington, Alonzo Rice, Jacob Rohrbouck, William M. Schoenmann, Tohn A. Shay, Charles A. Spacht, Alva P. Stockdale, William S. Tadlock, Benjamin F. Vanderlas, Ralph M. Weidhamer, Thomas E. Yeager, Carl Moscrip, Paul J. Norton, Edward R. Paul, Leslie Perry, Charlie A. Powell, Hans P. Renswold, Arthur Rice, John Rosendorfer, John Schwaderer, George H. Shaffner, Charles L. Squibbs, George F. Stockfleth, Charles Calvin Tash, Walter Walker, Alvah G. Whaley, Dwight F. Zediker, Max Moscrip. Frank E. O'Banion, Johnnie Payne. Archie T. Phillips, Charles W. Rathburn. LeRoy D. Reynolds, Lawrence E. Richardson. George C. Roth. Herman Seidler, Harrv W. Smith, Thomas L. Squibbs, John E. Sullivan, Leo J. Toohey, William F. Walker, George E. Whalev, Noble F. Zerbie.
There were thirteen rejections and discharges from physical disability, and a service flag in Box Butte county should have five known gold stars, and perhaps there are others. Box Butte county contingent contained five colored men, one of whom died of injuries. The organization of a company at Alliance early in the war gave to Box Butte county volunteers, a number from outside the county limits, principally in close-by counties.
832
Walker, George E. Whalev, Noble F. Zerbie.
There were thirteen rejections and discharges from physical disability, and a service flag in Box Butte county should have five known gold stars, and perhaps there are others. Box Butte county contingent contained five colored men, one of whom died of injuries. The organization of a company at Alliance early in the war gave to Box Butte county volunteers, a number from outside the county limits, principally in close-by counties.
Siege of Nonpareil
The local Box Butte county historian tells of the affair of November, 1890, when there was a meeting in Alliance of the indignant citizens over the Burlington attitude on the county seat question. He also tells of the defense of the records as proposed by the county officials. A story has come to the editor-in-chief, which he will relate for what it is worth, and for the amusement of the old-timers who were in the conflict. I am sure that no one will accuse the writer of any unkind motives when the joke is upon his two especially good friends, Ira Tash and Eugene Hall. These men are referred to as guarding the county records in the anticipated siege of Nonpareil.
When the meeting was held in Alliance, Superintendent Phelan of the Burlington had present, as he usually had at any gathering, a man who would report to him what "was doing." The man in this case "fanned it" to headquarters that the crowd was organized to go out and take the records, and as stated Phelan had the engine ready. Also the wires conveyed the information to Hemingford. The people of that town, quite a number of them, took shot guns and bulldog revolvers, and any other weapon handy and the "flimsy structure" known as the court house at Nonpareil was filled with the defenders, had the enemy appeared.
833
When the meeting was held in Alliance, Superintendent Phelan of the Burlington had present, as he usually had at any gathering, a man who would report to him what "was doing." The man in this case "fanned it" to headquarters that the crowd was organized to go out and take the records, and as stated Phelan had the engine ready. Also the wires conveyed the information to Hemingford. The people of that town, quite a number of them, took shot guns and bulldog revolvers, and any other weapon handy and the "flimsy structure" known as the court house at Nonpareil was filled with the defenders, had the enemy appeared. But there had been a change of heart in the Alliance crowd, and the affair had been called off.
After waiting until late at night part of the defenders at Nonpareil started home. When some distance away from the building, so the story goes, one who had started south to his home decided to try out his gun. At that someone in the court house yelled, "Alliance is coming," and the effect was said to be about the same as the effect upon the German west front, when the sound of "the Yanks are coming" came over the battlefield. Over and under each other they went, finding exits where they could. Several brave boys jammed in the doorway and tore out the side of the building, others smashed the windows, carrying the sash away with them. In fact, it is said, that the north side of the building was a wreck, this side being in the direction of Hemingford. I have no doubt that Hall and Tash stood the test all right, but of the rank and file, one party reports at least four of them went down in one pile just outside the building, but they soon recovered their feet, and faded into the moonlight.
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Several brave boys jammed in the doorway and tore out the side of the building, others smashed the windows, carrying the sash away with them. In fact, it is said, that the north side of the building was a wreck, this side being in the direction of Hemingford. I have no doubt that Hall and Tash stood the test all right, but of the rank and file, one party reports at least four of them went down in one pile just outside the building, but they soon recovered their feet, and faded into the moonlight.
What 'Gene Heath Meant
As told in the local historian's chronicle of early events, 'Gene Heath succeeded in having
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the name of Buchanan changed to Nonpareil. 'Gene, being a democrat could not quite reconcile himself to the constant reminder of a wholly unsatisfactory democratic president of that name, who was the last in the antibellum days. 'Gene also believed in consistency, and Nonpareil was a small place. Nonpareil type is the smallest type known that will do for legal and official printing. To this idea the town was about as small as it could be, and yet be the legal municipal center of the county of Box Butte.
Cattle Rustlers, Holliday and Cochran
Fred Shonquist, the first sheriff of Box Butte county, was a prince of good fellows, but occasionally he undertook to put the distillers out of business, by drinking everything in sight. At such times, instead of being a guardian of the law, he would shatter about all the statutes that had anything to do with good government. The Republicans renominated him, however, in 1890, but the Democrats had the good judgment to place in nomination Eugene A. Hall. Mall was elected and two times reelected, serving six years.
835
Fred Shonquist, the first sheriff of Box Butte county, was a prince of good fellows, but occasionally he undertook to put the distillers out of business, by drinking everything in sight. At such times, instead of being a guardian of the law, he would shatter about all the statutes that had anything to do with good government. The Republicans renominated him, however, in 1890, but the Democrats had the good judgment to place in nomination Eugene A. Hall. Mall was elected and two times reelected, serving six years. During that time, he was successful in breaking up the cattle rustling that had been carried on before and in assisting in the arrest of the murderer of young Ross at the state line south of Kimball.
Two men named Holliday and Cochran had worked out a plan for rustling cattle over the state lines of Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota, bringing them to western Box Butte county, and so mutilating the brands that they had few points to identify them as the original marks. There was a local man in Hemingford and another just over the line in Sioux county. who in some way stood in with the rustlers, although they had never been implicated in the transactions, so far as known. In 1891, a bunch of cattle were brought in from Colorado, and when they came out of the Holliday-Cochran branding pens it was with different brands.
Jack Elliott, who was agent for the cattle association, located the cattle, and he and a banker named Sterling came up from Colorado to replevin them. Cochran and Holliday were both in Kimball, and the cattle were in charge of George Zimmerman, and two other nun. and were just over the line in Sioux county. It took a bit of maneuvering to get tin' cattle nver the line into Box Butte county, but it was accomplished in time, and then Sheriff Hall served the necessary writ, and Sterling and Elliott started for Hemingford with the cattle.
836
Jack Elliott, who was agent for the cattle association, located the cattle, and he and a banker named Sterling came up from Colorado to replevin them. Cochran and Holliday were both in Kimball, and the cattle were in charge of George Zimmerman, and two other nun. and were just over the line in Sioux county. It took a bit of maneuvering to get tin' cattle nver the line into Box Butte county, but it was accomplished in time, and then Sheriff Hall served the necessary writ, and Sterling and Elliott started for Hemingford with the cattle. It was nearly dark and they night cm the prairie. To their surprise in the morning Cochran and Holliday were on hand. It later developed that their friend in Hemingford had been advised, and he in turn had sent a wire to Holliday at Kimball. Cochran and Holliday had ridden the nearly one hundred miles from Kimball during the night.
Sheriff Hall had gone home, but he came back in the morning, to find that the rustlers were trying to prevent the movement of the cattle towards the railroad. When he arrived they rode away, but followed along at a distance of a mile or so, keeping on the ridges, evidently debating what to do. They finally evolved a plan, of having their friend Webb replevin the cattle in turn. "Bob" Noleman of Alliance was secured, and the Colorado crowd had secured the services of Tuttle and Tash. Tuttle directed the legal process, and Noleman had Webb, who had been very busy condemning the procedure, ask for the writ. Tuttle had wisely anticipated that this would be done, and had put the name of Webb in the original process. Sheriff Hall told him that he was one of the parties defendant, and there was no way by which a defendant could counter with an alternate writ.
837
"Bob" Noleman of Alliance was secured, and the Colorado crowd had secured the services of Tuttle and Tash. Tuttle directed the legal process, and Noleman had Webb, who had been very busy condemning the procedure, ask for the writ. Tuttle had wisely anticipated that this would be done, and had put the name of Webb in the original process. Sheriff Hall told him that he was one of the parties defendant, and there was no way by which a defendant could counter with an alternate writ. Noleman stormed at what he considered the high-handed procedure, and he secured constables Gavin and Reed who served the papers. They did not take the cattle however, for they were in process of being loaded on the cars. Sterling had a Winchester, and Elliott had a big-looking gun, and while these never spoke, they seemed to be very effective arguments in favor of letting the loading proceed.
Holliday and Cochran put up a stiff legal fight for the cattle, and had some of them returned, but the lawyer's bills took the most of what was saved, for when the affair was over they were pretty well cleaned of livestock.
The Ross Murder
Cochran determined to make another raise, and turned his attention to northern Colorado. Near the state line, almost directly south of Kimball, lived an elderly couple named Ross, and their son, who had accumulated a nice bunch of cattle, and on these fell the covetous eyes of Cochran.
( )ne mi •ruing they were missing from their usual haunts, and Willie Ross, the young man, went out to look for them. He did not come back and neither horse, rider, or cattle could be found.
838
Cochran determined to make another raise, and turned his attention to northern Colorado. Near the state line, almost directly south of Kimball, lived an elderly couple named Ross, and their son, who had accumulated a nice bunch of cattle, and on these fell the covetous eyes of Cochran.
( )ne mi •ruing they were missing from their usual haunts, and Willie Ross, the young man, went out to look for them. He did not come back and neither horse, rider, or cattle could be found.
Again Jim Elliott was called to action. He found the trail, followed north across the Union Pacific railroad near Dix, and across
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
_'i;
Pumpkin creek at Indian Springs and Wright's Gap, then across the Platte and Snake. He found Cochran and the cattle in Coyote canyon. Cochran did not recognize him and when within a few feet he pulled his gun, and made Cochran put up his hands. While disarming and hand-cuffing him, Cochran was protesting his innocence, and asked him to look at "the paper," a bill-of-sale. He said he had bought the cattle of young Ross, who had told him that he was going away. As the horse and saddle were gone, the story looked plausible. Sheriff Hall participated in the proceedings attendant and following the arrest.
The parents of young Ross, when they heard this, stoutly declared that it could not be so, and that it was "not like Willie" to do a thing like that. An extensive search brought about the discovery that the body had been buried in a sand draw, and also the horse and saddle. Cochran, it appeared, had gone to a nearby house and borrowed a spade, and when he returned it there was no one at home. He had entered the house, secured some writing materials, and made several attempts at writing a bill-of-sale before he had succeeded in getting one in proper shape to suit him.
839
An extensive search brought about the discovery that the body had been buried in a sand draw, and also the horse and saddle. Cochran, it appeared, had gone to a nearby house and borrowed a spade, and when he returned it there was no one at home. He had entered the house, secured some writing materials, and made several attempts at writing a bill-of-sale before he had succeeded in getting one in proper shape to suit him. He had attempted to destroy the unsatisfactory efforts by burning them, but there were some fragments left, which were secured. He had then taken the herd, and milled it about on the sand, where he had buried the man, horse and saddle. A subsequent rain had also further obliterated the place, and washed out many of the tracks.
There was a question as to whether the murder had been in Colorado or Nebraska, and the surveyors had to be called out, to definitely locate the line. From their reports, and the evidence at hand it was determined that the crime had been committed in Colorado, and the body dragged some distance, and buried in Nebraska. This surveyor party was at work when some of Scotts Bluff county people were on their way to Colorado to pick spuds, among whom were William P. Young and Antoine Hiersche.
Cochran was never tried for the murder. He was tried for cattle stealing, convicted and given forty-five years in the penitentiary at Canyon City. After about twenty years penal servitude, he was paroled on account of being tubercular, and if yet living, is still at large.
840
This surveyor party was at work when some of Scotts Bluff county people were on their way to Colorado to pick spuds, among whom were William P. Young and Antoine Hiersche.
Cochran was never tried for the murder. He was tried for cattle stealing, convicted and given forty-five years in the penitentiary at Canyon City. After about twenty years penal servitude, he was paroled on account of being tubercular, and if yet living, is still at large.
County Officers
When the county was organized in 1887, the first officers elected were only for the completion of that year. On November 4, 1887, the regular election was held and at this time officers were chosen for the following regular terms. A roster of such officers is as follows:
Judges: The first county judge was A. L. Field. He was followed by 1). K. Spacht, who was succeeded by James H. H. Hewitt. Bruce Wilcox then served one term, he being followed by D. K. Spacht who was returned to the office. Abel Hill next followed, and he died in office, after a few months' service. B. F. Oilman completed the term, after which L. A. Berry assumed the judicial ermine and held the office for eleven consecutive years, retiring January, 1917. Ira L. Tash then assumed the office, and has held it since.
Clerks : The office of county clerk was also ex-officio clerk of the district court, and of the board of county commissioners, when the county was organized. The first clerk who served for the nine months of 1887, was Geo. W. Clark. At the regular election following Charles A. Burlew was elected, and he was follwed by Ira L. Tash. Mr. Tash was clerk at the time the county seat was moved from Nonpareil to Hemingford. Next following was Joseph K.
841
Clerks : The office of county clerk was also ex-officio clerk of the district court, and of the board of county commissioners, when the county was organized. The first clerk who served for the nine months of 1887, was Geo. W. Clark. At the regular election following Charles A. Burlew was elected, and he was follwed by Ira L. Tash. Mr. Tash was clerk at the time the county seat was moved from Nonpareil to Hemingford. Next following was Joseph K. Neal, then Fred M. Phelps. Sam M. Smvser then was elected, and he was followed by D. K. Spacht. W. C. Mounts was then elected, and M. S. Hargraves followed. Mounts again returned to the office, and now Miss Avis M. Joder is the efficient incumbent of the office.
Treasurers : The first county treasurer, who served for the short term of 1887, was Eli Gerber. John < CKeefe, Sr., became the next treasurer, and he was succeeded by John O'Keefe, Jr. Then Samuel B. Libby was chosen, and he was succeeded by Alvin M. Miller, and A. S. Reel followed. 'Alex Muirhead was next in order, and then Charles W. Brennan. Fred W. Mollring next looked after the county finances, and he was followed by Edgar M. Martin. Frank W. Irish, the present excellent treasurer completes the list of treasurers of Box Butte county.
Sheriffs : Fred A. Shonquist was the first sheriff of Box Butte county, serving the short term of 1887. and then one full term. At the election of 1889, Eugene A. Hall was elected, serving three terms. Then came Edwin P. Sweeney, then Ira C. Reed. Albert Wiker was the next sheriff, and he was followed by Calvin M. Cox, and James W. Miller in turn, the latter being the present popular head of the law enforcement division of the county government.
842
Shonquist was the first sheriff of Box Butte county, serving the short term of 1887. and then one full term. At the election of 1889, Eugene A. Hall was elected, serving three terms. Then came Edwin P. Sweeney, then Ira C. Reed. Albert Wiker was the next sheriff, and he was followed by Calvin M. Cox, and James W. Miller in turn, the latter being the present popular head of the law enforcement division of the county government.
Superintendents: The educational department of the countv is always its most important function, for it deals with the children of the future. Box Butte county has been fortunate in the class of educators that it has had
>18
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
for its county educational head: Those who have served in that capacity are : First, Nathan S. Simpson, then Burton F. Gilman, John Leith, H. F. Fillmore, Anna E. Neeland, John W. Baumgardner, Leora Rustin, Ora E. Phillips, Delia M. Reed, and Opal Russell, the present incumbent.
Attorneys : The county prosecutors have a large duty to perform, for a small compensation. So poorly paid has this office been considered, that it is always difficult to get the best talent to consider the sacrifices that it involves. Excellent lawyers are sometimes found in these offices, but it is usually with a view to the acquaintanceship they thereby secure. The first county attorney of Box Butte county was James H. Danskin, who served the short term when the county was organized, and was reelected. In June, 1890, he resigned to accept the office of Receiver in the United States Land Office at Alliance. William M. Iodence was appointed and filled out the unexpired term. Robert C. Noleman next served for one term and then Burton F. Gilman for two terms. Iodence was then returned, in 1896, for one term.
843
The first county attorney of Box Butte county was James H. Danskin, who served the short term when the county was organized, and was reelected. In June, 1890, he resigned to accept the office of Receiver in the United States Land Office at Alliance. William M. Iodence was appointed and filled out the unexpired term. Robert C. Noleman next served for one term and then Burton F. Gilman for two terms. Iodence was then returned, in 1896, for one term. He was succeeded by Smith P. Tuttle. William Mitchell was elected in 1900, and served four years, after which Eugene Burton served three terms. Lee Basye the present incumbent, is serving his third term in the office.
Surveyors: Barring the original work of surveying or locating the settlers the office of county surveyor in a new county is not one of much compensation. Box Butte county -has had the following occupants of the surveyors office: Charles A. Barney. H. H. Burnette, Daniel W. Hughes, John P. Hazard, and Reuben E. Knight, the latter being the present official.
Coroner: This office was in the new counties of western Nebraska, and not much sought for. but nevertheless it was a very important position, and was filled by the medical fraternity of capableness and high order. The following doctors of Box Butte county have held the position: Tohn Blood, W. H. 'Smith, W. W. Hamilton, W. K. Miller, L E. Moore, G. W. Mitchell and Chas. E. Slagle.
Commissioners : The first county commissioners, who served for the nine months of 1887 were James Barry. Louis C. De Coudress and Thos. L. Irvine. On these fell the first duties of the new countv's organization. Ai ill.- first regular election R. R. Ralls and Charles Nichols took the place of the first two named.
844
The following doctors of Box Butte county have held the position: Tohn Blood, W. H. 'Smith, W. W. Hamilton, W. K. Miller, L E. Moore, G. W. Mitchell and Chas. E. Slagle.
Commissioners : The first county commissioners, who served for the nine months of 1887 were James Barry. Louis C. De Coudress and Thos. L. Irvine. On these fell the first duties of the new countv's organization. Ai ill.- first regular election R. R. Ralls and Charles Nichols took the place of the first two named. Other commissioners who followed wen Vlex Burr, Leonard Sampy, Fdgar
rames Hollinrake, Ceo. W.Duncan, Geo W. Loer, James Barry, (second election),
John Meintz, L- F. Smith, Frank Caha, Joseph M. Wanek, and Anton Uhrig (second election). Calvin L. Hashman, Geo. W. Duncan and George Carrell are the present incumbents.
District Clerk : This office was established in January, 1921, or separated from the office of county clerk. W. C. Mounts was elected first clerk, now serving in that position.
County Assessor : This office is of comparatively recent origin and has been filled in turn by A. S. Reed, E. P. Sweeney, John Jelinek, J. A. Keegan and John Pilkington, the last named being the present incumbent.
Box Butte county can well be proud of those who have served it in an official capacity. The offices have been quite equally distributed between the political parties, and there has never been a shortage, an arrest, a scandal, or indictment attaching to a single public official.
845
County Assessor : This office is of comparatively recent origin and has been filled in turn by A. S. Reed, E. P. Sweeney, John Jelinek, J. A. Keegan and John Pilkington, the last named being the present incumbent.
Box Butte county can well be proud of those who have served it in an official capacity. The offices have been quite equally distributed between the political parties, and there has never been a shortage, an arrest, a scandal, or indictment attaching to a single public official.
State Officials
Box Butte county has never had a state official outside of the legislative branch of state government. In 1901, J. H. Van Boskirk was a member of the state senate, being the first in that capacity from the county. Earl D. Mallery served in the same capacity, in the session of 1915, he being the second and last state senator from the county to date.
L. W. Gilchrist was the first member of the legislature, in 1889. Then in 1913, Earl D. Mallery was a member. Frank M. Broome was chosen for that post in 1915, and was later appointed Receiver of the United States Land Office at Valentine. In 1917 Lloyd C. 'Thomas was chosen. Thomas was one of the members joining in the introduction of the Nebraska mineral statute, which was passed at an extraordinary session of the legislature in 1918. He volunteered for the world war, but was not inducted into service owing to its abrupt end.
John W. Thomas w;as deputy state land commissioner during the administration of G L. Shumwav as chief of that office, during 1917 and 1918.
846
In 1917 Lloyd C. 'Thomas was chosen. Thomas was one of the members joining in the introduction of the Nebraska mineral statute, which was passed at an extraordinary session of the legislature in 1918. He volunteered for the world war, but was not inducted into service owing to its abrupt end.
John W. Thomas w;as deputy state land commissioner during the administration of G L. Shumwav as chief of that office, during 1917 and 1918.
William L. O'Keefe was assistant in the office of Chas. W. Pool, secretary of state, at the beginning of the war, but resigned and went into the service in the World War.
Each of these have performed well the duties assigned to them, and no word of reproach can be truthfully said concerning any of Box Butte county's contingent in the duties of the state assigned to them.
U. S. Land Officers
The United States Land Office was established at Alliance on July 1, 1890. Fred M.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
:l''
Dorrington, of Chadron, was appointed Register, and James H. Danskin, Receiver. They served until the change of administration in 1893, when they were succeeded by John W. Wehn of Wilber, Nebraska, as Register, and F. M. Broome, of Alliance, as Receiver. Following another change of administration in 1897, Fred M. Dorrington was appointed Register and William R. Akers, as Receiver. Dorrington died in office in January, 1903, and was succeeded by Bruce Wilcox. Akers and Wilcox administered the office for four years, and were replaced by W. W. Wood of Rushville as Register and H. J. Ellis of Alliance as Receiver. Upon the election of Woodrow Wilson as president in 1912, J. C. Morrow, of Scottsbluff, became Register, with T. J. O'Keefe. of Alliance, as Receiver, and they continue to draw the salary and perquisites pertaining to the office.
847
Dorrington died in office in January, 1903, and was succeeded by Bruce Wilcox. Akers and Wilcox administered the office for four years, and were replaced by W. W. Wood of Rushville as Register and H. J. Ellis of Alliance as Receiver. Upon the election of Woodrow Wilson as president in 1912, J. C. Morrow, of Scottsbluff, became Register, with T. J. O'Keefe. of Alliance, as Receiver, and they continue to draw the salary and perquisites pertaining to the office.
Ira E. Tash County Judge of Box Butte county, was born in Clarke county, Iowa, February 13, 1862, and remained there until he was 25 years of age, with his parents, who were farmers. He taught school during the winter and worked at railroad construction work during the summer months. He received his education in the country schools. In March, 1S87, he came to what is the extinct Nonpareil and engaged in real estate and farm loan business until January 1, 1890, when he was elected County Clerk. He conducted that office for one year, then the office was moved to Hemingford, the county seat, and after four years, in 1894, he formed the law firm of Tuttle & Tash. which continued there until 1900, when the firm moved its offices to Alliance. In 1895 he was appointed receiver of the Bank of Hemingford and settled its affairs. While living at Hemingford he served on the school board and city council. In
1901 he engaged in the clerical work for the contractors rebuilding the Union Pacific : in
848
He conducted that office for one year, then the office was moved to Hemingford, the county seat, and after four years, in 1894, he formed the law firm of Tuttle & Tash. which continued there until 1900, when the firm moved its offices to Alliance. In 1895 he was appointed receiver of the Bank of Hemingford and settled its affairs. While living at Hemingford he served on the school board and city council. In
1901 he engaged in the clerical work for the contractors rebuilding the Union Pacific : in
1902 was associate editor of the Alliance 'rimes; in 1903 was appointed postmaster of Alliance, serving in that capacity for twelve years, and in 1916, was elected county judge, re-elected in 1918 without opposition, and is thus serving the people of his county at this time.
The public service of Ira E. Tash has always been of the best. Box Butte county has cause for congratulation in the fact that Mr. Tash became a citizen of the county at a very early date and has been continually one of the bearers of the county's escutcheon through all the years. Never has he faltered, and but for him the record of the county achievements, and of its people would be incomplete. His experiences, his memory, his ability to state the occurrences with precision, and withal his splendid fund of good humor, have made the Box Butte County History a splendid narrative. -- Editor-in-Chief.
DEUEL COUNTY
ORGANIZATION OF DEUEL COUNTY
Deuel county, one of the smallest in the state and the most southeasterly county in the Panhandle of Nebraska, lies in the most southerly tier of counties and in the third east from the western boundary of Nebraska. At the present time it is bounded on the north by Garden county, on the east by Keith county, on the south by Colorado and on the west by Cheyenne county.
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DEUEL COUNTY
ORGANIZATION OF DEUEL COUNTY
Deuel county, one of the smallest in the state and the most southeasterly county in the Panhandle of Nebraska, lies in the most southerly tier of counties and in the third east from the western boundary of Nebraska. At the present time it is bounded on the north by Garden county, on the east by Keith county, on the south by Colorado and on the west by Cheyenne county. Like all the rest of Nebraska, the early inhabitants of this county were the roving bands of Indians that inhabited the plains before the white man came and before the territory in which Deuel county lies was known to the whites who settled the continent. Like the rest of Nebraska this land belonged to Spain, France, and then became a part of the United States.
For a number of years after Nebraska Territory was created, and the western part of the state laid out in counties, called Lyon. Taylor, and Monroe. Deuel county territory was then principally in Lyon county. After Nebraska became a state, Deuel county was comprised in old Cheyenne county, and much of the early history of that county is a part of Deuel county's history. Many of the early events of Deuel county are to be found in the history of "Old Cheyenne." By the election of 1888, the eastern third of Cheyenne county was erected as Deuel county and later the northern portion of
Deuel county became Garden county. In the early history and general treatment of the Panhandle, will be found stories of Deuel county, long before Nebraska became a state. Also reference will be found to the ranch life in this section when the cowman held it as a range. The county was named after a man who was connected with the building of the Union Pacific railroad.
850
Many of the early events of Deuel county are to be found in the history of "Old Cheyenne." By the election of 1888, the eastern third of Cheyenne county was erected as Deuel county and later the northern portion of
Deuel county became Garden county. In the early history and general treatment of the Panhandle, will be found stories of Deuel county, long before Nebraska became a state. Also reference will be found to the ranch life in this section when the cowman held it as a range. The county was named after a man who was connected with the building of the Union Pacific railroad.
The general topography of Deuel county is high rolling or undulating plains, ranging from precipitious cliffs along the streams to the level land of tables and valleys. The high plateaus have been called tables and received various names. Along the tables go the valleys, and the county is noted for the tablelands used for grazing also for the fertile valleys. The Lodgepole valley is the longest in the county ; it enters at about the center of the western boundary, flows southeast and a little west of the center of the southern boundary passes out into Colorado. The Platte valley crosses the southeastern corner of the county and while not so long as the Lodgepole, is wider. In addition to these major valleys there are smaller valleys. Lodgepole creek and the Platte river are the streams and it is from them that the water is secured for the irrigation carried on in Deuel countv.
851
The Lodgepole valley is the longest in the county ; it enters at about the center of the western boundary, flows southeast and a little west of the center of the southern boundary passes out into Colorado. The Platte valley crosses the southeastern corner of the county and while not so long as the Lodgepole, is wider. In addition to these major valleys there are smaller valleys. Lodgepole creek and the Platte river are the streams and it is from them that the water is secured for the irrigation carried on in Deuel countv.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
FIRST SETTLERS
Like a large section of the Panhandle, the earliest whites in Deuel county were the cattlemen, who came here with their great herds of cattle, a few of whom became permanent settlers, and after the building of the Union Pacific railroad, a little real settlement began. Before the railroad came the distances were so great that few people ventured so far from a source of supply. A few adventurous spirits ventured in and many went by over the famous Oregon, California, and Colorado trails. Settlers came in slowly at first and their coming was not encouraged by the cattlemen, who saw that the homesteader would sooner or later absorb their range and supplant stockraising and grazing with farming and stockraising on a farmer's scale. The bitter feeling existing between the early settlers and the cowmen was not much manifest in Deuel county but the cowmen were obliged to give way to the grangers. After the coming of the railroad, there were increasing numbers of homesteaders and in time they counted by the hundred to the cattlemen's one. The southeastern and southwestern parts of Deuel county settled first as the railroad crossed the southeastern corner of the county, ran to Julesburg, Colorado, then turned across the southern boundary of the county a little west of the center and ran northwest, leaving a little north of the center of the western boundary.
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After the coming of the railroad, there were increasing numbers of homesteaders and in time they counted by the hundred to the cattlemen's one. The southeastern and southwestern parts of Deuel county settled first as the railroad crossed the southeastern corner of the county, ran to Julesburg, Colorado, then turned across the southern boundary of the county a little west of the center and ran northwest, leaving a little north of the center of the western boundary. The first towns and stations for supplies were on the railroad and the settlers naturally located within the area where they could obtain necessities, though this was not always true and many settlers scattered throughout what is now Garden county as well, for there was water to be had there.
Early Trials and Bitter Years
From 1884 to 1887, the tablelands of Deuel county filled up, and many and varied are the stories of pioneer hardships of the people who came here at that time. For a time the farmers or permanent settlers managed to live and a few made a little money. However in the later eighties most of the grangers went broke ; in fact it may be stated without exception that the high plains went broke all together, and of the aristocratic grangers not one remained in the western part of the state of Nebraska. Among the settlers there was practically no money and all business was carried on by barter. Posts, wood, or the bones of dead animals were traded for groceries and supplies, as the merchants of the early days took anything for which they could find a market. Out on the north divide, there were hundreds of people in the same condition, among them Herman Kuehnn, Anton Hatterman, August Fonnarder, Syver Johnson, John Elmquist, Peter Soderquist, Frank Johnson, and many, many others.
853
Among the settlers there was practically no money and all business was carried on by barter. Posts, wood, or the bones of dead animals were traded for groceries and supplies, as the merchants of the early days took anything for which they could find a market. Out on the north divide, there were hundreds of people in the same condition, among them Herman Kuehnn, Anton Hatterman, August Fonnarder, Syver Johnson, John Elmquist, Peter Soderquist, Frank Johnson, and many, many others. They had to haul water from ten to eighteen miles, from Big Springs, or Ash Hollow, for family use and stock because they did not have the money for a well or equipment after they had one; the water supply on the tables being two hundred or more feet clown in the ground.
Jim Pindell had a well drill but he could not operate without money and though willing to work for the people who needed water could not do it for nothing. However, occasionally a settler would trade around or "jockey" and finally get a well, and when this was done the owner would try and make up for the cost by charging for the water. However, water for domestic uses was rarely denied if a person did not have the pay for it, but stock water was sometimes as high as seventy-five cents a barrel. One time Adam Zimmerman went to Colorado to work to earn some money and in a month had earned twenty dollars, but his expenses going and coming cost seventeen dollars so he was not much better off. Another time a neighbor hired him for a day and gave him a rooster for pay, which died on the way home.
854
However, water for domestic uses was rarely denied if a person did not have the pay for it, but stock water was sometimes as high as seventy-five cents a barrel. One time Adam Zimmerman went to Colorado to work to earn some money and in a month had earned twenty dollars, but his expenses going and coming cost seventeen dollars so he was not much better off. Another time a neighbor hired him for a day and gave him a rooster for pay, which died on the way home.
George Richardson tells of plowing tree claims for non-residents, who sometimes forgot to send the money for the work and Peter Jensen tells of the old sod schoolhouse where they had a few cracked boxes for desks and piled up sod for benches for the scholars. W. W. Waterman at Day postoffice could tell how "cancellations" fell off, because the people could not possibly spare the money for stamps and write to relatives and friends. But the people lived through the years of trial and have seen the later years of triumph come to pay them for the hardships and privations. Carl Pigeon, who had no use for his threshing machine outfit in the early nineties, has had plenty of work for it during the later years and has had a fine business, which shows the development and prosperity of the wheat and grain industry in Deuel county for some time
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
past. John Steward, who early saw what irrigation would do when water was applied to the fertile soil of the valleys changed to irrigated land and now has a fine farm and breeds Belgian horses, Hereford cattle, and Poland China hogs. So we could go on telling of the transition and prosperity of many of the early settlers who managed to stay through the hard years.
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Carl Pigeon, who had no use for his threshing machine outfit in the early nineties, has had plenty of work for it during the later years and has had a fine business, which shows the development and prosperity of the wheat and grain industry in Deuel county for some time
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
past. John Steward, who early saw what irrigation would do when water was applied to the fertile soil of the valleys changed to irrigated land and now has a fine farm and breeds Belgian horses, Hereford cattle, and Poland China hogs. So we could go on telling of the transition and prosperity of many of the early settlers who managed to stay through the hard years. In the early days the vision of the future here was in every mind. All were looking forward ; now they sometimes look back or at the scars of battle left upon hand and brow, and say, "Oh well, gold needs fire to bum away the dross. It's not pure until it passes the crucible." There seemed to have been happy times occasionally and many laugh over the ridiculous escapes by which the tribulation was temporarily submerged. Agnew Rayburn occasionally will chuckle over the time when Chappell cast three thousand votes and Big Springs cast over five thousand at the county seat election. Others do likewise as there
were not that many people in the county. Riley Ford laughs over the time the roundup took him to Julesburg and "shot up" the town. A hearty laugh in that early day served to enliven the pulses and break the tenseness of conditions and save many a man and woman from "going crazy." Hard times parties were held where old clothes were worn as though it were a joke although it was no joke but the truth.
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were not that many people in the county. Riley Ford laughs over the time the roundup took him to Julesburg and "shot up" the town. A hearty laugh in that early day served to enliven the pulses and break the tenseness of conditions and save many a man and woman from "going crazy." Hard times parties were held where old clothes were worn as though it were a joke although it was no joke but the truth. Old clothes, packed away safe from moths, vintages of foregone years, were brought out j.nd given place of honor on festal occasions. , But best of all, there were hearts, dear hearts, that saw beyond the clouds of adversity into the sunshine of a happy land and happy times in the future. Imagination pictured the years of plenty; or perhaps they glimpsed the purpose for which mankind must suffer such heavy years. Today those who are left see that this faith has been justified and many are now enjoying the later years of life in comfort and prosperity.
COUNTY ORGANIZATIO N AND DEVELOPMENT
By the election of November, 1888, Cheyenne county was divided and practically the eastern third was erected as Deuel county, which came into existence at that time. Later the northern portion of Deuel was cut from Deuel and became Garden county, greatly reducing the size of Deuel county. In January, 1889, Deuel county was organized. The first meeting of the county board is recorded on January 21, 1889, with the following officers : George P. Smith, judge ; Ed. Herrington, clerk ; W. H. Sigler, treasurer, and B. G. Hoover, H. G. Gumaer and Willis Lee, commissioners. The next day, January 22, the following officers qualified : J. L. Robson, treasurer, Reuben Lisco, sheriff, and Dr. W. H. Babcock, coroner.
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Later the northern portion of Deuel was cut from Deuel and became Garden county, greatly reducing the size of Deuel county. In January, 1889, Deuel county was organized. The first meeting of the county board is recorded on January 21, 1889, with the following officers : George P. Smith, judge ; Ed. Herrington, clerk ; W. H. Sigler, treasurer, and B. G. Hoover, H. G. Gumaer and Willis Lee, commissioners. The next day, January 22, the following officers qualified : J. L. Robson, treasurer, Reuben Lisco, sheriff, and Dr. W. H. Babcock, coroner. On February 2, F. W. Starks qualified as superintendent of schools.
The first act of the commissioners was to elect B. G. Hoover chairman, and the second ad was by two votes fur Chappell and one for Froid, to declare Chappell the temporary county -rat. Some official bonds were approved and the clerk instructed to ask for bids for supplies. Thus ended the first day of Deuel county's official life.
The Chappell Register was designated the official paper on January 26, and the county attorney's salary was fixed at five hundred dollars. On this day a brand committee was created by the board of commissioners who named G. E. Thompson and John Robinson its first members.
On January 15, 1889, a county seat election was declared to have made no choice. The county then contained eleven precincts as follows: Alkali, Lisco, Lost Creek, Blue Creek, Park, Sughrue. Rush Creek, Green, Chappell, Swan and Big Springs.
In their order road districts one to eleven were created of the same name and size as the precincts. The first bills allowed by the commissioners were for election services, viz : C. G. Jones, A. T. Stewart, J. H. Roudebush, Frank Isenberger, Floyd Jones, E. E. Catron, Simon Hopper, R. D.
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The county then contained eleven precincts as follows: Alkali, Lisco, Lost Creek, Blue Creek, Park, Sughrue. Rush Creek, Green, Chappell, Swan and Big Springs.
In their order road districts one to eleven were created of the same name and size as the precincts. The first bills allowed by the commissioners were for election services, viz : C. G. Jones, A. T. Stewart, J. H. Roudebush, Frank Isenberger, Floyd Jones, E. E. Catron, Simon Hopper, R. D. Root, W. T. Bowers, George Northrup, E. F. Clayton, Ed. Coumbe, and Reuben Lisco.
By order of the board, all territory of Deuel county then north of the North Platte river was designated as commissoner district number one. District number two was the west
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
half of that part of the county south of the river and district number three was the east half. April 3, 1889, E. Fish was appointed deputy for Ed. Herrington, clerk, as Mr. Herrington was in Sidney much of the time transcribing the records for the new county.
Two petitions for bonding the county, one for one bridge and another for two bridges, across the North Platte river, were filed April 22, but both were rejected. On May 21, another petition for eighteen thousand dollars in bonds and two bridges was approved but was lost on the election.
The board of commissioners, sitting as a board of equalization, on June 19, 1889, found the following assessable property in Deuel county: personal, $93,345.79; real estate, $443,558.50; Union Pacific railway, $303,- 503.20; Western Union Telegraph Company, 83,448.90, a total of $848,856.39. The first levy for taxes was: for roads three and a half mills ; bridges, one mill ; sinking fund, one and a half mills. The Big Springs Precinct Bridge Bond was for three mills. Another attempt was made for a "North River" bridge by a petition of October 9, 1889, when ten thousand dollars worth of bonds was asked, but was lost at the subsequent election.
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The board of commissioners, sitting as a board of equalization, on June 19, 1889, found the following assessable property in Deuel county: personal, $93,345.79; real estate, $443,558.50; Union Pacific railway, $303,- 503.20; Western Union Telegraph Company, 83,448.90, a total of $848,856.39. The first levy for taxes was: for roads three and a half mills ; bridges, one mill ; sinking fund, one and a half mills. The Big Springs Precinct Bridge Bond was for three mills. Another attempt was made for a "North River" bridge by a petition of October 9, 1889, when ten thousand dollars worth of bonds was asked, but was lost at the subsequent election.
In the spring of 1890, a bridge was built across the Blue river, the first bridge built by Deuel county. In 1890, L. B. Cary and some other men were working out the details of the Belmont canal as irrigation was already becoming an important factor in the industrial life of the county. J. B. Anderson, called "Swede" Anderson, conceived the idea of extending the Belmont canal to the great tables between the north river and the Lodgepole. For raising funds he proposed bonding the precincts. This idea went so far as to call elections in several precincts. The company which was to handle the project was known as the Belmont and Froid Canal and Reservoir Company. One hundred and seven persons of Union precinct asked for an election to vote fifteen thousand dollars in subsidizing bonds; one hundred and eighteen petitioners proposed twenty thousand dollars of bonds as the quota of Froid precinct; fifty-one persons in Green precinct wanted to vote on twenty-five thousand dollars of bonds ; all for the same purpose and elections were called for August 5, 1890.
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The company which was to handle the project was known as the Belmont and Froid Canal and Reservoir Company. One hundred and seven persons of Union precinct asked for an election to vote fifteen thousand dollars in subsidizing bonds; one hundred and eighteen petitioners proposed twenty thousand dollars of bonds as the quota of Froid precinct; fifty-one persons in Green precinct wanted to vote on twenty-five thousand dollars of bonds ; all for the same purpose and elections were called for August 5, 1890.
In the meantime some of the old settlers had been stung by subsidization bonds for railroads back east, as the railroads were never built or had ceased to operate and the rails were torn up after the bond had been secured. These men set about making an independent examination of the project, with the result that
it was found that the elevation of the Froid tableland proved to be from seventy-five to ninety feet too high to get water to it through the Belmont intake from the river. Mass meetings were called and Anderson was asked to explain. The versatile Anderson said that an hydraulic power station on Rush creek would lift the water and at the same time an electric generating plant could be added. However, the seed of doubt had been planted in the minds of the people, and the scheme failed. The elections were re-called.
The writer was then publishing the Ashford Advocate, and from Banner county watched the progress and ultimate failure of the idea.
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Mass meetings were called and Anderson was asked to explain. The versatile Anderson said that an hydraulic power station on Rush creek would lift the water and at the same time an electric generating plant could be added. However, the seed of doubt had been planted in the minds of the people, and the scheme failed. The elections were re-called.
The writer was then publishing the Ashford Advocate, and from Banner county watched the progress and ultimate failure of the idea.
Scotts Bluff county was then just beginning to promote irrigation projects, and the question was how to raise money to build ditches. "Swede" Anderson's idea suggested the scheme of irrigation districts and the writer discussed it with W. W. White, and mentioned it to A. B. Wood. Mr. White thought several precincts might be combined into a district. Into the writer's mind came the sense of injustice, taxing the land not served for the benefit of that which was served. Mr. Wood was noncommittal on the subject at the time but later said that there was so little basic value to the land, therefore no foundation for a bond issue of consequence.
In 1893, Tim T. Kelliher and I were at Lincoln during the legislature. Tim was chief bookkeeper in the Senate and I was chief engrossing clerk in the House. Kelliher met R. B. Howell, whom he introduced. Howell, Senator J. H. Danner and I framed an irrigation district bill which was introduced by Darner. The complete story of its development is told in Scotts Bluff County History, but it was suggested to the writer for the first time through the efforts of J. B. Anderson in Deuel county.
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Tim was chief bookkeeper in the Senate and I was chief engrossing clerk in the House. Kelliher met R. B. Howell, whom he introduced. Howell, Senator J. H. Danner and I framed an irrigation district bill which was introduced by Darner. The complete story of its development is told in Scotts Bluff County History, but it was suggested to the writer for the first time through the efforts of J. B. Anderson in Deuel county.
In February, 1891, there were sonn- readjustments of precinct lines in Deuel county, and consolidations in which the precincts of Park, Big Springs and Blue Creek were to support a bond for a bridge near the location of Lewellen. Then Chappell and Sughrue precincts proposed a like plan for a bridge near the site of Oshkosh. The vote for the east bridge carried about four to one and that of the west by about six to one. These bridges were built in 1891 by the St. Joseph Bridge and Boiler Company.
In the meantime Chappell held the temporary county seat. In the election of January 15, 1889. Froid cast an apparently honest vote of less than three hundred, but Chappell heard of an enormous vote being cast at Big Springs, and the printing of extra ballots by thousands
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
was begun. Toward nightfall of election day it appeared to be a contest of endurance of the presses and supply of paper for ballots. The news came up the valley that the Big Springs vote had reached three thousand. Chappell beat it by a few and quit. Big Springs had a few thousand extra ballots printed at Ogallala, "enough to fill the ballot box," as told by one of the partisans, with a final total of five thousand six hundred and twenty-six votes.
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Toward nightfall of election day it appeared to be a contest of endurance of the presses and supply of paper for ballots. The news came up the valley that the Big Springs vote had reached three thousand. Chappell beat it by a few and quit. Big Springs had a few thousand extra ballots printed at Ogallala, "enough to fill the ballot box," as told by one of the partisans, with a final total of five thousand six hundred and twenty-six votes. Chappell was overvoted but not beaten. The courts
were appealed to, and for years the charge of illegal voting kept the temporary county seat there. Finally the slow process of law resulted in an order for a new election for June 23, 1894. No place received a majority and on July 21 following, another election was held, which gave Chappell a clear majority, and by action of the county board August 11, 1894, Chappell became the permanent seat of justice of Deuel countv.
IRRIGATION IN DEUEL COUNTY
In 1895, the Nebraska legislature passed the Irrigation District Law. In 1896, the first Deuel county petition under that law for a district was presented by Mr. Van Newkirk and other men. but was rejected because "doubtful if desired by the majority of the voters," and "doubtful if it could be watered by one system." In July, 1898, George F. Clark, and a number of other men petitioned to organize an irrigation district on Blue creek and an election was called for July 30, which resulted in five votes for and six against the petition, so it was lost. October 20, 1898. Ira Paisley and others petitioned for an irrigation district taking in a smaller tract on Blue creek. The election to decide upon it was called for November 12, with the result that there were five votes for the project and none against and the irrigation of this tract became assured.
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Clark, and a number of other men petitioned to organize an irrigation district on Blue creek and an election was called for July 30, which resulted in five votes for and six against the petition, so it was lost. October 20, 1898. Ira Paisley and others petitioned for an irrigation district taking in a smaller tract on Blue creek. The election to decide upon it was called for November 12, with the result that there were five votes for the project and none against and the irrigation of this tract became assured. The officers elected were: division No. 1, N. Bergeson, five votes ; No. 2, I. M. Paisley, five votes ; No. 3, Clarence Hewett, five votes ; as directors ; A. F. Ramsey, five votes for treasurer, and A. F. Ramsey, five votes as assessor. Thus was the first irrigation district in Deuel county organized. It came into existence by this election and the declaration of the county board November 21, 1898. This first important movement for irrigation was in the northern part of the county which later became Garden county, fur when the new county was organized it took nearly all the irrigated land in Deuel county. The county still has a vital interest in the Western Irrigation District which waters an excellent body of land near Julesburg. This, however, is a newer enterprise but of much
commercial importance to Deuel county as it affords water for the southeastern part along the Platte river valley.
Blue Creek Irrigation District was organized April 3, 1905, and the first officers were : Division No. 1, Richard Clark, director by a vote of thirteen to four for A. S. Ross ; division No. 2, Henry Black, director by eleven votes with no opposition ; division No. 3, James Orr, director, by sixteen votes with no opposition; George McCormick was elected treasurer by sixteen votes without opposition, and George Gilliard, assessor, by sixteen votes with one cast for James Caslin.
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Blue Creek Irrigation District was organized April 3, 1905, and the first officers were : Division No. 1, Richard Clark, director by a vote of thirteen to four for A. S. Ross ; division No. 2, Henry Black, director by eleven votes with no opposition ; division No. 3, James Orr, director, by sixteen votes with no opposition; George McCormick was elected treasurer by sixteen votes without opposition, and George Gilliard, assessor, by sixteen votes with one cast for James Caslin. The total vote cast was twenty of which eighteen were for the organization of the district and two opposed. Today the irrigation in Deuel county is of much importance in raising certain crops on the watered land that could not be raised before, and in consequence different agricultural products are becoming of importance in these districts where any crop planted never fails. The farmers on the irrigated farms are becoming prosperous and the country is richer as a result, which is reflected in the growth of the market towns. So it is to be seen that while a large part of the original irrigated district was taken away, enough was left Deuel to make it a county which is introducing more irrigation as it is found feasible and profitable. Humor and Incidents of Deuel History
The pages of history and record are often enlivened by humor which takes away the dullness of mere facts. Simon Hopper, who was reelected commissioner in 1SC>7. was on January 6, 1898, on the convening of the new board
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So it is to be seen that while a large part of the original irrigated district was taken away, enough was left Deuel to make it a county which is introducing more irrigation as it is found feasible and profitable. Humor and Incidents of Deuel History
The pages of history and record are often enlivened by humor which takes away the dullness of mere facts. Simon Hopper, who was reelected commissioner in 1SC>7. was on January 6, 1898, on the convening of the new board
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
of commissioners, made the object of an amusing moment for the other members, M. P. Clary and J. H. Roudebush, as will be shown by the following official record : "It was moved and carried that the commissioner residing at the county seat buy the county supplies for the ensuing year." Hopper was the victim, for Roudebush and Clary were the out of town members of the board. It does not follow that Hopper bought the supplies. If he did, the county paid for them.
merit proceedings were instigated against Sheriff Kennison but were withdrawn when he resigned and W. H. McEldowney, his deputy, was appointed sheriff in his place. E. S. Kennison some years later shot and killed Sam D. Cox, of Minatare, who was an implacable foe of liquor, and today Kennison is an inmate of the state penitentiary.
Garden County Created The next high light in the history of Deuel
Court House. Chappeel
In 1900, occurred in Deuel county one of the unfortunate affairs of politics that had a violent climax in Scotts Bluff county, and its echoes still reverberate. E. S. Kennison was elected Sheriff in 1899, taking office the following January. At that time he was a likable man, but had a weakness for drink. His official capacity brought to his side all the lawless element who worked upon his weakness.
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Garden County Created The next high light in the history of Deuel
Court House. Chappeel
In 1900, occurred in Deuel county one of the unfortunate affairs of politics that had a violent climax in Scotts Bluff county, and its echoes still reverberate. E. S. Kennison was elected Sheriff in 1899, taking office the following January. At that time he was a likable man, but had a weakness for drink. His official capacity brought to his side all the lawless element who worked upon his weakness. He was frequently intoxicated and was said to be "a devil when under the influence of liquor." His friends and bondsmen tried to get him away from these evil influences, but to no avail. His bondsmen then asked to be released. The county commissioners met August 22, 1900, to require a new bond. Impeachcounty occurred when Charles Tomppert and five or six hundred petitioners asked on July 26, 1909, for an election to divide the county and of the northern portion create a new county of Garden. A protest was riled by John R. Wertz and Nicholas E. Zehr. "in behalf of ourselves and four hundred tax payers." Wilcox and Halligan of North Platte were present to argue the case for the protestants. The county board heard the matter and by unanimous action called an election to decide the question for November 2, 1909. The commissioners at the time were A. G. Newman, Albert S. Ross, and D. F. Fickes. The election carried and the history of Garden county completes the story. Fickes and Ross were both
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"in behalf of ourselves and four hundred tax payers." Wilcox and Halligan of North Platte were present to argue the case for the protestants. The county board heard the matter and by unanimous action called an election to decide the question for November 2, 1909. The commissioners at the time were A. G. Newman, Albert S. Ross, and D. F. Fickes. The election carried and the history of Garden county completes the story. Fickes and Ross were both
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
residents of the portion of Deuel county which became Garden, resigned as commissioners of Deuel county, and Ed. C. Wolf and George Kalb succeeded them.
County Court House For many years Deuel county rented quarters for the transaction of the county's business. The old frame school house that was built in the early eighties, and in which was taught the first legally constituted public school in Chappell, stood on the southwest corner of the present court house grounds. It was used as the office of the county clerk for many years. The school is now situated a block north of the old site. Economical administration and the danger of fire to records, together with the growing prosperity of Deuel county, led to the building of a suitable court house which would be representative of the county and its people. In 1915, such a structure was erected. The corner stone was laid by the Master Workmen of the Grand Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Nebraska, May 15, 1915, A. L. 1915, Thomas M. Davis, Grand Master. The board of county commissioners at that time consisted of : Simon Hopper, chairman, George Kalb, and James Brown; their names being cut in the corner stone with those of J. J. Huddart, architect, and M. J. Kenney, builder. The cost of the building at that time was about half what such a fine building would have come to later.
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The corner stone was laid by the Master Workmen of the Grand Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Nebraska, May 15, 1915, A. L. 1915, Thomas M. Davis, Grand Master. The board of county commissioners at that time consisted of : Simon Hopper, chairman, George Kalb, and James Brown; their names being cut in the corner stone with those of J. J. Huddart, architect, and M. J. Kenney, builder. The cost of the building at that time was about half what such a fine building would have come to later. In the new structure the county offices were suitably and well housed with every modern convenience to facilitate county work and Deuel may well be proud of her court house.
In 1919, an effort was made to build a
$100,000 county high school at Chappell and an election called for May 13, of that year, but on May 28, the election was reordered for July 8. The vote when counted stood five hundred and sixty-three for and four hundred forty-two against the building of the school, and there was not the necessary two-thirds majority to carry. A protest was made against counting the vote of Big Springs, as it was mostly adverse as that town already had a high school. The county commissioners overruled the protest and declared the election lost. On July 28, 1919, a committee was appointed for redisricting the county according to the new law with the following people as its members : Retta F. Brown, H. R. Busse, and J. R. Holcombe.
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The vote when counted stood five hundred and sixty-three for and four hundred forty-two against the building of the school, and there was not the necessary two-thirds majority to carry. A protest was made against counting the vote of Big Springs, as it was mostly adverse as that town already had a high school. The county commissioners overruled the protest and declared the election lost. On July 28, 1919, a committee was appointed for redisricting the county according to the new law with the following people as its members : Retta F. Brown, H. R. Busse, and J. R. Holcombe.
In 1918. J. W. Sjogren was the agricultural agent, the first to hold that office in the county and since that time the county agent has taken an active part in farming industries. He has been influential in introducing new methods, to make the most of the soil and has been of great aid and benefit to the people of Deuel county. The Deuel County Farm Bureau was organized December 17, 1917, with G. B. Brown, president ; Fred E. Smith, secretary, and Sam Robb, treasurer. These men with William Mack, of Big Springs, Emil Olson, of Swan precinct, and O. C. Brestel, of Chappell, constituted the board. The meeting of January, 1921, indicates that added interest is being taken in the agricultural development of the county which is of general benefit to all. The bureau is doing excellent work throughout the county and the farmers are cooperating with it in an effort to increase production and raise the standard of farm life.
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These men with William Mack, of Big Springs, Emil Olson, of Swan precinct, and O. C. Brestel, of Chappell, constituted the board. The meeting of January, 1921, indicates that added interest is being taken in the agricultural development of the county which is of general benefit to all. The bureau is doing excellent work throughout the county and the farmers are cooperating with it in an effort to increase production and raise the standard of farm life.
COUNTY OFFICERS
. The first judge of Deuel county was George P. Smith, who took office in 1889 and served two terms, ending January 1. 1892. Isaac Woolf was then elected and reelected four times, serving ten years on the bench. John O'Neil assumed the office in 1902, being reelected in 1904, but shortly after that resigned. Isaac Woolf was appointed for the unexpired term and served sixteen years, being reelected
seven times. H. R. Busse was elected to the bench in 1919, and reelected for 1921. In his legal profession he became interested as attorney in cases now before the county judge and to meet the situation, the county commissioners appointed Isaac W'oolf a special acting judge to hear and dispose of those matters. Mr. Woolf's total service to the county now aggregates some twenty-eight years ; a long
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
period for one man, whose efficiency has been marked.
The first county clerk of Deuel county was Ed. Herrington, who was twice reelected and served in that capacity five years. He has been followed in office by Kirk A. McCall, for four years; Jackson Gyger, for four years; Robert A. Day, for four years ; Eugene De- Latour. for four years ; Jack McCormick, for two years ; Cyrus O. Brown, who served for three years and then resigned ; H.
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period for one man, whose efficiency has been marked.
The first county clerk of Deuel county was Ed. Herrington, who was twice reelected and served in that capacity five years. He has been followed in office by Kirk A. McCall, for four years; Jackson Gyger, for four years; Robert A. Day, for four years ; Eugene De- Latour. for four years ; Jack McCormick, for two years ; Cyrus O. Brown, who served for three years and then resigned ; H. D. Betts was appointed to fill the vacancy and then was elected.
J. L. Robson was the first man to fill the office of county treasurer of Deuel county, taking office in 1889 for one year; he was followed by A. H. Nichols, for four years ; Abel Carlson, for four years ; Fred Sudman, for four years ; John Wertz, for four years ; William E. Roudebush, for four years ; Henry C. Peterson for six years ; Hezekiah Epperson, for two years; and J. G. McCormick, who was elected in 1919 and is still serving.
The first man to serve as county attorney for Deuel county was W. H. Sigler, elected in 1889, was reelected but resigned, to be followed by S. P. DeLatour, who was appointed to finish the term. Jacob Keifer followed, serving three years before he resigned. George C. McAllister was elected in 1897, served until 1906, when he was succeeded by L. ( ). Pfeiffer, who is still the attorney starting upon his eighth term in office.
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The first man to serve as county attorney for Deuel county was W. H. Sigler, elected in 1889, was reelected but resigned, to be followed by S. P. DeLatour, who was appointed to finish the term. Jacob Keifer followed, serving three years before he resigned. George C. McAllister was elected in 1897, served until 1906, when he was succeeded by L. ( ). Pfeiffer, who is still the attorney starting upon his eighth term in office.
Reuben Lisco was the first sheriff of Deuel county, being followed in office by Gordon E. Thompson, J. M. Brunt, E. S. Kennison, who resigned ; W. H. McEldowney, W. W. Bower, Walter Clark, who resigned ; B. E. Fish, Oran Bower, and Andrew Peterson who has been reelected five times.
The superintendent of public instruction in Deuel county, since its organization have been : F. W. Starks, Rosa Dodds, Mrs. S. C. German, Allen Chamberlain and again Rosa Dodds, Robert F. McGrale, Mrs. L. M. Bernhard. Vera Yockey, and Retta F. Brown, who is starting on her fifth term of office.
The first board of county commissioners consisted of B. G. Hoover, H. G. Gumaer, and Willis Lee, who were installed in 1889. John Robinson and J. S. McLaughlin succeeded Lee and Gumaer in 1890. Hoover served three years and was succeeded by M. P. Clary. Mc- Laughlin served two years and Robinson three years. Since then the county commissioners have been : James Thompson, W. W. Fought, Simon Hopper, J. H. Roudebush, F. H. Barber, H. G. Gumaer. who was returned for six years ; A. G. Neuman, who served eight years ;
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Gumaer, and Willis Lee, who were installed in 1889. John Robinson and J. S. McLaughlin succeeded Lee and Gumaer in 1890. Hoover served three years and was succeeded by M. P. Clary. Mc- Laughlin served two years and Robinson three years. Since then the county commissioners have been : James Thompson, W. W. Fought, Simon Hopper, J. H. Roudebush, F. H. Barber, H. G. Gumaer. who was returned for six years ; A. G. Neuman, who served eight years ;
Albert S. Ross, who served six years ; D. F. Fickes, E. C. Wolf, George Kalb, who served six years ; Simon Hopper, who was returned for two three-year terms ; but resigned during his second term; Robert F. McGrale, who was formerly county superintendent, served five years ; James Brown, who served nearly six years ; A. E. Colman and Oran B. Bower. Earl LaGrange was appointed to complete Brown's unexpired term, while S. E. Olson, Z.
F. Whitney, and John Warren were commissioners in 1921. Simon Hopper has the record of thirteen years service as commissioner ; A. G. Newman, of eight years ; and H. G. Gumaer of seven years. M. P. Clary, J. H. Roudebush, F. H. Barber and George Kalb, each have six years' service to their credit, while Albert Ross, and James Brown have nearly six years.
The county officials of Deuel county in 1921 are as follows: H. R. Busse, judge; Isaac WToolf, special judge in some cases; H. D. Betts, county clerk and he also holds office as clerk of the district court and register of deeds, being assisted by Ethel Hitchman, deputy ; J.
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Roudebush, F. H. Barber and George Kalb, each have six years' service to their credit, while Albert Ross, and James Brown have nearly six years.
The county officials of Deuel county in 1921 are as follows: H. R. Busse, judge; Isaac WToolf, special judge in some cases; H. D. Betts, county clerk and he also holds office as clerk of the district court and register of deeds, being assisted by Ethel Hitchman, deputy ; J.
G. McCormick, treasurer, assisted by Irene Friskopp, deputy ; Retta Brown, superintendent ; A. Peterson, sheriff, J. C. Bloom, assessor; L. O. Pfeiffer, attorney": S. E. Olson, Z. F. Whitney and John Warren, county commissioners, and H. F. Sick, highway agent. The county surveyor is S. W. Terry, and J. W. Sjogren is agricultural agent.
D. C. Hooper was elected the first county surveyor in 1892. W. F. Marsh then served two terms or four years, after which D. C. Hooper wa^ returned to the work for four years. A. B. Wynes was elected in 1902, and in 1904 John Robinson became surveyor, having just closed his term of three years as county commissioner. He served several terms as surveyor, after which in 1910 S. W. Ternassumed the same duties and has now started on his eleventh year in office.
The first county physician of Deuel was Dr. Hosea Hudson, appointed in 1890. This position is an appointive one and filled by the commissioners annually. Dr. Hudson served three years, being succceeded by Dr. W. H. Babcock for six years. The office was then taken over by Dr. H. H. Hough who held it two years. ' Dr. W. Mullen was county physician "for a number of years after 1902, and in 1914 Dr. M. B. Patty was appointed and today is also a member of the town board of Chappell.
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This position is an appointive one and filled by the commissioners annually. Dr. Hudson served three years, being succceeded by Dr. W. H. Babcock for six years. The office was then taken over by Dr. H. H. Hough who held it two years. ' Dr. W. Mullen was county physician "for a number of years after 1902, and in 1914 Dr. M. B. Patty was appointed and today is also a member of the town board of Chappell.
Dr. W. H. Babcock was the first coroner of the county, taking office in January, 1889 ; he was reelected in 1890 and in "1892, Simon Hopper, afterwards county commissioner, was
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
elected, being followed by Dr. Hosea Hudson, serving eight years. . Charles Davidson held office as coroner in 1906, afterward being followed by Clinton H. Smith, elected in 1911, and by Dr. M. B. Patty, elected in 1916. This completes the official list of the men who have served Deuel county in public office, usually most efficiently and to the entire satisfaction of the people.
CHAPTER y
TOWNS
Chappell, the county seat of Deuel county, came into existence with the building of the Union Pacific railroad, when it was first merely a station on the road. It is located in the west central part of the county, on the main line of the Union Pacific. John O'Neil, who was station agent here about 1S80 to 1885, located in the old improvised depot, was so far as is known, the first operator and agent, of the railroad at this point, and the first permanent resident. The depot was partly dug out and partly old railroad ties, while the rest was constructed from the wreck of an old freight car.
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It is located in the west central part of the county, on the main line of the Union Pacific. John O'Neil, who was station agent here about 1S80 to 1885, located in the old improvised depot, was so far as is known, the first operator and agent, of the railroad at this point, and the first permanent resident. The depot was partly dug out and partly old railroad ties, while the rest was constructed from the wreck of an old freight car.
Soon after the building of the railroad a few people came to the site of Chappell, and there were children, so Mr. O'Neil, realizing the need of instruction for them, taught the first school in the depot, the first' school in what is now Deuel county territory. He had neither certificate, district or authority to do so and had no taxes to support him but the school was established and did a good work. The section boss at Chappell was a man named Wolf, lately from North Platte, who had two boys, Ed. and Frank. Another section hand. Mr. Meituer, lived in a shack southwest of the station and also had two boys ; these four boys consisted of the pupils of this pioneer school. One of the boys, Ed. Wolf, has since served his county as commissioner, and is now serving Chappell as trustee and councilman. He has gained prominence since the early days as he is president of the Deuel County Bank. Frank Wolf is cashier of the Cheyenne County State Bank, at Lodgepole, which shows that the early day training was excellent. In this section house on January 10, 1881, Dora Wolf was born, the" first white child born in what is now Deuel county. She married Cyrus Brown, a native of Mercer county, Illinois, who was afterwards county clerk of Deuel county for a number of years.
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He has gained prominence since the early days as he is president of the Deuel County Bank. Frank Wolf is cashier of the Cheyenne County State Bank, at Lodgepole, which shows that the early day training was excellent. In this section house on January 10, 1881, Dora Wolf was born, the" first white child born in what is now Deuel county. She married Cyrus Brown, a native of Mercer county, Illinois, who was afterwards county clerk of Deuel county for a number of years.
She contracted lung trouble in the flu epidemic of 1918 and died in 1920.
About 1883, John O'Neil resigned as agent for the railroad and the following year, 1884, J. B. and M. A. Carmichael surveyed a tract of ground for the town site of Chappell which was filed at Sidney August 27, 1884. On September 19, they sold a number of lots, tne first of which was bought by George W. Mc- Cluskey. He purchased nine lots for a hundred and twenty dollars. They were in block seventeen. On the same day John O'Ne'l bought eight lots, namely: 1, 2, 3, 13, 14, 15, 17, and 18, in block 18, for which he paid one hundred and sixty dollars. H. A. Simpson also bought a number of lots in block 18 for a hundred and fifty-seven dollars, which gives some idea of the value of real estate in those days in a new country and new town. Thomas Farmer was also a purchaser of lots on that eventful day. The conclusion of that day's transactions. I should say, "Land office business," was the sale to Henry W. Wiemer of lot 11, block 12 for twenty dollars.
879
Simpson also bought a number of lots in block 18 for a hundred and fifty-seven dollars, which gives some idea of the value of real estate in those days in a new country and new town. Thomas Farmer was also a purchaser of lots on that eventful day. The conclusion of that day's transactions. I should say, "Land office business," was the sale to Henry W. Wiemer of lot 11, block 12 for twenty dollars.
Later in the year, in November and December, other sales were made in Chappell, but the business of the town did not grow. There was no activity and the sales were in the way of a speculation. Tim McCluskey built the little building in which he ran the first store in Chappel. He also had a postoffice established and became the first postmaster of Chappell. Mr. O'Neil was one of the first men to handle real estate in the town and county and though fifteen years passed after the establishment of the station at Chappell, there was little or no town of consequence.
At Sidney there was some activity in real estate. A few people were beginning to come into the prairie country and locate preemption claims and timber claims which did not require
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
much pretense of residence. Joe C. Johnson came to Sidney in 1882 with ranching in view; he was from Missouri and kept thinking he might go back but with another man worked together selling land, though really looking for something for himself. The other man was a surveyor and had work near Lodgepole. When they were through there they decided to come on to the Chappell locality and drove down the valley. They arrived quite late and the only place to stay in Chappell was a shack near the station.
880
Johnson came to Sidney in 1882 with ranching in view; he was from Missouri and kept thinking he might go back but with another man worked together selling land, though really looking for something for himself. The other man was a surveyor and had work near Lodgepole. When they were through there they decided to come on to the Chappell locality and drove down the valley. They arrived quite late and the only place to stay in Chappell was a shack near the station. Johnson rapped on the door but the woman of the house had retired. Johnson asked if they could get supper and was told it was too late. A kettle was on the stove and Johnson said, "Well, we can do without supper, but I have a quart of whiskey out in the buggy and I want some of that hot water
tempt to stimulate business two of the three had given a "wash sale," but they and the other one went to Johnson in this deal. Today these lots are situated at the best corner in Chappell on the best street intersection where the present business is located. The Masonic hall is now on the corner, which shows the changes that have taken place since the day of the deal.
Jack Crowe had a drug store at Lodgepole at the time Chappell was started and within a short time built quite a pretentious store building in Chappell about 1884. It cost six hundred dollars or more and he put in a stock of drugs with his brother in charge. Eugene Fish started the first pool hall in Chappell, but did not have much business. In 1888, he and a Mr. Lazerus put in a stock of drugs ; then they bought the
881
Jack Crowe had a drug store at Lodgepole at the time Chappell was started and within a short time built quite a pretentious store building in Chappell about 1884. It cost six hundred dollars or more and he put in a stock of drugs with his brother in charge. Eugene Fish started the first pool hall in Chappell, but did not have much business. In 1888, he and a Mr. Lazerus put in a stock of drugs ; then they bought the
Chapi-eix ix 1886
to go with it." The man of the house brightened up. He rapped on the inner door and called to his wife to get up and she replied she would not, then he said, "Listen, old woman, these men want some supper, and he has gone out to get a quart of whiskey." When Johnson returned the woman was up and doing and she helped "deflate" the quart. The old man sliced some meat as there was a part of a beef hanging outside and they soon had a good hot meal to eat. At this time John O'Neil and a man named Short, were trying to get Chappell started and they urged Johnson to buy a lot, as they could advertise that more people were coming and buying lots. Johnson and his friend were out in the country and looked over some railroad land, where a tract that suited Johnson was found and he bought it. When they came back to the station, O'Neil and Short tried again to get him to buy a lot in the town site. Mr. Johnson looked about and asked what they would take for a certain corner of three lots. They said to start it, "four dollars a lot. or twelve dollars for the three." Johnson bought them.
882
Johnson and his friend were out in the country and looked over some railroad land, where a tract that suited Johnson was found and he bought it. When they came back to the station, O'Neil and Short tried again to get him to buy a lot in the town site. Mr. Johnson looked about and asked what they would take for a certain corner of three lots. They said to start it, "four dollars a lot. or twelve dollars for the three." Johnson bought them. In an early at-
Crowe stock and moved it into the building which had just been completed.
Ira Brashears took up realty more enthusiastically when he disposed of the Rustler, and built the first frame dwelling house in Chappell. Before that all the houses had the appearance of temporary shacks, which in reality they were, so the first real house was an important event.
Ben Beatty built and started up early in 1886 but sold to Fred Sudman in February and went to Julesburg. Fred Sudman thus started in the mercantile business, and later formed a combination with Eugene Fish in the Sudman-Fish Company, which became and continued an important business concern for years, with stores at Chappell, Oshkosh and Lewellen. Today the company is out of the mercantile business in which they prospered.
Isaac Woolf is one of the sturdy characters of Deuel county development, as he came here about 1884 and built the first real hotel in Chappell. It was called the Chappell hotel and Still stands just east of the First National bankcorner, although it was built more than thirty-
883
Fred Sudman thus started in the mercantile business, and later formed a combination with Eugene Fish in the Sudman-Fish Company, which became and continued an important business concern for years, with stores at Chappell, Oshkosh and Lewellen. Today the company is out of the mercantile business in which they prospered.
Isaac Woolf is one of the sturdy characters of Deuel county development, as he came here about 1884 and built the first real hotel in Chappell. It was called the Chappell hotel and Still stands just east of the First National bankcorner, although it was built more than thirty-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
five years ago. In 1886, Isaac Woolf started the first meat market in Chappell and about the same time Mrs. Woolf started the first millinery store, which filled a much needed want as women had to go to Sidney for their hats. At that time there were no barber shops in Chappell. as Nicholas Zehr's fine parlor had not been established. As Mr. Woolf could handle a razor, he also became the first tonsorial artist. He was a man of diversified ability and talents as he also cried sales and became the first auctioneer to practice that vocation in Deuel county territory.
During twenty-eight years of the time he has lived in Chappell Isaac Woolf has been county judge, breaking all records in the Panhandle of Nebraska to hold such an office.
Business House, Chappell
The destinies of people are so interwoven that one can hardly understand it. In the years when John O'Neil was teaching school in the crude surroundings of the depot at Chappell, Allie Warner was teaching school in New York. One of her pupils was F. G. LaSelle ; something brought Miss Warner to Chappell, and when they built the frame school house and established the first real school, Allie Warner became the first teacher.
884
Business House, Chappell
The destinies of people are so interwoven that one can hardly understand it. In the years when John O'Neil was teaching school in the crude surroundings of the depot at Chappell, Allie Warner was teaching school in New York. One of her pupils was F. G. LaSelle ; something brought Miss Warner to Chappell, and when they built the frame school house and established the first real school, Allie Warner became the first teacher. Then she married John O'Neil, the merchant, and after that her former pupil, J. G. LaSelle, came from New York to Chappell and bought her husband's store. LaSelle and his sons, G. S. and G. G. LaSelle, ran this store for many years, finally selling to the Ryan Chain Department Stores. So the first store in Chappell still exists merged in the larger establishment of Ryan's.
John ( i'Neil early entered enthusiastically into the plan- of Air. Carmichael to make the railroad station at Chappell a community center, with conveniences and associations of the best. Ira Brashear's voice and pen, the fine characters of W. II. Babcock and Isaac Woolf, the business enterprises of Joe Johnson, Fred Sudman, and 'Gene Fish, the ranch home properties ni August Neuman, Mr. Wolf and
others all combined early in the formation years to build an enduring basis for Chappell's ultimate success.
Gordon & Chingreen started a store in 1886 and then Chingreen sold his interest to Gordon and later Gordon sold to Milliken & Swanson. They in turn sold to Burke, and Burke to M. L. Tobias. This store is now known as the Chappell Mercantile Company.
885
Babcock and Isaac Woolf, the business enterprises of Joe Johnson, Fred Sudman, and 'Gene Fish, the ranch home properties ni August Neuman, Mr. Wolf and
others all combined early in the formation years to build an enduring basis for Chappell's ultimate success.
Gordon & Chingreen started a store in 1886 and then Chingreen sold his interest to Gordon and later Gordon sold to Milliken & Swanson. They in turn sold to Burke, and Burke to M. L. Tobias. This store is now known as the Chappell Mercantile Company.
So Chappell emerged from the unknown some twenty years after the railroad reached that point on the map. Yet Chappeli was not incorporated as a village for another score of years. The necessary two hundred people were found by taking in a farm or two. They might have left out the farmers if they had taken in the railroad and station men.
L. O. Pfeiffer had just come to Chappell and was in the office of G. C. McAllister and Mr. Pfeiffer drew the papers as suggested by McAllister. In the light of years it would seem that while serving Deuel county in general, in this particular, McAllister also served the Union Pacific railroad. In the light of experience Attorney Pfeiffer would notice the difference it would make in the village tax possibilities, if the south line of the corporate limits was on the south line of the railroad right of way, instead of upon the north line. At that time it would be but natural that he would not notice any particulars, except the details of accuracy in drawing the petition. In this way Chappell lost out on her tax roll collections some considerable sums.
886
In the light of experience Attorney Pfeiffer would notice the difference it would make in the village tax possibilities, if the south line of the corporate limits was on the south line of the railroad right of way, instead of upon the north line. At that time it would be but natural that he would not notice any particulars, except the details of accuracy in drawing the petition. In this way Chappell lost out on her tax roll collections some considerable sums.
On September 10, 1907, the county commissioners of Deuel county made the necessaryrecord for bringing into existence the first corporate village of Deuel county. They named for the first trustees of Chappell, Fred Sudman, H. I. Babcock. Oran B. Bower, John Wertz, and Charles Soeton. Chappell's first village board therefore spoke for efficiency and that the town maintains its original high standard is emphasized by the names of the present members : August Neuman, M. B. Patty, Ed. C. Wolf. Frank Burling and Walter Stewart.
By the autumn of 1887, nearly all lines of business were represented in Chappell. Fred Sudman's general mercantile store and E. Fish & Company's drug store had not yet consolidated. W. D. Post was in the lumber business, and B. D. K. Wertz had a hardware store. McEldowney & Wertz ran a livery stable. Milliken & Swanson had by that time acquired the store started by Gordon & Chingreen. C. C. Reynolds had put in a line of farm implements, although most of the grangers brought theirs with them. A. P. Wilcox had taken up the pump and windmill line and wells were being
887
Fish & Company's drug store had not yet consolidated. W. D. Post was in the lumber business, and B. D. K. Wertz had a hardware store. McEldowney & Wertz ran a livery stable. Milliken & Swanson had by that time acquired the store started by Gordon & Chingreen. C. C. Reynolds had put in a line of farm implements, although most of the grangers brought theirs with them. A. P. Wilcox had taken up the pump and windmill line and wells were being
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
put in as fast as the settlers could get time and means. Most of the well appliances were improvised windlasses or wheels with buckets and a rope. Lee & Lee and W. H. Sigler were attorneys and Hosea Hudson was the physician at Chappell. John O'Neil still maintained that he was the pioneer land agent. The Commercial National Bank was the only institution of its kind in the town, and Mrs. J. B. Laycock ran the Chappell hotel and Mr. Funk the bakery.
Great have been the changes from that day to those of 1921, and the business of Chappell
to other business and we now find Ryan's Chain Department Store. The Bostonian, Chappell Mercantile, Stephens Grocery, Airs. McAuliff, Dry Goods, Chappell Cash Grocery and other new institutions lining the business thoroughfares. Thompson's Pharmacy, modern and upto-date occupies the site of Chappell's first drug store, and "Rexall" has an active representative in H. J. Handley's Pharmacy. Chappell has a number of small hostelries and excellent rooming houses, while places to eat, restaurants, cafes, bakeries and the like are found in all
888
to other business and we now find Ryan's Chain Department Store. The Bostonian, Chappell Mercantile, Stephens Grocery, Airs. McAuliff, Dry Goods, Chappell Cash Grocery and other new institutions lining the business thoroughfares. Thompson's Pharmacy, modern and upto-date occupies the site of Chappell's first drug store, and "Rexall" has an active representative in H. J. Handley's Pharmacy. Chappell has a number of small hostelries and excellent rooming houses, while places to eat, restaurants, cafes, bakeries and the like are found in all
is illustrative of the progress of Deuel county. The old frame structures have largely passed out of existence here and new brick buildings of the most substantial order and the best quality are in evidence in the business district. Naturally garages to care for the expanding automobile business are on every hand and service stations greet the eyes on the Lincoln highway at the town approaches. Distributing houses for tractors and implements for bonanza farming are of importance. One of the largest institutions of its kind is the Chappell Lumber & Hardware Company ; the Western Hardware Company is also a concern of importance.
In the older days the Sudman & Fish Company and LaSelle Brothers and those still earlier were prominent in commercial industry and mercantile lines. Todav thev have taken
parts of the business section. Bracken's Undertaking and Furniture establishment is a comparatively new and up-to-date establishment which meets with the needs of the town and surrounding territory. Land and investment firms have prospered amazingly with the rise of land values and more settlement in Deuel county. Distinctively as an example of progressive cooperation, the Farmers Elevator Company, managed by Mr. Morrison, stands preeminently out in the town and county. Handling vast quantities of grain and milling products, it is a shining example of organized farmer's success.
889
Bracken's Undertaking and Furniture establishment is a comparatively new and up-to-date establishment which meets with the needs of the town and surrounding territory. Land and investment firms have prospered amazingly with the rise of land values and more settlement in Deuel county. Distinctively as an example of progressive cooperation, the Farmers Elevator Company, managed by Mr. Morrison, stands preeminently out in the town and county. Handling vast quantities of grain and milling products, it is a shining example of organized farmer's success. The fanners also coopertae in the purchase and handling of farm machinery. This elevator has a capacity of five thousand four hundred bushels an hour, though for delivery to cars and shipment about twenty thousand
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
bushels a day is what can be handled. About six hundred thousand bushels is the record for wheat in a season.
Chappell owns its own water and electric plant which is giving fine service to the town. Cement sidewalks cover practically the entire town and the streets are some of the best in the Panhandle. A fine brick school building was erected in 1911 at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars and is a twelve grade, approved school and high school. The Chappell Commercial Club is one of the live oraginzations of its kind and has done much for the development of the town and county.
Western Lumber & H
The Chappell State Bank is doing much for the town and county, the First National Bank, the oldest in the county is an institution that from the first has been of influence in the upbuilding of the town, while the Deuel County Bank is doing a fine business.
890
The Chappell Commercial Club is one of the live oraginzations of its kind and has done much for the development of the town and county.
Western Lumber & H
The Chappell State Bank is doing much for the town and county, the First National Bank, the oldest in the county is an institution that from the first has been of influence in the upbuilding of the town, while the Deuel County Bank is doing a fine business.
The Register is an up-to-date newspaper that furnishes the town and county with excellent service. Today Chappell stands out as one of the live, prosperous and thriving towns of the Panhandle which is doing a large business, marketing the crops of the contributing territory and supplying it with the necessities of agricultural life and industry, and bids fair to become larger and of more importance with the increase from farming on modern lines.
Big Springs
Big Springs is the second town of importance in Deuel county. It is located in the southeastern part of the county on the Union Pacific railroad in the Platte valley; is the center of a fine irrigated farm district and is a growing town of progressive people. Big Springs was platted and the plat recorded at Sidney, November 6, 1884 ; the Union Pacific railroad filed the plat. At an earlier date the station was known as Lone Tree. Big Springs was known at an early day as it was not far from the present town that tin- "crossing" of the famous < )regon and California trails occurred. This history is given iii the general history of the Panhandle.
891
It is located in the southeastern part of the county on the Union Pacific railroad in the Platte valley; is the center of a fine irrigated farm district and is a growing town of progressive people. Big Springs was platted and the plat recorded at Sidney, November 6, 1884 ; the Union Pacific railroad filed the plat. At an earlier date the station was known as Lone Tree. Big Springs was known at an early day as it was not far from the present town that tin- "crossing" of the famous < )regon and California trails occurred. This history is given iii the general history of the Panhandle.
J. H. Jewett, who was the first state senator from the Panhandle, induced the bonding of the Big Springs precinct for a bridge across the South Platte river in 1885. The famous Jewett ranch was located near Big Springs and its history is also given in another place in this history. Near the town site Otto Baumgarten demonstrated practical dry farming a number of years before homesteaders spread over the high lands of Deuel county. In 1883 Big Springs settlement consisted of one adobe house aside from the railroad section house and depot, which were small affairs. About the first store in Big Springs was erected by Abbott & Kimball. Old timers will remember the sign on the side of the building, "Ott & Kim," and thereby hangs the tale. A tramp painter arrived in Big Springs and struck Abbott and Kimball for a job of sign painting; they told him to paint the name of the firm on the side of the store building. Carefully measuring the space, he began in the middle with the form "&." then the last letter of Abbott and the first of Kimball ; he persevered until he had the last three letters of Abbott and the first three of Kimball; then he rested, and for aught they know he is resting still.
892
A tramp painter arrived in Big Springs and struck Abbott and Kimball for a job of sign painting; they told him to paint the name of the firm on the side of the store building. Carefully measuring the space, he began in the middle with the form "&." then the last letter of Abbott and the first of Kimball ; he persevered until he had the last three letters of Abbott and the first three of Kimball; then he rested, and for aught they know he is resting still. "'Ott & Kim" caused so much comment, the firm recognized its advertising value, and it so remained for many years. Mr. Kimball still runs the store. Big
Springs had the first organized school district in Deuel county territory, being No. 2, of old Cheyenne county.
As related elsewhere, Big Springs once cast an enormous vote on a county seat election, more than five thousand votes were returned but failed to get the county seat. Frank Down, one of the leading merchants of the town has lived here since the early seventies, being one of the first men to establish a store. A. E. Phelps built a hotel in 1884, and opened it Christmas eve of that year. He has run the hotel for thirty-seven years, being the pioneer man of his line and one of the oldest business
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
men in the town. Gotlieb Manser opened a blacksmith shop in Big Spring in 1886, the first in this section. Mr. Manser still resides in the town but is not so active as thirty-five years ago.
893
Phelps built a hotel in 1884, and opened it Christmas eve of that year. He has run the hotel for thirty-seven years, being the pioneer man of his line and one of the oldest business
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
men in the town. Gotlieb Manser opened a blacksmith shop in Big Spring in 1886, the first in this section. Mr. Manser still resides in the town but is not so active as thirty-five years ago.
The Big Springs of today is of much more commercial importance than the early village. The farmers are proving the collective theory of marketing by a Farmers' Elevator and Store. The members are composed of early settlers
Street Corner, Chapfeu.
and new farmers who work together for the common good of all, in marked harmony. Among the names of old timers we find such men as Godfrey Zolman who came here late in the eighties, sold butter at ten cents a pound and is now selling cream at seventy and eighty cents a pound. Will Hartman is another of the men who came in 1886, who is a member of the cooperative farmers enterprise. Hartman says that he is not superstitious about the number thirteen, for his homestead filing was the thirteenth claim that had been made for that particular tract. The other twelve had
given it up, but it was the foundation of his present good fortune.
The town of Big Springs has in addition to the Farmers Store, the old Abbott & Kimball store and the newer Eagle-Tucker Mercantile Company, Peterson's Pharmacy, the LaGrange Market, Junge Brothers Implement House, McKipps & Company, Furniture ; Neilson & Brown, Autos and Tractors ; Caskey Electric Supply Store ; Phelps Motor Company ; Flora's Big Springs Lumber Company; Klindt's Cafe, and Wilbur's Cafe. There are two banks, whose history will be found under the head of finance and banks, a doctor, a lawyer, a dentist, and other professional people and places of business including a newspaper.
894
The town of Big Springs has in addition to the Farmers Store, the old Abbott & Kimball store and the newer Eagle-Tucker Mercantile Company, Peterson's Pharmacy, the LaGrange Market, Junge Brothers Implement House, McKipps & Company, Furniture ; Neilson & Brown, Autos and Tractors ; Caskey Electric Supply Store ; Phelps Motor Company ; Flora's Big Springs Lumber Company; Klindt's Cafe, and Wilbur's Cafe. There are two banks, whose history will be found under the head of finance and banks, a doctor, a lawyer, a dentist, and other professional people and places of business including a newspaper. J. W. Crannell, who for a decade engaged in various enterprises : a pool hall, cigar store, and meat market, now has retired, but is a contractor and builder at times. If Big Springs had an early organization it was abandoned. On May 15, 1917, the county commissioners created the village of Big Springs, and appointed A. Kjeldgaard, Otto Neilson. William Mack, August Gehrke, and J. R. Holcombe, village trustees. The petition asking for such creation of the village was filed April 30. These men ably represent the modern spirit of Big Springs, which stands for development and progress. Big Springs has a fine school building which would be a credit to a town many times its size. The town is the shipping and supply point for the irrigated district along the South Platte river as well as the dry farming lands nearby. It is a thriving community with every prospect of growth. For years the town has been well served by the Remington hotel for the benefit of the traveling public.
895
These men ably represent the modern spirit of Big Springs, which stands for development and progress. Big Springs has a fine school building which would be a credit to a town many times its size. The town is the shipping and supply point for the irrigated district along the South Platte river as well as the dry farming lands nearby. It is a thriving community with every prospect of growth. For years the town has been well served by the Remington hotel for the benefit of the traveling public.
SCI K >OLS IN DEUEL COUNTY
The very early schools of Deuel county came under the jurisdiction of Cheyenne county, as Deuel was a part of "Old Cheyenne" until erected as a separate county. The history of the first schools in what is now Deuel county territory will be found in that of Cheyenne county where the early struggles for education in this section are told.
The first county superintendent of Deuel
county was F. W. Starks, who served one year after the county was organized. He was followed by Mrs. Rosa Dodds in 1890, who served one term in office. She left some excellent records of the first schools under the new county administration. In 1892 Mrs. S. C. German became superintendent, and she in turn was succeeded by Allen Chamberlain, in 1894. Mr. Chamberlain was later presiding elder of this
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
district for the Methodist church. He was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Williams of Scottsbluff. After his service as presiding elder, Mr. Chamberlain went to Ord, in charge of the church at that place.
896
She left some excellent records of the first schools under the new county administration. In 1892 Mrs. S. C. German became superintendent, and she in turn was succeeded by Allen Chamberlain, in 1894. Mr. Chamberlain was later presiding elder of this
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
district for the Methodist church. He was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Williams of Scottsbluff. After his service as presiding elder, Mr. Chamberlain went to Ord, in charge of the church at that place.
In 1896, Rosa Dodds was recalled to duty as county superintendent and was reelected in 1898. Two years later, in 1900, Robert F. Mc- Grale became superintendent, being reelected in 1902, serving two terms. Mrs. L. M. Bernhard, a school mate of the writer, many years ago. at New Windsor, Illinois, was elected supbeing one of the first settlers of Deuel county, as he came here in 1884, locating in that part of Deuel county which later was formed as Garden county. D. C. Hooper died in 1920, while the mother still lives with Mrs. Brown in Chappell.
The first school held within the present limits of Deuel county was in district No. 2, of Cheyenne county, at Big Springs, the early history of the district as before stated, being related in the story of Cheyenne county. The next school was organized in the Chappell diserintendent in 1904, being twice reelected, thereby serving six years. The health of her mother, Mrs. Coe. required Mrs. Bernhard's complete attention thereafter and she did not run for office. She atttended the mother to the old home in Illinois, then to the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota and then back to Deuel county, where Mrs. Coe passed away in 1918, at the home of Mrs. Coe's sister, Mrs. J. H. Brown.
897
The next school was organized in the Chappell diserintendent in 1904, being twice reelected, thereby serving six years. The health of her mother, Mrs. Coe. required Mrs. Bernhard's complete attention thereafter and she did not run for office. She atttended the mother to the old home in Illinois, then to the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota and then back to Deuel county, where Mrs. Coe passed away in 1918, at the home of Mrs. Coe's sister, Mrs. J. H. Brown.
Vera Yockey became superintendent in 1910, and in 1912 was reelected. In 1914 Retta Brown was elected to office as superintendent and still has charge of the office. She has been reelected three times, with seven years past service and two \< i to serve before (he present term expires which indicates a satisfactory record. Mrs. Brown was formerly Retta 1 looper. her father
trict, now District No. 7, of Deuel county. John O'Neil at an earlier date taught a small private school in the railroad station. In the summer of 1885 a frame building some twenty- four by thirty-six feet was built on the present court house block and Allie Warner, afterwards Airs. John O'Neil was the first teacher. After the organization of the county of Deuel twentyeight districts were found to be in or partly in the new county. Of these, nine had sod school houses ; ten had lumber school houses ; and one was of logs. Eight contained no report of the character of the housing facilties. The teachers at the time of the organization of the county were: William Bradlev. 1. P. Krum. Mrs. C. A. Glass, Ida Hibbs, A. D. Maxwell, Mrs. C. J. Slocum. 1. W. Mills. Mrs. Clara Graf, J. C. Gyger, Erna Pickering, C. W. Snodgrass, A.
898
Of these, nine had sod school houses ; ten had lumber school houses ; and one was of logs. Eight contained no report of the character of the housing facilties. The teachers at the time of the organization of the county were: William Bradlev. 1. P. Krum. Mrs. C. A. Glass, Ida Hibbs, A. D. Maxwell, Mrs. C. J. Slocum. 1. W. Mills. Mrs. Clara Graf, J. C. Gyger, Erna Pickering, C. W. Snodgrass, A.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
P. Wilcox, Jessie Laycock, Jennie Plummer, Hattie Gates, Mrs. P. Seberger, Agnes Smith, Henrv Swanson, H. M. Finch, Jennie Salsbury, Ella j. Brown, Mrs. M. Kenney, M. Belle Ebright, Mollie Darlington, W. L. Harrington, C. J. Slocum and Yinne Brown.
It may be observed that Jessie Laycock taught two schools, one beginning after the close of the other. Three hundred and fortyseven pupils registered at these schools when the county first came into existence. The growth and development of Deuel county may be understood, when it is stated that in ten years there were sixty-three districts and in twenty years seventy to take care of the increasing attendance of the children of the settlers and farmers.
The first teachers institute of Deuel county was held August 3-15, 1891, with Professor C. L. Harper as instructor and Superintendent Rosa Dodds, instructress. There were fiftyfour teachers in attendance. Superintendent Stark's record of certificates issued is missing so that the record begins February 15, 1890, when 1. C. Gvger was issued a certificate. On March 8, following, Fred L. Gilliard, Eva M. Gilliard, and Mollie Hilber were issued certificates. District No. 1, was organized March 4, 1889, upon petition of George Shirley, John Enslow and others, and was located in 14-42. District No. 2, organized at Big Springs, when a part of Cheyenne county, by E.
899
Superintendent Stark's record of certificates issued is missing so that the record begins February 15, 1890, when 1. C. Gvger was issued a certificate. On March 8, following, Fred L. Gilliard, Eva M. Gilliard, and Mollie Hilber were issued certificates. District No. 1, was organized March 4, 1889, upon petition of George Shirley, John Enslow and others, and was located in 14-42. District No. 2, organized at Big Springs, when a part of Cheyenne county, by E. M. Day, who sent notice to E. W. Ormsby, "a taxable inhabitant," at that time comprised all of Deuel and Garden county territory. Big Springs is now in District No. 19, No. 2 being north thereof. District No. 3 was in 15-45 and district No. 4 was organized originally by Julia Sheldon, wife
the territory was a part of Cheyenne county, in March, 1887. It was on the west line of the present county, west of Chappell.
On March 7, 1885, Leslie Stevens created school district No. 7, which included the town of Chappell, then in Cheyenne county.
In the present Deuel county, since Garden county was cut from the territory, there are thirty districts, forty-five teachers and a thousand and seventeen pupils, with one parochial school at Big Springs, conducted by the German Lutheran church. There are no consolidated schools except in the northwestern corner, a Garden county unit. There are eleven grades at Big Springs, which has a fine modern brick school building, while Chappell also has an excellent building with fine equipment and accredited high school.
900
In the present Deuel county, since Garden county was cut from the territory, there are thirty districts, forty-five teachers and a thousand and seventeen pupils, with one parochial school at Big Springs, conducted by the German Lutheran church. There are no consolidated schools except in the northwestern corner, a Garden county unit. There are eleven grades at Big Springs, which has a fine modern brick school building, while Chappell also has an excellent building with fine equipment and accredited high school.
As before stated, the county has no consolidated schools with the exception of one, a Garden county unit, which includes the northwest corner of Deuel county.
The Chappell high school has twelve grades ; Frank L. Smith is superintendent and Miss Nellie Vail is principal ; while twelve teachers constitute the faculty. At Big Springs four teachers are employed. The superintendent is Lorin 1). Root, with Gertrude Houston, principal. Ordinarily there are twelve grades, but this year there are only eleven as but one pupil regi m red for the twelfth grade.
The educational advantages of Deuel county are equal to any in the state. All over the county the schools are good, using modern methods and equipment, and provided with excellent teachers, which give the children of the county every advantage and of which the people may he proud.
THE CHURCH IN DEUEL COUNTY
Like the rest of the history of Deuel county, the earliest religious activities of the county were in Cheyenne county, of which it was a part for many years. The first meetings were of necessity held in private houses as there were no church buildings in the early days and when a visiting missionary, elder or priest was known to lie coming the people would gather in some sod house in the earliest days and later
901
Like the rest of the history of Deuel county, the earliest religious activities of the county were in Cheyenne county, of which it was a part for many years. The first meetings were of necessity held in private houses as there were no church buildings in the early days and when a visiting missionary, elder or priest was known to lie coming the people would gather in some sod house in the earliest days and later
in the better homes constructed nt lumber and there conduct services. Chappell, the first town of importance in Deuel county, naturally liecame the religious center after it was settled, and the churches there had much to do with the high moral standard of the people of the entire county as an excellent influence was extended throughout its territory.
From 1883 to 1885, and for a long period
!36
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
after that Ira Brashears. a layman, of high religious standing, hesitated not in what he believed to be his duty. He was a good man in a country just merging from a wild state and spoke the word of God with fervor and eloquence, holding meetings in various places throughout the county. Air. Brashears did a fine work as a pioneer evangelist and deserves mention in the history of the county for the good he did when no ordained minister or priest could be obtained. Following him came
Methodist Episcopal Church, Chaitki.i.
Dr. W. H. Babcock, who ministered to the sick in body and in spirit as well, for when not engaged in the duties of his medical profession, he preached good sermons wherever and whenever he found time and a few people gathered to listen. After the frame school house was built in Chappell, services were held there which was the start of real church activities in the town and county.
902
Following him came
Methodist Episcopal Church, Chaitki.i.
Dr. W. H. Babcock, who ministered to the sick in body and in spirit as well, for when not engaged in the duties of his medical profession, he preached good sermons wherever and whenever he found time and a few people gathered to listen. After the frame school house was built in Chappell, services were held there which was the start of real church activities in the town and county. No church building was erected until 1896, when the Methodist organization erected a frame structure and Reverend O. A. Trahue was placed in charge of the congregation. The members of the church at once began to show an increase; a Sunday School was organized which became larger and an influence for good in the community. The Methodist church prospered and, in 1915, twenty years after its first church was built, the new beautiful modern edifice was dedicated, when Reverend J. E. Hays was pastor. In 1921, Reverend L. V. Slocumb was given charge in January. He has taken an active part in increasing the membership of both the church and Sunday School ; is a man who works for the interest of church and community, and with the other auxiliaries of the congregation the Methodist church is taking a place of importance in the affairs of Chappell.
The Methodist church was also the pioneer religious organization at Big Springs, for Elder Stephens preached his faith all over the western part of Nebraska and the people there gathered for services at an early day. A church
903
He has taken an active part in increasing the membership of both the church and Sunday School ; is a man who works for the interest of church and community, and with the other auxiliaries of the congregation the Methodist church is taking a place of importance in the affairs of Chappell.
The Methodist church was also the pioneer religious organization at Big Springs, for Elder Stephens preached his faith all over the western part of Nebraska and the people there gathered for services at an early day. A church
organization was perfected there and it is the strongest denomination in the town, with an extended influence for good. The Presbyterian church also has an organization in Big Springs, the only one of that denomination in Deuel county.
At an early day Catholic priests held services in old Cheyenne county, that portion which is now Deuel county, when a number of its members could gather together, but there was no organization in the early days, a visiting priest having to cover a large territory. Today, however, the Catholics are second strongest in the county, in membership and activities, although until 1915, there was no church building. The meetings up to the time the church was built were held whenever a visiting priest came. However, at the present time the Catholics have a fine commodious church with Father Keller as resident priest. This church serves the town and a large contributing parish and today is a great influence in Deuel county.
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Today, however, the Catholics are second strongest in the county, in membership and activities, although until 1915, there was no church building. The meetings up to the time the church was built were held whenever a visiting priest came. However, at the present time the Catholics have a fine commodious church with Father Keller as resident priest. This church serves the town and a large contributing parish and today is a great influence in Deuel county.
Many people of the German Lutheran faith setttled in Deuel county, and like the people of other faiths, for many years had no real church organization, holding their meetings in the houses of the members who belonged to
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other churches from which they came to the west. Later they perfected an organization at Chappell which was in charge of Reverend Gans until 1920, when he resigned after vears of faithful and good work for the people of this congregation. The church was established as an organization in 1916 and has a good membership.
In 1918, the Pentecostal church was organized and the following vear a church buildingwas erected with Reverend Ira I. Walker as
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
pastor. This church is sometimes referred to as the "Holy Rollers," but by its pastor is called "The Assembly of God Church."
A membership organization of the Christian church was effected at Chappell in 1920, but no minister has yet been assigned. A minister comes from Sidney or some other town occasionally, also visiting ministers who held services for the people of this congregation. Regular meetings are held for the present in the court house.
905
pastor. This church is sometimes referred to as the "Holy Rollers," but by its pastor is called "The Assembly of God Church."
A membership organization of the Christian church was effected at Chappell in 1920, but no minister has yet been assigned. A minister comes from Sidney or some other town occasionally, also visiting ministers who held services for the people of this congregation. Regular meetings are held for the present in the court house.
The success and progress of church work are dependent usually upon the auxiliaries, where the women of the church meet, work and plan for the benefit of the congregations. The Ladies Aid is no small factor in the important part the Methodist church has performed for the spiritual welfare of Deuel county. The women's organizations of the other churches are doing a like work for them.
The following county churches complete the history of this important part of Deuel county development. In 1819, the Methodists built a church at Froid, to serve the north central part of the county and the Froid community. Six miles northeast of Chappell, the Mennonites have a church, as that part of the tableland was largely settled by that denomination. Fourteen miles northeast of Chappell there is a Swedish settlement and a Swedish church has been organized and church building erected to serve that corner of the county. In the settlement about the old Day postoffice, there was a Methodist church organized many years ago. To a large extent, the country people come into Chappell and Big Springs and Julesburg to church, when they live within a distance that
906
Six miles northeast of Chappell, the Mennonites have a church, as that part of the tableland was largely settled by that denomination. Fourteen miles northeast of Chappell there is a Swedish settlement and a Swedish church has been organized and church building erected to serve that corner of the county. In the settlement about the old Day postoffice, there was a Methodist church organized many years ago. To a large extent, the country people come into Chappell and Big Springs and Julesburg to church, when they live within a distance that
allows of Sunday attendance. The motor car has made them within easy reach, when roads are good.
Temperance
Closely associated with the church is the question of temperance, as the members of all church organizations have usually sided with the work of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union to eradicate this evil; and while there is no such organization in Deuel county the church people have been active in this work. Deuel county never had but one saloon in its history and has outlived that. It was run by George McCluskey in Chappell, in the days before the town was organized as a village. Before McCluskey, a man named Anderson, from Missiouri, was running a "blind pig;" he made big money for a while, but left when the law and order people began to take action against traffic in liquor.
In Big Springs in the early days, considerable liquor was sold, but without license, and bootlegging to a limited degree is practiced in Chappell and Big Springs. When the territory now included in Garden county, was a part of Deuel county, a few saloons were licensed in the North Platte river country, but for only a few years. Recently a car was seized and sold near Chappell by state law enforcement agents, as it had evidently been used for border traffic running across the line from Colorado.
907
In Big Springs in the early days, considerable liquor was sold, but without license, and bootlegging to a limited degree is practiced in Chappell and Big Springs. When the territory now included in Garden county, was a part of Deuel county, a few saloons were licensed in the North Platte river country, but for only a few years. Recently a car was seized and sold near Chappell by state law enforcement agents, as it had evidently been used for border traffic running across the line from Colorado. Generally speaking, this particular locality has been free from liquor consumption, and the people of Deuel county consider John Barleycorn as dead as slavery.
THE PRESS -- BANKS AND FINANCE --BENCH AND BAR- FESSION -- FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS
MEDICAL PRO-
In the early days after Chappell's first settlement was made, the town needed a newspaper, not alone for the community, but to urge settlers to come to the county, and also for the fewranchers who ought to be given the news of general world affairs. The question arose as to where the subscribers were to come from. Ira Brashears became the man of the hour. He became the moving spirit in the establishment
of the newspaper, and the Chappell Rustler came into existence. It was printed on a job press and published without regard to regular sequence for a time. Mr. Brashears was an old soldier, and as has been recounted, though a layman, he preached in Chappell and the country for some years. He was a man of excellent character and just the man needed in the formative years of Chappell's development. Volume
908
He became the moving spirit in the establishment
of the newspaper, and the Chappell Rustler came into existence. It was printed on a job press and published without regard to regular sequence for a time. Mr. Brashears was an old soldier, and as has been recounted, though a layman, he preached in Chappell and the country for some years. He was a man of excellent character and just the man needed in the formative years of Chappell's development. Volume
.w
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
I, No. 1, of the Rustler was published July 1, 1885, a four column folio, and the three advertisements it contained were : Hosea Hudson, physician and surgeon; John O'Neil, lands, he being the "pioneer real estate dealer;" and Ira Brashears, real estate and notary public. This was the notice of the first notary in Chappell.
The Chappell Register for the first several months of its existence was printed at Lodgepole, no files of these months are to be found. Volume I, No. 15, contains an "Introductory," indicating it was the beginning, there being no explanation of why the number was 15 instead of 1. Probably this was the initial number published at Chappell. It appeared September 29. 1887, with Morgan and Yenson as publishers. A year later it was published by Morgan & Company, which would indicate a change in the management. It is possible that the Rustler was its antecedent, and there had been fourteen numbers of that paper previously issued.
The fight over the location of the county seat waxed warm during the first part of 1889, the Register fighting valiantly for Chappell, and the Journal, appearing at Big Springs, published by Mr. O'Day, fighting for Big Springs. The Register accused Mr. O'Day of being an importation for hire and indulged in divers personalities which were common the first years that newspapers were established in western Nebraska.
909
It is possible that the Rustler was its antecedent, and there had been fourteen numbers of that paper previously issued.
The fight over the location of the county seat waxed warm during the first part of 1889, the Register fighting valiantly for Chappell, and the Journal, appearing at Big Springs, published by Mr. O'Day, fighting for Big Springs. The Register accused Mr. O'Day of being an importation for hire and indulged in divers personalities which were common the first years that newspapers were established in western Nebraska. Among the personal jibes at O'Day was an alleged bill for printing tickets. The bill ran into many dollars for tickets printed by the thousand alleged to have been for the purpose of stuffing the ballot boxes, and then two items for damages : "Damages to the press, $5.00. Damage to character, $.03."
Before starting the Register at Chappell, Mr. Morgan ran the Lodgepole Enterprise, which was established by Yensen and Mounts. Mr. Morgan bought Yensen's interest in the paper and became part owner. Later James Wolfe bought Mount's interest, and then Mr. Morgan's and transformed the Enterprise into the Express, which he owned and managed for twenty-five years. A history of this paper will be found in the history of Cheyenne county.
After the sale of his interest to Mr. Wolfe, Morgan together with Yensen came to Chappell and became identified with the life of the town. I'M Searles at this time had begun to bring land seekers from Ogallala to the Chappell locality to buy railroad land. It was geni rally -"Id at about seven dollars an acre, one tenth of the purchase price being in cash. Searles, who later became state auditor of Nebraska, inspired both Morgan and Yensen in the future of Chappell and the surrounding country. Yensen's primary object was to get into the real estate business, into which he soon graduated.
910
I'M Searles at this time had begun to bring land seekers from Ogallala to the Chappell locality to buy railroad land. It was geni rally -"Id at about seven dollars an acre, one tenth of the purchase price being in cash. Searles, who later became state auditor of Nebraska, inspired both Morgan and Yensen in the future of Chappell and the surrounding country. Yensen's primary object was to get into the real estate business, into which he soon graduated.
Guy C. Newman was born on his father's ranch south of Lodgepole, March 16, 1885, the first white boy born in that community. It was not his fault that the politicians later put him over the edge in Cheyenne county. He has, however, spent the greater part of his life in Deuel county, as he has lived on the Newman ranch southeast of Chappell many years. For a number of years he was at the helm of the Chappell Register, serving most admirably the community and the county as an editor of the paper. Mr. Newman also had charge of the implement department of the farmers collective enterprises at Chappell and showed good business ability.
Seven years ago, H. A. Talbott came from Clay county to Chappell to work on the Register, and eventually he bought the paper which he now manages with the able assistance of his wife. Harvey Talbott was born in Clay county thirty years ago and after brief schooling in the high school there, began to work as a compositor there at the age of fourteen, on the Clay County Patriot. He was married to Miss Emiline A. "Gillette, March 17, 1914. Dyer Gillette, Mrs. Talbott's father, left Oberlin College to enlist in the army during the Civil War and afterwards served as clerk of the district court in Clay county.
911
Harvey Talbott was born in Clay county thirty years ago and after brief schooling in the high school there, began to work as a compositor there at the age of fourteen, on the Clay County Patriot. He was married to Miss Emiline A. "Gillette, March 17, 1914. Dyer Gillette, Mrs. Talbott's father, left Oberlin College to enlist in the army during the Civil War and afterwards served as clerk of the district court in Clay county. Mr. Gillette and his wife, Ida A., are still living at the old home place. In 1914, Mr. Talbott came to Chappell and entered upon his duties at the Register office, later becoming proprietor and editor of the paper with his wife for associate. The Talbotts have taken part in the phenominal growth of Chappell, in which their energy and enterprise have most materially assisted. Active in Chappell's Chamber of Commerce, of a hundred members, and on the Register, they lead the pace for other business people and of the city's forward progress.
Big Springs has long been without a newspaper. When Mr. O'Day gave up his paper there and the Journal ceased to exist, there was not much for a number of years to encourage a new man to take up such an enterprise. However, the Progress has come into existence and being during the last part of 1920. It was first printed in Denver, and the new plant at Big Springs is not yet fully installed in January, 1921. but there is the promise that Big Springs will have a live, energetic news sheet in the near future.
912
O'Day gave up his paper there and the Journal ceased to exist, there was not much for a number of years to encourage a new man to take up such an enterprise. However, the Progress has come into existence and being during the last part of 1920. It was first printed in Denver, and the new plant at Big Springs is not yet fully installed in January, 1921. but there is the promise that Big Springs will have a live, energetic news sheet in the near future.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Banks and Finance
The history of Deuel county's financial institutions is similar to that of the greater part of the western country. There have been fat years and lean years along with prosperity or depression, shared by all the people, and reflected in financial life and banking business.
The first bank at Chapped was organized in 1886, and then known as the Commercial Bank. J. L. Robson was the prime spirit in the movement for its organization. "Jim" Robson, as he was familiarly known, came from Illinois, where his brothers Jack and Dick were well known about the Rio country as breeders of fine cattle and heavy feeders of hogs and cattle, as well as men of the happiest and most cheerful dispositions. In 1890 the Commercial Bank had a capital of $20,000. J. L. Robson was president ; Frank McAuliff, vice-president ; arid Eugene Fish, cashier. It was the pioneer bank of Chapped and did much toward the early development of the town and Deuel county, which was much in need of banking facilities for the farmers and homesteaders who were coming to this locality to settle.
913
"Jim" Robson, as he was familiarly known, came from Illinois, where his brothers Jack and Dick were well known about the Rio country as breeders of fine cattle and heavy feeders of hogs and cattle, as well as men of the happiest and most cheerful dispositions. In 1890 the Commercial Bank had a capital of $20,000. J. L. Robson was president ; Frank McAuliff, vice-president ; arid Eugene Fish, cashier. It was the pioneer bank of Chapped and did much toward the early development of the town and Deuel county, which was much in need of banking facilities for the farmers and homesteaders who were coming to this locality to settle.
In May, 1889, E. F. Clayton and E. D. Hamilton organized the Deuel County State Bank at Chapped. Early in the nineties they bought the Commercial Bank and merged the two; eventually, with the prosperity of the passing years, this bank developed into the First National Bank, the leading institution in the county. The substantial and leading citizens of the country and of Chapped became interested in this bank, bought its stock and for years it was rated as one of the most substantial and sound banks in all Nebraska. For something like thirty years H. I. Babcock has served the bank in varied capacities, first as clerk under Mr. Hamilton, later advancing to more important positions, and for many years now has been the guiding spirit. The capital of the First National Bank is $25,000, with a surplus of $45.- 000. Its officers are: J. R. Wertz, president, T. M. Johnson, vice-president; H. I. Babcock, cashier ; H. D. Betts and F. A. Burling, assistant cashiers. Frozen loans and low prices for wheat, together with the policy of the Federal Reserve Banks at this time, January, 1921, have caused this institution to temporarily suspend.
914
Hamilton, later advancing to more important positions, and for many years now has been the guiding spirit. The capital of the First National Bank is $25,000, with a surplus of $45.- 000. Its officers are: J. R. Wertz, president, T. M. Johnson, vice-president; H. I. Babcock, cashier ; H. D. Betts and F. A. Burling, assistant cashiers. Frozen loans and low prices for wheat, together with the policy of the Federal Reserve Banks at this time, January, 1921, have caused this institution to temporarily suspend.
Until 1912 this bank was able to care for the financial needs of Chapped and the surrounding farming territory then the Chapped State Bank came into existence. The men most influential in the establishment and organization of the new bank were H. C. and E. C. Peterson and M. P. Jensen; they took an active part in the activities of the bank and do so to
the present time. Formerly they were assisted by C. E. Groves and B. B. Abels, who were the vice-presidents. On January 10, 1921, the institution showed over $77,000 capital, surplus and profits. When it was organized the capital was $25,000, which shows the great development of the bank and the sound policy upon which it is conducted, as well as the confidence it has gained in the minds of the people. The present officials of the State Bank are : H. C. Peterson, president; M. P. Jensen, and C. M. Empson, vice-presidents ; and E. C. Peterson, cashier.
The Peoples Bank, with a capital of $15,000, was organized in 1917, with L. P. Sorenson, president, and J. W. Knox, cashier. In 1919, the Deuel County Bank was also established, with E. C. Wolf as president ; H. R. Isenberger, vice president; G. S. LaSelle, cashier; and J. O. Rusho, assistant cashier.
915
The present officials of the State Bank are : H. C. Peterson, president; M. P. Jensen, and C. M. Empson, vice-presidents ; and E. C. Peterson, cashier.
The Peoples Bank, with a capital of $15,000, was organized in 1917, with L. P. Sorenson, president, and J. W. Knox, cashier. In 1919, the Deuel County Bank was also established, with E. C. Wolf as president ; H. R. Isenberger, vice president; G. S. LaSelle, cashier; and J. O. Rusho, assistant cashier. It started with a capital of $25,000 but bought the Peoples Bank in 1920 and consolidated the two institutions. At the present time, 1921, the Deuel County Bank has a capital of $50,000 and surplus of $10,000. The same officers direct its destinies, assisted on the directorate by Faithful Adamson and Henry Adamson. The father of E. C. Wolf, the president of the Deuel County Bank, came to Chapped as a section boss in the late seventies, and Ed and his brother Frank, as told in an earlier part of this history, received their early educational instruction at the school of John O'Neil, in a box car which was used for the station at the railroad in Chappell. Later the Wolfs developed a ranch northwest of Chappell and so near as will ever be determined, Trapper's Rock, where one of the tragedies of long ago occurred, is situated on the Wrolf property. This incident is related in the first part of the blanket history of the Panhandle, in that division devoted to fur traders and trappers.
916
Wolf, the president of the Deuel County Bank, came to Chapped as a section boss in the late seventies, and Ed and his brother Frank, as told in an earlier part of this history, received their early educational instruction at the school of John O'Neil, in a box car which was used for the station at the railroad in Chappell. Later the Wolfs developed a ranch northwest of Chappell and so near as will ever be determined, Trapper's Rock, where one of the tragedies of long ago occurred, is situated on the Wrolf property. This incident is related in the first part of the blanket history of the Panhandle, in that division devoted to fur traders and trappers.
About 1888, H. L. Gould established the State Bank of Big Springs, which institution still exists, but is now known under the name of the Farmers State Bank. This new institution was chartered in 1906, and absorbed the State Bank. Andreas Kjeldgaard is president of the Farmers State Bank, at the present time, 1921, with Carl Kjeldgaard. cashier, and W. H. Klendt, assistant cashier. It has a capital of $20,000, and surplus of $3,000.
The American State Bank of Big Springs was organized in 1917, with $15,000 capital and $3800 surplus. It is officered by John Jensen, president; ( )tto F. Riss, vice-president; and Sylvia Jensen, cashier.
This closes the story of the banks of Deuel county. They have taken an important part in the history of the county, materially as-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
917
H. Klendt, assistant cashier. It has a capital of $20,000, and surplus of $3,000.
The American State Bank of Big Springs was organized in 1917, with $15,000 capital and $3800 surplus. It is officered by John Jensen, president; ( )tto F. Riss, vice-president; and Sylvia Jensen, cashier.
This closes the story of the banks of Deuel county. They have taken an important part in the history of the county, materially as-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
sisted in the development of the country by caring for its financial affairs and during this temporary period of financial stress are looking forward to a bright and prosperous future, when financial depression consequent to the World War shall have passed and the country is again enjoying the normal conditions which existed before the world upheaval.
Bench and Bar
The history of the Bench and Bar in Deuel county begins with the county's organization as a separate unit. The first justice of the peace in what is now Deuel county territory was at Chappell when Ed E. Bennett assumed that office. Ira Brashears was first notary public and for some time contest cases were heard before him. The first cases tried after the new county came into existence, was a contest case in which Isaac Woolf was the attorney. Brashears was also a lawyer by profession, the first to qualify to practice in Deuel county. W. H. Sigler soon after this hung out his sign as a general practicing attorney, and S. P. DeLatour and E. D. Hamilton opened offices for the practice of their profession in the early nineties. Following them came next in order Jacob Keifer and George McAllister, who was afterwards state representative several times, and county attorney a number of years. He became a leader in the legal profession and gained a high reputation for his ability.
918
H. Sigler soon after this hung out his sign as a general practicing attorney, and S. P. DeLatour and E. D. Hamilton opened offices for the practice of their profession in the early nineties. Following them came next in order Jacob Keifer and George McAllister, who was afterwards state representative several times, and county attorney a number of years. He became a leader in the legal profession and gained a high reputation for his ability. The firm of Lee & Lee appeared in Chappell for a time as members of the legal profession, then they left not to be heard of again. E. D. Hamilton was a qualified attorney but he did not practice law long as his talents ran to finance, a field in which he met with great success. E. E. Jones, better known as "Double E." Jones, opened an office as a lawyer but so far as is known never tried a case. W. A. Burnett also appeared in the list of attorneys at one time but like many of the otbers is gone. At the present time there are but three qualified attorneys in Deuel county and all are holding office : H. R. Busse, is county judge; Isaac Woolf, is special acting county judge in a number of cases wherein Judge Busse has been an attorney : L. O. Pfeiffer is county attorney, a position he has held for fourteen years and still has another term ahead of him, which shows in what esteem he is held by the people of Deuel county. Isaac Woolf has served Deuel county as judge for twenty-eight years and his duties as special judge will extend the period for a year or more. A remarkable record for one man to hold.
919
Busse, is county judge; Isaac Woolf, is special acting county judge in a number of cases wherein Judge Busse has been an attorney : L. O. Pfeiffer is county attorney, a position he has held for fourteen years and still has another term ahead of him, which shows in what esteem he is held by the people of Deuel county. Isaac Woolf has served Deuel county as judge for twenty-eight years and his duties as special judge will extend the period for a year or more. A remarkable record for one man to hold.
Ml DIC \l. I'kdl-'ESSION
The first doctor to cast his fortunes with
Chappell and the future Deuel county, was Hosea Hudson. Dr. W. H. Babcock was next in order1 and he served the community and county long and faithfully, during a period when the country was sparsely settled and development just beginning. Today Dr. M. B. Patty, Dr. A. C. Coleman, and Dr. Frank Waldo Scott, are physicians and surgeons in Deuel county. Dr. D. Edward O'Connor and Dr. William H. Cobble are osteopathic physicians and surgeons, and Dr. Mabel Green and Doctors Lewis and Lewis are chiropractors. The dental profession is represented in the county by Dr. Lynch and Dr. T. P. Mullins. All the above are located in Chappell.
In Big Springs, the medical profession is represented by Dr. Clinton H. Smith, physician and surgeon, and Dr. J. J. Wilson, is the only member of the dental profession.
The general good health prevailing in the high plains region of Nebraska, exists in Deuel county, which limits the activities and necessities of numerous medical men and a medical clinic, as are to be found in older communities. The professional men in the county are of exceptionally high standing as physicians and dentists, and are qualified to give the people the best of service and advice when it is needed, so that the population of Deuel county is well cared for when occasion requires it.
920
The general good health prevailing in the high plains region of Nebraska, exists in Deuel county, which limits the activities and necessities of numerous medical men and a medical clinic, as are to be found in older communities. The professional men in the county are of exceptionally high standing as physicians and dentists, and are qualified to give the people the best of service and advice when it is needed, so that the population of Deuel county is well cared for when occasion requires it.
Fraternal Organizations
The Ancient Free and Accepted Masonic Order, "Florence" No. 205, of Chappell received dispensation September 2, 1890, and a charter June IS, 1891. The first meeting of the Masons in Chappell was held in the office of A. H. Nichols, who acted as chairman, and E. F. Clayton, as secretary. The following men were charter members June 18, 1891 : George T. Kendall, (Master) ; Samuel Saulsbury, (Senior Warden) ; Albert B. Persinger, (Junior Warden) ; Fred Sudman, (Senior Deacon) ; Edward Clayton, James Thompson (Junior Deacon) ; James L. McLaughlin, Albert H. Nichols, William Wilcox (Treasurer) ; William M. Hoagland, James M. Bay (Chaplain) : William H. Babcock, Stephen Strong, August G. Newman, Abial C. Copeland, Jacob Keifer, George H. Ahrends, Ellsworth D. Hamilton, Edmond Herrington, Reuben Lisco, Martin Nicholson, John Robinson, Henry Weigand. John M. White was on the petition as was W. F. Gumaer, but failed to get their demits in time for the charter. E. F. Clayton carried the dispensation report to the Grand Lodge at Omaha, in June, 1891. There are nineteen Shriners in Chappell, most of whom are members of the
921
Babcock, Stephen Strong, August G. Newman, Abial C. Copeland, Jacob Keifer, George H. Ahrends, Ellsworth D. Hamilton, Edmond Herrington, Reuben Lisco, Martin Nicholson, John Robinson, Henry Weigand. John M. White was on the petition as was W. F. Gumaer, but failed to get their demits in time for the charter. E. F. Clayton carried the dispensation report to the Grand Lodge at Omaha, in June, 1891. There are nineteen Shriners in Chappell, most of whom are members of the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Shrine at Omaha, but a few belong at Hastings.
In January, 1921. the officers of the Masonic Lodge at Chappell were: William H. Thompson, Master; Glenn S. LaSelle, Senior Warden ; F. W. Scott, Junior Warden ; John M. Brownell, Secretary; Ed. Wolf, Treasurer, and Edward Clayton, Senior Deacon.
The Order of the Eastern Star was instituted in Chappell May 5, 1909, at which time its officers and charter members were as follows : Mrs. May Johnson, Worthy Matron ; Mrs. May Newman, Associate Matron ; Thomas M. Johnson, Worthy Patron ; Guy C. Newman, Secretary; Mrs. Ella M. Hendrickson, Conductress ; Mrs. Mary J. Roudebush, Associate Conductress; Mrs. Luceba Babcock, Chaplain ; Henry G. Weigand, Treasurer ; Miss Grace A. Newman, Ada; Mrs. Minnie Sudman, Ruth; Dora A. Wolf, Esther; Mrs. Florence A. Soeton, Martha ; Mrs. Mary A. Weigand, Electa; and George A. Soeton, Sentry. The members were: Mrs. Tille A. Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Eugene DeLatour, Harvey I. Babcock, William E. Roudebush, John O'Neil, Minnie Zimmerman, Mrs. Christy Manuel, James Manuel, August G. Newman, John R. Wertz, William G. Melton, August Sudman, Mrs. August Sudman, Miss Lucy Johnson, Fred Sudman, Miss Minnie Sudman, facob Roudebush, Miss Maude Sudman, Frank C. LeSelle, Harriet B. LaSelle, Airs. Helen Babcock, and Mrs. Sarah Roudebush. The Eastern Star in 1921 had a hundred and nineteen members with the following officers : Mrs.
922
Peterson, Andrew Peterson, Eugene DeLatour, Harvey I. Babcock, William E. Roudebush, John O'Neil, Minnie Zimmerman, Mrs. Christy Manuel, James Manuel, August G. Newman, John R. Wertz, William G. Melton, August Sudman, Mrs. August Sudman, Miss Lucy Johnson, Fred Sudman, Miss Minnie Sudman, facob Roudebush, Miss Maude Sudman, Frank C. LeSelle, Harriet B. LaSelle, Airs. Helen Babcock, and Mrs. Sarah Roudebush. The Eastern Star in 1921 had a hundred and nineteen members with the following officers : Mrs. Tillie Peterson, Worthy Matron; Mary B. Thompson, Associate Matron ; Glenn S. La- Selle, Worthy Patron ; Olive Bracken, Secretary ; Mrs. Julia Sudman, Conductress; Mrs. Freda Triplett, Assistant Conductress ; Mrs. Lillian Slocumb, Chaplain ; Henry C. Peterson. Treasurer; Clarence A. Grey, Sentry; Mrs. Mary Smith. Marshal ; Mrs. Emily Brownell, Warden ; Mrs. Grace Busse, Ada ; Mrs. Lulu Colman, Ruth; Mrs. Ada Wolf, Esther; Mrs. Jennie Hapworth, Martha; Minnie Sudman, Electa ; and in her absence Mrs. W. H. Thompson is Electa.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 181, was established in Chappell on May 13, 1890. The charter members and first officers of the organization were : W. P. Miles, Noble Grand ; T. P. Morgan, Vice Grand ; John Hinshaw, Recording Secretary ; George P. Smith, Financial Secretary; and Martin Michelson, Treasurer; H. W. Chowins, H. H. Chowins, W. V. Rielly, John N. White, and O. B. Shobert. This order now has a hundred and two members and the officers in 1921 were: Amel
Peterson. Noble Grand ; Ray Sterns. Vice Grand; A. J. Bracken, Secretary; and A. E. Ross, Treasurer.
923
The charter members and first officers of the organization were : W. P. Miles, Noble Grand ; T. P. Morgan, Vice Grand ; John Hinshaw, Recording Secretary ; George P. Smith, Financial Secretary; and Martin Michelson, Treasurer; H. W. Chowins, H. H. Chowins, W. V. Rielly, John N. White, and O. B. Shobert. This order now has a hundred and two members and the officers in 1921 were: Amel
Peterson. Noble Grand ; Ray Sterns. Vice Grand; A. J. Bracken, Secretary; and A. E. Ross, Treasurer.
The Daughters of Rebecca, was chartered August 24, and established August 28, 1891. The officers and charter members were: Mrs. Nettie Morgan, Noble Grand ; Vennie Brown, Vice Grand ; Cintie Cole, Recording Secretary ; Mrs. Mary Smith, Financial Secretary ; Mrs. Marv Moors, Treasurer ; George P. Smith, W. F. Cole, Mrs. S. H. Cole, T. B. Morgan, Tohn Hinshaw, Mrs. A. A. Hinshaw, Frank Thatcher, Mrs. F. S. Thatcher, Charles E. Foster, Mrs. Alice Foster, B. D. K. Wertz, Martin Mikkelson, George W. Sine, [ohn M. White, Mrs. J. M. White, Charles" Moore, George M. Smith, Agnes Smith, J. H. Brown, B. H. Brashears, Mrs. B. H. Brashears, Isaac Woolf, and Mrs. Hattie Woolf. There were fifty-seven members in this organization while the present officers were: Alta Nosland, Noble Grand ; Hazel Peterson, Vice Grand ; Retta Brown, Secretary ; J. C. Gyger, Treasurer ; and Lydia Crawford, Chaplain.
Royal Neighbors, No. 6950, was instituted at Chappell April 6, 1911, with the following members: Nettie Bailey, Retta F. Brown, Dollie M. Cave, John E. Cave, Laura J. Christensen, Hattie Foster, Ora M. Francouer, Kathryn McFadden, Lillian Peterson, Charles N. Resler, Mary J. Resler, Charles W. Rice, Emma Rce, Florence M . Rice, Heber O. Rice, Ethel E. Sebastine, Minnie Snead, Elizabeth Stegeman.
924
There were fifty-seven members in this organization while the present officers were: Alta Nosland, Noble Grand ; Hazel Peterson, Vice Grand ; Retta Brown, Secretary ; J. C. Gyger, Treasurer ; and Lydia Crawford, Chaplain.
Royal Neighbors, No. 6950, was instituted at Chappell April 6, 1911, with the following members: Nettie Bailey, Retta F. Brown, Dollie M. Cave, John E. Cave, Laura J. Christensen, Hattie Foster, Ora M. Francouer, Kathryn McFadden, Lillian Peterson, Charles N. Resler, Mary J. Resler, Charles W. Rice, Emma Rce, Florence M . Rice, Heber O. Rice, Ethel E. Sebastine, Minnie Snead, Elizabeth Stegeman. Maud Sudman, Minnie Sudman, Lena Unzicker, Anna A. Wertz, Bertha M. Wertz, Roosevelt W. K. Wertz, Vera L. Yockey, and Nancy E. Zehr. In 1921, the Royal Neighbors held an open installation when the following officers were installed : Oracle, Mae Ross; Vice Oracle, Mae Gyger; Chancellor, Lucy Holthaus ; Recorder. Pearl Handley ; Receiver, Matilda Spindler ; Marshall, Vergie Mc- Auliffe ; Inner Sentinel, Lois Robbins ; Outer Sentinel, Edna Sipes; and Manager, Maude Chocran.
Modern Woodmen of America, Red Oak Camp No. 2518, was instituted at Chappell October 11. 1894. with the following charter members : Allen Chamberlain, William E. Coumbe, Charles W. Ferguson, Ed Herrington, Tames W. Head, Tr., John Howitt, William R. Miller, George W. Moore, F. 1'. Morgan, James F. McLaughlin, Harry C. Mc- New, August G. Newman, Gustav Newman, Julius W. Newman, E. C. Park, Lincoln W. Pidgeon, Fred Sudman, and John W. Whonn. In 1921, the officers of the Modern Woodmen were: A. E. Ross, Consul; Will Zehr, Clerk; Jack Howitt, Advocate; Ed Hobson, Watch-
925
Modern Woodmen of America, Red Oak Camp No. 2518, was instituted at Chappell October 11. 1894. with the following charter members : Allen Chamberlain, William E. Coumbe, Charles W. Ferguson, Ed Herrington, Tames W. Head, Tr., John Howitt, William R. Miller, George W. Moore, F. 1'. Morgan, James F. McLaughlin, Harry C. Mc- New, August G. Newman, Gustav Newman, Julius W. Newman, E. C. Park, Lincoln W. Pidgeon, Fred Sudman, and John W. Whonn. In 1921, the officers of the Modern Woodmen were: A. E. Ross, Consul; Will Zehr, Clerk; Jack Howitt, Advocate; Ed Hobson, Watch-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
man; Jack McAuliff, Escort; Henry Peterson, Banker. There are now ninety-three members in the organization.
"McConaughey Castle" Chapter, Royal Highlanders, No. 784, was established at Chappell October 3, 1917, with the following charter members: Oron M. McPheeters, Past Illustrious Protector; Gust Johnson, Illustrious Protector ; Mae T. Handley C. C. ; Ada B. McPheeters, W. E. ; Clyde L. McConaughey, Secretary-Treasurer; Etta Gibson, Guide; Millie M. Bums, Herald; Effie L. Malcomb,
C. of A. ; Floyd D. Jacobson, C. of S. ; Harry A. McPheeters, Warder; Truman E. Richardson, Sentry ; George L. Herrick, M. A. N. ; Fred H. Gibson, M. H. N. ; Joseph E. Barton, A. H. N. ; Lester E. Vandiver, Physician ; Clara M. Cave, Eva A. Herrick and Leota Jacobson. This fraternity has not been very active though its membership has increased some. Clyde McConaughey has gone to the home office at Lincoln, Nebraska, and no leader has yet taken his place in the local castle.
926
McPheeters, Warder; Truman E. Richardson, Sentry ; George L. Herrick, M. A. N. ; Fred H. Gibson, M. H. N. ; Joseph E. Barton, A. H. N. ; Lester E. Vandiver, Physician ; Clara M. Cave, Eva A. Herrick and Leota Jacobson. This fraternity has not been very active though its membership has increased some. Clyde McConaughey has gone to the home office at Lincoln, Nebraska, and no leader has yet taken his place in the local castle.
CHAPTER IN DEUEL COUNTY'S WAR RECORD -- GRAND ARMY OR THE REPUBLIC
Many of the early settlers of Deuel county were men who had served in the army during the Civil War. After coming to the new country of western Nebraska, those who lived near enough to Chappell and the men in the town formed a post of the Grand Army of the Republic, known as Crocker Post, No. 218, Department of Nebraska. Though many of the members have died with the passing years, Crocker Post still is active and for the year, 1921, acting installation officer, J. H. Brown, years ago sheriff of Mercer county, Illinois, inducted the following officers into service: Commander, J. C. Johnson; Senior Vice, Jake Roudebush ; Junior Vice, August Guenin; Adjutant, A. J. Withers; Quartermaster, J. H. Brown; Surgeon, J. W. Conyers; Chaplain, R. V. Beach; Officer of the Day, W. Saunders ; Officer of the Guard, J. W. Statler; and Patriotic Instructor, J. H. Brown. These men who so gallantly served in the Civil War are not forgotton in the crowding events and the stupendous conflict of the late World War.
927
Brown, years ago sheriff of Mercer county, Illinois, inducted the following officers into service: Commander, J. C. Johnson; Senior Vice, Jake Roudebush ; Junior Vice, August Guenin; Adjutant, A. J. Withers; Quartermaster, J. H. Brown; Surgeon, J. W. Conyers; Chaplain, R. V. Beach; Officer of the Day, W. Saunders ; Officer of the Guard, J. W. Statler; and Patriotic Instructor, J. H. Brown. These men who so gallantly served in the Civil War are not forgotton in the crowding events and the stupendous conflict of the late World War.
World War Activities Deuel county occupied a conspicuous place in the activities of western Nebraska in connection with the World War. An effective organization for war drives was created at an early date, after the United States declared war against Germany. John Wertz was placed in charge of the Thrift and War Saving Stamp campaigns, with the result that they were regularly over subscribed. Tom Johnson, who had
charge of the Liberty Bond drives, went over the top easily in all but the second Liberty Loan. In that instance the reason was ample, for it was at the time when the local resources were driven the limit in financing the wheat growers of the county. The first important duty of the United States and the farmers was to produce wheat and they had to have money to do so. The second drive fell thirty thousand dollars under the quota, but the third Liberty Loan went over by sixty thousand, thereby making good and much more, as it made up by some extra thousands the shortage of the second drive.
928
In that instance the reason was ample, for it was at the time when the local resources were driven the limit in financing the wheat growers of the county. The first important duty of the United States and the farmers was to produce wheat and they had to have money to do so. The second drive fell thirty thousand dollars under the quota, but the third Liberty Loan went over by sixty thousand, thereby making good and much more, as it made up by some extra thousands the shortage of the second drive.
June 5, 1917, three hundred and forty-four Deuel county boys registered for service in the various branches of the army and navy, which, with those who had previously come before the county clerk, made approximately four hundred for the first registration day. On June 19, following, the Deuel County Red Cross Society was organized with the following officers : Mrs. Ruth Vandiver, Chairman; Mrs. Ethel Pfeiffer, Secretary; Miss Ada Wolf, Treasurer; Mrs. Olive Bedford and Mrs. John Cave were nominated a Committee to solicit members. Red Cross Tag Day netted four hundred and ninety-four dollars and some cents, which with previous collections amounted to seven hundred and twenty-five dollars. The executives and committee met at the home of Mrs. H. C. Heming to plan their additional work on June 30. There were by that time a hundred and fifty active mem-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
bers in the organization, but they set the goal at a thousand members.
929
John Cave were nominated a Committee to solicit members. Red Cross Tag Day netted four hundred and ninety-four dollars and some cents, which with previous collections amounted to seven hundred and twenty-five dollars. The executives and committee met at the home of Mrs. H. C. Heming to plan their additional work on June 30. There were by that time a hundred and fifty active mem-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
bers in the organization, but they set the goal at a thousand members.
At the election held in August, 1917, John Wertz was elected Chairman, with Mrs. Ed C. Wolf, Vice Chairman; Mrs. H. C. Peterson, Treasurer; Mrs. L. O. Pfeiffer, Secretary, and Mrs. R. B. Williams, Assistant Secretary. Among the future activities planned, was a Christmas dinner for the boys in service in
1917, and on April 12, 1918, nine hundred and twenty-one dollars was realized from a Red Cross auction. The drive of May, 1918, went five hundred dollars over the allotment for Deuel county, as the quota was twenty-five hundred dollars and the Red Cross drive netted three thousand dollars.
A Junior Red Cross was organized in June,
1918, with Mrs. Dr. Lynch as its head executive. The Y. M. C. A. also became active and the drive of November, 1917, went fifty per cent over the quota for Deuel county, which was alloted fifteen hundred dollars and subscribed two thousand, two hundred and ninety seven dollars.
Among the "four minute men," speakers for the Liberty Bond drives and other war movements were Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Busse, Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Betts, Mrs. Retta Brown, and other prominent people who took an active part in the prosecution of the work for the government during the war. An organization was also effected in Deuel county for the enrollment of student nurses.
930
A. also became active and the drive of November, 1917, went fifty per cent over the quota for Deuel county, which was alloted fifteen hundred dollars and subscribed two thousand, two hundred and ninety seven dollars.
Among the "four minute men," speakers for the Liberty Bond drives and other war movements were Mr. and Mrs. H. R. Busse, Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Betts, Mrs. Retta Brown, and other prominent people who took an active part in the prosecution of the work for the government during the war. An organization was also effected in Deuel county for the enrollment of student nurses. Captain L. O. Pfeiffer and Lieutenants Libby and McConaughey made a vital institution out of the Home Guards, who did good work. In February, 1918, the guards were organized with seventy members and finally the number increased to more than a hundred, with the following list of officers besides the captain and lieutenants: H. D. Betts, first sergeant: }. W. Knox. K. W. Wildman, H. B. Linch. and F. E. Weldon, plain sergeants; F. L. Smith, quartermaster; T. M. John, color bearer; G. G. Laselle, L. A. Bersee. O. O. McPheeters, Arthur Rfeibe, A. W. Robbins. J. R. Hill, Fred Sudman and J. M. Miller, corporals.
In the main corrider of the court house hangs the service flag of Deuel county. Of the one hundred and twenty-three names thereon nine shine with golden stars, and those who gave their lives for democracy are : Hilmer E. Jeppson, Clinton McAuliff, Frank Deutscher, Glen Harmon, Claude Remington, Edward H. Johnson, Roy Arms, Daniel Downley, and William McEvoy.
931
McPheeters, Arthur Rfeibe, A. W. Robbins. J. R. Hill, Fred Sudman and J. M. Miller, corporals.
In the main corrider of the court house hangs the service flag of Deuel county. Of the one hundred and twenty-three names thereon nine shine with golden stars, and those who gave their lives for democracy are : Hilmer E. Jeppson, Clinton McAuliff, Frank Deutscher, Glen Harmon, Claude Remington, Edward H. Johnson, Roy Arms, Daniel Downley, and William McEvoy.
The roll of honor of Deuel county's sons who served under the flag during the World War is as follows: S. G. Tiestbaruer, Harry I.
Elmquist, Gordon B. Hoover, Alonzo H. De- Priest, June S. Johnson, Ray E. Parker, Benjamin F. Brown, Ivan R. Root, Hilmer E. Jeppson, Wilson K. Triplett, Fred Westling, Jesse W. Briggs, Edward E. Chalberg. Fred M. Fussell, Louie Mikkelson, Guy E. Higgins, Carl F. Eitzen. John Erick Bergren, Riley R. Barnes, Clarence F. McCarty, William Johnson, Herman Drake, Chester G. Wilcox, Paul C. Bergstrom, Earnest W. Schake, Carl A. Johnson, Elof E. Olson, Lincoln E. Miller, Clinton McAuliff. Felix M. Grant, Ralph M. Robbins, Woodridge H. Neal, Frank Deutscher, Lester R. Perry, Herman Christensen, Lynn W. Statler, Harry G. Neuman, Carl J. Jurgenson, Everett Hayes, Jasper W '. Wright, Fred H. Pfeiffer. Earnest Franceour, Waldo Mayfield, Cecil Shunk, George S. Johnson, Frank Gray, Vancil Stalancker, Walter W. Kallsen. Sam H. DePriest, Frank Best, Glen Harmon, R. D. Updike, Roy Fredrick, Henry Brestel Clifford Shattuck. Mark Gyger, Laurence E. Miller. Herman A. Andre, Lee Stutzman. Earl Nieier, Wallace Armstrong, Joseph R. Beckman, Joe Tarred, Neil Diehl, George McCleary, Fred D.'Stoki, Wm, E. Zehr, Leonard Hodgman, Claude Remington, Henry W. Brian, Wm. F. Mason, Wm. G. Wilder, Wm. F. Slattery, Vernon J. Nelson, Edward H. Johnson, Ray Stutzman, Elmer Stutzman, James T.
932
Johnson, Frank Gray, Vancil Stalancker, Walter W. Kallsen. Sam H. DePriest, Frank Best, Glen Harmon, R. D. Updike, Roy Fredrick, Henry Brestel Clifford Shattuck. Mark Gyger, Laurence E. Miller. Herman A. Andre, Lee Stutzman. Earl Nieier, Wallace Armstrong, Joseph R. Beckman, Joe Tarred, Neil Diehl, George McCleary, Fred D.'Stoki, Wm, E. Zehr, Leonard Hodgman, Claude Remington, Henry W. Brian, Wm. F. Mason, Wm. G. Wilder, Wm. F. Slattery, Vernon J. Nelson, Edward H. Johnson, Ray Stutzman, Elmer Stutzman, James T. Farris, Carl P. Erickson, Homer C. Jacobson, Wallace A. Harvey, Albert R. Hovich, Cecil W. Stanley, Martin Mikkelson, Albert M. Johnson, Harry Yoder, Gavo Basmagien, S. A. Stearn, Elmer E. Bilyen, Carl Wildman, Herman Miller, Henry Tibbets, Lale L. Harmon. John T. Berttain, Roy Ames. Earnest A. Schilling, Aug. J. Elmquist, Wm. R. Pettigrew, Walter E. Armstrong, Daniel Downley, Willie Luko, Stanley J. Yispel, Geo. Peterson. Carl Kjeklgaard. Archie M. Jacobson. Charles Bergstrom, Earl Groves, Fred C. Anderson, Wm. McEvoy, Geo. Richardson. Thomas W. Buckley, Walter J. Cox, Leonard Hart, Dudley C. Browning, Arthur H. Mauser. Howard G. Skinner, Henry W. Dehring, Bert K. Wilder, Geo. E. Benson, Herbert Olson, and Harry McPheeters.
In Big Springs the boys who served in the army and navy during the war have an active branch of the American Legion and have recently purchased a building, formerly a church, but later used for mercantile purposes, for the use of the Legion club rooms. This was bought of R. V. Taylor of Scottsbluff and will be converted into suitable rooms for club activities and meeting purposes; so that the men who served over seas or in this country will have a place which they know is their own and can
933
In Big Springs the boys who served in the army and navy during the war have an active branch of the American Legion and have recently purchased a building, formerly a church, but later used for mercantile purposes, for the use of the Legion club rooms. This was bought of R. V. Taylor of Scottsbluff and will be converted into suitable rooms for club activities and meeting purposes; so that the men who served over seas or in this country will have a place which they know is their own and can
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
use for Legion work and keep all the men of the Legion in the county in touch with one another.
Henry J. Elmquist, who returned from the
battle front unharmed, was killed in the peaceful life to which he had returned when a fast train struck his truck, when he was hauling wheat.
CLIMATE AND PRODUCTS OF DEUEL COUNTY
Western Nebraska and Deuel county have many qualifications that go to make what may be considered an ideal climate. The summers are moderately long and cool, possessing all the warmth that is necessary for a growing season, tempered by breezes. The air is crisp and invigorating, produced by the altitude of thirty-five hundred feet. The nights in western Nebraska are cool, and greatly appreciated by people from farther east. Taking into consideration the soil of western Nebraska with the climate a fine combination is had. The soil of the broad prairies and some of the tablelands is a dark loam with sufficient sand to make it work easily. This is underlaid with lighter loam under which is a clay subsoil. There is no alkali or gumbo of any considerable area, in Deuel county. The land absorbs the rainfall to a great depth, the earth remaining cool and moist below the surface.
934
Taking into consideration the soil of western Nebraska with the climate a fine combination is had. The soil of the broad prairies and some of the tablelands is a dark loam with sufficient sand to make it work easily. This is underlaid with lighter loam under which is a clay subsoil. There is no alkali or gumbo of any considerable area, in Deuel county. The land absorbs the rainfall to a great depth, the earth remaining cool and moist below the surface. With the modern system of farming that has come to prevail a dust mulch is formed by harrowing, which preserves the moisture for the use of growing crops.
To give a comprehensive idea of all the crops raised in Deuel county, it would be necessary to touch upon practically all the vegetables and grains peculiar to the temperate zone. But mention will be made here of such crops as have demonstrated their adaptability to the soil and climate from the standpoint of the greatest profit per acre. Wheat has a firm hold on the county since the days when settlers first came here to farm. Both the fall and spring varieties do well in Deuel county. Wheat has practically become the greatest one crop, though others have been introduced with irrigation in the districts where water can be had that pay well, but wheat has the greatest acreage and brings in the greatest returns from one product. Corn yields well and has done better with attention paid to scientific breeding and selection. The cool nights possibly
935
Wheat has a firm hold on the county since the days when settlers first came here to farm. Both the fall and spring varieties do well in Deuel county. Wheat has practically become the greatest one crop, though others have been introduced with irrigation in the districts where water can be had that pay well, but wheat has the greatest acreage and brings in the greatest returns from one product. Corn yields well and has done better with attention paid to scientific breeding and selection. The cool nights possibly
work against a maximum yield from the corn planters view, but with proper care and cultivation bounteous yields can be obtained. Kaffir corn, barley and other semi-arid grains are popular for fodder with the farmers within late years. In the irrigated districts of the county the sugar beet industry has become large and is very profitable. Potatoes also are cultivated and the immense crops bring in large money to the men who devote time to raising the "spud." In fact, practically every crop returns immense dividends where water is placed on the land.
In 1919 Deuel county produced two million bushels of wheat, most of which was marketed at Chappell and Big Springs, within the county and at Julesburg, just over the line in Colorado. Some was marketed at Dalton, Oshkosh, and Lewellen. This is the largest one product in the county and reflects the general prosperity of the country. The cattle and live stock business while not large as in the days of the open range is still of great importance in Deuel county. The farmers are working into high grade stock, which they raise on the farms and ship to the markets. Alfalfa is a profitable crop in this part of the state ; it produces a large yield per acre, more than double that of clover and has a high feeding value.
936
The cattle and live stock business while not large as in the days of the open range is still of great importance in Deuel county. The farmers are working into high grade stock, which they raise on the farms and ship to the markets. Alfalfa is a profitable crop in this part of the state ; it produces a large yield per acre, more than double that of clover and has a high feeding value. The most of the alfalfa grown in the United States is produced in western Nebraska and Kansas. On irrigated land the tonnage per acre is enormous. All vegetables are grown in the county that are common to the temperate zone but outside of sugar beets and potatoes are not largely exported.
In 1920, less acreage was planted to wheat in Deuel county and black rust did such damage that the crop was approximately two-thirds of the crop of 1919, but at that close to a million bushels were marketed and some three hundred thousand bushels were being held by the farmers in Tanuarv. 1921. Some of the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
men holding their wheat are in financial circumstances to permit it, but others are not. The latter class feel, however, that to let loose at the present market value, will be ruinous to them. Reasoning that it is bankruptcy to sell now, they are sticking for higher prices, feeling that they cannot lose by delay.
The wealth of Deuel county must be attributed to the thrift and energy of her citizens for it has been the product of the years. Soil has yielded rich rewards to the tiller, but the process has been slow. However, farms have developed, homes been established, the railroad is in vigorous operation and prosperous years have come to the people.
937
Reasoning that it is bankruptcy to sell now, they are sticking for higher prices, feeling that they cannot lose by delay.
The wealth of Deuel county must be attributed to the thrift and energy of her citizens for it has been the product of the years. Soil has yielded rich rewards to the tiller, but the process has been slow. However, farms have developed, homes been established, the railroad is in vigorous operation and prosperous years have come to the people. Deuel is essentially an agricultural county and it is the products of the soil with the labor of the settlers that have won the county's place of prominence in Nebraska.
Great indeed are the changes from the day Deuel county was organized. There were no automobiles, motorcycles, tractors or the like in the county then and transportation was by wagon and buggy. Today all is changed, the motor cars frisk the population over the highways from town to town and across the country. Years ago the breaking plow was the king of implements, now its place is taken by the riding plow drawn in many cases by the tractor. Today nearly all farm machinery in the county is up-to-date. Gang plows stir the
fields that the old time implements began to work ; planters, drills, listers, seeders, harvesters or binders, double rowed cultivators, riding harrows, six foot mowers, rakes, sweeps, stackers, threshers, and every other implement that has a name or place in modern husbandry, are now in use in Deuel county fields on Deuel county farms. Today the telephone places the farmer in a position to keep in touch with the market hour by hour and much farm business today is transacted by telephone lines which stretch over Deuel county connecting the farms with the towns.
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fields that the old time implements began to work ; planters, drills, listers, seeders, harvesters or binders, double rowed cultivators, riding harrows, six foot mowers, rakes, sweeps, stackers, threshers, and every other implement that has a name or place in modern husbandry, are now in use in Deuel county fields on Deuel county farms. Today the telephone places the farmer in a position to keep in touch with the market hour by hour and much farm business today is transacted by telephone lines which stretch over Deuel county connecting the farms with the towns.
The land value of Deuel county is high, making it a rich division of the state though small ; it has not been possible to learn the value of the personal property value of the county but it ranks among the first of the counties of the Panhandle : this taken in connection with the values of live stock makes a person begin to think of the wealth and resources of Deuel.
The history of Deuel county has ever been the history of the frontier. The spirit that has presided over her destines has been that of the pioneer; the creative, formative forces have been the same as those which won the west from the wilderness and within the last two decades the county has been pioneering in the establishment of its irrigation and last phase of development.
GARDEN COUNTY
EARLY HISTORY
This locality was a favorite hunting ground of the American Indians. In the north, the scores of beautiful lakes; in the center, Blue creek, with its miles of willow fringed meadows, and a little farther south the broad North Platte river with its cedar covered bluffs and canyons, furnished ideal places for camp, hunt or battle ground.
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The spirit that has presided over her destines has been that of the pioneer; the creative, formative forces have been the same as those which won the west from the wilderness and within the last two decades the county has been pioneering in the establishment of its irrigation and last phase of development.
GARDEN COUNTY
EARLY HISTORY
This locality was a favorite hunting ground of the American Indians. In the north, the scores of beautiful lakes; in the center, Blue creek, with its miles of willow fringed meadows, and a little farther south the broad North Platte river with its cedar covered bluffs and canyons, furnished ideal places for camp, hunt or battle ground.
Indian relics are still easily found ; beads, stone axes and arrow heads being most abundant.
One of the Indians' best buffalo traps was a bluff near the river about five miles west of
Christ Lake
Ash Hollow. On top of this bluff, is about thirty acres of level pasture land. On the southeast side, there is an easy, gradual slope to the top. This possible way of approach, however, comprises not more than one tenth of the circumference of the hill. At all other places, no man or animal can ascend or descend. Any time the Indians could scare a few buffalo onto this hill, they could prevent them from taking the back track and there was no place for them to go except to try a jump and light upon the rocks fifty to one hundred and fifty feet helow.
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This possible way of approach, however, comprises not more than one tenth of the circumference of the hill. At all other places, no man or animal can ascend or descend. Any time the Indians could scare a few buffalo onto this hill, they could prevent them from taking the back track and there was no place for them to go except to try a jump and light upon the rocks fifty to one hundred and fifty feet helow.
The legend is that the first white man to settle here, was one McCullingan. Certain it is, that a canyon about four miles south of I Ishkosh is -lill called McCulligan's canyon and
there may be seen the remains of a stone fire place cut into the rock.
Ash Hollow is one of the few places along the river, where one can drive down from the south tableland to the river botton with a wagon; and in early times, it was the only feasible place of ascent and descent. Ash Hollow at its lower end is a. wide, sand draw can- \on; this soon begins to become narrower, "iinber and brush appear in abundance. The way becomes tortuous, and rocky, but without any particularly steep ascent in any place, we arrive on the level tableland nearly three hundred feet above the river bottom.
The canyon is said to have been a dangerous place to pass through in early times because of hostile Indians. The first settlers found several graves at the lower end of the hollow, upon one of which was a board marker, with the inscription Rachel Pattison, died 1849. This grave is now marked by a stone slab and there is an Oregon Trail marker there.
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The way becomes tortuous, and rocky, but without any particularly steep ascent in any place, we arrive on the level tableland nearly three hundred feet above the river bottom.
The canyon is said to have been a dangerous place to pass through in early times because of hostile Indians. The first settlers found several graves at the lower end of the hollow, upon one of which was a board marker, with the inscription Rachel Pattison, died 1849. This grave is now marked by a stone slab and there is an Oregon Trail marker there.
Beside the Indian relics, many remains of pre-historic animals have been found in and near Ash Hollow. Of these, the most valuable collections have been made by Air. and Mrs. M. P. Clary, who live in the Hollow ; and by Mr. Edward H. Hartman, who lives near the mouth of Blue creek.
In the mad rush to the west, the pioneers during several decades scarcely stopped to take a second look at the territory which is now Garden county : Westward Ho ! Farther, farther west, was the cry.
Not more than fifty years ago, the cattlemen began ranging stock in the valley here. First among them were the Adams Reddington Company south of the river and the Knowles Baldwin Company and Ogalalla Land and Cattle Company north of the river. One of the first permanent habitations in the county was a camp built near the mouth of Blue Creek by the Ogalalla Company. The site of this old camp is
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Farther, farther west, was the cry.
Not more than fifty years ago, the cattlemen began ranging stock in the valley here. First among them were the Adams Reddington Company south of the river and the Knowles Baldwin Company and Ogalalla Land and Cattle Company north of the river. One of the first permanent habitations in the county was a camp built near the mouth of Blue Creek by the Ogalalla Company. The site of this old camp is
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
near where the farm buildings of William Rolfing now stand, a little over a mile west of Lewellen.
The days of the free range cattle baron extended until about the year 1889; that was the year of the last range cattle "Round up ;" then the fencing in of huge pastures began. The United States Government made such strenuous objections to the holding of government land under fence, that the large pastures were soon cut up and the deeded land ranch became the proper thing.
This part of the North Platte valley land did not look very attractive to the early settler. The big herds of cattle kept the grass eaten off and the sand trampled up ; so that the soil looked to be too sandy for any use. Furthermore, the homeseeker would often be told that the place of his choice had already been filed upon or patented, when, in reality, it was open for homestead entry. Then, too, the government corners were few and far between ; so that determining locations were very difficult. John Yenscn, a Lodgepole locator, found claims for many of the earliest settlers, pushing his surveys north of the river as early as the year 1885.
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The big herds of cattle kept the grass eaten off and the sand trampled up ; so that the soil looked to be too sandy for any use. Furthermore, the homeseeker would often be told that the place of his choice had already been filed upon or patented, when, in reality, it was open for homestead entry. Then, too, the government corners were few and far between ; so that determining locations were very difficult. John Yenscn, a Lodgepole locator, found claims for many of the earliest settlers, pushing his surveys north of the river as early as the year 1885.
Mr. William Lisco was one of the first cowboys to ride the range in this vicinity. His first job here was in 1872 and it was nearly fifteen years later that he took his claim on the valley just west of the present line between Garden and Morrill counties.
Previous to the year 1885, when the Lewellen settlement was started by D. C. Hooper and others, and the Oshkosh settlement was started by John Robinson and H. G. Gumaer, Rueben Lisco had located on Rush Creek and S. P. Delatour on Blue Creek.
So, today, Mr. Delatour and Mr. Lisco are about the oldest of the "old timers." Both of them are still in the ranching business and both are successful in the banking business.
Mr. Delatour located and still lives .in Cheyenne canyon on Blue Creek, where the Indians made their last stand in Harney's Battle of Ash Hollow.
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Hooper and others, and the Oshkosh settlement was started by John Robinson and H. G. Gumaer, Rueben Lisco had located on Rush Creek and S. P. Delatour on Blue Creek.
So, today, Mr. Delatour and Mr. Lisco are about the oldest of the "old timers." Both of them are still in the ranching business and both are successful in the banking business.
Mr. Delatour located and still lives .in Cheyenne canyon on Blue Creek, where the Indians made their last stand in Harney's Battle of Ash Hollow.
In 1885, the Bowers brothers opened up headquarters for a horse ranch about ten miles west of where Oshkosh now is located.
The south table was the first part of the county to receive much attention, the settlers working north from the main line of the Union Pacific railroad. Among the first ones were Reuben Lisco, C. M. Cowdin, who sold out in Ingraham and Coombs; Ernest Sherman, Asa Remsburg, Jacob Roudebush, John Orr. Peter Olson, Charles Olson, Chris and Cal McCormick, Henry and George Gilliard,
Dennis and Morse P. Clary. After settlements were made on the north side of the river and teaming had to be done via Chappell, the Geo. W. Hulse place was the half-way house and feeding station. William Keizer established the Kowanda postoffice in 1889, bringing the mail up from Julesburg by stage. The postoffice is still being used, the mail coming over from Chappell now. Mrs. Henry G. Smith is the present postmistress. She also carries a small stock of goods for the accommodation of its patrons.
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After settlements were made on the north side of the river and teaming had to be done via Chappell, the Geo. W. Hulse place was the half-way house and feeding station. William Keizer established the Kowanda postoffice in 1889, bringing the mail up from Julesburg by stage. The postoffice is still being used, the mail coming over from Chappell now. Mrs. Henry G. Smith is the present postmistress. She also carries a small stock of goods for the accommodation of its patrons.
D. C. Hooper, one of the first settlers north of the river near Lewellen used to walk to Ogallala or Big Springs for his groceries. He had a hand-cart with which he hauled them.
Farm Home, at Ash Hollow
He carried a sack of flour on his back from Big Springs to his home. He would lie down to sleep wherever night overtook him. After Dennis B. Clary came, he made that a stopping place.
Dennis Clary came to the south table in 1885 when it was old Cheyenne county. His entire outfit consisted of a set of single harness and his grip. He came alone, his family coming the next year. When he arrived at Big Springs, he purchased a horse and rode out to his claim near Ash Hollow. He built a cart, nailing two thicknesses of boards together crosswise and trimming them into shape for wheels. The tire was a curved ash root nailed on this. The hub was an ash stump and the shafts were ash poles ; all topped off with a bed large enough to carry half a wagon load. With his horse "Old Jim*' and this cart he gathered bones and hauled them to Big Springs to pay for groceries. In fact, all his hauling was done in the old cart for a number of years.
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He built a cart, nailing two thicknesses of boards together crosswise and trimming them into shape for wheels. The tire was a curved ash root nailed on this. The hub was an ash stump and the shafts were ash poles ; all topped off with a bed large enough to carry half a wagon load. With his horse "Old Jim*' and this cart he gathered bones and hauled them to Big Springs to pay for groceries. In fact, all his hauling was done in the old cart for a number of years. His pitchfork was an ash limb with three branches for prongs. Mr. Clary bad preserved the old cart and pitchfork for years; but
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
a prairie tire finally ate them up. The old stone house on his tree claim in the Hollow was built by himself. He hauled the stone and logs with his one horse, cart and sled.
Mr. W. H. Gilliard and Dennis Clary laid out the Ash Hollow cemetery, where Rachel Pattison was buried. She was a young girl who had been shot by the Indians in 1849, while she was going to the spring at the mouth of the Hollow. These old men wished to be buried there, and their request was granted. There is a large cemetery there now, and here was placed and dedicated, one of the Oregon Trail monuments.
Rock at Ash Hollow, near Spring
The Killing of the Last Two Buffalo
In 1886, a band of Sioux Indians came down from the Reservation in South Dakota. They reached the Blue and startled the settlers somewhat ; but it proved to be merely a hunting expedition, finding so little game they had resorted to killing cattle for food. They found and killed the last two buffalo in this section.
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There is a large cemetery there now, and here was placed and dedicated, one of the Oregon Trail monuments.
Rock at Ash Hollow, near Spring
The Killing of the Last Two Buffalo
In 1886, a band of Sioux Indians came down from the Reservation in South Dakota. They reached the Blue and startled the settlers somewhat ; but it proved to be merely a hunting expedition, finding so little game they had resorted to killing cattle for food. They found and killed the last two buffalo in this section. The settlers had let these two alone thinking to preserve them. Mr. Ed. Hartman was interested enough to get one of the skulls and has it now, with his interesting collection.
Upon the west table north of Lisco were mam sections of very good farm lands. These were taken about 1887 and soon after by settlers coming from the east by way of Lodgepole. Among those settlers were Anson B. Allen, G. W. Mauk, John Bentley, Geo. Curfman, Arthur, Ed., Joe and Evelyn Murphy,
and John H. Stubbs from Iowa. It seems that Arthur Murphy built the first house on the west table in 1887. Among those old timers were Chas. Buske, Win. Shay, Harvey Brown, Wm. Wallace, Robert Granger, Arthur Welton and George Pierce (father of Mrs. John Martin) who also came in via Alliance. These were some of the sturdy ones who outlived the troubles of the dry years, hauling water and supplies for miles. They would sometimes sit in the dark in the evening for they were out of oil. These people were often twenty-five miles from a postoffice, and forty miles from a doctor, but as Mrs. L. M. Myers expressed it, the outdoor life made people much more healthy. They didn't need a doctor so often, but in some cases it was a serious hardship, as in the following experience.
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These were some of the sturdy ones who outlived the troubles of the dry years, hauling water and supplies for miles. They would sometimes sit in the dark in the evening for they were out of oil. These people were often twenty-five miles from a postoffice, and forty miles from a doctor, but as Mrs. L. M. Myers expressed it, the outdoor life made people much more healthy. They didn't need a doctor so often, but in some cases it was a serious hardship, as in the following experience. Mrs. Myers' father, Julius Johnson, was very seriously wounded by a desperado. She was obliged to wade and swim the river and go five miles to get help, then the neighbor had to go thirty miles to get the doctor. She had run most of the way and had just enough strength to tell them what was wanted when she fainted. They went to help her father and get the doctor and the father's life was saved.
This same lady when a girl was often out hunting for Indian beads, arrow heads, etc. One day she came to an old hollow stump, upon investigation it was found to contain many human bones and a button. It had evidently served as a grave for a child. It was beside the Old Mormon Trail and some Mormon emigrants had spent a winter here in years gone by. There was also a grave marked Sarah Turner, died 1872. The weather had almost smoothed the board-marker.
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This same lady when a girl was often out hunting for Indian beads, arrow heads, etc. One day she came to an old hollow stump, upon investigation it was found to contain many human bones and a button. It had evidently served as a grave for a child. It was beside the Old Mormon Trail and some Mormon emigrants had spent a winter here in years gone by. There was also a grave marked Sarah Turner, died 1872. The weather had almost smoothed the board-marker.
M. P. Clary and Bill Brown were going down the south side of the river when a snow storm came up. It developed into a real blizzard. To secure better protection from the storm, they went into a canyon just south of McCulligan's canyon and camped until it was over. They were compelled to take the end-gate of the wagon to shovel themselves out. When they got started, they were two days reaching home the snow was so deep.
The years, 1885-86-87, seemed to be the great years for settlement, as will be seen by looking over the history of the different localities. Settlers continued to come until the dry years, 1890-92-93-94, when so many grew discouraged and left. It was a kind Providence though for it left more pasture for those hardy ones who stayed. The hardships of these years tested the endurance of these brave people to the limit and only the strongest
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
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ones remained. It was during those dry years that A. D. Remington, who had located at Day, on the south table in 1887, did so much for the preservation of the settlers. He had started a store, postoffice, dairy and creamery. At the crisis in the dry years he loaned money to those in need, helping them to pull through until good crops came again.
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The hardships of these years tested the endurance of these brave people to the limit and only the strongest
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
?49
ones remained. It was during those dry years that A. D. Remington, who had located at Day, on the south table in 1887, did so much for the preservation of the settlers. He had started a store, postoffice, dairy and creamery. At the crisis in the dry years he loaned money to those in need, helping them to pull through until good crops came again. He was the means of keeping a good many people from leaving the country at that time. He was a wonderful help all through that famine ; for it grew very serious. Many gathered bones of animals bleached and dry, selling them to buy groceries. They would camp out a week at a time gathering bones. Stock was allowed to roam where it could snatch a little to eat. Potatoes were like hickory nuts but were gathered very carefully nevertheless. Victor Marsh's father, W. D. Marsh, living near the river was a carpenter so went where he could work at his trade. Others, like Mr. I. H. Kimbel and Kirk McCall living near Oshkosh and George Gilliard near Lewellen, made money by hunting. They would come home with a wagon load of geese, ducks, etc. They would dress, pack in barrels and ship them to Denver or Omaha making enough to buy groceries for themselves and often for a less fortunate neighbor.
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Marsh, living near the river was a carpenter so went where he could work at his trade. Others, like Mr. I. H. Kimbel and Kirk McCall living near Oshkosh and George Gilliard near Lewellen, made money by hunting. They would come home with a wagon load of geese, ducks, etc. They would dress, pack in barrels and ship them to Denver or Omaha making enough to buy groceries for themselves and often for a less fortunate neighbor.
The hunting in this region was fine in the early days. The first winter Mr. Tom Campbell was in this county up by the lakes, he caught sixteen beaver, eight otter and sixteen deer besides many ducks, geese, etc. There were some buffalo and many droves of wild horses,- which would steal the domesticated horse, refusing to let them return to their owners. So a war was waged on the wild horses. A high hill about seventeen miles northeast of Oshkosh was used as a relay station for fresh horses in hunting the wild ones as they could see a bunch of horses a long distance from there. It is called Wild Horse hill. One outfit caught one hundred horses in one trip. Over in the canyons just south of Oshkosh is Wild Horse Corral, a natural corral formed by steep rocks, in which wild horses were trapped and caught.
There were fewer birds then, than now, many' felt that the birds were real friends by cheering up some lonely settlers with their bright happy songs. To illustrate some of the inconveniences of early settlers, one lady near Lisco used a baking powder can and a hammer handle for a coffee mill.
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Over in the canyons just south of Oshkosh is Wild Horse Corral, a natural corral formed by steep rocks, in which wild horses were trapped and caught.
There were fewer birds then, than now, many' felt that the birds were real friends by cheering up some lonely settlers with their bright happy songs. To illustrate some of the inconveniences of early settlers, one lady near Lisco used a baking powder can and a hammer handle for a coffee mill.
Up on the table it was often two hundred to four hundred feet to water, costing $1.50 per foot for driving a well as many were short of monev thev were obliged to haul
water long distances, from four to nine miles. In such cases they didn't have much stock and would drive them to a pool or lagoon or take them with them when they went after water.
The prairie fires would come roaring over the land taking everything "in its course. The best protection in such cases were strips of plowing, wide enough to prevent the fire from jumping across. Mrs. Jones, Mary Henderson then, was living on her homestead west of town and had Pearl Jensen staying with her. They saw a prairie fire over east of Oshkosh. They were worried at first, then concluded that the fire couldn't get past Oshkosh so went
Rush Ckeek Ranch. Rocky Point
to sleep About ten o'clock they were awakened by the bright' light from the fire which had come quite close to them. They dressed hurriedly, took sacks and water to beat it away from the house and corral. Mrs. Jones' brother, Lee Henderson, had gathered a large pile of wood for her winter's supply. The fire got into that and burned it up, almost getting to the house. The two women worked until morning when the fire had passed.
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to sleep About ten o'clock they were awakened by the bright' light from the fire which had come quite close to them. They dressed hurriedly, took sacks and water to beat it away from the house and corral. Mrs. Jones' brother, Lee Henderson, had gathered a large pile of wood for her winter's supply. The fire got into that and burned it up, almost getting to the house. The two women worked until morning when the fire had passed. A neighbor came over to see how they had stood the fire. 1 Ie had fought it and lost most of his hay, but had saved his home. They were all feeling rather blue and discouraged.
Mr. George Gilliard took a load of household goods for a neighbor from Lewellen up twenty-five miles north of Alliance. It took nearly a week. He camped on the way up and back, and paid his own expenses. He received $10 for the trip and thought himself wonderfully well paid.
Among the blessings of these early settlers are to be counted the wild fruits and berries to be found in the canyons and at oilier points throughout this part of the county. Wild currants, cherries, grapes, and plums grew m
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
abundance in the canyons and among the rocks, while in the sandhills are found the sand cherries.
There were very few settlers in the sandhills then, few and far between. In the early days', a family wished to get up to a northern settlement so struck out across the county through the sandhills. They got lost and wandered around for some days. They ate up all the provisions they had and fed the straw out of the bed-ticks to the horses before they finally came to the head of Blue Creek.
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abundance in the canyons and among the rocks, while in the sandhills are found the sand cherries.
There were very few settlers in the sandhills then, few and far between. In the early days', a family wished to get up to a northern settlement so struck out across the county through the sandhills. They got lost and wandered around for some days. They ate up all the provisions they had and fed the straw out of the bed-ticks to the horses before they finally came to the head of Blue Creek. They knew they would find somebody by following that down. They reached the Davis ranch tired and hungry. After resting and getting a fresh supply of provisions they secured a cowboy guide to take them through the hills. It is easy, even now, to get lost in them and there are many more settlers.
The usual and popular residence of the early settlers was of course the "Soddy." Even the Kinkaid homesteaders of 1905 to 1910 most all built sod houses. Among the older settlers however, there arose a great craze of building residences of stone laid up in Alkali mud. These materials could usually be found handy and in abundance, and when properly constructed such a house is nearly as good as a brick house.
About 1906, the fashion changed and the frame house or concrete house became popular. It was about that time that Archie Wynes and Herman Bushnell hauled cement from Julesburg and made a large stone and cement block opera house in Oshkosh. The porch built in front of the building was floored with cement. This was before the county division and was the first cement porch or sidewalk laid in Deuel county.
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These materials could usually be found handy and in abundance, and when properly constructed such a house is nearly as good as a brick house.
About 1906, the fashion changed and the frame house or concrete house became popular. It was about that time that Archie Wynes and Herman Bushnell hauled cement from Julesburg and made a large stone and cement block opera house in Oshkosh. The porch built in front of the building was floored with cement. This was before the county division and was the first cement porch or sidewalk laid in Deuel county.
The wagon bridges at Oshkosh and Lewellen were not built until 1891. Previous to that time crossing the river was usually dangerous. Many would get caught in the quicksand, losing their horses, loads and sometimes even themselves. Mr. Robert Dailey living near Lisco was crossing the river near his home when the horses got into the quicksand. It was cold and in spite of all his efforts he couldn't untie the wet ropes or loosen the harness. He lost the two horses, but was fortunate enough to save himself. He also had some experience in crossing the ice. He started across with a load of hogs for market. He tried twice and finally had to unload them on the ice and drive them home. The third time he took them down to Oshkosh and crossed on the bridge.
Jesse Lee Colyer said many a time they had tied a rope to a board and dragged that over the ice in order to have it to cross the
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He also had some experience in crossing the ice. He started across with a load of hogs for market. He tried twice and finally had to unload them on the ice and drive them home. The third time he took them down to Oshkosh and crossed on the bridge.
Jesse Lee Colyer said many a time they had tied a rope to a board and dragged that over the ice in order to have it to cross the
open channels in the ice. In trying to handle the board and packages of groceries they would be so careful of the board that they would lose the groceries.
Of all the old timers, none was handier with rope or gun than Texas Bill Helms. His claim was in the hills near the Geo. Richardson ranch. His favorite weapon was the 45 calibre Colt, but in all his gun fights with friends and neighbors, although apparently shooting to kill, he would cripple and vanquish his opponent without killing him, usually coming out of the encounter uninjured. He once sent a bullet ploughing across the top of Harm Granger's head but not breaking the skull.
On one occasion he went to Mr. Jackett's home and after a bitter quarrel, Mr. Jackett grabbed a revolver and ordered him off the place. Helms started to leave but unknown to Jackett he had left his shotgun leaning against the doorjam as he came in. Just as he stepped out he grabbed the shotgun and noticing that Jackett was off his guard, turned and shot his hand off and the revolver dropped to the floor without having been discharged.
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On one occasion he went to Mr. Jackett's home and after a bitter quarrel, Mr. Jackett grabbed a revolver and ordered him off the place. Helms started to leave but unknown to Jackett he had left his shotgun leaning against the doorjam as he came in. Just as he stepped out he grabbed the shotgun and noticing that Jackett was off his guard, turned and shot his hand off and the revolver dropped to the floor without having been discharged.
One evening early in December, 1896, Helms went out to bring in his milk cows and just as he had driven them through a gate, closed it and got on his horse again, a fusilade of shots rang out from the top of a little hill not more than fifty yards distant, man and horse dropped dead, riddled with bullets and buckshot. The murderers were never apprehended. Empty rifle and shot gun shells were found on top of the little hill, but the tracks of the gunmen were obliterated by the drifting sand and the officers had to give up the chase.
Israel Kimbel tells an incident of his experience as emergency deputy under Sheriff Rube Lisco in 1892.
It seems that A. D. Remington of Day postoffice had a mortgage on a bunch of cattle belonging to Hi. Wilson who lived in the hills north of Island Lake. Wilson was unable to settle and Remington sent Constable Bill Plummer of Big Springs to take possession of the cattle under the mortgage. Mr. Plummer came back unsuccessful ; so Mr. Remington brought suit in replevin. Sheriff Lisco went to serve the writ ; but Mr. Wilson and his sons and sonin-law resisted so stoutly that the sheriff went back to Chapped and procured a warrant for their arrest. On his second trip accompanied by Bill Plummer and a boy from Chicago he pulled into a hunting camp on Island Lake just as a blizzard came down from the north.
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Plummer came back unsuccessful ; so Mr. Remington brought suit in replevin. Sheriff Lisco went to serve the writ ; but Mr. Wilson and his sons and sonin-law resisted so stoutly that the sheriff went back to Chapped and procured a warrant for their arrest. On his second trip accompanied by Bill Plummer and a boy from Chicago he pulled into a hunting camp on Island Lake just as a blizzard came down from the north. Here he found Floyd Jones, A. W. Gumaer, Kirk McCall and Israel Kimbel who had no trouble in persuading him to stop and help eat the roast
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
duck and swan, and share their camp during the blizzard. ( >n the third day they hit the trail for the Wilsons and soon had them arrested and hand-cuffed ; but Mrs. Wilson's bulldog got into the melee and started to chew up the trousers of the sheriff. The Chicago boy and Plummer both emptied their guns at the dog without effect, not even hitting any of the men or women in the crowd. Mrs. Wilson felled the Chicago boy with a huge beef bone and the dog having got out a little to one side Mr. Kirribel shot and killed it, but Mrs. Wilson's anger still raged, thinking that the poor dog had been shot by the boy. After the sheriff and constable had gone with their prisoners, the hunter deputies stayed and visited until the exasperated Mrs. Wilson got in a good humor and treated them to a bountiful and delicious dinner.
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Wilson felled the Chicago boy with a huge beef bone and the dog having got out a little to one side Mr. Kirribel shot and killed it, but Mrs. Wilson's anger still raged, thinking that the poor dog had been shot by the boy. After the sheriff and constable had gone with their prisoners, the hunter deputies stayed and visited until the exasperated Mrs. Wilson got in a good humor and treated them to a bountiful and delicious dinner.
Organization of the County
In early times, the territory now included in Garden county was a part of old Cheyenne county. In the year 1888, the eastern part of Cheyenne county was cut off and Deuel county organized with Chappell the county seat.
On the completion of the railroad up the North Platte river in 1908, the people in the central and northern part of the county began strenuously to advocate county division. Even with the county seat at Chappell the people in the northeast part of the county were seventyfive miles from the seat of county government. Petitions for county division election were circulated in 1909, the question voted upon in the fall election and carried by an overwhelming majority. Eugene Delatour, county clerk, at once executed the certificate that the county was divided and that the part north of township fifteen to be henceforth known as Garden county.
The first county officers were : Robt. A. Day, Clerk ; Charles Davis, Treasurer; Walter Clark, Sheriff; T. C. McKee, Superintendent of Schools ; Lee Minner, Attorney ; John Robinson, Surveyor; J. C. Hartman. Assessor, H. H. Hough, Coroner ; A. W. Gttmaer, Tudge ; and M. P. Clary, D. F. Fickes, and Wni Barnwell, Commissioners.
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Eugene Delatour, county clerk, at once executed the certificate that the county was divided and that the part north of township fifteen to be henceforth known as Garden county.
The first county officers were : Robt. A. Day, Clerk ; Charles Davis, Treasurer; Walter Clark, Sheriff; T. C. McKee, Superintendent of Schools ; Lee Minner, Attorney ; John Robinson, Surveyor; J. C. Hartman. Assessor, H. H. Hough, Coroner ; A. W. Gttmaer, Tudge ; and M. P. Clary, D. F. Fickes, and Wni Barnwell, Commissioners.
Oshkosh the new county seat is conveniently located in the south central part of the county. The commissioners rented the lower floor of the Commercial hotel in Oshkosh for a court
house, hired Mr. Day to transcribe the records from Deuel county ; built a temporary jail and a cement vault for the records, and early in 1910 Oshkosh got settled down to the duties and responsibilities as county sat of the new county.
In the spring of 1914, the county commissioners called a special election to submit to the voters the question of issuing court house bonds in the sum of forty thousand dollars ($40,000). The measure failed to carry and the. county is still renting the old cramped, unsuitable building for a court house. The county officers at this time. March, 1920. are: G. E. Melvin Clerk ; Ed. S. Wood, Treasurer ; A. W. Gumaer, Judge; R. H. Smith, Sheriff; H. J. Curtis, Attorney; H. A. Mark, Surveyor; Esther M. Johnson. Superintendent; D. F. Fickes, Assessor; Wm. L. Law, J. R. Woolery, and W. R. VV. Taylor, Commissioners.
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The measure failed to carry and the. county is still renting the old cramped, unsuitable building for a court house. The county officers at this time. March, 1920. are: G. E. Melvin Clerk ; Ed. S. Wood, Treasurer ; A. W. Gumaer, Judge; R. H. Smith, Sheriff; H. J. Curtis, Attorney; H. A. Mark, Surveyor; Esther M. Johnson. Superintendent; D. F. Fickes, Assessor; Wm. L. Law, J. R. Woolery, and W. R. VV. Taylor, Commissioners.
The record of officers serving in Garden county from the date of the county organization to the present time ( 1920) is as follows:
County Clerks: Robt. A. Day. 1910-1916; Geo. Melvin, 1916 still in office.
Treasurers : Chas. Davis. 1910-1916 : Ralph Laycock, 1916-1918; Ed. S. Wood, 1918 still in office.
Sheriffs: Walter Clark. 1910-1918; R. H. Smith, 1918, still in office.
Superintendent of Schools: T. C. McKee, 1910-1913; Nellie Olson-Stroud. 1913-1918; Esther M. Johnson. 1918, still in office.
County Attorneys: Dee Minner, 1910, only a few inonths. R. F. Williams. 1910-1916; H. f. Curtis. 1916, still in office.
Surveyors: John Robinson, 1910-1916; H. A. Mark. 1916." still in office.
Assessors: lohn C. Hartman, 1910-1912; J. C. Morgan, 1912-1916; D. F. Fickes. 1916, still in office.
Coroner: Dr. H. H. Hough. 1910-1916; Dr. Geo. H. Morris, 1916-1918; H. I. Curtis, 1918, still in office.
Judge: A. W. Gumaer. 1910. still in office.
Commissioners: Third district, M. P. Clary, 1910-1916; Roscoe Vance. 1916-1918; W. C. Clark, 1918-1920: W. R. W. Taylor, 1920. appointed to fill vacancy. Second district. D. F. Fickes. 1910-1911; I. C. Roudebush, 1911- 1916; W. L. haw. 1916, still in office. First district, Wm. Barnwell, 1910-1916; I. R. Woolery, 1916 1920
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H. H. Hough. 1910-1916; Dr. Geo. H. Morris, 1916-1918; H. I. Curtis, 1918, still in office.
Judge: A. W. Gumaer. 1910. still in office.
Commissioners: Third district, M. P. Clary, 1910-1916; Roscoe Vance. 1916-1918; W. C. Clark, 1918-1920: W. R. W. Taylor, 1920. appointed to fill vacancy. Second district. D. F. Fickes. 1910-1911; I. C. Roudebush, 1911- 1916; W. L. haw. 1916, still in office. First district, Wm. Barnwell, 1910-1916; I. R. Woolery, 1916 1920
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
BOUNDARY DISPUTES -- AS BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS
The original land surveys in Garden county, being indistinctly marked, have been the source of continual trouble. In some of the townships no interior corners are to be found. The current rumor is that the Indians bothered the surveyors so much that the surveyors could not do their work in a proper and thorough manner.
The early settlers in township 17, range 44, where Oshkosh is now located, took up a collection and hired a surveyor to resurvey the township and mark every section and quarter section corner. So this central township has been free from boundary line quarrels. Mr. Marsh, one of the earliest settlers near the present site of Lewellen, was a surveyor and did considerable work in his line in that neighborhood. The corners made or perpetuated by him have saved considerable trouble and expense.
There has always been a great scramble for hay land especially in the northern part of the county, where the valuable hay lands lie in small valleys surrounded by rough pasture lands. Anyone resorting to litigation to determine a boundary line was at once confronted with the necessity of spending a large sum on surveyor's fees ; it being necessary in many instances to survey an entire township in order to surely determine the location of a single quarter section.
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There has always been a great scramble for hay land especially in the northern part of the county, where the valuable hay lands lie in small valleys surrounded by rough pasture lands. Anyone resorting to litigation to determine a boundary line was at once confronted with the necessity of spending a large sum on surveyor's fees ; it being necessary in many instances to survey an entire township in order to surely determine the location of a single quarter section. Accordingly, trial by battle was occasionally resorted to, but even this ancient method produced no satisfactory results. Finally, the United States government, recognizing the urgent necessity, began making resurveys and have now succeeded in finishing a considerable portion of this territory.
In the year 1910, C. J. Devasher, an eccentric character from the south, measured off his newly acquired section homestead in the northeastern part of the county and announced that it included Les. Ballenger's ranch buildings. He further proceeded to build his residence close to Mr. Ballenger's and gave Mr. Ballenger to understand that he could move off if he did not like it. Upon complaint and hearing before the Insanity Board, Dr. Devasher was found to be insane and committed and sent to the State Hospital for the insane. Within three weeks he was discharged and was back home continuing the fight for what he believed to be his legal rights. After several rounds in court and out, Mr. Devasher discovered that he had made
a big mistake in measuring off his claim and that it neither included hay land, the Ballenger buildings nor anything else of any particular value. He accordingly gave up the fight in disgust.
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Devasher was found to be insane and committed and sent to the State Hospital for the insane. Within three weeks he was discharged and was back home continuing the fight for what he believed to be his legal rights. After several rounds in court and out, Mr. Devasher discovered that he had made
a big mistake in measuring off his claim and that it neither included hay land, the Ballenger buildings nor anything else of any particular value. He accordingly gave up the fight in disgust.
It was also in the year 1910 that William J. Dymond decided that his homestead extended over and through one of Perry Yeast's choice hay valleys. Mr. Dymond and his sons, Golba D. Groves and Mr. H. S. Coulson went to work to put up the hay in this valley. Within a day or two, they suddenly found themselves surrounded by a considerable company of armed men on horseback, Perry Yeast in command. Mr. Yeast told them to take themselves off the place and fix up the fence. As they refused. Mr. Yeast made them an oration in genuine, if not choice cowboy language, emphasizing same with ornate ge=ture and flourish of a six-shooter. The other men proceeded with axes, sledges and knives to break, cut, smash and demolish Mr. Dymond's haying machinery and harness. Mr. Dymond and party were not armed and did not resist.
Mr. Yeast and his party were arrested and tried at the fall term of court on a charge of unlawful assembly. It being practically impossible to prove that they had planned and conspired together to commit the act ; they were all acquitted and discharged. They did not attempt to deny that they destroyed the machinery and cut up the harness and offered to pay the whole damage.
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Dymond and party were not armed and did not resist.
Mr. Yeast and his party were arrested and tried at the fall term of court on a charge of unlawful assembly. It being practically impossible to prove that they had planned and conspired together to commit the act ; they were all acquitted and discharged. They did not attempt to deny that they destroyed the machinery and cut up the harness and offered to pay the whole damage. Mr. Dymond would not accept their money nor any part of it.
Upon careful investigation, Mr. Dymond found that he was wrong in his contention concerning his boundary line and that he had been trespassing upon Mr. Yeast's land.
Meager and highly exaggerated rumors concerning the Yeast-Dymond skirmish rapidly spread in every direction and within a day or two it must have been the impression in manycities that there was a state of war in existence. At any rate, several persons here received telegrams from city papers asking for daily detailed telegraphic reports of the war between cattlemen and homesteaders.
On the whole, the attitude of old timers and cattlemen toward homesteaders has been uniformly kind and neighborly, despite the rank and disgraceful school of fiction which represents the cattlemen as being wild, hostile, unreasonable and cannibalistic.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
As Between Counties
The territory now organized as Garden county was in early times the northeastern part of Cheyenne county and, from the year 1888 until the year 1910, it was the northern part of Deuel county. The eastern boundary of Cheyenne county was defined by the legislature to be the 25th degree of longitude west from Washington. This 25th degree was hard to find, but soon after the creation of Deuel county, there was some dispute between Deuel and Keith counties concerning the boundary ; so the commissioners of the respective counties surveyed out and agreed upon a boundary.
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The territory now organized as Garden county was in early times the northeastern part of Cheyenne county and, from the year 1888 until the year 1910, it was the northern part of Deuel county. The eastern boundary of Cheyenne county was defined by the legislature to be the 25th degree of longitude west from Washington. This 25th degree was hard to find, but soon after the creation of Deuel county, there was some dispute between Deuel and Keith counties concerning the boundary ; so the commissioners of the respective counties surveyed out and agreed upon a boundary. Keith county only extends north to the north line of township 16 and there the surveyors stopped. This left the boundary line as between Deuel and Arthur, and between Deuel and Grant counties undetermined and unmarked. The State legislature in 1895 attempted to remedy this trouble by passing a law fixing the west boundaries of Arthur and Grant counties on the range line between ranges 40 and 41 west ; which range line is about three and one-half miles east of the 25th degree as between Deuel and Arthur counties and is about two and one-quarter miles east of the 25th degree as between Deuel and Grant counties. This range line was generally recognized by county and state officers and citizens as being the eastern boundary of Deuel, despite the fact that as there had been no vote of the people on the question, the statute of 1895 was unconstitutional and void.
About a year after the time of the organization of Garden county in 1910, McPherson county then having charge of Arthur county judicial and revenue purposes, brought suit to enjoin the officers of Garden county from collecting taxes against persons or property in the territory lying between the 25th degree of longitude and the west line of range 40.
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This range line was generally recognized by county and state officers and citizens as being the eastern boundary of Deuel, despite the fact that as there had been no vote of the people on the question, the statute of 1895 was unconstitutional and void.
About a year after the time of the organization of Garden county in 1910, McPherson county then having charge of Arthur county judicial and revenue purposes, brought suit to enjoin the officers of Garden county from collecting taxes against persons or property in the territory lying between the 25th degree of longitude and the west line of range 40. This suit dragged along for a couple of years and Mc- Pherson county decided that they had mistaken their remedy and dismissed the suit.
In the year 1914, Arthur county having started up their regularly organized county business, filed suit in quo warranto to oust Garden county and its officers from the same strip of territory in question in the above mentioned McPherson county suit. The contention of Arthur county was, that the original eastern boundary of Cheyenne county, to-wit, the 25th degree of longitude, must hold for Cheyenne county's successors, Deuel and Garden'counties ; that the Statute of 1895 was unconstitutional and void and therefore the exercise of control over the disputed strip by Garden county was illegal. < >n the other hand, Garden county contended that the 25th degree of longitude was wholly unknown and an imaginary line and that no attempt was ever made by anyone to have it surveyed and marked on the face of the earth until the year 1912; denied that said line became, ever has been or is the east line of Garden county, the west line of Arthur county, or the boundary line between Garden and Arthur counties.
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The contention of Arthur county was, that the original eastern boundary of Cheyenne county, to-wit, the 25th degree of longitude, must hold for Cheyenne county's successors, Deuel and Garden'counties ; that the Statute of 1895 was unconstitutional and void and therefore the exercise of control over the disputed strip by Garden county was illegal. < >n the other hand, Garden county contended that the 25th degree of longitude was wholly unknown and an imaginary line and that no attempt was ever made by anyone to have it surveyed and marked on the face of the earth until the year 1912; denied that said line became, ever has been or is the east line of Garden county, the west line of Arthur county, or the boundary line between Garden and Arthur counties.
Garden county further alleged that all along, prior to, and ever since the legislative act of 1895, Deuel county, within its inherent and statutory power, exercised jurisdiction and authority in all public matters over said strip of territory as a part of Deuel county, and continued so to do until Garden county was organized ; that since its organization, Garden county has continued to exercise such jurisdiction and authority, and does so at the present time ; that during all of this time, to the present, school, road and voing districts within said counties of Deuel and Garden, have embraced, and do embrace said strip ; that highways have been built, public schools established and maintained, elections held, justice administered, property assessed and the taxes collected and disbursed by Deuel and Garden counties; in all of which the residents and taxpayers have participated, and received the benefits and enjoyments thereof; without protest on their part or on the part of Arthur couny.
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Garden county further alleged that all along, prior to, and ever since the legislative act of 1895, Deuel county, within its inherent and statutory power, exercised jurisdiction and authority in all public matters over said strip of territory as a part of Deuel county, and continued so to do until Garden county was organized ; that since its organization, Garden county has continued to exercise such jurisdiction and authority, and does so at the present time ; that during all of this time, to the present, school, road and voing districts within said counties of Deuel and Garden, have embraced, and do embrace said strip ; that highways have been built, public schools established and maintained, elections held, justice administered, property assessed and the taxes collected and disbursed by Deuel and Garden counties; in all of which the residents and taxpayers have participated, and received the benefits and enjoyments thereof; without protest on their part or on the part of Arthur couny.
At the 1916 fall term of the district court of Garden county, Nebraska, Judge Hobart held that the range line between ranges 40 and 41 is the boundary between Arthur and Garden counties and dismissed Arthur county's petition.
Arthur county appealed the case to the supreme court of the state. Which court affirmed the decision of Judge Hobart and in the opinion filed November 17, 1916, and reported in the 100 Nebraska, page 324, decided the range line between ranges 40 and 41 to be the county boundary. Thus, the little "No Man's Land" which had been in dispute for fifty years, became permanently a part of Garden county.
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At the 1916 fall term of the district court of Garden county, Nebraska, Judge Hobart held that the range line between ranges 40 and 41 is the boundary between Arthur and Garden counties and dismissed Arthur county's petition.
Arthur county appealed the case to the supreme court of the state. Which court affirmed the decision of Judge Hobart and in the opinion filed November 17, 1916, and reported in the 100 Nebraska, page 324, decided the range line between ranges 40 and 41 to be the county boundary. Thus, the little "No Man's Land" which had been in dispute for fifty years, became permanently a part of Garden county.
While this suit was pending. Grant county prevailed upon the attorney general of the state to file original suit in the supreme court on behalf of Grant county to oust Garden county and its officers from control of and authority over the disputed strip as between Grant and Garden counties. This was the strip about two and one fourth miles wide lying between the west line of range 40 and the 25th degree of longitude in townships 21, 22 and 23 north.
The issue, were practically the same a- in
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the Arthur-Garden county case. Grant county filed a demurrer to Garden county's answer on the ground that said answer did not contain facts sufficient to constitute a defense to the complaint. Upon hearing thereon the demurer was overruled and William Mitchell of Alliance was appointed as referee to take the evidence and report findings of fact and conclusions of law to the court. After taking the evidence at Hyannis and Oshkosh and cogitating thereon for six months, the referee found that the 25th degree of longitude was and is the boundary line between Grant and Garden counties ; that Garden county should be ousted from the territory east of the 25th degree, and recommended that the boundary line be placed about three quarters of a mile west of the 25th degree at the middle of range 41.
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Upon hearing thereon the demurer was overruled and William Mitchell of Alliance was appointed as referee to take the evidence and report findings of fact and conclusions of law to the court. After taking the evidence at Hyannis and Oshkosh and cogitating thereon for six months, the referee found that the 25th degree of longitude was and is the boundary line between Grant and Garden counties ; that Garden county should be ousted from the territory east of the 25th degree, and recommended that the boundary line be placed about three quarters of a mile west of the 25th degree at the middle of range 41.
In spite of our strenuous objections, this report was confirmed by the supreme court, and Garden county ousted from the territory between the middle and the east line of range 41 in townships 21, 22 and 23 north. Fiftyfour sections were handed over to the good little county of Grant. Our only consolation being the eighty- four sections handed over to us by Arthur county.
Thus we remain, fifty-four miles long, north and south, twenty-eight miles wide in the southern part, thirty-three miles wide in the middle part, and thirty-one miles wide in the northern part, and having a total area of one million and fifty-six thousand acres.
And no more boundary fights for ours; no, not one.
AGRICULTURAL AND LIVE STOCK INDUSTRIES
The southern part of Garden county is a high plain about three hundred feet higher than the North Platte river bottom. This is the wheat country par excellence, and is not a bad country for diversified farming. Alfalfa seed potatoes, and sorghum cane are among the most profitable crops.
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Thus we remain, fifty-four miles long, north and south, twenty-eight miles wide in the southern part, thirty-three miles wide in the middle part, and thirty-one miles wide in the northern part, and having a total area of one million and fifty-six thousand acres.
And no more boundary fights for ours; no, not one.
AGRICULTURAL AND LIVE STOCK INDUSTRIES
The southern part of Garden county is a high plain about three hundred feet higher than the North Platte river bottom. This is the wheat country par excellence, and is not a bad country for diversified farming. Alfalfa seed potatoes, and sorghum cane are among the most profitable crops.
In the south part of the county there is a solid body of wheat land over 250.000 acres in extent; of course some of this is unbroken prairie, but at the present rate of development, it will all be in cultivation within a few years.
Breaking, discing, drilling, and harvesting is now practically all done with big machinery run by motor power. Although there are many headers, and combined headers and threshers, the most popular method of harvesting is by means of several binders drawn by one large oil burning tractor engine.
The Campbell system of farming is not popular here, although spring grain is sometimes cut down to about half a normal crop because of drouth. A good crop can be raised every year by rotating winter wheat and other crops. The last failure was in the year 1895.
The average crop of winter wheat is twentytwo luishels per acre, but a yield of thirty-five bushels per acre is nut uncommon. This land is now selling at about $70.00 per acre, some
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The Campbell system of farming is not popular here, although spring grain is sometimes cut down to about half a normal crop because of drouth. A good crop can be raised every year by rotating winter wheat and other crops. The last failure was in the year 1895.
The average crop of winter wheat is twentytwo luishels per acre, but a yield of thirty-five bushels per acre is nut uncommon. This land is now selling at about $70.00 per acre, some
well improved places bringing over $100.00 per acre.
The descent from the wheatland to the North Platte river is rough, precipitous, and bluffy, there being but a few comparatively narrow strips of bottom land on the south side of the river. This so-called canyon strip is excellent grazing land.
The principal irrigated land belt of the county lies along the north side of the river. This strip of alfalfa and beet land is about two and one-half miles in width and extends clear across the county. Until the year 1916, but little of this valley was in cultivation. It produced abundant crops of wild hay without irrigation, and the owners were satisfied and prosperous. Now, however, the "big noise" of the sugar beet is heard in the land and the old order is changing. In 1918, automatic beet dumps were constructed at Oshkosh and Perm and numerous tracts of from twenty to two hundred acres were planted, to beets. The yield was so satisfactory that in the year 1919 the acreage was greatly increased, and the sugar beet industry is with us to stay. The 1919 crop was about 15,000 tons.
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Now, however, the "big noise" of the sugar beet is heard in the land and the old order is changing. In 1918, automatic beet dumps were constructed at Oshkosh and Perm and numerous tracts of from twenty to two hundred acres were planted, to beets. The yield was so satisfactory that in the year 1919 the acreage was greatly increased, and the sugar beet industry is with us to stay. The 1919 crop was about 15,000 tons.
The favorite crops for rotation with beets are alfalfa, oats, corn, millet, cane, and potatoes. The people here are rapidly learning ir-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
rigation. and some of the same freeholders who were formerly content with a crop of less than a ton of wild hay per acre, now grumble if the same acre produces less than twenty tons of beets. Of course the new industry has brought in many new settlers of many kinds and nationalities, and it has boosted the price of land until it looks as if a man must needs be rich before he should think of buying a farm.
No doubt most of the whole valley of the North Platte is good, but if there is any place more worthy to be called the garden spot of the great plains, than Garden county's irrigated belt, we know not the name of that place.
"Where once the redskin to the death. Fought pioneer and scout, The Swede with non alcoholic breath. Sets rows of cabbage out."
However our champion cabbage raiser is Japanese, Mr. I. Ibata, and he makes a success of it every year. As a side issue he raises a few car loads of potatoes. His farm lies n short distance northwest of Lewellen.
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No doubt most of the whole valley of the North Platte is good, but if there is any place more worthy to be called the garden spot of the great plains, than Garden county's irrigated belt, we know not the name of that place.
"Where once the redskin to the death. Fought pioneer and scout, The Swede with non alcoholic breath. Sets rows of cabbage out."
However our champion cabbage raiser is Japanese, Mr. I. Ibata, and he makes a success of it every year. As a side issue he raises a few car loads of potatoes. His farm lies n short distance northwest of Lewellen.
Peas are about the surest of all the truckcrops: furthermore they are just the thing for rotation with beets and alfalfa. Naturally we must have a canning factory before it will pay to plant large acreages to such a perishable vegetable.
North of the irrigated belt before reaching the real sand hill grazing country, there is a strip about fifteen miles wide in which lie numerous patches of excellent farm land. The largest of these is called the "west table" which lies north of Lisco. This table has just the right soil for corn and potatoes, and in early times, A. B. Allen made it famous for the production of navy beans. Here lies the winter wheat ranch of G. W. Berge; and he and his neighbors will tell you that their lands will produce good crops of grain. Dry land, well, yes, but isn't that better than wet land as long as it will produce the crops.
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The largest of these is called the "west table" which lies north of Lisco. This table has just the right soil for corn and potatoes, and in early times, A. B. Allen made it famous for the production of navy beans. Here lies the winter wheat ranch of G. W. Berge; and he and his neighbors will tell you that their lands will produce good crops of grain. Dry land, well, yes, but isn't that better than wet land as long as it will produce the crops.
Another body of good land is Antelope valley which is a few miles northeast of Oshkosh. It' is about the largest dry valley in the county and it has been famous for its big com crops ever since the coming of A. M. Pringle, Casper Zorn, W. W. Fought, John Blausey, and W. C. Plummer, the first homesteaders.
Farther north lie the hills and lakes, the real ranch country. The land now being practically all patented, the larger ranches are being squared up and extended. Many wet valleys have been improved by draining by means of open ditches. Some cattlemen have experimented enough with sweet clover and alfalfa to
make it apparent that within a short time the range steer will have some tame hay to vary the monotony of his diet, and the flavor of his wonderful carcass.
Another innovation is the raising of big gardens by the ranchmen. They have at last decided that the homegrown vegetable is worth while. Many of them now milk a sufficient number of cows to provide themselves and ranch hands with milk and butter. However they are not yet ready to argue that anybody is likely to get rich milking cows.
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make it apparent that within a short time the range steer will have some tame hay to vary the monotony of his diet, and the flavor of his wonderful carcass.
Another innovation is the raising of big gardens by the ranchmen. They have at last decided that the homegrown vegetable is worth while. Many of them now milk a sufficient number of cows to provide themselves and ranch hands with milk and butter. However they are not yet ready to argue that anybody is likely to get rich milking cows.
The business of raising or ranging horses has suffered a sharp decline lately. Mule raising is still a profitable business, but not at all popular. The sheep raising craze has not struck this country yet. Our rancher devotes his time to the cattle business.
The largest ranch in the county is Everett Eldred's, containing 90,000 acres. He has about 10.000 head of cattle and 1,000 head of horses. He has his own wild hay meadows to produce his winter's feed and is planning a big increase in his alfalfa acreage. During the blizzard in March, 1913, he lost 1,500 head of cattle. They drifted with the storm into Swan Lake, which was in the pasture. Orlando is his postoffice and Belle Avery postmaster.
Samuel and Charles Avery each have large ranches. Charles' ranch contains 40,000 acres with many hay meadows from which he cuts winter feed for his thousands of head of stock. His ranch house is at Orlando postoffice.
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He has his own wild hay meadows to produce his winter's feed and is planning a big increase in his alfalfa acreage. During the blizzard in March, 1913, he lost 1,500 head of cattle. They drifted with the storm into Swan Lake, which was in the pasture. Orlando is his postoffice and Belle Avery postmaster.
Samuel and Charles Avery each have large ranches. Charles' ranch contains 40,000 acres with many hay meadows from which he cuts winter feed for his thousands of head of stock. His ranch house is at Orlando postoffice.
The Crescent ranch owned by Boyd and Rice contains 60,000 acres. Such large ranches give plenty of hay for winter besides the sum mer pasture. These people have a postoffice at their ranch house called Mumper postoffice.
Northeast of the Crescent ranch John R. Webster, president of the Illinois Central railroad, owned a ranch comprising 50,000 acres, called Cross Half Circle ranch. This has recently been sold to J. M. Cox whose postoffice is at the ranch house.
The cowbovs and other employes on these ranches would form a village by themselves. Mr. George Richardson's ranch comprises only 30.000 acres, some farm after all. L. E. Bal-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
linger has but 20.000 acres in this county, all the rest of his ranch is over in Sheridan county-
On the valley and north and west table farms, the hog is the important animal. Many Garden county fanners have carried off honors from the Denver Stock show. Mr. John Mevich who settled on Blue Creek in 1886 has been particularly successful with hogs. For five straight years he took the grand prize for best carload of hogs, besides, many other prizes. He has a large pillow cover made of his prize ribbons and he is justly proud of it.
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On the valley and north and west table farms, the hog is the important animal. Many Garden county fanners have carried off honors from the Denver Stock show. Mr. John Mevich who settled on Blue Creek in 1886 has been particularly successful with hogs. For five straight years he took the grand prize for best carload of hogs, besides, many other prizes. He has a large pillow cover made of his prize ribbons and he is justly proud of it.
TOWNS IN THE COUNTY
OSKOSH
In the year 1885, Henry Gumaer, Alfred W. Gumaer, George P. Kendall, H. W. Potter and John Robinson started a cattle ranch at the present site of Oshkosh. They organized a company and as the Gumaer brothers were natives of Ohskosh, Wisconsin, they named it the Oshkosh Land and Cattle Company. They had been informed that there were several thousand
up considerably by the homestead filings of Charley Mills, Floyd Jones, J. H. Duffin, Tim Duffin, Peter Duffin, Susie Duffin, Delia Duffin, and Winnie Duffin. Henry G. Gumaer and John Robison drove their first herd of cattle through from St. Paul, Nebraska. In 1889 they built a two story frame building on the Wy2 of the NWJ4 of section 36, township 17, range 44, in which they started a general store
acres of school land at this point in addition to section 36, and they expected to be able to purchase the whole tract. They built their headquarters ranch near the east side of section 35, purchased section 36, and applied to purchase the balance of the tract. They soon found that the whole tract outside of section 36 was government land, so they filed on as much as possible and were able to have and hold a good sized ranch, which was soon cut
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acres of school land at this point in addition to section 36, and they expected to be able to purchase the whole tract. They built their headquarters ranch near the east side of section 35, purchased section 36, and applied to purchase the balance of the tract. They soon found that the whole tract outside of section 36 was government land, so they filed on as much as possible and were able to have and hold a good sized ranch, which was soon cut
and postoffice named Oshkosh. This building is now the Miller hotel. It was just before this time that Hartman postoffice was established about eight miles north of Oshkosh on Lost Creek. Sebastian Hartman was the first postmaster. He had started a small store in 1888 and secured a postoffice in the spring of 1889. Fred Teppert was postmaster for about one and one-half years just before it was discontinued in 1899. The mail was brought up from
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Ogallala three times a week, via Lewellen and Ramsey. Hugh Boggs of Lewellen had the contract for carrying the mail to Oshkosh, and employed Charley Ransom to drive part of the time. They used a span of vicious mules that were always hard to hitch up and always looking for a chance to run away. Hartmans carried the mail from Oshkosh to Hartman. Before securing the postoffice they had been obliged to go to Ramsey for their mail.
In 1890 the Oshkosh public school was organized in a sod building up on Lost Creek.
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Hugh Boggs of Lewellen had the contract for carrying the mail to Oshkosh, and employed Charley Ransom to drive part of the time. They used a span of vicious mules that were always hard to hitch up and always looking for a chance to run away. Hartmans carried the mail from Oshkosh to Hartman. Before securing the postoffice they had been obliged to go to Ramsey for their mail.
In 1890 the Oshkosh public school was organized in a sod building up on Lost Creek.
The building of a bridge across the North Platte river in 1891 opened up a new channel for development. Now Chappell came to be the chief shipping point.
Eugene Fish, Henry Sudman and August Sudman of Chappell organized a mercantile company called the A. Sudman Company and in 1894 bought out the Oshkosh store and the eighty acres of land on which it was located. Mr. A. Sudman became the new manager and postmaster. In June, 1897, Mr. Sudman married Miss Pearl Plummer. and they lived over the store. This was the first wedding in Oshkosh. It was celebrated with great pomp in the rooms which were to be their home, over the store. About this time Mr. Kirk McCall bought a "Drug Shop" which Robert Day had been running in a small building just north of the store.
About nine o'clock one evening in May, 1895, Mr. Sudman and a clerk. Will Rolfing, were sitting in the store, when a man came in, bought some tobacco and matches, then went out. In a short time two masked men with revolvers came back marching Kirk McCall ahead of them. One made the men hold up their hands while the other helped himself to all there was in the safe. They got $300 in checks, etc., belonging to the store, and $60.00 from the postoffice besides two watches.
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Will Rolfing, were sitting in the store, when a man came in, bought some tobacco and matches, then went out. In a short time two masked men with revolvers came back marching Kirk McCall ahead of them. One made the men hold up their hands while the other helped himself to all there was in the safe. They got $300 in checks, etc., belonging to the store, and $60.00 from the postoffice besides two watches. They overlooked a nickle and three pennies. That much was left with which to start business the next day. They made a clean get-a-way.
Among the first buildings in Oshkosh was Jim Monahan's blacksmith shop just south of the store. It was a most busy and important establishment in those days. He later sold out to Noah Brewer. In 1909 Mr. Noah Brewer who was anxious to get into the automobile game sold his blacksmith shop to King Rhiley and moved to Sidney. Strange to say Mr. Rhiley soon got into the auto business himself in the old Brewer shop. At that time there was only one motor vehicle in Oshkosh ; it was a high wheeled International owned by Archie Wynes and John Delatour. Although owned by two men it required about four men and a boy to coax it along.
Mr. Rhiley went to work to build an automobile that one man could run. and he succeeded ( almost ) . He got one finished up and in running condition and succeeded in trading it off to Jim Duffin. He then got an agency for the Oakland and did a good business. He is now the Western Nebraska distributor for Buick automobiles, G. M. C. trucks and the Hudson Super-Six and is the seventh oldest dealer in the state.
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Rhiley went to work to build an automobile that one man could run. and he succeeded ( almost ) . He got one finished up and in running condition and succeeded in trading it off to Jim Duffin. He then got an agency for the Oakland and did a good business. He is now the Western Nebraska distributor for Buick automobiles, G. M. C. trucks and the Hudson Super-Six and is the seventh oldest dealer in the state.
First Store, Oshkosh
Mr. Rhiley is an expert auto driver and has a knack of getting up speed. His first racing experience was at the Box Butte County Fair in 1912. He easily won every race billed. Since that time he has entered about all the races in western Nebraska, and usually comes under the wire in the lead.
In 1919, at the North 1 Matte races, open to the world, he won twelve straight first- cut of thirteen races, and lowered several world's rec-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ords for a circular half mile dirt track. Time, half mile, 30J/2 seconds ; one mile, one minute and 3y2 seconds; 25 miles, 28 minutes and 15 seconds. Mr. Rhiley's natural ability and many years of experience over the ordinary race car gave him some advantage over the ordinary race car driver. He enjoys the racing game, he designs and builds his own racing cars, and by great care in the construction and adjustments thereof he eliminates to some extent the chief troubles of all kinds. He has wonderful luck too, for he has never had a serious accident.
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Time, half mile, 30J/2 seconds ; one mile, one minute and 3y2 seconds; 25 miles, 28 minutes and 15 seconds. Mr. Rhiley's natural ability and many years of experience over the ordinary race car gave him some advantage over the ordinary race car driver. He enjoys the racing game, he designs and builds his own racing cars, and by great care in the construction and adjustments thereof he eliminates to some extent the chief troubles of all kinds. He has wonderful luck too, for he has never had a serious accident.
It was in 1898 that the Woodman hall was built. It served as society hall, dance hall, church services, in fact all gatherings of any size went to the hall. It has looked upon a variety of scenes and festivities. They had the public school here one year.
The A. Sudman & Company built a new building later called the Corner Store, two
blocks north and moved the stock up there in 1903. A lumber yard across the street was connected with it. The old store building was remodeled into a hotel, which was managed by Jake Miller. They had been running a hotel, in a way, in the rooms over the store, since Mr. Sudman had moved into his new residence in 1900.
At this time, the Wehn Telephone Company established a telephone system from Bridgeport to Oshkosh, Lewellen and other points It was a great convenience, as well as a pleasure and is still appreciated. In 1920 the Wehn Company sold out to a company with Mr. Warner of Chadron as manager. All these lines are now consolidated under the name of Platte Valley Telephone Company.
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They had been running a hotel, in a way, in the rooms over the store, since Mr. Sudman had moved into his new residence in 1900.
At this time, the Wehn Telephone Company established a telephone system from Bridgeport to Oshkosh, Lewellen and other points It was a great convenience, as well as a pleasure and is still appreciated. In 1920 the Wehn Company sold out to a company with Mr. Warner of Chadron as manager. All these lines are now consolidated under the name of Platte Valley Telephone Company.
A plat of the original town site was now laid out by A. Sudman Company in March, 1905. A bank building was built near the lumber yard, but it being directly in the Union Pacific right-of-way was sold to the railroad company in 1907. The railroad company sold it to WVnes & Bushnell, and it was used as a postoffice and residence by Archie Wynes who was postmaster until 1915, when the postoffice was moved to its present location on Main street. Mr. Wynes remained in the postoffice until June, 1915, when Gilbert Swanson was appointed. He is still there, March, 1920. One rural route was established in 1913 out east and north of Oshkosh ; on which the mail is carried daily.
In 1906 Col. Wisner of Bayard became interested enough in Oshkosh to come here and start a newspaper called the Oshkosh Herald. It was published by various owners in a small building on the east side of Main street until the building over by the depot was built in 1911.
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He is still there, March, 1920. One rural route was established in 1913 out east and north of Oshkosh ; on which the mail is carried daily.
In 1906 Col. Wisner of Bayard became interested enough in Oshkosh to come here and start a newspaper called the Oshkosh Herald. It was published by various owners in a small building on the east side of Main street until the building over by the depot was built in 1911.
In 1905 Fred Williams built a two story frame hotel on Main street. He soon sold it to J. C. McCoy of Lewellen. This hotel was run by Jim Caslin, and later by Leo Fox. It was while Jim Caslin was the landlord that Walter Bentz received the name "Polly," by which he went almost entirely afterward. He was very fond of crackers and was always calling for them, so Mrs. Caslin began calling him "Polly."
When Oshkosh was made a county seat in 1909 a company of Oshkosh men bought the hotel and rented the lower floor to the county for a court house, and they rent out the second story for a rooming house. The building is still used ; so any traveler can, for a dollar a night, have the unique experience of lodging in the upper story of the court house. At present this rooming house is managed by Mrs. S. E. Valentine, who took charge in 1914.
In 1905, LaSalle & Miles built and opened up a general store, half way between the hotel and Corner Store, and Dan Atchinson started the first drug store just north of them and called it the Oshkosh Drug Company. W. W. Bowers and Mr. "Dad" Potts bought this, carrying it on under the same name. It still goes by the same name, although it has changed hands a number of times ; L.
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Valentine, who took charge in 1914.
In 1905, LaSalle & Miles built and opened up a general store, half way between the hotel and Corner Store, and Dan Atchinson started the first drug store just north of them and called it the Oshkosh Drug Company. W. W. Bowers and Mr. "Dad" Potts bought this, carrying it on under the same name. It still goes by the same name, although it has changed hands a number of times ; L. H, Stroud and Sons now own it. J. F. Crane was the druggist until 1910, when he went into business for himself under the name of the Oshkosh Pharmacy : this was sold to Melvin & Riddle in 1919.
Oshkosh has never had a very destructive fire, flood or storm. On the night of May 24, 1915, however, a tornado of the right size and force to destroy the whole town struck a short distance north of it. This was a particularly wicked twister. It struck with the greatest force at the home of Mr. James F. Blair, twisted his buildings into splinters, picked him up out of the house and broke every bone in his body, and left him lying lifeless on the prairies about a half mile east of his home.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The splinters and pieces of furniture and books lay along the path of the storm for a distance of three miles. He had several valuable documents in his trunk. Of these, his will was the only paper found. It was found right close to Curt Farris' house, a mile and a half from the Blair place.
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Blair, twisted his buildings into splinters, picked him up out of the house and broke every bone in his body, and left him lying lifeless on the prairies about a half mile east of his home.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The splinters and pieces of furniture and books lay along the path of the storm for a distance of three miles. He had several valuable documents in his trunk. Of these, his will was the only paper found. It was found right close to Curt Farris' house, a mile and a half from the Blair place.
Mr. Blair had a heavy farm wagon. The storm left several large pieces of the wagon bed out in the rye field about three hundred yards west of the house, the twisted running gears one hundred and fifty yards northwest of the house ; two of the wagon wheels were blown to pieces, one was found slightly smashed up a short distance east of the house and the fourth wheel was found uninjured more than three quarters of a mile east.
The Oshkosh Lumber Company was formed May 1, 1906, with Robert Quelle, manager. It continued in business until the fall of 1916, when it sold to the Sterling Lumber Company. This became a branch yard under the name of Garden County Lumber Company with Mr. Hunsaker manager. He has since returned to Ft. Morgan, Colorado, and Mr. B. M. Robinson is manager in 1920.
The Woodman hall was sold in 1905 to Newkirk and Burchard who put in a stock of hardware. Burchard soon sold to Newkirk who continued to run the business until the spring of 1911, when he sold to Robert Quelle and Albert Quelle. The next year Quelle Brothers put up the hardware store near the depot. Albert Quelle was the manager from the first until March, 1917, when he sold his share to Robert Quelle.
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The Woodman hall was sold in 1905 to Newkirk and Burchard who put in a stock of hardware. Burchard soon sold to Newkirk who continued to run the business until the spring of 1911, when he sold to Robert Quelle and Albert Quelle. The next year Quelle Brothers put up the hardware store near the depot. Albert Quelle was the manager from the first until March, 1917, when he sold his share to Robert Quelle. Howard Fickes bought one-third interest in 1917, when the new furniture department was added to the building. O. Shatto is connected with the firm now having bought one-third interest in 1919.
After the sale of the Woodman hall, where the social life of the community centered, the need of a hall was so apparent that Wynes and Bushnell erected the stone Opera House in 1907 just north of the Union Pacific right-of-way before the track was laid. Just at this time the coming of the Union Pacific railroad up the valley was a sure thing. It was completed in 1908. The rails were laid and the first train reached here August 8, 1908. That spelled grow to Oshkosh. The division of the county came the next year with Oshkosh for county seat.
L. Aufdengarten & Son came from Ogalalla in 1909 and bought the old LaSalle & Miles store from W. W. Bowers, who had purchased it of LaSalle & Miles late in 1906. LaSalle & Miles only stayed about one year. Mr. Aufdengarten continued to run the business until his
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The rails were laid and the first train reached here August 8, 1908. That spelled grow to Oshkosh. The division of the county came the next year with Oshkosh for county seat.
L. Aufdengarten & Son came from Ogalalla in 1909 and bought the old LaSalle & Miles store from W. W. Bowers, who had purchased it of LaSalle & Miles late in 1906. LaSalle & Miles only stayed about one year. Mr. Aufdengarten continued to run the business until his
death, September, 1916, when L. Aufdengarten, Jr., took charge of it. They erected a brick building across the street, and moved into it 1918, with a larger, better stock of goods. The old Bowers building is occupied by the Oshkosh Shoe and Harness Shop owned by George H. Rose. He opened up for business in September, 1918. In the same building is Robert Roger's Paint Shop.
New additions to the town had been platted and Oshkosh was spreading out. In 1911 the village was incorporated and many improvements have appeared, as grading the streets, cement walks, electrict lights, water works, etc. Oshkosh has no museum but Miles J. Maryott has a collection of mounted birds, Indian relics, bones, coins, etc., that is worth traveling across the continent to see. Mr. Maryott is an artist and finds ready sale for his paintings. He
paints animal and landscape pictures, but his wild bird pictures take up a large part of his time. His hobby is collecting prehistoric animal bones and Indian relics. He also collects and mounts rare birds.
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Oshkosh has no museum but Miles J. Maryott has a collection of mounted birds, Indian relics, bones, coins, etc., that is worth traveling across the continent to see. Mr. Maryott is an artist and finds ready sale for his paintings. He
paints animal and landscape pictures, but his wild bird pictures take up a large part of his time. His hobby is collecting prehistoric animal bones and Indian relics. He also collects and mounts rare birds.
In his youth Mr Maryott was a professional base ball player and later spent several years as a trap shooter and expert marksman. He tied for the World's Handicap at Chicago in 1907 shooting blue Ricks. As a game shot, he has few equals in the west. Mr. Maryott war born in Burt county, Nebraska, in 1873, and has been a resident of Oshkosh since 1909. He homesteaded in 1910 in the sand hills of Garden county for the sole purpose of being closer to his life work as a naturalist and painter of western scenery.
The fanners are beginning to take a prominent part in the business of the town. They have organized two corporations, one of which handles the only grain business of tin- town, and is called the Farmers Elevator Company. In 1916 this company was chartered and bought out the elevator which had been run tor several years by the Oshkosh Lumber Company. The other farmers' corporation is the Garden Countv Supply Company which is doing a big gen-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
992
The fanners are beginning to take a prominent part in the business of the town. They have organized two corporations, one of which handles the only grain business of tin- town, and is called the Farmers Elevator Company. In 1916 this company was chartered and bought out the elevator which had been run tor several years by the Oshkosh Lumber Company. The other farmers' corporation is the Garden Countv Supply Company which is doing a big gen-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
eral merchandise business in the building formerly occupied in succession by H. A. Davis. Jacob H. Roudebush and L. H. Stroud, each of whom spent several years in the general store business.
George C. Duvall & Company ( Eugene Fish of Chappell was in the partnership) bought out the Corner Store on May 14, 1910; just sixteen years exactly after the A. Sudman Company went into the business. Duvall & Company stayed only three years selling to Floyd Jones and Mr. Empson in 1913. In two years time Mr. Jones bought Empson's interests ; but sold out entirely in May. 1917, to H. W. Potter. Will Gumaer, and Jack Martin. They at once enlarged the building, put in a largei stock and incorporated as the Oshkosh Mercantile Company. They have the largest building and carry by far the largest stock of goods in town.
Oshkosh had reached the stage where electric lights were needed. On September 11, 1915, a plant was put into operation by A. D. Riddile. It has been enlarged and improved and in 1919 it was sold to the village. It is now run under village management, as well as a water system being started. Bonds for the water and lights were voted June 5, 1919. Some defect was discovered in the proceedings so they voted on them again January 22, 1920.
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Oshkosh had reached the stage where electric lights were needed. On September 11, 1915, a plant was put into operation by A. D. Riddile. It has been enlarged and improved and in 1919 it was sold to the village. It is now run under village management, as well as a water system being started. Bonds for the water and lights were voted June 5, 1919. Some defect was discovered in the proceedings so they voted on them again January 22, 1920. The bonds were carried both times. The sewer system will be put in operation in 1920. The electric plant now gives twenty-four hour service.
The first Ford agency in the county was in 1911 by Saunders & Twilford, who sold out to W. W. Bowers. These first agents having no service department, business was rather slow. In 1913 Parker Brothers of Julesburg sent an agent, R. O. Deulen, over here to take this territory. He rented a large building and put in a repairing department. The next year he took the agency himself. With various partners he continued the business until September. 1916, when he sold to Kimbel & Peterson. They put up the new garage in the north part of town, and moved up there in October, 1917. W. L. Kimbel has charge of it now. as he bought Peterson's interest February 20, 1918.
Robert J. Dalton is the proprietor of the Oshkosh Automobile Paint Shop. For awhile he tried to run his photograph gallery and paint shop too ; but for the past year he has had such a rushing business in the paint shop that he has had but little time for the photography.
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They put up the new garage in the north part of town, and moved up there in October, 1917. W. L. Kimbel has charge of it now. as he bought Peterson's interest February 20, 1918.
Robert J. Dalton is the proprietor of the Oshkosh Automobile Paint Shop. For awhile he tried to run his photograph gallery and paint shop too ; but for the past year he has had such a rushing business in the paint shop that he has had but little time for the photography.
From 1910 until 1918 William S. Monahan did blacksmith work in a little shop on his farm, two miles north of Oshkosh. He then sold his farm and bought a shop on Main street
and moved to Oshkosh. Mr. Monahan is an experienced and thoroughly capable mechanic. He has a new cement block building nearly completed, and will soon have a blacksmith shop which has more the appearance of a manufacturing establishment.
Since the A. Sudman Company platted the original town of Oshkosh in 1905, the following additions have been platted : The A. Sudman Company Addition, Duffin's Addition, Maloy's Addition, Bott and Hart's Addition. There are about six hundred and forty acres of land within the corporate limits of Oshkosh. On March 1, 1920, the population was 725.
Lewellen
. In 1884, S. P. Delatour, the first settler in this part of the county, selected his home on Blue Creek and with abundance of water and unlimited range, he prospered in the cattle business from the start.
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Sudman Company platted the original town of Oshkosh in 1905, the following additions have been platted : The A. Sudman Company Addition, Duffin's Addition, Maloy's Addition, Bott and Hart's Addition. There are about six hundred and forty acres of land within the corporate limits of Oshkosh. On March 1, 1920, the population was 725.
Lewellen
. In 1884, S. P. Delatour, the first settler in this part of the county, selected his home on Blue Creek and with abundance of water and unlimited range, he prospered in the cattle business from the start.
The next year, 1885, D. C. Hooper came with a company of settlers among them Ed. Hartman, Ira Paisley, Bergeson, Colyer and Duvall. W. D. Marsh came in the same year. All settled in the river valley and on Blue Creek. Soon afterward, about 1886, John Mevich, James Wilson, James Winters and Mr. Meeker settled on Blue Creek. Ora Meeker was the first girl born in the present limits of Garden county, June 4. 1886 ; and Dick Wilson was the first boy, in April, 1887.
About this time, 1886, Frank Lewellen started a store and postoffice in his residence four miles east of the present site of Lewellen. The mail was brought up from Ogalalla ; in fact, all of the hauling was done from there as the Keith county bridge near Ogalalla gave a much better way than fording in crossing the North Platte river.
About seven miles northeast of Lewellen, on the present site of Lutherville, a postoffice was started by Mr. Ramsey, about 1887, called Ramsey postoffice. The mail also came from Ogalalla. This postoffice was moved to the John Mevich home on Blue Creek in 1890.
996
The mail was brought up from Ogalalla ; in fact, all of the hauling was done from there as the Keith county bridge near Ogalalla gave a much better way than fording in crossing the North Platte river.
About seven miles northeast of Lewellen, on the present site of Lutherville, a postoffice was started by Mr. Ramsey, about 1887, called Ramsey postoffice. The mail also came from Ogalalla. This postoffice was moved to the John Mevich home on Blue Creek in 1890.
Up the creek about ten miles, a branch postoffice was established in 1891, at a settlement composed of Levi Prouty, Mary Flock, P. S. Peterson, Hans Madison, John Twiford, A. S. Kingery, John Lamberty, Davis Bros., Gus and Paul Rentzch. Jake Miller, Jim L'sher, Dave Sleezer, Tom Snel! and possibly other families. This postoffice was called Hutchinson and was located at John Lamberty's house. He was the first mail carrier, bringing the mail from Ramsey twice a week.
In 1893, the Ramsey postoffice was discon-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
tinued and Lewellen postoffice was moved to the present site of Lewellen into Robert Graf's store. He was appointed postmaster at that time.
The village of Lewellen began with that little store and postoffice. A bridge across the North Platte river at this point in 1891 had its effect on this village. A few settlers had gathered there, a small school started and in 1890 a frame building, which is still standing was built. This was used about fifteen years when it was decided that a larger building was needed. It was sold in 1908. but it was three
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The village of Lewellen began with that little store and postoffice. A bridge across the North Platte river at this point in 1891 had its effect on this village. A few settlers had gathered there, a small school started and in 1890 a frame building, which is still standing was built. This was used about fifteen years when it was decided that a larger building was needed. It was sold in 1908. but it was three
from Big Springs. Its stockholders were the farmers along the line and it was put up in 1900, in order to get in touch with the rest of the world. It has since been extended to surrounding towns as well as a number of rural lines. In 1903 the Wehn Telephone Company extended its lines from Bridgeport and I >shkosh to Lewellen and also leased the farmers line from Big Springs.
The Sudman-Fish Company bought out the old Robert Graf store in April, 1901. built a new building, and run the store under the name of the Lewellen Mercantile Company with Wm.
years before another building was put up, so the school was held in the Hall during that time with L. H. Warner and Lyle Mewhirter teachers. At last in 1911 they were comfortably housed in a good building. In the meantime the Lutherville and Bergeson schools were discontinued. The Lewellen school was growing and in 1918 the 11th and 12th grades were added, making it a complete high school. The Exhibit building on the fair grounds was used by the lower grades in 1920, but the large new building is nearly completed.
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years before another building was put up, so the school was held in the Hall during that time with L. H. Warner and Lyle Mewhirter teachers. At last in 1911 they were comfortably housed in a good building. In the meantime the Lutherville and Bergeson schools were discontinued. The Lewellen school was growing and in 1918 the 11th and 12th grades were added, making it a complete high school. The Exhibit building on the fair grounds was used by the lower grades in 1920, but the large new building is nearly completed.
One of the first enterprises of Lewellen after the store and postoffice was the Bank of Lewellen, organized in 1905, a history of which is given in "Banking and Finance." The frame building in which it carried on its business is now occupied by the telephone exchange.
The first telephone line was one coming in
Rohlfing manager. This was later sold to Orr, Spindler & Company, in 1917, who enlarged the stock and run it until 1919, when the company was changed. After January 1, 1920. the store run under the name of Lewellen Mercantile Company with Joseph Hitchens. manager.
The first show to reach Lewellen was a small show in one wagon. The company was composed of a man by the name of Hurst, his wife and children. It created quite a stir; the show was given in the school house. Everyone who heard of it was there if possible.
After the railroad was surveyed through the valley, 1. C. McCoy laid out the village of Lewellen in July, 1906. The first addition was soon needed and was platted in ( >ctober, 1907. Two additions have since been added, making about sixty aero altogether.
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The company was composed of a man by the name of Hurst, his wife and children. It created quite a stir; the show was given in the school house. Everyone who heard of it was there if possible.
After the railroad was surveyed through the valley, 1. C. McCoy laid out the village of Lewellen in July, 1906. The first addition was soon needed and was platted in ( >ctober, 1907. Two additions have since been added, making about sixty aero altogether.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The Lewellen Lumber Company was organized by Roy Brown and Sudman, Fish and Company. Their first carload of lumber was hauled over from Chappell before the railroad reached Lewellen. Roy Brown was manager. This was sold to the Sterling Lumber Company of Denver, in 1917. This company has also bought the yards at Oshkosh and Lisco.
The completion of the railroad to this point in 1907 gave new life to the village. The first station agent was W. A. Hostetter who remained there a number of years. F. J. Ritter is agent in 1920.
The M. S. Gates Hardware Company is the successor of the Rohlfing and Berquist Company, who sold to them in 1916.
The first church was the Methodist, which was built in 1889, although it had been organized before that. Services were held in the school house. In 1910 the Baptist church was built, Rev. Elkins being pastor at the time. A small organization was formed and has continued to thrive. A. J. Coffee is pastor now. A Lutheran church was built and dedicated in 1915 while Rev. Clark Powell was pastor.
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Gates Hardware Company is the successor of the Rohlfing and Berquist Company, who sold to them in 1916.
The first church was the Methodist, which was built in 1889, although it had been organized before that. Services were held in the school house. In 1910 the Baptist church was built, Rev. Elkins being pastor at the time. A small organization was formed and has continued to thrive. A. J. Coffee is pastor now. A Lutheran church was built and dedicated in 1915 while Rev. Clark Powell was pastor.
Phil Pizer's Quality Store was opened for
Dr. Hall, a druggist, came in 1907, and opened up a drug store in a tent. A frame building was soon put up and the stock moved into it. He stayed only two years when he sold out to Mr. W. W. Crosby in November, 1909. Crosby still runs the business.
Chris Fisher came over from Big Springs in 1907, with his stock of goods and started the Blue Creek Mercantile Company. The business has grown until now he handles groceries, lumber and coal.
Dr. Morris came in 1908, but he has since given up his practice.
The McCoy hotel was built in 1908.
Thomas Eggers who settled in this valley in 1900, started in the mercantile business in 1917, but the next spring he built a new brick hotel which was furnished and opened for business in August, 1918.
business in September, 1913. with a stock valued at $10,000, composed of everything in ready-to-wear and piece goods for ladies, misses, men and boys. The business has increased until the stock is valued at $30,000.
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The McCoy hotel was built in 1908.
Thomas Eggers who settled in this valley in 1900, started in the mercantile business in 1917, but the next spring he built a new brick hotel which was furnished and opened for business in August, 1918.
business in September, 1913. with a stock valued at $10,000, composed of everything in ready-to-wear and piece goods for ladies, misses, men and boys. The business has increased until the stock is valued at $30,000.
A Farmers Cooperative Company was incorporated March 15, 1919, with directors as follows : C. F. Roberts, president ; Wm. Sherden, secretary and treasurer ; L. E. Byrd, manager ; R. Vanc'e. C. A. Harris, Geo. Orr, Geo. L. Braden, E. C. Stockhouse and C. U. Cooper. A good stock of general merchandise and implements is carried with a coal and produce department, as well as live stock shipping.
At this time, December, 1919, the population of Lewellen is about four hundred.
The present postmaster is Wm. Naviaux.
An electric light plant was established in
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASK \
December, 1917. This gives Lewellen good light for business houses and homes.
The village hopes to be incorporated this year ( 1920), but some are opposing it, so it is rather uncertain.
Garden County Fair Association The citizens in and around Lewellen believed that an annual fair for the exhibition of products would be a benefit. It was decided to hold a Corn Show in the fall. On September 21, 1910, the Garden County Fair Association was organized with John Mevich, president ; C. G. Berquist, secretary, J. H. Wehn, treasurer. A board of directors consisted of ]. C. McCoy, F. H. Barber, Richard Clark. Cal" McCormick,
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Garden County Fair Association The citizens in and around Lewellen believed that an annual fair for the exhibition of products would be a benefit. It was decided to hold a Corn Show in the fall. On September 21, 1910, the Garden County Fair Association was organized with John Mevich, president ; C. G. Berquist, secretary, J. H. Wehn, treasurer. A board of directors consisted of ]. C. McCoy, F. H. Barber, Richard Clark. Cal" McCormick,
Secretary, Mrs. Roy Brown, Corresponding Secretary.
A banquet and social good time was given in March, 1920, which was conceded to be a great success. The officers then were, Mrs. Beebee, President, Mrs. Crosby, Recording Secretary, Mrs. McCall, Corresponding Secretary.
Lisco Nineteen hundred and nine was an eventful year in the history of Lisco. The railroad reached there in the fall of 1908. So Reuben Lisco laid out the village of Lisco and opened up a store and postofnce in January, 1909, in a small frame building near the Lisco ranch house on the north side of the river. The
Chris McCormick, Stephen Brown, I. H. Orr, Geo. Cochran and Van Delatour. It has held a successful fair each fall with 1919 capping all with the largest attendence and successful financially. The officers in 1919 were: C. F. Roberts, president ; Phil Pizer, secretary and treasurer ; Board of Directors : Chas. Roberts, Phil Pizer, Jim Caslin, V. E. Marsh, Fred Johnson, Joe Brunt, I. H. Orr and M. S. Gates.
The Woman's Club of Lewellen was organized in October, 1913, as an auxiliary to the Farmers Institute. Mrs. Cal McCormick was the first President and Mrs. Dick Clark Secretary. It was federated with the State Federation of Woman's Clubs in March, 1917, and has thirty members. It has its year book of programs and hostesses, etc. ; works for the betterment of the community.
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Marsh, Fred Johnson, Joe Brunt, I. H. Orr and M. S. Gates.
The Woman's Club of Lewellen was organized in October, 1913, as an auxiliary to the Farmers Institute. Mrs. Cal McCormick was the first President and Mrs. Dick Clark Secretary. It was federated with the State Federation of Woman's Clubs in March, 1917, and has thirty members. It has its year book of programs and hostesses, etc. ; works for the betterment of the community. The first officers under the federation were Mrs. Mollie Wilson, President. Mrs. Hostetter, Recording
store which was practically in a cornfield was called the Lisco Mercantile Company ; W. F. Gumaer was manager. A lumber yard was connected with it. W. F. Gumaer's family was the first one on the present site of Lisco. His daughter Viola was the first child born in Lisco.
To get the postofnce started, the mail was carried from Oshkosh twice .a week for six months, either by team or train, the Lisco postoffice paying for the transportation. Mr. Gumaer was postmaster until his health failed in December, 1916, when Mrs. Cary was appointed postmistress. Miss Jessie Lee Colyer was appointed postmistress in 1918 : but in February, 1920 while in Omaha nursing her sick sister she contracted pneumonia and died.
The telephone line was continued up to Lisco in 1909, branches to other points and the farmers line coming on soon after.
The Lisco hotel and depot, besides two or
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
three residences were completed in 1909. This same year the Presbyterian church was built but not dedicated until the spring of 1910. This year saw the erection of a fine new brick building to be occupied by the Lisco Mercantile Company, postoffice and bank on the corner.
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The telephone line was continued up to Lisco in 1909, branches to other points and the farmers line coming on soon after.
The Lisco hotel and depot, besides two or
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
three residences were completed in 1909. This same year the Presbyterian church was built but not dedicated until the spring of 1910. This year saw the erection of a fine new brick building to be occupied by the Lisco Mercantile Company, postoffice and bank on the corner.
The building now used as a restaurant by Mr. Jim Horn was put up in 1910 for a pool hall. The present pool hall is across the street.
The school was held in an upstairs room in the Lisco Mercantile building until 1911, when
of Mr. Myers, Lisco
a two room building was erected. That fall school started in nice new, clean quarters with Misses Goodmanson and Davis, teachers.
Just at this time the dreams of the old settlers came true and a bridge was built across the river in the spring of 1912. It being only one-half mile from the county line between Garden and Morrill counties, Morrill county helped pay for its construction.
A small stock of drugs carried by the Lisco Mercantile Company was sold in May, 1916, to J. A. Ray ; and in the fall he moved into the
new brick building now occupied by the drug store, postofhce and printing office which Mr. Lisco completed in the fall of 1917.
In the summer of this same year, Frank- Browning put up a building and opened up a hardware store. Wm. Mankin bought him out in 1918 and in 1919 sold a half interest to D. E. Meiklejohn, the present owner.
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A small stock of drugs carried by the Lisco Mercantile Company was sold in May, 1916, to J. A. Ray ; and in the fall he moved into the
new brick building now occupied by the drug store, postofhce and printing office which Mr. Lisco completed in the fall of 1917.
In the summer of this same year, Frank- Browning put up a building and opened up a hardware store. Wm. Mankin bought him out in 1918 and in 1919 sold a half interest to D. E. Meiklejohn, the present owner.
In 1916 W. F. Gumaer's health failed and he was obliged to give up work. Mr. Lisco decided to sell the Lisco Mercantile Company to Stevenson Brothers and the lumber yard to the Sterling Lumber Company of Denver, which has added a good stock of hardware. Lou Hagemeister is manager.
Two garages were put up in 1919, the Mitchell Motor Company in April and May, by Ed. F. Mitchell and the Lisco garage by Guy Dolson, in June. One of the best hotels in the county is at Lisco run by Mrs. Smithern who came there in 1918.
Chas. Minshall bought out a man named Pelton in 1915, but sold to the Farmer's Cooperative Company in 1918. This company is putting up a new building which will give them more room, as well as an improvement to the town.
There are a number of very good residences in Lisco, among them is Mr. Lisco's which is entirely modern. He has his own electric light plant.
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One of the best hotels in the county is at Lisco run by Mrs. Smithern who came there in 1918.
Chas. Minshall bought out a man named Pelton in 1915, but sold to the Farmer's Cooperative Company in 1918. This company is putting up a new building which will give them more room, as well as an improvement to the town.
There are a number of very good residences in Lisco, among them is Mr. Lisco's which is entirely modern. He has his own electric light plant.
Mr. Cary has been depot agent here from the opening of the station by the Union Pacific railroad in 1909.
.The Mitchell garage was destroyed by fire in February, 1920, which, was a great loss. They are planning to rebuild.
The Catholic church was built in 1915 and was dedicated in the spring of 1916, with much pomp and an impressive ceremony. This church has about forty members.
RAILROADS -- SCHOOLS -- CHURCHES -- THE PRESS ■ BANKING AND FINANCE
BENCH AND BAR
The carrying into effect of the plans of the Union Pacific railroad to build a line on a water grade from North Platte to the mountains, brought to our North River country its first and only railroad. This line was built in 1907 and 1908, reaching Lewellen in 1907, and the first train arriving at Oshkosh on August 8, 1908. In September a huge celebration and barbecue was held at Oshkosh to show to the world the gladness of a new railroad town. People came from miles around Julesburg, ( Igalalla, Chappell, etc. All went well and everyone had a good time, even though the meat was not done to a turn.
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This line was built in 1907 and 1908, reaching Lewellen in 1907, and the first train arriving at Oshkosh on August 8, 1908. In September a huge celebration and barbecue was held at Oshkosh to show to the world the gladness of a new railroad town. People came from miles around Julesburg, ( Igalalla, Chappell, etc. All went well and everyone had a good time, even though the meat was not done to a turn.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Lewellen, Oshkosh and Lisco at once began to boom. The rapid growth of these towns, and the development of the surrounding agricultural lands, soon brought on clamor for county division, and in 1909 the new county of Garden was formed out of the north part of Deuel.
The first depot agents at the towns along the line were, at Lewellen, W. A. Hostetter ; at Oshkosh, Frank Maryott ; at Lisco, R. C. Cary, who is still there. At Oshkosh the changes have been many since Maryott left. 1920 finds J. B. Bailey at Oshkosh 'and F. J. Bitter at Lewellen.
Schools
During the early days, the school advantages were the same as in all new settlements. Very few schools and often none for many miles. A number of those early schools were practically private schools held in the home of some fortunate settler. It was a common occurrence for the children to be obliged to go from five to eight miles to school.
The first school building in the county was in what is now Joint district No. 2. known as the Wendt school on the south table west of Ash Hollow. It was built of sod in 1887, by M. F. Clary, Nicholas Opp, Bob Taylor, and Pete Ferry, on section 33, southwest corner. Eva Gilliard (now Mrs. J.
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It was a common occurrence for the children to be obliged to go from five to eight miles to school.
The first school building in the county was in what is now Joint district No. 2. known as the Wendt school on the south table west of Ash Hollow. It was built of sod in 1887, by M. F. Clary, Nicholas Opp, Bob Taylor, and Pete Ferry, on section 33, southwest corner. Eva Gilliard (now Mrs. J. A. Marshall near Lewellen) was the first teacher. She was only sixteen vears old.
Mrs. 'Robert Dailey, near Lisco. had no school near at hand. In order to get the children
to school, she took them to Lodgepole, often fording the river to do so. ( >nce she placed tinchildren on a cake of ice to serve as a raft. She waded the river; her struggle to keep the raft from carrying the children down stream in spite of her' would be a lesson in courage and determination. The school districts would sometimes get badly in debt, so the patrons would hire a teacher and pay the salary out of
their pockets. Lewellen. for instance, had to do that in 1902. Mrs. Chris McCormick was the teacher hired.
On the south table the old sod school buildings are of the past. They now havi g
frame buildings well equipped for work, good salaries are paid for good teachers. In the north the sod building still holds sway. The country being not fully developed, they are
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The school districts would sometimes get badly in debt, so the patrons would hire a teacher and pay the salary out of
their pockets. Lewellen. for instance, had to do that in 1902. Mrs. Chris McCormick was the teacher hired.
On the south table the old sod school buildings are of the past. They now havi g
frame buildings well equipped for work, good salaries are paid for good teachers. In the north the sod building still holds sway. The country being not fully developed, they are
Old Stone Schoolhouse, Oshkosh
sometimes as far as eight miles apart. Through the central part of the county we still find some sod buildings, but more often the well built frame building is taking its place.
The first county superintendent was T. C. McKee, elected in 1910. His health failed and he was obliged to resign in October, 1913. when Nellie Olson (now Mrs. Ed. Stroud) was appointed to fill the vacancy. Then having been elected and reelected, she remained in that office until March 1, 1918, when she resigned. Miss Esther Johnson was appointed to fill the vacancy and has since been elected to the office.
Lewellen had the first village school in 1890. A frame building was put up and used until 1908, when it was sold. They had expected to have a new building ready for the next year, but there was some trouble about the bonds, leaving the community without a school building for three vears. During this time school was held in the Hall, 1.. II. Warner and Lyle Mewhirter were two of the teachers who taught in the Hall. In 1911 a good frame building was completed. In 1918 the 11th and 12th grades were added, making a high school course complete. A large brick building is being erected this year for its accommodation.
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They had expected to have a new building ready for the next year, but there was some trouble about the bonds, leaving the community without a school building for three vears. During this time school was held in the Hall, 1.. II. Warner and Lyle Mewhirter were two of the teachers who taught in the Hall. In 1911 a good frame building was completed. In 1918 the 11th and 12th grades were added, making a high school course complete. A large brick building is being erected this year for its accommodation. It will be a needed improvement.
The teachers in 1920, are Gwendoline Jones, Superintendent, Warren E. Dolan, Assistant, and Miss Granet, the high school teachers; and Mary Byer, \da lion, back. Mrs. Cassell Dela-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
tour and Mrs. Esther Jones as grade school teachers.
As early as 1890 a small school was carried on in the sod house on John Robinson's preemption on Lost Creek, one mile north of Oshkosh. Among the teachers who taught in this building were Viola Empson (now Mrs. Robt. Day), D. F. Fickes and Miss Hunsinger.
That old sod house was used until 1896, when a new sod building was put up in the north edge of town near where the old stone building now stands. John Twiford taught in this building in 1903, and Laura Laycock taught one of the last terms of school in the old "Soddy." The stone building consisting of two rooms was erected in 1905. It was quite a pretentious building at that time, but soon became too small. In the fall of 1910 the primary grades were moved into a small frame building on Fish
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That old sod house was used until 1896, when a new sod building was put up in the north edge of town near where the old stone building now stands. John Twiford taught in this building in 1903, and Laura Laycock taught one of the last terms of school in the old "Soddy." The stone building consisting of two rooms was erected in 1905. It was quite a pretentious building at that time, but soon became too small. In the fall of 1910 the primary grades were moved into a small frame building on Fish
--nil
Sir
Hi
■ El
yrr J»if*ii
street, just north of the railroad track. Here Bonnie Twiford taught. During the summer of 1911. a small frame building was built in the yard with the stone one. Here Jessie Lee Colyer taught the primary grades in 1911-12.
The next fall the schools were crowded, Miss Mina Vance taught the fourth and fifth grades in a room over Quelle's Hardware store. Nellie Olson taught the primary grades in the frame building. Katherine McCusker and Mr. Samuelson taught the higher grades in the stone building. _ ■
Oshkosh school soon had outgrown its quarters. The eleven grades needed more room so a commodious brick building was erected in 1914, giving ample space to accommodate the school for some years to come. But now, 1920, that building is filled to its full capacity, employing seven teachers for the pupils of the first eight grades. The teachers are: Nellie Coffin, Superintendent, Kate Waters, Mrs. G. M. Robison. Beulah Wilson, Edith Miles, Mrs. Harriet Hall and Fannie Matson.
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Oshkosh school soon had outgrown its quarters. The eleven grades needed more room so a commodious brick building was erected in 1914, giving ample space to accommodate the school for some years to come. But now, 1920, that building is filled to its full capacity, employing seven teachers for the pupils of the first eight grades. The teachers are: Nellie Coffin, Superintendent, Kate Waters, Mrs. G. M. Robison. Beulah Wilson, Edith Miles, Mrs. Harriet Hall and Fannie Matson.
The first school in Lisco was held in a room over the Lisco Mercantile Company store, during the year 1909-10. It was a private school supported by the few residents of Lisco. There were fourteen pupils enrolled with Jessie Lee Colyer teacher. It was made a public school the following year with Miss Williams as teacher. The room over the store was used until 1911, when the present frame building was put up with two rooms and two teachers, Miss Goodmanson and Miss Davis. Last year,
1918, they were obliged to fit up a room over the Lisco Mercantile Company store again. In
1919, two rooms over the store were needed as the tenth and eleventh grades were added to the course. The teachers in Lisco at this time were Cora Felker. Principal, Eva Snider, Assistant, Mrs. R. O. Stevenson and Miss Lela Mosser.
Garden County High School
June 26, 1915, a Garden county high school
was organized under the control of a Board of
Regents. County Superintendent Nellie Olson
Stroud, County Treasurer Ralph Laycock, and
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1918, they were obliged to fit up a room over the Lisco Mercantile Company store again. In
1919, two rooms over the store were needed as the tenth and eleventh grades were added to the course. The teachers in Lisco at this time were Cora Felker. Principal, Eva Snider, Assistant, Mrs. R. O. Stevenson and Miss Lela Mosser.
Garden County High School
June 26, 1915, a Garden county high school
was organized under the control of a Board of
Regents. County Superintendent Nellie Olson
Stroud, County Treasurer Ralph Laycock, and
F. A. Dutton of Oshkosh, Mr Tilgner, of Lewellen and Geo. Sampson, of Lisco, were elected on the Board of Regents. The first teachers were Ben F Robinson, Superintendent, Mrs. Minnie Robinson and Miss Louise Barstow, Assistants. They remained two years.
The first graduates were Walter Olson, Bess Blair, Beulah Blair, Marguerite Day, Bernice Miller and P'ern Bentz.
The Garden county high school's best year in basket ball was in 1916-17. Paul Bergstrom, Superintendent of the Oshkosh grade schools, coached the high school team. They did so well that they were allowed to go to the state tournament. They were not in the best of condition, two players were sick with hard colds, but they won the first game from Bassett and lost the second to Pawnee' City. The players were Frank Robinson, Clyde Sudman, Lee Henderson, Everett Dennis. Walter Stroud and Ralph Snell.
The basket ball team in 1918-19 won their monograms and wool jerseys in the high school colors, purple and white.
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They did so well that they were allowed to go to the state tournament. They were not in the best of condition, two players were sick with hard colds, but they won the first game from Bassett and lost the second to Pawnee' City. The players were Frank Robinson, Clyde Sudman, Lee Henderson, Everett Dennis. Walter Stroud and Ralph Snell.
The basket ball team in 1918-19 won their monograms and wool jerseys in the high school colors, purple and white.
In the years 1919-20 they have played very .good games. The players were: Gus Jacobs, Rex Proper, David Curtis, Rush Snow and Murray Snow ; the girls were, Pearl Kingery, Opal Plummer. Vena Quelle, Esther Miller, and Helen Naslund.
In 1918 the grades, needing the entire building, a new high school building was built in the west part of town on a five acre tract under irrigation. The teachers were Lena Freiday, Superintendent, Winefried Warren, and Mrs.
G. M. Robison. That year Garden countv's
HISTORY OF WKSTERX NEBRASKA
first field meet was held in the second week of May and was a grand success. It consisted of baseball, basket ball, tennis, novelty events, and all track events. Garden county high school won the meet with a lead of 96 points, with Lewellen second. The champion athletes were Ivan Hartman, Lewellen, first ; David Curtis, of Garden county high school, second; Rex Proper of Garden county high school, third. Girls : Pearl Kingery, first ; Helen Naslund, second; Opal Plummer, third; all of Garden county high school.
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first field meet was held in the second week of May and was a grand success. It consisted of baseball, basket ball, tennis, novelty events, and all track events. Garden county high school won the meet with a lead of 96 points, with Lewellen second. The champion athletes were Ivan Hartman, Lewellen, first ; David Curtis, of Garden county high school, second; Rex Proper of Garden county high school, third. Girls : Pearl Kingery, first ; Helen Naslund, second; Opal Plummer, third; all of Garden county high school.
The present teachers of the Garden county high school are: Arthur Douglas, Superintendent, Miss Helen McComas. Miss Pearl Calvert and Miss Edith Anderson, Assistants. The present Board of Regents are. County Superintendent. Miss Tohnson, County Treasurer, Ed. Woods, F. A. Dutton of Oshkosh. D. F. Morris of Lewellen and Geo. Sampson of Lisco.
On November 22. 1919, a spelling contest was held at Oshkosh between the grades and rural schools. The following schools sent contestants : Lisco, Oshkosh, District 56, District 5, District 50 and District 62. Anna Carpenter of District 50 won the first prize, Lisco second and Oshkosh third.
Garden county schools have taken prizes on exhibits at the State Fair at Lincoln. In 1918 the rural schools of districts 40 and 56 won first prize on drawing and district 40 on penmanship.
In 1919 Oshkosh won first in the four best drawing cards, district 56. district 19 sent a collection of work that took' first prize. A rural school took second prize on two drawings. Oshkosh took third on booklets on Nebraska and Geography.
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Garden county schools have taken prizes on exhibits at the State Fair at Lincoln. In 1918 the rural schools of districts 40 and 56 won first prize on drawing and district 40 on penmanship.
In 1919 Oshkosh won first in the four best drawing cards, district 56. district 19 sent a collection of work that took' first prize. A rural school took second prize on two drawings. Oshkosh took third on booklets on Nebraska and Geography.
Churches
The first church in the county was an organization on the sputh table, eleven miles southwest of Lewellen near where the Day church now stands. It was a Methodist church organized in 1887 by Dennis Clary, W. H. Gilliard and Chris McCormick, Sr. Mr. Clary had been in the ministry for thirty years. The building, which has now fallen, was of sod, with a small cemetery in connection with it, which is still there. When the frame building was built, it was put up two miles southeast and is now called Day church.
The first Easter service was held in M. P. Clary's house before the completion of the church. Mrs. Homer Spillman was at this service. She heard there was to be one but didn't know just where. She put the children into the wagon and drove ten miles across the prairie to reach it. A kind Providence led her to Mr.
Clary's house in time for the service. Mr. Ruckman was the pastor in charge.
The first church in Lewellen was a Methodist church built in 1S99. Rev-. Coslet, Eggers, and Bollan preached in the school house before the church was built. Rev. Elmer Keller was the first pastor to preach in the new church. It naturally was a small organization at first. The churches of Lewellen and Oshkosh hired a pastor together for a number of years.
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Clary's house in time for the service. Mr. Ruckman was the pastor in charge.
The first church in Lewellen was a Methodist church built in 1S99. Rev-. Coslet, Eggers, and Bollan preached in the school house before the church was built. Rev. Elmer Keller was the first pastor to preach in the new church. It naturally was a small organization at first. The churches of Lewellen and Oshkosh hired a pastor together for a number of years. It has been only since 1915 that each church has hired its own. The church in Lewellen now has a parsonage, ninety-one members, a live Sunday School, Ladies Aid Society and Young People's Society. The Aid Society helps materially in the support of the church and its benevolences. It put up the tower on the church and placed a bell therein to ring out its call every week. Rev. P. H. Smith is the present pastor.
The Lutheran church organization of Lewellen was formed in the fall of 1906, by William Heidenrich, from Oshkosh, with a Sunday School and Ladies Guild in connection. That year a nice church was built and dedicated, during Rev. Clark Powell's pastorate. They join with the church at ( >>hk<>4i in hiring a minister, who has resided in Oshkosh until 1920. Rev. R. A. Helms, the present pastor, lives in Lewellen.
In 1911 a Baptist church was built. Rev. Elkins was pastor. The organization has steadily been growing. They have decided to build a parsonage this year. The present pastor is A. J. Coffey.
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That year a nice church was built and dedicated, during Rev. Clark Powell's pastorate. They join with the church at ( >>hk<>4i in hiring a minister, who has resided in Oshkosh until 1920. Rev. R. A. Helms, the present pastor, lives in Lewellen.
In 1911 a Baptist church was built. Rev. Elkins was pastor. The organization has steadily been growing. They have decided to build a parsonage this year. The present pastor is A. J. Coffey.
The first church organization in ( tshkosh was the Methodist Episcopal. It was a branch of the Methodist church at Lewellen, and helped in the support of the Lewellen pastor, who came to Oshkosh for services every other Sunday. Services were held in the schoolhouse or hall until the Lutheran church was built in 1909. Then services were held in that every other week, alternating with the Lutheran pastor who went to Lewellen every week until 1912, when they built a church home. The Methodist church was dedicated July. 1913, while Rev. McAbee was pastor. A revival was held by Evangelist Flowers, thereby adding many more members. The church organization was perfected at this time with about sixty members. Among them were the Bowers, Twifords, Sherleys, Sterlings, McCords. Duttons, Henrys and Aufdengartens. Both the Lewellen and Oshkosh churches were growing stronger and able to stand alone. In the spring of 1916 each decided to hire a pastor alone. Rev. McGill staved at Lewellen and the Osh-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
kosh church hired a young man, Rev. Cummins, until fall.
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A revival was held by Evangelist Flowers, thereby adding many more members. The church organization was perfected at this time with about sixty members. Among them were the Bowers, Twifords, Sherleys, Sterlings, McCords. Duttons, Henrys and Aufdengartens. Both the Lewellen and Oshkosh churches were growing stronger and able to stand alone. In the spring of 1916 each decided to hire a pastor alone. Rev. McGill staved at Lewellen and the Osh-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
kosh church hired a young man, Rev. Cummins, until fall.
While Rev. Koch was here, a parsonage was built and the Ladies Aid has just finished paying for it. They had previous to this finished paying the debt on the church. The "present pastor is Rev. Kuhler. They have a nice large Sunday School with Miss Miles Superintendent. Young Peoples society, the Epworth League, is connected with the church. Miss Johnson is the leader.
On June 10, 1906, Rev. Wm. Heidenrich came to Oshkosh. He organized a Lutheran church September 9. 1906, calling it St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran church. Among the first members were the Sudmans, Quelles, Fickes, Swansons and others. It consisted of fifteen charter members, with Sunday School and Ladies' Guild in connection. The services were held in the school house or hall until the church building was completed in the spring of 1909. The dedication was held in June, 1909. Oshkosh joins with the Lewellen church in the support of a pastor. Rev. Heidenrich's wife's health was poor, so he decided to go to a lower altitude. He resigned May 22, 1910, after staying here four years. He was well liked, and the church regretted very much to have him leave. Since that time, they have had Rev. Collier who stayed a short time, Rev. Woods, Rev. Clark Powell, Rev. Ebright (who preached during his vacation) Rev.
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Oshkosh joins with the Lewellen church in the support of a pastor. Rev. Heidenrich's wife's health was poor, so he decided to go to a lower altitude. He resigned May 22, 1910, after staying here four years. He was well liked, and the church regretted very much to have him leave. Since that time, they have had Rev. Collier who stayed a short time, Rev. Woods, Rev. Clark Powell, Rev. Ebright (who preached during his vacation) Rev. W. H. N. Stevens, all of whom resided in Oshkosh. The present pastor, Rev. R. A. Helms, resides in Lewellen. The Sunday School and the Ladies Guild have been well kept up, supporting the church in its work right loyally. The membership is about fifty, with Roy Swanson, Clerk.
While Father Burns of Scottsbluff was coming regularly to hold services in Oshkosh, a church was built in 1916. It was dedicated the following spring in the usual form. It has aLout sixty members.
While Rev. Heindenrich was pastor of the Lutheran church at Oshkosh, he organized a church and Sunday School at Kowanda. They held meetings in the schoolhouse until 1915 when a church building was erected. Rev. Jensen of Lewellen came here to preach at times. Rev. Koch. Baker and Kuhler of the Oshkosh Methodist church have preached over there every other Sunday since 1916. A good Sunday School has been maintained.
At Lisco the Presbyterians were the first denomination to get busy. Rev. Currens, seventy years old, came from Alliance into the neighborhood south of the river and held meetings in a sod school house during the winter
1021
They held meetings in the schoolhouse until 1915 when a church building was erected. Rev. Jensen of Lewellen came here to preach at times. Rev. Koch. Baker and Kuhler of the Oshkosh Methodist church have preached over there every other Sunday since 1916. A good Sunday School has been maintained.
At Lisco the Presbyterians were the first denomination to get busy. Rev. Currens, seventy years old, came from Alliance into the neighborhood south of the river and held meetings in a sod school house during the winter
of 1908-09. In his visiting he would wade the river even though it was full of ice. An organization was formed there. The church was built in Lisco the following spring, but not dedicated until the spring of 1910. Before the church was completed, meetings were held in the homes and at the waiting room in the depot. Much comfort was taken with a small folding organ which could be folded up and carried whereever it was needed. Some of the pastors were : Rev. John Ellis, Rev. Ebey, Rev. Snowdon and Rev. Woodward. These pastors resided in Broadwater, coming to Lisco for services.
In 1915 the Catholics in and around Lisco determined to have a church home and that summer it was begun. Father Burns from Scottsbluff came for services. The following spring it was dedicated with the usual ceremonies. They have forty members.
Out on what is called the west table about eight miles northeast of Lisco, we find a thriving Adventist church called the Lisco Adventist church. In June, 1908, an organization was formed consisting of forty-two members. The building was erected that same year.
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In 1915 the Catholics in and around Lisco determined to have a church home and that summer it was begun. Father Burns from Scottsbluff came for services. The following spring it was dedicated with the usual ceremonies. They have forty members.
Out on what is called the west table about eight miles northeast of Lisco, we find a thriving Adventist church called the Lisco Adventist church. In June, 1908, an organization was formed consisting of forty-two members. The building was erected that same year.
Some of the people living in Antelope and Lost Creek valleys wished to have a church building for preaching services and Sunday School. A subscription list was started and funds raised for the building. One was put up in 1916 of cement blocks. It was named the Silvia Union church, in honor of Mrs. John Kiley, who had been one of the main starters of the movement. It was dedicated in June, 1917. Money enough was raised that day to pay off the debt.
The Press
The first newspaper was established in Oshkosh in 1906, by Col. Wisner of Bayard. This was a weekly paper named the Oshkosh Herald. In the following year the Colonel sold out to Calkins and Loob. Calkins soon disappeared, but Loob continued to publish the Herald for a few months longer. Will Twiford acted as editor until tjre spring of 1908, when R. A. Day and Charles Tomppert bought the business and were soon publishing the Herald as an eight page paper, printing two pages of it in their office.
1023
This was a weekly paper named the Oshkosh Herald. In the following year the Colonel sold out to Calkins and Loob. Calkins soon disappeared, but Loob continued to publish the Herald for a few months longer. Will Twiford acted as editor until tjre spring of 1908, when R. A. Day and Charles Tomppert bought the business and were soon publishing the Herald as an eight page paper, printing two pages of it in their office.
In the fall of 1908, Mr. Tomppert and Walter Bentz formed a partnership, and embarked on the sea of journalism, in full charge and ownership of the Herald. Thev managed to print four pages each week on their Washington hand press. Within a year, they had increased the circulation to several hundred and were doing a paying business.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
_'<)')
In 1910, the business was incorporated under the name of Tomppert-Bentz Company, the stock being held by Charles Tomppert, P. J. Bentz, Walter Bentz, Clyde Bentz. Pearl Bentz and Roy Bentz. The new company at once put in modern machinery and built a good new office building.
For the two years following, the Oshkosh Herald bid fair to become the model newspaper of the Great Plains. Dissension arose among the stockholders and Mr. Tomppert finding himself out-voted at every turn by the Bentz family, sold out to them for what he could get and gracefully retired from the Company.
He at once planned to established a rival paper, and in August, 1912, bought out the Garden County News which Mr. Warner had been running for two or three years at Lewellen, bought a new press and linotype, and proceeded to make the old News the biggest and best paper in the county. 1300 copies of the Nezvs is now printed each week.
1024
Tomppert finding himself out-voted at every turn by the Bentz family, sold out to them for what he could get and gracefully retired from the Company.
He at once planned to established a rival paper, and in August, 1912, bought out the Garden County News which Mr. Warner had been running for two or three years at Lewellen, bought a new press and linotype, and proceeded to make the old News the biggest and best paper in the county. 1300 copies of the Nezvs is now printed each week.
At this time the Bentz Company were publishing three papers in the county. The Oshkosh Herald, at Oshkosh, The Lcivcllen Gazette at Lewellen and the Lisco Tribune at Lisco. They did most of the printing at the Herald office. In 1913, they sold the Tribune to Mr. Cary of Lisco, The Herald and Gazette were run by different members of the Bentz family until May, 1919, when they discontinued both papers and moved to Florida.
This leaves just one newspaper in Oshkosh, one in Lewellen and one in Lisco.
In 1919, Mr. David J. Colyer bought the Lisco Tribune from Mr. Cary. He is rapidly improving it, building up the circulation and making a real newspaper out of it.
Mr. John B. Barton established the Lewellen Optimist on March 22, 1917. Each year, it is steadily increasing in quality and circulation and it is loyally supported especially in the eastern part of the county.
The Bench and the Bar Garden county has no resident district judge. When first organized in the year 1910, this county was in the thirteenth judicial districl of Nebraska, presided over by Judge H. M. Grimes of North Platte.
1025
He is rapidly improving it, building up the circulation and making a real newspaper out of it.
Mr. John B. Barton established the Lewellen Optimist on March 22, 1917. Each year, it is steadily increasing in quality and circulation and it is loyally supported especially in the eastern part of the county.
The Bench and the Bar Garden county has no resident district judge. When first organized in the year 1910, this county was in the thirteenth judicial districl of Nebraska, presided over by Judge H. M. Grimes of North Platte.
In 1911. the new seventeenth judicial district was created, of which a short time later, Ralph W. Hobart of Scotts Bluff county was elected judge and he has held the office up to the present time.
Alfred W. Gumaer has held the office of county judge ever since the county was organized. At the first general election in 1910, Walter Bentz was a candidate for the office, but was so badly defeated that since that time no one has filed for the office, against judge Gumaer. Although not a member of the bar, Judge Gumaer is well read in the law, and ever preserves the honor and dignity of the bench. About the only time the magisterial calm was ever ruffled was on the occasion when a well dressed young man and woman with every appearance of candidates for matrimony presented themselves before him and smiling recited, "Will you divorce us from each other, Judge?"
Lee Minner of Omaha, was our first county attorney. After but a few weeks in the office, he became dissatisfied, resigned his office and removed to Kansas City.
1026
Although not a member of the bar, Judge Gumaer is well read in the law, and ever preserves the honor and dignity of the bench. About the only time the magisterial calm was ever ruffled was on the occasion when a well dressed young man and woman with every appearance of candidates for matrimony presented themselves before him and smiling recited, "Will you divorce us from each other, Judge?"
Lee Minner of Omaha, was our first county attorney. After but a few weeks in the office, he became dissatisfied, resigned his office and removed to Kansas City.
The next attorney to arrive was R. F. Williams who came from Bridgeport. Nebraska. He was appointed county attorney in the spring of 1910 to fill the vacancy, was elected to the office in 1910, reelected in 1912. Failing to secure reelection in 1914, he went back to his boyhood home in Niles, Michigan. Richard F. Williams, who was known here as "Judge" Williams, was a captain and veteran of the Civil War. He always took a lively interest in politics and was a staunch Republican. In addition to his successful experience as a soldier and lawyer, he spent several years as a miner and prospector, and at one time edited and published a newspaper at St. Edwards, Nebraska. Judge Williams now spends the winters in Florida. He is the father of Fay E. Williams, one of the pioneer lawyers of Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Herbert J. Curtis, county attorney of Garden county, was born in Knoxville, Marion county, Iowa, on September 24, 1871. His paternal ancestors came from England in early colonial times and each new generation joined the western bound pioneers. In the early fifties when Mr. Curtis's father. Stephen Curtis, was a small boy, the Curtis family emigrated from Ohio to the Des Moines river bottom near the site of old Bellefountain and engaged in the usual occupations of the woodman.
1027
Curtis, county attorney of Garden county, was born in Knoxville, Marion county, Iowa, on September 24, 1871. His paternal ancestors came from England in early colonial times and each new generation joined the western bound pioneers. In the early fifties when Mr. Curtis's father. Stephen Curtis, was a small boy, the Curtis family emigrated from Ohio to the Des Moines river bottom near the site of old Bellefountain and engaged in the usual occupations of the woodman. The grandfather was a sash and door maker, and his sons operated the first portable sawmill on the Des Moines river.
Herbert J.'s mother was also of pioneer stock but her people originally came from Ireland, and settled in Pennsylvania, from thence moving to Highland county, Ohio, from there to Des Moines county. Iowa, and on to Marion count v. Several of her ancestors, the Mc- Conaugheys were scalped in their own dooryards by the Indians of William Penn's province.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Mr. Curtis's boyhood was spent on a farm near Knoxville. He did farm work in the summer, and attended the district school in the winter, until he was sixteen years of age, when his father died, and he being the oldest of a large family of children quit school and took charge of the farm work. When he was twenty-one years old, his mother married again, and taking a four year old colt as his inheritance, he struck out to earn some schooling. By teaching school a portion of the year, and attending school and doing odd jobs the remainder of the time, he secured a first class teacher's certificate, and the degrees of Bachelor of Didactics, and Master of Didactics from the Highland Park College, Des Moines, Iowa. He then took the Principal Teachers' examinations in the United States Civil Service, and in 1895 received an appointment as teacher at the Colorado River Indian Boarding School at Parker, Arizona.
1028
By teaching school a portion of the year, and attending school and doing odd jobs the remainder of the time, he secured a first class teacher's certificate, and the degrees of Bachelor of Didactics, and Master of Didactics from the Highland Park College, Des Moines, Iowa. He then took the Principal Teachers' examinations in the United States Civil Service, and in 1895 received an appointment as teacher at the Colorado River Indian Boarding School at Parker, Arizona. Two years later he was promoted to the position of superintendent at the Uncompagre Boarding School at Fort Duchesne, Utah, and in a short time transferred to the Pine Point Boarding School, in the Tamarack and Pine Regions near Lake Itasca, in northern Minnesota.
While occupying the latter position, he married Miss Lillie Gilbert of Memphis, Michigan.
Having studied law at spare times for several years, in September, 1907, he decided to finish the law course and enrolled in the law College of the State University of Nebraska, receiving his sheepskin and admission to the bar in 1910. He then immediately moved to Oshkosh.and has been engaged here in the practic of law ever since.
In the fall of 1912, he entered into partnership with Frank Dutton under the firm name of Curtis & Dutton, lawyers. This partnership was dissolved in December, 1914.
In 1914, Mr. Curtis was elected county attorney, reelected in 1916, and again reelected in 1918 for a four year term.
Mr. and Mrs. Curtis have three children : David, born in Beecher county, Minnesota, May 7, 1903 ; Helen, born in Lancaster county, Nebraska, July 31, 1907; Robert, born in Oshkosh. Nebraska, May 25, 1911.
1029
In the fall of 1912, he entered into partnership with Frank Dutton under the firm name of Curtis & Dutton, lawyers. This partnership was dissolved in December, 1914.
In 1914, Mr. Curtis was elected county attorney, reelected in 1916, and again reelected in 1918 for a four year term.
Mr. and Mrs. Curtis have three children : David, born in Beecher county, Minnesota, May 7, 1903 ; Helen, born in Lancaster county, Nebraska, July 31, 1907; Robert, born in Oshkosh. Nebraska, May 25, 1911.
Frank A. Dutton has been actively engaged in the practice of law in Garden county and surrounding counties since 1912.
Mr. Dutton was born September 26. 1877, at Hiram Rapids, Portage County, Ohio, almost within the shadow of Hiram College. His parents, Merritt Dutton and Jeannette Mott Dutton were also natives of Ohio. Merritt Dut* ton was a veteran of the Civil War.
Mr. Dutton was raised as a farmer boy in
Geauga county, Ohio, and, in 1897, he with his parents and brothers moved to the town of Telluride, Colorado, where they engaged in the mining business for ten years.
On January 31, 1907, he was united in marriage with Miss Clara Dutton and they at once moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. In September, 1907, Mr. Dutton enrolled as a student in the Law College of the State University of Nebraska, completing the course, and receiving his certificate of admission to the bar in June, 1910. He then returned to Colorado, located at Grand Junction and practiced law there until 1912.
1030
Geauga county, Ohio, and, in 1897, he with his parents and brothers moved to the town of Telluride, Colorado, where they engaged in the mining business for ten years.
On January 31, 1907, he was united in marriage with Miss Clara Dutton and they at once moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. In September, 1907, Mr. Dutton enrolled as a student in the Law College of the State University of Nebraska, completing the course, and receiving his certificate of admission to the bar in June, 1910. He then returned to Colorado, located at Grand Junction and practiced law there until 1912.
Mr. and Mrs. Dutton have two children : Jeanette, born in Grand Junction, Colorado, on December 25, 1910 ; and Mary Louise, born in Oshkosh, Nebraska, June 16, 1915.
Banking and Finance
Garden county has only five banks but they are all solid, thriving institutions. Two of them are located at Oshkosh, two at Lewellen and one at Lisco.
The first bank here was the Deuel County Bank, organized at Oshkosh in 1904, by J. W. Wehn. For the first few months the business was crowded into the sitting room of the Miller hotel. The bank then moved into a new frame building built especially for a banking house. When the railroad was surveyed and located, the new bank was unfortunately found to be in the middle of the right of way, so they sold the building to the railroad company, and moved into a small frame building on the east side of Main street. About this time Rob't A. Day succeeded P. W. Burke as cashier, which position Mr. Day held until January, 1919, when he was elected president. Three months later John T. Wood, a successful banker from Mason City, Custer county, Nebraska, located here, bought Mr. Day's interest in the bank, and Mr.
1031
When the railroad was surveyed and located, the new bank was unfortunately found to be in the middle of the right of way, so they sold the building to the railroad company, and moved into a small frame building on the east side of Main street. About this time Rob't A. Day succeeded P. W. Burke as cashier, which position Mr. Day held until January, 1919, when he was elected president. Three months later John T. Wood, a successful banker from Mason City, Custer county, Nebraska, located here, bought Mr. Day's interest in the bank, and Mr. Day retired from the banking business.
On moving into their new building in 1911, this bank was converted into a National Bank, and named First National Bank. In 1915, however, it was converted back into a State Bank under the name of First State Bank of Oshkosh, capital, $25,000. The profits of, and deposits in, this bank have increased by leaps and bounds lately. The last report shows deposits amounting to over $350,000.
Since 1911, this bank has been owned by our citizens, the heaviest stockholders being Rob't A. Day, J. C. Schlater and A. Sudman, up to the time when Mr. Wood bought in and became president, in 1919.
Lewellen's first bank, The Bank of Lewellen,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
was organized in 1905, with a capital of $5,000, by J. W. Wehn, President, Chas. Burke, Vice- President, and J. H. Wehn, Cashier.
It carried on its business in a small frame building now used by the telephone exchange.
1032
Since 1911, this bank has been owned by our citizens, the heaviest stockholders being Rob't A. Day, J. C. Schlater and A. Sudman, up to the time when Mr. Wood bought in and became president, in 1919.
Lewellen's first bank, The Bank of Lewellen,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
was organized in 1905, with a capital of $5,000, by J. W. Wehn, President, Chas. Burke, Vice- President, and J. H. Wehn, Cashier.
It carried on its business in a small frame building now used by the telephone exchange.
In 1911. the Garden County Bank was organized with a capital of $10,000, S. P. Delatour. President ; Eugene Delatour, Vice President, and B. C. Delatour, Cashier.
Two banks were unnecessary, so, in 1914, the Delatours bought the Bank of Lewellen, and consolidated the two under the name of Bank of Lewellen, with a capital of $25,000, and the same officers of the former Garden County Bank.
A suitable building, the present one, was built in 1917, and the capital increased to $50,000.
The present officers are : S. P. Delatour. President; B. C. Delatour, Vice President; C. G. Berquist, Cashier.
The farmers in this locality decided to have a bank of their own, so organized the Farmer's State Bank in fune, 1915, with a capital of $15,000. The first officers were M. R. Scripter, Sr., President ; M. P. Clary, Vice President; G. L. Stout, Cashier; W. A. Hostetter, Assistant Cashier.
Its growth was assured, and the capital increased to $30,000, with total assets of $315,000 and a slight change in officers : M. P. Clary, President and Chris McCormick, Vice President. Cashier and Assistant remain the same, with Irving Tilgner, Bookkeeper. This bank also is housed in a good substantial building.
1033
The first officers were M. R. Scripter, Sr., President ; M. P. Clary, Vice President; G. L. Stout, Cashier; W. A. Hostetter, Assistant Cashier.
Its growth was assured, and the capital increased to $30,000, with total assets of $315,000 and a slight change in officers : M. P. Clary, President and Chris McCormick, Vice President. Cashier and Assistant remain the same, with Irving Tilgner, Bookkeeper. This bank also is housed in a good substantial building.
In March, 1917, the Oshkosh State Bank was organized at Oshkosh, with a capital of $15,- 000. The officers are Reuben Lisco. President ; Peter Olson, Vice President; J. F. Shields, Cashier ; G. W. Sampson, Assistant Cashier.
This bank carries on its business in the finest business building in Oshkosh.
The only bank of Lisco is the Lisco State Bank, which was organized May 19, 1909. the same eventful year in the history of Lisco. The first officers were. Reuben Lisco. President ; T. E. Wells, Vice President; W. W. Aldndge, Cashier, and W. F. Gumaer, Assistant Cashier.
The bank has carried on its business in a corner of the building occupied by the Lisco Mercantile Company.
At present (November, 1919), it has a capital of $20,000. with the same officers with the exception of cashier and Assistant G. W. Sampson is cashier.
THE COUNTY'S PART IX THE WORLD WAR
At the declaration of war, by the United States, the county responded to all calls with good spirit. A Council of Defense was appointed consisting of L. H. Stroud, Chas. Tomppert and Dr. Geo. H. Morris. It did its work loyally. The Advisory Board was A. W. Gumaer, F. A. Dutton, W. W. Aldridge and R. S. Laycock. The Government Appeal agent was H. J. Curtis and the Food Administrator was John Twiford.
1034
THE COUNTY'S PART IX THE WORLD WAR
At the declaration of war, by the United States, the county responded to all calls with good spirit. A Council of Defense was appointed consisting of L. H. Stroud, Chas. Tomppert and Dr. Geo. H. Morris. It did its work loyally. The Advisory Board was A. W. Gumaer, F. A. Dutton, W. W. Aldridge and R. S. Laycock. The Government Appeal agent was H. J. Curtis and the Food Administrator was John Twiford.
H. A. Mark was chairman of the Four Minute Men and was ably assisted by many speakers at Oshkosh, Lewellen and Lisco.
County Fuel Committee consisted of H. J. Curtis, Chairman; 11. G. Gumaer, Walter Smith, W. W. Fought, of Oshkosh; J. H. Mevich, of Lewellen; and C. D. Minshall, of Lisco.
The Exemption Board appointed by the Governor were. Geo. Melvin, County Clerk ; Walter Clark. Sheriff; and Dr. G H. Morris. The immense tasks incident to registration and induction were promptly and efficiently performed.
All calls fur money met with a hearty response. The hanks had charge of the Bund
27.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
drives, five in number, and the War Stamp Drives. All quotas were raised with a goodly surplus.
The War Savings societies were in charge of Mr. F. A. Dutton. A great many societies were formed giving added interest to the Thrift Stamps habit among school children as well as older ones.
All calls from the Y. M. C. A. were answered with full and overflowing measures.
1035
The hanks had charge of the Bund
27.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
drives, five in number, and the War Stamp Drives. All quotas were raised with a goodly surplus.
The War Savings societies were in charge of Mr. F. A. Dutton. A great many societies were formed giving added interest to the Thrift Stamps habit among school children as well as older ones.
All calls from the Y. M. C. A. were answered with full and overflowing measures.
A Woman's Council of Defense was created. It was quite a large organization. They took charge of the war gardens, conservations of food, canning demonstrations, as well as caring for lecturers on their line of work. '"The Spinster's Return," a home talent play, was given to raise funds. It was very well done and fully appreciated.
The work of the W. C. T. U. was confined to the making, fitting and delivering of a comfort kit to each soldier upon leaving. A testament and song book were among the other helpful articles included in the kit.
Lewellen was the first in the county to organize a Red Cross Chapter. This was done August 28, 1917. Oshkosh and Lisco soon followed with organizations September, 1917. Each started with the regulation ten members, and a few others besides. The drives for membership brought good results. Before the Armistice was signed Lewellen had five hundred members, Oshkosh and Lisco had over nine hundred.
Successful Red Cross sales were held in the three places. Oshkosh raised over $1,400 in February, 1918. The quotas each time were raised with a surplus.
1036
This was done August 28, 1917. Oshkosh and Lisco soon followed with organizations September, 1917. Each started with the regulation ten members, and a few others besides. The drives for membership brought good results. Before the Armistice was signed Lewellen had five hundred members, Oshkosh and Lisco had over nine hundred.
Successful Red Cross sales were held in the three places. Oshkosh raised over $1,400 in February, 1918. The quotas each time were raised with a surplus.
The ladies of these organizations were great workers and sent in a great many garments and knitted articles. Lewellen disbursed about $2000 for supplies and Oshkosh and Lisco about $1500. This work was in charge of Mrs. F. A. Dutton, Mrs. L. H. Stroud. Mrs. Potter at Oshkosh and Mrs. R. Lisco at Lisco ; at Lewellen Mrs. Geo. Cockran had charge of the Knitting and Mrs. Sarah Ross, the sewing.
The officers at Lewellen who carried the work on so well, were : Mrs. Sarah Ross, Chairwoman; Mrs. Geo. Cockran, Vice: Mrs. Grace Mevich, Secretary; Mr. G. L. Stout, Treasurer. Those at Oshkosh were Mr. F. A. Dutton. Chairman; Mr. H. A. Mark, Vice; Mrs. Blanch Riddile, Secretary; Mrs. Hattie Sarver, Treasurer.
The work of carrying on the sewing and knitting at the Red Cross room at Lisco was superintended by Mrs. R. Lisco and Mrs. Wm. Stevenson. There were a number of Junior Red Cross societies in the schools in the county.
Many rooms were 100 per cent Red Cross members.
1037
L. Stout, Treasurer. Those at Oshkosh were Mr. F. A. Dutton. Chairman; Mr. H. A. Mark, Vice; Mrs. Blanch Riddile, Secretary; Mrs. Hattie Sarver, Treasurer.
The work of carrying on the sewing and knitting at the Red Cross room at Lisco was superintended by Mrs. R. Lisco and Mrs. Wm. Stevenson. There were a number of Junior Red Cross societies in the schools in the county.
Many rooms were 100 per cent Red Cross members.
A company of home guards, consisting of about fifty men, was formed at Oshkosh, with W. F. Gumaer, Captain; Chas. Carr, 1st Lieutenant.
At Lewellen they had a larger company with Rev. Engle, Captain; and Bert Smith, 1st Lieutenant.
Each company trained twice a week in military tactics and became quite proficient for "awkward squads."
We know of no official or authentic roster of those who joined the colors from this county. It is sure that the number is over two hundred ; but regret to say that our list is incomplete.
Three of the boys were killed in battle viz. : Adian S. Pizer, St. Mihiel, September 12, 1918, of Lewellen ; Earl L. Bray, near Vessiers, October 6, 1918, of Lewellen; and Stephen Shaw, of Oshkosh.
Walter Peterson, Robert Cooper, Wesley M. Cattron, Ralph McKonkey, and Armal Lane Allen died of pneumonia while in the service.
Of those most severely wounded in action, were Daff Young, of Lewellen, and Duane Marshall, of Oshkosh. The former lost one arm and one leg in the Argonne drive, November 5, 1918, and the latter on July 17, 1919, was so severely wounded in the leg that amputation was necessary. The bones were shattered and several operations at long intervals were required. He is still in the hospital ( March, 1920).
1038
Cattron, Ralph McKonkey, and Armal Lane Allen died of pneumonia while in the service.
Of those most severely wounded in action, were Daff Young, of Lewellen, and Duane Marshall, of Oshkosh. The former lost one arm and one leg in the Argonne drive, November 5, 1918, and the latter on July 17, 1919, was so severely wounded in the leg that amputation was necessary. The bones were shattered and several operations at long intervals were required. He is still in the hospital ( March, 1920).
One of our first volunteers was Dr. C. L. Hooper, of Lewellen, who was commissioned as 1st Lieutenant in the Medical Corps on May 17, 1917. He was stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas, in the 90th Division and later at Camp Traverse, Texas. On March 6, 1918. he was promoted to Captain, and was sent to France two months later. While in France, he received his commission as Major and was sent into Germany with the Army of Occupation. He returned to his medical practice in Lewellen in May. 1919.
Company "H," Sixth Nebraska Infantry was recruited on and after June 24, 1917, in two detachments, one at Chadron, Nebraska, and one at Lewellen, Nebraska, and vicinity. The following named Garden county volunteers constituted the Lewellen detachment: Mucho Balka, Russell Beerup, Jesse K. Bradley, Miles Branson. Louis Brown, Ray Brown. Gordon Cary, Ross W. Casey, William E. Dowson, Dwight Dowson, Gordon Harvey, Archie Johnson. Wesley McLey, Harold Neill. Joseph C. Orr, Howard F. Outson, Charles L. Parachini, Basil F. Roberts, Vester L. Rumsey, Paul D.
1039
Company "H," Sixth Nebraska Infantry was recruited on and after June 24, 1917, in two detachments, one at Chadron, Nebraska, and one at Lewellen, Nebraska, and vicinity. The following named Garden county volunteers constituted the Lewellen detachment: Mucho Balka, Russell Beerup, Jesse K. Bradley, Miles Branson. Louis Brown, Ray Brown. Gordon Cary, Ross W. Casey, William E. Dowson, Dwight Dowson, Gordon Harvey, Archie Johnson. Wesley McLey, Harold Neill. Joseph C. Orr, Howard F. Outson, Charles L. Parachini, Basil F. Roberts, Vester L. Rumsey, Paul D.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Temple, William Thacker, Frederick Thornton, Irving E. Tilgner, Eldred P. Veatch, Virgil Weatherwax, Robert Weston, Bert W. Wilson, Jesse Young, Okie O. Young, Kootenai Tracy, Harold Anderson, (Ray Clarv, Hdqurs. Co. 109 Engrs.), Geo. B. Cochran. 1st Lieut., Geo. A. Post, who later was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant.
On August 3, orders to mobilize at Chadron were received, and the company was mustered into the Federal service on August 8. 1917.
On September loth, the company entrained for Camp Cody, New Mexico, arriving there on September 17th. Two weeks later, the company together with sixty-five enlisted men from Company "I," and forty men from Company "F," Sixth Nebraska Infantry, was transferred to the 109th Engineers and announced as Company "F," 109th Engineers.
Day after day and month after month, the boys expected orders to go "over there." After a year of training, worrying and waiting at Camp Cody, the orders came, and they started for the front, "rejoicing as a strong man lo run a race."
1040
Two weeks later, the company together with sixty-five enlisted men from Company "I," and forty men from Company "F," Sixth Nebraska Infantry, was transferred to the 109th Engineers and announced as Company "F," 109th Engineers.
Day after day and month after month, the boys expected orders to go "over there." After a year of training, worrying and waiting at Camp Cody, the orders came, and they started for the front, "rejoicing as a strong man lo run a race."
In January, 1919, when the regiment was separated into several detachments, Company "F" remained on duty at Mesves Hospital Centre, France, until the middle of May ; when for about two weeks, station was changed to Nevers ; then sent to LeMans area and from there to the embarkation port and home, being demobilized at Camp Dodge, Iowa, on July 2, 1919, having had ten months of service in France out of their two years of service.
Besides the above named company, a considerable number of men volunteered in various branches of the Service. Following is a partial list: Harry Kretzler, George P. Avery, Clavton W7. Brunt, Clarence E. Brown, John H. Block, Ir., Frank F. Clarv. John O. Ross, Gerald T. Richards. Harold' Wilson, Robert Holmes, Jack L. Anderson, Sam T. Bradley, Abraham Barbris, Wallace E. Elkins, Chance Goodro, Charles W. McConkey, Thomas Lewis, Thomas Richardson, Berrie Rahman, David Colyer, Jess Cunningham, James Shuler, Harry Horn, Walter Pitzlin, Robert Brown. Forrest Hunnell, Bud Bastin, John Schultz, Stephen Shaw, Walter Shaw, Herman Pickerel, Benjamin Shepard, Henry Twiford, Duane "Dave" Marshall. Melvin Conners, Lloyd L. Laycock, Walter D. Stroud. Mack Foster, Everett Dennis, Amie Henderson, Clarence Lamberty, Frank Wright.
1041
Harold' Wilson, Robert Holmes, Jack L. Anderson, Sam T. Bradley, Abraham Barbris, Wallace E. Elkins, Chance Goodro, Charles W. McConkey, Thomas Lewis, Thomas Richardson, Berrie Rahman, David Colyer, Jess Cunningham, James Shuler, Harry Horn, Walter Pitzlin, Robert Brown. Forrest Hunnell, Bud Bastin, John Schultz, Stephen Shaw, Walter Shaw, Herman Pickerel, Benjamin Shepard, Henry Twiford, Duane "Dave" Marshall. Melvin Conners, Lloyd L. Laycock, Walter D. Stroud. Mack Foster, Everett Dennis, Amie Henderson, Clarence Lamberty, Frank Wright.
Enlisted in the Navy: Arthur Hunnell. Ira Paisley, Alva Henry, Frank Brennan, Don Cooper and Melvin White.
Aviation Corps: Charles Elrod and Fay Neill.
List of those inducted under the Selective Draft.
Frank II. Austin. Anthon Emanuel Anderberg. George L, Adams, Orval H. Brenneman, Edward William Burke, Ben H. Balcom, Huber Bartlett, Walter E. Billingsley, Albert Berglund, Edwin J. Beerup, Ora Lincoln Bennett, Harry C. Buske, Walter August Bellin, Bert Barber. Charley Berglund, Mahon R. Billingsley, Jerry Chulick, Wayne J. Cunningham, Robert Cranmore, George B. Cochran, Harry Clifford Cooper, Wesley M. Cattron, James Cranmore, Robert Henry Cooper, Samuel Clark, Alvind Christensen, Daniel D. Cunningham, Clarence D. Douglas, Roy Glen Dimond, Charles Allen Douglas, John Dierk, Ralph Clyde Dayley, Thomas Duncan, Ira Hoffman Davis. Edward J. Frey, George Embree, Ray E. Earnhart, George Gilliard, Jr., Ira A. Gardner. Charles Alfred Gugelman. Nicholas Gugas, Giouains Gabba. William Giles, Robert Holmes, Benjamin T. Hollister. Royal Ernest Hittle, Francis Merritt Halstead. Ray Hutchinson. Arthur C. Hedin, Lester Holler>, Cole Henderson, Bernard Albert Hassenstab, George W. Hammond, George A. Jackson, Paul H. Jones, Fred Christ Jensen, Fred H. Koberstein, Alfred Ernest Crouse, John R. Kiley, Carl William Kaschke, Glenwood Charles Long, Edward V. Liestritz, Herman W. Musolf, Harry L. Mason, Everett Martin Meeker, Robert G. McCormick, John Edward Nelson, Peter Barnum Nelson, Peter Nelson, Christ Leth Nelson, Emerson Newton, Ed.
1042
Hollister. Royal Ernest Hittle, Francis Merritt Halstead. Ray Hutchinson. Arthur C. Hedin, Lester Holler>, Cole Henderson, Bernard Albert Hassenstab, George W. Hammond, George A. Jackson, Paul H. Jones, Fred Christ Jensen, Fred H. Koberstein, Alfred Ernest Crouse, John R. Kiley, Carl William Kaschke, Glenwood Charles Long, Edward V. Liestritz, Herman W. Musolf, Harry L. Mason, Everett Martin Meeker, Robert G. McCormick, John Edward Nelson, Peter Barnum Nelson, Peter Nelson, Christ Leth Nelson, Emerson Newton, Ed. Nordell. Ralph Dewy Naslund, Carl Martin Neilson, David C. Ou'tson, Elden P. Orth, Ray Elmer Osborn, Ernest Theodore Olsen, Jack P. Persinger, Edmund Pratt, Gust AI. Peterson, Walter Peterson, Lloyd F. Peterson, John Ray Pringle, Due B. Perrin, Jack Howard Routson. Claude A. Renneau, William McKinley Robinson. Harvey Reichman, Howard Roy Slife, Gordon Ross Shafenberg, Cyril Ephriam Swanson, Jacob Conrad Schlater, Archie Andrew Snell, Howard Smeaton, Howard A. Shellady, Henry John Sold. Walter Lee Sherick, Andy F. Sehirmer, James Charles Smith. Olive I.. Shryer, Orla Orlando Stackhonse, Nick Thomas.' Obed D. Temple. Taylor Vorhees, George Vocke, Frank Williams Clarence A. Wilson, Barney Wassmiller, George Raymond Williams. Thomas Abraham Whinnery, Haven Burl Wallace.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
SOCIAL AND FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION
In all early settlements real fraternity exists without any named and officered organization. Where a few are gathered together a social good time resulted. At country jollifications some would ride on horse back, or in a farm wagon, a distance of thirty or forty miles in order to get some enjoyment, to mix with the hard work. Good times they were, with all to help in feeding the "bunch."
1043
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
SOCIAL AND FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION
In all early settlements real fraternity exists without any named and officered organization. Where a few are gathered together a social good time resulted. At country jollifications some would ride on horse back, or in a farm wagon, a distance of thirty or forty miles in order to get some enjoyment, to mix with the hard work. Good times they were, with all to help in feeding the "bunch."
The old settlers meet each year now to have an "old time reunion." All elections and holidays were set aside for social gatherings.
Each church society meetings, even though much work should be done, was a social eddy in the current of existence.
With increase in population and establishment of villages comes the social and fraternal society. A band of thirty ladies in Lewellen carry on the work of the Woman's Club. They have prearranged programs and meet once a month. It is quite successful.
A Public Service Club was organized in Oshkosh for the benefit of the community. It had a large membership from the start and has been adding to it. Its aim is to further any improvement that will benefit the community as a whole ; such as boosting for good roads, for the water works, Chautauqua and Lyceum courses.
The first fraternal organization in Garden county was the Modern Woodmen. It received its charter in September, 1897, having fourteen members. August Sudman was the first clerk. It didn't seem to grow much until 1900, when the membership was greatly increased. A hall was built in 1898, but sold in 1904. Its membership in 1920 has decreased. Only thirty-two members are enrolled, with Robt. Quelle, Vice C. ; H. P. Madison, Clerk ; Bill Plummer, W. A. ; Albert Quelle, E.
1044
The first fraternal organization in Garden county was the Modern Woodmen. It received its charter in September, 1897, having fourteen members. August Sudman was the first clerk. It didn't seem to grow much until 1900, when the membership was greatly increased. A hall was built in 1898, but sold in 1904. Its membership in 1920 has decreased. Only thirty-two members are enrolled, with Robt. Quelle, Vice C. ; H. P. Madison, Clerk ; Bill Plummer, W. A. ; Albert Quelle, E. B., Howard Fickes, W. ; Sam Newkirk, S. ; Dr. G. H. Morris, Physician. The M. W. A. swept the country with great enthusiasm, especially for a period of ten years beginning in 1898. In Lisco a band of thirteen members received a charter from the Modern Woodmen in 1911. There is a camp in Lewellen also and it has built a hall.
On December 30, 1908, Mrs. Anna T. Crawford, of Scottsbluff. instituted a lodge of the Royal Neighbors of America, at Oshkosh. It was called the Riverview Lodge, No. 5516, and received its charter January, 1909. They had twenty members, with Airs. Pearl Sudman, Oracle ; Ada Melvin, Past Oracle ; and Viola Day. Recorder. In 1920 they have a membership of thirty-five beneficiary and twenty-three social members, with Maggie Kingery, Oracle; Zulah Gumaer, Vice Oracle ; Jessie Aufdengarten, Past Oracle ; Clara Dutton, Chaplain ; Sarah Taylor, Recorder ; Mildred Robinson, Receiver ; Mamie Stephenson, Marshal ; Myrtle Brostrom, Assistant Marshal ; Mary E. Potter, Inner Sentinel ; Belle Wood, Outer Sentinel ; Blanch Kingery, Manager ; Hattie Sarver, Manager, 2nd year ; Emma Smith, Manager 3rd year; Dr. Morris, Physician.
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In 1920 they have a membership of thirty-five beneficiary and twenty-three social members, with Maggie Kingery, Oracle; Zulah Gumaer, Vice Oracle ; Jessie Aufdengarten, Past Oracle ; Clara Dutton, Chaplain ; Sarah Taylor, Recorder ; Mildred Robinson, Receiver ; Mamie Stephenson, Marshal ; Myrtle Brostrom, Assistant Marshal ; Mary E. Potter, Inner Sentinel ; Belle Wood, Outer Sentinel ; Blanch Kingery, Manager ; Hattie Sarver, Manager, 2nd year ; Emma Smith, Manager 3rd year; Dr. Morris, Physician.
In 1913 it was found that the required number of Masons to form a lodge were in and around Oshkosh. so on December 12, 1913. a lodge of A. F. & A. M. was instituted with twenty members. After a time under dispensation, a charter was granted and Oshkosh Lodge No. 286 A. F. & A. M. was constituted in July, 1914. Grand Master Davis, and Grand Custodian French were present. Honor was accorded them, and an elaborate banquet was enjoyed by all. They now had a membership of thirty with C. M. Empson, W. M. ; H. J. Curtis. S. W. ; Floyd Jones. J. W. ; H. G. Gumaer, Treasurer ; D. F. Fickes, Secretary ; J. F. Crane, S. D. ; Aug. Sudman, J. D. ; John Robinson, Tyler. The lodge has grown until now it has sixty members with G. E. Melvin, W. M. ; C. L. Tomppert. S. W. ; H. P. Madison, J. W. ; A. W. Gumaer (acting) Treasurer; D. F. Fickes, Secretary ; Fred A. Pickering, S. D. ; Chas. A. Harris. J. D. ; John Robinson, Tyler. This lodge has lost but two members by death; these were Henry G. Gumaer and Eugene Delatour, both charter members.
1046
D. ; John Robinson, Tyler. The lodge has grown until now it has sixty members with G. E. Melvin, W. M. ; C. L. Tomppert. S. W. ; H. P. Madison, J. W. ; A. W. Gumaer (acting) Treasurer; D. F. Fickes, Secretary ; Fred A. Pickering, S. D. ; Chas. A. Harris. J. D. ; John Robinson, Tyler. This lodge has lost but two members by death; these were Henry G. Gumaer and Eugene Delatour, both charter members.
By combining the members of the Eastern Star found in Lewellen and Oshkosh, the required number was procured to organize a chapter at Oshkosh. A dispensation was granted. Airs. Anna Davis of Alliance came to Oshkosh, August 30, 1915, and organized a chapter with the following officers : Mae Dennis. Worthy Matron; Aug. Sudman, Worthy Patron ; Gertrude Wehn. Associate Matron ; Pearl Sudman, Conductress; Blanche Riddile, Assistant Conductress ; Arthur Riddile. Secretary and Treasurer. The chapter continued under dispensation until May 11, 1916. when a Charter, No. 264. was granted. June 12. 1916. Mrs. Anna Davis came and installed the following officers : Mae Dennis, Worthy Matron ; Aug. Sudman, Worthy Patron: Ada Melvin, Associate Matron ; Pearl Sudman, Conductress : Blanch Riddile, Associate Conductress ; Lilie
HISTORY < )F WESTERN NEBRASKA
Curtis, Secretary; Arthur Riddile, Treasurer; Alary Jones, Adah; Viola Day, Ruth; Kate Wynes, Esther ; Beulah Tomppert, Martha ; Irene Fickes, Electa ; Josie Clary, Organist ; Sarah Roudebush, Warder ; Floyd Jones, Sentinel ; Lou Clary, Chaplain. A banquet and a social good time was given at this meeting to celebrate the receiving of the charter. All has moved along nicely with new members added at many meetings until we now have sixty-three members.
1047
Curtis, Secretary; Arthur Riddile, Treasurer; Alary Jones, Adah; Viola Day, Ruth; Kate Wynes, Esther ; Beulah Tomppert, Martha ; Irene Fickes, Electa ; Josie Clary, Organist ; Sarah Roudebush, Warder ; Floyd Jones, Sentinel ; Lou Clary, Chaplain. A banquet and a social good time was given at this meeting to celebrate the receiving of the charter. All has moved along nicely with new members added at many meetings until we now have sixty-three members.
The present officers for the year 1920 are : Ada Melvin, W. M. ; Robt. Quelle, W. P.; Viola Day, Associate M. ; Cora Clark, Con.; Hattie Sarver, Associate Con. ; Fay Shatto, Secretary; Jessie Aufdengarten, Treasurer; Irene Fickes, Adah ; Jessie Crane, Ruth ; Zulah Gumaer, Esther; Myrtle Billingsly, Martha; Lilie Curtis, Electa ; Mary Jones, Chaplain ; Dora Quelle, Marshal; Sarah Roudebush, Warder; Otis Shatto, Sen. The annual banquet of this order is held in February or March.
Garden Camp, No. 327, of the Woodmen of the World was organized at Oshkosh, August 27, 1910. It had forty charter members, with the following officers: H. H. Hough, Consul ; Clyde Empson, Adviser Lieutenant; Samuel Van Newkirk, Banker; G. E. Melvin, Clerk ; Jas. Ryan, Escort ; W. B. Cate, Watchman ; Harry Twiford, Sentinel ; Dr. H. H. Hough, Physician ; Gus. Johnson, J. C. Kiley and Leroy Nigh, Managers ; Joe Williams, P. C. The lodge has grown smaller instead of larger having only nineteen members at present. The following are in office now: Roy E. Swanson, Consul; Leroy Nigh, Adviser Lieutenant ; Samuel Van Newkirk, Banker and Clerk ; Geo. W. Rose, Escort ; Dr. Geo. H. Morris, Physician ; Geo. Rose, Leroy Nigh, and Isadore Richstein, Managers ; Moses Wetherby. Past Consul. In Lisco we find a small organization of W.
1048
Kiley and Leroy Nigh, Managers ; Joe Williams, P. C. The lodge has grown smaller instead of larger having only nineteen members at present. The following are in office now: Roy E. Swanson, Consul; Leroy Nigh, Adviser Lieutenant ; Samuel Van Newkirk, Banker and Clerk ; Geo. W. Rose, Escort ; Dr. Geo. H. Morris, Physician ; Geo. Rose, Leroy Nigh, and Isadore Richstein, Managers ; Moses Wetherby. Past Consul. In Lisco we find a small organization of W. O. W., consisting of fifteen members which received its charter in 1911.
In May, 1913. after the organization of the Woodmen of the World in Oshkosh, Mrs. Anna T. Crawford, of Scottsbluff, came to Oshkosh and organized a Woodmen Circle called Oshkosh Grove No. 136. It had sixteen charter members with the following officers : Carrie M. Foster, Guardian ; Silvia Kiley. Adviser; Thora Van Newkirk. Clerk: Clara D. Nigh, Banker; Jeanette Wetherby, Attendant; Anna M. Swanson, Chaplain; Thyra L. Madison, Inner Sen.; Lillian Tutchinson, Outer Sen. ; Leroy Nigh and Anna Rose, Managers, and Dr. Morris, Physician. The present officers are very much the same : Carrie M. Foster, Past Guard; Anna Rose, Guard; Wilma Swanson, Adviser; Thora Van Newkirk, Clerk; Clara Nigh, Banker; Bernice M. Biss, Attendant; Anna M. Swanson, Chaplain; Francis Swanson, Assistant Attendant ; Grace Miller. Inner Sentinel; Thyra L. Madison, Outer Sentinel ; Jeanette Wetherby, Manager ; Dr. G. H. Morris, Physician ; Eva E. Swanson, Captain. They have only beneficial members, and they now number twenty-three. One of their number, Silvia Kiley, died in March. 1917. Early in the fall of the same • year, they held a very impressive service at the unveiling of her monument, in Antelope Valley cemetery, all the members taking part. A small Circle, consisting of five members was organized at Lisco in 1911.
1049
Madison, Outer Sentinel ; Jeanette Wetherby, Manager ; Dr. G. H. Morris, Physician ; Eva E. Swanson, Captain. They have only beneficial members, and they now number twenty-three. One of their number, Silvia Kiley, died in March. 1917. Early in the fall of the same • year, they held a very impressive service at the unveiling of her monument, in Antelope Valley cemetery, all the members taking part. A small Circle, consisting of five members was organized at Lisco in 1911. It does not seem to grow much.
Grand Master Radcliffe, of Benkleman, and Assistant Grand Secretary Gage, of Fremont, came to Oshkosh, March 4, 1920, and instituted a lodge of the I. O. O. F., known as the Garden Lodge, No. 388. It has twenty-five members as a start, and dozens of aspiring candidates. B. E. Robinson, N. G. : W. A. Overman, V. G. ; J. L. Shanks, Secretary ; J no. T. Wood. Treasurer. Mr. Wood's father. F. J. Wood, has worked faithfully to get it started and was appointed District Deputy Grand Master for this district.
Reveille Post No. 14, American Legion, was organized at Lewellen, receiving its charter August 4, 1919. The following are its officers: C. L. Hooper, Commander; Ross Carsey, Vice Commander ; Mucho Bolka, Vice Commander; Irving Tilgner, Adjutant; Jesse K. Bradley. Finance Officer. The executive committee consists of C. L. Hooper, Ross Carey, Irving Tilgner, Jesse K. Bradley, Geo. Post, Ira Paisley and Wm. Thacker.
The Post has a membership of eighty, and is proud of the fact that it has not received any outside aid. It was represented at the state conventions held in Omaha and Hastings.
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L. Hooper, Commander; Ross Carsey, Vice Commander ; Mucho Bolka, Vice Commander; Irving Tilgner, Adjutant; Jesse K. Bradley. Finance Officer. The executive committee consists of C. L. Hooper, Ross Carey, Irving Tilgner, Jesse K. Bradley, Geo. Post, Ira Paisley and Wm. Thacker.
The Post has a membership of eighty, and is proud of the fact that it has not received any outside aid. It was represented at the state conventions held in Omaha and Hastings.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
Garden county has never been blessed with many members of the medical profession. The first settlers were obliged to go for many miles to reach a doctor. Fording the river was only one of the difficulties of such a trip.
Eventually in the fall of 1899. Dr. H. H. Hough and wife arrived in Oshkosh, from Aurora. They were gladly welcomed.
He opened up an office in his residence, a sod house in the south edge of town. His work here was appreciated by many and he stayed until the spring of 1917, when he decided a change of climate would benefit his wife's health. They moved to Weiser, Idaho, where they are on a small dairy and fruit farm.
In the meantime, in 1909, Dr. Morris came to Lewellen and Dr. Stanley Clement opened up an office in Oshkosh. The latter only stayed about two years.
Dr. Morris stayed in Lewellen, but has since given up practicing.
By this time, in 1911, Dr. Geo. H. Morris located in Oshkosh, making two doctors by the name of Morris in Garden county. His efforts to relieve the sufferings of humanity have been quite successful.
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They moved to Weiser, Idaho, where they are on a small dairy and fruit farm.
In the meantime, in 1909, Dr. Morris came to Lewellen and Dr. Stanley Clement opened up an office in Oshkosh. The latter only stayed about two years.
Dr. Morris stayed in Lewellen, but has since given up practicing.
By this time, in 1911, Dr. Geo. H. Morris located in Oshkosh, making two doctors by the name of Morris in Garden county. His efforts to relieve the sufferings of humanity have been quite successful.
Horses were too slow for a doctor's long ride in this country, after the coming of the automobile. He used a Ford for awhile, but declared it was also too slow, and he bought a Buick.
He has always been a worker for good roads. He has furthered many interests for the good of Oshkosh and the county. He served on the Draft Board during the war, started the Red Cross and boosts the Chautauqua and Lyceum He married Miss Ruth Mevich, of Lewellen, in the summer of 1918.
Oshkosh had needed another physician, as the work was too heavy for one ; so, many were pleased when Dr. Kelly arrived in May,
1917. His work here was cut short by the "Flu" epidemic. He and his wife were both down with it and Dr. Kelly died in November,
1918, after being here only about one and onehalf years.
Dr. C. L. Hooper came to Lewellen in 1916.
When war was declared, he volunteered for service and was called May 19, 1917, entering the Medical Corps.
1052
Oshkosh had needed another physician, as the work was too heavy for one ; so, many were pleased when Dr. Kelly arrived in May,
1917. His work here was cut short by the "Flu" epidemic. He and his wife were both down with it and Dr. Kelly died in November,
1918, after being here only about one and onehalf years.
Dr. C. L. Hooper came to Lewellen in 1916.
When war was declared, he volunteered for service and was called May 19, 1917, entering the Medical Corps.
After his varied experience in the army the citizens of Lewellen petitioned him home. He returned to Lewellen May, 1919, to resume his medical duties there.
Dr. Phillips practiced in Lewellen during Dr. Hooper's absence.
Garden county teeth have been very well looked after by the dental profession. The first dentist to locate in this county was Dr. Moses Wetherby, who left his home and practice in Chile, South America, to come to Oshkosh in 1903, arriving when the town consisted of a store and blacksmith shop. He has ever since been our principal tooth doctor and did all work free for the local boys who needed tooth repairing preparatory to their acceptance as soldiers in the World War.
Dr. Baker came in 1909, opening an office in his residence. His health was poor and he passed away in February, 1914.
At Lewellen, Dr. Gainsforth came, in 1917. Mrs. Gainsforth taught in the public schools there. They soon gave it up and left Lewellen to its fate in 1919. But this last summer, in 1919, Dr. Rice, a young man just graduated from Dental College has opened up an office there.
1053
He has ever since been our principal tooth doctor and did all work free for the local boys who needed tooth repairing preparatory to their acceptance as soldiers in the World War.
Dr. Baker came in 1909, opening an office in his residence. His health was poor and he passed away in February, 1914.
At Lewellen, Dr. Gainsforth came, in 1917. Mrs. Gainsforth taught in the public schools there. They soon gave it up and left Lewellen to its fate in 1919. But this last summer, in 1919, Dr. Rice, a young man just graduated from Dental College has opened up an office there.
Throughout the year 1919, Dr. Morris was the only medical practitioner in Oshkosh. Being nearly worn out by the enormous amount of work, he as well as the people in general, gladly welcomed Dr. D. L. Hibberd, who arrived in Oshkosh early in 1920. He had recently returned from France and selected Oshkosh as his permanent location. Both doctors are kept very busy, as they have many patients in the county, their territory extending out a long distance, especially to the northward.
It was also in 1920, that Dr. A. J. Dunlavy, the dentist, located in Oshkosh, and opened his new office on Main street just south of the postoffice. Oshkosh having been without a licensed dentist for several years, Dr. Dunlavy jumped into a big business from the start.
SIOUX COUNTY
DESCRIPTION AND EARLY HISTORY
Sioux county lies in the extreme northwestern corner of the state. It is sixty-nine miles long, with an average width of about thirty miles. There are three correction lines in the county with the net result that the county is thirty-four miles wide at its base and but twenty-eight at its top.
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Oshkosh having been without a licensed dentist for several years, Dr. Dunlavy jumped into a big business from the start.
SIOUX COUNTY
DESCRIPTION AND EARLY HISTORY
Sioux county lies in the extreme northwestern corner of the state. It is sixty-nine miles long, with an average width of about thirty miles. There are three correction lines in the county with the net result that the county is thirty-four miles wide at its base and but twenty-eight at its top.
The history of this county, next to that of Cheyenne county, goes back into the primitive, before Jim Dahlman and other Texas rangers invaded the wide prairies.
In territorial days, before 1867, the land was divided into two subdivisions with no distinctive border between the two. The west section was known as Beauvais Terras or bad lands, and the east portion as the Great Sand Hills. Bear in mind that the "county" then was much larger than at present, but statesmen had not considered it of sufficient importance to give it a name.
About the only evidence of civilization, was the proposed wagon road from Fort Pierre to Fort Laramie, in the northwest corner and roughly paralleling the present Hat creek. Along this route was a place Called Dancer's Hill, the location of which has been lost to the memory of man. The oldest of the present generation of people there do not seem to have heard of it.
Fifty years ago, March 1, 1867, Nebraska became a state, and by an arbitrary act of the legislature, Sioux county came into existence. Its eastern boundary was the present west line of Holt county, and its south line the forty-first degree of latitude, which is its present south line. There was no county government, and few white people to need one until a later date.
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The oldest of the present generation of people there do not seem to have heard of it.
Fifty years ago, March 1, 1867, Nebraska became a state, and by an arbitrary act of the legislature, Sioux county came into existence. Its eastern boundary was the present west line of Holt county, and its south line the forty-first degree of latitude, which is its present south line. There was no county government, and few white people to need one until a later date. It was attached to Cheyenne county for taxation, administrative and judicial purposes for nearly a score of years.
From Sioux count}- as first created, a total of sixteen county organizations now exist, and the parent county reduced to about onetenth of its original size, or approximately twenty-one hundred sections. This area is now populated with forty-five hundred and twenty-eight people, according to the census of 1920, which is a decline of over one thousand people from the census of ten years ago. This decline is due to the fact that many speculative homesteaders were in the county a decade ago, attracted by the section homestead law. These have since proven up on their claims, and some have moved to nearby towns and others have sold their lands to neighbors, and ranchmen.
The character of the county generally is adapted for ranching, much of the area being rough and broken, but well watered. As a result ranching is the predominant industry.
Water Resources and Uses The Niobrara river, first called L"Eau Qui Court, and later Running Water, is the most important stream as to size in Sioux county. It enters the county about twenty-five miles south of the northwest corner, running southeasterly to Agate, a distance of about twenty miles, thence nearly east an almost equal distance to the county line, the point of leaving the county being about seventeen miles farther south than the point of entrance.
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Water Resources and Uses The Niobrara river, first called L"Eau Qui Court, and later Running Water, is the most important stream as to size in Sioux county. It enters the county about twenty-five miles south of the northwest corner, running southeasterly to Agate, a distance of about twenty miles, thence nearly east an almost equal distance to the county line, the point of leaving the county being about seventeen miles farther south than the point of entrance.
Adjacent to this river are rough hills, well grassed and ideal for grazing. The valley is generally narrow, but widens in many places, where are found excellent meadows, early appropriated by enterprising ranchmen.
Next in importance, and perhaps serving a greater population, is White river, finding its sources in many springs and spring branches from the canyons north and south of Harrison, and north of Andrews and Glen. This water shed net only furnishes water for irrigating the farms along the val-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
leys, but also for the domestic use of the city of Crawford.
In the south central part of the county are the many sources of Snake creek, or Snake river, which early had a much more attractractive name, "Bluewater." Bordering- valleys, flat and sub-irrigated, forming natural meadows, are in many branches. Ranches are to be found in all the attractive places.
Good dry-land farms are to be found north and east of the creek, while to the south are rough, sandy and broken plains, furnishing what is necessary for the ideal of ranching, an early spring range. The warming sun strikes a quick response from these low sandy ridges, and grass, far enough along for grazing, is often ten days earlier here than in other parts where the soil is of different character.
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Ranches are to be found in all the attractive places.
Good dry-land farms are to be found north and east of the creek, while to the south are rough, sandy and broken plains, furnishing what is necessary for the ideal of ranching, an early spring range. The warming sun strikes a quick response from these low sandy ridges, and grass, far enough along for grazing, is often ten days earlier here than in other parts where the soil is of different character.
South of the central part of the county, and along its west border, is Sheep creek.
"Feeding Time," Nicholson Bros.' Ranch
principally valuable for stock water for the first ten miles after its entry from Wyoming, the valley being narrow and the bordering lands best suited for grazing. About eight miles north of the southwest corner of the county, this stream crosses the government irrigation canal. Here the valley widens, and the stream flow increases from the waters percolating through the ground from irrigation on the bench lands adjoining. Parts of the valley are well farmed and other parts are marshlike and wet. The benchlands to the west are called Iowa flats, and to the east are called the Dutch flats, both being exceedingly fertile and well farmed.
Spottedtail springs are near the south line of the county, about centrally east and west. The two branches of the valley bear the names of Wet Spottedtail and Dry Spottedtail, formerly characterizing the conditions obtaining. But the building of the government canal, which bends northward into Sioux county at this point for a number of miles, has started a number of strong
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The benchlands to the west are called Iowa flats, and to the east are called the Dutch flats, both being exceedingly fertile and well farmed.
Spottedtail springs are near the south line of the county, about centrally east and west. The two branches of the valley bear the names of Wet Spottedtail and Dry Spottedtail, formerly characterizing the conditions obtaining. But the building of the government canal, which bends northward into Sioux county at this point for a number of miles, has started a number of strong
springs in the dry branch and has increased the flow in the wet branch. The original springs were once a camping ground on the Spottedtail trail from the Pineridge reservation to Fort Laramie. They were later appropriated by ranchmen, but now the broad acres around them are intensively farmed, and the streams have been stocked with trout wdiich thrive therein.
In the north end of Sioux county is the Hat creek basin, which forms a drainage outlet for about a dozen spring branches. This territory has been the scene of manystirring adventures. These are related elsewhere. This stream is used in a small way for irrigation but generally it furnishes water for stock and domestic uses.
Cottonwood creek touches the east edge of the county about nine miles south of the northeast corner, and Crazywoman creek touches the northwest corner of the county for a few miles.
The territory now embraced in Sioux county was first claimed by Spain, due to Coronado's trip from New Mexico into the land of Quivera, which was without doubt Nebraska. After 1739, when Mallet brothers made their trip into the great plains, it was claimed by France. For a time it was the pawn of kings, but finally was sold by Napoleon to the United States. At the time of the sale the Spanish flag was flying in Saint Louis, although the territory was technically the property of France.
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The territory now embraced in Sioux county was first claimed by Spain, due to Coronado's trip from New Mexico into the land of Quivera, which was without doubt Nebraska. After 1739, when Mallet brothers made their trip into the great plains, it was claimed by France. For a time it was the pawn of kings, but finally was sold by Napoleon to the United States. At the time of the sale the Spanish flag was flying in Saint Louis, although the territory was technically the property of France. To complete the transfer the Spanish flag came down and the French flag went up. The French inhabitants of the city were wildly demonstrative of the event, and asked that it might remain there for a day that they could properlv celebrate. This request was granted. The purchase was made in 1803. but the transfer took place in March. 1804.
Recently Nebraska seems to have shown the existence of prehistoric races, although for many years no trace of such were to be found. This race seems to have utterly disappeared. They apparently lived in underground houses, probably due to the rigorous climate, and the lack of fuel on the great plains. That these peoples were as far west as Sioux county is not yet demonstrated. There were, however, found ancient ruins north of Bridgeport and near Agate, about a half a century ago. Those near Agate were on the top of a high hill after the manner of the Aztec ruins of the southwest. Yet according to the best authorities, I am led to the opinion that the ruins were left by the Paducas or Comanches about the year'eigh-
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That these peoples were as far west as Sioux county is not yet demonstrated. There were, however, found ancient ruins north of Bridgeport and near Agate, about a half a century ago. Those near Agate were on the top of a high hill after the manner of the Aztec ruins of the southwest. Yet according to the best authorities, I am led to the opinion that the ruins were left by the Paducas or Comanches about the year'eigh-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
teen hundred, before they went south to the Arkansas river. The Cheyennes, the Arapahoes and the Sioux each have had a period in this land, while Assinaboines and Crows came at intervals. It is possible the Pawnees hunted here while they claimed the country in the vicinity about Court House rock. This however has been the Sioux country since it became a land of history.
Fort Robinson was established May 8, 1874, and was a place of great military activity for many years. It is on the east edge of the county, and on both sides of White river.
About two miles from its western extremity is the United States wood reservation about three and one-half miles square. The stories of the Indian wars of the early trappers in this vicinity, and as well as much of the ccw man's story appears in other parts of these volumes, and need not be repeated here. The Indian agencies known as Red Cloud on White river, and Spotted Tail on the pine ridges northeast of Chadron were the original cause for building Fort Robinson, but the discovery of gold in the Black Hills made it of vastly greater significance than at first intended. The two roads from the
1061
The stories of the Indian wars of the early trappers in this vicinity, and as well as much of the ccw man's story appears in other parts of these volumes, and need not be repeated here. The Indian agencies known as Red Cloud on White river, and Spotted Tail on the pine ridges northeast of Chadron were the original cause for building Fort Robinson, but the discovery of gold in the Black Hills made it of vastly greater significance than at first intended. The two roads from the
Union Pacific railroad, from Sidney and Cheyenne, here joined in one, going north to Custer and Deadwood.
Sioux county climate is not materially different from that of other parts of the Panhandle of Nebraska. It is perhaps a little more subject to severe storms, the most extraordinary of which was probably the snowstorm of April seventeenth, nineteen twenty. This storm literally buried the Northwestern passenger train near Harrison, and smothered some of the dwellings nearly to the eaves. However the isothermal lines do not seem to give it the low degree of temperature that is occasionally evident two hundred miles farther to the east. Rainfall of recent years has been sufficient to raise ordinary farm crops of this altitude and latitude, but yields are better if supplimented with irrigation. Dry land farming is not a safe proposition under the usual amount of rainfall, but the excessive precipitation of the last few years may prove of a permanent nature.
In all the high prairie country, winds of considerable velocity are not uncommon. Before the groves of the later settlers began to dot the prairie these winds were more common and more violent than of later years. Meteoric conditions no doubt have an important part in the change.
1062
Dry land farming is not a safe proposition under the usual amount of rainfall, but the excessive precipitation of the last few years may prove of a permanent nature.
In all the high prairie country, winds of considerable velocity are not uncommon. Before the groves of the later settlers began to dot the prairie these winds were more common and more violent than of later years. Meteoric conditions no doubt have an important part in the change.
In June, eighteen ninety-four, the first incipient cyclone to manifest its presence in the memory or chronicles of man made its appearance near Gilchrist center. In the scattered settlements but little damage was done, D. W. Wroody being about the only sufferer. His sheds were blown down.
About February first, nineteen hundred four, the second and last cyclone known to Sioux county appeared in the Montrose settlement, blowing away Chris Wasserburger's dwelling house.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
FIRST SETTLERS AND EARLY TOWN HISTORIES
The first white people to visit Sioux county were probably Mallet brothers related in early chapters of this book. Then the trappers' came, and Sage as early as eighteen forty-five made a visit here in connection with the American Fur Company. The next was the establishment of Fort Robinson, and then the Black Hills discovery of gold. In the late seventies the ranchmen came. It is difficult to call a restless mortal like Edgar Beecher Bronson a ranchman because he tarried on Soldier creek for a few weeks or months, or on the Niobrara river a similar length of time. There were many flyby-nights that came and tarried, then went on into oblivion, or distinction as the case may be, that are as entitled to be called ranchmen as is Bronson.
1063
The next was the establishment of Fort Robinson, and then the Black Hills discovery of gold. In the late seventies the ranchmen came. It is difficult to call a restless mortal like Edgar Beecher Bronson a ranchman because he tarried on Soldier creek for a few weeks or months, or on the Niobrara river a similar length of time. There were many flyby-nights that came and tarried, then went on into oblivion, or distinction as the case may be, that are as entitled to be called ranchmen as is Bronson.
First Ranches
Emmons & Brewster built the first ranch in Sioux county about twelve or fifteen miles northwest of the present site of Harrison. The surveyors of 1878 place this ranch upon the map, and while several others were located at or near the same time, they were not in evidence when the surveyor's parties ran the meridians and parallels. Newman's ranch and Hunter & Evans' ranch were in the east portion, now Sheridan and Cherry counties, and Col. Charles Coffee came to Hat creek about that time. Down on the Niobrara river Doctor Graham was building the Agate ranch, which has become historic.
As distinguished from ranchmen the first real# settlers arrived about eighteen eightyone* They settled in the vicinity of the fort for the protection it gave them. L. E. Belden was the first. John Foxwell came, but did not stay long. Daniel Klein arrived soon after. The Rigdons arrived the same year, or eighteen eighty-two. Then came Henry Kreman, who now has the old Foxwell place.
1064
Down on the Niobrara river Doctor Graham was building the Agate ranch, which has become historic.
As distinguished from ranchmen the first real# settlers arrived about eighteen eightyone* They settled in the vicinity of the fort for the protection it gave them. L. E. Belden was the first. John Foxwell came, but did not stay long. Daniel Klein arrived soon after. The Rigdons arrived the same year, or eighteen eighty-two. Then came Henry Kreman, who now has the old Foxwell place.
The first school was established here in eighteen eighty-three, with Klein the first director and Mary Delahunty the first teacher. Ezra Tucker, Wm. Raum, Bill}- Harmon, Dave Calville and the Rodgers folks arrived soon after.
Not main- settlers arrived until eighteen eighty-five. When J. H. Newlin came in eighteen eighty-five, he lived on the Klein
place for awhile. Mr. Newlin is now publisher of the Sioux County Journal at Harrison.
First Events of Interest The first white child born in Sioux county in the Harrison sector was Miss Sadie Morris, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Morris, who settled on Sowbelly creek in eighteen eighty-five. It is possible that there were born children at the fort in an earlier year, but they were transient, and there is no record. Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Zimmerman, who also arrived in eighteen eighty-five, believe
this to be the first known or recollected birth. This is also the recollection of Daniel Klein, who settled on White river in 1882.
The first wedding was that of Carl Lux and Rena Fellers in eighteen eighty-five.
1065
It is possible that there were born children at the fort in an earlier year, but they were transient, and there is no record. Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Zimmerman, who also arrived in eighteen eighty-five, believe
this to be the first known or recollected birth. This is also the recollection of Daniel Klein, who settled on White river in 1882.
The first wedding was that of Carl Lux and Rena Fellers in eighteen eighty-five.
The first death and burial in the cemetery at Harrison was an elderly stranger who died alone in his tent just as the railroad was building into Harrison. The next was that of Mrs. W. E. Fiddler. The Fiddlers arrived in eighteen eighty-seven, and were living in a tent wagon. Mrs. Fiddler was a victim of the great white plague, arriving in the higher altitudes and among the pines too late to stop its ravages.
Mrs. Katherine Graham was the first white woman to permanently make her home in Sioux county. She still resides with her daughter at the Agate ranch. Mrs. Cook is the daughter. Captain Ccok being the present occupant of the old Graham ranch.
The first religious services ever held in the count}- were at this ranch, Mrs. Graham calling the few neighbors together, and organizing a Sunday school.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Jennie Hunt was the first teacher in District number one before Sioux county was organized. In eighteen eighty-eight she was married to W. E. Fiddler whose wife died the year before. Together they went on westward to Oregon. Miss Hunt had followed Miss Delahunty as teacher in District number one. The latter had removed to Antelopeville (now Kimball). Jennie Hunt was the first teacher in Harrison, then called Bowen, in 1886. The school in Harrison was in the second story of YVernecke's furniture store, just north of the present Commercial hotel.
1066
In eighteen eighty-eight she was married to W. E. Fiddler whose wife died the year before. Together they went on westward to Oregon. Miss Hunt had followed Miss Delahunty as teacher in District number one. The latter had removed to Antelopeville (now Kimball). Jennie Hunt was the first teacher in Harrison, then called Bowen, in 1886. The school in Harrison was in the second story of YVernecke's furniture store, just north of the present Commercial hotel. The top story of the store has since been removed.
As stated, the first permanent settler in the White river valley was L. E. Belden, who located on what is now known as Lake ranch, about eighteen eighty-one. Billy Belden, who resides at Harrison, is a son of the first settler.
Before the building of the railroad, the people over on Hat creek dreamed of a city to be. John W. Hunter lived over there, and he and C. F. Slingerland ran a store. They wanted a post-office, and it needed a name. Hunter's little daughter was named "Oressa," which was suggested as the name for the post-office. Down in Texas, there is a shrub called "Bodarc." The people of a Texas community were asking for a postoffice and that it be named "Bodarc."
In some inexplicable way, the department at Washington crossed the names, and gave the Texas post-office the name of Oressa, and the Sioux county post-office the name Bodarc. It was quite a long time before the people of Hat creek knew how it happened.
1067
Hunter's little daughter was named "Oressa," which was suggested as the name for the post-office. Down in Texas, there is a shrub called "Bodarc." The people of a Texas community were asking for a postoffice and that it be named "Bodarc."
In some inexplicable way, the department at Washington crossed the names, and gave the Texas post-office the name of Oressa, and the Sioux county post-office the name Bodarc. It was quite a long time before the people of Hat creek knew how it happened.
Slingerland and Hunter made Bodarc a live place for awhile. They established the Bodarc Record in the autumn of eighteen eighty-six, just before the election on the county-seat question. Slingerland went overland to Crawford and there took the train to Omaha to get his printing outfit. When the county-seat war was on, Slingerland, having no job press, rode horseback to Crawford and had tickets printed, but as later shown, they did not have enough votes. The railroad made it an uphill fight to try to locate the county-seat in the Hat creek basin.
B KOI XX IXC, OF I [arrison The building of the Chicago ec Northwestern line through Sioux county put the first railroad within its limits. In eighteen eighty-six the work reached the present site of Harrison. The place was then called
Summit, because of its altitude which is forty-eight hundred and seventy-seven feet above sea level. Some distance north of the line of the survey was Bodarc, which as stated had a post-office, store, and newspaper, the Record.
1068
B KOI XX IXC, OF I [arrison The building of the Chicago ec Northwestern line through Sioux county put the first railroad within its limits. In eighteen eighty-six the work reached the present site of Harrison. The place was then called
Summit, because of its altitude which is forty-eight hundred and seventy-seven feet above sea level. Some distance north of the line of the survey was Bodarc, which as stated had a post-office, store, and newspaper, the Record.
The name of Summit was changed to Bowen by the railroad so naming the station. There was another Bowen in Nebraska and therefore the name was changed to Harrison. The town was incorporated May third, eighteen eighty-nine. W. R. Smith was the first chairman of the town board, D. P. Davis was town treasurer, and Theo. Timbers, marshall and street commissic'iier.
The railroad reached the town in June, eighteen eighty-six, and there were a number of temporary stores put in near the depot. These were generally boarded up a few feet from the ground, and had tents or canvas for the tops. Sellers & Griswold were the first to thus engage in merchandising. Anderson & Company opened the first drug store at the same time. Both were east of the depot as it is new located.
The first permanent building in the town for merchandising purposes was the Ranch Supply store, which building is now occupied by the Marstellers who are engaged in general merchandise trade.
The census of nineteen twenty gives Bowen precinct, including the village of Harrison, a population of six hundred twenty-one.
1069
Sellers & Griswold were the first to thus engage in merchandising. Anderson & Company opened the first drug store at the same time. Both were east of the depot as it is new located.
The first permanent building in the town for merchandising purposes was the Ranch Supply store, which building is now occupied by the Marstellers who are engaged in general merchandise trade.
The census of nineteen twenty gives Bowen precinct, including the village of Harrison, a population of six hundred twenty-one.
POSTOFFICES AND POSTMASTERS
About eighteen eighty-one War Bonnet post-office was established at the Emmons & Brewster ranch, with B. E. Brewster as post-master. This was the first post-office in the county outside of Fort Robinson.
The offices at Agate and Bodarc followed, the latter being about eighteen eighty-five. When the new railroad town sprang up, Ed Satterlee was appointed post-master of the place. Will H. Davis was the second to have charge of Harrison's post-office, then came Mr Huff, and in the nineties J. !•*.. Marsteller. Mrs. Leah P. Rice is the present occupant of the office.
The Court l [01 si The question O county-seat location lay between Harrison and Bodarc, but the contest was short li\i'd. Bi wen and llat creek precincts, Harrison being located in the former, agreed to and did. in eighteen eighty-eight, build the presenl courthouse. The architects were Whitney & Murphy.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The brick used were burned on Sowbelly creek. George Klein burned a kiln or two of brick on Spring creek, which he expected to sell to the builders of the courthouse, but they could not agree on price, so they burned their own. And this ended the brick industry in Sioux county.
1070
Bi wen and llat creek precincts, Harrison being located in the former, agreed to and did. in eighteen eighty-eight, build the presenl courthouse. The architects were Whitney & Murphy.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The brick used were burned on Sowbelly creek. George Klein burned a kiln or two of brick on Spring creek, which he expected to sell to the builders of the courthouse, but they could not agree on price, so they burned their own. And this ended the brick industry in Sioux county.
Sowbelly Creek Named
This creek and canyon obtained its peculiar name from a circumstance that occurred
to existence before the railroad reached the county. It was started by Charles F. Slingerland. but was later merged with the Sioux County Herald, and Slingerland went east about eighteen eighty-eight and is with the Omaha Bee at this time.
The Newspaper Records No one realizes as the days go by what the weekly record of the country press means to the lover of history in future years.
Sioux County Court House, FTarriso
there during the Indian wars. A number of soldiers on scout duty out of Fort Robinson found themselves hard pressed by Indians, and were held in close quarters until nearly starved before the rescue party arrived. When relieved from their tension of resistance they were "hungry enough to eat a raw dog." The sole article of provision which the rescuing party had, was old dry-salt bacon, which in the language of the rough west was called sowbelly. Since then the name has clung to the place.
1071
A number of soldiers on scout duty out of Fort Robinson found themselves hard pressed by Indians, and were held in close quarters until nearly starved before the rescue party arrived. When relieved from their tension of resistance they were "hungry enough to eat a raw dog." The sole article of provision which the rescuing party had, was old dry-salt bacon, which in the language of the rough west was called sowbelly. Since then the name has clung to the place.
First Newspaper
The Bodarc Record was the first newspaper published in Sioux county, coming in-
No one can properly appreciate how much the press is doing for the community until he reads it in the light of years. After the lapse of a quarter of a century one can read understandingly of the period of the record. One can appreciate wdiat provoked the outbursts of wrath or satire, or the many little disturbances that stirred the communities to their center. The country press of thirty or forty years ago said things without the restraint that is seen today. There were no studied efforts to say a thing in a way that might easily be understood another way. There were no veiled insinuations. They called a spade by that name. In that perfect expression, the world of the time was cor-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
rectly recorded, and there was no doubt about it. Sometimes we wonder if the press has deteriorated, or, having taken cognizance of the weaknesses and frailties of ourselves and our brothers, most of us speak with observance of the rules of charity. The next generation will perhaps understand us better than we understand ourselves.
1072
They called a spade by that name. In that perfect expression, the world of the time was cor-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
rectly recorded, and there was no doubt about it. Sometimes we wonder if the press has deteriorated, or, having taken cognizance of the weaknesses and frailties of ourselves and our brothers, most of us speak with observance of the rules of charity. The next generation will perhaps understand us better than we understand ourselves.
On September thirteenth, eighteen eightyeight, the Sioux County Journal was born. \Y. E. Patterson was proprietor, and L. J. Simmons was assistant. Ed Satterlee had started the Sioux County Herald in eighteen eighty-six. Charlie Verity ran it for a while. He referred to Slingerland of the Record as "The Bucktown dude" because he wore a Prince Albert coat. The Bodarc Record was moved to town and merged with the Herald at a later date.
In August, eighteen ninety-two, volume one, number one of the Independent appeared. It was published by A. L. Baumgartner. This paper burned out not long after it started, and the proprietor came very near losing his life in the fire. He was evidently discouraged in the venture, for he sold the paper to Charles E. Verity in November, eighteen ninety-three.
The Herald was published by Ed Satterlee on a street fronting the present site of the depot at Harrison, and the post-office was next to it. Judge Hunter had started the Republican at Bodarc, for the purpose, so his political enemies declared, of having an organ through which he could exploit his theories and opinions. That some of these opinions were not of the highest and the judge had a sharp way about putting the matter, we do not wonder that his enemies endeavored to make light of his venture.
1073
The Herald was published by Ed Satterlee on a street fronting the present site of the depot at Harrison, and the post-office was next to it. Judge Hunter had started the Republican at Bodarc, for the purpose, so his political enemies declared, of having an organ through which he could exploit his theories and opinions. That some of these opinions were not of the highest and the judge had a sharp way about putting the matter, we do not wonder that his enemies endeavored to make light of his venture.
Satterlee turned over the control of the Herald to Mr. Davis, who arranged the consolidation of the Republican therewith. Davis was chairman of the republican county central committee, and president of the Harrison town club. The year before Davis had been the candidate of the republicans for county attorney, but had withdrawn, giving Satterlee, the democratic candidate, a clean field. This had made rampant partisans, and enemies of both Satterlee and Davis about as mad as they could be. So that when Davis took over the Herald from Satterlee, they declared it was a part of the trade.
W. E. Patterson of the Journal sold his interest to L. J. Simmons, who in turn sold out to George Cannon. About nineteen hundred Cannon sold the outfit to George
Phipps, and Phipps later passed the title to Cleo (or Howard) Burke. Burke, in January, nineteen hundred five, sold it to J. H. Newlin, and went to Bridgeport.
The Harrison Sun, which came into existence May eleventh, nineteen hundred, was started by Win. II. Ketchmun, then of the Crawford Tribune, and L. C. Wright. It had been purchased by Newlin in the fall of nineteen hundred three, and he had taken possession in February following. He consolidated the Sun with the Press-Journal, and later dropped the first part of the name.
1074
Burke, in January, nineteen hundred five, sold it to J. H. Newlin, and went to Bridgeport.
The Harrison Sun, which came into existence May eleventh, nineteen hundred, was started by Win. II. Ketchmun, then of the Crawford Tribune, and L. C. Wright. It had been purchased by Newlin in the fall of nineteen hundred three, and he had taken possession in February following. He consolidated the Sun with the Press-Journal, and later dropped the first part of the name. Under his efficient management, the Journal is the only paper published in Sioux county at the present time.
J. H. Newlin came to Sioux county about thirty-five years ago, and has since made it his home. He first taught school and was active in educational work. Miss Ella M. Conner in eighteen eighty-eight was teaching the Bodarc school when she and Mr. Newlin met. Miss Conner was from near Plattsmouth and had been attracted to the better wage schedule or the homestead possibilities in the Harrison country. J. H. Newlin and Miss Ella Conner were married May twenty-ninth, eighteen ninety. Both were in the first teachers' institute in Sioux county, and both are yet living.
They have two living daughters : one married Milo E. Wolff and they live on a ranch in Wyoming, thirty miles northwest of Harrison. Bessie, the other daughter is at home and assists on the Journal, in the news notes, the business department, and the linotype department. Both Jessie and Bessie are state normal graduates, and hold life teachers' certificates.
1075
Both were in the first teachers' institute in Sioux county, and both are yet living.
They have two living daughters : one married Milo E. Wolff and they live on a ranch in Wyoming, thirty miles northwest of Harrison. Bessie, the other daughter is at home and assists on the Journal, in the news notes, the business department, and the linotype department. Both Jessie and Bessie are state normal graduates, and hold life teachers' certificates.
The compiler of these historic note- owes much to the generous use of old files, and the memory of Mr. Newlin, ami his kindly assistance in other ways.
Ed. Satterlee
The name of Ed. Satterlee stands out conspicuously in Sioux county history. He was the first "county clerk, named by the governor as special county clerk, to prepare for the first regular election of the county at its organization. He was the first post-master ofHarrison, or Bowen as ii was then called. He started the first newspaper in Harrison. lie was also the first county attorney elected at the first regular election.
I knew Satterlee as a landlord when he ran the Blaine hotel at Chadron. 1 doubt if
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
there was one single knight of the grip that knew him, but that sincerely regretted the illness and permanent incapacity that made it necessary for him to retire from business.
On
Activi
There are others that were active officially and otherwise in the early history of which brief mention should be made, aside from references to them in some of the stories told in this work. There was J. E. Marsteller, who came in eighteen eighty-six, when Harrison (then called Summit) was a tent town; who worked first at the carpenter trade and then for a long time was engaged in mercantile lines.
1076
there was one single knight of the grip that knew him, but that sincerely regretted the illness and permanent incapacity that made it necessary for him to retire from business.
On
Activi
There are others that were active officially and otherwise in the early history of which brief mention should be made, aside from references to them in some of the stories told in this work. There was J. E. Marsteller, who came in eighteen eighty-six, when Harrison (then called Summit) was a tent town; who worked first at the carpenter trade and then for a long time was engaged in mercantile lines. There is Geo. Gerlock, cowpuncher, business man, banker; John A.
Anderson, who came cut to the Emmons & Brewster ranch in the early days ; Ed. F. Pontius, who has been in public and semipublic life for about thirty-five years ; the Davis family, the Schnurrs, the Jordans, the McGinleys, the Halls, the Lowrys. the Wertz's, the Meyers. Fred now being county treasurer; the Cherrys, Earl Cherry being the county clerk and to whom this chronicler feels a debt of gratitude for assistance in compiling this history.
The list of officials in Sioux county for efficiency from beginning to the present time, stand high in the counties of the Panhandle. The records were and are well kept, and these that we have met are splendidly courteous and will go out of their way to accommodate the public and the stranger.
MEDICAL FRATERNITY
■THE BAR -- STORY CHURCHES
1077
Fred now being county treasurer; the Cherrys, Earl Cherry being the county clerk and to whom this chronicler feels a debt of gratitude for assistance in compiling this history.
The list of officials in Sioux county for efficiency from beginning to the present time, stand high in the counties of the Panhandle. The records were and are well kept, and these that we have met are splendidly courteous and will go out of their way to accommodate the public and the stranger.
MEDICAL FRATERNITY
■THE BAR -- STORY CHURCHES
OF THE SCHOOLS
Doctor Graham was the first resident doctor of Sionx count}-, and he was a ranchman, and not a regular practitioner.
The first doctor to register in Sioux county was George Jefferson Shafer. Some time before registration was started he attended the sick. He came with the beginning of the town of Harrison. Frank Dooley Burgess was the next to register, in eighteen eighty-nine, but he does not seem to be remembered as a resident doctor, and more than likely lived outside the county. In eighteen ninety the name of Doctor J. L. A. Ziegenhagin appears. In the early nineties Doctor Bridgeman and Doctor Julian E. Phinney were practising in the Harrison vicinity. In the late nineties, Doctors L. W. Bowman and Levi J. C. Berchard, registered.
The first veterinarian registered in eighteen ninety-eight was Doctor E. E. Barr.
Shortly after nineteen hundred Doctors Albro J. Ames and Clyde Davis were practicing physicians in Sioux comity. These were followed by M. A. Nye, Richard L. Pans. George A. Matthews, and A. A. Potlief.
1078
In the early nineties Doctor Bridgeman and Doctor Julian E. Phinney were practising in the Harrison vicinity. In the late nineties, Doctors L. W. Bowman and Levi J. C. Berchard, registered.
The first veterinarian registered in eighteen ninety-eight was Doctor E. E. Barr.
Shortly after nineteen hundred Doctors Albro J. Ames and Clyde Davis were practicing physicians in Sioux comity. These were followed by M. A. Nye, Richard L. Pans. George A. Matthews, and A. A. Potlief.
Wendell 11. Priest, still a resident of Harrison, registered in August, nineteen ten, the dean of the profession at the present time.
Charles Avery Hanson was here in nineteen eleven, John E. Ramsey in nineteen fourteen, and Doctor Francis A. Borglum arrived in January, nineteen fifteen. Doctor Borglum's office is equipped with every electrical device known to modern surgery and practice, and he is very active at the present time.
Doctors Lloyd Cramer, Frank M. Barns and Jack Brahams appear upon the register of nineteen sixteen, and Willis C. Tanner a year later.
Paul Herbert Priest registered as physician and surgeon in nineteen twenty, being the last resident doctor to engage in practice. Earl Emanuel Dale of Lusk, sometimes comes into Sioux county to attend cases, and some of the other registrants reside in other and adjoining counties.
The only resident doctors today are the Priests and Borglum.
Francis Harrold Wallace was the only dentist to register in the county.
Stella J. Phipps is the only name appearing as a nurse, registering last year.
1079
Paul Herbert Priest registered as physician and surgeon in nineteen twenty, being the last resident doctor to engage in practice. Earl Emanuel Dale of Lusk, sometimes comes into Sioux county to attend cases, and some of the other registrants reside in other and adjoining counties.
The only resident doctors today are the Priests and Borglum.
Francis Harrold Wallace was the only dentist to register in the county.
Stella J. Phipps is the only name appearing as a nurse, registering last year.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Robert Wefso, pharmacist, registered in nineteen twenty.
The general health of the community is good. The record of the work done by the local fraternity during the World War, is of splendid patriotic service.
The Bench and Bar
Sioux count)' has never had the distinction of naming a district judge of her own citizenship. But she has participated in the naming of distinguished and excellent judges who have presided over her courts. Back in the beginning, Judge Gaslin used to handle without gloves any of Sioux county citizens who appeared in his court at Sidney. From the fifth district, the tenth district next included Sioux county. Samuel L. Savage of Kearney was appointed, then Francis G. Hamer was elected. The twelfth district was created in eighteen eighty-seven, and M. P. Kinkaid was appointed judge, being elected later. In eighteen ninety-one the fifteenth district came into existence. A. W. Crites was appointed to divide the work of the district. Alfred Bartow of Chadron succeeded Crites, and in eighteen ninety-six W. H. Wrestover became judge in the place of Bartow. J. J. Harrington took the place of Kinkaid in nineteen hundred. The sixteenth judicial district was created in nineteen twelve, including Sioux county, and Judge Westover still presides when district court is held in this county.
1080
In eighteen ninety-one the fifteenth district came into existence. A. W. Crites was appointed to divide the work of the district. Alfred Bartow of Chadron succeeded Crites, and in eighteen ninety-six W. H. Wrestover became judge in the place of Bartow. J. J. Harrington took the place of Kinkaid in nineteen hundred. The sixteenth judicial district was created in nineteen twelve, including Sioux county, and Judge Westover still presides when district court is held in this county.
Thus for over twenty-five years Judge W. H. Westover has been chosen and rechosen by the people of his district. Of late years there has been no opposition at the elections.
Membership of the Sioux county bar is pretty well reflected in its official list of county prosecutors. First again we find the name of Ed Satterlee. W. H. Davis was contemporaneous of the time, and John W. Hunter soon followed as a practitioner. In the nineties there were Geo. Walker, Hugh L. Conley, Alvin T. Clark. Grant Guthrie and perhaps some others. M. J. O'Connell was teaching school in eighteen ninetyseven. He practiced law in Harrison for ten years after about eighteen ninety. W. A. McMann was at Bodarc for a time, and R. L. Wilhite, now of Gordon, was here for a time.
Fern Samuel Baker came to Harrison about a decade ago and is the present county prosecutor. Colonel J. W. Hartwell and Mr. Baker now constitute the total resident membership of the bar of Sioux count}'.
The Story of the Schooi - As heretofore stated the first school organized in Sioux county was while it was yet unorganized territory, and attached to Cheyenne county. Jo. Oberfelder was then county superintendent at Sidney. In eighteen eighty-three he came to Fort Robinson and organized district number one, just west of the fort.
1081
Fern Samuel Baker came to Harrison about a decade ago and is the present county prosecutor. Colonel J. W. Hartwell and Mr. Baker now constitute the total resident membership of the bar of Sioux count}'.
The Story of the Schooi - As heretofore stated the first school organized in Sioux county was while it was yet unorganized territory, and attached to Cheyenne county. Jo. Oberfelder was then county superintendent at Sidney. In eighteen eighty-three he came to Fort Robinson and organized district number one, just west of the fort. He brought along Miss Mary Delahunty from Lexington, who had been engaged to teach. There were few pupils in the school that did not have Indian blood in their veins. There were half-breeds and quarter-bloods, which with five white children, made forty-two of them. District number two in the unorganized Sioux county was farther east and in territory not included in the county when it adopted organization.
District number three was organized when Julia Shelton was superintendent of Cheyenne county, or on August fifth, eighteen eighty-six. This came within the county when organization was effected. Therefore number one and number three, which were near the old fort, are the two oldest districts in the county, and both antedate the county. Sioux county records give little history of number one, except that Jacob Klein was the director. Of number two. Win. A. Raum petitioned for its organization, the election was held at the residence of Win M. Pennington, and the officers elected were: F. McProcunier, moderator; J. B. Pequett, director, and Wm. M. ('daze, treasurer.
1082
Therefore number one and number three, which were near the old fort, are the two oldest districts in the county, and both antedate the county. Sioux county records give little history of number one, except that Jacob Klein was the director. Of number two. Win. A. Raum petitioned for its organization, the election was held at the residence of Win M. Pennington, and the officers elected were: F. McProcunier, moderator; J. B. Pequett, director, and Wm. M. ('daze, treasurer.
District number four, which was also organized by Julia Shelton, November first, eighteen eighty-six, was another of the older districts, and adjoins the fort on the north. The election in this district was held at the residence of Robert Tally. The officers elected were: Wm. Harmon, mo Chas. Saxton, director, and John Spear. treasurer.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The first district organized after the creation of the county government was number two, taking the number which had been set off into one of the counties to the east. This was organized January seventh, eighteen eighty-seven, in the vicinity of Glen. B. F. Thomas, the first county superintendent of the organized county, created it, and the first officers thereof were: Henry Rogers, moderator ; John S. Tucker, director, and Chas. T. Kyle, treasurer. Thomas also created fifteen other districts during his term of office. Between March fourth and December fifteenth of eighteen eighty-seven, Superintendent Thomas issued teachers' certificates to nineteen persons, eleven of which were to girls and women and the others to boys and men. Four were seventeen years of age, and seven were twentyone or over, and only three above twentyfive.
1083
Thomas, the first county superintendent of the organized county, created it, and the first officers thereof were: Henry Rogers, moderator ; John S. Tucker, director, and Chas. T. Kyle, treasurer. Thomas also created fifteen other districts during his term of office. Between March fourth and December fifteenth of eighteen eighty-seven, Superintendent Thomas issued teachers' certificates to nineteen persons, eleven of which were to girls and women and the others to boys and men. Four were seventeen years of age, and seven were twentyone or over, and only three above twentyfive.
Certificate number one went to Minnie Thomas, aged nineteen ; number two to Montie Cooper, aged eighteen^, number three to Cora Smith, aged seventeen, and the others in the following order: Edith E. Hunt, Julia A. Baurret, Ben B. Smith, Lorena Thomas, E. E. Blewett, Jane D. Hunt, William V. Mitchell, Cora Secher, Mrs. Louie Moore, Elsie Merriam, M. J. O'Connell, Ellen Woody, Mrs. Belle E. Moseby, Chas. Groves, John W. Graham, and Geo. A. Ainsworth.
S. W . Cox succeeded Thomas as superintendent, and during his term there were created nine new districts. Five more were created under A. Southworth, who followed Cox. In eighteen ninety-one Superintendent Cox made a separate record for all certificates issued, which plan was generally followed until nineteen hundred five, when the new law was adopted that changed the issuance of certificates to the state superintendent.
The first state apportionment, made January first, eighteen ninety was five hundred twenty dollars and thirty-five cents. There were twenty-three districts and five hundred and eighty-two pupils in the county. The July apportionment was twenty-three dollars and one cent more than that of January, there was one more district and twenty more pupils.
1084
In eighteen ninety-one Superintendent Cox made a separate record for all certificates issued, which plan was generally followed until nineteen hundred five, when the new law was adopted that changed the issuance of certificates to the state superintendent.
The first state apportionment, made January first, eighteen ninety was five hundred twenty dollars and thirty-five cents. There were twenty-three districts and five hundred and eighty-two pupils in the county. The July apportionment was twenty-three dollars and one cent more than that of January, there was one more district and twenty more pupils.
The growth of the schools of this county is shown by the records of the present day in comparison with the above. There are eighty-five districts in the county, and a total of twelve hundred and nineteen pupils. There is a shortage of teachers to go around
if all the schools held their terms at the same time. Only eighty-one teachers are available. Six of the schoolhouses are of sod, five of logs and the others are frame, except one of stone. Nearly all of them are in good repair. There are no districts without funds to maintain four months' school -- the minimum required by law.
The state apportionment, due to increased revenue from the school lands is now higher than it was prior to nineteen seventeen. While commissioner of public lands and buildings in nineteen seventeen and eighteen, this writer inaugurated a new policy which has been followed since, a higher valuation of school lands. The result is that nineteen twenty-one apportionment from the state is nearly two dollars per pupil for January, or a total of twenty-three hundred fifty-eight dollars and sixty cents, as compared with approximately one dollar as shown by earlier reports. In eighteen ninety it was less than eighty cents per pupil as shown by the apportionment of July fifth.
1085
While commissioner of public lands and buildings in nineteen seventeen and eighteen, this writer inaugurated a new policy which has been followed since, a higher valuation of school lands. The result is that nineteen twenty-one apportionment from the state is nearly two dollars per pupil for January, or a total of twenty-three hundred fifty-eight dollars and sixty cents, as compared with approximately one dollar as shown by earlier reports. In eighteen ninety it was less than eighty cents per pupil as shown by the apportionment of July fifth.
There are no consolidated districts in the county, except on the Dutch flats. Three schools, namely numbers forty-four, fortyseven, and seven, have two or m'ore teachers. The county has the county high school plan. The Harrison schools teach eight of the grades and the county high school carries it to the higher grades up to twelve. Domestic science and agriculture are taught and arrangements are under way for the benefits of the Smith-Hughes act. The Shumway act applies in the county high school. A new high school building for the county is under construction.
There are no parochial schools in Sioux county.
The first teachers' institute in Sioux county convened July twentieth, eighteen ninetyone and continued ten days. Professor N. E. Leach and wife were the instructors. The teachers in attendance were : Sarah Parsons. Minnie Smith. Will H. Davis, Eva E. Conner, Ben B. Smith. J. H. Newlin, Elsie Merriam. A. P. Babcock, Mabel Robinson, Minnie Crane, Anna Kirbey, Myrtle Zimmerman, Mrs. Sarah Shaw, Mrs. Ella Newlin, Alice Thomas, Mrs. Sadie Gilles. Mrs. J. W. Smith, and Lilly Thomas.
1086
The first teachers' institute in Sioux county convened July twentieth, eighteen ninetyone and continued ten days. Professor N. E. Leach and wife were the instructors. The teachers in attendance were : Sarah Parsons. Minnie Smith. Will H. Davis, Eva E. Conner, Ben B. Smith. J. H. Newlin, Elsie Merriam. A. P. Babcock, Mabel Robinson, Minnie Crane, Anna Kirbey, Myrtle Zimmerman, Mrs. Sarah Shaw, Mrs. Ella Newlin, Alice Thomas, Mrs. Sadie Gilles. Mrs. J. W. Smith, and Lilly Thomas.
Of these, there were five who had one hundred per cent perfection in attendance, promptness and standing. Of these five, two, namely. Will H. Davis and Elsie Merriam were later county superintendents, and one, J. H. Newlin is editor of Sioux county's only newspaper.
HISTORY OF WESTERN' NEBRASKA
2S7
Box Butte county, Dawes county and Sioux count}' now unite in a teachers' institute, which is held at Chadron, the home of the state normal. In June, nineteen twenty, thirty-nine teachers from Sioux count}- were in attendance.
The Harrison schools today have the following teachers: Sadie Trumm, first and second grades: Nell Osborn, the third and fourth; Genevieve Reece, the fifth and sixth, and Mary Bonsall, the seventh and eighth.
In the county high school, Edgar Wright is superintendent: May Conn, domestic science: Roy J. W. Ely, agriculture and manual training, and Mrs. Ely, business instruction, typing, etc.
Seventeen districts in the county have bonded debt, only two of which levy more than ten mills for the sinking fund. Seven districts have a building fund with none over ten mills. The levy for the county high is eight mills, and the total county levy for other purposes is twelve and one-tenths mills, and the total county levy for other purposes is twelve and one-tenth mills. Harrison village has a levy of fifty mills for all purposes.
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Seventeen districts in the county have bonded debt, only two of which levy more than ten mills for the sinking fund. Seven districts have a building fund with none over ten mills. The levy for the county high is eight mills, and the total county levy for other purposes is twelve and one-tenths mills, and the total county levy for other purposes is twelve and one-tenth mills. Harrison village has a levy of fifty mills for all purposes.
Mrs. Fred Meyers, the present efficient county superintendent, assisted the compiler in collaborating the data, in this story of the Sioux county schools, which work is much appreciated.
The Churches
Rev. J. A. Scamahorn, the pioneer minister of Gordon, was the first ordained minister to hold services in Sioux county, so far as we have been able to learn. He followed the building of the railroad to Summit, now Harrison.
True, there were services held in the homes of the county, and possibly at Fort Robinson, prior to that time. It is known that the first services held in the county, outside of those of which we find no record, at the fort, were on the Niobrara river at Agate, or the Graham ranch.
Mrs. Katherine Graham, wife of Doctor Graham, who located the ranch in eighteen seventy-eight, called the few neighbors and the cowboys together and held services at regular intervals after that date.
Reverend J. H. Skinner in eighteen eighty-eight came to Harrison and preached in a building on Main street where the Lowry hotel is now situated, until the first Methodist church was built. Reverend J. F. Lusk occupied the Methodist pulpit in eighty-nine and ninety. E. E. Rorick followed, and then W. C. Glasner. In ninetythree Reverend J. W. (Wick) Kendall assumed the charge. He was followed by Chas.
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Katherine Graham, wife of Doctor Graham, who located the ranch in eighteen seventy-eight, called the few neighbors and the cowboys together and held services at regular intervals after that date.
Reverend J. H. Skinner in eighteen eighty-eight came to Harrison and preached in a building on Main street where the Lowry hotel is now situated, until the first Methodist church was built. Reverend J. F. Lusk occupied the Methodist pulpit in eighty-nine and ninety. E. E. Rorick followed, and then W. C. Glasner. In ninetythree Reverend J. W. (Wick) Kendall assumed the charge. He was followed by Chas. E. Connell, and then D. I. Clark, and in ninety-eight J. L. (Jce) Kendall. W. R. Warren was here in nineteen hundred, and then C. L. Smith and J. F. Youngman. W. C. Daniels was next, and then A. R.
Methodist Ch
York followed by A. H. York. Reverend Meyer was the minister in nineteen ten, C. E. Carter in twelve, and Joseph Snowden in the latter part of thirteen. Geo. H. Wehn, O. H. Albertson and Edward McGill followed in turn, and in September, nineteen twenty. Reverend Clare L. Yan Metre arrived and he has splendidly followed up the work. The church now has a membership of about one hundred and the Sunday school an enrollment of one hundred seventy-two. A new and modern church edifice is contemplated in the near future.
Harrison's other church is the Catholic's. When the town was new. Father Carroll
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Albertson and Edward McGill followed in turn, and in September, nineteen twenty. Reverend Clare L. Yan Metre arrived and he has splendidly followed up the work. The church now has a membership of about one hundred and the Sunday school an enrollment of one hundred seventy-two. A new and modern church edifice is contemplated in the near future.
Harrison's other church is the Catholic's. When the town was new. Father Carroll
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used to come from Crawford and hold services. The Catholic church at Harrison was built about nineteen eleven, and Father Mc- Mann, the resident priest of Crawford, holds services here once each week, alternating between Saturdays and Sundays. The membership is about seventy. There is also a
2SS
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Catholic organization at Montrose which is served by a priest from Ardmore.
Lutherans have an organization at Harrison, and Reverend H. Sagehorn comes from Crawford once every three weeks, and holds service.
The young people of Harrison are taking active interest in church work, and through
their splendid service, the future of the churches here will be an excellent part in the building of the character of the community and the county. Ladies' organizations auxiliary to church endeavor is here particularly active, especially the Ladies' Aid, which is all that the name implies.
BANKING AND FINANCE -- FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS -- INDUSTRIES
The story of the banks in Sioux county tells the story of its material progress only in part, because many of Sioux county people do their banking in adjoining counties : Lusk and Torrington, Wyoming ; Ardmore, South Dakota; Crawford, Hemingford, Marsland, Alliance, Henry, Morrill, Mitchell, Scottsbluff, and Minatare, all the latter named in Nebraska, each have some of the finances of Sioux county people to look after and handle.
1090
BANKING AND FINANCE -- FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS -- INDUSTRIES
The story of the banks in Sioux county tells the story of its material progress only in part, because many of Sioux county people do their banking in adjoining counties : Lusk and Torrington, Wyoming ; Ardmore, South Dakota; Crawford, Hemingford, Marsland, Alliance, Henry, Morrill, Mitchell, Scottsbluff, and Minatare, all the latter named in Nebraska, each have some of the finances of Sioux county people to look after and handle. This leaves the banks at Harrison only a portion of the county business. Scotts Bluff county banks probably do as much Sioux county business as the banks of the county itself.
Nevertheless the resume of banking affairs from the time when two per cent a month was not unreasonable interest to the present day of the federal reserve and bank guarantee laws, is interesting reading.
C. E. Verity and S. H. Jones established the first bank in Harrison and Sioux county. This was in eighteen eighty-seven, the year following the organization of the county. Verity had been the deputy special county clerk at the organization of the county, and Jones was the first justice of peace in the county to qualify. The bank was called the Bank of Harrison.
The next bank organized was called the Commercial State Bank. B. E. Brewster was president ; C. F. Coffee the vice president, and Chas. C. Jameson, cashier. The names of these three men have been written in large letters upon the northwestern part of Nebraska. March seventeenth, nineteen hundred four, this bank had a capital of ten thousand, and ten thousand surplus, with thirty-one thousand, one hundred seventysix dollars and ninety-one cents of undivided
1091
The bank was called the Bank of Harrison.
The next bank organized was called the Commercial State Bank. B. E. Brewster was president ; C. F. Coffee the vice president, and Chas. C. Jameson, cashier. The names of these three men have been written in large letters upon the northwestern part of Nebraska. March seventeenth, nineteen hundred four, this bank had a capital of ten thousand, and ten thousand surplus, with thirty-one thousand, one hundred seventysix dollars and ninety-one cents of undivided
profits. Its total deposits were about one hundred ten thousand dollars, and its loans and discounts about ninety thousand, and overdrafts less than four hundred dollars. Knowing the lean years of ninety-three and ninety-four, this statement measured up well with any of the banks of the state simliarly situated.
Both of these banks have passed out of existence or been merged into the institutions of today. Following the panic of nineteen seven, the reaction brought into existence the First National Bank. This was organized and chartered in nineteen eight, and is today one of the most substantial institutions in northwestern Nebraska. Its capital stock is fifty thousand, its surplus forty-five thousand, and deposits over onehalf a million. It has loans and discounts reaching five hundred and seventy-nine thousand, cash and exchange, fifty-eight thousand three hundred; real estate about eleven thousand, and bonds, stocks and securities thirty-seven thousand dollars, according to its statement of December twenty-ninth, nineteen-twenty. The present affairs of this bank are under the efficient management of A. L. Schnurr, president: F. W. Clarke and Will H. Davis, vice presidents; Theo. Okerblade, cashier, and De P. Davis, assistant cashier.
1092
Its capital stock is fifty thousand, its surplus forty-five thousand, and deposits over onehalf a million. It has loans and discounts reaching five hundred and seventy-nine thousand, cash and exchange, fifty-eight thousand three hundred; real estate about eleven thousand, and bonds, stocks and securities thirty-seven thousand dollars, according to its statement of December twenty-ninth, nineteen-twenty. The present affairs of this bank are under the efficient management of A. L. Schnurr, president: F. W. Clarke and Will H. Davis, vice presidents; Theo. Okerblade, cashier, and De P. Davis, assistant cashier.
Harrison State Bank came into existence in nineteen ten, with W. C. Reed, president; D. W. Hamaker, vice president, and George L. Gerlach, cashier. This bank on February twenty-first, nineteen twenty-one, had twenty thousand capital, five thousand surplus, and undivided profits twenty-eight hundred seventeen. Its deposits were approximately one hundred eighteen thousand,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
and its loans and discounts one hundred six thousand dollars. The bank's reserve is about twenty per cent, showing a healthy condition. The present officers are: Geo. Gerlach, president ; D. W, . Hamaker, vice president ; Wiley Richardson, vice president, and I. L. Gerlach, cashier.
Many people around Scottsbluff are well acquainted with Mrs. George Gerlach, whose acquaintance they delighted in when she was living there as Miss Crete Powell.
Under the present stress and pressure of the federal reserve and ethers high in finance, and the consequent slump of prices of farm products and livestock, the banks of Harrison have held up strongly and steadily with "nose to the wind." Few in all the west have done so proportionately well.
1093
Many people around Scottsbluff are well acquainted with Mrs. George Gerlach, whose acquaintance they delighted in when she was living there as Miss Crete Powell.
Under the present stress and pressure of the federal reserve and ethers high in finance, and the consequent slump of prices of farm products and livestock, the banks of Harrison have held up strongly and steadily with "nose to the wind." Few in all the west have done so proportionately well.
Fraternal Organizations
The first lodge in Sioux county was the Woodmen of the World. Harrison lodge number fifty-eight was organized February twenty-fourth, eighteen ninety-four. E. F. Pontius was the first chief commander, and V. A. Hester, advocate lieutenant; D. H. Griswold was banker, and F. A. Castle the first clerk. The other charter members and officers were: J. H. Scott, escort; C. W. Greenlee, watchman ; J. A. Ambrose, sentinel, and J. W. Robinson, E. E. Smiley and Sol Wrilson, managers.
The lodge still thrives and has a membership of fifty-nine at the present time. D. J. Bigelow is now chief commander; P. H. Unitt, lieutenant; F. W. Meyer, banker, and E. F. Pontius, clerk.
Next in the order of seniority in fraternals in Harrison is the Modern Wroodmen of America; Sioux camp number twenty-nine hundred and twenty-three. This was organized April twenty-fifth, eighteen ninety-five, with an even twelve charter members, as follows :_ W. C. Bonsell, Albert R. Dew, J. E. Phinney, Tames W. Scott, Junius W. Smith, E. E. Smilev. Samuel L. Ulery, Charles H. Unitt, Joseph C. Varley, T. 6. Williams, H. S. YVoodruff and Wm. B. Wright. This fraternity also is still a virile institution with forty-six members. The present officers are: worthy consul. J: II. Wilhermsdorfer; advocate, A. C. Davis: L. O. Lovelace, clerk; and Otto Pape, banker.
1094
This was organized April twenty-fifth, eighteen ninety-five, with an even twelve charter members, as follows :_ W. C. Bonsell, Albert R. Dew, J. E. Phinney, Tames W. Scott, Junius W. Smith, E. E. Smilev. Samuel L. Ulery, Charles H. Unitt, Joseph C. Varley, T. 6. Williams, H. S. YVoodruff and Wm. B. Wright. This fraternity also is still a virile institution with forty-six members. The present officers are: worthy consul. J: II. Wilhermsdorfer; advocate, A. C. Davis: L. O. Lovelace, clerk; and Otto Pape, banker.
The first ladies' auxiliary fraternal was Silver Leaf Camp number thirteen hundred eighty-one, instituted February twenty-fifth, eighteen ninety-nine, Royal Neighbors. The
charter members of this lodge were: Mrs. Kittie Bowker. Mrs. J. II. Kartell. Mrs. F. Avery, Frank Avery, Mrs. E. P. Maine. Mrs. Florence E. Wright. .Miss Dotha M. Bartell, J. H. Bartell, Alex. Dowry, W. 11. Wright, Goodscn Lacy, Mrs. Matilda Lacy, Ed. V. Bowker, Herman H. Dickmann. Miss Mabel F. Lowry, Mrs. Alice C. Lowry, Mrs. Mary • Holly, Mrs. E, B. Pontius, Mrs. Wanda I. Davis, Mrs. Sarah E. Sutton, and Mrs. Mary E. Wright. We have not the membership of this order at the present time, but the names of the officers indicate that the Royal Neighbors is still a vital institution, and keeping up the standards for which it was created. The present officers are : Clara Unitt, oracle ; Elizabeth Davis, vice oracle ; Alice Davis, recorder, and Zua Wilhermsdorfer, receiver.
The first lodge organized in Harrison outside of the fraternal beneficiary institutions was that of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, on August twenty-seventh, nineteen hundred six. Edward F. Pontius was noble grand. Other charter members were : J. H. Wilhermsdorfer, W. H. Smoke, J. H. Bieser, George Brown, A. Glick, John A. Hanson, L. L. Wilson, George F.
1095
The present officers are : Clara Unitt, oracle ; Elizabeth Davis, vice oracle ; Alice Davis, recorder, and Zua Wilhermsdorfer, receiver.
The first lodge organized in Harrison outside of the fraternal beneficiary institutions was that of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, on August twenty-seventh, nineteen hundred six. Edward F. Pontius was noble grand. Other charter members were : J. H. Wilhermsdorfer, W. H. Smoke, J. H. Bieser, George Brown, A. Glick, John A. Hanson, L. L. Wilson, George F. Phillips. Hans Knudsen, George Rutherford, and Otto Tietze. Harrison lodge number three hundred eighteen as it is called now, has sixty-seven members, all live, good fellowship members, and no lodge of that order, which order stands so high in deeds of charity, and attention to its sick and distressed, can excel three hundred eighteen in the cause for which it is famed. The present list of officers are : C. T. Miller, noble grand ; L. M. Lovell, vice grand ; E. F. Pontius, secretary, and A. L. Schnurr, treasurer.
Wherever there is a vital Odd Fellows lodge, one finds a live order called the Daughters of Rebekah. Woodbine Rebekah lodge number two hundred eighty-one was organized and chartered September twentysixth, nineteen hundred ten. The full, wing were the charter members: Mrs. Z. F. Wilhermsdorfer, Miss Karma D. Priddy, Mrs. Maggie Priddy, Mrs. Avis A. Burke, Mrs. Ella M. Newlin, Mrs. Elizabeth Pontius, Mrs. Mattie A. Parsons, Mrs. Ida M . Proctor, Mrs. Maude Shorow, Mrs. Emma Bige low, Mrs. Elizabeth Bigelow, Mr-. Ella Wilson, Mrs. Fannie Murphy, John II. Nfewlin, Vernon Hanson, Chris Shorow, E. V Bigelow, John D. Proctor, and William Murphy. Carrie Woodruff is the present noble grand; Lulu Rogers, vice grand; Elsie Schnurr, sec-
1096
F. Wilhermsdorfer, Miss Karma D. Priddy, Mrs. Maggie Priddy, Mrs. Avis A. Burke, Mrs. Ella M. Newlin, Mrs. Elizabeth Pontius, Mrs. Mattie A. Parsons, Mrs. Ida M . Proctor, Mrs. Maude Shorow, Mrs. Emma Bige low, Mrs. Elizabeth Bigelow, Mr-. Ella Wilson, Mrs. Fannie Murphy, John II. Nfewlin, Vernon Hanson, Chris Shorow, E. V Bigelow, John D. Proctor, and William Murphy. Carrie Woodruff is the present noble grand; Lulu Rogers, vice grand; Elsie Schnurr, sec-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
retary. and Elizabeth Pontius, treasurer. The lodge meets the second and fourth nights of each month.
Frequently the Masonic order is referred to as the parent of all lodges, the Kingbee of them all. Yet it was the last order to be created in Harrison. Yet there is no doubt that the first member of any lodge that ever walked the pine ridges and the fertile lands around them was a Mason. In the sign language of the Indians are Masonic symbols. Someone sometime among the aborigines gave them crude lessons in Masonry.
Sioux lodge number two hundred seventyseven, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons was created under dispensation June tenth, nineteen ten, and chartered June sixth, nineteen eleven. Its charter members were John A. Anderson, Nels Anderson, Fern S. Baker, John H. Bieser, Thomas S. Boyd, William W. Callamore, William H. Davis, George L. Gerlach, Francis M. Hall, David W. Hamaker, Daniel Jordan, Thos. C. Lewis, Andrew McGinley, John E. Mann, John Marking, Joseph C. Parsons, George F. Phillips, Edward F. Pontius, Tressie M. Powell, Walter C. Reed, Albert L. Schnurr, Nathan R. Tisdale, Charles H. Unitt, Francis H. Wallace, Cyrus O. Wertz, Jerman B. Wilkerson. There are sixty-seven Mason members of this order at the present time, and the officers now are: Tress M. Powell, worthy master; Jesse Gerlach, senior warden; F.
1097
Hall, David W. Hamaker, Daniel Jordan, Thos. C. Lewis, Andrew McGinley, John E. Mann, John Marking, Joseph C. Parsons, George F. Phillips, Edward F. Pontius, Tressie M. Powell, Walter C. Reed, Albert L. Schnurr, Nathan R. Tisdale, Charles H. Unitt, Francis H. Wallace, Cyrus O. Wertz, Jerman B. Wilkerson. There are sixty-seven Mason members of this order at the present time, and the officers now are: Tress M. Powell, worthy master; Jesse Gerlach, senior warden; F. H. Wallace, junior warden, and De P. Davis, secretary.
Perhaps in all the Panhandle of Nebraska there is no place where the fraternity of old timers is as strong as it is in Sioux county and Harrison. This fraternity is without lodge, dues, or officers, but those who have been in the west thirty-five or forty years, or longer, who have slept on the sod, who dwelt in the crude structures that first served as habitations, who went through the years of privation and distress together, are more firmly bound together than an oath or obligation can bind men. The old-timers are strung the length and breadth of the county, from Joe Sanford on the south to John Anderson on the north, from Scotty Henderson and Ben Swanson to the Wyoming line.
Stock Industry
Back in the beginning the buffalo ranged the pastures of Sioux county, and then came the time of the big herds of cattle. This in time passed and the smaller ranchman came to be the prosperous builder of the county.
1098
The old-timers are strung the length and breadth of the county, from Joe Sanford on the south to John Anderson on the north, from Scotty Henderson and Ben Swanson to the Wyoming line.
Stock Industry
Back in the beginning the buffalo ranged the pastures of Sioux county, and then came the time of the big herds of cattle. This in time passed and the smaller ranchman came to be the prosperous builder of the county.
Due to the livestock industry, more than any one factor, the past of the county has been a story of progress. The eight years just passed are an illustration of what has gone before and what to expect in the future. Take the assessment rolls of nineteen thirteen to date :
1913 23,576 cattle; 7,697 horses
1914 20,733 cattle; 7.920 horses
1915 25,766 cattle; 7,948 horses
1916 43,057 cattle ; 10,909 horses
1917 52,708 cattle; 16.273 horses
1918 54,362 cattle; 12,179 horses
1919 56,381 cattle ; 10.750 horses
1920 50,672 cattle ; 9,657 horses
The diminishing numbers, especially of cattle, shown in the last year was due to the action of the federal reserve in demanding liquidation of debts. The increased uses of automobiles, trucks and tractors in the last three or four years accounts for the decline in the number of horses.
A recent movement is to increase the number of dairy cattle in the county. This means new prosperity, for where the dairy cow goes there are fine houses and big farms and incidentally creameries and bank accounts. The record of one eastern bank is an increase of one million dollars due to dairy cows.
1099
The increased uses of automobiles, trucks and tractors in the last three or four years accounts for the decline in the number of horses.
A recent movement is to increase the number of dairy cattle in the county. This means new prosperity, for where the dairy cow goes there are fine houses and big farms and incidentally creameries and bank accounts. The record of one eastern bank is an increase of one million dollars due to dairy cows.
Also on the modern farm, especially where there is alfalfa, hogs are found. That Sioux county is coming into this is shown in a number of places, especially in the irrigated section in the Morrill community. Also Reverend Newlands of Glen recently has put in seme very fine stock.
Industry and Progress
Outside of agriculture, the industrial development is in its infancy. The general character of the county agriculture is ranching, except where irrigation is practical. This is but limited, except under the government irrigation canal, in the south part of the county, and here are the fertile fields of the Dutch flats, the Iowa flats, Sheep creek country and the Spottedtail region. Scattered spots have been irrigated on the Niobrara river. Snake creek, Hat creek and White river, and where irrigated are wonderful yields of alfalfa, potatoes, sugar beets and native hay. In the southwest corner are fine homes surrounded by groves, and orchards on nearly every eighty acres. In other parts of the county, the irrigated tract is usually an individual unit owned by one person for ranch or farm purposes. The co-
1100
This is but limited, except under the government irrigation canal, in the south part of the county, and here are the fertile fields of the Dutch flats, the Iowa flats, Sheep creek country and the Spottedtail region. Scattered spots have been irrigated on the Niobrara river. Snake creek, Hat creek and White river, and where irrigated are wonderful yields of alfalfa, potatoes, sugar beets and native hay. In the southwest corner are fine homes surrounded by groves, and orchards on nearly every eighty acres. In other parts of the county, the irrigated tract is usually an individual unit owned by one person for ranch or farm purposes. The co-
HISTORY OF WESTERN XEBKASK \
operative effort is found principally under the Interstate canal, although occasionally two or three may in places elsewhere unite in the building of a larger system than one would care to undertake.
There are no factories of any kind, except perhaps the manufacture of cement stone or brick and that is very limited. At one time brick was burned on Hat creek or Monroe creek for individual use, and at another time on Sowbelly creek for the use in the building of the court house, but that ceased after the special use was over. To be sure, automobile repairs and accessories are necessary in every community.
Oil. Gas and Minerals
The virgin character of Sioux county soils are being exploited at the present time and it may be that valuable minerals, such as vanadium, thorium, and mica may be found in quantity to mean mineral wealth to the count}-. But the mind of her people has lately been drifting towards the great probability that oil and gas underlie a considerable portion of the land. This is emphasized by the steadily approaching discoveries, now just over the line in Wyoming and South Dakota.
1101
The virgin character of Sioux county soils are being exploited at the present time and it may be that valuable minerals, such as vanadium, thorium, and mica may be found in quantity to mean mineral wealth to the count}-. But the mind of her people has lately been drifting towards the great probability that oil and gas underlie a considerable portion of the land. This is emphasized by the steadily approaching discoveries, now just over the line in Wyoming and South Dakota. So close has this come to the border line of Sioux that there is little doubt but that the same oil producing conditions obtain within the county borders. Geologists have located a number of favorable structures, at least two in the vicinity of Agate, and two north and west of Harrison. The drill is steadily going down at Agate on one of these structures, and has reasonably favorable indication at twentyfive hundred feet. While the matters are not given out concerning what the well has developed, it is believed that paying sands have been reached, although the promoters are going to the deeper and more productive sands.
A group of Columbus parties, including lieutenant governor Edgar Howard, are arranging to put up a drill on Cottonwood about ten or twelve miles northwest of Harrison, and geologist G. W. Harris has been upon the ground for some weeks past. The prophesy is rife that the first commercial oil
produced from a well in Nebraska will be in Si< iux count}-.
1102
While the matters are not given out concerning what the well has developed, it is believed that paying sands have been reached, although the promoters are going to the deeper and more productive sands.
A group of Columbus parties, including lieutenant governor Edgar Howard, are arranging to put up a drill on Cottonwood about ten or twelve miles northwest of Harrison, and geologist G. W. Harris has been upon the ground for some weeks past. The prophesy is rife that the first commercial oil
produced from a well in Nebraska will be in Si< iux count}-.
Fossil Beds
The White river rocks have proven a wonder field for geologists and paleontologists the world over. The White river beds as known geologically are not confined to the river as known geographically. In fact the most productive beds from a paleontological standpoint are not on White river at all, but near Ardmore. and Agate. The well known collection of specimens of Chas. II. Morrill in the museum at the Nebraska State L niversity, came largely from the Ardmore and Agate sections, while many of the best universities of the world have selected specimens from the Agate field. There is an inexhaustible mine of rich geological information on the ranch of Captain 1. II. Cook.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ORGANIZATION OF SIOUX COUNTY -- COUNTY OFFICIALS
In September, eighteen eighty-six, upon the representation of E. D. Satterlee and others, Governor Dawes issued a proclamation for the organization of Sioux county with its present boundaries. As previously stated the unorganized county was much larger, but in ones and twos and numbers, counties had been taken from it circumscribing its boundaries to those that now prevail. As is stated in the history of Dawes county, many of the inhabitants there desired that the new county could keep the old name of Sioux, but as it was detached from Sioux county it could not take the parent county name.
1103
Satterlee and others, Governor Dawes issued a proclamation for the organization of Sioux county with its present boundaries. As previously stated the unorganized county was much larger, but in ones and twos and numbers, counties had been taken from it circumscribing its boundaries to those that now prevail. As is stated in the history of Dawes county, many of the inhabitants there desired that the new county could keep the old name of Sioux, but as it was detached from Sioux county it could not take the parent county name.
The proclamation of the governor was dated September twentieth, eighteen eightysix. It named J. G. Morris, J. F. Pfost and D. H. Griswcld as special county commissioners, and E. D. Satterlee as special county clerk. The date of their beginning to function was Friday, October first, and Bowen was named the temporary seat of county government. C. E. Verity was named special deputy county clerk.
On that date the commissioners met and chose J. G. Morris the first chairman of the board. Their first act otherwise, was to divide the county into districts. District number one was all north of the north line of township thirty-two; district number two was all of townships thirty-one and thirtytwo, and district number three was all south of the south line of township thirty-one. The county was divided into four voting precincts only, and the clerk was instructed to have ballots prepared and the election was called for November fourth. The precincts named were : War Bonnet, with the polling place at S. E. ranch ; Bowen precinct, with polling place in the building owned by T- G. Morris; White river, with the polling place at the residence of C. H. Rigdon, and Running Water, with the polling place at the Robert Neece ranch.
1104
The county was divided into four voting precincts only, and the clerk was instructed to have ballots prepared and the election was called for November fourth. The precincts named were : War Bonnet, with the polling place at S. E. ranch ; Bowen precinct, with polling place in the building owned by T- G. Morris; White river, with the polling place at the residence of C. H. Rigdon, and Running Water, with the polling place at the Robert Neece ranch.
Charles H. Andrews & Company furnished the rooms for the clerk and treasurer at a rental of ten dollars a month. E. D. Satterlee and Company furnished the rooms for the judge and sheriff for seven dollars per mouth, which goes to show that the profiteering landlord had not at that time reached the seal of county government in Sioux county. The county clerk was instructed to request C. L. Tubbs to make an estimate of the costs of necessary county furniture and to immediately provide six plain chairs for his own office, and two chairs for the judge's office and one high stool.
At the election of November fourth the following officials were elected: Judge, C. E. Verity; clerk, Charles C. Jameson; treasurer, Edmund C. Lockwood ; attorney, Edward D. Satterlee ; superintendent, Benjamin F. Thomas; sheriff, J. F. Pfost; surveyor, William M. Pennington; coroner, Charles H. Andrews, and commissioners. J. G. Morris, A. M. McGinley and Daniel Klein. The county seat was located at Harrison.
On November twenty-fourth the county official paper was named for the first time -- the Sioux County Herald. At the commissioners' meeting of that date, the necessary furniture for the new county was ordered of C. L. Tubbs.
1105
Lockwood ; attorney, Edward D. Satterlee ; superintendent, Benjamin F. Thomas; sheriff, J. F. Pfost; surveyor, William M. Pennington; coroner, Charles H. Andrews, and commissioners. J. G. Morris, A. M. McGinley and Daniel Klein. The county seat was located at Harrison.
On November twenty-fourth the county official paper was named for the first time -- the Sioux County Herald. At the commissioners' meeting of that date, the necessary furniture for the new county was ordered of C. L. Tubbs.
At the meeting of December first a safe was bought which cost the county five hundred and twenty-three dollars. A full set of county records were also purchased of the Omaha Republican at a cost of nine hundred and fifty dollars. The following day the polling place of War Bonnet precinct was changed from S. E. ranch to the ranch of Charles F. Coffee on Hat creek.
The first justice of peace in the new county was S. H. Jones, of Bowen precinct, who assumed the office in January, eighteen eighty-seven. Chas. Rigdon, or White river precinct, was the second justice of the peace to qualify in the county. Stephen A. Decker, of White river precinct, was the first constable in the county to qualify.
Herd Law Repealed
On January twenty-fifth a vote was taken upon the question of herd law or no herd law. Previously to that date, cattle were permitted under the law to roam at will, and the homesteader had to protect his crops as best It* could. This election changed the method however for the herd-law carried by a vote of four hundred forty-nine for, to one hundred and thirty-five against.
1106
Decker, of White river precinct, was the first constable in the county to qualify.
Herd Law Repealed
On January twenty-fifth a vote was taken upon the question of herd law or no herd law. Previously to that date, cattle were permitted under the law to roam at will, and the homesteader had to protect his crops as best It* could. This election changed the method however for the herd-law carried by a vote of four hundred forty-nine for, to one hundred and thirty-five against.
Six precincts participated in this election for Cottonwood precinct on the northwest and Whistle creek precinct on the southeast
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
had been added and organized. The north part of the county seemed inclined to the old regime but Whistle Creek and Running- Water precincts turned out in full and gave a nearly unanimous vote against free range.
On March fifteenth the county was divided into road districts, numbering seven, and road overseers supplied to each district as follows: number one. the northwest corner of the county, Thos. Holly ; number two, the northeast corner of the county, Jacob Marking; number three, Cottonwood, Wm. Harmon; number four. White River, W. H. Johnson; number five, Bowen, C. A. Paxton; number six, Running Water, J. W. Earnest; number seven. Whistle Creek, Robert Neice.
The next meeting of the board was April twenty-ninth, at which the first liquor
New Road, Monroe C,
Xf.ak Harrison
license in Sic'itx county was ordered issued to Charles H. Weller, who made it a practice to be about the first man on hand at the towns along the railroad. Harrison was not incorporated, so it was a county license for the precinct of Bowen, and the price was five hundred dollars.
1107
Whistle Creek, Robert Neice.
The next meeting of the board was April twenty-ninth, at which the first liquor
New Road, Monroe C,
Xf.ak Harrison
license in Sic'itx county was ordered issued to Charles H. Weller, who made it a practice to be about the first man on hand at the towns along the railroad. Harrison was not incorporated, so it was a county license for the precinct of Bowen, and the price was five hundred dollars.
There may be no connection between the two incidents but the same day, the board decided that the county needed a jail, and M. Nelson was given the contract to build it for fifty-four dollars and fifty cents.
A petition from the tax-payers was that day presented to the board, asking that the school lands of the county be appraised for leasing purposes. The board proceeded ti> and did appraise the lands as requested during the early season of eighteen eightyseven.
The first petition for a public mad was filed at this meeting. It was signed by John W. Hunter and others, and was to establish the public road from Bodarc to Bowenj The
road was established, and with slight modifications is in use at this time.
The first brand committee appointed in Sioux count}' was in February, eighteen eighty-seven, and consisted of George Walker and Samuel B. Coffee.
Owing to the creation of commissioner's districts throwing two of the members of the board in one district, and one of the other districts being without a member. Commissioner Morris resigned March fifteenth, and Samuel B. Coffee was appointed to fill his place. Coffee failed to qualify, and Don Wier was appointed. Mr. Wier accepted the office and qualified April twentyninth.
1108
The first brand committee appointed in Sioux count}' was in February, eighteen eighty-seven, and consisted of George Walker and Samuel B. Coffee.
Owing to the creation of commissioner's districts throwing two of the members of the board in one district, and one of the other districts being without a member. Commissioner Morris resigned March fifteenth, and Samuel B. Coffee was appointed to fill his place. Coffee failed to qualify, and Don Wier was appointed. Mr. Wier accepted the office and qualified April twentyninth.
The board met as a board of equalization in June, eighteen eighty-seven, found the following list of property after equalizing the same :
Railroad $146,316.00
Telegraph 1,749.60
Personal 182,522.00
Real Estate 64,391.04
A levy of fifteen mills was made.
The above represents the true or actual value of property as then assessed. The growth of the county may be illustrated by giving the valuations of nineteen twenty. The total is given at over one and one-half millions of dollars, while the present county treasurer, Fred Meyers, informs the writer that real estate increases of nineteen twentyone will bring it above two and one-half million dollars. The nineteen twenty returns of railroad property with the added Burlington railroad, seems to be considered worth less money than the value of eighteen eighty-seven. Personal property, by comparison seems to have about doubled, and real estate increased ten-fold.
On June twentieth, eighteen eighty-seven, the name Bowen was changed to Harrison.
The courthouse of Sioux county, while commodious, convenient and imposing, did not cost the county anything. Originally ii was built by Bowen and Hat creek precincts, which voted bonds for that purpose, and they presented the building to the county.
1109
The nineteen twenty returns of railroad property with the added Burlington railroad, seems to be considered worth less money than the value of eighteen eighty-seven. Personal property, by comparison seems to have about doubled, and real estate increased ten-fold.
On June twentieth, eighteen eighty-seven, the name Bowen was changed to Harrison.
The courthouse of Sioux county, while commodious, convenient and imposing, did not cost the county anything. Originally ii was built by Bowen and Hat creek precincts, which voted bonds for that purpose, and they presented the building to the county.
In April, eighteen eighty-eight, the first jury was called for Sioux county.
Till-; I HI I. I \l. I'" \MII.Y
As stated, C. K. \Yrit\ was tin- first county judge. IK- was also tin- local United States court commissioner, and hi- duties brought before him a large amount of land
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
business. That this was not without its troubles was shown by a charge in the Bodarc Record that he had shown gross favoritism in some hearing before him in the Bowen hotel. Minnie Shoneborn made an affidavit that was filed in the land office at Valentine, and G. L. Smith made charges' before the county commissioners. A hearing was had, and Verity was fully exonerated by the board. This goes to show that official berths are not always what they seem to be -- a bed of roses. Verity refused . to remain longer in the office, and resigned on Julv twentieth.
Following Verity, John W. Hunter was appointed and then elected. Sleightholme Barker was then judge for four years, and S. H. Jones was special judge in a few specific cases. Chas. Verity was in eighteen ninety-twc< also a special judge for a short time.
1110
This goes to show that official berths are not always what they seem to be -- a bed of roses. Verity refused . to remain longer in the office, and resigned on Julv twentieth.
Following Verity, John W. Hunter was appointed and then elected. Sleightholme Barker was then judge for four years, and S. H. Jones was special judge in a few specific cases. Chas. Verity was in eighteen ninety-twc< also a special judge for a short time.
Robert Wilson was elected and assumed the duties of the office in eighteen ninetyfour. He served one term only in part. He resigned and G. W. Harter was appointed to fill out the term. Then Wilson was elected and served three terms or a total of six years. In December just before the expiration of his third term, he resigned and Charles E. Schlit was appointed. Schlit served until the following June, when J. H. Bartell was appointed. Justin Wilhermsdorfer was elected and assumed the duties of the office in nineteen four. In July, nineteen six, Floyd Jones was appointed special judge. In nineteen eight began the long period of which the county judge's office was occupied by A. L. Schnurr. He served for six terms or a total of twelve years, and then declined to be a candidate for re-election. In February, nineteen nine, Justin Wilhermsdcrfer was appointed a special judge, and in nineteen twent\'-one he returned to the office by election. In October, nineteen sixteen, and again in June, nineteen nineteen. E. F. Pontius had the service of special judg'e in a number of cases. Judge Wilhermsdorfer (called "Dorfer" by his friends) now occupies the office.
1111
He served for six terms or a total of twelve years, and then declined to be a candidate for re-election. In February, nineteen nine, Justin Wilhermsdcrfer was appointed a special judge, and in nineteen twent\'-one he returned to the office by election. In October, nineteen sixteen, and again in June, nineteen nineteen. E. F. Pontius had the service of special judg'e in a number of cases. Judge Wilhermsdorfer (called "Dorfer" by his friends) now occupies the office.
County Clerks
The county clerk's office has held some remarkable characters, high in the esteem of the northwest, and efficient to an extraordinary degree. First, there was Ed. Satterlee, by appointment of the governor. The first election made Charles C. Jamieson the county clerk. Jamieson was one of the strongest characters in the cow country, and while he
was made to feel the lash of Roosevelt's land inquisition, even that powerful force did not shake the confidence of his friends. Charles Jamieson was too large a man for the smallminded special agents of the United States land department to injure. He remains interested in western Nebraska to a very large extent, although he now resides in Denver.
Conrad Lindeman followed as county clerk and served two terms efficiently as is shown by the record. M. J. Blewett followed with three terms of excellent service. Win. A. J. Raum, recently killed near Glen by the fall of a horse he was riding, served two terms following nineteen hundred.
Then came the long and wonderfully efficient record of E. F. Pontius. Six terms, or a total of twelve years, he held the dual office of county clerk and clerk of the district court. Cyrus O. Wertz served one term following and his record was up to the high standard of excellence, and this being' the period of the great world war, extra heavy duties were involved.
1112
Raum, recently killed near Glen by the fall of a horse he was riding, served two terms following nineteen hundred.
Then came the long and wonderfully efficient record of E. F. Pontius. Six terms, or a total of twelve years, he held the dual office of county clerk and clerk of the district court. Cyrus O. Wertz served one term following and his record was up to the high standard of excellence, and this being' the period of the great world war, extra heavy duties were involved. The present clerk. Earl R. Cherry, was first elected in nineteen eighteen, and has since been re-elected. The work in his office is excellently systematized and he has a very efficient assistant as deputy. Miss E. Mary Broderick.
County Treasurers
As stated heretofore, Edmund C. Lockwood was the first treasurer of Sioux county. He served but one term when Martin Gayhart was elected. Gayhart served four years and was followed by H. S. Woodruff, who served two years. Charles Biehle followed with two terms, and in nineteen hundred John Serres was chosen. Serres served one term and then John I. Davis served a term, after which Carl M. Lux was elected for two terms. M. D. Jordan then followed for two terms, and Thos. S: Boyd succeeded him for two terms. In nineteen seventeen the present treasurer. Fred W. Meyer, was elected. He was re-elected in nineteen nineteen, and the change in the law gives him additional service for two years. Mr. Meyer has proven an excellent official, and has for his deputy, Jess Anderson, and is up to the standard of capableness and courtesy for which the office has been conspicuous.
1113
Jordan then followed for two terms, and Thos. S: Boyd succeeded him for two terms. In nineteen seventeen the present treasurer. Fred W. Meyer, was elected. He was re-elected in nineteen nineteen, and the change in the law gives him additional service for two years. Mr. Meyer has proven an excellent official, and has for his deputy, Jess Anderson, and is up to the standard of capableness and courtesy for which the office has been conspicuous.
County Superintendents The first superintendent of schools in Sioux county was Benjamin F. Thomas, who settled in the Hat creek country in the early eighties. Thomas was an educator, and his two daughters, Minnie and Lorena,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
were teaching- school in the first years of Sioux county history. They were very young girls at the time, but their excellent work is remembered by man}- of the present people of the county. Thomas was followed by S. W. Cox, who served until eighteen ninety, when A. Southworth was elected, he serving two terms.
W. H. Davis was the fourth superintendent, and he served two terms, being- followed by Elsie Merriam, and she by Julius B. Burke. Burke served a little over three years, and after retiring from the office in March, nineteen hundred three, Conrad Parsons was appointed to complete the term. John Barky was elected in nineteen four, and Arthur F. Becker in nineteen eight. Mary J. Fenske was chosen in nineteen twelve and served five years.
In nineteen seventeen Miss Vinnie Newell was superintendent, and re-elected two years later. In January of the present year, nineteen twenty-one, she began her third term, but under a different name. One of the romances of Sioux county occurred under the dome of the courthouse. Miss Vinnie Newell became Mrs. Fred Meyers, the wife of the county treasurer.
1114
John Barky was elected in nineteen four, and Arthur F. Becker in nineteen eight. Mary J. Fenske was chosen in nineteen twelve and served five years.
In nineteen seventeen Miss Vinnie Newell was superintendent, and re-elected two years later. In January of the present year, nineteen twenty-one, she began her third term, but under a different name. One of the romances of Sioux county occurred under the dome of the courthouse. Miss Vinnie Newell became Mrs. Fred Meyers, the wife of the county treasurer. So that it is Mrs. Meyers who is the present efficient county superintendent.
County Sheriffs
The sheriff's office has maintained the good name of Sioux county's official family. J. F. Pfost, one of the original three named by Governor Dawes to attend affairs as special acting county commissioner during the formative period of the county's organization, was the first sheriff. He was re-elected, and then Thos. Reidy followed for two terms. A. R. Dew was then chosen and he was followed by David Bartlett. Thos. Holly was elected in eighteen ninety-eight and was re-chosen for nineteen hundred. Holly retired from the office in nineteen hundred and Alex. Lowry named to fill out the term, after which he was elected and filled the office for two full terms. Before Lowry was chosen in the first instance Edwin B. Lyon occupied the office from October, nineteen hundred, to January, nineteen one. After Lowry had served two terms, Lyon was elected and he held the office for two terms. In nineteen ten Oscar F. Ward took over the sheriff's office, after which he served three terms. Then the law enforcement duty fell to Geo. W. Hill, who is beginning his fourth term, the longest period served by any one man.
1115
Before Lowry was chosen in the first instance Edwin B. Lyon occupied the office from October, nineteen hundred, to January, nineteen one. After Lowry had served two terms, Lyon was elected and he held the office for two terms. In nineteen ten Oscar F. Ward took over the sheriff's office, after which he served three terms. Then the law enforcement duty fell to Geo. W. Hill, who is beginning his fourth term, the longest period served by any one man.
County Attorneys
The office of the county prosecutor has been remarkably well filled' in Sioux county. Mention has heretofore been made under the bench and bar division, but here in the proper sequence are the names of the persons whom the county has honored and whom have honored the county. The service has been by no means entirely upon one side.
Edward D. Satterlee, after serving the county under special appointment as county clerk in helping the organization, was elected the first county prosecutor. L. O. Hull was elected and took the office over in eighteen ninety. He almost immediately retired from the office, and Geo. Walker was appointed on January twentieth. Hugh L. Conley succeeded him by election, and was re-elected. Then Alvin T. Clark was elected but he resigned in December, eighteen ninety-five. Grant Guthrie was appointed to fill the vacancy, afterwards elected for a full term. M. J. O'Connell was elected and took the office in eighteen ninety-nine, being reelected five times, making a total service of twelve years. Fern Samuel Baker, who succeeded him, has a record about as long. By the close of his present term he will have attained the distinction of being the one who has had the longest period of service. Baker is also coroner.
1116
Grant Guthrie was appointed to fill the vacancy, afterwards elected for a full term. M. J. O'Connell was elected and took the office in eighteen ninety-nine, being reelected five times, making a total service of twelve years. Fern Samuel Baker, who succeeded him, has a record about as long. By the close of his present term he will have attained the distinction of being the one who has had the longest period of service. Baker is also coroner.
County Commissioners By designation of Governor Dawes, as heretofore recited, J. G. Morris, J. F. Pfost and D. H. Griswold were the special commissioners during the formative period of Sioux county. The election of eighteen eighty-seven made J. G. Morris, A. M. Mc- Ginley and Daniel Klein the members of the board. Klein and Morris were from the same district and district number two was without membership, according- to the lines later drawn by this board. Morris therefore resigned on March fifteenth and Don M. Wier was appointed April twenty-ninth to fill the vacancy. In eighteen ninety a full new board was chosen consisting of J. 1',. Burke, John A. Green, and Chas. U. Grove. In the following years the count}- lias had for its "county dads" some of the best men in the county, and all the time has been ably and economically handled. The following list will show the high character of the men who have managed the county business. In the nineties there were Fred W. Knott. M. 1. Weber. I:. F. Johnson, Frank Tinkham, I. Mittlen. Jens C. Meng, and A. Procunier.
1117
Green, and Chas. U. Grove. In the following years the count}- lias had for its "county dads" some of the best men in the county, and all the time has been ably and economically handled. The following list will show the high character of the men who have managed the county business. In the nineties there were Fred W. Knott. M. 1. Weber. I:. F. Johnson, Frank Tinkham, I. Mittlen. Jens C. Meng, and A. Procunier.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Since nineteen hundred we find the following incomplete list of able men have been in charge: Dan Jordan, A. C. Cullers, E. A. Biglow, J. C. Eberspecher, A. L. Saxton, C. R. Taplin, Geo. W. Davis, Robert Harrison, G. B. M. Will, J. H. Lacv, S. L. Albertson, F. M. Hall. Cyrus O. Wertz, and J. E. Marsteller. Lacy, Albertson and Hall are the present commissioners.
The official historv of Sioux county has
been remarkable for its efficiency, and for the freedom from rancorous disputes that are injected into so much of our political life. So often the man who does well, suffers the inquisition of a hostile press, or the bitter antagonisms of those who want something that they are not entitled to. Outside of the one affair of Verity in the early history, we find nothing on the record to indicate domestic bitterness in the official family life.
SIOUX COUNTY IN THE WORLD WAR -- EARLY SCHOOLS -- WILD LIFE
The part that western Nebraska performed in the World War will never be forgotten by the grateful people of the community and the republic. We may feel that we are paying great penalty when we make out the income tax report or otherwise contribute to the war taxes that are found on nearly every theater ticket, or drink at the soda fountain, or particular medicine that we need.
1118
SIOUX COUNTY IN THE WORLD WAR -- EARLY SCHOOLS -- WILD LIFE
The part that western Nebraska performed in the World War will never be forgotten by the grateful people of the community and the republic. We may feel that we are paying great penalty when we make out the income tax report or otherwise contribute to the war taxes that are found on nearly every theater ticket, or drink at the soda fountain, or particular medicine that we need. But without that entry into the great conflict, it is doubtful if the allies would have won, and had they not won, what would the war lords of Germany exacted, no one knows. Our entry in all probability saved us fighting alone a subsequent and possibly much more disastrous war. In any event those who went to the front and those who performed heroic work and sacrifice at home, each performed the duty well and their names should be enscrolled in the temple of fame.
The selective draft made the record of those that registered and were drawn for service far more easy to follow than that of the volunteers, and the names of those engaged in home service. In many counties, "'every scrap of paper'' connected with the draft has been sent to the federal authorities at the Washington war department, but in a few counties the clerks or others interested, made a list of those who were inducted into the draft, and the record of each. County clerk Earl R. Cherry is one of the few that realized the importance of this, and saved a list, which the public will appreciate more the coming years. The names thus provided this historian are as follows:
1119
In many counties, "'every scrap of paper'' connected with the draft has been sent to the federal authorities at the Washington war department, but in a few counties the clerks or others interested, made a list of those who were inducted into the draft, and the record of each. County clerk Earl R. Cherry is one of the few that realized the importance of this, and saved a list, which the public will appreciate more the coming years. The names thus provided this historian are as follows:
Honor Roll Major Frank M. Barnes, Lieutenant Elvin M. Colbert. Lieutenant Clarence R. Bigelow, Earl M. Hatch, John W. Case, John R. Jolly, Thomas B. Hilton, Walter L. Jones, Walter F. Hahn, Leon Sciara, Alvin W. Persinger, Harry R. Ellsworth, Willie M. Gcmpert, Willie' C. Noe, Roy M. Seiz, Wralter E. Keene, Douglas H. Readinger, John Toscana, Arthur L. Estler, Theodore
A. Bergquist, Gilbert L. Dennis, Seth W. Tipton, George W. Layton, Frederick Dohma, Lawrence O. Hume, Bert L. Adams, Dick Henderson, Joseph W. Sanford, Theodore J. Lien, James H. Selby, Fred F. Runge, Jesse L. Gerlock, Evan W. Powell, Frank G. H. Glaser, George A. Peterson, Paul Forbes, Glen Kreman, Robert H. Johnston, Lorenz Heller, Clifford H. Whitaker, Frank E. Arner, William F. Bucklev. Jesse
B. Selby, Henry Kistler, Stanley B." Paulis, Roy Buckley, Bennie N. Nortness, Iver T. Lingwood, John Markuson, Charles W. Reedy, Albert A. Lechner, Brownie D. Phinney. Herbert D. Mann. Victor H. Mets, Arthur E. Saxton, Frank M. Baumgardner, De P. Davis, Bert G. Mielke, Ivor Meeker, George E. Casson, Bruce B. Morten, Henry M. Bourne, George L. Davis, Jeremiah Snyder, Paul C. Gieke, Frank B. Anderson, George C. Fox, Alva G. Lukins, LeRoy Countryman. Earl D. Rodgers, Howard H. Mcintosh, Benjamin H. Russell, Clarence
1120
Selby, Henry Kistler, Stanley B." Paulis, Roy Buckley, Bennie N. Nortness, Iver T. Lingwood, John Markuson, Charles W. Reedy, Albert A. Lechner, Brownie D. Phinney. Herbert D. Mann. Victor H. Mets, Arthur E. Saxton, Frank M. Baumgardner, De P. Davis, Bert G. Mielke, Ivor Meeker, George E. Casson, Bruce B. Morten, Henry M. Bourne, George L. Davis, Jeremiah Snyder, Paul C. Gieke, Frank B. Anderson, George C. Fox, Alva G. Lukins, LeRoy Countryman. Earl D. Rodgers, Howard H. Mcintosh, Benjamin H. Russell, Clarence
C. York, Guy Murphy, Arthur Eveland, Otto II. Schmutzler, Reuben Coppom, Fred A. Sternberg, Asa A. Troy. Frank C. Hittle,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Joseph A. Chlecq, Henry E. Stanton, Herbert O. Ward, John A. Barnard, Henry T. Dunn, Phillip H. Unitt, Willis V. Jordan, John A. Keimig, George S. Mete, William 11. Ahlman. Wayne Hnckaby. Benjamin H. Derby, Andrew C. Wynne, LeRoy G. Durand, Earl E. Buckingham, AYalter R. Johnson, Elmer E. Fleener, William C. Gilbert, Charles Hoover, Marc. A. Howard, Harrv D. Bartell, William D. Hunter, Forrest D. Pfeiffer, Henry A. Haas, Roy A. Larsen, Ju Gerl, Marcellus H. Howard, John Marking. Five who went failed to return. Those
The Red Cross was commanded bj Reverend Clare Van Metre, as chairman, and Mrs. Maude Pontius, secretary. Among those must active were A. L. Schnurr, Mrs. Charles Unitt, Mrs. John Martin, and John Marsteller. The splendid work of this branch of war activities is best told 1>\ the fact that it never faltered, or fell behind in anything that was assigned to it.
1121
Larsen, Ju Gerl, Marcellus H. Howard, John Marking. Five who went failed to return. Those
The Red Cross was commanded bj Reverend Clare Van Metre, as chairman, and Mrs. Maude Pontius, secretary. Among those must active were A. L. Schnurr, Mrs. Charles Unitt, Mrs. John Martin, and John Marsteller. The splendid work of this branch of war activities is best told 1>\ the fact that it never faltered, or fell behind in anything that was assigned to it.
< >ne particular feature that is not noted in every community, emphasizes the thoroughness of the work. A Junior Reel Cross was created with Mrs. Fred Meyers as chairwo-
"\\ in \ Tin-. Bo's s Were i.i. wi
opposite whose names there should be a golden star are: Douglas H. Readinger, who died in action ; Earl E. Buckingham, who died of influenza at Bordeaux: Louis Shallers, Robert H. Johnston, of pneumonia, at Funston, and William 1). Hunter, of pneumonia, at Cam]) Mills.
The record does not show the names of these who volunteered, and in some of the counties this is being collected through the assessors. It should be done throughout the United States.
A. L. Schnurr was most active in home work and had charge of the bond drives, thrift stamp drives, and various other activities. Sioux county never failed to respond and go over the top.
man, and the work of the younger set. rilled with the enthusiasm of youth, speaks in no uncertain tones of Sioux county's part of the war of the world.
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The record does not show the names of these who volunteered, and in some of the counties this is being collected through the assessors. It should be done throughout the United States.
A. L. Schnurr was most active in home work and had charge of the bond drives, thrift stamp drives, and various other activities. Sioux county never failed to respond and go over the top.
man, and the work of the younger set. rilled with the enthusiasm of youth, speaks in no uncertain tones of Sioux county's part of the war of the world.
About a month after the signing of the armistice, an auxiliary post of the Eegion oi Honor was created at Harrison: He 1'. I )a\ is was first commander; M. X. Wilhermsdorfer, vice commander: J. I.. Gerlacli, adjutant, and 1'. M. Unitt, treasurer !t had thirty-one members. Since then many others have united in the organization. The present officers are 1. I.. Gerlacli, commander; J. A. McClarey, vice commander: 1 >e 1'. Davis, adjutant, and 1'. II. Unitt. treasurer.
J..S
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The organization is a very live affair and recently put on a show in the Harrison opera house, which was well appreciated by the local people, and of profit to the order. The "Cootie Quartette" consists of Gerlach, McClarey, Ely and Doctor Priest. Others participating- in the event were Wefso, Marking, Wright, Howard. Phinney, Marsteller, Davis, Meyers, and Miss Grace Scott.
The Grand Army of the Republic
In the vicinity of Harrison there are but few of the boys of the Civil War remaining. Most of them have bivouaced on another camping ground, yet we are not unmindful that but for them there would not have been the great America to quickly decide the contest overseas. The county of Sioux early provided that these heroes of the sixties should have all the fostering care that law and system provided.
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The Grand Army of the Republic
In the vicinity of Harrison there are but few of the boys of the Civil War remaining. Most of them have bivouaced on another camping ground, yet we are not unmindful that but for them there would not have been the great America to quickly decide the contest overseas. The county of Sioux early provided that these heroes of the sixties should have all the fostering care that law and system provided.
The first soldiers' relief committee was selected by the county commissioners February twenty-fifth, eighteen ninety. Eli J. Wilcox and Edgar G. Hough were named. The historian does not find a record of any later appointments than those of nineteen seventeen, at which time William J. A. Raum, James A. Sailors and Sanford Hill were chosen. Sailors has since gone on, and we are told by a number of old timers that the other two and John Plunkett are so far as they recall the only remaining local members of the old guard and Grand Army of the Republic.
Agricultural Society From the story of the war we return to the story of the triumphs of peace. Sicux county's prosperity to date is entirely due to agriculture in one form or another.' But until about ten years ago there was no agricultural society. Dry farming had by that time taken a firm hold upon the high plains, and the citizens of Harrison and vicinity organized such a society in nineteen eleven. The organizers were headed by John H. Lacy, A. L. Schnurr, T. H. Wilhermsdorfer, G. L. Gerlach, R. L. Keel, J. H. Dickman, E. A. Bigelow, J. A. Anderson, P. X. Summers and others. The county now has an annual fair and agricultural "exhibit. The livestock exhibit is generally very fine. The society lias regular fair grounds and a race track, well arranged for the accommodation of tlu- public.
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Dry farming had by that time taken a firm hold upon the high plains, and the citizens of Harrison and vicinity organized such a society in nineteen eleven. The organizers were headed by John H. Lacy, A. L. Schnurr, T. H. Wilhermsdorfer, G. L. Gerlach, R. L. Keel, J. H. Dickman, E. A. Bigelow, J. A. Anderson, P. X. Summers and others. The county now has an annual fair and agricultural "exhibit. The livestock exhibit is generally very fine. The society lias regular fair grounds and a race track, well arranged for the accommodation of tlu- public.
VV. P. I lo_\ t is tlic president at the present time, and Earl K. Elliott is secretary, and the
nineteen twenty-one fair is being planned at the present time. Special attention is to be given to dairy stock this year and blooded swine will take a more important place than at any previous assembly.
Harrison of Today
Sioux county may be said to be a county of but one village organization. The other stations on the railroad are not of much consequence, and none of them has a bank. Such mercantile business as is carried on there is very light, and merely an adjunct to the postoffices generally. Andrews and Glen are on the Northwestern railroad, and no other station is named on that road or the Burlington. In the interior of the county are a number of postoffices and small stores for the convenience of their immediate neighborhoods and the pressing wants thereof. Much of the merchandising needs of Sioux county are supplied by towns and cities in adjoining counties, on the east and south particularly. But the business of Harrison is substantial and may best be shown by its variety in the following list : Marsteller & Sons, Koch Mercantile.
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Andrews and Glen are on the Northwestern railroad, and no other station is named on that road or the Burlington. In the interior of the county are a number of postoffices and small stores for the convenience of their immediate neighborhoods and the pressing wants thereof. Much of the merchandising needs of Sioux county are supplied by towns and cities in adjoining counties, on the east and south particularly. But the business of Harrison is substantial and may best be shown by its variety in the following list : Marsteller & Sons, Koch Mercantile. Equity Store (Farmers), managed by P. B. Bigelow, Cash Store, by Avis A. Tanner, in general merchandise and dry goods; Tress M. Powell, in hardware business; C. H. Unitt, in lumber and hardware ; Morrison Lumber Company ; Max Federle's market ; C. T. Miller's furniture store: Iverson & Meyers and H. E. Leroy in electrical supplies; T. E. Phillips, in the Harrison pharmacy; W. J. Lacy, Ed. G. Meyers and W. I. Carroll each in the garage business ; two good hotels, the Lowry, operated by Lowry & Fleming, and the Commercial, managed by Ferd Federle ; a restaurant managed by the pioneer Ellis Lowry; Z. B. Johnson, the harness man; these attend the supply needs of the community. The two banks are ably managed as heretofore mentioned in more detail. J. A. McClarey is the tonsorial artist, and Frank Beerbower runs a pool hall. Doctor Borglum and the Doctors Priest look after the general health, while F. H. Wallace is the dentist. A. C. Davis is general abstractor, and C. P. Broderick is auctioneer. Airs. Louise Peters operates a creamery station, and there is a movie show twice a week. This is given in the opera house which was erected by the Odd Fellows in nineteen hundred eight.
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McClarey is the tonsorial artist, and Frank Beerbower runs a pool hall. Doctor Borglum and the Doctors Priest look after the general health, while F. H. Wallace is the dentist. A. C. Davis is general abstractor, and C. P. Broderick is auctioneer. Airs. Louise Peters operates a creamery station, and there is a movie show twice a week. This is given in the opera house which was erected by the Odd Fellows in nineteen hundred eight. This building, which cost eleven thousand dollar-, is now worth double that amount, and part of it is used for a lodge hall for the various fraternities. The town
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
j.). i
and community are served by the Bell telephone system. This is the Harrison of today, live, energetic, of high moral and intellectual standards, a splendid place to reside.
Edward F. Pontius
The Pontius name runs through a great many of the events early and late of Sioux county history, particularly along fraternal lines. Those who know Mr. and Mrs. Pontius are not surprised at this, for their names are synonyms of neighborly kindness and personal friendship. E. F. Pontius was the first head of the first fraternal and beneficial organization in the county, the Woodmen of the World, and he is the present secretary, and Mrs. Pontius is a charter member of the first woman's fraternal in the county. Mr. Pontius was a charter member of the first Masonic lodge in the county, he was the first noble grand of the Odd Fellows, and is the present secretary.
1127
Pontius are not surprised at this, for their names are synonyms of neighborly kindness and personal friendship. E. F. Pontius was the first head of the first fraternal and beneficial organization in the county, the Woodmen of the World, and he is the present secretary, and Mrs. Pontius is a charter member of the first woman's fraternal in the county. Mr. Pontius was a charter member of the first Masonic lodge in the county, he was the first noble grand of the Odd Fellows, and is the present secretary.
For twelve years E. F. Pontius served as county clerk and he was twice made special county judge. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pontius were active in war work and were g'lad to do their part as privates in the ranks of those who were keeping the home fires burning. While Mr. Pontius very considerably assisted the historian in the collaboration of the historic notes of the county, we were struck with his reticence concerning the important part which he had performed in its affairs and destiny. Where achievement stands out so boldly it is indeed remarkable that the principal should let the record alone tell the story. The fellowship of Sioux county would not have been so complete had it not been for the activities of the Pontius folks.
That First School
The story of the organization of the first school in Sioux county is variously told, particularly that part relating to the identity of the first teacher. From the consideration of all the facts, we are led to the opinion that this is the correct history.
1128
Where achievement stands out so boldly it is indeed remarkable that the principal should let the record alone tell the story. The fellowship of Sioux county would not have been so complete had it not been for the activities of the Pontius folks.
That First School
The story of the organization of the first school in Sioux county is variously told, particularly that part relating to the identity of the first teacher. From the consideration of all the facts, we are led to the opinion that this is the correct history.
The district was organized at the request of Daniel Klein, who was the first director, and he was assisted by the Rigdons and Mr. Gates. Five white children only were within reach of the school : Klein had one, Gates had one, and Rigdcn three.
Jo Oberfelder who organized the district. coming from Sidney in eighteen eightythree, when he was county superintendent of Cheyenne county, says that there were a large number of half breeds, forty-two in all. included in the school census as returned.
While these did not attend school very regularly, and many of them perhaps not at all, they served to get a larger state apportionment, wdiich was surely needed in the new and far-away school.
Oberfelder also says that the first teacher was Mary Delahunty, whom he induced to come from Lexington and he personally saw that she was installed as the first instructor in Sioux county. In eighteen eighty-five, "Mollie" Delahunty was teaching in Antelopeville (now Kimball) and staying at the home of the Lynchs. Jennie Hunt is frequently referred to and believed to be the first teacher, but according to Oberfelder, she must have followed Miss Delahunty. This is also supported by the record of teachers' certificates issued in Cheyenne county. Daniel Klein says that the first teacher was Lorena Thomas, but that must have been after Sioux count}- was organized.
1129
In eighteen eighty-five, "Mollie" Delahunty was teaching in Antelopeville (now Kimball) and staying at the home of the Lynchs. Jennie Hunt is frequently referred to and believed to be the first teacher, but according to Oberfelder, she must have followed Miss Delahunty. This is also supported by the record of teachers' certificates issued in Cheyenne county. Daniel Klein says that the first teacher was Lorena Thomas, but that must have been after Sioux count}- was organized. Lorena Thomas was one of the first teachers in the organized county, but she was then only seventeen years of age. The first school in district number one was about four years before that, and Miss Lorena Thomas was then only about thirteen years old.
Back to thi; Beginning
The busy mind of the present generation may not find it uninteresting to go back to the beginning of things in Sioux count}'. Not entirely to the days of Sage or the American Fur Company, nor even to the time of Indian war. But to the days when George Gerlach was rounding up cattle on Sioux county's bread acres, and join with him and his early associates in some of the early pranks of abundant vitality and buoj - ant youth.
One of these affairs was on the old Dull Knife battle ground near Harrison. While rambling through the hills northwest of tin town, he stumbled upon the slightly exposed remains of some of the Indians that had fallen when Dull Knife's band had made its break for liberty from the barracks al Fort Robinson. Among his findings was the scalp and long hair of an Indian, and a skull. He decorated his. own head with the wig of the Indian and elevated the skull upon a stick. Thus decorated, he made a spectac ular invasion of the home of his parents, and his mother, in the queer way that mothers have, failed to appreciate the prowess of her son.
1130
While rambling through the hills northwest of tin town, he stumbled upon the slightly exposed remains of some of the Indians that had fallen when Dull Knife's band had made its break for liberty from the barracks al Fort Robinson. Among his findings was the scalp and long hair of an Indian, and a skull. He decorated his. own head with the wig of the Indian and elevated the skull upon a stick. Thus decorated, he made a spectac ular invasion of the home of his parents, and his mother, in the queer way that mothers have, failed to appreciate the prowess of her son.
Discouraged, but still ambitious, he organized a part}- of embryo archeologists, consisting of Ben I'.. Smith. George Hunt
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
and himself. The work of exhuming was upon a bunch of land about ten or twelve feet above the creek bed, and also there was an abrupt rise of twenty or thirty feet on the side away from the creek, to the plain above. Wild animals had burrowed in the bank of the creek and made runways to the bench upon which the boys were working, and torrential rains which sometimes fell had washed the holes in tunnels large enough for a wolf to pass. One hole of large size started at the creek bed. and came out upon the
bench level at the point where they were excavating. In their work they had dug away a part of the upper end of the runway. Dusk had fallen and the young men were still persevering in the work. The dog started a rabbit along the creek bed and as it reached the lower opening, it darted in with the dog in full pursuit. Up through the hole popped the rabbit and then the dog.
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One hole of large size started at the creek bed. and came out upon the
bench level at the point where they were excavating. In their work they had dug away a part of the upper end of the runway. Dusk had fallen and the young men were still persevering in the work. The dog started a rabbit along the creek bed and as it reached the lower opening, it darted in with the dog in full pursuit. Up through the hole popped the rabbit and then the dog. Hunt, who was tired and a bit nervous, went straight up the sheer twenty or thirty-foot bank and some distance away before he recovered a grip upon his nerves. The boys quit for the night, but later resumed the work in daylight. A complete skeleton was taken out, and later sent by Smith to the state university museum.
A Real Fright George Gerlach says that there was one time that he received the worst fright of his life, and that the immediate cause was only a doorlatch. He was staying in a cabin in the pine ridges, taking care of some cattle and he had a quarter of fresh beef hung outside on the corner of the cabin. One night he heard a prowler and thinking it was a coyote, he slipped on his trousers and ran outside to scare it away. As he rounded the corner of the cabin, a huge shadow loped around the next corner. It seemed to be as
1132
He was staying in a cabin in the pine ridges, taking care of some cattle and he had a quarter of fresh beef hung outside on the corner of the cabin. One night he heard a prowler and thinking it was a coyote, he slipped on his trousers and ran outside to scare it away. As he rounded the corner of the cabin, a huge shadow loped around the next corner. It seemed to be as
large as a small bear or a large mountain lion. George was unarmed and rushed for the cabin door to get a gun. There were some cobble stones in front of the door, and George was barefoot, so he leaped over these on to the threshold, for they hurt his feet. As he went through the door his loose suspenders caught the latch. There was quick action for an instant, for how could he know what dreadful beast had snapped at him out of the dark. George says his scalp rose up, not alone the hair, and he left his suspenders and a few buttons that held them at the door. After that, he said, for all he cared, whatever it was it was welcome to the meat, but that it was probably just as frightened as he, for he heard it no more.
Abundant Wild Life In the days when Harrison was in its swaddling clothes, wild life was very abundant thereabouts. As many as a dozen or fourteen in a pack, the grey wolves roamed through the pine ridges, after sheep, youngcattle or colts, ham-stringing and pulling down yearlings when needing them for fcod. In the Spoon Butte country there was once one of the largest bunches of antelope that ever congregated together, said to have numbered three hundred fifty to four hundred.
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Abundant Wild Life In the days when Harrison was in its swaddling clothes, wild life was very abundant thereabouts. As many as a dozen or fourteen in a pack, the grey wolves roamed through the pine ridges, after sheep, youngcattle or colts, ham-stringing and pulling down yearlings when needing them for fcod. In the Spoon Butte country there was once one of the largest bunches of antelope that ever congregated together, said to have numbered three hundred fifty to four hundred. Frequently small bunches of antelope are seen, especially in the winter, numbering forty or fifty, and the writer remembers having seen perhaps seventv-five in one drove in the Mitchell vallev 'of Scottsbluff
^^|9^
county. The pine ridges of Sioux county at that time also abounded in blacktail deer, a few whitetail deer, and once in a while mountain sheep were seen in such places as Coliseum rocks.
Antelope Kill Rattlers The antelope is usually timid, but has a particular antipathy to rattlesnakes. It is
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
either unafraid of them, or is so terrorized that it will fight them with the wonderful skill of the wilderness. When an antelope finds a rattlesnake it immediately gives battle. Its manner of attack is three quick jumps. The second time its hoofs strike the ground it is with great rapidity, directly upon the snake and away before it has time to strike. Time after time it repeats the maneuver, until the rattler is literally cut to pieces by its sharp hoofs.
1134
either unafraid of them, or is so terrorized that it will fight them with the wonderful skill of the wilderness. When an antelope finds a rattlesnake it immediately gives battle. Its manner of attack is three quick jumps. The second time its hoofs strike the ground it is with great rapidity, directly upon the snake and away before it has time to strike. Time after time it repeats the maneuver, until the rattler is literally cut to pieces by its sharp hoofs.
A Snake Den
The rocks on the pine ridges have seemed especially attractive to rattlers in the days gone by, and when these unwelcome creatures hibernate, they congregate in "dens." In that part of this history called "Indian War and Legend," will be found the story of how a den was destroyed in the early days. Occasionally other dens had been found and destroyed, and for a number of years it has been believed that snake dens were a thing of the past. In nineteen twenty, not far from one of the schoolhouses south of Harrison, the snakes congregated in the rocks for their winter sleep.
Modern methods will be used in the spring of nineteen twenty-one to eradicate this nest. A fire guard is to be plowed around the den at a safe distance, and then a truck having several barrels of gasoline will be run over the recks and the gasoline emptied into the den. The truck will be driven outside the fire guard, and the prairie within the circle set on fire. It is believed that after the fire reaches the gasolene there will be short work of the snakes. This being probably the last convention of the undesirable reptile residents, the beautiful pine clad hills
1135
A fire guard is to be plowed around the den at a safe distance, and then a truck having several barrels of gasoline will be run over the recks and the gasoline emptied into the den. The truck will be driven outside the fire guard, and the prairie within the circle set on fire. It is believed that after the fire reaches the gasolene there will be short work of the snakes. This being probably the last convention of the undesirable reptile residents, the beautiful pine clad hills
will be safe for campers and t< wrists, as well as nature loving citizens in the years to come.
Beautiful Pine Ridge
A few days since the historian topped the pine ridges of Sioux county, just as the sun was rising.
Around, the glory of the mountain maze, White pinnacles above the evergreen.
All sparkling with Aurora's slanting rays ; The tenseness of the altitudes, serene.
Saddle mountain. Coliseum rocks. Bold elevations high above the trees.
The sunlight penetrating hidden nooks. The forest whispering in the morning breeze.
My mind went back to the eighties, when I first saw the pine-clad hills of western Nebraska, and in the language of St. George Cooke when he first beheld these same hills, I said "this is my space."
True I had never heard of Cooke at that time, but there are thousands who for the first time have beheld the pine ridges of Nebraska, have heard their hearts say to them the same words. We who have lived here long have grown familiar, and day after day in the plodding toil of men we notice them not. Yet occasionally we will straighten our shoulders and look out across the hill or plain, and the spirit of the Infinite sweeps over us as we wonder why people let the little things of ordinary life annoy them.
1136
True I had never heard of Cooke at that time, but there are thousands who for the first time have beheld the pine ridges of Nebraska, have heard their hearts say to them the same words. We who have lived here long have grown familiar, and day after day in the plodding toil of men we notice them not. Yet occasionally we will straighten our shoulders and look out across the hill or plain, and the spirit of the Infinite sweeps over us as we wonder why people let the little things of ordinary life annoy them. The Architect of all had beautiful plans when He made Sioux county.
KIMBALL COUNTY
THE HISTORY OF KIMBALL COUNTY
Kimball county is located in the extreme western part of the state of Nebraska ; in fact it is one of the two southwestern corner counties in the state. A glance at the map will explain readily how both Kimball and Dundy counties can be the corner southwestern county, one farther south and the other farther west. The county of Kimball adjoins the state of Wyoming on the west and Colorado on the south, and is the southwestern corner countv of the Western Nestate government until 1888, when its division from Cheyenne county was effected. But before that time settlers had entered the western corner of great Cheyenne county and started Antelopeville (now Kimball) and Bushnell.
The population of the county consists mainly of native-born Americans who have immigrated from the eastern part of Nebraska and from Iowa and Illinois. There is a small percentage of Swedes and Danes and
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The county of Kimball adjoins the state of Wyoming on the west and Colorado on the south, and is the southwestern corner countv of the Western Nestate government until 1888, when its division from Cheyenne county was effected. But before that time settlers had entered the western corner of great Cheyenne county and started Antelopeville (now Kimball) and Bushnell.
The population of the county consists mainly of native-born Americans who have immigrated from the eastern part of Nebraska and from Iowa and Illinois. There is a small percentage of Swedes and Danes and
braska or "Nebraska Panhandle" group of eleven counties embraced together in this general treatment of the History of Western Nebraska. To the north of this county lies its sister county, Banner, and its mother county, Cheyenne, to the east. Kimball, the county seat, is 451 miles by rail west of Omaha, a fact which demonstrates the extreme length of the state of Nebraska. The county is nearly square and has an area of 958 square miles, or 613,120 acres.
Kimball county did not come into existence as a separate entity or division of the
some Russians, the latter being employed in the cultivation of sugar beets and other special crops. The total population of 1912 reported in the 1910 census has increased to 4,498 in 1920, more than doubling in the intervening decade. Approximately one-half of the population of the county is in the towns of Kimball, Dix, and Bushnell, and the major portion of the other half in the Lodgepole Creek valley and around the inland settlements of Crossbar, Beacon, Bethel and Leaf dale, and around the smaller centers of Smed, Oliver, Owasco and La-
1138
The total population of 1912 reported in the 1910 census has increased to 4,498 in 1920, more than doubling in the intervening decade. Approximately one-half of the population of the county is in the towns of Kimball, Dix, and Bushnell, and the major portion of the other half in the Lodgepole Creek valley and around the inland settlements of Crossbar, Beacon, Bethel and Leaf dale, and around the smaller centers of Smed, Oliver, Owasco and La-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
cinto. The population 011 the upland plains is rather light in density.
The main line of the Union Pacific railroad west of Omaha passes through the central part of the county and gives the county benefit of transcontinental and main-line service from Omaha to Cheyenne, Salt Lake and the Pacific coast. This is the only railroad through the county, so that some sections of the county are so remote from railroad as to involve fifteen to twenty mile hauls of farm products to marketing points. The wagon roads are for the most part ordinary dirt roads, which are not permanently located or built, as yet. However, as there is not a heavy rainfall these roads are generally in fair condition throughout the year. The Lincoln Highway passes east and west through the Lodgepole Creek valley and is in good condition for both wagon and automobile traffic. The federal aid road north from Kimball to Harrisburg, Gering and Scottsbluff is generally in excellent condition.
First Settlement in the County
The first permanent settlements in Kimball county were made about 1868. This was about the time the Union Pacific railroad was extended through the county. But the very early history of Kimball county is most extensively covered in other parts of this work in the treatment given of the settlement of this western Nebraska "panhandle" section.
1139
The federal aid road north from Kimball to Harrisburg, Gering and Scottsbluff is generally in excellent condition.
First Settlement in the County
The first permanent settlements in Kimball county were made about 1868. This was about the time the Union Pacific railroad was extended through the county. But the very early history of Kimball county is most extensively covered in other parts of this work in the treatment given of the settlement of this western Nebraska "panhandle" section. The early history of Cheyenne county dating prior to 1888, naturally and inseparably involves a great deal of the history of Kimball county. Among the pioneer families of this county were James English and James J. Kinney, who came in the early days with the Union Pacific railroad. Other families arriving during this first period in the history of the county, while it was still a part of Chevenne county, were P>. K.
P.ushee, Peter Atkins. Adam Grubb, D. H. Shultz, E. J. Dillon. Henry 11. Prouty, P. Maginnis, Mrs. C. A. Shafer, L. E. Shafer, F. J. Bellows, C. A. Bickel, George VV. Heard, N. E. Garman, A. II. Amos, J. W. Hurley, S. R. Walker. Jas. Newell, Thomas Gering, W. U. Hall, Henry Vogler, D. A. Yoakam-, Ira Sawyer, Gus Linn, II. .Marshall, Samuel Woolridge, and S. A. Prescott, and others whose names will appear throughout the portion of this work given to Kimball and Cheyenne counties.
Descriptions of life upon the ranches prior to the advent of the Union Pacific road, and the identity of the various ranches after the arrival of the railroad will be left to another portion of this work. A description of the trials and troubles of the Indian days will likewise be assigned to the general treatment of this entire territory.
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Prescott, and others whose names will appear throughout the portion of this work given to Kimball and Cheyenne counties.
Descriptions of life upon the ranches prior to the advent of the Union Pacific road, and the identity of the various ranches after the arrival of the railroad will be left to another portion of this work. A description of the trials and troubles of the Indian days will likewise be assigned to the general treatment of this entire territory.
The Census Story of the Growth The figures of the Federal census of 1900 as compared with that of 1910, and the more wonderful progress displayed by the figures for 1920, graphically tell the story of the evolution of the prairie cattle range of this locality into thriving communities and a prosperous county.
Kimball Count}', Nebraska
Minor Civil Division 1920 1910 1900
Kimball county 4498 1942 75S
Antelope precinct, including
Kimball village ^.2450 942 37S
Bushnell precinct, including
Bushnell village '.757 334 137
Dix precinct, including Dix
village 635 246 156
Johnson precinct 343 233
South Divide precinct 148
Union precinct 165 187 B7
Incorporated Place 1920 1910 1900
Bushnell village 321
Dix village. 248
Kimball village 1620 454 254
Early Settlement of Kimball and Vicinity The purchase bv Hon. |. T. Clarkson, from the U. P. Ry. Co. of a'll of their lands lying south of the railway, from the vicinity i >i" Pi itter, near the \\ estern edge of the present Cheyenne count}, across the presenl Kimball count}, to the Wyoming line, was the first step toward the settlement of the western end of old Cheyenne count}-, or present Kimball count} . Clarkson 1 firsl lender, and fiiiallv the sale was ratified
1141
Early Settlement of Kimball and Vicinity The purchase bv Hon. |. T. Clarkson, from the U. P. Ry. Co. of a'll of their lands lying south of the railway, from the vicinity i >i" Pi itter, near the \\ estern edge of the present Cheyenne count}, across the presenl Kimball count}, to the Wyoming line, was the first step toward the settlement of the western end of old Cheyenne count}-, or present Kimball count} . Clarkson 1 firsl lender, and fiiiallv the sale was ratified
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
by the government, and Clarkson by waiting got his title.
Shortly thereafter the Bay State Live Stock Co. purchased all of the railroad land lying north of the track, hoping thereby to secure a permanent range for their stock. They took two courses to obtain title. First, they took the claim of the Union Pacific for a patent, the government not then having given a patent thereto, and second, the Bay State people made a contract with the Union Pacific people, who could not give title by transfer of patent, as Congress must yet ratify their claim. The Bay State Company, through its president, H. H. Robinson, made a tender to the Union Pacific people. Later the bondholders of the Union Pacific brought foreclosure proceedings on their bonds ; and then the Bay State people intervened on their contract, and on a compromise reached, the government ratified afterwards.
The land in the vicinity of present Kimball county not involved in these two foregoing deals was taken up by various individuals, who started settling in this locality about 1886.
1142
The Bay State Company, through its president, H. H. Robinson, made a tender to the Union Pacific people. Later the bondholders of the Union Pacific brought foreclosure proceedings on their bonds ; and then the Bay State people intervened on their contract, and on a compromise reached, the government ratified afterwards.
The land in the vicinity of present Kimball county not involved in these two foregoing deals was taken up by various individuals, who started settling in this locality about 1886.
A considerable land was gathered together in later years to form the Circle Arrow ranch, now approximately .5,000 acres in area. This had certain Bay State lands, Pumpkin Creek lands and other lands in this locality of Kimball. They used the whole range in the eastern end of the present county. The local ranch was sold to Robert Beal, and then to Beal & Hagerty, and later to H. M. Bennett of Cheyenne, and finally to the Lodgepole Land Company, of which B. F. Knapp of Fremont is president.
W. T. Young was an early homesteader in this locality, coming about 1885. He still has holdings of about 3,500 acres. Theo. Menges had at one time practically a thousand acres, which since his departure has been split up and sold to various parties. J. J. Kinney's ranches, which expanded to about four thousand acres, were west of town, on both sides of the railroad. He sold these holdings to H. A. Clark of Columbus, who disposed of them to Wm. Webster, of Kansas City. While part of this ranch has been split up. the most of it is yet together. The L. C. Kinney holdings, west of Bushnell, have been sold.
1143
Menges had at one time practically a thousand acres, which since his departure has been split up and sold to various parties. J. J. Kinney's ranches, which expanded to about four thousand acres, were west of town, on both sides of the railroad. He sold these holdings to H. A. Clark of Columbus, who disposed of them to Wm. Webster, of Kansas City. While part of this ranch has been split up. the most of it is yet together. The L. C. Kinney holdings, west of Bushnell, have been sold.
The Clarkson land was afterwards disposed of and came into the hands of numerous settlers, and much of it has now passed into hands of third and fourth parties.
These early settlers, with a pride becoming their faith and enthusiasm in the supporting qualities of this region for an extensive population, collected samples of their products and exhibited at the Omaha and state fairs as early as 1885, and thus aided materially in securing the second premium at each fair on county exhibits.
Kimball ix 1886
A good grasp of the state of progress then made by Kimball county can be secured from that portion of a booklet issued in 1886 by a "Guide to the Lands cf Cheyenne County." issued that year by the members of the Real Estate Association of Cheyenne county, Nebraska. Those members of that association then living within the present confines of Kimball county were: Jones & Stevens, S. F. Fleharty and Theo. Menges of Kimball and James Newell of Bushnell. Of the Kimball region, these enthusiastic advocates of western Nebraska said :
1144
A good grasp of the state of progress then made by Kimball county can be secured from that portion of a booklet issued in 1886 by a "Guide to the Lands cf Cheyenne County." issued that year by the members of the Real Estate Association of Cheyenne county, Nebraska. Those members of that association then living within the present confines of Kimball county were: Jones & Stevens, S. F. Fleharty and Theo. Menges of Kimball and James Newell of Bushnell. Of the Kimball region, these enthusiastic advocates of western Nebraska said :
"Attention was directed last fall (1885) to an immense area of rich agricultural valley and table land in the vicinity of Pumpkin Seed creek, from twenty-five to forty miles north and northwest of Kimball. Since that time not less than three hundred people have become permanent residents of that locality. They are raising fine crops this year, and will soon have all the advantages of long settled communities. The improvement of the country has also been rapid in the immediate vicinity of Kimball. All of the valuable claims near the railroad have been taken. Nine hundred tree claims and eight hundred homesteads and pre-emption claims have been taken in this section of the country tributary to Kimball. There are still about five thousand claims vacant. The beginning of the present crop season was very unfavorable ; all over the country there was a phenomenal drought, our state suffering with the rest, though the drouth ended in Cheyenne county several weeks earlier than in other parts of the country. Heavy rains in the early part of July saved our crops ; after that time, at frequent intervals for several weeks, the whole of western Nebraska was abundantly supplied with rain. Our future is no longer an unsolved problem. With confidence we invite our eastern friends to come and invest their capital in this flourishing part of the yet unsettled West.
1145
The beginning of the present crop season was very unfavorable ; all over the country there was a phenomenal drought, our state suffering with the rest, though the drouth ended in Cheyenne county several weeks earlier than in other parts of the country. Heavy rains in the early part of July saved our crops ; after that time, at frequent intervals for several weeks, the whole of western Nebraska was abundantly supplied with rain. Our future is no longer an unsolved problem. With confidence we invite our eastern friends to come and invest their capital in this flourishing part of the yet unsettled West. These lands must continuously advance in price at least for years to come, and are now being taken every day, both for farming and grazing purposes.
"Kimball (formerly called Antelopeville )
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
(.1) Residence op Isaac Roush. (2) Residence of John I. Filer (3) Some Early Settlers Kimball. (4) Right, Residence or Henry Vogler; left, John Campbell
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
is located in the valley of the Lodgepole, only a short distance from that beautiful stream, having- in fact a promising location. This town has six stores, all doing well -- two are general stores (The Pioneer Store, Randall & Co., and that of Schaeffer Bros.) and each carries a good stock of goods. There is also one hardware store, a drug store, a shoe shop, and a first-class lumber yard. The Bank of Kimball was recently established and opened in a neat and commodious building. A newspaper, the Nebraska Observer, was started here in the spring of 1885; it has flourished and done much to promote the settlement of the country. The fact that Kimball is sure to become a county seat when the county is divided has caused it to grow very rapidly.
1146
There is also one hardware store, a drug store, a shoe shop, and a first-class lumber yard. The Bank of Kimball was recently established and opened in a neat and commodious building. A newspaper, the Nebraska Observer, was started here in the spring of 1885; it has flourished and done much to promote the settlement of the country. The fact that Kimball is sure to become a county seat when the county is divided has caused it to grow very rapidly. A glance at its location on the map will convince any one that this anticipation is well founded. Kimball now contains about two hundred people, and has a good, well-attended school. Recently the voters of this district have voted a bond for the purpose of building a schoolhouse to cost not less than $2,500. A Methodist church society was organized here over a year ago, and they expect to have a church building within the next twelve months. Town lots can be had at a fair price and on long time. There are opportunities here for all classes of people who are industrious and persevering. As in all new countries, the conditions that insure success are in a measure to be created ; so it is here, and those who come now and aid us in building up the town and developing the country will reap a rich reward."
Mrs. Mary Lynch
One of the picturesque characters who has played an inseparable and invaluable part in not only starting but building the community of Kimball, is Mrs. Alary Lynch, who upon June 24. 1919, celebrated her eighty-seventh birthday and at the same time marking practically the period of forty-six years' residence in Kimball. At that time this noble "grandmother" of the town of Kimball was in a very remarkable good condition of health, for one of her years and experience.
1147
One of the picturesque characters who has played an inseparable and invaluable part in not only starting but building the community of Kimball, is Mrs. Alary Lynch, who upon June 24. 1919, celebrated her eighty-seventh birthday and at the same time marking practically the period of forty-six years' residence in Kimball. At that time this noble "grandmother" of the town of Kimball was in a very remarkable good condition of health, for one of her years and experience. Upon that date over one hundred of Mother Lyncb*s children, grandchildren, relatives, friends and acquaintances gathered at her home to pay her a well merited tribute. In addition to the fine big leather rocker that this admiring concourse brought to Mother Lynch, her heart was especially gratified by another letter and a telegram from two of her former "boys." ( >ne of these came from
\Y. M. Jeffers, general manager of the Union Pacific railroad system, who when he was an operator at Kimball many years before, had boarded with Mother Lynch. This message read, "With your ether old friends and admirers may I also extend my congratulations and best wishes on your eighty-seventh anniversary and with added hope that through the years to come there will be many sunshiny days. In recalling your many kindnesses in the old days when a youngster at Kimball and how you lectured me. I am reminded of the daily newspaper picture, 'When a fellow needs a friend.' "W. M. Jeffers."
This telegram came from another of her beys and said, "Best wishes for your continued good health and many more birthdays and may every one be more pleasant. "C. B. Irwin, General Agent,
1148
This message read, "With your ether old friends and admirers may I also extend my congratulations and best wishes on your eighty-seventh anniversary and with added hope that through the years to come there will be many sunshiny days. In recalling your many kindnesses in the old days when a youngster at Kimball and how you lectured me. I am reminded of the daily newspaper picture, 'When a fellow needs a friend.' "W. M. Jeffers."
This telegram came from another of her beys and said, "Best wishes for your continued good health and many more birthdays and may every one be more pleasant. "C. B. Irwin, General Agent,
"Cheyenne, Wyoming."
A few weeks preceding, in May, 1918, as Mr. Jeffers had been going through Kimball in his special car, he had the car set on the side track and asked the local employees if Mrs. Lynch was still living and, if so, where. Messrs. Jeffers and Irwin got out of the car and went over to the house to visit Mother Lynch. The heart of the good old mother was as gratified by the visit of these former boys as most anything that could have come to her.
Realizing that the story of Kimball could not be complete without its narration, in part, by one who had played so important part therein as Mrs. Lynch, the compiler secured seme of the points from her, as she could remember them, the morning after this memorable birthday party.
Mrs. Lynch narrates that she came out to Kimball in 1873. Mr. Darling was then agent for the Union Pacific. He later moved her here from below Sidney near Colton, to run the section house. There were then no houses here but a few 'dobes where the section men used to sleep. The next town east was Sidney, about thirty miles, and the next town west was Cheyenne about sixtyfive miles.
1149
Lynch, the compiler secured seme of the points from her, as she could remember them, the morning after this memorable birthday party.
Mrs. Lynch narrates that she came out to Kimball in 1873. Mr. Darling was then agent for the Union Pacific. He later moved her here from below Sidney near Colton, to run the section house. There were then no houses here but a few 'dobes where the section men used to sleep. The next town east was Sidney, about thirty miles, and the next town west was Cheyenne about sixtyfive miles. There were a few ranches way to the south. The people out there used to come in and get supplies at the section house and would stay for a meal. This trade in addition to the few section men situated there soon made this bearding house in the wild plains a good paving business.
Mrs. Lynch stayed in this section house for a good many years and says that the section men. cow-boys and Indians were her steadfast and faithful friends. The popular-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ity of this place grew so swiftly that many of the railroad men would eat with her and would arrange their work in order to take a meal with her instead of staying at Sidney. Mrs. Lynch relates that when she was in Colton the Indians came during the two
were mostly Sioux and Cheyenne. The government furnished them with provisions but they did not know how to use them. They would trade their very hest items to the section men for a plug of tobacco.
1150
ity of this place grew so swiftly that many of the railroad men would eat with her and would arrange their work in order to take a meal with her instead of staying at Sidney. Mrs. Lynch relates that when she was in Colton the Indians came during the two
were mostly Sioux and Cheyenne. The government furnished them with provisions but they did not know how to use them. They would trade their very hest items to the section men for a plug of tobacco.
By 1880 Mr. T.J. Kinney had started his
years she lived at the section house, and as she was just from Iowa, she did not know exactly how to take their presence, but as they were very friendly and would bring her antelope meat and call her "Heap good squaw" she soon accepted their presence as calmly as that of any other person. They
ranch up west of town. Mr. J. J. .Mcintosh ran a .saloon in the very early days. After hynch's came the saloon was closed up and they had a schoolhouse instead.
Mother Lynch narrates that the} were living in the section house when the little settlement of Kimball started. Her husband
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
had a claim then on the creek to which they went to attempt to establish their home after leaving the section house. The first crop that was raised there was in potatoes. People came in from Illinois and especially from Chicago and from all over the country east of here and were astonished to find that potatoes could be grown here without irrigation. The impression had become general that this part of the country was so dry that nothing could be raised. Of course a few years later when the drouth came on this, it became true and only those who did not have money enough to move and had to stay, remained.
1151
People came in from Illinois and especially from Chicago and from all over the country east of here and were astonished to find that potatoes could be grown here without irrigation. The impression had become general that this part of the country was so dry that nothing could be raised. Of course a few years later when the drouth came on this, it became true and only those who did not have money enough to move and had to stay, remained. Mother Lynch who had her boarding business to rely upon, said she always felt sorry for the other people in those dark days.
The first building in Kimball proper was the Hotel Martha, run by Schooleys from Illinois. This was on the Rodman building location. The Kimball hotel started about twenty-five years ago after Mrs. Lynch had started her hotel and boarding house. She says that her husband then had more to do than he could manage with the claim and stock, so he had induced her to start this hotel upon the site where Walker's garage now is located. After the Hotel Kimball started, the Hotel Martha closed up. Mr. Bickel bought the building in for taxes and closed it up.
The Storm ot 1873
Mother Lynch relates an incident connected with the storm of 1873, the biggest that this part of the country had ever known. She says a train got as far as Kimball and had to stop here. They faced starvation unless they could get succor from outside. The conductor worked his way over to Lynch's to get meals. With him he brought a lawyer from Chicago named Clayton. This "high-toned" lawyer at once said that their place looked like they could get a good breakfast, and asked if he could also get a breakfast for a lady.
1152
Mother Lynch relates an incident connected with the storm of 1873, the biggest that this part of the country had ever known. She says a train got as far as Kimball and had to stop here. They faced starvation unless they could get succor from outside. The conductor worked his way over to Lynch's to get meals. With him he brought a lawyer from Chicago named Clayton. This "high-toned" lawyer at once said that their place looked like they could get a good breakfast, and asked if he could also get a breakfast for a lady. They had a breakfast of sausage and potatoes and biscuits. When they had partaken of the repast he remarked that she must make a good fortune there and when he went to pay his bill he handed her a ten-dollar bill for three meals. She did not have any change, but they were satisfied, and insisted on letting it stand at that.
Starting a School When Mrs. Lynch first came to Kimball there were of course no school facilities. Mr.
Kinney who had been section foreman did not want any school there. Sidney was using its influence to keep a school out of the west part of the county, for they wanted all the school money in Cheyenne county to go to their schools there. Mrs. Lynch said she soon attended to influencing him into having a school here anyway. She relates while Mr. Kinney sided in with them, "I told him we were going to get it." Mrs. Lynch gave notice that she could not stay there without a school building. A train man came in about that time and asked her why she was leaving town and she said on account of there being no schools. The trainman said he supposed then she was leaving for Sidney and she said.
1153
Lynch said she soon attended to influencing him into having a school here anyway. She relates while Mr. Kinney sided in with them, "I told him we were going to get it." Mrs. Lynch gave notice that she could not stay there without a school building. A train man came in about that time and asked her why she was leaving town and she said on account of there being no schools. The trainman said he supposed then she was leaving for Sidney and she said. "No, I am not." The orders then came to move Mrs. Lynch to Sidney but she informed her husband that they were going to get a school. They raised twenty-five dollars and found a few scholars but no place to have them attend. There was an old "dobe" that one of the section men had moved out of. For that she paid ten dollars, so the first school held in Kimball cost thirty-five dollars.
A man moved from Hillsdale named Mr. Dorrick and sent his boy over to help them out. Lynch's oldest boy, who was the first child born in the section house there, was then about four and one-half years old and he was used to make out the seven pupils that were necessary. The school has been running at Kimball ever since.
When the section homestead law came. Lynch's took a claim about seven miles west of town and held it until they proved up. On account of sickness and ill health, Mrs. Lynch had to give up the hotel. After that she had an operation in Omaha, then she came back and made her home with her sonin-law. Mr. Bushee wanted to go in the hotel, so she took a house in as part payment which she later sold to her son-in-law, and then moved to her present home where she has lived for about ten years.
1154
Lynch's took a claim about seven miles west of town and held it until they proved up. On account of sickness and ill health, Mrs. Lynch had to give up the hotel. After that she had an operation in Omaha, then she came back and made her home with her sonin-law. Mr. Bushee wanted to go in the hotel, so she took a house in as part payment which she later sold to her son-in-law, and then moved to her present home where she has lived for about ten years.
Mrs. Lynch was born in Ireland. She came to Boston when eleven years old with her parents, Tom Connors and Mary Connors. She lived in Massachusetts until her marriage at the age of seventeen to John Lynch, and remained there after her marriage until after the birth of her second child. They then went to Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin, and from there to McGregor, Iowa. Her husband was a railroad contractor. She came first to Colton. when she moved to Nebraska. Her first husband died in Texas while engaged in railroad work.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Si»o
She married her second husband, James Lynch, in Ackley, Iowa. She has thirteen grandchildren living aroun'd Kimball, her son Frank has six children, and a daughter, Mrs. C. A. Forsling, has seven children. She has one son, Dennis, in Iowa Falls, and two sons by her second husband now living in Wyoming: James in Casper, and Mike elsewhere in the state.
In the cow-boy days, Mother Lynch had to take care of the cow-boys as well as the railroad beys. Familiar figaires in those days included the McShanes, especially Tom, a cousin of John McShane. Jim Shaw was another figure. One of her sons, Mike, was a cow-boy for the Bay-State Company. Merrell Wyman was another well known cow-boy.
1155
She has one son, Dennis, in Iowa Falls, and two sons by her second husband now living in Wyoming: James in Casper, and Mike elsewhere in the state.
In the cow-boy days, Mother Lynch had to take care of the cow-boys as well as the railroad beys. Familiar figaires in those days included the McShanes, especially Tom, a cousin of John McShane. Jim Shaw was another figure. One of her sons, Mike, was a cow-boy for the Bay-State Company. Merrell Wyman was another well known cow-boy. John Snodgrass was a familiar figure with the Creighton-McShane outfit. He moved from here to Springfield where he died. John Creighton used to come in and always had a satchel of chocolate and that was his medicine when not in a hospital. Dr. Mockett brought Dr. Lord up from below Sidney and introduced him to Mrs. Lynch. Dr. Lord had come to Sidney to operate upon a patient and when he inquired about Mrs. Lynch and found out she was at Kimball he came right up.
Mrs. Lynch recounts that Kimball has remained a pretty dry county through all its history and never had a real bad fight or had anybody killed in a drunken brawl.
County Division
The agitation for a division of Cheyenne county started rather actively as early as 1884." One of the leading spirits in 'this movement was Theo. Menges, a real estate agent at that time. He unceasingly and untiringly canvassed this question. He later died in Chicago, as president of Western Dental College, one of the largest institutions of its character in the country at the time.
1156
Lynch recounts that Kimball has remained a pretty dry county through all its history and never had a real bad fight or had anybody killed in a drunken brawl.
County Division
The agitation for a division of Cheyenne county started rather actively as early as 1884." One of the leading spirits in 'this movement was Theo. Menges, a real estate agent at that time. He unceasingly and untiringly canvassed this question. He later died in Chicago, as president of Western Dental College, one of the largest institutions of its character in the country at the time.
The question was eventually submitted three times. The first effort, late in 1887, was beaten. This proposal was for three counties, dividing the big Cheyenne county into three sections, the east practically the present Deuell and Garden counties, the center, the present Cheyenne and Merrill counties, and the west section, the present Kimball, Banner and Scottsbluff counties. A futile effort to submit the question was made in January, 1888, when a petition signed by Charles Anderson and 122 others was filed, asking the board to set aside a territory named therein into a county to be
called "1 'otter" and a vote be taken thereon at the next general election. The board found that this petition did not contain a majority of the legal voters residing in the territory described, but found in favor of submitting a similar petition signed by one O. B. Taneyhill and 137 legal voters residing in a territory therein described and asking for a county named "Kimball" to be voted upon.
1157
A futile effort to submit the question was made in January, 1888, when a petition signed by Charles Anderson and 122 others was filed, asking the board to set aside a territory named therein into a county to be
called "1 'otter" and a vote be taken thereon at the next general election. The board found that this petition did not contain a majority of the legal voters residing in the territory described, but found in favor of submitting a similar petition signed by one O. B. Taneyhill and 137 legal voters residing in a territory therein described and asking for a county named "Kimball" to be voted upon.
The second proposition was one that called for the formation of four counties out of Cheyenne, the three new divisions to be Deuell, Scottsbluff and Kimball. Sidney favored running the line between the two counties out of the western third of the old county through the center of the present Banner county. This was lost. The proposition made for a count}' that would give Potter a county-seat placed Sidney right on a county line and would deprive her of any county seat, and drove Sidney to a point where her adherents had to favor the final division proposition. The division adherents figured if they would make the next trial on a plan that would give Lodgepole and Potter county seat chances and still leave Sidney sitting on a county line, it would add to their strength. That agitation brought a considerable number of Sidneyadherents over to the proposition of 1888 which prevailed.
1158
The proposition made for a count}' that would give Potter a county-seat placed Sidney right on a county line and would deprive her of any county seat, and drove Sidney to a point where her adherents had to favor the final division proposition. The division adherents figured if they would make the next trial on a plan that would give Lodgepole and Potter county seat chances and still leave Sidney sitting on a county line, it would add to their strength. That agitation brought a considerable number of Sidneyadherents over to the proposition of 1888 which prevailed.
The final proposition submitted the formation of four new counties, and divided Cheyenne county, as follows: Deuel from present Deuel and Garden counties; Chey-. enne remained that territory now Cheyenne and Morrill counties : Scottsbluff, Banner and Kimball formed out of the west end, and according to present lines.
The petition of October 2, 1888, defined the boundaries of Kimball county, as follows: "All of that portion of Cheyenne county commencing at the northeast corner of Section 3. in Township 16, north, range 53, west of the 6th 1'. M., thence west on township line between Townships 16 and 17, North, to a point where the line intersects with the east boundary line of the Territory of Wyoming, and thence south along the west boundary line of the State of Nebraska to a point where said line intersects with the north boundary line of the Slate <<\ Ci >li >- rado, and thence east ah ng the south boundary line of the Stale of Nebraska to a point where said line intersects with a line extending due north on the section line between Sections If) and 17 in Township 1-' north, range 53 west of 6th P. M. and thence north
1159
M., thence west on township line between Townships 16 and 17, North, to a point where the line intersects with the east boundary line of the Territory of Wyoming, and thence south along the west boundary line of the State of Nebraska to a point where said line intersects with the north boundary line of the Slate <<\ Ci >li >- rado, and thence east ah ng the south boundary line of the Stale of Nebraska to a point where said line intersects with a line extending due north on the section line between Sections If) and 17 in Township 1-' north, range 53 west of 6th P. M. and thence north
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
to the northwest corner of section 4, in township 12, north, range 53, west cf 6th P. M. and thence due east to the southeast corner of section 34, township 13, north, range 53 west of 6th P. M. and thence due north to the place of beginning."
The second proposal for division became very heated between the adherents of Kimball and Banner counties.
The Banner county people opposed Kimball county in their plan to have the west end of big Cheyenne county divided into two counties. The Banner county people
vicinity), 101 for, 3 against; Sidney, 74 for, 241 against; Lodgepole, 14 for, 145 against; Potter, 3 for, '101 against; Chappell, 159 for, 1 against ; Big Springs, 41 for, 84 against ; Dix, 7 for, 26 against : Pumpkin Creek, 39 for, 3 against ; Bronson, 29 for, 21 against; Bushnell, 3 for. 21 against; Hull, 19 for. 63 against; Long Springs, 38 for, 66 against; Wright, 51 for, 71 against; Gabe Rock, 18 for, 14 against; Gering, 115 for, 16 against ; Mitchell, 4 for, 36 against; Sughrue. 94 for ; Blue Creek, 74 against ; Loraine, 22 for; Camp Clarke, none for, 66 against;
1160
vicinity), 101 for, 3 against; Sidney, 74 for, 241 against; Lodgepole, 14 for, 145 against; Potter, 3 for, '101 against; Chappell, 159 for, 1 against ; Big Springs, 41 for, 84 against ; Dix, 7 for, 26 against : Pumpkin Creek, 39 for, 3 against ; Bronson, 29 for, 21 against; Bushnell, 3 for. 21 against; Hull, 19 for. 63 against; Long Springs, 38 for, 66 against; Wright, 51 for, 71 against; Gabe Rock, 18 for, 14 against; Gering, 115 for, 16 against ; Mitchell, 4 for, 36 against; Sughrue. 94 for ; Blue Creek, 74 against ; Loraine, 22 for; Camp Clarke, none for, 66 against;
Kimball Count? Court: House, Kimball
had one advantage in more votes in proportion to the area, as Kimball county then had every other section tied up under railroad ownership. There was no town in the Banner territory. Among their leaders were J. A. Burton, Bill Ryan and Martin and Will Montz, while some of the spokesman for Kimball county territory were : C. F. Robertson, Theo. Menges and A. B. Beard.
A brief review of the vote cast in November, 1887, on the first proposal forming two new counties, and making three counties out of Cheyenne, would serve the purpose of showing the divisions by precincts and communities that Cheyenne county had then been formed into. Lost Creek, 2 for, 5 against; Tabor, 2 for, 7 against; Coulton, 3 for, 19 against; Antelope (now Kimball
Kiowa, 50 for, 5 against ; Union Valley, none for, 47 against; Redington, 2 for, 78 against, making 933 for new counties, and 1,259 against, without five precincts including Gilchrist, Bayard, Rush Creek and Court House Rock as missing, in above tabulation.
1161
A brief review of the vote cast in November, 1887, on the first proposal forming two new counties, and making three counties out of Cheyenne, would serve the purpose of showing the divisions by precincts and communities that Cheyenne county had then been formed into. Lost Creek, 2 for, 5 against; Tabor, 2 for, 7 against; Coulton, 3 for, 19 against; Antelope (now Kimball
Kiowa, 50 for, 5 against ; Union Valley, none for, 47 against; Redington, 2 for, 78 against, making 933 for new counties, and 1,259 against, without five precincts including Gilchrist, Bayard, Rush Creek and Court House Rock as missing, in above tabulation.
County Government Before the organization of Kimball county as a separate county, the history of the government of this community is a part of that of Cheyenne county, and will appear therein. A few scattering mentions made of the period preceding 1888 will serve to shew who were the active citizens interested in the local government affairs. In 1873, three years after the organization of Cheyenne county, James J. Mcintosh served as county
HISTORY ( >F WESTERN NEBRASKA
!] 1
commissioner for one year, while he was living at Potter. It must be remembered that the present Kimball county territory was then the southwestern corner of Cheyenne count}'. The territory west of Potter became Antelope precinct of Cheyenne county. In 1873, I. D. Miller wras justice of peace by appointment and T. B. Evans, justice of peace and assessor by election that fall, for Antelope precinct. In 1874. J. J. Mcintosh was justice of the peace and road supervisor and T. B. Evans, justice of the peace. H. V. Redington was justice of the peace and road supervisor for Potter, and also served about this time as county commissioner from Potter and vicinity. Officers who served Antelope precinct about 1876 and 1877 were: John Kelley, assessor; H.
1162
B. Evans, justice of peace and assessor by election that fall, for Antelope precinct. In 1874. J. J. Mcintosh was justice of the peace and road supervisor and T. B. Evans, justice of the peace. H. V. Redington was justice of the peace and road supervisor for Potter, and also served about this time as county commissioner from Potter and vicinity. Officers who served Antelope precinct about 1876 and 1877 were: John Kelley, assessor; H. J. Mcintosh and Jas. Lynch as justices of the peace ; T. B. Evans and J. J. Kinney, judges of the election ; Jas. Lynch, John Kelley, clerks of the election. and Peter Rollman and M. O'Brien, constables. At that time, for the election board in Potter those who served were: Jas. Morris, A. Gunderson and J. A. Anderson, judges ; the clerks were : J. T. Walker and f . Coleman. In 1878 and 1879. those who served in local governmental affairs were : Justices of the peace for Antelope precinct : Wm. Murray and Thos. R. Benson ; Leo Peterson and Peter Rollman, constables ; on the election board, Jas. Lynch, Wm. Murray and Geo. Peterson as judges and J. T. Walker and C. T. Harkison, clerks ; Thomas B. Evans as road supervisor, and J. J. Mcintosh as assessor. At a jail election held on May 13, 1879. the voting for Antelope precinct was done at the Union Pacific railroad station at Antelopeville. This election called for the submission of a five mill tax to build a jail, and in Cheyenne county as a whole carried by a vote of 236 to 12. At a special election on April 5, 1881, the proposition of issuing $20,000 of bonds for funding of warrants of indebtedness oi Cheyenne county was voted upon. Another election about that time was over $20,000 bond issue for building a buggy bridge.
1163
At a jail election held on May 13, 1879. the voting for Antelope precinct was done at the Union Pacific railroad station at Antelopeville. This election called for the submission of a five mill tax to build a jail, and in Cheyenne county as a whole carried by a vote of 236 to 12. At a special election on April 5, 1881, the proposition of issuing $20,000 of bonds for funding of warrants of indebtedness oi Cheyenne county was voted upon. Another election about that time was over $20,000 bond issue for building a buggy bridge.
J. J. Mcintosh became county clerk of Cheyenne county in 1877. Mr. Mcintosh had come to Brady Island in February, 1869, engaged as an operator in the employ of the U. P. R. R. Co., and remained there three months, when he came to Potter, as agent and operator, where he remained five years and then went to Sidney. He had served one year as county commissioner, lie later moved to his stock ranch, 28 miles west of Sidney. This makes him a pioneer of the
Dix vicinity of the eastern portion of present Kimball county. He was born in Province of Ontario, Can., at a place named St. Andrews, June 17, 1850. and married in Omaha,. Neb., in 1871, to Miss Mary Heelan, of Chicago, III. His wife died in April, 1875. By their union they had two sons, John Thomas and James L. He was married again at a later date in Sidney, to Miss Mollie Kelly of Grand Island, Nebraska.
1164
Dix vicinity of the eastern portion of present Kimball county. He was born in Province of Ontario, Can., at a place named St. Andrews, June 17, 1850. and married in Omaha,. Neb., in 1871, to Miss Mary Heelan, of Chicago, III. His wife died in April, 1875. By their union they had two sons, John Thomas and James L. He was married again at a later date in Sidney, to Miss Mollie Kelly of Grand Island, Nebraska.
At an election on November 4, 1884, the issuance of $25,000 bonds for building a court house was voted upon and they Mild ; and another election was set for the same question on November 3, 1885, but was not successful.
B\ 1886. the population had become sufficient so thai Dix precinct had been formed of that territory in Townships 12, 13 and 14, range 54. Theo. Menges was an early justice of the peace for that township, and when he resigned, James M. Bearse, was appointed.
In the general election of 1888, the members of the board who served for Antelope precinct were: H. R. Stevens, L. R. Markley and T. Remington as judges, and H. W. Newell and L. E. Nebergall as clerks. In Dix precinct, those who served at that time were: W. II. Soloman, A. P. Ferrenberg and 11. P. Chattborg, as judges, and IP Vogler and John Clausen as clerks.
When Kimball count)- was given separate organization in 1888, its first officers were Samuel Woolridge, county clerk and clerk of district court; N. IP Carman, county treasurer; J. B. Timmony. county attorney; George W. Beard, county judge; I'M Rathburn, sheriff; Rufus Cooley, county superintendent of schools; L. R. Markley, coroner, and H. R. Stevens, surveyor, with P. W. Bickel. James Newell and Henry Cholberg, county commissioners.
1165
Chattborg, as judges, and IP Vogler and John Clausen as clerks.
When Kimball count)- was given separate organization in 1888, its first officers were Samuel Woolridge, county clerk and clerk of district court; N. IP Carman, county treasurer; J. B. Timmony. county attorney; George W. Beard, county judge; I'M Rathburn, sheriff; Rufus Cooley, county superintendent of schools; L. R. Markley, coroner, and H. R. Stevens, surveyor, with P. W. Bickel. James Newell and Henry Cholberg, county commissioners.
County Clerks
Succeeding the first county clerk ami clerk of district court, Samuel Woolridgi F. J. Bellows, who served from 1890 until 1896. His successor was Henry Vogler, who served three terms. In 1901, Frank M. Woolridge became clerk and he served two terms. In 1906, C T. Dillon took the office. His successor, A. P. Beard, served three terms, and in 1913, IP C Amos tool After three faithful terms. .Mr. Amos was succeeded b\ the present efficient clerk, Miss I). T. Heynan.
Count* Treasurers
The first treasurer. \. IP Carman, was
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
succeeded in 1889 by L. W. Bickel. Mr. Bickel served for about twelve years, when he was succeeded in 1902 by P. Maginnis. After two terms, he yielded the office to Henry Vogler, who was succeeded by F. M. Woolridg'e, who served four years. In 1911 Will J. Davies took the office. In 1913, A. B. Beard became treasurer, and his successor in 1916 was the present county treasurer. Isaac Roush.
County Attorneys The record of county attorneyship will pretty well reflect the history of the Bar of Kimball County, for most of her lawyers have been honored with the public prosecutorship at one time or another. After J. B. Timmony, the next county attorney was James W. Davis; in 1892, J, J. Kinney undertook this office, and he served until the election of F.
1166
Beard became treasurer, and his successor in 1916 was the present county treasurer. Isaac Roush.
County Attorneys The record of county attorneyship will pretty well reflect the history of the Bar of Kimball County, for most of her lawyers have been honored with the public prosecutorship at one time or another. After J. B. Timmony, the next county attorney was James W. Davis; in 1892, J, J. Kinney undertook this office, and he served until the election of F. H. DeCastro in 1896. After Mr. DeCastro had served six years, Mr. J. J. Kinney was recalled to the office in 1903, and he served until the appointment of W. T. Ballard about 1909. Mr. Ballard served for about four years, and in 1913, James A. Rodman was elected. He served until 1918, and when he was elected to the office of state representative and went to the legislature to represent Kimball and neighboring counties, Mr. W. J. Ballard resumed the office of county attorney.
County Judges The important office of county judge, upon whom falls not only the trial of many matters of litigation but the responsible administration of probate affairs, was first assumed in Kimball countv bv George W. Beard. In 1890, H. Marshall undertook this office, and his successor was W. J. Leoning. In 1895, H. H. Prouty became judge and in 1899, Gus Linn was elected judge. H. H. Prouty then resumed the office and served for about ten years. Geo. W. Wright then became judge for a term and he was succeeded by P. Schwenk, and in 1913 a second long incumbency began when the present efficient county judge assumed the office, Judge F. J. Bellows.
1167
Marshall undertook this office, and his successor was W. J. Leoning. In 1895, H. H. Prouty became judge and in 1899, Gus Linn was elected judge. H. H. Prouty then resumed the office and served for about ten years. Geo. W. Wright then became judge for a term and he was succeeded by P. Schwenk, and in 1913 a second long incumbency began when the present efficient county judge assumed the office, Judge F. J. Bellows.
Sheriffs The office of sheriff, the guardian of the law and administrator of order, was first assumed in the new county by Ed Rathbun. The next sheriff was A. Hanson in 1889. In 1891 P. Maginnis undertook this office and served for about ten years. For two terms, C A. Forsling assumed the sheriff's star.
and then for two terms it passed to E. W. Bartholamew, and in 1908 the honor fell upon the man who has since efficiently discharged this office, O. E. Forsling. ■
County Superintendents of Schools Kimball county opened up her work on the task of developing her schools coincident with her organization of a count}- gi »vernment. Her first superintendent was Rufus Cooley. Succeeding him was Eva T. Farmer ( Mrs. Eva F. Braden ) who was succeeded in 1894 by Lillian Crownover. In 1896, B. K. Bushee became superintendent of schools and his successor was Z. O. Davis. In 1901 Alice Wilkinson assumed the office, and two years later B. K. Bushee returned to the work. In 1905 Alice Wilkinson returned to the office and served until Nellie M. Crandall took office in 1910. In 1912, Claude L. Alden succeeded to this office, and his successor was Ethel McElheney, who held until the advent of the present superintendent, Racheal McElrcy, who has served four years and in January, 1921, began another term of faithful and satisfactory service.
1168
In 1901 Alice Wilkinson assumed the office, and two years later B. K. Bushee returned to the work. In 1905 Alice Wilkinson returned to the office and served until Nellie M. Crandall took office in 1910. In 1912, Claude L. Alden succeeded to this office, and his successor was Ethel McElheney, who held until the advent of the present superintendent, Racheal McElrcy, who has served four years and in January, 1921, began another term of faithful and satisfactory service.
Other County Officers The office of count}- assessor has been held during most of the separate existence of this office by the immediate predecessor of its present incumbent, J. T. Jefferson. E M. Prouty, the present assessor, took office in 1921, and H. H. Parker held it upon its institution some ten years ago. W. T. Young was holding the office of coroner when it was consolidated into the duties of the countv attornev some six vears ago. A". D. Ivey. Dr. W. L. Carlyle. L' K. Simon and Dr. L. R. Markley held this office in years preceding. H. R. Stevens was the first county surveyor ; F. J. Bellows succeeded him and served through the nineties and oart of the next decade and E. D. Drake has held this post in recent years and is the present incumbent.
County Commissioners
As heretofore noted, the first board of commissioners to undertake the administration of the affairs of Kimball county consisted of L. W. Bickel, James Newell and Henry Cholberg. In 1889. Newell remained over with J. H. Campbell and J. V. Brady as new colleagues. In 1890 J. T. Jefferson succeeded Campbell. C. F. Robertson succeeded Brady in 1892. In 1894-95. Newell was still serving, with D. H. Shultz and
1169
Drake has held this post in recent years and is the present incumbent.
County Commissioners
As heretofore noted, the first board of commissioners to undertake the administration of the affairs of Kimball county consisted of L. W. Bickel, James Newell and Henry Cholberg. In 1889. Newell remained over with J. H. Campbell and J. V. Brady as new colleagues. In 1890 J. T. Jefferson succeeded Campbell. C. F. Robertson succeeded Brady in 1892. In 1894-95. Newell was still serving, with D. H. Shultz and
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
E. J. Dillon as the other members. In 1896 a new board was at the helm, with L. C. Kinney, J. W. Hurley and John Claussen as members. This board remained in office in the succeeding year, 1898. In the latter year, Claussen and Hurley remained at the po'St with F. M. Peterson as the new member. Claussen remained on duty but in 1900 he was joined by Alfred Forsling and Alfred Hanson. Hanson served until 1903 when A. H. Amos succeeded him. Members Lilly and H. B. Kaufman came on in 1902. In 1904, Kaufman and Amos served with Robert Gunderson as the third member. In 1906, Gunderson remained, with Gus Linn and Oscar Karlstrum as new members. These three served in 1907 and 1908. In 1909. a new board came into power, consisting of P. L. Mairs, Elmer Johnson and A. H. Amos. In 1911, John Claussen returned t>. duty upon the board and served with Amos and Johnson. In 1912. Charles F. Snyder succeeded Johnson. J. Pedrett came on in Amos' seat the following winter. Pedrett and Snyder remained in 1914 with Joe Peverly as the new member. In 1915, Snyder remained on duty, but W. D. Atkins and Henry Phillips were the new members. These three faithfuls served on through 1916, 1917 and 1918.
1170
H. Amos. In 1911, John Claussen returned t>. duty upon the board and served with Amos and Johnson. In 1912. Charles F. Snyder succeeded Johnson. J. Pedrett came on in Amos' seat the following winter. Pedrett and Snyder remained in 1914 with Joe Peverly as the new member. In 1915, Snyder remained on duty, but W. D. Atkins and Henry Phillips were the new members. These three faithfuls served on through 1916, 1917 and 1918. In 1919. Dave Sonday
of Bushnell succeeded Evertson in the Snyder seat and the three members in 1921 are \V. D. Atkins. D. H. Sonday and Hans Gunderson, Jr. C. F. Snyder resigned during 1918 after nine years of faithful and steady service and for a time G. E. Evertson served in his stead.
In 1877, the government established a postoffice at Antelopeville (now Kimball) and John Mcintosh was the first postmaster. For the last seven or eight years E. W. Roche has been the very efficient incumbent of the office.
B. K. Bushee was the first person from Kimball county to serve in the Nebraska state legislature, serving two terms. \Y. S. Rodman is the present and only other member of the house of representatives from the county, serving his second term.
I'.. K. Bushee was the first member of the state senate from Kimball county, now serving his fifth term, and once serving as president pro tern of the senate.
William L. Bates was the first and only state official to be elected from Kimball county, and he is now serving as regent of the state university. Mr. Bates served two terms in the state legislature, but from Chevenne county.
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Rodman is the present and only other member of the house of representatives from the county, serving his second term.
I'.. K. Bushee was the first member of the state senate from Kimball county, now serving his fifth term, and once serving as president pro tern of the senate.
William L. Bates was the first and only state official to be elected from Kimball county, and he is now serving as regent of the state university. Mr. Bates served two terms in the state legislature, but from Chevenne county.
SOIL, CLIMATE AND POSSIBILITIES
Kimball county, being essentially an agricultural and live stock producing territory, more than usual stress must be laid upon these features in recording the story of its settlement, progress and evolution. While it is not the strict province of a historical narrative to deviate and wander into the realms of scientific or technical elaboration, the history of the county is plainly written in a presentation of its physical features and possibilities. This work has been thoroughly, comprehensively and wonderfully performed in the soil survey of the county made and preserved by the Federal Department of Agriculture. "A study of this workto anyone engaged in agricultural and live stock industries in Kimball county will many times repay the reader.
Kimball county lies in the Great Plains province, in the division known as the High Plains.
The county consists of a moderately rolling plain, dissected by the valley of Lodgepole creek, from one to two miles wide and about 200 feet deep, extending across the center of the count}' in an east-west direc tion. It is sharply defined, with broad areas of undulating table-land on each side. The valley ' is characterized by steep upper slopes, or bluffs, with gentle, extended slopes at the base which merge into a nearly level valley terrace.
1172
The county consists of a moderately rolling plain, dissected by the valley of Lodgepole creek, from one to two miles wide and about 200 feet deep, extending across the center of the count}' in an east-west direc tion. It is sharply defined, with broad areas of undulating table-land on each side. The valley ' is characterized by steep upper slopes, or bluffs, with gentle, extended slopes at the base which merge into a nearly level valley terrace. The creek winding
through the valley has a narrow recent tl 1
plain lying about two to four feet above the stream', which is subject to overflow at infrecment intervals. A well-defined alluvial
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
terrace of smooth, nearly level, cr gently sloping, lies at elevations of twenty to forty feet above the creek, and a high bench, sixty to eighty feet above, occurs in places.
The two areas of upland, the "table-land" or the "divides," have much the same character. There are numerous shallow drainage ways, so that the land for the most part is slightly rolling, although a considerable part is nearly level. The drainage ways, or "draws," in their upper courses are simply broad, shallow depressions with no definite or continuous channel. Along- the lower courses of the larger draws, however, the valleys are sharply cut into the plain and are defined on their outer edges by steep slopes or bluffs, which in a few places are rugged and barren of soil. The floors of the small valleys, however, are comparatively wide and nearly level. Small, isolated, leveltopped hills or buttes and low, rounded knolls seldom more than twenty to fifty feet above the general level of the surrounding lower lying- areas are features of the upland plain. There are also numerous slight basins or depressions without drainage outlets scattered over the table-land.
1173
Along- the lower courses of the larger draws, however, the valleys are sharply cut into the plain and are defined on their outer edges by steep slopes or bluffs, which in a few places are rugged and barren of soil. The floors of the small valleys, however, are comparatively wide and nearly level. Small, isolated, leveltopped hills or buttes and low, rounded knolls seldom more than twenty to fifty feet above the general level of the surrounding lower lying- areas are features of the upland plain. There are also numerous slight basins or depressions without drainage outlets scattered over the table-land. These are all shallow, lying- twenty to fifty feet below the surrounding land, and vary in size from two or three to about 1,000 acres. They appear to represent original depressions in the plain, but have probably been increased in size by wind erosion.
The elevation of the county varies from about 4,800 to 5,300 feet above sea level, and the general slope is eastward. The drainage is principally through Lodgepole creek, the only stream of importance in the county and a tributary of South Platte river. A small area in the extreme northern part of the county is drained by Rocky Hollow, which flows into Lawrence Fork, a small tributary emptying into North Platte river. Short draws occur throughout the upland, so that no part of the county is poorly drained, except some of the low bottom land along Lodgepole creek. The draws are dry throughout the year, except immediately after heavy rainstorms. Lodgepole creek has a small flow of water. It is a perennial stream, although for a few miles of its course in the eastern part of the county it disappears beneath the sand and gravel which fill its channel.
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Short draws occur throughout the upland, so that no part of the county is poorly drained, except some of the low bottom land along Lodgepole creek. The draws are dry throughout the year, except immediately after heavy rainstorms. Lodgepole creek has a small flow of water. It is a perennial stream, although for a few miles of its course in the eastern part of the county it disappears beneath the sand and gravel which fill its channel.
The region is practically treeless; in its natural state it supports a thick growth of grasses. The principal grasses are gramma grass and buffalo grass. The trees native to the region consist of scattered and stunted
pines on the rougher and more broken land, with some Cottonwood, box elder, ash, willow, and juniper along the creek.
Lodgepole creek affords a supply of water for irrigation and other purposes, and abundant water is obtained from shallow wells in the valley. On the upland plain water is obtained from wells 100 to 250 feet deep. The water is generally suitable for domestic use, and the quantity is ample for farm and ranch requirements.
Climate
The mean annual temperature is reported by the weather bureau station at Kimball as 47.5° F.
The mean annual rainfall is about 16 inches, but it varies widely from year to year.
The average date of the latest killing frost in the spring is May 16, and of the first in the fall, September 21, giving a normal growing season of 128 days. However, frosts frequently occur as late as June and as early as August. The earliest recorded date of killing frost in the fall is August 25, and the latest in the spring, June 5. The grazing season lasts ordinarily from the middle of May to the 1st of November, while some of the grasses cure into hay in a state of nature and furnish some sustenance for stock throughout the winter.
1175
The average date of the latest killing frost in the spring is May 16, and of the first in the fall, September 21, giving a normal growing season of 128 days. However, frosts frequently occur as late as June and as early as August. The earliest recorded date of killing frost in the fall is August 25, and the latest in the spring, June 5. The grazing season lasts ordinarily from the middle of May to the 1st of November, while some of the grasses cure into hay in a state of nature and furnish some sustenance for stock throughout the winter.
Winds of high velocity are common both in the winter and summer.
The climate in this region is the principal controlling factor in agricultural development. It restricts in various ways the variety of crops grown and has a decided influence on the methods of farming. On account of the small amount of rainfall only drought-resisting and hardy varieties of crops can be grown profitably on the dry land. The growing season is short.
Agriculture After several disastrous dry years in the early nineties farming was almost completely abandoned in favor of ranching. Stockraising continued the dominant industry until about 1905, when a federal law was enacted under which the public land could be homesteaded in tracts of 640 acres, and the lands rapidly passed into private ownership. This had the effect of breaking up the large cattle ranches and giving an impetus to farming. Many of the homesteaders, however, practiced farming for only a short time, and after acquiring ownership of the land sold their holdings to land speculators. On
1176
Stockraising continued the dominant industry until about 1905, when a federal law was enacted under which the public land could be homesteaded in tracts of 640 acres, and the lands rapidly passed into private ownership. This had the effect of breaking up the large cattle ranches and giving an impetus to farming. Many of the homesteaders, however, practiced farming for only a short time, and after acquiring ownership of the land sold their holdings to land speculators. On
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the cultivated land an extensive system of dry farming" is carried on, while adjacent unoccupied sections are leased for pasture and hay land, so that stock raising- on a small scale is practiced in conjunction with crop production.
Farming- under irrigation is practiced to some extent. "Wheat is the principal crop in acreage and the chief cash crop of the county. Both winter and spring wheat are grown, winter wheat occupying the greater acreage. The yields have shown wide variations in the last ten years, ranging from less than six to as much as thirty-five bushels per acre. It seems to be the general experience that the winter wheat slightly exceeds the spring wheat in yield.
Corn is generally grown on the upland as a feed crop for use on the farm. The varieties grown produce smaller stalks and smaller ears than those of the eastern part of the state. The White Cap Dent seems to be one of the most successful varieties, and good yields have been obtained from Blueflower Flint and other varieties of this class.
1177
It seems to be the general experience that the winter wheat slightly exceeds the spring wheat in yield.
Corn is generally grown on the upland as a feed crop for use on the farm. The varieties grown produce smaller stalks and smaller ears than those of the eastern part of the state. The White Cap Dent seems to be one of the most successful varieties, and good yields have been obtained from Blueflower Flint and other varieties of this class.
Oats are grown on practically all the farms operated by the owners, and the crop ranks as one of the most important of the county. The grain yields are very uncertain, but in the most favorable years forty to fifty bushels per acre are obtained, and a considerable part of the crop is marketed.
Alfalfa is of local importance as a hay and forage crop. The crop is grown principally on irrigated land, but also to some extent on the dry-land farms. The yields under irrigation vary from two to four tons per acre per season. On the upland alfalfa is both planted in rows and cultivated, and seeded broadcast, the yields being considerably less than on the irrigated land. The quality of the alfalfa grown in the county is good.
Irish potatoes constitute one of the special cash crops of the county. This crop is grown principally under irrigation in the Lodgepole valley. The yields are commonly 150 to 175 bushels per acre.
Sugar beets also are an important special crop, on irrigated land. The acreage runs usually less than that of Irish potatoes. The tops are in local demand for stock feed.
1178
On the upland alfalfa is both planted in rows and cultivated, and seeded broadcast, the yields being considerably less than on the irrigated land. The quality of the alfalfa grown in the county is good.
Irish potatoes constitute one of the special cash crops of the county. This crop is grown principally under irrigation in the Lodgepole valley. The yields are commonly 150 to 175 bushels per acre.
Sugar beets also are an important special crop, on irrigated land. The acreage runs usually less than that of Irish potatoes. The tops are in local demand for stock feed.
Fruit has not yet been grown in sufficient quantity to supply even the small local demand. Plum trees are most certain of yielding fruit. Among the small fruits, goose berries, currants and strawberries do well.
Stock-raising is regarded as a profitable industry, although conditions at present are not favorable for carrying on ranching on an
extensive scale. Cattle rank first in number, followed by horses and sheep. Most of the stock raising is done in combination with farming, each farmer commonly leasing from one to three unoccupied sections for pasture.
Small numbers of cattle, sheep, and hogs are fed for market in good crop years. Alfalfa is the principal feed crop, while corn, barley, beet tops, oats, emmer, and such other feed and forage crops as may have succeeded during the season are utilized.
I >airying is carried on to a small extent, but is a comparatively unimportant industry. Sufficient milk and butter is produced to supply the local demand, and small shipments are made to outside points. A small
1179
Small numbers of cattle, sheep, and hogs are fed for market in good crop years. Alfalfa is the principal feed crop, while corn, barley, beet tops, oats, emmer, and such other feed and forage crops as may have succeeded during the season are utilized.
I >airying is carried on to a small extent, but is a comparatively unimportant industry. Sufficient milk and butter is produced to supply the local demand, and small shipments are made to outside points. A small
Wheat Seedi
of T. L. Bogle
creamery has been established at Kimball. The cattle on the farms are of good grades, the Hereford blood predominating in the herds of beef cattle and the Holstein in the dairy herds. Most farms have from three to six horses of heavy-draft type. All the farms are equipped with the modern labor-saving machinery required for grain farming on an extensive scale. Tractors are extensively used for breaking land.
Agricultural Asso< i vtions
The law-makers at Washington either did not know (.r did not take into ci nsideration the fact that there was a whole lot of land in southwestern Nebraska that doe- not belong in the sand hill classification and is a virtual garden spot, but it came within their laws all to the fortunate and yet deserving efforts of these settlers whose goi d judgment led them to that locality.
One of the earliest agricultural activities was that of the Kimball [mprovement Association organized in 1888, and furnishing the fanners with seed wheat without cost.
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The law-makers at Washington either did not know (.r did not take into ci nsideration the fact that there was a whole lot of land in southwestern Nebraska that doe- not belong in the sand hill classification and is a virtual garden spot, but it came within their laws all to the fortunate and yet deserving efforts of these settlers whose goi d judgment led them to that locality.
One of the earliest agricultural activities was that of the Kimball [mprovement Association organized in 1888, and furnishing the fanners with seed wheat without cost.
The citizens of Kimball met with the officers of the Bay State Live Stock Company
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
and combined in an effort to develop the west territory of the county. About six hundred bushels of wheat were secured at a cost of fifty cents a bushel. This was given out in quantities for sowing ten acres. A large amount of broom flax seed was secured. Mr. Schultz living north of town raised fifty bushels of flax to the acre. John Campbell raised wheat that took first prize in Iowa at the state fair. The Bay State Company which was then taking steps to put some of the west par.t of the county in cultivation.
was then engineered by Geo. Simpson, John A. McShane and John Snodgrass.
The Farmers Union Co-operative Association of Bushnell was organized May 19, 1917, with the following charter members : E. T- McKinnon, G. A. Millett, G. E. Bloomfield, Arthur Olson, L. N. Van Pelt, Geo. Schindler, Lee Hall, Glenn Williams, H. J. Miller, H. C. Bloomfield, J. L. Miller, W. F. Choffer. W. E. Daniels, S. H. Wright, H. L. Wright, Lon Van Pelt, Mrs. F. U. Van Pelt, W. R. Jones, C. O. Taylor, E. P.urgstrum.
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The Farmers Union Co-operative Association of Bushnell was organized May 19, 1917, with the following charter members : E. T- McKinnon, G. A. Millett, G. E. Bloomfield, Arthur Olson, L. N. Van Pelt, Geo. Schindler, Lee Hall, Glenn Williams, H. J. Miller, H. C. Bloomfield, J. L. Miller, W. F. Choffer. W. E. Daniels, S. H. Wright, H. L. Wright, Lon Van Pelt, Mrs. F. U. Van Pelt, W. R. Jones, C. O. Taylor, E. P.urgstrum.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
A. H. Carnils, C. F. Hoffman, P. E. Hoke, C. S. Bradshaw, A. Sandburg", Paul Schindler, A. O. King, J. A. Nixon and John Patton.
The Farmers Union of Kimball was organized in September, 1917, with the following: Fred Stanfield, John W. Drake, Geo. A. Ernst, Max Bickel, Daniel lams, Jacob Pedrett, Mrs. Belle Luers, Mrs. Anna M. Ernst, Paul Leurs, Peter M. Nelson, Ulrich Pedrett, Ezra J. Ernst, Clarence C. Campbell, Edward M. Lee, Murlain E. Triddle, Guy M. Fleming, Hugh G. Irwin, Mrs. Louisa Pedrett. Rav Ogle, A. P. Van Winkle, C. E. Huff, Lee Reed, Thomas Phillips. Walt J. Blackmail and Miss Esther V. Ernst.
The Kimball Farm Association was flourishing as early as 1914. The officers for that year were : President, Geo. Ernst ; vice president, John Tucker; secretary, E. O. Ulrich ; treasurer, F. J. Bellows.
The governing board was John Irwin, John Rassmussen, John Clausen, D. K. Atkins, Jake Pedrett, Will Nelson, Chris Thompson, H. H. Parker, E. Foreman, Thos. Phillips, Elmer Johnson.
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Huff, Lee Reed, Thomas Phillips. Walt J. Blackmail and Miss Esther V. Ernst.
The Kimball Farm Association was flourishing as early as 1914. The officers for that year were : President, Geo. Ernst ; vice president, John Tucker; secretary, E. O. Ulrich ; treasurer, F. J. Bellows.
The governing board was John Irwin, John Rassmussen, John Clausen, D. K. Atkins, Jake Pedrett, Will Nelson, Chris Thompson, H. H. Parker, E. Foreman, Thos. Phillips, Elmer Johnson.
Another farm organization among the South Divide farmers was called the St. John Community Congress.
The Kimball and Banner Farm Lean Association was in operation by 1914. Its officers were : Frank Cunningham, president ; Chas. Anderson, vice president ; A. R. Thomas, secretarv; F. O. Baker, treasurer; H. H. Parker. E. J McKinnon, J. W. Farmer.
In 1915, Lincoln, Scottsbluff and Kimball were three leaders in western division at the state fair. Kimball had hired Geo. Unruh as its count}' demonstrator and to him was due considerable credit for his work while in that capacity. He was succeeded by R. E. Holland who came when Unruh went to Chadron.
Farmers' Shipping Association of Dix was organized in October, 1914. A roster of the workers of this association shows who had been the active business people and agricultural people of that vicinity in recent years. E. E. Coding. John Clausen, C. O. Anderson, D. K. Alkins, Hans Gunderson, A. B. Beard, L. C. Christenson, Claude Alden, Hans Hansen, Fritz Rotke, Emil Anderson, John Blake, J. A. Irwin, Louis Nielson, Foster Lumber Company, John Graham, L. W. Thorson, B. M. Johnson. R. R. Barnes, H. P. Hansen. O. C. Jensen, Wm. 1 '.rating. 1-'.. A. Bergman, Geo. Kellham, Wm. Goding, E. R.
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A roster of the workers of this association shows who had been the active business people and agricultural people of that vicinity in recent years. E. E. Coding. John Clausen, C. O. Anderson, D. K. Alkins, Hans Gunderson, A. B. Beard, L. C. Christenson, Claude Alden, Hans Hansen, Fritz Rotke, Emil Anderson, John Blake, J. A. Irwin, Louis Nielson, Foster Lumber Company, John Graham, L. W. Thorson, B. M. Johnson. R. R. Barnes, H. P. Hansen. O. C. Jensen, Wm. 1 '.rating. 1-'.. A. Bergman, Geo. Kellham, Wm. Goding, E. R.
Hodges, G. H. Turnbull, A. F. Copper, Emil Belgum, Emery Horner, Geo. Perry, Julius Johnson, Arthur Manning, John Manning, McKenney. A. W. Wilson, Noy D. Wilson, E. C. Whitcomb, Joe Soles, D. E. Dennison.
In July. 1918, a meeting of all county agents of this part of the state was held at Kimball. Among those in attendance were county agents from the following counties : A. W. Tell, Scottsbluff; C. A. Sawyer, Sheridan ; C. E. McComb, Morrill; Ii. G. Gould, Cheyenne; J. W. Logan, Deuel; Geo. Kellogg, Keith ; Bert Barber, North Platte.
The group in attendance made a trip to Fort Collins and Greeley, potato region, from Kimball and made a special study of potato experiments.
Farm Bureau
Kimball county was one of the first counties in the state to take up the farm bureau work. It was first organized in 1915, and has shown a steady growth from year to year. Since the organization there have been five countv agents: Geo. Unruh, R. E. Holland, P. H. "Stewart, W. C. Calbert, and C. L. Deitz. The present occupant being enly temporary.
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The group in attendance made a trip to Fort Collins and Greeley, potato region, from Kimball and made a special study of potato experiments.
Farm Bureau
Kimball county was one of the first counties in the state to take up the farm bureau work. It was first organized in 1915, and has shown a steady growth from year to year. Since the organization there have been five countv agents: Geo. Unruh, R. E. Holland, P. H. "Stewart, W. C. Calbert, and C. L. Deitz. The present occupant being enly temporary.
The following is a summary of the work accomplished by this office during the vear 1920.
A campaign for soil improvement by rotation, fertilizers, etc., increased crop production by cultural methods, disease control. and the introduction of varieties of high yielding seed.
The potato growers have been organized and have been co-operating with the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the State Horticultural Department. The growers have all been induced to treat their seed for disease and where their crops have been free from disease their seed for sale has been certified. The local organization also belongs to the Nebraska Potato Exchange. Their county exhibit took first place at the state show. The sugar beet growers were organ ized into an association of thirty-two members and secured a modern dump at ( Iwasco.
Experiments were conducted with the following miscellaneous crops: kaffir, feterita, broom corn, and limine grass.
A strenuous campaign was waged for the eradication of prairie dogs, ground squirrels, potato bugs, grasshoppers, elm leal' rollers and small fruit pests.
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The local organization also belongs to the Nebraska Potato Exchange. Their county exhibit took first place at the state show. The sugar beet growers were organ ized into an association of thirty-two members and secured a modern dump at ( Iwasco.
Experiments were conducted with the following miscellaneous crops: kaffir, feterita, broom corn, and limine grass.
A strenuous campaign was waged for the eradication of prairie dogs, ground squirrels, potato bugs, grasshoppers, elm leal' rollers and small fruit pests.
Several demonstrations were held for tinvaccination of cattle for blackleg and other troubles. Several herds of hogs were in-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
spected for cholera. Several flocks of poultry were culled.
In farm economics three hundred farm account books were distributed through the banks. Eight hundred and eighty-six farm laborers were placed and helped maintain a uniform wage. Eight boys' and girls' clubs were organized with a membership of fiftynine. Exhibits were placed at the county fair, the interstate fair, and state potato show.
Fair Records
The splendid agricultural record of Kimball county is reflected by the various achievements of its citizens at the state and county fairs in the past few years.
In 1913 Kimball and three neighboring counties carried off fifty-one prizes at the state fair. Premiums awarded Kimball county were :
First on red spring wheat in bundle, Nelson.
First on Durham wheat in bundle. Nelson.
First on white ats, threshed. Nelson.
First on white oats in bundle. Nelson.
Second on red spring wheat in bundle, Nelson.
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The splendid agricultural record of Kimball county is reflected by the various achievements of its citizens at the state and county fairs in the past few years.
In 1913 Kimball and three neighboring counties carried off fifty-one prizes at the state fair. Premiums awarded Kimball county were :
First on red spring wheat in bundle, Nelson.
First on Durham wheat in bundle. Nelson.
First on white ats, threshed. Nelson.
First on white oats in bundle. Nelson.
Second on red spring wheat in bundle, Nelson.
Second on Durham wheat in bundles. Nelson.
Second on potatoes, Claussen.
Third on Durham wheat in bundle, Ernst.
Third on winter rye, Pedrett.
Third on popcorn, Jaccby.
At the 1920 state fair, at Lincoln, the oercentages awarded to the county exhibits from the western district reflects Kimball county's high standing, it being surpassed only by Dawes county, with a rating of 435.5, and Kimball reaching a rating of 385.5, while Sheridan was third with a rating of 352.9 ; Hitchcock, fourth at 334, and Cheyenne, fifth with 275.7. In the irrigated divisions, Morrill, Lincoln and Keith carried away the honors.
District Honors
Kimball county won sixty-two per cent of all prizes at Rushville show.
Kimball not only landed the 1920 convention of the Western Nebraska Potato Growers, but carried away sixty-two per cent of the prizes at this year's meeting. Kimball sent 1,600 pounds of her choice spuds to the exhibition held at Rushville. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. She landed second place in county exhibits and second in artistic display. Jake Pedrett was elected
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In the irrigated divisions, Morrill, Lincoln and Keith carried away the honors.
District Honors
Kimball county won sixty-two per cent of all prizes at Rushville show.
Kimball not only landed the 1920 convention of the Western Nebraska Potato Growers, but carried away sixty-two per cent of the prizes at this year's meeting. Kimball sent 1,600 pounds of her choice spuds to the exhibition held at Rushville. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. She landed second place in county exhibits and second in artistic display. Jake Pedrett was elected
president of the association for the coming year.
With Crawford and Scottsbluff strong contenders for next year's convention, Kimball succeeded in landing the meeting in response to an invitation from the Kimball club together with the faithful work of Mr. Pedrett and County Agent Calvert. Kimball received the following prizes :
Irrigated -- Early Ohio, Art Bickel, second; Triumphs, Art Bickel, first; Triumphs, Robert Garrard, second ; Triumphs, J. Pedrett. third; Triumphs. Robt. Garrard, fourth; Downing, H. J. Holick, first: Downing, J. H. Courtright, second; Pearl, J. Pedrett. first; Pearl. Phillip Flohr, second; Pearl. I. H. Courtright. third; Pearl, P. Flohr, fifth.
Dry Land-- Pearl, C. S. Bradt, first; Pearl, E. J. Horrum, second ; Pearl, Henry Yogler. third; Pearl, C. S. Bradt. fourth; Blue Aletors, C S. Bradt, first ; Blue Victors, Conrad Trout, second; Downing. Aug. Gadeken, first ; Downing. Aug. Gadeken, second ; Triumphs. Gus Forsling, third ; Cobbler, Reuben Peterson, first ; Cobbler, Reuben Peterson, second ; Russet Burbank, Aug. Gadeken. first; Russet Burbank, Fay White, second ; Russet Burbank, A. Gadeken. third ; Russet Burbank, Con Trout, fourth.
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Bradt, first; Pearl, E. J. Horrum, second ; Pearl, Henry Yogler. third; Pearl, C. S. Bradt. fourth; Blue Aletors, C S. Bradt, first ; Blue Victors, Conrad Trout, second; Downing. Aug. Gadeken, first ; Downing. Aug. Gadeken, second ; Triumphs. Gus Forsling, third ; Cobbler, Reuben Peterson, first ; Cobbler, Reuben Peterson, second ; Russet Burbank, Aug. Gadeken. first; Russet Burbank, Fay White, second ; Russet Burbank, A. Gadeken. third ; Russet Burbank, Con Trout, fourth.
Kimball Irrigation District The Kimball Irrigation District is located in Kimball county in the valley of Lodgepole creek. It is traversed by the main line of the Union Pacific railroad. No farming section possesses better railroad facilities and a ready market where satisfactory prices prevail is open to this great district. The town of Kimball is situated on the railroad in about the center of the district. This is said to be the only irrigation district traversed for its entire length by a great transcontinental trunk rail line.
In the early days Lodgepole valley was a favorite feeding ground of the buffalo and later became a grazing ground for herds of domestic cattle. In more recent years the granger came and settled in the valley and on the table lands surrounding, producing good crops by scientific methods of dry farming. Forty per cent of the land in the district is under cultivation. But to the minds of the settlers the fact has been apparent for man}' years that eventually where practicable the country should be, and must be irrigated to produce the best possible agricultural results. A few irrigation ditches were run from Lodgepole creek and more
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In more recent years the granger came and settled in the valley and on the table lands surrounding, producing good crops by scientific methods of dry farming. Forty per cent of the land in the district is under cultivation. But to the minds of the settlers the fact has been apparent for man}' years that eventually where practicable the country should be, and must be irrigated to produce the best possible agricultural results. A few irrigation ditches were run from Lodgepole creek and more
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASK \
satisfactory results obtained by a direct flow of water from the creek than by dry farming methods, but confronting" the fanners was the necessity of conserving the large amount of flood and waste waters of Lodgepole creek in a huge reservoir that would impound sufficient water to irrigate all of the land and hold it in readiness to be turned upon the soil whenever it might be needed. Enough water went to waste annually in flood times and during the eight months of each year when it could not be used for direct irrigation, to irrigate the land twice over, and the sight of this waste stirred the people to action.
A natural reservoir site was at hand lying across Lodgepole creek, scarcely half a mile distant from the west end of the land to be irrigated. This reservoir is now completed and has a capacity of 7,200 acre-feet of water, which supplementing average rainfall, is sufficient to water the 7,200 acres of land embraced in the Kimball Irrigation District. It is estimated by many irrigation experts that one acre foot of water is sufficient to irrigate one acre of land, but the Kimball project is not dependent upon this calculation because it is the first and only reservoir filling on the creek and its water appropriation entitles it to approximately 9.000 acre-feet of water during the year, which can be obtained by refilling from the stream as the water is used during the growing season.
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It is estimated by many irrigation experts that one acre foot of water is sufficient to irrigate one acre of land, but the Kimball project is not dependent upon this calculation because it is the first and only reservoir filling on the creek and its water appropriation entitles it to approximately 9.000 acre-feet of water during the year, which can be obtained by refilling from the stream as the water is used during the growing season. The Oliver Reservoir is the name given this huge storage basin. The extreme height across the channel of the creek is fifty feet, and the entire distance across the channel, which is three hundred feet, is driven with sheet piling down to bedrock or hardpan. The inside slope of the dam is faced with five inches of reinforced concrete with two and one-half feet of concrete opening. The conduit or outlet works is also built of concrete reinforced with steel bars. A rocky ledge on the south side of the reservoir furnishes a natural spillway of ample capacity to take care of the situation in the event the reservoir should be filled to overflowing, providing the necessary outlet for this surplus so that none of this water can go over the dam.
A second reservoir site is owned by the district, which is located on the same creek six miles west of the < diver Reservoir. It has been surveyed and estimates of construction cost made, so that construction can begin whenever the people of the district so desire and more land is petitioned to be included within the irrigation district.
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A rocky ledge on the south side of the reservoir furnishes a natural spillway of ample capacity to take care of the situation in the event the reservoir should be filled to overflowing, providing the necessary outlet for this surplus so that none of this water can go over the dam.
A second reservoir site is owned by the district, which is located on the same creek six miles west of the < diver Reservoir. It has been surveyed and estimates of construction cost made, so that construction can begin whenever the people of the district so desire and more land is petitioned to be included within the irrigation district.
This reservoir when completed will have a capacity of 3,400 acre-feet, which makes a grand total of approximately 11,000 ai res of land that can be ultimately irrigated from these two reservoirs. The rainfall during the growing season, which has been of such great benefit to the Kimball section in the 'past, will be a big help to the irrigation system, as irrigation can be carried on with a smaller quantity of water than would otherwise be required.
As previously stated, an important feature of the Kimball project is the close proximity of the storage reservoir to the land which it is intended to irrigate. The outlet canal is only one-half mile long, and at the point where it reaches the land of the district, divisii n gates are located. At this point two main canals branch off. One is known as the South canal and is flumed across the creek and winds for a distance of twenty miles in an easterly direction to a point seven and one-half miles east of the town of Kimball.
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As previously stated, an important feature of the Kimball project is the close proximity of the storage reservoir to the land which it is intended to irrigate. The outlet canal is only one-half mile long, and at the point where it reaches the land of the district, divisii n gates are located. At this point two main canals branch off. One is known as the South canal and is flumed across the creek and winds for a distance of twenty miles in an easterly direction to a point seven and one-half miles east of the town of Kimball.
The second canal called the North canal, runs along the north side of the U. P. railroad for a short distance and then runs in a northeasterly direction for a distance of fourteen miles to a point two and one-half miles north of Kimball.
These two main canals cover the entire acreage embraced in the district. The town of Kimball is practically surrounded by the district, and no tract of land is more than three miles from a loading station on the U. P. railroad. Within the district there are three loading stations on the railroad, with two additional stations outside the district, one five miles and the other two and onehalf miles distant from the boundaries. This is especially advantageous for the raising of heavy tonnage crops such as potatoes, sugar beets and alfalfa.
The organization of the Kimball Irrigation District was consummated on November 6, 1909. at an election of land owners in the district who were qualified voters. There was not one dissenting vote at this election. Their organization wa- brought about through the efforts of four local residents and business men of the town of Kimball. I. S. Walker, who is now president of the district, is also secretary of the Pioneer I. an.
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This is especially advantageous for the raising of heavy tonnage crops such as potatoes, sugar beets and alfalfa.
The organization of the Kimball Irrigation District was consummated on November 6, 1909. at an election of land owners in the district who were qualified voters. There was not one dissenting vote at this election. Their organization wa- brought about through the efforts of four local residents and business men of the town of Kimball. I. S. Walker, who is now president of the district, is also secretary of the Pioneer I. an. I Company and one of the large land owners of the district.
The Kimball Irrigation District organization was really started by local parties who had tiled an appropriation for a Storage project \pril 15. PHIS. ( )n lulv 12. 1909, a petl-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
tion signed by twenty-four land owners was presented to the board of county commissioners of Kimball county, praying for the organization of an irrigation district, and on October 9, the board approved the petition and called an election for November 6. On November 15. 1909, the commissioners met as a canvassing board, and finding an unanimous vote in favor of the district, declared it duly organized. On April 9, 1910, bonds in the sum of $250,000 were voted for the construction of the project. These were issued under date of July 1, 1911. They were sold during 1911, the purchasers being mostly local men.
When the Kimball Irrigation District formation was attempted in August, 1909, the petition was signed by Irving Walker, Will Davies, C. A. Eorsling, Henry Vogler, Fred Morgon, Thos. Wilkinson, Chas. Dillon, A. H. Amos, G. S. Brady, J. Pedrett, H. A. Clarke, L. H. Lilly, John Ewbank, John Tynell, M. F. Lemon, Jno. Alexander. P. L. Maers, Thos. Wilkinson.
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These were issued under date of July 1, 1911. They were sold during 1911, the purchasers being mostly local men.
When the Kimball Irrigation District formation was attempted in August, 1909, the petition was signed by Irving Walker, Will Davies, C. A. Eorsling, Henry Vogler, Fred Morgon, Thos. Wilkinson, Chas. Dillon, A. H. Amos, G. S. Brady, J. Pedrett, H. A. Clarke, L. H. Lilly, John Ewbank, John Tynell, M. F. Lemon, Jno. Alexander. P. L. Maers, Thos. Wilkinson. H. C. Amos, Mrs. Annie Dolon, P. Maginnis, H. F. Carpenter, J. T. Jefferson, B. Burke.
Among the pioneer spirits who assisted materially in upbuilding this project was P. Maginnis, owner and patentee of the celebrated Maginnis steel flume, which is extensively used through the irrigation districts of the world. These flumes are used in construction on work of the Kimball district. The home factory was originally at Kimball, and the people of this town pointed with pride to this factory as an industry of which any large city in the country might be proud. In recent years it has been moved to Denver by a company which purchased Maginnis's patent and interests.
C. A. Forsling, a local real estate dealer and large land-owner, who is president of the Pioneer Land Company, is on the board. F. F. Lemon, a retired sheep-raiser and ranchman, is also a director of the district. He is an expert on irrigation projects, having been a resident of the Greeley, Colorado, district for more than thirty years. The preliminary survey for the district was made in 1905 by H. O. Smith, who at that time was deputy state engineer of the state of Nebraska, and the first estimates were made by him for Messrs. W. Walker, Maginnis and Forsling, Mr. Lemon not being a resident of the county at that time.
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He is an expert on irrigation projects, having been a resident of the Greeley, Colorado, district for more than thirty years. The preliminary survey for the district was made in 1905 by H. O. Smith, who at that time was deputy state engineer of the state of Nebraska, and the first estimates were made by him for Messrs. W. Walker, Maginnis and Forsling, Mr. Lemon not being a resident of the county at that time. April 14, 1908, Messrs. WTalker and Maginnis were granted an appropriation from Lodgepole Creek for 20,000 acre-feet for storage purposes. In the summer of 1908, Messrs. Walker, Maginnis,
Forsling and Lemon entered into an agreement to employ engineers to make a permanent survey of the lands to be included in the Kimball district and to run the surveys for two main line canals covering approximately 8,000 acres.
In October of 1908, these engineers located and surveyed the Oliver Reservoir. Messrs. Baker and Thompson, two prominent engineers of Greeley, were the men who made these surveys and estimates of cost, Mr. E. E. Baker, senior member of the firm, making the report showing the feasibility of the project. While the surveys were under way the promoters communicated with the best irrigation contractors in Colorado, the state where irrigation is carried on extensively, and at the same time employed the well known legal firm of Hayt, Dawson and Wright, of Denver, to organize the district.
The contract was let to Atchison and Dailey of Fort Morgan, August 14, 1910, and by December 1, 1911, the entire work was practically completed, a few details only remained. The cost of construction was $235,000, or approximately $33.00 an acre. No irrigation project was ever completed in such short time, and the promoters point with pride to the fact that the cost was approximately the same as the original estimate, and also to the fact that net one dollar was absorbed for promotion nor in commission to any bond-selling concern for placing the bonds.
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The contract was let to Atchison and Dailey of Fort Morgan, August 14, 1910, and by December 1, 1911, the entire work was practically completed, a few details only remained. The cost of construction was $235,000, or approximately $33.00 an acre. No irrigation project was ever completed in such short time, and the promoters point with pride to the fact that the cost was approximately the same as the original estimate, and also to the fact that net one dollar was absorbed for promotion nor in commission to any bond-selling concern for placing the bonds. Patriotism and local pride alone constructed the Kimball Irrigation District project. Before June 1, 1911, $200,000 in bonds had been subscribed. Of this sum $75,- 000 was taken by Kimball people and the remaining $125,000 by persons interested in the district. The first furrow was turned on the dam June 8, and on November 8, five months later, the headgates were shut clown preliminary to filling the reservoir for the 1912 supply of water. Ninety-seven per cent of the construction work was complete at that time.
In the construction of the system fourteen steel flumes were used. These cost $35,500 in place. The largest flume is 1100 feet long and has a maximum height of fifty-six feet. The financial condition is A-l. There are no unpaid interest coupons, all semi-annual interest on bonds has been promptly paid since issued. Very few registered warrants on general fund, said warrants taken at par by the banks. Cost of maintenance for 1914, sixty cents per acre; for 1915, sixty cents per acre, and for 1916, seventy-five cents per
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These cost $35,500 in place. The largest flume is 1100 feet long and has a maximum height of fifty-six feet. The financial condition is A-l. There are no unpaid interest coupons, all semi-annual interest on bonds has been promptly paid since issued. Very few registered warrants on general fund, said warrants taken at par by the banks. Cost of maintenance for 1914, sixty cents per acre; for 1915, sixty cents per acre, and for 1916, seventy-five cents per
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
acre. Part of this year's maintenance went into construction of new steel flumes, therefore this cost has not increased. Each annual levy for interest on bonds is $2.25 per acre, making the total levy for 1916, $3.00 per acre.
Ninety-five per cent of all lands in this district are in cultivation and crops this vear (1920) and all this land is irrigated. The crops consist of sugar beets, potatoes, cabbage, alfalfa, native hay, wheat, oats, barley, spelts and corn. In 1921 II. Walker is president and F. E. Reader, secretary of this district.
Lodgepole Irrigation Company The Lodgepole Irrigation Company was organized in November, 1913. with $250,000
capital stock. The announced intention of this company upon its organization being to put the Bennett Live Stuck Company's range, overtake all fertile acres into irrigation and divide into eighty-acre tracts for sale to settlers. This range was then composed of approximately 5,000 acres of land. It was figured that this project would allow more than one-hundred new families to come into Kimball county and settle.
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Lodgepole Irrigation Company The Lodgepole Irrigation Company was organized in November, 1913. with $250,000
capital stock. The announced intention of this company upon its organization being to put the Bennett Live Stuck Company's range, overtake all fertile acres into irrigation and divide into eighty-acre tracts for sale to settlers. This range was then composed of approximately 5,000 acres of land. It was figured that this project would allow more than one-hundred new families to come into Kimball county and settle.
The principal places of business were named as Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Kimball, Nebraska. The officers were H. M. Bennett, Pitt Covert, J. A. Whiting. The work on the clam was started Aery shortly after, by the Owens Construction Company of Denver. By 1919 something like 20,000 acres had been put into irrigation.
TRANSPORTATION-- HIGHWAYS
When Kimball count}- was first claimed from the boundless prairie and cattle range by the early ranchers and homesteaders, the sole paths of travel lay along the U. P. R. R. roadbed and the trails of the hunter, trapper, trader, or home-seeking tourist bound westward. Except for these defined trails, the access to the Indian trail, the domain of Kimball county was unmarked, unfenced, unclaimed and undefined. The progress of the county to its present high state of development in this, or in other lines, is fairly well measured by the evolution of its transportation and highway facilities whose first entrance for proper facilities beyond the original trails and the tourist was of course the arrival of the U. P. "Trans-continental Railroad." This long preceded the establishment of Kimball county as a separate entity and the first twenty years cf railroad history of this community belongs to that period when it was part of the mother country, Cheyenne.
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The progress of the county to its present high state of development in this, or in other lines, is fairly well measured by the evolution of its transportation and highway facilities whose first entrance for proper facilities beyond the original trails and the tourist was of course the arrival of the U. P. "Trans-continental Railroad." This long preceded the establishment of Kimball county as a separate entity and the first twenty years cf railroad history of this community belongs to that period when it was part of the mother country, Cheyenne.
But inasmuch as the only railroad line which enters within the borders of Kimball county is the great Union Pacific, and considering the importance of the railroad to the community, it's only fitting that enough space be allotted at this point to devote some attention to the organization and building of
tin-- wonderful system. What this meant to Kimball county can be fully impressed upon the minds of any citizen or friend of this county, or any reader of this work by a moment's reflection upon what cost, loss, ami inconvenience the counties without a railroad have undergone.
The interesting story of the inception and consummation of the dreams of the "Transcontinental" rail-builders who gave this wonderful system to the great west, can best be distinguished in the words of one who played a leading part in the scenes of those days.
Ox the P. I'. Trail
Major-General Grenville M. Dodge, chief engineer of the Union Pacific railway from 1866 to 1870, the period of its most active construction, has narrated the story of "How we built the Union Pacific Railway" in such form that it consumes forty printed pages, so that the portion of it quoted hereafter will form but a small part of his narrative :
1200
The interesting story of the inception and consummation of the dreams of the "Transcontinental" rail-builders who gave this wonderful system to the great west, can best be distinguished in the words of one who played a leading part in the scenes of those days.
Ox the P. I'. Trail
Major-General Grenville M. Dodge, chief engineer of the Union Pacific railway from 1866 to 1870, the period of its most active construction, has narrated the story of "How we built the Union Pacific Railway" in such form that it consumes forty printed pages, so that the portion of it quoted hereafter will form but a small part of his narrative :
"In 1836 the first public meeting to con sider the project of a Pacific railway was called by John Plumbe, a civil engineer of Dubuque, Iowa. Interest in a Pacific rail way increased from thi~ time. The explora-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
tions of Fremont in 1842 and 1846 brought the attention of Congress, and A. C. Whitney was zealous and efficient in the cause from 1840 to 1850. The first practical measure was Senator Salmon P. Chase's bill, making an appropriation for the explorations of different routes for a Pacific railway in 1853. Numerous bills were introduced in Congress between 1852 and 1860, granting subsidies and lands, and some of them appropriating as large a sum as $96,000,000 for the construction of the road. One of these bills passed one of the houses of Congress.
"The route was made by the buffalo, next used by the Indians, then by the fur traders, next by the Mormons, and then by the overland immigration to California and Oregon. It was known as the Great Platte Valley Route. On this trail, or close to it, was built the Union and Central Pacific railroads to California, and the Oregon Short Line branch of the Union Pacific to Oregon.
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One of these bills passed one of the houses of Congress.
"The route was made by the buffalo, next used by the Indians, then by the fur traders, next by the Mormons, and then by the overland immigration to California and Oregon. It was known as the Great Platte Valley Route. On this trail, or close to it, was built the Union and Central Pacific railroads to California, and the Oregon Short Line branch of the Union Pacific to Oregon.
"In 18d2 Henry Farnum and Thomas C. Durant were building the Mississippi and Missouri railroad, a line westward across the state of Iowa as an extension of the Chicago and Rock Island, then terminating at Rock Island, Illinois. They desired to "end that line at the Missouri river, where the Pacific railroad, following the continent forty-second parallel of latitude, would commence. Under the direction of Peter A. Dey, who had been a division engineer of the Rock Island and was chief engineer of the M. & M. in Iowa, I made the first survey across the state of Iowa, and the first reconnoissances and surveys on the Union Pacific for the purpose of determining where the one would end and the ether commence, on the Missouri river. I crossed the Missouri river in the fall of 1853 and made our explorations west of the Platte Yallev and up it far enough to determine that it would be the route of the Pacific road."
General Dodge speaks of the Platte Valley, "then the chief thoroughfare for all the Mormon, California, and Oregon overland immigration."
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Dey, who had been a division engineer of the Rock Island and was chief engineer of the M. & M. in Iowa, I made the first survey across the state of Iowa, and the first reconnoissances and surveys on the Union Pacific for the purpose of determining where the one would end and the ether commence, on the Missouri river. I crossed the Missouri river in the fall of 1853 and made our explorations west of the Platte Yallev and up it far enough to determine that it would be the route of the Pacific road."
General Dodge speaks of the Platte Valley, "then the chief thoroughfare for all the Mormon, California, and Oregon overland immigration."
General Dodge's relation of the events occurring in the next few years had an importance upon the future of Kimball county that it is almost impossible to estimate, even as one looks back upon it from the viewpoint of fifty to fifty-five years later. For had be failed to locate the Union Pacific railroad where it eventually did run, much of the history of Kimball county would have been essentially different and the bulk of Kimball
county's history probably would have been much less.
"The times were such," he says, "that the work on the M. & M. railway was suspended for some years. Meanwhile I located at Council Bluffs, continuing the explorations under the directions of Messrs. Farnum and Durant and obtaining from voyagers, immigrants, and others all the information I could in regard to the country farther west. There was keen competition at that time for the control of the vast immigration crossing the plains, and Kansas City, Fort Leavenworth (then the government post), St. Joseph and Council Bluffs were points of concentration on the Missouri. The trails from all points converged in the Platte valley at or near old Fort Kearney, following its waters to the South Pass.
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Farnum and Durant and obtaining from voyagers, immigrants, and others all the information I could in regard to the country farther west. There was keen competition at that time for the control of the vast immigration crossing the plains, and Kansas City, Fort Leavenworth (then the government post), St. Joseph and Council Bluffs were points of concentration on the Missouri. The trails from all points converged in the Platte valley at or near old Fort Kearney, following its waters to the South Pass. A portion of the Kansas City immigration followed the valley of the Arkansas west, and thence through New Mexico. The great bulk of the immigration was finally concentrated at Council Bluffs as the best crossing of the Missouri river. From my explorations and the information I had obtained with the aid of the Mormons and others, I mapped and made an itinerary of a line from Council Bluffs through to Utah, California and Oregon, giving the camping places for each night, and showing where wood, water and fords of the streams could be found. Distributed broadcast by the local interests of this route the map and itinerary had no small influence in turning the mass of overland immigration to Council Bluffs, where it crossed the Missouri and took the great Platte valley route. This route was up that valley to its fork to Salt Lake and California by way of the Humboldt, and to Oregon by the way of the Snake and Columbia rivers. This is today the route of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific to California and the LTnion Pacific to Oregon.
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Distributed broadcast by the local interests of this route the map and itinerary had no small influence in turning the mass of overland immigration to Council Bluffs, where it crossed the Missouri and took the great Platte valley route. This route was up that valley to its fork to Salt Lake and California by way of the Humboldt, and to Oregon by the way of the Snake and Columbia rivers. This is today the route of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific to California and the LTnion Pacific to Oregon.
"In 1854, when Nebraska was organized, we moved to its frontier, continuing the explorations under the patronage of Messrs. Farnum and Durant. and obtaining all valuable information, which was used to concentrate the influence of the different railways east and west of Chicago to the support of the forty-second parallel line."
General Dodge then continues:
"In 1861 we discontinued- the railroad work because of the Civil War. The passage of the bill of 1862, which made the building of a transcontinental railroad possible, was due primarily to the persistent ef-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
forts of Hon. Samuel R. Curtis, a representative in Congress from Iowa, who reported the bill before entering the Union service in 1861. It was then taken up by Hon. James Harlan, of Iowa, who succeeded in obtaining its passage in March. 1862."
In commenting upon how this road obtained its name, General Dodge narrates that various lines proposed had received the names of the "North Route," "Buffalo Trail," "South Route," but that in 1858 a bill was fostered that gave out the name "Union Pacific." One of the arguments advanced for the bill that eventually passed was that the route proposed would tend to hold the people of the Pacific coast in the Union. He adds :
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In commenting upon how this road obtained its name, General Dodge narrates that various lines proposed had received the names of the "North Route," "Buffalo Trail," "South Route," but that in 1858 a bill was fostered that gave out the name "Union Pacific." One of the arguments advanced for the bill that eventually passed was that the route proposed would tend to hold the people of the Pacific coast in the Union. He adds :
"Lincoln advocated its passage and building, not only as a military necessity, but as a means of holding the Pacific Coast to the Union. This bill became a law in 1862, and there is no doubt but what the sentiment that the building of the railroad would hold the Union together gave it the name of the Union Pacific."
He continues :
"In May, 1866. I resigned from the army, came to Omaha and took charge of the work as chief engineer, and covered the line with engineering parties from Omaha to California, and pushed our location up the Platte valley. In 1866 we built 260 miles.
"In the winter of 1866 we planned to build the next 288 miles to Fort Sanders. As cur work had to be clone under the protection of the military, I was continually in communication with General Sherman. Although he had expressed the belief that our proposition of building so far in 1867 would be almost a miracle, yet during the year 1867 we reached the summit cf the Black Hills and finishing at Cheyenne where the population of nearly 10.000 gathered around us."
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"In the winter of 1866 we planned to build the next 288 miles to Fort Sanders. As cur work had to be clone under the protection of the military, I was continually in communication with General Sherman. Although he had expressed the belief that our proposition of building so far in 1867 would be almost a miracle, yet during the year 1867 we reached the summit cf the Black Hills and finishing at Cheyenne where the population of nearly 10.000 gathered around us."
Most of the touches of interest in early railroad incidences affecting Kimball locality have been mentioned by Grandma Lynch and in personal references and sketches of various Kimball county pioneers, who in former years were in the service of some department of the Union Pacific.
This takes the Union Pacific on beyond Kimball county.
State Highway Work From the provisions and aopropriations made by the Nebraska State legislature in 1917. and the wonderful increased appreciation of the necessity of uniform, permanent highway construction that swept over the
state in the following biennium came forth the gigantic appropriations and program of the 1919 legislatures and the federal aid providing approximately $10,000,000 for the construction of some 4,200 miles of state highways mapped out by the state engini er. The Kirrlball-Harrisburg project of 19.85 miles secured a very early place on the lists of projects as No. 16, in the state, far ahead of the Harrisburg-Scottsbluff project, which became No. 69. In January. 1921, the Kimball-Harrisburg project, extended to 26.7 miles, was 98 per cent completed.
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state in the following biennium came forth the gigantic appropriations and program of the 1919 legislatures and the federal aid providing approximately $10,000,000 for the construction of some 4,200 miles of state highways mapped out by the state engini er. The Kirrlball-Harrisburg project of 19.85 miles secured a very early place on the lists of projects as No. 16, in the state, far ahead of the Harrisburg-Scottsbluff project, which became No. 69. In January. 1921, the Kimball-Harrisburg project, extended to 26.7 miles, was 98 per cent completed.
The Bayard-Broadwater and Broadwater- Oshkosh projects. Numbers 79a and 82, being 93 per cent and 90 per cent completed, were other projects in the western part of the state to come near the Kimball-H arrisburg line in point of completion.
The Lincoln I [ighway The Lincoln Highway, the first trans-continental highway to be projected across the United States from the Atlantic to the Pacific, traverses the entire length of Kimball county. When this association was in the process of active organization in 1913, Kimball took seventeen certificates of membership to help pay the expenses of this venture. Copyrighted markers were erected to point out the course of this highway. These were twenty-one inches high. They had a red strip three inches in width, a white band fifteen inches wide, and a blue strip three inches in width. The ccntribtuors in 1913 were: ]. W. Ewbank. Chas, Anderson, F. M. Wooldridge, C. W. Richards. C. L. Alden. L. H. Lilly, George Yogler, Bank of Kimball, I). C. Mockett, J. L. Jones. C. E. Lockwood, Hubbard & Nugent, F. E. Reader, Gus Linn, B. K. Bushee. V. I'.. Car-ill. Sam Hanna. Will Young, 1. A. Tracy, [saac Roush, E. T- Dillon, P. Maginnis, I. S. Walker, Hans Nelson. Fred Morgan, F. M. Whitman, Mrs. A.
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The ccntribtuors in 1913 were: ]. W. Ewbank. Chas, Anderson, F. M. Wooldridge, C. W. Richards. C. L. Alden. L. H. Lilly, George Yogler, Bank of Kimball, I). C. Mockett, J. L. Jones. C. E. Lockwood, Hubbard & Nugent, F. E. Reader, Gus Linn, B. K. Bushee. V. I'.. Car-ill. Sam Hanna. Will Young, 1. A. Tracy, [saac Roush, E. T- Dillon, P. Maginnis, I. S. Walker, Hans Nelson. Fred Morgan, F. M. Whitman, Mrs. A. L. Fort.
Highways
The greatest step ahead since the arrival and improvement of the railroad has been the arrival of the automobile and the consequent improvement of highways, so rapidly fostered by the use of the motor car. It has only been within the past twelve war- that the automobile lias come in common use. The rapidity of its prestige and multiplication looking backward eight years we find that in 1913, according to the records, there were thirty-two autos in Kimball c< unty, of which there were ten Fords, four Buicks,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
four Reo and two E. M. F. Of the remaining eleven there were as many different makes. Following- is the list with the name of owner:
Edwin Pierce, Buick ; Wm. E. Pile, Brush ; John Filer, E. M. F. ; B. A. Lathrop, Stoddard-Dayton ; John Simmones, Franklin ; A. J. Hull, Maxwell; C. T. Dillon, Reo; Geo. Ernst, Overland; Frank Goodwin, Chalmers-Detroit; F. M. Woolridge, Buick; W. B. Cooper, Ford; Hans Peterson, Ford; E. J. Dillon, Ford; Wm. Ballard, Ford; H. C. Erwin, Ford ; F. O. Baker, Ford ; J. A. Erwin, Ford ; Mr. Holladay, Ford ; Mr. Van Pelt, Ford; B. K. Bushee, Reo; W. D. Atkins, Buick; A. H. Amos, Ford; W. J. Davies, Studebaker; Hubbard & Nugent, Buick; C. E. Lockwood, Reo; J.
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T. Dillon, Reo; Geo. Ernst, Overland; Frank Goodwin, Chalmers-Detroit; F. M. Woolridge, Buick; W. B. Cooper, Ford; Hans Peterson, Ford; E. J. Dillon, Ford; Wm. Ballard, Ford; H. C. Erwin, Ford ; F. O. Baker, Ford ; J. A. Erwin, Ford ; Mr. Holladay, Ford ; Mr. Van Pelt, Ford; B. K. Bushee, Reo; W. D. Atkins, Buick; A. H. Amos, Ford; W. J. Davies, Studebaker; Hubbard & Nugent, Buick; C. E. Lockwood, Reo; J. Ewbank, E. M. F.; Ira Lee, Reo; G. Linn, Velie ; P. Maginnis, Rambler ; W. T. Young, Jr., Cadillac; J. Claussen, International.
The Modern Highway
Dr. S. M. Johnson of Washington, D. C, official spokesman for the Motor Convoy, was in Kimball at that time. Being unable to give a lecture in the interests of Federal highways in Kimball, the following was given the Observer by Dr. Johnson:
"The war experience has showed more than ever before that the motor vehicle was a boon to humanity. Civilization progressed just as facilities for transportation were provided. The spread of civilization and the productiveness of the commonwealths have followed where transportation showed the way.
"In the earlier times it was the waterways and the wagonways. Since the invention of the locomotive it has been the railway. In the era in which we now enter the motor vehicle on the modern highway will be the main factor in the development of communities and national advancement. When we first built the railway we first provided the roadbed, then bought our rolling stock and then put it in commission. Now we have reversed the order. We have purchased our rolling stock, a costly and delicately constructed mechanism, and put it into commission before we have a roadbed suitable for its use.
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In the era in which we now enter the motor vehicle on the modern highway will be the main factor in the development of communities and national advancement. When we first built the railway we first provided the roadbed, then bought our rolling stock and then put it in commission. Now we have reversed the order. We have purchased our rolling stock, a costly and delicately constructed mechanism, and put it into commission before we have a roadbed suitable for its use.
"The result is a drain upon the financial resources which no community in the United States, or the country as a whole, is rich enough to stand.
"It costs twice as much to operate a motor vehicle upon an improper roadbed as upon a suitable one. This cost may be figured in
gasoline, tires, repairs, deterioration, and one's time and energy.
"When these costs are figured it is apparent that the outlay under present conditions is far in excess to proper roadbed.
"We have a war debt and must economize. Furthermore, half of the human family goes to bed hungry every night and millions starved during the war. This being true, preventable waste becomes a sin against humanity. We are conducting a national drive for better roads. We have agreed that the next big job, now that we have completed the job over there, is to provide proper roadbeds throughout the United States over which we may operate the motCT vehicle. Our growth of transportation of men and goods, the contrast in the items of time, comfort and convenience between transportation by steam ar railway trains, by buggy or wagon, became so great that necessity required a substitute. Science has provided a substitute so well adapted to the purpose that today one-third of the people of the United States have resorted to the use of the passenger car, while I am informed that even in the newest part of the country where agriculture has taken its most rapid strides within the past five years and where from Ogallala to Kimball I have been surprised at the magic growth of new towns and cities of the most modern type.
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Science has provided a substitute so well adapted to the purpose that today one-third of the people of the United States have resorted to the use of the passenger car, while I am informed that even in the newest part of the country where agriculture has taken its most rapid strides within the past five years and where from Ogallala to Kimball I have been surprised at the magic growth of new towns and cities of the most modern type. I understand that there are fifty loads of wheat moved by motor truck to one load by the old-time method.
"I have come from Washington to Kimball, and everywhere, at cross roads, villages and cities I have been impressed with the number of autos parked and filled with cheering people who have hailed us as the harbinger of the better day, but nowhere, even at the country cross roads or in the cities, have I seen old Dobbin parked. The fact that needs to be impressed today is that the entire human family is going to resort to the motor vehicle as rapidly as these can be manufactured, the means provided for their purchase, proper roadbeds constructed for their operation, and skill developed for the operation and upkeep. We are conducting a national drive for these purposes."
The Motor convoy which consisted of a large number of powerful motor trucks and other motor equipment was sent across the United States in August, 1919, for joint purposes demonstrating the progress already made in those lines of experimenting and exploring possibilities of future improvement and testing the highway systems of the country came through Kimball.
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The fact that needs to be impressed today is that the entire human family is going to resort to the motor vehicle as rapidly as these can be manufactured, the means provided for their purchase, proper roadbeds constructed for their operation, and skill developed for the operation and upkeep. We are conducting a national drive for these purposes."
The Motor convoy which consisted of a large number of powerful motor trucks and other motor equipment was sent across the United States in August, 1919, for joint purposes demonstrating the progress already made in those lines of experimenting and exploring possibilities of future improvement and testing the highway systems of the country came through Kimball.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
THE COMMUNITY OF KIMBALL
An examination of the census figures shows that practically one-third of the population of Kimball county lives in the town of Kimball, the county seat and metropolis of the county. Another good sized percentage lives near and belong to the trading community of Kimball. Here we find centered not only the seat of county government, but the industrial, commercial, educational, social and religious activities and energies of the county, so that a fairly complete treatment of these various activities of the life of the county can best be reached by devoting a chapter division to the city of Kimball. ^
ANTELOPEVILLE
In 1885 this little community had a population of about one hundred. One of the first numbers of the Kimball Observer gave the following data concerning this community which is now instructive as well as interesting. "Some of our most prominent citizens have made their homes here and have been holding responsible positions with the railroad company. The location of the town is on a gentle slope, some hills being to the south. One hundred acres are already planted.
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In 1885 this little community had a population of about one hundred. One of the first numbers of the Kimball Observer gave the following data concerning this community which is now instructive as well as interesting. "Some of our most prominent citizens have made their homes here and have been holding responsible positions with the railroad company. The location of the town is on a gentle slope, some hills being to the south. One hundred acres are already planted. Forty acres by Mr. J. T. Clarkscti of Sidney, forty acres by A. Burg, of Antelopeville on the south side of the track, and twenty acres on the north side of the track planted by the Bay State Live Stock Company. Mr. A. Burg, who is mentioned in the preceding sentence, is now a well-to-do retired citizen of Grand Island. Antelopeville already has a good school building with school ten months of the year. It has a good Union Sunday school with a splendid library at its command through the efforts of G. W. Simpson of Boston. Rev. E. Mount is now pastor of the M. E. church."
J. T. Clarkson owned the land that part of the town site is formed from and has large interests adjoining the new town. A. Burg laid out part of the town. F. W. Schaffer has been east projecting a line of lumber. Theo. Menges is a leading land agent and locater. Others have been Jones, Fleharty, Root and Robertson. Mr. Wolf keeps a restaurant. J. J. Kinney has a horse ranch three miles west of town. J. J. Mcintosh has a ranch near town. T. 11. Gridlv and
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Clarkson owned the land that part of the town site is formed from and has large interests adjoining the new town. A. Burg laid out part of the town. F. W. Schaffer has been east projecting a line of lumber. Theo. Menges is a leading land agent and locater. Others have been Jones, Fleharty, Root and Robertson. Mr. Wolf keeps a restaurant. J. J. Kinney has a horse ranch three miles west of town. J. J. Mcintosh has a ranch near town. T. 11. Gridlv and
Jas. Lynch have large gardens. J. H. Coghlin runs a railroad eating house. Peter Roolman has a extensive line for brick kiln.
Including the rapidity with which the development of this region when it once started, attention was called to the fact that eight hundred timber culture entries were made in Cheyenne county in the season of 1885, and five hundred homesteads taken in the same time.
The name, Antelopeville, was changed because it conflicted with Antelope postoffice and the new town was named Kimball after General Manager Kimball of the Union Pacific railroad.
Kimball, formerly Antelopeville, had a newspaper from the very start. The Nebraska Observer started May 1, 1885, by C. H. Randall, editor and publisher. A. M. Randall was manager in 1885. C. H. Randall in recent years became a member of the national congress from California, being the . first and only Prohibitionist congressman ever elected, as a member of that partv.
The name of the Nebraska Observer was changed to the Kimball Observer after the change of the name of the town. This paper was published in 1887, by Beard & Riddle and later by A. B. Beard, who sold it to G. L. Carlyle, who in about another decade later turned in to R. D. Wilson, and its present active and efficient publisher.
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Randall in recent years became a member of the national congress from California, being the . first and only Prohibitionist congressman ever elected, as a member of that partv.
The name of the Nebraska Observer was changed to the Kimball Observer after the change of the name of the town. This paper was published in 1887, by Beard & Riddle and later by A. B. Beard, who sold it to G. L. Carlyle, who in about another decade later turned in to R. D. Wilson, and its present active and efficient publisher. V. B. Cargill, has been in charge of this enterprise for almost another decade.
Very seldom is it possible to find a newspaper that has been so consistently and carefully managed through a period of thirtylive years as has the Observer.
Busi ness Directory
i 88i :
Other business people in Kimball as early as 1886, were Randall & Company, conducting the main store. N. E. Gassman. groceries, drugs, feed and llour. Schaffer P.ms., in dry goods, clothing, groceries, hardware, lumber, hats, and boot-.
Teliol & Marel & Company, dry ^>"d>. and Stanley Bros., wholesale and retail groceries of Cheyenne were advertising in the Observer in 1886.
( )ther business people in Kimball were L F. Crain, drugs; A. M. Treat, lumber; I.. I.. Feltham, attorney at law; C. C. Clewitt. contractor; I>. I. Sullivan, contractor;
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
P. Magihnis, blacksmith shop; Jas. Lynch, meat market ; Minnie Shirley, millinery ; Miss M. Marston, millinery; J. McAllister, barber; L. K. Markley, physician; Geo. W. Beard, Hotel Martha'; C. C. Clewett, contractor; N. E. Gassman, groceries; Jas. M. Bearse, postmaster and drug store ; S. N. Paulson, shoes; L. A. Ballenger, livery stable; Bank of Kimball, real estate and insurance ; S. Wooldridge, groceries ; C. F.
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I. Sullivan, contractor;
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
P. Magihnis, blacksmith shop; Jas. Lynch, meat market ; Minnie Shirley, millinery ; Miss M. Marston, millinery; J. McAllister, barber; L. K. Markley, physician; Geo. W. Beard, Hotel Martha'; C. C. Clewett, contractor; N. E. Gassman, groceries; Jas. M. Bearse, postmaster and drug store ; S. N. Paulson, shoes; L. A. Ballenger, livery stable; Bank of Kimball, real estate and insurance ; S. Wooldridge, groceries ; C. F. Robertson & Company, and McPherson, Jensen & Company, hardwares.
Business Changes, 1900-1907 In 1900, Bushee & Vogler were the leading merchants, the Shaefer stock continued from 1887 until 1907 when Will J. Davies
cian ; Beyers & Strohan, restaurant; Kimball Meat Market; Walker & Forsling, real estate ; Kimball Drug Store, F. M. Morgan and E. M. Prouty : Will J. Davies, general merchandise stock at old Schaefer store ; C. A. Forsling, livery barn ; P. Maginnis, blacksmith and foundry work ; Cunningham Realty Co.; F. M. Whitman, proprietor of the Whitman House; L. H. Lilly, livery stable, running the stage from Kimball to Harrisburg; Gus Linn, hardware, who built his new building in this year. Foster Lumber Co., with C. E. Steuteville as manager; P. Nelson, coal; H. A. Phelps, dray and express wagcn ; George Holton, dray line in winter and farming in the summer ; William J. Ballard, attorney, who located in Kimball
seye View of Kimball in 1900
purchased it. George F. Wilkinson had the Kimball Pharmacy in 1900. F. H. DeCastro was attorney and Dr. W. L. Carlyle, physician. B. K. Bushee, in 1907, was in the general merchandise business. Other business houses in Kimball in 1907 were P. Schwenck & Co., real estate ; J. S. Brady, general merchant, in business since 1904 ; Kimball Land Co., F.
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Phelps, dray and express wagcn ; George Holton, dray line in winter and farming in the summer ; William J. Ballard, attorney, who located in Kimball
seye View of Kimball in 1900
purchased it. George F. Wilkinson had the Kimball Pharmacy in 1900. F. H. DeCastro was attorney and Dr. W. L. Carlyle, physician. B. K. Bushee, in 1907, was in the general merchandise business. Other business houses in Kimball in 1907 were P. Schwenck & Co., real estate ; J. S. Brady, general merchant, in business since 1904 ; Kimball Land Co., F. E. Reader, resident agent; H. Marshall, then proprietor of Central Hotel; F. M. Wooldridge. who came to Kimball county at an early date and had been in business since 1893, and Mrs. F. M. Wooldridge, with millinery stock. Isaac Roush, besides being postmaster, handled a stock of stationery, news, cigars and confectionery; Godfrey Pearson, barber shop; Bank "of Kimball, with H. A. Clark, J. J. Kinney, president, and A. C. Fonda, cashier, as officers and then having deposits of $115,000, in sharp contrast to the prosperity some twelve years later; Dr. P. C. Mockett physiin 1903; Dr. G. E. Darrow, who came from Omaha about this time, and Dr. J. H. Dullard, and Kimball Grain Company, elevator.
Business Roster, 1919-1920
A comparative roster of business people of Kimball in 1919 and 1920, will serve as a fair barometer of the progress of this enterprising community:
Banks: American State Bank. Bank of Kimball, Citizens State Bank.
Autos : Anderson Hart-Parr Tractor Co.
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Fonda, cashier, as officers and then having deposits of $115,000, in sharp contrast to the prosperity some twelve years later; Dr. P. C. Mockett physiin 1903; Dr. G. E. Darrow, who came from Omaha about this time, and Dr. J. H. Dullard, and Kimball Grain Company, elevator.
Business Roster, 1919-1920
A comparative roster of business people of Kimball in 1919 and 1920, will serve as a fair barometer of the progress of this enterprising community:
Banks: American State Bank. Bank of Kimball, Citizens State Bank.
Autos : Anderson Hart-Parr Tractor Co.
Dentists : Dr. L. A. Donahoe, succeeded by Dr. H. R. Alden ; Dr. Paul Greusel, Dr. M. Markley.
Medical Doctors : Drs. Moss & Bonnell, Dr. E. F. Noonan. Dr. E. L. Rolph, Dr. P. C. Mockett. Dr. J. R. Carter.
Attorneys-at-Law: W. J. Ballard, Rodman & Rodman, Higgins & Torgeson.
Stores: Seaman's Furniture Store, Hazzard Furniture Co., John Bevington, Bruce
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Perrine & Son, W. J. Davies, general store; Eichenberger & Graves, general store ; J. M. Grubs, succeeding Daylight Department Store; Gus Linn, hardware; J. H. Louthan, Maginnis Hardware, Farmers Cash Store, Kimball Clothing Co.
Drug Stores : Morgan's Drug Store ; Rexall Drug Store.
Lincoln Highway Garage, C. E. Lockwood, "The Land Man"; Lodgepcle Land Company, Mutual Oil Company, National Refining Co., Nebraska Telephone Co., Observer Printing Office, Prairie Oil & Gas Co., Richards & Kennemer, Securitv Land
Farmers Co-operative Association. Gibson Motor and Tractor Co., Highland Live Stock Co., Kimball Mill «!v Elevator Co., Kimball County High School, Kimball Irrigation District, Kimball Irrigation District Reservoir, Kimball Bakery and Cafe, Kimball Clothing Co., H. Linn Plumbing Shop, G. E. Ketch Transfer Co., Kimball Steam Laundry, T. E. Darling, electric contractor ; J. J. Fiegenschuh, veterinary; Bonham Eirothers, licensed embalmers and undertakers; Wallin Bros., well drillers: Western Nebraska Observer, office supplies ; E.
1219
Lockwood, "The Land Man"; Lodgepcle Land Company, Mutual Oil Company, National Refining Co., Nebraska Telephone Co., Observer Printing Office, Prairie Oil & Gas Co., Richards & Kennemer, Securitv Land
Farmers Co-operative Association. Gibson Motor and Tractor Co., Highland Live Stock Co., Kimball Mill «!v Elevator Co., Kimball County High School, Kimball Irrigation District, Kimball Irrigation District Reservoir, Kimball Bakery and Cafe, Kimball Clothing Co., H. Linn Plumbing Shop, G. E. Ketch Transfer Co., Kimball Steam Laundry, T. E. Darling, electric contractor ; J. J. Fiegenschuh, veterinary; Bonham Eirothers, licensed embalmers and undertakers; Wallin Bros., well drillers: Western Nebraska Observer, office supplies ; E. M. Prouty, justice of the peace.
& Loan Co., Smith Land Co., Standard Oil Co., Whitcomb Bros & Champlin.
Hotels: Wheat-growers Llotel, Hotel Brown, Hotel Murray.
Auctioneers: Earl C. Waxham, Col. R. R. Sandridge.
Contractors: Wm. Bartlett & Son, D. Leslie & Brothers.
Barber Shops : The Palace Barbar Shop, Lincoln Highway.
Creamery Stations: Kimball Creamery, S. Sorenson, proprietor.
Lumber Company : Irwin Lumber Co., Farmers Lumber Co., Foster Lumber Co.
Meat Markets: Waggoner's Market, City Meat Market.
Bullock's Vulcanizing Plant, Carter Land Company, V. B. Cargill, editor Observer :
Civic Activities
Kimball has, like every other town in it~ early history, made spasmodic spurts towards maintaining a commercial or community club but in recent years built up a very active and creditable organization, the Kimball Club. In 1917 its officers were: Guv Graves. W. T. Young, Ceo. Vogler, Herbert Linn. K. W. Hunter, V. 1'.. Cargill
1220
Meat Markets: Waggoner's Market, City Meat Market.
Bullock's Vulcanizing Plant, Carter Land Company, V. B. Cargill, editor Observer :
Civic Activities
Kimball has, like every other town in it~ early history, made spasmodic spurts towards maintaining a commercial or community club but in recent years built up a very active and creditable organization, the Kimball Club. In 1917 its officers were: Guv Graves. W. T. Young, Ceo. Vogler, Herbert Linn. K. W. Hunter, V. 1'.. Cargill
In 1918 this club occupied a new building erected at the cost of $16,000. I ts officers were: I. S. Walker, Geo. Vogler, Will Davies, W. S. Rodman. V. 1!. Cargill.
Its 25x70-fect. two-story building has the club rooms located on the second floor and very creditably furnished.
The successor of the Kimball Club is the Lions Club, the present commercial club of
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the city. Its 1921 officers are. J. A. Gibson, president; B. K. Bushee, vice president; J. R. Tritt, treasurer, and C. M. Ott, secre tary. This organization holds Monday noon luncheons where the members gather to discuss the problems of the community, and undertakes whatever tasks come up in the lines of its functions.
The Bank of Kimball Very seldom is a town the size of Kimball as conveniently equipped with banks as the tcwn of Kimball. The oldest of these. The Bank of Kimball, was started in 1886 by the Bickels. In 1907 H. A. Clarke of Columbus undertook the banking business. A. C. Fonber, 1915. B. K. Bushee was president and Wm. Rodman, cashier. W. S. Rodman was vice president. W. J. Davis and Benjamin Levinski were stockholders. Later the Rodmans left this bank and started the American State Bank, of which W. S. Rodman is president, Wm. Rodman, cashier, and C. A. Larson, assistant.
1221
The Bank of Kimball, was started in 1886 by the Bickels. In 1907 H. A. Clarke of Columbus undertook the banking business. A. C. Fonber, 1915. B. K. Bushee was president and Wm. Rodman, cashier. W. S. Rodman was vice president. W. J. Davis and Benjamin Levinski were stockholders. Later the Rodmans left this bank and started the American State Bank, of which W. S. Rodman is president, Wm. Rodman, cashier, and C. A. Larson, assistant. The other directors in the American State Bank besides the Rodmans were: P. Maginnis, Hugh Irwin and Oscar Olson.
The Citizens State Bank occupies a new home, the front of which is Roman brick with massive pillars of Bedford stone on each side of the entrance. The floors were mosaic tile. Inside the woodwork and fix-
Residexce of
da was his cashier. J. J. Kinney remained connected with the bank. In 1909 was another change in the management of the bank, Gus Linn being placed as president, Harry Vogler as cashier, and Geo. Vogler, as assistant.
In 1917 Gus L. Vogler became cashier. The directors are now Gus Linn, president ; Geo. L. Vogler, cashier; John Filer, Dr. P. C. Mockett, Vernon Linn. This bank is now housed in a room with magnificent fixtures. It has an especially equipped ladies' rest room, private telephone booths, two waiting rooms equipped with large desk, chairs, and settee. A private consultation room, safe deposits vaults with 250 boxes. The bookkeeping room is away from the banking room. All of the fixtures and furniture are of black walnut and marble.
1222
The directors are now Gus Linn, president ; Geo. L. Vogler, cashier; John Filer, Dr. P. C. Mockett, Vernon Linn. This bank is now housed in a room with magnificent fixtures. It has an especially equipped ladies' rest room, private telephone booths, two waiting rooms equipped with large desk, chairs, and settee. A private consultation room, safe deposits vaults with 250 boxes. The bookkeeping room is away from the banking room. All of the fixtures and furniture are of black walnut and marble.
The Citizens State Bank started in Octotures are black walnut and walls are Alabama marble to the height of fifty-four inches, with plaster and stucco above this. It has skylights and all of the other fixtures are of black walnut and marble. The American State Bank has likewise equipped itself with similarly splendid furnished room on the corner formerly occupied by the Kimball Hotel.
Kimball County Bar Kimball had an early influx of lawyers, coincident with the settlement of this territory. In the eighties came George Mover, and then James W. Davis, C. F. Robertson and I. I. Kinney. F. H. DeCastro came about 1906, and W. J. Ballard about 1907. D. Regione practiced here commencing about this period. Ballard. Regione and Kinney were the enrolled Kimball County
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Bar in 1910. James A. Rodman and his brother, Roland V. Rodman, entered practice at Kimball in recent years. Attorney A. O. Torgeson came to Kimball some three or four years ago and in 1920 he was joined by Attorney R. M. Higgins of Omaha. So Kimball county now has a splendid bar, of both older and younger legal lights. James A. Rodman is making a legislative record in the sessions of 1919 and 1921, and in the constitutional convention of 1920, that follows creditably upon the long legislative record of B.
1223
Rodman, entered practice at Kimball in recent years. Attorney A. O. Torgeson came to Kimball some three or four years ago and in 1920 he was joined by Attorney R. M. Higgins of Omaha. So Kimball county now has a splendid bar, of both older and younger legal lights. James A. Rodman is making a legislative record in the sessions of 1919 and 1921, and in the constitutional convention of 1920, that follows creditably upon the long legislative record of B. K. Bushee, as member of house of representatives in 1909 and 1911, and senator in 1913, 1915, 1917, 1919 and 1921, in
by S. R. Carlyle and B. K. Bushee in 1907.
Isaac Brush was clerk in the early nineties and I. S. Walker in the later nineties.
From 1903 to 1907 the members oi the town board were: W. D. Atkins, Isaac Roush, Gus Linn, L. W. Bickel, F. J. Belli iws.
In 1904: W. D. Atkins, J. S. Brady, Gus Linn. S. Carlvle, Henry Vogler, L. W. Bickel.
In 1905: S. L. Carlyle, J. S. Brady, Gus Linn, B. K. Bushee, Peter Nelson, Henry Vogler. L. W. Bickel.
In 1906: B. K. Bushee, P. Maginnis,
rmEtm
giving Kimball county an important voice in moulding Nebraska legislation.
City Government
Kimball was incorporated shortly after its change to that name about 1888. Its officers about 1890 were: L. R. Markley, L. E. Shaefer, J. M. Bearse, P. Maginnis, G. F. Hark, Isaac Roush, clerk; X. ( ). Calkins, treasurer; J. W. David, attorney; Henry Phillips, marshall.
1224
K. Bushee, Peter Nelson, Henry Vogler. L. W. Bickel.
In 1906: B. K. Bushee, P. Maginnis,
rmEtm
giving Kimball county an important voice in moulding Nebraska legislation.
City Government
Kimball was incorporated shortly after its change to that name about 1888. Its officers about 1890 were: L. R. Markley, L. E. Shaefer, J. M. Bearse, P. Maginnis, G. F. Hark, Isaac Roush, clerk; X. ( ). Calkins, treasurer; J. W. David, attorney; Henry Phillips, marshall.
The records that would show the officers' directorate for the city from 1891 to 1910 seems to have been misplaced or at least could not be located at the time of this compilation and no complete roster could be prepared for that period. It is known that H. Marshall served as chairman in 1892 and C. A. Schooley in 1893. L. W. Bickel was holding this honor by 1898. F. H. DeCastro was mayor in 1900, W. D. Watkins was also serving in 1903 or 1904 and was succeeded
Peter Nelson. F. W. Whitman, P. Mockett, Henry Vogler, L. W. Bickel.
Beginning with 1910 the officers of the city have been: I. S. Walker, F. Lemon. B. K. Bushee, F. H. Cunningham, D. L. Regione, Geo. Vogler, treasurer; Jas. A. May, clerk.
In 1911: B. K. Bushee, F. F. Reader, Frank Cunningham, Fred Eichenberger, Wm. Young, W. J. Ballard. Geo. Vogler, treasurer; lames May, clerk.
In 1912:" B. A. Lathrop, F. E. Reader, Frank Cunningham. B. 1\. Bushee, Wm. Young. Fred Eichenberger, treasurer; L A. May, clerk.
1225
Beginning with 1910 the officers of the city have been: I. S. Walker, F. Lemon. B. K. Bushee, F. H. Cunningham, D. L. Regione, Geo. Vogler, treasurer; Jas. A. May, clerk.
In 1911: B. K. Bushee, F. F. Reader, Frank Cunningham, Fred Eichenberger, Wm. Young, W. J. Ballard. Geo. Vogler, treasurer; lames May, clerk.
In 1912:" B. A. Lathrop, F. E. Reader, Frank Cunningham. B. 1\. Bushee, Wm. Young. Fred Eichenberger, treasurer; L A. May, clerk.
In 1913: A. B. Beard. F. Reader. Win. Cronin, B. K. Bushee, Wm. Young, J. A. May, clerk.
In 1914: A. B. Heard. 1',. K. Bushee, fohn Filer. Wm. Cronin and Isaac Roush.
1915: G. L. Vogler, R. D. Wilson, F. R. Morgan, Isaac Roush.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
1916: G. L. Vogler, R. D. Wilson, W. S. Rodman, F. R. Morgan and Gus Linn.
1917: G. L. Vogler, R. D. Wilson, F. R. Morgan, Herbert Linn and W. S. Rodman.
1918: Frank Cooper, G. L. Vogler. F. R. Morgan, Gus Linn and Wm. Young.
1919: J. R. Tritt, J. A. Irwin, Wm. Cronin, Gus Linn and Wm. Young.
In 1917 Kimball voted to put in sewers by a vote of 98 to 49. In June, 1918. electric lights bonds were voted upon with a vote of 56 to 17.
At the spring election of 1920, new councilmen chosen were : F. E. Reader, F. J. Eichenberger and Thomas Campbell. For school directors, C. L. Alden and Mrs. O. A. Hedlund were chosen. City Clerk Overton was retained at that post of duty and J. D. Renne made superintendent of the municipal light plant.
1226
In 1917 Kimball voted to put in sewers by a vote of 98 to 49. In June, 1918. electric lights bonds were voted upon with a vote of 56 to 17.
At the spring election of 1920, new councilmen chosen were : F. E. Reader, F. J. Eichenberger and Thomas Campbell. For school directors, C. L. Alden and Mrs. O. A. Hedlund were chosen. City Clerk Overton was retained at that post of duty and J. D. Renne made superintendent of the municipal light plant.
Modern School Near Kimball, Known "Pedktt" School
Kimball county has built up a splendid public school system, which has reached its climax in a splendid, modern county high school, costing around $100,000. The election establishing this county high school was held in 1919 and resulted in 313 votes for, 201 against.
A summary of the status of Kimball county high schools and Kimball schools at the beginning of 1921 was prepared as follows by county superintendent Rachael McElroy :
The present roster on the school boards of Kimball are on the city school : W. S. Rodman, chairman; F. E. Reader, treasurer; Mrs. O. A. Hedlund. secretary; Claude Alden, Gus Linn and Mrs. M. Markley. On the Kimball county high school the present board officers are: W. S. Rodman, chairman; Isaac Roush, treasurer; Rachel McElroy, secretary; E. A. Selover and Ed. A. Bergman.
The teachers for Kimball county high school are : C. P. Beale, superintendent ; Ida Roberts, Elmer O. Bergman, Alta Youngblcod, Edna Bieseking, R. R. Ricker and F. B. Kelly.
1227
Rodman, chairman; F. E. Reader, treasurer; Mrs. O. A. Hedlund. secretary; Claude Alden, Gus Linn and Mrs. M. Markley. On the Kimball county high school the present board officers are: W. S. Rodman, chairman; Isaac Roush, treasurer; Rachel McElroy, secretary; E. A. Selover and Ed. A. Bergman.
The teachers for Kimball county high school are : C. P. Beale, superintendent ; Ida Roberts, Elmer O. Bergman, Alta Youngblcod, Edna Bieseking, R. R. Ricker and F. B. Kelly.
The Kimball grade school teachers are : Eva King, principal; Mrs. Irvin Littrell, Helen Binning, Edith Rhoads, Sarah Leckey, Dorothy Groves, Alice Andrews, Neva Tritt, Mary Wright, Martha Lecky, Hazel Parks, Frances Lovett, Gladys Beale, Trena Haugen, Ruth Moore and Maude Drake.
The superintendent of the schools prior to the present superintendent's position was filled by L. A. Eastman.
Churchks
The Methodist Episcopal church of Kimball is the pioneer religious institution of this county. Its start began with the first settlement of the community in 1885. A flourishing Union Sunday school was being led by C. F. Robertson as superintendent. C. C. Clewett was choir leader and Rev. E. Mount was pastor in charge. In 1886 Rev. T. H. Dry was pastor,. Mrs. Theo. Menges was superintendent of the Sunday school. In 1888 E. J. Robinson was pastor and O. B. Tanneyhill was leading the Sundav school. In 1890 Rev. W. H. Bancock was pastor. Rev. J. P. Bradley assisted this charge about this same time and in 1892 Rev. W. H. D. Hornaday entered upon a pastorate which lasted for several years. In 1898 Rev. Benjamin Hornaday was in charge, and was succeeded by Russell Link, who served as pastor of this flock until the arrival of Rev. R. Randolf. In 1906 N. G. Medlin came and after him, Rev. E. J.
1228
In 1890 Rev. W. H. Bancock was pastor. Rev. J. P. Bradley assisted this charge about this same time and in 1892 Rev. W. H. D. Hornaday entered upon a pastorate which lasted for several years. In 1898 Rev. Benjamin Hornaday was in charge, and was succeeded by Russell Link, who served as pastor of this flock until the arrival of Rev. R. Randolf. In 1906 N. G. Medlin came and after him, Rev. E. J. Hayes served. His successor was Rev. E. Markley who served about three years and was followed by Rev. Nathan English. In 1916 Rev. P. H. Smith. came to these people and he was followed by the present pastor, Rev. W. H. Wright, who was appointed in 1920 to a third year of service.
The Presbyterian church of Kimball has been served for the past few years by Rev. Thomas K. Hunter and Rev. 6. O. St. John presiding when Rev. Wresley M. Hyde, Jr., Mas the pastor of this flock. The following account of the ordination of Rev. St. John and the organization of the Union Presbyterian church of Dix will illustrate the close co-operation of the Presbyterian church of this part of the state.
Called from the farm to the pulpit, Mr. O. O. St. John of the south table was ordained a minister of the gospel in the Kim-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ball Presbyterian church in the presence of a large and appreciative audience and a number of the ministers of the Box Butte Presbytery.
1229
John and the organization of the Union Presbyterian church of Dix will illustrate the close co-operation of the Presbyterian church of this part of the state.
Called from the farm to the pulpit, Mr. O. O. St. John of the south table was ordained a minister of the gospel in the Kim-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ball Presbyterian church in the presence of a large and appreciative audience and a number of the ministers of the Box Butte Presbytery.
Rev. D. W. Montgomery, pastor evangelist of Alliance, moderated the session and conducted the ordination; Rev. Geo. F. Mc- Dougal of Bridgeport preached the sermon; Rev. W. I. Eby of Broadwater charged the candidate, and" Rev. Theo. Hagerman of Dalton charged the people.
Rev. St. John will preach every Sabbath evening in Kimball and every other Sabbath morning at St. John's Chapel, lie is
of the Dix community it would be the wish of the people that the Rev. Thomas K. Hunter preach for them for a time in a wholly undenominational way, and that the session of the Kimball church would permit their pastor to give Sabbath afternoons to preaching at Dix, regular services at Dix would lie arranged. After a canvass of the Dix community their representatives, Mrs. Emma Williams and Airs. Rena Peterson, arranged with Dr. Hunter to preach regularly on Sabbath afternoons in the village schoolhouse north of the Union Pacific railroad. This plan was entered into May 20. 1918.
will known to our readers and will no doubt be a success in his new calling. No higher recommendation is needed in any calling than the one accorded Mr. St. John Thursday evening. The Union Presryterian Church of Dix
1230
After a canvass of the Dix community their representatives, Mrs. Emma Williams and Airs. Rena Peterson, arranged with Dr. Hunter to preach regularly on Sabbath afternoons in the village schoolhouse north of the Union Pacific railroad. This plan was entered into May 20. 1918.
will known to our readers and will no doubt be a success in his new calling. No higher recommendation is needed in any calling than the one accorded Mr. St. John Thursday evening. The Union Presryterian Church of Dix
On Wednesday, May 15, 1918, Mrs. Emma Williams, Mrs. Alice Bellmore and Mrs. Mary Wrendt, called on the pastor of the Presbyterian church in Kimball to arrange for him to preach for the people of Dix'and vicinity, as at that time they had no religious services of any kind and had not had for some time.
It was then agreed that if after a canvass
After the sermon and children's day exercises on Sabbath, June 9th, in the grove at Mr. Williams' residence, the congregation agreed that they would open the way for the organization of a church. The name of the church was to be determined by the vote of the large congregation present. The votes taken resulted in the choice of the Presbyterian church, by about two-thirds the majority of all the votes cast. And the result of this vote was stated to the minister later, who was not present at the time of the meeting at which, without his knowledge, the matter of organization was discussed and determined.
1231
Williams' residence, the congregation agreed that they would open the way for the organization of a church. The name of the church was to be determined by the vote of the large congregation present. The votes taken resulted in the choice of the Presbyterian church, by about two-thirds the majority of all the votes cast. And the result of this vote was stated to the minister later, who was not present at the time of the meeting at which, without his knowledge, the matter of organization was discussed and determined.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The first public announcement looking toward the organization of the church was made on Sabbath, June 30, 1918, a blank petition to the Presbytery of Box Butte for the organizing of a Presbyterian church at Dix, Nebraska, was left for the congregation to circulate and sign.
On Sabbath. July 7, 1918, was returned a petition signed by seme sixty or seventy persons desiring the Presbytery to organize a Presbyterian church at Dix, and after two weeks notice, on Sabbath, July 21. 1918, by the request of the Rev. W. H. Kearns, D.D., superintendent of Home Missions for Synod of Nebraska and of the Home Missions Committee of the Presbytery of Box Butte, the Rev. Thomas K. Hunter, D.D., a member of the Home Mission Committee of said Presbytery, did organize the Union Presbyterian church of Dix, Nebraska
The names of some twenty-three persons were enrolled as charter members of this church, and two elders were elected, A. W. Wilson and Mr. Williams. Also three trustees were elected, Mr. E. Horrum for three years, Mr. K. G. Walker for two years, and Mr. A. J. Mayes for one year.
1232
Kearns, D.D., superintendent of Home Missions for Synod of Nebraska and of the Home Missions Committee of the Presbytery of Box Butte, the Rev. Thomas K. Hunter, D.D., a member of the Home Mission Committee of said Presbytery, did organize the Union Presbyterian church of Dix, Nebraska
The names of some twenty-three persons were enrolled as charter members of this church, and two elders were elected, A. W. Wilson and Mr. Williams. Also three trustees were elected, Mr. E. Horrum for three years, Mr. K. G. Walker for two years, and Mr. A. J. Mayes for one year.
Of this meeting, Mrs. Rosa MacGallogly was secretary, and Rev. Thomas K. Hunter, moderator. ■
The records of the above recorded meeting were lost or mislaid, and to obviate any error the Presbytery of Box Butte in session at Synod, October 1, 1919, commissioned Dr. Hunter to go to Dix and assist the Rev. O. O. St. John to receive the charter members and others into the church, and thus complete the ecclesiastical organization.
Accordingly, on Sabbath, November 23, 1919, the Rev. Thos. K. Hunter in co-operation with the Rev. O. O. St. John, did receive into and enroll the names of the following named persons in the Union Presbyterian church of Dix, Nebraska, and declare the ecclesiastical organization of the church complete. The list of names of members received November 23, 1919, and on the roll at that time, are: Arthur W. Wilson, Ernest Otis Houghtaling, Wm. Elwood Mc- Kinney, Emery J. Horrum. Mrs. Mary Claussen Wendt, Mrs. Annie E. Graham, Mrs. Rosa Mae Gallogly, Mrs. Minnie Alice Bellmore, Miss Neva Leota Shaw, Mrs. Leora Alice W'illson, Mrs. Zula Ruth Houghtaling, Mrs. Ella S. McKinney, Mrs. Foster
1233
John, did receive into and enroll the names of the following named persons in the Union Presbyterian church of Dix, Nebraska, and declare the ecclesiastical organization of the church complete. The list of names of members received November 23, 1919, and on the roll at that time, are: Arthur W. Wilson, Ernest Otis Houghtaling, Wm. Elwood Mc- Kinney, Emery J. Horrum. Mrs. Mary Claussen Wendt, Mrs. Annie E. Graham, Mrs. Rosa Mae Gallogly, Mrs. Minnie Alice Bellmore, Miss Neva Leota Shaw, Mrs. Leora Alice W'illson, Mrs. Zula Ruth Houghtaling, Mrs. Ella S. McKinney, Mrs. Foster
Eleanor Rorrun, Mrs. Naomi Romayne Port. Webster, Miss Grace Mae Graham, Mrs. Nettie B. Starr, Mrs. Zoa Shaw.
The Union Presbyterian church of Dix, Nebraska, was enrolled bv the Presbyterv of Box Butte, April 2. 1919, as partially organized and as incorporated.
As assistant secretaries of Home Missions in the Synod of Nebraska, the Rev. S. H. King and the Rev. B. A. Frye, rendered special services in the congregation of the Dix church, and by their preaching and counsel, aided in confirming the people in carrying forward the work of the Master in this rapidly developing region.
The Rev. O. O. St. John took charge of the Dix church in connection with the St. John's chapel under the direction of the Presbytery and plans for the erection of a house of worship were immediately begun.
In the meantime the Rev. Dr. R. W. Taylor was elected Assistant Synodical Superintendent of Home Missions, and made his headquarters at Scottsbluff. A part of his duty was to assist the Rev. O. 0. St. John in the raising of funds for the building of the church at Dix. Dr. Taylor's efficient and persistent efforts in connection with the pastor and co-operation of a willing and generous people enabled them to dedicate on Sabbath.
1234
In the meantime the Rev. Dr. R. W. Taylor was elected Assistant Synodical Superintendent of Home Missions, and made his headquarters at Scottsbluff. A part of his duty was to assist the Rev. O. 0. St. John in the raising of funds for the building of the church at Dix. Dr. Taylor's efficient and persistent efforts in connection with the pastor and co-operation of a willing and generous people enabled them to dedicate on Sabbath. May 9, 1920, a beautiful and commodious house of worship, worth not less than ten thousand dollars, but secured at a cost of about eight thousand dollars. The dedication sermon was preached and large subscriptions secured before and on the day of dedication by the Rev. Dr. John E. Farmer, and prayer of dedication was offered by the Rev. Dr. Hunter, pastor of the Kimball Presbyterian church, the pastor, Rev. O. O. St. John closing the services with prayer and invoking the divine blessing upon the whole service and enterprise. There were about one hundred and eighty people present at this meeting.
Civ;
iND Spanish War Veterans
Kimball county's settlement started much too late to have any participation as a community in the Civil War, and was too sparsely settled to support a separate company in the Spanish War, but taking the roster of Civil and Spanish War veterans living in Kimball county in 1915. shows the presence of a proportionate number.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
KIMBALL COUNTY-- CIVIL WAR YETERAXI
Name Residence
Amos, A. H Kimball
1235
Civ;
iND Spanish War Veterans
Kimball county's settlement started much too late to have any participation as a community in the Civil War, and was too sparsely settled to support a separate company in the Spanish War, but taking the roster of Civil and Spanish War veterans living in Kimball county in 1915. shows the presence of a proportionate number.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
KIMBALL COUNTY-- CIVIL WAR YETERAXI
Name Residence
Amos, A. H Kimball
Beard. G. W Kimball
Fleming, G. M Kimball
Grubb, D. A Kimball
1 lowland, W. A Kimball
Johnson, M. F Bushnell
Leaning, I. W Kimball
Mooney, J. A Pine Bluffs, W\
Proutv, Capt. H. H Kimball
Rogers. G.W Bushnell
Wirack, II Kimball
Warner, B. F Kimball
Widdoes Kimball
Battery. Yessel
Company
or Regiment
Fr< 'in Stat.- of
Wis.
Ind.
Pa.
111.
111.
Ma
2 Bat.
Iowa
111.
Vt.
Mo.
KIMBALL COUNTY-- SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR; 9
Name Residence
Farnsworth, J. B Kimball
Farrell, T Potter
Gcding, E. E Dix
Harr, F. L Pine Bluffs, Wyo.
Hull, A. T Kimball
Overton. C. A Bushnell
Seyfer. O. W Kimball
Sandridge Kimball
Willis. C. E Kimball
Bat
ery. Vessel
Company
or
Regiment
Fro
m State of
Ind.
Ind.
S. D.
Okla.
P.
Mo.
Kas.
B. L
F. A.
Ind.
Pickett Post No. 221. G. A. R.. was organized very early. Some of the commanders were : C. Schooly as early as 1886, and in the early nineties were B. Deason, I, N. Broyles, H. H. Prouty. Early adjutants were: N. O. Calkins, Jas. Newelt, G. W. Beard.
1236
Willis. C. E Kimball
Bat
ery. Vessel
Company
or
Regiment
Fro
m State of
Ind.
Ind.
S. D.
Okla.
P.
Mo.
Kas.
B. L
F. A.
Ind.
Pickett Post No. 221. G. A. R.. was organized very early. Some of the commanders were : C. Schooly as early as 1886, and in the early nineties were B. Deason, I, N. Broyles, H. H. Prouty. Early adjutants were: N. O. Calkins, Jas. Newelt, G. W. Beard.
Frontier lodge No. 49. Knights of Pythias, was installed August. 1898. with the following charter members: Geo. F. Wilkinson, T. L Bellows, L. W. Bickel, J. Sheahen, C. F. Dillon, E. W. Dillon, C. A. Forsling, F. E. Forsling, H. H. Howe, Ed Doran, L. E. Schafer, J. J. Brady. P. Maginnis, O. C. Phillips, Thos. W ilkinson, E. J. Dillon, John Gharst, Thos. E. Friese. C. L Oldaker. ). M. Fickes, F. M. Woolridge, Geo. M. Hood. F. H. Decastro, E. M. Prouty, S. B. Bassett, C. V. Dick.
Its first officers were: M. M. Proutv, C. C. : Lee, Bickel. V. C. : Geo. F. Wilkinson, prelate; L Gharst. iM. W.: II. H. Howe, M. E.; L. E. Schafer. M. P.: P. Maginnis, M. A.; F. E. Forsling, I. G. : Chas. Dillon, O. G.
Some of the past chancellors were: E. M.
Prouty. S. B. Bassett, D. V. Dick. P. Maginnis.
Some of the presiding officers were: G. F. Wilkinson, John Gharst, I. S. Bradv, O. E. Forsling.
The Masonic order was installed in December. 1914. with the following members: W. J. Davies. Dr. W. K. Mvler. V. B. Cargill, F. R. Morgan, W. S.' Rodman. I. S. Walker, C. W. Richards. F. L Bellows. A. 1',. Morgan, Al Mangan, O. W. Seyfer, I. T. Dean. J. J. Jefferson, C. L. Alden, j.
1237
Dick. P. Maginnis.
Some of the presiding officers were: G. F. Wilkinson, John Gharst, I. S. Bradv, O. E. Forsling.
The Masonic order was installed in December. 1914. with the following members: W. J. Davies. Dr. W. K. Mvler. V. B. Cargill, F. R. Morgan, W. S.' Rodman. I. S. Walker, C. W. Richards. F. L Bellows. A. 1',. Morgan, Al Mangan, O. W. Seyfer, I. T. Dean. J. J. Jefferson, C. L. Alden, j. T. Dean, J. S. Emerson, F. M. Woolridge, Benjamin llearson. Rev. English, I. W. Hook, H. E. Speze, Fred Checo, P. I.. Man-. Rev. Shackleford, Us. Reverly, Geo. Snook, [. II. Runyan, E. Caldwell, E. Wickland, Han Hazzard.
The following were tin- first officers: Will Davies. worthy master : < >. W. Seyfer, senior warden; C. B. Cargill. junior warden: F. R. Morgan, senior deacon; C. VV. Richards, junior deacon: F. Woolridge, secretary.
Ax Unusual Family Record Although Km, ball lodge No. 294, then one
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
of the youngest Masonic lodges in the state, in February. 1917. it recorded an event unusual in Masonic history. In one of its meetings there gathered eight Morgan brothers, all Master Masons, meeting under one roof. It was the first time that they had all been together in years and the first time that they had all attended the same lodge. At Grand Island, in 1907. seven of them had been present, but one brother, Charles, was then living in Los Angeles and could not get there. Fred Morgan had been attempting for several years to secure their presence at one time, but accomplished this for the first time when the local lodge was putting on the fellowcraft degree. The brothers took the various posts as follows, when they
1238
It was the first time that they had all been together in years and the first time that they had all attended the same lodge. At Grand Island, in 1907. seven of them had been present, but one brother, Charles, was then living in Los Angeles and could not get there. Fred Morgan had been attempting for several years to secure their presence at one time, but accomplished this for the first time when the local lodge was putting on the fellowcraft degree. The brothers took the various posts as follows, when they
1904 and its first officers were: Past C. of Honor, Mrs. A. E. Beard; C. of H.. Mrs. 11. Lern; L. of H.. Hattie E. Walker; C. of Cerm., Mrs. Ida Hall; Financier. Mrs. F. H. Briggs; Treasurer and Recorder, Miss A. Woolridge ; I. W., Cora Bartholomew ; O. W., Wr. D. Hall ; S. W., Miss P. Fickes.
Some of the presiding officers and secretaries were : Mrs. Bartholomew, Susie Fickes, Mrs. M. Bickel, Mrs. E. W. Bartholomew, Miss Nellie Kinney, Mrs. P. Maginnis, Mrs. John Sprague.
The local lodge No. 2547 of the Modern Woodmen of America was chartered on November 1, 1894, with the following members: Dowe Buckeman, Harrv J. Bloom, Louis W. Bickel, C. J. Campbell, A. Coch-
Near Kimball
opened the work that evening: Horace Morgan, Clarion, Iowa, W. M. ; George Morgan.^St. Joseph, Mo., S. W.; Charles Morgan, Los Angeles, J. W. ; Jess Morgan, Moberly, Missouri, Sr. Deacon; Ross Morgan, Alma, Nebr., Jr. Deacon ; Walter Morgan, Plains, Montana, Secretary; Fred Morgan, Kimball, Nebr., Treasurer, and Arthur Morgan, Kimball, Tyler.
1239
The local lodge No. 2547 of the Modern Woodmen of America was chartered on November 1, 1894, with the following members: Dowe Buckeman, Harrv J. Bloom, Louis W. Bickel, C. J. Campbell, A. Coch-
Near Kimball
opened the work that evening: Horace Morgan, Clarion, Iowa, W. M. ; George Morgan.^St. Joseph, Mo., S. W.; Charles Morgan, Los Angeles, J. W. ; Jess Morgan, Moberly, Missouri, Sr. Deacon; Ross Morgan, Alma, Nebr., Jr. Deacon ; Walter Morgan, Plains, Montana, Secretary; Fred Morgan, Kimball, Nebr., Treasurer, and Arthur Morgan, Kimball, Tyler.
A. O. U. W. organized 1886 in Sherman, Hall, Kimball counties and has been in existence ever since. Some of the presiding Master Workmen have been : S. Wooldndgje. W. D. Hall. Z. O. Davis, Jacob Pedrett, L. E. Shaefer, J. W. Sheahan. S. L. Carlyle, Henry Vogler, Wm. Crcnin, Ole Pedrett.
Some of the recorders have been: I. S. Walker. H. Vogler, F. J. Bellows.
Some of the clerks have been : B. K Bushee, H. S. Fletcher, C. T. Dillon, and C. W. Richards.
Degree of Honor No. 91 was organized
ran, Clarence A. Forsling, Henry Gotte, John W. Hurley, Geo. Herrick, John J. Kost, Pat Maginnis, j. H. Nettleton, John Richart, L. E. Shaefef, Thos. Sethal'er, Geo. W. Smith, Chas. E. Spear, N. S. White, I. S. W'alker.
Royal Neighbors lodge No. 804 was installed December 20, 1900, with the following members : Rose L. Wooldridge, Daisy E. Johnston, Irving S. Walker, Oscar E. Forsling, Rose Forsling, Geo. Herrick, J. W. Sprague, Ruth Bushee, Conrad Burg, Winnie DeCastro, Geo. F. Wilkinson, Annie L. M. Fletcher, Barney Martin, Clarence A. Forsling, Ida Hall, Jennie Bickel, Hattie E. Walker, Henry S. Fletcher, Frank M. Woolridge, Thomas Setheler, Fred Whitman, Ethel Forsling, Emma Martin, Alice Forsling, Frank Forsling, Lean Whitman, Henry Fletcher, B.
1240
Royal Neighbors lodge No. 804 was installed December 20, 1900, with the following members : Rose L. Wooldridge, Daisy E. Johnston, Irving S. Walker, Oscar E. Forsling, Rose Forsling, Geo. Herrick, J. W. Sprague, Ruth Bushee, Conrad Burg, Winnie DeCastro, Geo. F. Wilkinson, Annie L. M. Fletcher, Barney Martin, Clarence A. Forsling, Ida Hall, Jennie Bickel, Hattie E. Walker, Henry S. Fletcher, Frank M. Woolridge, Thomas Setheler, Fred Whitman, Ethel Forsling, Emma Martin, Alice Forsling, Frank Forsling, Lean Whitman, Henry Fletcher, B. K. Bushee.
Royal Highlanders, Crichtown Castle No. 433, was organized November 24, 1904, with the follc'winsr charter members: Frank
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Whitman. Chas. W. Mairs, Hattie Elder. Lily A. Wilkinson. Josie Welch, Henry II. Howe, Harry A. Felso, Chas. W. Hansen, Mamie Bartholomew, Chas. Sprague, Godfrey T. Pearson, Melrose Wooldridge, Edwin A. Bargman. Anna Gunderson, Anna J. Schaefer, Robt. Gunderson, Chas. Joldaker, Dr. P. C. Mockett.
Truth lodge No. 262 of the carder of Eastern Star was chartered May 12. 1915, with
Old Timers
On January 23, 1915. a gathering i f old timers was held. Besides Dr. Amos, Capt. Prouty were present: Mr. and Mrs. Jack Dolan, Elmer Johnson. A. 11. Amos, John Filer, P. Maginnis, Gus Linn, O. E. Forsling, Alfred Forsling, Irvin Richardson, E. G. Perry, Jake Pedrett, H. E. Parks, J. H. Campbell, Frank Bickel, Art Bickel, Geo.
Resiukxce of Chas. E. J
the following: Mrs. Nellie Alden, Claude L. Alden, Mrs. Kate Bellows, Frank J. Bellows, Mrs. Belle Cargill. V. B. Cargifl, Mrs. Mary M. Caldwell, Evan Caldwell, Mrs. Louise Mvlar, Wilber K. Mylar, Mrs. Rachel McElroy, Mrs. Hazel Mangen, Mrs. Helen I. Rodman. Mrs. Grace 1'.. Rodman. Alary J. Richards. Chas. Richards. Mrs. Esther' Horam, Mrs. Winifred Seyfert. Oscar W. Sevfert. Mrs. Melrose Wooldridge, Miss Helen Woolridge, Frank M. Woolridge, Mrs.
1241
Resiukxce of Chas. E. J
the following: Mrs. Nellie Alden, Claude L. Alden, Mrs. Kate Bellows, Frank J. Bellows, Mrs. Belle Cargill. V. B. Cargifl, Mrs. Mary M. Caldwell, Evan Caldwell, Mrs. Louise Mvlar, Wilber K. Mylar, Mrs. Rachel McElroy, Mrs. Hazel Mangen, Mrs. Helen I. Rodman. Mrs. Grace 1'.. Rodman. Alary J. Richards. Chas. Richards. Mrs. Esther' Horam, Mrs. Winifred Seyfert. Oscar W. Sevfert. Mrs. Melrose Wooldridge, Miss Helen Woolridge, Frank M. Woolridge, Mrs. Anna Linn. Gus Linn, Mrs. Florence I. Lee, Rev F. Lee.
Nugent, Will Nugent. Frank Whitman, Chas. Dillon. Newton Biggs, also Grandma Lynch, Mrs. C. A. Forsling, Marx Ewbank, Mrs I ickes lis. M I ndaffer like Nils n Mark Winn.' Joe Nelson, Capt. I!. II. Prouty, J. T. Jefferson. Jake Thomas, Chet Cronn, Mrs. 11. Golte, Mrs. T< in Wilkenson, Mervin Snyder, Emerson Faden, Fred Garrard, Fred Dillon. Mr-, llavnen, Mr-. Alfred Hansen. Bert Bickel, Albert Larson, Bert Larson, Shirl Vogler, \ ern Linn. Mrs. John Shehan, Ruth Walker. Johnnie Benson, Art Atkins. Herman Reischberg, Alice
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Maginnis, Airs. Fred Morgan, Airs. Art Morgan.
In October, 1917, R. D. Wilson, former publisher of the Nebraska Observer, bought the Banner County News at Harrisburg. Air. Wilson had the Observer when it was
Whitney at the home of his daughter. He came to Kimball in 1898 and lived there twenty years, excepting four years. Two of these were spent in Harrisburg and two near Bushnell. For thirteen years he was proprietor of the Whitney House.
1242
Maginnis, Airs. Fred Morgan, Airs. Art Morgan.
In October, 1917, R. D. Wilson, former publisher of the Nebraska Observer, bought the Banner County News at Harrisburg. Air. Wilson had the Observer when it was
Whitney at the home of his daughter. He came to Kimball in 1898 and lived there twenty years, excepting four years. Two of these were spent in Harrisburg and two near Bushnell. For thirteen years he was proprietor of the Whitney House.
In 1918 Kimball made a decided step in
advance when the new Wheat Growers
otel was opened at a cost of over $15,000.
printed on a Washington hand press and the total editions could be carried to the postoffice on one hand. When he sold it to the present owner, V. B. Cargill. it was one of the best equipped county newspapers in western Nebraska.
June 14, 1917. occurred the death of Captain H. H. Prouty, a unique and important character in the growth and development of Kimball. He was born December 28, 1842, at Brattleboro, Vermont. He went in the Civil War with Company 3, Second regiment, and in the fall of 1874, was promoted to captain of Company D. He came to Kim-
E. E. Gom>
Dix
by Frank Cunningham. This hotel is a really unique venture, for a town of this size. It is one story in height with a full basement, making practically two stories. It has a commodious lobby on the first floor with two rows of guest rooms furnished with running water and very elegant furniture.
1243
He went in the Civil War with Company 3, Second regiment, and in the fall of 1874, was promoted to captain of Company D. He came to Kim-
E. E. Gom>
Dix
by Frank Cunningham. This hotel is a really unique venture, for a town of this size. It is one story in height with a full basement, making practically two stories. It has a commodious lobby on the first floor with two rows of guest rooms furnished with running water and very elegant furniture.
In the basement the dining room is located at one end of the large room, used also
""^3
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ilnif'Plf it_
||5M
'-Vrf
-- .^t jZZ- ,:.
- J
- ■ ' ^'»u(pi
^^v-mmmn*?]
Residence of Petrus Peterson, Dix
ball in 1886 and spent over thirty years of valued service in this community. He was married in May. 1880 to Julia Hurty. who preceded him in death by several years. They had five children: Ed. M., Ella M., Geo. L., Caroline and Julia E.
The year 1917 also saw the death of Fred
for a ball room as well as dining room, with a splendid soda fountain in the front end.
Dix The town of Dix was laid out on the land of Margaret Robertson and was later moved to a point south of the railroad station where it was platted by D. H. Shultz. The original town was laid out by C. T. Robertson and secured its name from Dixon, Illinois, the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
1244
The year 1917 also saw the death of Fred
for a ball room as well as dining room, with a splendid soda fountain in the front end.
Dix The town of Dix was laid out on the land of Margaret Robertson and was later moved to a point south of the railroad station where it was platted by D. H. Shultz. The original town was laid out by C. T. Robertson and secured its name from Dixon, Illinois, the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
former home of Margaret Robertson. The first building" in the town was a store built by Henry Vogler. Fritz Dachtler built the first few houses. Then followed the original store and house of Voglers. Philip Nelson built the next business building. Following Henry Vogler, the proprietorship of the first store passed on to C. H. Randall, and later to Julius Johnson, C. E. Birt, Philip Nelson, and recently has been the Farmers Store.
Later stores were started by Gus Linn who put in a hardware store, the Dix Mercantile Company, by E. E. Goding, and (.thers; the Farmers Union Store by Philip Nelson and others. The present business houses of Dix are the Dix Mercantile, Farmers Union, E. O. Houghtaling, and Guss Linn. In addition the community has the elevators started by the Farmers Shipping Association and the Dix Grain Company,
tw> restaurants, one hotel, Foster Lumber Company, two garages, a meat market, telephone exchange, municipally owned water and light plant, an enterprising newspaper, the Dix Tribune, published by E. K. Goding and L. F. Price, one drug store, one millinery store, Gunderson livery stable, Citizens State Bank, started in 1919, of which George W. Winkleman is president, E. E. Goding, W. R. Ehlers, cashiers. In 1921 the officers of this bank are. W. R. Ehlers, president : E.
1245
tw> restaurants, one hotel, Foster Lumber Company, two garages, a meat market, telephone exchange, municipally owned water and light plant, an enterprising newspaper, the Dix Tribune, published by E. K. Goding and L. F. Price, one drug store, one millinery store, Gunderson livery stable, Citizens State Bank, started in 1919, of which George W. Winkleman is president, E. E. Goding, W. R. Ehlers, cashiers. In 1921 the officers of this bank are. W. R. Ehlers, president : E. E. Goding. vice president, and F. II. Mattocks, cashier.
The Farmers State Bank of Dix, reorganized in 1920, is another substantial financial institution.
Hall and Harms have an auto repairing establishment and Frank Campbell a billiard parlor.
KIMBALL COUNTY IN THE WORLD WAR
A particularly bright star in the crown of any Nebraska county is its record during the great World War, and especially during the participation of our nation, from April 2, 1917, to November 11, 1918, and on until the close of the Victory Liberty Loan.
Nebraska, as a state, made a most brilliant record throughout the great war, and in this record, Kimball county played a consistent and highly creditable part.
Nebraska claims to have had more soldiers and sailors in the service of our country, in proportion to her population, than any other state. Out of the total increment of armed forces of 4,034,743 for the entire United States, Nebraska produced an increment of 49.614. Of these 29,807, or only 60.08, represent inductions under the registrations into the National Army; 14,416, or 29.06%, were enlistments in the army; 4.944, or 9.96%, enlisted in the navy, and 447, or .90%, in the Marine Corps. The per cent of increment in the National Army for Nebraska was only 60.08% against the average for the entire nation of 66.10%, and the enlistments for all other branches of armv
1246
Out of the total increment of armed forces of 4,034,743 for the entire United States, Nebraska produced an increment of 49.614. Of these 29,807, or only 60.08, represent inductions under the registrations into the National Army; 14,416, or 29.06%, were enlistments in the army; 4.944, or 9.96%, enlisted in the navy, and 447, or .90%, in the Marine Corps. The per cent of increment in the National Army for Nebraska was only 60.08% against the average for the entire nation of 66.10%, and the enlistments for all other branches of armv
and naval, and marine service for Nebraska was 39.92%, compared with 33.90 for the entire nation.
Not only in number furnished did Nebraska hold above the national average, but in practically every other feature of securing the men for military service. In the cost per man of inductions into the selective service, Nebraska accomplished the work at a ci si ol $4.90 per man. against the national average of $7.90 per man. In the matter of physical rejections, Nebraska ranked around 6% against the national average of 8.1'.. and only nine states showed a lower average.
Nebraska furthermore claims the record of having subscribed more money per capita for Liberty Bonds and War Savings Stamps, and given more money to the Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., and K. of C. than any other state. She oversubscribed ever) quota from 1% on first liberty loan to 4i>2'; on the Knights of Columbus drive. Nebraska was the first state to go over the top in the War Savings Stamps campaign, and the only one to pass the mark in the first campaign. Later, the system worked out in Nebraska was
1247
Nebraska furthermore claims the record of having subscribed more money per capita for Liberty Bonds and War Savings Stamps, and given more money to the Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., and K. of C. than any other state. She oversubscribed ever) quota from 1% on first liberty loan to 4i>2'; on the Knights of Columbus drive. Nebraska was the first state to go over the top in the War Savings Stamps campaign, and the only one to pass the mark in the first campaign. Later, the system worked out in Nebraska was
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
applied to the entire nation and a second day The first two liberty loans in Kimball
set for every state, except Nebraska, to con- were practically handled by the banks. The
duct the same campaign. banks of Kimball made a record in this respect, inasmuch as this bank and its cus-
Dueing the \\ ar tomers took fifty per cent of all war sub-
Kimball county enrolled 361 registrants scriptions, including liberty loans, Y. M.
on June 5, 1917, and a total of 410 in that C. A., and other war subscription quotas
first registration. In common with every that were allotted to Kimball county, other countv in the state, or community in
the country; June 5. 1917, will stand out as The First Drawing
a red-letter day. Since the foundation of While it was held in Washington, D. C,
the republic, the American people had in- tnis national drawing was a notable event in
1248
on June 5, 1917, and a total of 410 in that C. A., and other war subscription quotas
first registration. In common with every that were allotted to Kimball county, other countv in the state, or community in
the country; June 5. 1917, will stand out as The First Drawing
a red-letter day. Since the foundation of While it was held in Washington, D. C,
the republic, the American people had in- tnis national drawing was a notable event in
herited a deep-seated prejudice against any- tne history of the lives of so many Kimball
thing akin to universal compulsory military countv citizens, that it becomes an incident
service. Then, to ask almost ten millions of jn the history of Kimball countv. Room No.
men to register for military service, between 226, the public hearing room 'of the U. S.
are ages of 21 to 31, reared and educated to Senate Office building, was the scene of the
the idea of absolute freedom from any form nrst drawing. 10,500 numbers were drawn,
of military service, except such as they tne first capsule being taken from the glass
might voluntarily assume, seemed to many bowl at 9:30 a. m., Friday. Julv 20, and the
almost a dangerous risk for the federal gov- iast at 2:16 a. m„ Saturday, July 21. 1917:
ernment to take. But it turned out decisive- elapsed time, sixteen hours, forty-six minly that this tradition was more than offset utes, and during which time the numbers
by a popular will to win the war, and so im- were telegraphed and bulletined all over the
1249
might voluntarily assume, seemed to many bowl at 9:30 a. m., Friday. Julv 20, and the
almost a dangerous risk for the federal gov- iast at 2:16 a. m„ Saturday, July 21. 1917:
ernment to take. But it turned out decisive- elapsed time, sixteen hours, forty-six minly that this tradition was more than offset utes, and during which time the numbers
by a popular will to win the war, and so im- were telegraphed and bulletined all over the
bued were the American people with the de- countrv. The first few numbers drawn
termination to perpetuate their democratic were 258, 2522. 9613. 4532. 10218. 458, 3403.
ideals, and so deeply impressed were they 10015.
with the knowledge that it was not only nee- The only number that affected Kimball
essary to raise an army, but do it quickly, men was 258, drawn by Secretarv Baker,
that the whole nation registered 9,586,508 ]leld by James Albert Rodman. The nine
men on that notable June 5th. . men next following, drawn from the Kim-
The precinct registrars who served on ball countv roster, were. 337, D. W. Washthat notable day were: Antelope, L. S. berg: 275." Alex. Schneidmiller : 126, Alfred Walker and George L. Vogler. Bushnell, W. Hall : 107, Guv Graves : 309. Guv Sharer : F. O. Baker, O. D. Pickett. Dix, J. E. Gal- 43, Clarence E. Crane; 10. T'hos. Adamson : logly, Phillip Nelson. Union, A. B. Beard, HO, Howard Hall ; 18, Donald Becker. Frank Bickel. South Divide, C. L. Alden Those who registered for call to military and F. J. Eichenberger. Johnson, R. D. service on June 5th, 1917, were: Walter Wilson and F. E. Reader. The registration Brown Adair, James Delanev Austin, Fredof 361 on that day was divided between the erick Achziger, Carl August' Anderson. \rprecmcts as follows: Antelope, 152; Bush- thur Earl Atkins, Charles Wilson Avery, nell, 73; Dix. 54; Johnson, 34; South Divide, Charles Clarence Arbuckle, Erick Anderson, 12 and Union, 26.
1250
Alden Those who registered for call to military and F. J. Eichenberger. Johnson, R. D. service on June 5th, 1917, were: Walter Wilson and F. E. Reader. The registration Brown Adair, James Delanev Austin, Fredof 361 on that day was divided between the erick Achziger, Carl August' Anderson. \rprecmcts as follows: Antelope, 152; Bush- thur Earl Atkins, Charles Wilson Avery, nell, 73; Dix. 54; Johnson, 34; South Divide, Charles Clarence Arbuckle, Erick Anderson, 12 and Union, 26. Eugene R. Anderson. Thomas Adamson,
The record of Kimball county during the James Ahlstrom, Wm. F. Apel Arthur E
war as to its contributions to the military Anderson, Acea Aeklee, Ira E. Adams, Jesse
service are shown in the following figures: J. Baxter, Cecil Barnett, Daniel Becker.
Registered on June 5, 1917 . . 410 °liver Bandt. Stanley Beck, Samuel Paul
Registered June and August, 1918 . . 48 Bllrks' °ran Wm- Bybee, Arthur C. Bickel.
Registered September 12, 1918. . . 605 Albert C- Bickel, Ralph F. Brown. Arthur
Harry Bloom. Chas. Lester Bogle, Bert
Total 1 063 Berkshire, Earl Burt, Edgar James Black,
H. C. Bergerhoff, Rav Everett Bessev, Ed-
Actually inducted and accepted at camp, win A. Bergman, Wm. F. Boop, Elmer Otto
108. There were 161 in general service, 4 Bergman. Carl K. Belgun, Ralph Bowers,
remediables. and 28 placed in limited ser- Boyd Frank Badglev, John Frederick Buess.
vice, and only 21 from this county disquali- Peter S. Bourlier, Nathaniel Bernev. A. C.
fied. The record of deferments shows 114 Blodgett, Arthur fames Castle. Tames John
1251
C. Bergerhoff, Rav Everett Bessev, Ed-
Actually inducted and accepted at camp, win A. Bergman, Wm. F. Boop, Elmer Otto
108. There were 161 in general service, 4 Bergman. Carl K. Belgun, Ralph Bowers,
remediables. and 28 placed in limited ser- Boyd Frank Badglev, John Frederick Buess.
vice, and only 21 from this county disquali- Peter S. Bourlier, Nathaniel Bernev. A. C.
fied. The record of deferments shows 114 Blodgett, Arthur fames Castle. Tames John
on ground of dependency. 61 on agricultural Carev. Clarence E. Crane, Tack'son Tippens
and 4 for industrial reasons. Cooper, H. C. Chalker. Roy L. Campbell.
Geo. Schroeder lohn Schroeder Glen V. Osborn Chas. C. Williai
9. Ear! Sizi more
0. Carlson Bros.
1. Chas. Bullock
2. Albert M. Strai }. Arthur Mis""1 4. Robert Maginn
9. ( lai
Carl Dickman 31. Rile) 1 R
'II . I'.. Schwartz , , mh.Ici
34. K.-x Graham .15. I.esli. I '
i BenSOn
1. Alfred Hall
2. Evcntt Huffman
3. A. Earl Irwin
4. A. B. Hubbard
5. Israel Leven-kv p.. Kphraim I.evinsk
9. Flovd Flohrer (died in camp)
10. Geo. Mc 1 unp^ev (killed in action
11. Arthur H. Atkins 1_>. Shirlev II. YogU
13. Ernest Linn
14. Chester Seguine
15. ririch Pedrett
16. Howard Smith
17. Harvev Smith IS. Merle A. P.radv 19. Earl Bicknell 211. Alfred Sequinc
21. Fred Miller
22. Roger Wilson
25. A.J.Fritzler
26. Ernest Parker
27. Leonard E. Smith
28. Geo. Semler
29. Wilbur K. Mvlar
30. T. Gilbert ( Hdaker
31. "Ralph Hill
1252
Flovd Flohrer (died in camp)
10. Geo. Mc 1 unp^ev (killed in action
11. Arthur H. Atkins 1_>. Shirlev II. YogU
13. Ernest Linn
14. Chester Seguine
15. ririch Pedrett
16. Howard Smith
17. Harvev Smith IS. Merle A. P.radv 19. Earl Bicknell 211. Alfred Sequinc
21. Fred Miller
22. Roger Wilson
25. A.J.Fritzler
26. Ernest Parker
27. Leonard E. Smith
28. Geo. Semler
29. Wilbur K. Mvlar
30. T. Gilbert ( Hdaker
31. "Ralph Hill
Noah Stewart T. A. Russell 'Chauncey Crewes Leonard Hook Clarence Hook A. C. Moyer E. W. Hughbanks
10. Thomas Bailiff
11. Fred White U. Beter Bourlier 1.1. Clvde IV Sett
14. A. H. Barrett
15. Harry Shuler
16. Harlan Xecly 1/. Verne Seiuiine IS. Erwin Mansan
20. Clar< i i B Zl. Ray I.athrop 2J. I.vie Curtis
21. G.nra.l Cuii'l'il 24. Thos Will. .in:-
Neel]
I . B, reman ; i . .1 Russell
I ■ ■• 1 ockwood
10 Gei i
,!J. IIui!h li. ii
r.. ikslme
.15. William 5
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
C. C. Cronn. Harvev Caldwell, Jno. Carter, Dick Carlson, A. D. Cook, Earl B. Cass, Oscar Carlson. M. O. Clary, John Loy Cromie, Howard O. Cromie, Gust ChristcdouLon, Jno. C. Clausen, Jr., Frederick W. C. Cubein, John Leonard Carlson, Andrew E. Carter, Mack Collier, Arthur H. Cornelius, Leonard A. Donahue, Ralph Wright Dillon, John W. Delay, Shelby Dennison, George John Dreith, Dillard Earl Dennison, Harold Dankman. Randolph Churchill Davis, Hugh Dean. Josiah L. Disney, Guy Andrew Disney, Arnold E. Dickman, Carl August Dickman, Lester Walter Domena, Walter A. Eden, Edward H. Eden, Max Allen Emerson. Ezra Jacob Ernst, Geo. G. Evertson, Harrison Easier, Wm. Lester Ely, Frank Oliver Evertson, Frederick Melvin Eddv, Wm. Christian Eber, A. J. Fritzler, V. N. Foot, Henry Ludwig Flohr, G. D. Francisco, J. J.
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Donahue, Ralph Wright Dillon, John W. Delay, Shelby Dennison, George John Dreith, Dillard Earl Dennison, Harold Dankman. Randolph Churchill Davis, Hugh Dean. Josiah L. Disney, Guy Andrew Disney, Arnold E. Dickman, Carl August Dickman, Lester Walter Domena, Walter A. Eden, Edward H. Eden, Max Allen Emerson. Ezra Jacob Ernst, Geo. G. Evertson, Harrison Easier, Wm. Lester Ely, Frank Oliver Evertson, Frederick Melvin Eddv, Wm. Christian Eber, A. J. Fritzler, V. N. Foot, Henry Ludwig Flohr, G. D. Francisco, J. J. Fiegenschuh, Geo. Forman, Elmer Forsling, Guy M. Fleming, Paulus Falck, Jess Frank Farmer, Marion Andrew Farmer, John A. Foster, Alfred Foreman. Vest Gabel, Roy Greenfield, Guy Graves, John Howard Grange, Fred R. Grubbs, Edgar Lee Griffith, James Gulzow, Jr., David Golden, W. D. Goodwin, Lee Roy Graham, Clifford Gailey Greenwalt, Clyde Leonard Gannon, Harlen M. Gillespie, Ralph Benjamin Graham, A. Gunderson, Clyde B. Gorman, Thomas James Holt, Merton Eugene Halstead, Edward Hofstetter, A. B. Hubbard, Everette M. Huffman, Alford W. Hall, Edward Hieghbanks, Samuel Heffson, Ignatius Joseph Hilgert, Wm. Jacob Haller, Frank L. Hook, Ross Y. Hutchison, R. E. Holland, W. F. Herman, Earl E. Hickman, Lee Hall, Paul Hoke, Fred Harrison, Leonard Hook, Clarence B! Hook, J. E. Hammond, Howard Hall, Arthur Noble, Emery Jos. Homun, Benjamin F. Heidccff, Glenn L. Hudson, H. E. House, Walter Millard Howell, Nathaniel Bentson Henderson, A. E. Irwin, Joseph D. Imes, Albert Wm. Imes, Clarence Glenn Irby, Clarence A. Johnson, Cecil F. James, Charles M. Johnson, Jens Jensen, Wilmer McKarty Jones, Henry Lee Jones, Ole Jensen, Jas. Chris Jensen, John Robert Johnson, Ichezo Kubdtera, Chester Crockett Kaderli, Geo. E. Ketch, Frederick Kane, Christian F. Krans, Gustalf O. Karlstrum, John Knippel, Conrad Knippel, Geo. Klippel. Raymond C. Kaufmann. Bernard Rich Kelso, Loyal Kyle, Michel James Kennelly, Geo. Albert Kellham, F. K. Lewis, Charley Lorensen, Lloyd L.
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Imes, Albert Wm. Imes, Clarence Glenn Irby, Clarence A. Johnson, Cecil F. James, Charles M. Johnson, Jens Jensen, Wilmer McKarty Jones, Henry Lee Jones, Ole Jensen, Jas. Chris Jensen, John Robert Johnson, Ichezo Kubdtera, Chester Crockett Kaderli, Geo. E. Ketch, Frederick Kane, Christian F. Krans, Gustalf O. Karlstrum, John Knippel, Conrad Knippel, Geo. Klippel. Raymond C. Kaufmann. Bernard Rich Kelso, Loyal Kyle, Michel James Kennelly, Geo. Albert Kellham, F. K. Lewis, Charley Lorensen, Lloyd L. Lock wood, Ray Lathrop, Joe A. Lockwood, Herbert E. Linn, Yernon E. Linn, O. G. Linn, Ernest
Linn, Solomon Peter Linneman, Y. V. Loveland, Albert Lower, Wm. L. Lee, Ernest Ray Long, Earl August Law, Benjamin Martin, Harrison Mack, Wm. Miller, Geo. Mcjinsey, Allen D. McCormick, Arthur F. Maginnis, Robert J. Maginnis, W. R. Mc- Campbell, Frederick Miller, Otto Allen Morris, W. O. Miles, Harry Townsend Mead, Joseph Thomas McGauran, R. Y. Molshee, Rich Guy McClanahan, W. K. Mylar, Frederick Hooker Mattocks, Chas. Louis Montgomery, Frederick Mcrby, A. C. Mover, Lewis Robert McFarland, Geo. W. Morrison, Guy Melonari, Arthur Joseph Manning, Eugene Meredith, Frank Roscoe. Walter Nunn, John Wm. Norris, Chas. Wm. Nelson. Jno. Joseph Newbigging, Nels Christian Nelson, Hans Peter Franklin Nelson, Arthur Mannard Nelson. Nels Johnny Nelson, John Gilbert Oldaker, Royal Chas. Oldaker, Glenn Ban Osborn, O. D. Pickett. Edwin Harrison Prather. Frances W. Pickett, Charlie D. Prime, Bill Pawpanikolan, Wm. B. Peters, Olaf Alexander Petersen, Ralph Adolph Phillips, Ernst Arthur Peterson. Alexander Purchuis, Ulrich Pedrett, Ernst Wesley Parker, Emanuel Harrison Piper, Phil Marten Piper, Joseph Andrew Pease, Delmar Laurence Pickett, Fay Lavern Pyle, Reuben Peterson, Lee James Peterson, Albert Alexandria Petersen, Frederick Peterson. Cloe Walt Petersen, Hans Emiel Petersen. Wm. Robinson. Wm. Roy Reid, Earl Richardson, Geo. Richardson. Ralph Raymond Randcl, Gail Herbert Russell, James Albert Rodman, Chester Arthur Razee. Charles Heese Roberts, Wm.
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Prime, Bill Pawpanikolan, Wm. B. Peters, Olaf Alexander Petersen, Ralph Adolph Phillips, Ernst Arthur Peterson. Alexander Purchuis, Ulrich Pedrett, Ernst Wesley Parker, Emanuel Harrison Piper, Phil Marten Piper, Joseph Andrew Pease, Delmar Laurence Pickett, Fay Lavern Pyle, Reuben Peterson, Lee James Peterson, Albert Alexandria Petersen, Frederick Peterson. Cloe Walt Petersen, Hans Emiel Petersen. Wm. Robinson. Wm. Roy Reid, Earl Richardson, Geo. Richardson. Ralph Raymond Randcl, Gail Herbert Russell, James Albert Rodman, Chester Arthur Razee. Charles Heese Roberts, Wm. Rodman, Arthur Reher, James Allen Russell, Norman James Robinson, Fritz Emil Retke. Wm. Luther Robinson, Alvin Thomas Ratliff, Hugh Ray, Clarence Herbert Ray. Floyd Herbert Richardson. James Irwin Runnels, Herman Wm. Reiseberg, Cedrick Stewart, Paul H. Stewart, Ivan Sample, Alexander Schneidmiller, George Schernerman, Robt. Bradley Shepard, Ernst Jacob Stearley, Vern Seguine, George E. Sandridge, Lewis Schumacher, George Semler, Thurman O. Sandridge. Harry Yern Shuler, Ross Stratton, Verne Thomas Smith. J. S Steele, Chester Arthur Seyuine, Hv. Schuermann, Jno>. Schlegel, C. M. Schieler, Frederick Schott. Charles Douglas Seguine. Thomas Ivan Smith, Wm. J. Speer. Alfred Edward Sequine, Roy Elmer Snyder. Yernon Sullivan, Samuel Robert Smith. Chas. Wm. Smith, Oscar O. Swanberg, Carl ll\. Swanberg, N. N. Stewart, Jens Johan Sorensen, Warren R. Stivers, Guv H. Sharar.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Elic L. Snyder, Gust Sakelares. Charles Southard. Benjamin Harrison Sims, Benjamin Milton Swayze, Edward Saunders, ( )liver Simpson, Albert M. Straub, Worth Story, Glenn F. Scott, J. E. Sumner, Elmer August Seth, George Schroeder, John Roy Schrceder, Harold Eugene Sterner, Hans Schmidt, Arthur E. Torgeson, Lewis J. Tretbar, Ralph E. Truax, Nathan P. Thorn, John Joseph Tworney, Perle James Traer, Elmer Jay Taylor, George Tomlin, Erwin L. Titman. Darwin Chester Tucker, Chris Thompson, S. D. Vogler, Robert Clyde Vogler, George L. Vogler, Lester Vandeventer, Erwin A. Vanwinkle, Geo. Ferdnand Wigelen, Frederick Albert White, O.
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Benjamin Harrison Sims, Benjamin Milton Swayze, Edward Saunders, ( )liver Simpson, Albert M. Straub, Worth Story, Glenn F. Scott, J. E. Sumner, Elmer August Seth, George Schroeder, John Roy Schrceder, Harold Eugene Sterner, Hans Schmidt, Arthur E. Torgeson, Lewis J. Tretbar, Ralph E. Truax, Nathan P. Thorn, John Joseph Tworney, Perle James Traer, Elmer Jay Taylor, George Tomlin, Erwin L. Titman. Darwin Chester Tucker, Chris Thompson, S. D. Vogler, Robert Clyde Vogler, George L. Vogler, Lester Vandeventer, Erwin A. Vanwinkle, Geo. Ferdnand Wigelen, Frederick Albert White, O. W. Whalen, D. W. Wahlberg, Francis Deign Woolri'dge, Alfred T. Wallen, Gustof Herbert Wallen, Chas. Clinton Williams, Tom Carter Wisroth, James Wilson, August N. Young, August Young. Eddie Young. Fred Leonard Carter, Andrew Jensen.
After 2217 of Kimball county's sons registered on June 5th, the next step in the selection of those who should be called into actual military service was undertaken by assigning to each registrant a number, proceeding serially from one upwards, the series being separate and independent for each local board area in the country. Thus each registrant in Kimball county could be identified by citing his Kimball county local board name and his Kimball county serial number. The local board, by which name the selective board for the county has been commonly designated, proceeded to number the cards with red ink numbers, consecutively, without regard to alphabetical arrangement. Five lists were then prepared, one retained for the records of the local board, one copy posted in a conspicuous place in the courthouse, one copy given out for publication by the press, and two remaining copies furnished to the state authorities and the offices of the provost marshal general at Washington. In order then to designate with the utmost impartiality the sequence in which registrants qualified for military service should be called as needed, a single national drawing was held on July 20, 1917, for those who had registered June 5th.
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Five lists were then prepared, one retained for the records of the local board, one copy posted in a conspicuous place in the courthouse, one copy given out for publication by the press, and two remaining copies furnished to the state authorities and the offices of the provost marshal general at Washington. In order then to designate with the utmost impartiality the sequence in which registrants qualified for military service should be called as needed, a single national drawing was held on July 20, 1917, for those who had registered June 5th.
In August, J. A. Rodman was appointed county appeal agent and instructed to examine and appeal certain classes of exemption claims. A girls' Red Cross corps that was working in support of the campaign by August 16th, had raised $267.00. The girls who were particularlv active were: Marian
Heard, Anna Belian, Louise Prouty, Helen Nelson, Lucille Moss, Madonna Mathers, Nadine Lockwood, Lela Forsling, Francis Overton, Lucille Harris, America Rodman, Lorena Belian, Liaza Maginnis, 1 >< ris Fickes, Bernice Kronkright, Nina Mandrell, Margaret Fisher.
Liberty Loan Work
In September, Senator B. K. Bushee made a trip to Omaha to serve on the committee of arrangements for the next liberty loan campaign. About this time County Clerk H. C. Amos accepted the position of cashier of the Citizens State Bank and thus resigned the place on the County Elective Service Board.
In November. 1917. Kimball was assigned a quota of $1,500 for the Y. M. C. A. drive. This county for that work was in the district with Box Butte. Banner, Scotts Blurt. Cheyenne, Morrill. Kimball, Deuel. The work was to begin on November 12th. and on November 9th a meeting was held at Fraternity Hall to organize the campaign. By November 22nd. Kimball had more than doubled its assigned quota.
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Amos accepted the position of cashier of the Citizens State Bank and thus resigned the place on the County Elective Service Board.
In November. 1917. Kimball was assigned a quota of $1,500 for the Y. M. C. A. drive. This county for that work was in the district with Box Butte. Banner, Scotts Blurt. Cheyenne, Morrill. Kimball, Deuel. The work was to begin on November 12th. and on November 9th a meeting was held at Fraternity Hall to organize the campaign. By November 22nd. Kimball had more than doubled its assigned quota. This work was divided between Kimball High School, $200; Grade School, S120; general subscriptions, $2280.50; Philathea Club, $100; Dix, $569.68; Bushnell, $231.75. Total. $3501.93.
Foon Administration
The County Food Administration was formed early in December, 1919, with Will J. Davies as chairman, and assistants were: B. K. Bushee. Rachael McElroy, < >. St. John. P. H. Stewart. E. J. llonem. F. O. Baker, and Attorney J. A. Rodman.
On December 13th. the first Food Administration price was published and shewed that the prices then for the staple commodities should be: Sugar. 1 lb.. 9c; flour, 1 sack, $3.10; corn meal. 1 lb., 6) \c\ bread, loaf, 10c; potatoes, cwt, $2.25: creamer) butter, 53c; fresh eggs per do/., 50c.
Those who served upon the County Council of Defense were: B. K. Bushee, president; John I. Filer, vice president; Y. B. Cargill, secretary; W. T. Young, Gus Linn, O. St. Mm, James Dean. 1. E. Gall gley, and F. ( ). Baker.
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On December 13th. the first Food Administration price was published and shewed that the prices then for the staple commodities should be: Sugar. 1 lb.. 9c; flour, 1 sack, $3.10; corn meal. 1 lb., 6) \c\ bread, loaf, 10c; potatoes, cwt, $2.25: creamer) butter, 53c; fresh eggs per do/., 50c.
Those who served upon the County Council of Defense were: B. K. Bushee, president; John I. Filer, vice president; Y. B. Cargill, secretary; W. T. Young, Gus Linn, O. St. Mm, James Dean. 1. E. Gall gley, and F. ( ). Baker.
The following served on the Legal Advisory Board: Judge F. J. Bellows, James V Rodman, and W. J. Ballard.
For Food Administrator. W. I. Davies w as c< nintv chairman. The Fuel Administrators were: Editor
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
V. B. Cargill, chairman, with F. J. Eichenberger as assistant fuel administrator.
For the Liberty Loans, C. L. Alden was chairman. Publicity Manager, A". B. Cargill.
Red Cross Society chose for its president, Mrs. Bertha Hazhar, and for vice president, Mrs. W. S. Rodman.
Red Cross
By January 3, 1918. the Kimball chapter of the Red Cross had a membership of 1013, exclusive of those who took out life membership before the drive. The result of the recent drive enabled Chairman W. S. Rodman to report for Kimball, 884 members ; for Bushnell, 127, and for Dix, 102.
The financial report showed membership reports, Kimball, $927.00 ; Bushnell, $127.00; Dix, $103.00. Balance of checks, $525.00. Supper. $4.00. Sale of goose, $26.50. or a total of $1,172.75 . In January a war savings meeting held by Harry O. Palmer of Omaha gave this work an enthusiastic launching.
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By January 3, 1918. the Kimball chapter of the Red Cross had a membership of 1013, exclusive of those who took out life membership before the drive. The result of the recent drive enabled Chairman W. S. Rodman to report for Kimball, 884 members ; for Bushnell, 127, and for Dix, 102.
The financial report showed membership reports, Kimball, $927.00 ; Bushnell, $127.00; Dix, $103.00. Balance of checks, $525.00. Supper. $4.00. Sale of goose, $26.50. or a total of $1,172.75 . In January a war savings meeting held by Harry O. Palmer of Omaha gave this work an enthusiastic launching.
Some of our Kimball people were no doubt kicking about high prices cf food products in 1918, long before the prices of 1919 and 1920, but if they only could have experienced the prices that the exchange showed existed in Berlin -- butter, $2.25 per lb ; sugar, 56c ; ham and bacon, $2.11 ; American soap, 5 bars for $1.12 -- they would drop into satisfied silence.
Professor Johnson of Kimball schools resigned to take effect Saturday, January 26, 1918, to enlist in the navy ; though he was not yet twenty-one and not subject to the draft, he had hastened into the service.
By September, 1918, Treasurer George L. Vogler of the Kimball chapter of Red Cross showed a membership of 1,150 which was certainly remarkable for the population of the county. In 1910 the official census showed but 1,942. ' The financial settlement for the chapter in December, 1917, had been- 81.287.93.
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Professor Johnson of Kimball schools resigned to take effect Saturday, January 26, 1918, to enlist in the navy ; though he was not yet twenty-one and not subject to the draft, he had hastened into the service.
By September, 1918, Treasurer George L. Vogler of the Kimball chapter of Red Cross showed a membership of 1,150 which was certainly remarkable for the population of the county. In 1910 the official census showed but 1,942. ' The financial settlement for the chapter in December, 1917, had been- 81.287.93.
The Coal and Fuel Administration had started in mid-winter of 1917 and 1918. The first coal prices officially set for this community were Rock Springs lump, $8.95; Maitland lump, $9.95 per ton ; nut coal, 50c less per ton ; where the customer takes the coal from the car. Deliveries made in town were at draymen's prices above the price set for the coal.
In March, Kimball was announced to have won a second place among the ninetythree counties in the state for having the largest per cent of membership in the Red
Cross in proportion to its population. While it did not win first place it came the next thing to it and the only count}' ahead of it w-as a well-settled eastern county. The table showing membership and per cent in relation to population is as follows :
County Population Per cent
Butler 9,230 72.5
Kimball 1,150 59.2
Grant 649 59.1
Scottsbluff 4,738 56.7
Douglas 94.424 56.0
Dundy 2.131 52.0
Morrill 2,381 51.9
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In March, Kimball was announced to have won a second place among the ninetythree counties in the state for having the largest per cent of membership in the Red
Cross in proportion to its population. While it did not win first place it came the next thing to it and the only count}' ahead of it w-as a well-settled eastern county. The table showing membership and per cent in relation to population is as follows :
County Population Per cent
Butler 9,230 72.5
Kimball 1,150 59.2
Grant 649 59.1
Scottsbluff 4,738 56.7
Douglas 94.424 56.0
Dundy 2.131 52.0
Morrill 2,381 51.9
Cheyenne 2,358 51.8
Dodge 11,171 50.4
Phelps 5.115 48.9
War Savings Stamp Campaign By March 22. 1918. chairman W. S. Redman of the "War Savings Stamp campaign was able to report Kimball had raised her $56,120 share on that day.
It is interesting to know that Nebraska was the first state in the Union to go over the top on the War Savings campaign. The Wrar Savings Stamp scheme had been figured out and placed in charge of one of the leading financiers of the nation, Frank A. Yanderlip, of the National City Bank of New York City. But it remained for a little county out in Nebraska to hit upon the most feasible plan of selling the small thrift stamps and war savings certificates. A group of men in Seward county held a meeting around the holiday season in 1917, shortly after the appointment of count}- chairmen and local committees, to devise ways and means to meet the quota in Seward county, accepted the suggestion of Mr. W. H. Brokaw, now director of the Agricultural Extension Department of the State University and Farm Bureau work. They drew a plan from this idea, to conduct a preliminary campaign of education and follow it with a set date, upon which there would be called a meeting simultaneously, for the same day and hour, in every school district of the count}-, and each district would endeavor to subscribe to its quota then and there.
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A group of men in Seward county held a meeting around the holiday season in 1917, shortly after the appointment of count}- chairmen and local committees, to devise ways and means to meet the quota in Seward county, accepted the suggestion of Mr. W. H. Brokaw, now director of the Agricultural Extension Department of the State University and Farm Bureau work. They drew a plan from this idea, to conduct a preliminary campaign of education and follow it with a set date, upon which there would be called a meeting simultaneously, for the same day and hour, in every school district of the count}-, and each district would endeavor to subscribe to its quota then and there. This plan worked so successfully in Seward count}- in January, 1918. that Seward county's early response to her quota attracted the attention of Ward M. Burgess (of M. E. Smith & Company", Omaha), who had been made state director. Upon inquiry and presentation of this plan to Mr. Burgess, he decided to give it a try-out in the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
state of Nebraska. A state-wide campaign of education was conducted for six weeks. and on March 22, 1918, practically every count}- in the state except Seward, held these meetings and subscribed its (junta, and the state of Nebraska was the first state to go over the top on the War Savings Stamps. The success of the Nebraska plan so attracted the attention of those in charge of the national campaign, that Mr. Burgess was called east to assume charge of its application to the nation and a second date set for the War Savings Stamps campaign, in every state in the Union except Nebraska. In this campaign, as in the others. Kimball county followed the policy of having a large percentage of her quota subscribed ahead of the date and went over easily.
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The success of the Nebraska plan so attracted the attention of those in charge of the national campaign, that Mr. Burgess was called east to assume charge of its application to the nation and a second date set for the War Savings Stamps campaign, in every state in the Union except Nebraska. In this campaign, as in the others. Kimball county followed the policy of having a large percentage of her quota subscribed ahead of the date and went over easily.
The report of March showed that by that time Kimball had gone over her quota by $3,000.
Five Kimball men took the individual limit of S1.000 of all of these bunds. They were W. J. Davies, Dr. P. C. Moffit. W. S. Rodman, P. Maginnis, and Gus Linn.
H. Vogler took $800.00. W. T. Young, $600.00, and some taking $500.00 were, John Ewbank, John 1. Filer. B. K. Bnshee, and C. Oscar Olson.
0. G. Linn was appointed in April to serve as director of War Saving Societies under the direction of Chairman Rodman.
On May 2nd, the sugar company sent S7.000.00 for its third Liberty Loan quota. which had not been expected by the local committee.
1. S. Walker, president of Kimball irrigation district, received this welcome gift from the Great Western Sugar Company at Denver, and explaining that out of their S2.000,- 000 Liberty Loan quota they were crediting $7,000 as the proportion that Kimball production entitled this company to receive.
Red Cross Drive On May 9th, County Chairman C. L. Alden received the Liberty Loan honor flag for the towns of Kimball, Dix and Bushnell, each having exceeded its quota. The total subscriptions of Kimball, exceeding $135.- 000., had far more than met its assigned quota of $97,000. In May, 1918, an organization was formed for the second Red Cross drive, with P.
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Walker, president of Kimball irrigation district, received this welcome gift from the Great Western Sugar Company at Denver, and explaining that out of their S2.000,- 000 Liberty Loan quota they were crediting $7,000 as the proportion that Kimball production entitled this company to receive.
Red Cross Drive On May 9th, County Chairman C. L. Alden received the Liberty Loan honor flag for the towns of Kimball, Dix and Bushnell, each having exceeded its quota. The total subscriptions of Kimball, exceeding $135.- 000., had far more than met its assigned quota of $97,000. In May, 1918, an organization was formed for the second Red Cross drive, with P. Maginnis as chairman, and as his assistants, for Dix, Mrs. Galli glv, chairman, and Mr. Gallogly as cashier for Union Precinct. C. A. Forsling, chairman lor Kimball and South Divide, and W. M. Rodman, cashier. Bushnell and
Johnson precinct--, ( ). I ). Pickett, chairman; R. E. Holmes, cashier.
.Mrs. R. D. Wilson as publicity chairman, secured several full-page advertisements in a special Red Cross edition of the issued May 16th. The advertisements of the Red Cross Fighting Dollars was contributed by the Farmers State Bank of Bushnell. The advertisement shewing how the last war funds were spent was contributed by other Bushnell business houses: Tin- Cash Bargain Store, Bushnell State Bank, O. D. Pickett, Foster Lumber Company, and Western Lumber Company. From Dix two advertisements were financed. "Facts about the American Red Cross," financed by Gunderson & Peterson Garage, Mother Price's Cafe, John Norris Blacksmith Shop, and Frank Campbell's Confectionery.
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The advertisements of the Red Cross Fighting Dollars was contributed by the Farmers State Bank of Bushnell. The advertisement shewing how the last war funds were spent was contributed by other Bushnell business houses: Tin- Cash Bargain Store, Bushnell State Bank, O. D. Pickett, Foster Lumber Company, and Western Lumber Company. From Dix two advertisements were financed. "Facts about the American Red Cross," financed by Gunderson & Peterson Garage, Mother Price's Cafe, John Norris Blacksmith Shop, and Frank Campbell's Confectionery.
"What has your Red Cn ss money done?" was placed by the Farmers State Bank. Foster Lumber Company, and Phil \Telson General Merchandise.
From Kimball the advertisement on "I am afraid this is all 1 can spare." by the county officers: Isaac Roush. treasurer: 1). T. I levman, clerk; Rachael McElroy, superintendent; F. J. Bellows, judge, and < >. K. Forsling, sheriff. Another full-page advertisement by the Farmers Lumber Company, Kennemer & Irwin, Citizens State Bank, Commercial State Bank, Bank of Kimball.
By .May 31st. Kimball was well over on its second Red Cross drive. < >n June 2nd, the Union Pacific took off five trains a day and the public began to notice the effect of the move upon its convenient passenger service. Some of the trains affected were numbers 3, 7. 17. westbound, and numbers 8, 6, 10. eastbound. Number 19 took over the work of number 3. and number 1 that of numbers 7 and 17.
With a Red Cross quota to the two drives and with $2,500, the returns shi w thai Kimball responded with $2,559.15; Dix. $817.75, and Bushnell, $675.60.
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Kimball was well over on its second Red Cross drive. < >n June 2nd, the Union Pacific took off five trains a day and the public began to notice the effect of the move upon its convenient passenger service. Some of the trains affected were numbers 3, 7. 17. westbound, and numbers 8, 6, 10. eastbound. Number 19 took over the work of number 3. and number 1 that of numbers 7 and 17.
With a Red Cross quota to the two drives and with $2,500, the returns shi w thai Kimball responded with $2,559.15; Dix. $817.75, and Bushnell, $675.60.
By July 5th the "Sammy Girls" had raised $504.70.
Fourth Liberty Loan The Fourth Liberty Loan was held September 12. 1918. \t that time 600 citizens of Kimball between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one. and thirtj one and forty-live, stepped up and filled out registration cards and showed themselves ready for the call of the service. Those who handled the work of this registration at the local precincts were: I. S. Walker, !•'. E. Reader, Antelope-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ville; E. J. Horrum, T. E. Gallogv, Dix; O. D. Pickett, F. O. Baker, Bushnell; Robert Pahl, Harold Sterner, South Divide ; O. P. Cromwell, C. E. Bert, Union, and W. W. Chamberlain and Mr. Meredith, Johnson Precinct.
The division of this registration as to precincts was as follows: Antelopeville, 329; Bushnell, 100; Dix, 87; Union, 25; South Divide, 23, and Johnson, 36.
The Count}' Draft Board consisted of Sheriff Forsling, county clerk; H. C. Amos, and Dr. P. C. Mockett.
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Gallogv, Dix; O. D. Pickett, F. O. Baker, Bushnell; Robert Pahl, Harold Sterner, South Divide ; O. P. Cromwell, C. E. Bert, Union, and W. W. Chamberlain and Mr. Meredith, Johnson Precinct.
The division of this registration as to precincts was as follows: Antelopeville, 329; Bushnell, 100; Dix, 87; Union, 25; South Divide, 23, and Johnson, 36.
The Count}' Draft Board consisted of Sheriff Forsling, county clerk; H. C. Amos, and Dr. P. C. Mockett.
While the Armistice arrived at a timely moment that rendered it unnecessary to call upon the men of thirty-one to forty-five, and in Kimball county saved those of eighteen to twenty-one from call, the drawing that determined the order of these 2,760 registrants ranked next in interest to the first drawing in Jul}', 1917.
This third drawing was held in the caucus room of the Senate Office Building. There were 17,000 numbers drawn, the first capsule being taken from the same glass bowl that had been used in the first drawing, at noon, Mondav, September 31st.- and the last at 8 a. m., Tuesday, October 1st, 1918, elapsed time, twenty hours. The first fifteen capsules were drawn by the following government officials, and the numbers drawn, when low enough to affect Kimball, were held by the following Kimball county registrants :
1. President Wilson. No. 322. Arthur B. Morgan, Kimball.
2. Vice President Thomas Marshall, No. 7277.
3. President pro-tempore of Senate. Senator Willard Saulsburv, of Delaware, No. 6708.
4. Speaker Chamo Clark, House of Representatives, Xo. 1027.
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There were 17,000 numbers drawn, the first capsule being taken from the same glass bowl that had been used in the first drawing, at noon, Mondav, September 31st.- and the last at 8 a. m., Tuesday, October 1st, 1918, elapsed time, twenty hours. The first fifteen capsules were drawn by the following government officials, and the numbers drawn, when low enough to affect Kimball, were held by the following Kimball county registrants :
1. President Wilson. No. 322. Arthur B. Morgan, Kimball.
2. Vice President Thomas Marshall, No. 7277.
3. President pro-tempore of Senate. Senator Willard Saulsburv, of Delaware, No. 6708.
4. Speaker Chamo Clark, House of Representatives, Xo. 1027.
5. Secretarv of Navv, Tosephus Daniels, No. 16169.
6. Acting Secretarv of War. Benjamin Crowell, No. 8366.
7. Senator George Chamberlain of Oregon, 5366.
8. Senator Francis E. Warren of Wyoming, No. 1697.
9. Representative Dent of Alabama. No. 7123.
10. Reoresentative Julius Kahn, California, No. 2781.
11. General Pevton C. March. Chief of Staff, U. S. Armv,"9283.
12. Admiral Win. S. Benson. Chief of ( (perations, I'. S. Navy. No. 6147.
13. Lieutenant General Samuel B. M. Young of U. S. Army, retired, 10086.
14. Provost Marshal General Enoch Crowder, 432, Hans Peterson Dix.
15. Col. Charles Warren, Judge Advocate, Army. 904.
The next seven numbers applied to Kimball men were: 20, Fred Strickler; 525. Peter Christensen ; 219, John Randolph Tritt ; 72, Jacob Miles Grubbs; 134, Chas. A. Baker; 4, Ralph E. Holmes; 395, John G. Roberts.
1270
Chief of ( (perations, I'. S. Navy. No. 6147.
13. Lieutenant General Samuel B. M. Young of U. S. Army, retired, 10086.
14. Provost Marshal General Enoch Crowder, 432, Hans Peterson Dix.
15. Col. Charles Warren, Judge Advocate, Army. 904.
The next seven numbers applied to Kimball men were: 20, Fred Strickler; 525. Peter Christensen ; 219, John Randolph Tritt ; 72, Jacob Miles Grubbs; 134, Chas. A. Baker; 4, Ralph E. Holmes; 395, John G. Roberts.
The fourth Liberty Loan campaign came along in October. The quota for Kimball was made $232,500. By October 17th, the county had $100,096 of this in. By October 21st, the county lacked only a little bit of having one hundred per cent. The U. W. W. drive to help the seven joint organizations gave Kimball a quota of $9,000. Bv November 21st. $7,500 of this had been received. On the readjustment that was made in this campaign Kimball's quota was reduced tC' $6,300. Some of the larger subscriptions for this movement were : John Ewbank, Gus Linn, P. Maginnis, W. S. Rodman, John Filer, B. K. Bushee, A. B. Beard. W. F'. Davies.
The Red Cross election showed the officers elected were: Thomas Campbell, F. E. Reader, Mrs. Thomas Campbell, and Airs. Emma Williams.
November 11th, Armistice Day. beyond any doubt the happiest day in the history of Kimball county, was celebrated as no 4th of July was ever celebrated in this locality. Bon-fires, artillery play featured the occasion.
Service Roll, Kimball County -- Registrants of First Registration who Entered Service
1271
Bushee, A. B. Beard. W. F'. Davies.
The Red Cross election showed the officers elected were: Thomas Campbell, F. E. Reader, Mrs. Thomas Campbell, and Airs. Emma Williams.
November 11th, Armistice Day. beyond any doubt the happiest day in the history of Kimball county, was celebrated as no 4th of July was ever celebrated in this locality. Bon-fires, artillery play featured the occasion.
Service Roll, Kimball County -- Registrants of First Registration who Entered Service
Volunteered before turn reached : H. C. Bergerhoff, David Golden, Edgar J. Black, Ralph A. Phillips, Charles M. Johnson, Olaf A. Peterson (navy), Alfred T.'Wallin, Yern Seguine, Ernest A. Linn. Robert J. Maginnis, Gustave H. Wallin, Ray O. Lathrop, Paulus Falck, William B. Peters, Everett M. Huffman (medical department), John G. Oldaker, James D. Austin, Arthur F. Maginnis (navy), W. K. Mylar (medical service), Shirlev D. Yogler.
Entered service : Alfred W. Hall, Guy H. Sharas. Thomas Adamson. Howard Hall. Daniel Becker, Joe A. Lockwood, Hugh Dean, George E. Sandridge. GEORGE Mc- JIMSEY (killed in battle), Clarence L. Snyder. James Wilson (colored). Chester C.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Xeelv, Arthur Atkins, Albert M. Straub, Frederick A. White, Charles C. Williams, Benjamin Martin (colored), John Carter colored), Sam Heffron, Eddie Young (colored), Marion Farmer, Clarence A. Johnson, Fred Miller, Gust Sakilaris, A. J. Fritzler, Joseph J. Carey, Alfred Foreman (colored), Oliver Simpson, Alvin I. Ratliff, Gail H. Russell, Harry P. Shuler, O. G. Linn, Glen V. Osborn, A. E. Irwin, Clifford P.. Greenwait, W. Chris Thomson, Aimer Funk, Fred Harrison, Cecil Barnett, Arthur P. Hubbard, Ulrich Pedrett, ERYIX L. TITMAN (died in Funston), Jens Jensen, Henry L. Jones (colored), Irven Sample, William C. Wisworth, Ernest W. Parker, Peter S. Bourlin, Earl Brest, William Robinson (colored), Edward W. Hughbanks. Fred M. Eddy. Earl E. Richardson, Cedrick Stewart (colored), Warren R.
1272
Ratliff, Gail H. Russell, Harry P. Shuler, O. G. Linn, Glen V. Osborn, A. E. Irwin, Clifford P.. Greenwait, W. Chris Thomson, Aimer Funk, Fred Harrison, Cecil Barnett, Arthur P. Hubbard, Ulrich Pedrett, ERYIX L. TITMAN (died in Funston), Jens Jensen, Henry L. Jones (colored), Irven Sample, William C. Wisworth, Ernest W. Parker, Peter S. Bourlin, Earl Brest, William Robinson (colored), Edward W. Hughbanks. Fred M. Eddy. Earl E. Richardson, Cedrick Stewart (colored), Warren R. Stivers, Walter Xiinn (colored), Willis R. McCampbell. Allen S. McCormick, Benjamin F. Hudloff. Fred P. Carter, Ray C. Greenfield, Samuel P. Burks, George Semler, Ole Jensen, Truman ( ). Sandrid^e, Chauncev Crews, Harvev Caldwell (colored). John O. Foster. Walter M. Howell, Acea Acklie, Bernard R. Kelso, Frederick Peterson. Carl A. Dickman. Stanley Beck, John R. Schroeder, Edward Saunders, Arthur ■ E. Torgeson, Ralph Power. A. C. Mover, Noah N. Stewart, Chester A. Seguine, Alfred E. Seguine. Elmer T. Forsling, Harlan Neely. James A. Rtfssell, Jesse J. Paxter. Albert C. Peterson, Leslie W. Domina, Leonard Hook, George C. Richardson, Conrad Knipple, Harold Dinkman, P.ert P. Berkshire, George Schroeder, Clyde L. Gannon, Elmer O. Bergman, Clarence B. Plook, Otto A. Morris, Karl A. Paw.
Those who volunteered, but were not subject to registration at the time: John R. Henderson, Edwin Mangan, Ralph Hall, John Gearo'U, Israel Levenski, Ephraim Levenski, Olaf Gunderson, Ed.^ar Peterson, Klmer Peterson. James Peterson, Robert Peterson, Hobart Peterson, Earl Sizermore, Irwin Pierson, Elmer Nelson, Paul Nelson, Harold Nelson (student's training), Merle Brady, Claude Benson, Fred Peverly, Frank Linn (Red Cross), Carl Bergman, Marvin Simmons, Arthur L. Carlson, Clarence II. Carlson.
1273
Plook, Otto A. Morris, Karl A. Paw.
Those who volunteered, but were not subject to registration at the time: John R. Henderson, Edwin Mangan, Ralph Hall, John Gearo'U, Israel Levenski, Ephraim Levenski, Olaf Gunderson, Ed.^ar Peterson, Klmer Peterson. James Peterson, Robert Peterson, Hobart Peterson, Earl Sizermore, Irwin Pierson, Elmer Nelson, Paul Nelson, Harold Nelson (student's training), Merle Brady, Claude Benson, Fred Peverly, Frank Linn (Red Cross), Carl Bergman, Marvin Simmons, Arthur L. Carlson, Clarence II. Carlson.
Registrants of the June, [Qi8, Registration 'Who Entered Service fennings X. Hall, Charles Bullcck, Arthur E. Parrett, Arthur E. Birt, John \\. Dinsdale, Rexford M. Graham, Richard C. Steele.
Registrants of August ij, 1918, Who had Entered Students' Training School Estelle L. Powers. Jesse J. Cromil, John C. Davies. John \\". Forsling, l.v<> V. ECronkright. John S. Linn.
MORRILL COUNTY
MORRILL COUNTY
Morrill county, as a separate entity, in 1921, is only a child of a dozen years, for it has been only twelve years that this county has existed under its separate name, as a full-fledged institution apart from the mother county of Cheyenne. But the tale of the settlement and development of the area of territory which comprises Morrill county reached back into the Cheyenne county realm, and the narration of the part played by those pioneer spirits who have built up Merrill county is most appropriately told under this section of the general story of the western Nebraska garden spot.
Fortunately, some years before his death, Judge George J. Hunt, who played such a large part in the development of Morrill county, reduced to writing some reminiscences and impressions of the formative years of the county's development and growth, and the compilers give practically in its entirety this story of Morrill county's beginnings, and evolution from Cheyenne county into separate entity.
1274
But the tale of the settlement and development of the area of territory which comprises Morrill county reached back into the Cheyenne county realm, and the narration of the part played by those pioneer spirits who have built up Merrill county is most appropriately told under this section of the general story of the western Nebraska garden spot.
Fortunately, some years before his death, Judge George J. Hunt, who played such a large part in the development of Morrill county, reduced to writing some reminiscences and impressions of the formative years of the county's development and growth, and the compilers give practically in its entirety this story of Morrill county's beginnings, and evolution from Cheyenne county into separate entity.
Some Early History
Cheyenne county originally embraced Deuel county on the east and which when formed from Cheyenne, included the territory since organized into Garden and Deuel counties, and thence running west embraced all of the area south and west of there between the Wyoming and Colorado line. This territory was also at the same time reduced by the formation of Kimball, Banner and Scottsbluff counties on the west and for a number of years after Cheyenne county consisted of the territory between these last named counties on the west and Deuel county on the east. For a great many reasons Cheyenne was the best known county in the state and was as well known throughout New England as it was in Nebraska. Before its cuter limits were trimmed bv the formation of the counties named, it was known as the largest organized county in the state and during that period it had become the cradle of the cattle business. It was while Edward Creighton was building the Far West telegraph line, which antedated the construction of the LT. P. railroad, that the discovery was accidentally made that cattle, turned loose upon the buffalo grass in Cheyenne county, without any other feed, no shelter, and no attention whatever, would not only thrive during the winter, but they would be in better condition in the spring than they were at the beginning of winter.
1275
Before its cuter limits were trimmed bv the formation of the counties named, it was known as the largest organized county in the state and during that period it had become the cradle of the cattle business. It was while Edward Creighton was building the Far West telegraph line, which antedated the construction of the LT. P. railroad, that the discovery was accidentally made that cattle, turned loose upon the buffalo grass in Cheyenne county, without any other feed, no shelter, and no attention whatever, would not only thrive during the winter, but they would be in better condition in the spring than they were at the beginning of winter. In hauling telegraph poles and wire, cattle were used entirely, and when the construction force had reached a point near where the town of Sidney was afterward located, winter overtook them and the men simply turned the yoke cattle loose and struck east for winter quarters. Not expecting to again see them, work was resumed in the spring with a new set of ox teams, but several of the men thought they would learn what had become of the cattle they turned loose in the early winter and riding north from there found every animal near the head of Middle creek grazing as contentedly as a bunch of milch cows ever did in a blue grass pasture and were actually fat and sleek. When this fact was reported to Edward Creighton. his quick apprehension suggested what might be done by driving Texas cattle to Cheyenne county in the fall and turning them loose. Later he did turn a larger bunch of cattle loose in that locality and the remarkable manner in which they went through the winter caused that experiment to be repeated by Mr. Creighton and many others who had learned of the incident, and the cattle business, as we have known it, was the outgrowth.
1276
When this fact was reported to Edward Creighton. his quick apprehension suggested what might be done by driving Texas cattle to Cheyenne county in the fall and turning them loose. Later he did turn a larger bunch of cattle loose in that locality and the remarkable manner in which they went through the winter caused that experiment to be repeated by Mr. Creighton and many others who had learned of the incident, and the cattle business, as we have known it, was the outgrowth. Thousands of dollars of eastern capital were invested and many large cattle companies formed in and around Boston and
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Providence and the magnitude of that interest can be gauged by the numerous millionaires whose vast wealth can yet be traced to the second and third generations. All of that portion of western Nebraska lying on the west side of the 100th meridian became the empire of numerous cattle barons, who held undisputed sway until the army of homesteaders with almost unbroken front, marched up to the 100th meridian. But even after reaching that line they seem to have been held in check for several years, as if charmed or spellbound by that magnificent area of table land stretching with gentle, undulating slope to the very foot-hills of the Rocky Mountains. This vast area was covered with a thick coat of buffalo grass which as long as the virgin soil was not broken did not show a weed to mar the beaut}- of the surface. The peculiarity of this grass was not alone in its wonderful nutritious quality, but the fact that as it cured in the dry atmosphere and under the constant sunshine of our peculiar weather, it became coated as if with a thin covering of wax, which preserved its succulent qualities and made it as palatable for winter grazing as the greenest herbage in a blue grass pasture.
1277
This vast area was covered with a thick coat of buffalo grass which as long as the virgin soil was not broken did not show a weed to mar the beaut}- of the surface. The peculiarity of this grass was not alone in its wonderful nutritious quality, but the fact that as it cured in the dry atmosphere and under the constant sunshine of our peculiar weather, it became coated as if with a thin covering of wax, which preserved its succulent qualities and made it as palatable for winter grazing as the greenest herbage in a blue grass pasture. During the period mentioned, the I'. P. railroad was completed and towns sprang up and prospered along its line. Travelers had seen from the car windows all of the features mentioned and the country at large had been told of these facts and others more marvellous until curiosity coupled with the desire to better their condition, prompted thousands to seek homes on the western prairie. Neither cattle business nor cattle baron could forever hold them back and in the eighties Cheyenne county became thickly dotted with dwellings built by the homesteader, though a large per cent of them were so small as to have been dubbed "claim shacks." So far from cities and trading marts, so high were freight rates, and so few were lumber yards and scarce was money that the settler in the ingenuity so manifest in new countries, found a cheaper, and many will yet tell you a better substitute for building material in the prairie sod, right at hand. For this reason ninety per cent of the farm dwellings constructed by homesteaders and ranchmen were sod buildings. The economy of their construction not only enabled hundreds to dwell upon their homesteads who had not the means of making improvements of other material, but the unusual warmth of a house so constructed and the equally unusual low temperatures in the very hottest
1278
Neither cattle business nor cattle baron could forever hold them back and in the eighties Cheyenne county became thickly dotted with dwellings built by the homesteader, though a large per cent of them were so small as to have been dubbed "claim shacks." So far from cities and trading marts, so high were freight rates, and so few were lumber yards and scarce was money that the settler in the ingenuity so manifest in new countries, found a cheaper, and many will yet tell you a better substitute for building material in the prairie sod, right at hand. For this reason ninety per cent of the farm dwellings constructed by homesteaders and ranchmen were sod buildings. The economy of their construction not only enabled hundreds to dwell upon their homesteads who had not the means of making improvements of other material, but the unusual warmth of a house so constructed and the equally unusual low temperatures in the very hottest
days of summer made life upon the prairie more pleasant than in many of the homes of a better-to-do class in the more thickly settled sections of the east.
The advent of the homesteader constantly forced the cattle men further west until the big herds which had formerly fattened on the unparalleled pasturage of western Nebraska had crossed the line into Wyoming and the disappearance and decadence of the customs and habits of the ranch and the range was a souce of regret to nearly everyone but the farmer. For the cowboy, while feared by some, was loved by many and admired by all ; for there never was a truer friend, a braver boy to face the many perils common to his day and duty, nor a more faithful guardian of the interests intrusted to his care. Fair weather meant a holiday fur him but when the storms of winter raged in their greatest severity, he would disdain shelter and defy old Boreas, and though generally supplied with the best of saddle horses, would show by his greater endurance, man's superiority to the animal.
1279
For the cowboy, while feared by some, was loved by many and admired by all ; for there never was a truer friend, a braver boy to face the many perils common to his day and duty, nor a more faithful guardian of the interests intrusted to his care. Fair weather meant a holiday fur him but when the storms of winter raged in their greatest severity, he would disdain shelter and defy old Boreas, and though generally supplied with the best of saddle horses, would show by his greater endurance, man's superiority to the animal. While doubtless many tales greatly exaggerate the bravery, nerve and dare-devil spirit of this peculiar class, there are, nevertheless, incidents and facts, the mere relation of which for several generations yet will always draw interested listeners.
During the times referred to. Fort Sidney was one of the most noted and popular forts on the plains. Gold had been discovered in the Black Hills and while the railroads had not built into that territory, the gold-seeker could not be kept out, and Sidney being the nearest railroad point, had become the outfitting station and a constant stream of goldhunters flowed northward from that point. The trail crossed Pumpkin creek at Court House Rock, and in 1876 the first wagon bridge across the North Platte river was constructed about five miles west of Bridgeport, at what for years was prominentlj shown on the map of Nebraska as Camp Clarke. The name of "Camp" was given liecause the tide of travel to and from the hills had become so great awaiting its completion, that the caravans and pedestrians congregated on either side of the valley in that immediate vicinity gave the appearance of a bivouac. That Sidney, the county seat of Cheyenne county, should frequently have gotten its name, together with a photograph giving a bird's-eye view of its principal thoroughfare, in the Police Gazette was not surprising.
1280
The name of "Camp" was given liecause the tide of travel to and from the hills had become so great awaiting its completion, that the caravans and pedestrians congregated on either side of the valley in that immediate vicinity gave the appearance of a bivouac. That Sidney, the county seat of Cheyenne county, should frequently have gotten its name, together with a photograph giving a bird's-eye view of its principal thoroughfare, in the Police Gazette was not surprising. With the fort on it^ outskirts. the cowbov surrounding it. and the gold-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
hunter passing through or returning with hopes of fortune high or else with disappointment weighing heavily on his heart, no wonder that numerous saloons in that vicinity became the most crowded and popular resorts in the country. The bartender was an artist in those days and he had a separate bottle for every class he was called upon to serve. The soldier on his sixteen dollars per month required a ready-mixed concoction that would bring about the desired result in one fifteen-cent draught. The cowboy, whose spirit of ever-ready comradery required more numerous potations, was given a better and a milder draught. The buoyant gold-seeker naturally craved the best, and he whose hopes had already been clashed, would take what he could best pay for -- generally known as "forty rod." Hence originated the saying that "Every drink contained a dance, a song and a fight." and it was the common lament of the frequenters of those places that if you stopped to watch a fight in one salocn, you would miss seeing two around the corner. As civilization advances, such conditions as these are surely outgrown and the change is sometimes brought about as quickly as a panorama. The North Western railroad built into the hills and the trail from Sidney to Deadwood ceased to be infested with the mounted highwayman and the animated metropolis lost its principal source of gaiety and coin.
1281
The buoyant gold-seeker naturally craved the best, and he whose hopes had already been clashed, would take what he could best pay for -- generally known as "forty rod." Hence originated the saying that "Every drink contained a dance, a song and a fight." and it was the common lament of the frequenters of those places that if you stopped to watch a fight in one salocn, you would miss seeing two around the corner. As civilization advances, such conditions as these are surely outgrown and the change is sometimes brought about as quickly as a panorama. The North Western railroad built into the hills and the trail from Sidney to Deadwood ceased to be infested with the mounted highwayman and the animated metropolis lost its principal source of gaiety and coin. The settler, too, had forced the Indian from his patrimony and he had compelled the cattle kings to seek empires elsewhere, and with the passage of the Red Men went the necessity for the soldier. The fort was abandoned. The cowboy, who by this time had evoluted into the cow-puncher, had learned from experience the advantage of having some winter feed for his herd and natural water within his range, and having imbibed from the homesteader something of the spirit of agriculture, settled in the valleys and along the streams and turned ranchman -- a term which has since been understood as embracing both farmer and cattleman. For him who thus showed himself wiser in his generation than the homesteader proper, "life went merry as a marriage bell." for during this period of transition, which culminated in the eighties, a few years in the cycle of seasonable showers seemed to indicate that the rain belt extended as far west as the foothills. Hut those who prayed to Jupiter Pluvius instead of plowing their fields deep and conserving the moisture as it fell, soon felt that fate had laid its heavy
1282
For him who thus showed himself wiser in his generation than the homesteader proper, "life went merry as a marriage bell." for during this period of transition, which culminated in the eighties, a few years in the cycle of seasonable showers seemed to indicate that the rain belt extended as far west as the foothills. Hut those who prayed to Jupiter Pluvius instead of plowing their fields deep and conserving the moisture as it fell, soon felt that fate had laid its heavy
hand upon them, for there followed a series of years in which they suffered a total crop failure. It has been said that men are like sheep. It might be better to say that most men are ready to flee from threatened reverses, and like the rebellious Israelites, because their promised land seems further off than they anticipated, tire of manna and long for the flesh pots of Egypt. But whether either or neither was the cause, those immigrants who had dotted the tableland with their dwellings had for several years watched their crops wither when touched by that simoon of the southwind. until their hearts lost courage and like a defeated army the prairie-schooner was seen eastward-bound on every highway, and many continued their course until they crossed the Missouri and even the Mississippi. Just a few short years after the departure of the Indian, the soldier and the cattle, one following up the grass-grown but still well defined trail from Sidney to the hills, would see on either side as far as the eye could see, deserted and crumbing "soddies" as so many tombstones standing at the grave of buried hopes. All of which meant that man in his extremity must resort to other means of accomplishing what his predecessor failed to attain. Attention was called to the North Platte river flowing across the northern half of Cheyenne county.
1283
Just a few short years after the departure of the Indian, the soldier and the cattle, one following up the grass-grown but still well defined trail from Sidney to the hills, would see on either side as far as the eye could see, deserted and crumbing "soddies" as so many tombstones standing at the grave of buried hopes. All of which meant that man in his extremity must resort to other means of accomplishing what his predecessor failed to attain. Attention was called to the North Platte river flowing across the northern half of Cheyenne county. Irrigation had accomplished wonders in that section of Colorado made famous by him who gave his name to Greeley, and the possibilities of that method of agriculture became the subject of universal discussion in this section of the country and many canals were projected, numerous appropriations made, and some few ditches actually built and operated. These projects began at the state line and formed an interlacing net-work like half-links in a chain, on either side cf the river and on down to the forks of the Platte. Cheyenne county had all of the river frontage within her limits well marked and covered and wherever a land owner or the land owners under any completed canal gave proper attention to the cultivation of the land and the irrigation of their crop, most satisfactory results were obtained. Railroads were quick to see the possibilities and they paralleled and crossed the valley. Towns sprang up. Manufacturing industries were established and many towns have been founded whose prosperity is evidenced by stores, schools and churches, followed by the establishment of electric lighting plants and city pumping stations. These features
1284
Cheyenne county had all of the river frontage within her limits well marked and covered and wherever a land owner or the land owners under any completed canal gave proper attention to the cultivation of the land and the irrigation of their crop, most satisfactory results were obtained. Railroads were quick to see the possibilities and they paralleled and crossed the valley. Towns sprang up. Manufacturing industries were established and many towns have been founded whose prosperity is evidenced by stores, schools and churches, followed by the establishment of electric lighting plants and city pumping stations. These features
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
astonish and challenge the admiration of persons from eastern states, who perhaps have lived in or else are familiar with towns of four times the population, whose inhabitants still grope their way home in darkness and go to their pumps for water. Science, too, has shown the settler beyond the valley, that many crops can be grown under proper attention that will pay the farmer as well here on land which can be purchased for one-fourth the price as does the farmer receive in the humid region. These results have attracted another set of homesteaders until practically all government land has been filed upon and our farmers as a class are as prosperous as those in the older sections of the state. With this renewed influx of home-makers and new railroads, came the feeling that we in the northern half of old Cheyenne county were too far removed from the county seat and as early as 1907 a properly signed petition for a division of the county was presented to the count}- commissioners, and when submitted received the requisite majority. The county was divided and a little mere than half of the original territory was organized into Morrill county.
1285
With this renewed influx of home-makers and new railroads, came the feeling that we in the northern half of old Cheyenne county were too far removed from the county seat and as early as 1907 a properly signed petition for a division of the county was presented to the count}- commissioners, and when submitted received the requisite majority. The county was divided and a little mere than half of the original territory was organized into Morrill county. Bridgeport became the county seat, a court house was built, with jail in the basement, which for convenience, utility and taste of architecture is not surpassed in western Nebraska. The North Platte river angles from the northwest in a southeasterly course through the heart of the count}-. This river, being the finest stream flowingeast from the Rock Mountains, affords an abundant supply for all the canals fringing its banks and should there come a time of scarcity, the government reservoir, known as the Pathfinder, impounds sufficient water for several times the acreage susceptible to irrigation. Experience has so repeatedly demonstrated the fact that irrigation means intensive cultivation and that it is only where a smaller acreage has been intensively cultivated and properly irrigated that a full measure of success can be realized, that many of our best farmers, men who at first undertook the cultivation of one hundred and sixty acres, reduced it to eighty and again to forty. This process of thus reducing- the acreage and multiplying the yield has shown that there is an idle acreage oh which thousands of farmers could soon gain independence under the half-dozen canals in this county, all completed and in yearly operation. It is safe to say that there are 60,- 000 acres under these completed enterprises which lie idly basking under the three hundred sunshiny days in the year, which if tickled with the cultivator would smile back with bursting granaries.
1286
This process of thus reducing- the acreage and multiplying the yield has shown that there is an idle acreage oh which thousands of farmers could soon gain independence under the half-dozen canals in this county, all completed and in yearly operation. It is safe to say that there are 60,- 000 acres under these completed enterprises which lie idly basking under the three hundred sunshiny days in the year, which if tickled with the cultivator would smile back with bursting granaries.
In location, this irrigated section of .Morrill county has advantages nowhere excelled, and in a very few instances equaled on the eastern slope of the Rockies. There is not a cereal common to the latitude that has not been produced here to the maximum yield. Its soil is rich and deep and so easily cultivable that most crops can be successfully grown on the new breaking. The arid region is acknowledged to be the home of alfalfa and it has been demonstrated that the yield of potatoes and sugar beets is as great per acre as has ever been grown in localities where those products have become noted. Since the canals mentioned were constructed, the idle and unbroken acreage sub-irrigated from them has produced the finest natural hay, and where water has been turned upon the unbroken prairie, a natural growth of what is called wheat grass springs up which makes the finest wild hay that is to be found upon the western market. While the elevation naturally shortens the seasons, and because also our summer nights are invariably cool, corn is not the principal crop; vet in the valley under irrigation, and on the table above the canals, corn is grown and makes a paying crop. With both the U. P. and Burlington roads running here and with direct lines to South Omaha, our feedingfacilities are unexcelled.
1287
Since the canals mentioned were constructed, the idle and unbroken acreage sub-irrigated from them has produced the finest natural hay, and where water has been turned upon the unbroken prairie, a natural growth of what is called wheat grass springs up which makes the finest wild hay that is to be found upon the western market. While the elevation naturally shortens the seasons, and because also our summer nights are invariably cool, corn is not the principal crop; vet in the valley under irrigation, and on the table above the canals, corn is grown and makes a paying crop. With both the U. P. and Burlington roads running here and with direct lines to South Omaha, our feedingfacilities are unexcelled. Already thousands of cattle and sheep are brought into the valley and prepared for market on alfalfa, oats and corn. And if at any time the local supply of corn falls short, it can be shipped in from the locality known as the "corn belt" at a rate several cents per hundred cheaper than Fort Collins, Greeley and other great feeding points can obtain, so that with unlimited quantities of alfalfa grown here, with oats in abundant supply, yielding as it does when properly handled, from 80 to 120 bushels per acre, with freight rates in our favor, and with the cattle market within twenty-four hours from the loading chute, this has become the greatest winter feedingsection in the country, thus affording a home market for two of the principal crops produced. Sugar factories to the west of us have caused much attention to he given to the beet crop. Receiving stations are located at frequent intervals on both railroads where the beets are weighed and loaded, the company paying the freight to the factory, and in this way the grower whose field is fortymiles from the factory receives the same
1288
And if at any time the local supply of corn falls short, it can be shipped in from the locality known as the "corn belt" at a rate several cents per hundred cheaper than Fort Collins, Greeley and other great feeding points can obtain, so that with unlimited quantities of alfalfa grown here, with oats in abundant supply, yielding as it does when properly handled, from 80 to 120 bushels per acre, with freight rates in our favor, and with the cattle market within twenty-four hours from the loading chute, this has become the greatest winter feedingsection in the country, thus affording a home market for two of the principal crops produced. Sugar factories to the west of us have caused much attention to he given to the beet crop. Receiving stations are located at frequent intervals on both railroads where the beets are weighed and loaded, the company paying the freight to the factory, and in this way the grower whose field is fortymiles from the factory receives the same
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
price per ton as does the farmer who delivers them in his wagon at the factory. This crop has been found very profitable. Mainfields have yielded from eighteen to twentysix tons per acre, the average yield from the entire acreage in the valley being about fifteen tons. From this it is easy to be seen that the owner of an irrigated farm in the North Platte valley will soon be rated among the most independent classes of our citizen's. From what has been said of the irrigated section, however, it must not be inferred that the farmers beyond or above the line of canals are not making good. It has been conclusively demonstrated in recent years that there are certain crops adapted to "dry land" farming, and which can be grown every year regardless of the scarcity of rainfall during that particular season.
1289
From this it is easy to be seen that the owner of an irrigated farm in the North Platte valley will soon be rated among the most independent classes of our citizen's. From what has been said of the irrigated section, however, it must not be inferred that the farmers beyond or above the line of canals are not making good. It has been conclusively demonstrated in recent years that there are certain crops adapted to "dry land" farming, and which can be grown every year regardless of the scarcity of rainfall during that particular season. And the farmers who practice the method of soil culture conserve the moisture falling in the early spring or in the shape of snow during the winter, smile at dry seasons and are only glad of an opportunity to prove to the world that crop failures are unnecessary.
So kind has nature been in the matter of climate, sunshine and soil that in spite of periodical failures and the return of many a discouraged homesteader in early days the territory formerly known as Cheyenne county has long been spoken of as the "poorman's paradise." Many of those who abandoned the country because of the crop failures of earlier clays, returned later to say that there was a fascination which forced them to return and that they fared better here than they did after revisiting their earlier homes, and it can be said without an exception that the earlier settler who weathered the storms and retained his holdings here has become independent. In fact, there are no poor men in this country. Cheyenne county never had a poor farm. Morrill county has no need of an alms house and there is not a pensioner on the bounty of the county today. By cultivating a portion of the section of land which Uncle Sam in his bounty bestowed upon him. and by pasturing milch cows on the remainder of his land, the homesteader has attained a degree of independence which a landless man in the older sections of the country would labor years before reaching.
1290
Morrill county has no need of an alms house and there is not a pensioner on the bounty of the county today. By cultivating a portion of the section of land which Uncle Sam in his bounty bestowed upon him. and by pasturing milch cows on the remainder of his land, the homesteader has attained a degree of independence which a landless man in the older sections of the country would labor years before reaching.
Camp Clarkf.
In pioneer days of Nebraska the name of Henry T. Clarke was known from the Missouri river to the Black Hills. Endowed
with remarkable courage, an indomitable will, and energy, he was the man to step into the breach and conquer the obstacles to advancing civilization. In 1875 and 1876, he built the Camp Clarke bridge, three miles west of where the city of Bridgeport now stands, and there are still a few of the oldtimers left who remember that event. For weeks the surging tide of humanity had been gathering on both sides of the river, awaiting the completion of that now historic structure, and when at last the gates were thrown open, it was necessary to divide the day into halves, permitting those from the south to pass northward for half a day. and then those from the north to pass soutbward for an equal length of time. Foot passengers paid a dollar each for the privilege of crossing the bridge, while teams were charged at the rate"of from $5.00 to S10.00. The tolls collected on the day of the opening of the bridge amounted to more than $10,000, and for several years the bridge was a mint for its owner and' a great convenience to the restless pioneers who struggled for gold and gain in the unexplored fastnesses of the great west.
1291
Foot passengers paid a dollar each for the privilege of crossing the bridge, while teams were charged at the rate"of from $5.00 to S10.00. The tolls collected on the day of the opening of the bridge amounted to more than $10,000, and for several years the bridge was a mint for its owner and' a great convenience to the restless pioneers who struggled for gold and gain in the unexplored fastnesses of the great west.
The following account was written by Mr. Clarke a few years ago for an illustrated card designed to preserve the facts connected with the early history of his locality:
"In 1875, at the solicitation of the merchants and others of Omaha, in order to get a short route into the Black Hills to secure the travel and trade, Henry T. Clarke put in this bridge. The bridge spans the North Platte river three miles west of the present town of Bridgeport and nine miles east of Chimney Rock (an old landmark, and sixty miles east of Ft. Laramie, the nearest bridge crossing). It has sixty-one spans and was made extra strong in order to carry the heavy mining machinery. The timber was framed at Davenport, Iowa, and Moline, Illinois, in 1875. There was one house between Sidney and the bridge, a distance of fifty miles, and one house between Camp Clarke and Camp Robinson (the Red Cloud Sioux Indian Agency), seventy miles distant. This was a Sioux and Chevenne Indian country prior to the treaties. Mr. Clarke asked the government for protection. They furnished him a plan for Fort Clarke, which he built for the government: at its completion the War Department placed troops there. This was on the north end of the bridge, so that the range would take in the whole of the bridge.
1292
There was one house between Sidney and the bridge, a distance of fifty miles, and one house between Camp Clarke and Camp Robinson (the Red Cloud Sioux Indian Agency), seventy miles distant. This was a Sioux and Chevenne Indian country prior to the treaties. Mr. Clarke asked the government for protection. They furnished him a plan for Fort Clarke, which he built for the government: at its completion the War Department placed troops there. This was on the north end of the bridge, so that the range would take in the whole of the bridge. They also placed a company of cavalry at his place of busi-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ness on the south side of the river. Mr. Clarke asked the mail authorities to put in mail service to the Black Hills; the Postal Department declined to do so as it was Indian country. Some may recall the burning of Gordon*s outfit in the Black Hills country in 1875 by order of the War Department. Mr. Clarke contracted with the War Department to carry the army mail from Fort Sidney on the Union Pacific railroad to Camp Clarke, and to Camp Robinson on the north. He put on the Clarke Centennial Pony Express, supplying all towns in the Black Hills. He was postmaster at Camp Clarke, the government turning all mail over to him, accepting it from him, which was conducted until the government put on mail service. Hay was then from $100 to $150 a ton ; corn, 12c to 15c a pound. The Indians were troublesome. One of the pony riders, Rockafellow, at one time rode into a camp of haymakers and found four white men dead after an Indian attack.
1293
He put on the Clarke Centennial Pony Express, supplying all towns in the Black Hills. He was postmaster at Camp Clarke, the government turning all mail over to him, accepting it from him, which was conducted until the government put on mail service. Hay was then from $100 to $150 a ton ; corn, 12c to 15c a pound. The Indians were troublesome. One of the pony riders, Rockafellow, at one time rode into a camp of haymakers and found four white men dead after an Indian attack.
"Henry Tefft -Clarke was born on April 26, 1834, at Greenwich, New York. The rudiments of his education were acquired in a common school on his grandfather's farm at Greenwich, where the late President Chester A. Arthur was a fellow pupil.
"He finished his education at the village academy built by his father, and at the age of nineteen went to Erie county, Pennsylvania, where he was employed as a clerk in a store. In 1855 he moved to Topeka, Kansas, driving from the western terminus of the Rock Island railroad, then in Illinois. He later went to Leavenworth, Kansas, and removed to Bellevue. Xebraska, believing that the town would some time become the western terminus for a railroad.
"In the spring of 1856 Mr. Clarke became the steamboat agent at Bellevue and from dealing in a small way in provisions he soon branched out into a general merchandise business. In 1862 he took a contract to furnish the government with corn and oats at Fort Kearney, on the south side of the Platte river, about two miles east of the present city of Kearney.
1294
Xebraska, believing that the town would some time become the western terminus for a railroad.
"In the spring of 1856 Mr. Clarke became the steamboat agent at Bellevue and from dealing in a small way in provisions he soon branched out into a general merchandise business. In 1862 he took a contract to furnish the government with corn and oats at Fort Kearney, on the south side of the Platte river, about two miles east of the present city of Kearney.
"Later he contracted to furnish large quantities of hay, corn and wood for the army. When this contract was completed in 1864, he entered into the freight business, buying general merchandise and miners' supplies and freighting them to Denver.
"In 1864 and 1865 Mr. Clarke made an unsuccessful attempt to locate the eastern terminus of the Union Pacific railroad at Bellevue and spent a great deal of money in making surveys and in sounding the Missouri. In 1867, Mr. Clarke began surveying for railroads from Bellevue to ( (maha and Sioux City to Lincoln. He completed the survey from Omaha to Lincoln and secured the right of way for a part of the line. The first ten miles of the line was built and is now operated by the Burlington.
"Mr. Clarke became engaged in the building of railroads and highway bridges in 1870. The last bridge he built was at Camp Clarke.
"The Clarke Centennial Pony Letter Express was established by Mr. Clarke in 1876, operating between Sidnev and mining points in the Black Hills. He also established postoffices in the mining towns. A wholesale store at Deadwood was likewise operated by Mr. Clarke.
1295
The first ten miles of the line was built and is now operated by the Burlington.
"Mr. Clarke became engaged in the building of railroads and highway bridges in 1870. The last bridge he built was at Camp Clarke.
"The Clarke Centennial Pony Letter Express was established by Mr. Clarke in 1876, operating between Sidnev and mining points in the Black Hills. He also established postoffices in the mining towns. A wholesale store at Deadwood was likewise operated by Mr. Clarke.
"In 1859 Mr. Clarke was married to Miss Martha A. Fielding at Greenwich, New York. Seven children were born to this union: Harrv Fielding, William Edward. Charles Hughes, Henry Tefft. Jr., and Maurice Gordon.
"Harry Fielding Clarke was the first native born member of the Nebraska legislature, being elected state senator from Douglas and Sarpy counties when but twentythree years of age. Charles Hughes Clarke, also a member of the state senate, was the youngest person ever elected to the state legislature, entering the office at the age of twenty-one. He died June 1, 1893, at Lincoln. "
"Henry Tefft Clarke, Jr.. was a member of the state legislature from Douglas county during the session of 1905. At present he is chairman of the state railway commission.
"In 1862. during its territorial years, Henry T. Clarke was a member of the Nebraska house of representatives. In 1864 he was elected to the council (now the state senate). He was a prominent candidate for the gubernatorial nomination in 1SSS. He was a member of the board of education at Omaha for three years and president of the board for two years of that time.
1296
At present he is chairman of the state railway commission.
"In 1862. during its territorial years, Henry T. Clarke was a member of the Nebraska house of representatives. In 1864 he was elected to the council (now the state senate). He was a prominent candidate for the gubernatorial nomination in 1SSS. He was a member of the board of education at Omaha for three years and president of the board for two years of that time.
"Mr. Clarke was the first man to be made a Master Mason in Xebraska, having been raised by Xebraska lodge Xo. 1, at Bellevue. He was one of the organizers of the lodge of veteran Masons at Omaha and was its president.
"Mr. Clarke has been actively interested in man_\- business enterprises at Omaha, among them being the Xorthwestern Electric Light Company and the Lee-Glass Andreson Hardware Company. In 1883 he started the wholesale drug house of the 11. T. Clarke
HISTORY OF WESTERN" NEBRASKA
Drug Company at Omaha, with a branch in Lincoln.
"He built Clarke Hall, at Bellevue, the institution now known as Bellevue college. He presented it to the Presbyterian synod of Nebraska together with two residences and two hundred and sixty-five acres of ground. The institution is now the collegiate department of the University of Omaha.
"Mr. Clarke received a large amount of land for building railroads in the state and put many thousand acres under cultivation, giving his personal attention to raising grain and stock.
"In 1905 Mr. Clarke was elected president of the state historical society and of the Nebraska Territorial Pioneers' Association."
1297
He presented it to the Presbyterian synod of Nebraska together with two residences and two hundred and sixty-five acres of ground. The institution is now the collegiate department of the University of Omaha.
"Mr. Clarke received a large amount of land for building railroads in the state and put many thousand acres under cultivation, giving his personal attention to raising grain and stock.
"In 1905 Mr. Clarke was elected president of the state historical society and of the Nebraska Territorial Pioneers' Association."
Henry T. Clarke died at Excelsior Springs, Missouri, early in the year 1913. after a prolonged illness lasting six year-;. He was seventy-eight years of age.
(The foregoing is taken partly from the Bridgeport News-Blade, and Max Wilcox has our appreciation. -- Editor-in-Chief.)
Soldier Amusements
The soldiers in charge of protecting the Camp Clarke bridge had a dull time except for the passing strangers, and found ways of whiling away the hours. One outfit came from Red Cloud and they inaugurated a plan of amusement that is talked about by oldtimers to this day. They shook dice to see who should sit in a chair some distance away from the old sod saloon. Then the others shook dice again. Anyone who failed to throw five aces was given four shots at the four legs of the chair. If he missed all four shots he had to treat. The man in the chair was not permitted to wriggle, swear or chew tobacco, for they tended to disconcert the man with the gun. The chair victim could hold his own legs as high as he wanted to, and fifteen minutes was the time limit that anyone had to remain in the precarious position.
1298
Anyone who failed to throw five aces was given four shots at the four legs of the chair. If he missed all four shots he had to treat. The man in the chair was not permitted to wriggle, swear or chew tobacco, for they tended to disconcert the man with the gun. The chair victim could hold his own legs as high as he wanted to, and fifteen minutes was the time limit that anyone had to remain in the precarious position.
WellsyillE
Wellsville is the name by which the place at the north end of the bridge was known in the eighties. Camp Clarke proper, and the blockhouse for defense was there earlier, although the gate and collecting station for tolls was at the south end during the middle eighties, and "Dad" White was in charge. At Wellsville there was a saloon and a small stock of merchandise.
Early Settlement
It will be noted throughout the historical review of Morrill county that the separate activities of the county had been confined largely to the last dozen years, and that a large portion of those residents in the county as well as in the town have come to Morrill county since the advent of the railroad some twenty years ago. It will also be noted by a reference to the early history of that part of Cheyenne county, which is now Morrill county, as presented in the general history of the entire Panhandle territory, and in the separate history of Cheyenne county, that there came upon the stage and has largely disappeared an early generation. This first generation of pioneer spirits left their imprint upon the ultimate development of Morrill county. Quite a few of those who came to this vicinity some forty years ago are still here, one of these being Frank H.
1299
It will also be noted by a reference to the early history of that part of Cheyenne county, which is now Morrill county, as presented in the general history of the entire Panhandle territory, and in the separate history of Cheyenne county, that there came upon the stage and has largely disappeared an early generation. This first generation of pioneer spirits left their imprint upon the ultimate development of Morrill county. Quite a few of those who came to this vicinity some forty years ago are still here, one of these being Frank H. Putman, still a resident and active business man in Bridgeport. Mr. Putman tells as follows of early settlement :
"When I came to this part of Nebraska in 1878, this was a cattle country pure and simple. Leaving the present site of Ogallala in 1878, the first important place was the ranch of Shiedley brothers. These three brothers lived together as bachelors. I went to work for them driving range. They had a new outfit up through here from North Platte, and I knew and visited all the ranches from that city to Fort Laramie.
"I filed in 1884 and it was not until about that time that the homesteaders began to set themselves up against the claims of the ranchers and file on homesteads. Hiram Fisk was the first homesteader in the southeast part of what is now Morrill county. He died some time ago Next along the river there was Olaf Lift". He hired a man to haul him out there from a ranch though he did not know where he was going. He made an application for filing but did not know wdiere the land was. He told a fellow to just unload him there. The next day he went to town and found out where the land was and then made for himself a dug-out and lived in it.
1300
He died some time ago Next along the river there was Olaf Lift". He hired a man to haul him out there from a ranch though he did not know where he was going. He made an application for filing but did not know wdiere the land was. He told a fellow to just unload him there. The next day he went to town and found out where the land was and then made for himself a dug-out and lived in it. That was about 1884.
"The next pre-emption down, there was taken by Otto Baumgarten. He was an old cook on the Cedar Creek ranch, formerly on the South Platte at Shiedley's. He later left this country and went north. The next one to come was Geo. Haxby who filed about the same time, and Charles Gifford filed about that time. A year or two later the Rogers came. 1. T. Rogers has been living in
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Bridgeport in recent years: Douglas has been living at Alliance, and Wesley is dead.
"This now brings us up near the middle of Morrill county, east and west. The next place was the F. H. Putman place, taken in 1884, as was that of Ora Remsburgh. Mrs. C. Nelson filed on a quarter about 1886. Andrew Hansen came about that time and three of the Adams' filed just about then. Mr. Lape and his two sons-in-law, Jake Amer and Dick Meredith, came about the same time and the two Van Gorder brothers filed three miles below the present Bridgeport on what is now the Mark Iddings place. This places us up into the vicinity south of Bridgeport.
1301
Putman place, taken in 1884, as was that of Ora Remsburgh. Mrs. C. Nelson filed on a quarter about 1886. Andrew Hansen came about that time and three of the Adams' filed just about then. Mr. Lape and his two sons-in-law, Jake Amer and Dick Meredith, came about the same time and the two Van Gorder brothers filed three miles below the present Bridgeport on what is now the Mark Iddings place. This places us up into the vicinity south of Bridgeport.
"In the late eighties that neighborhood was taken up by John Mcintosh (brother of Jim Mcintosh). Chas. Lowe, Chas. Logan, R. P. Scott (on his well-known place a mile south of Bridgeport), and R. V. Brown, whose holdings took in the west part of the townsite of Bridgeport, and upon which he erected the corner grocery^ here in town. Mr. Peterson of Julesburg bought up land which became the east part of the Bridgeport townsite. Just below town the Tusler outfit located their hay meadow (this was the Hart ranch at an earlier date). Above town were Geo. Laing and T. W. WTolf's places. Henry T. Clarke had filed in the seventies and the story of the Camp Clarke ranch, store and toll bridge are more fully narrated elsewhere. Past Camp Clarke in the eighties were the filings of Frank Durnell and Henry Randall, his father and brother, and the Ccad filings.
"As to the development on the north side on the Platte river on the west side the town of Bayard sprang up in the nineties northwest of Bridgeport. That country was practically all ranches until 1890.
1302
Clarke had filed in the seventies and the story of the Camp Clarke ranch, store and toll bridge are more fully narrated elsewhere. Past Camp Clarke in the eighties were the filings of Frank Durnell and Henry Randall, his father and brother, and the Ccad filings.
"As to the development on the north side on the Platte river on the west side the town of Bayard sprang up in the nineties northwest of Bridgeport. That country was practically all ranches until 1890.
"In the sand hill country, Geo. Richardson settled in the early nineties where the Bignell brothers of Lincoln were running five hundred to eight hundred head of cattle. Charles Snow has been over in there for twenty-five or thirty years. Herman Smith and Frank Cantwell were in there and the heirs of Herman Smith have about five hundred to eight hundred head. I sold my old place in 1896 and bought a ranch twentyfive miles northeast of Bridgeport and I have run some five hundred to eight hundred head of cattle in there. W. C. Thompson has ranched extensively and Robt. Graham of Alliance on the Graham holdings in the north end of the county has had perhaps in excess of one thousand head. Frank 1 '.lain
has run several hundred at a time. R. M. Hampton at Alliance has had a large ranch out there. He sold to Hall and Graham. Also over in the north part of the county have been Henry Swan in early times, Joe Vaughn of Alliance, and Burk & Tiernan in the northwest quarter.
1303
Graham of Alliance on the Graham holdings in the north end of the county has had perhaps in excess of one thousand head. Frank 1 '.lain
has run several hundred at a time. R. M. Hampton at Alliance has had a large ranch out there. He sold to Hall and Graham. Also over in the north part of the county have been Henry Swan in early times, Joe Vaughn of Alliance, and Burk & Tiernan in the northwest quarter.
"Around Broadwater some of those who filed early in the late eighties and early nineties were : First, Tom Wagoner on Broadwater site, Lloyd Remsbery, Carl Wagoner, Smith Bros., Geo. Beerline, Robt. Walsh, Pat Dunn, Chas. Towle, Mike Beerline, Mike Elsass, Frank King, Jno. Hagerty, Ed. Crawford. Alex Sesslar. Mr. Rouse, Jno. Sessler, O. M. Robinson."
The early history of Morrill county is entirely and inseparably intermingled into the governmental history of Cheyenne county.
It was not until 1909 that the county of Morrill was formed and taken from Cheyenne county so this part of the history of Morrill county, while important, is rather brief. Throughout the thirty years preceding the separate establishment of the county the portion of Cheyenne county which is now Morrill county played a more or less important part in the county governmental affairs of the Mother County.
As early as 1878, the county records of Cheyenne county show local officers elected for Court House Rock precinct. In that year among the precinct officers elected for that territory were : L. Mined, justice of peace, and Julius Hill, also justice of peace; constables, Ed. Countryman, Chas. Patten ; Thos. Crosby, assessor; election officers: D. B. Powers, judge; D. B. Lynch, judge; H. Best, judge: Win. Gill, clerk; H. Reynolds, clerk; David Thrall was road superintendent.
1304
As early as 1878, the county records of Cheyenne county show local officers elected for Court House Rock precinct. In that year among the precinct officers elected for that territory were : L. Mined, justice of peace, and Julius Hill, also justice of peace; constables, Ed. Countryman, Chas. Patten ; Thos. Crosby, assessor; election officers: D. B. Powers, judge; D. B. Lynch, judge; H. Best, judge: Win. Gill, clerk; H. Reynolds, clerk; David Thrall was road superintendent.
At an election in May, 1879. held at the H. T. Clarke store the following men served on the election board: P. W. Miller, Julius Hill, Mark M. Coad, H. W. Elliott. Lige E. Tusler. We do not find a record of any precinct organized at this place so early as that. It was no doubt a division of Sidney precinct for convenience of North River voters.
Thos. Lawrence is shown to have been appointed assessor for this territory in 1880. $20,000 bridge bonds were proposed about March. 1880, to build a buggy bridge across the North Platte river but met an adverse vote of 170 to 464. This somewhat overestimates that sparse population of this territory at that date.
Redington precinct had been formed by
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
September. 1887. Camp Clarke precinct was formed about that time.
By 1887 the map showed this north end of Cheyenne county which later became Morrill count}- to be divided between the original Court House Rock precinct in the south part of said territory and Camp Clarke precinct north of Court House Rock. Bayard was west of Camp Clarke precinct, and Redington south of Bayard.
1305
This somewhat overestimates that sparse population of this territory at that date.
Redington precinct had been formed by
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
September. 1887. Camp Clarke precinct was formed about that time.
By 1887 the map showed this north end of Cheyenne county which later became Morrill count}- to be divided between the original Court House Rock precinct in the south part of said territory and Camp Clarke precinct north of Court House Rock. Bayard was west of Camp Clarke precinct, and Redington south of Bayard.
After the formal establishment of Morrill county on March 9, 1909, L. R. Barlow, J. B. Haiston, Louis Brott, the county commissioners of Cheyenne county, met with the commissioners of Morrill count)- to divide the property of the two counties. The first
prominent in republican political circles of the state.
The Lincoln Land Company donated a block for the court house site, and Chas. H. Morrill contributed S10.000 cash to apply on the building. This with the $15,000 bonds made ample funds.
Court House Immediately after the formal division of the county from Cheyenne, steps were taken for the erection of a new and thoroughly modern court house at Bridgeport. On May 15. 1909, on the petition of J. L. Finn, C. O. Morrison, Frank Cravett and two hundred other electors, a vote was requested upon
Court House Rock, South of Bridgeport
county commissioners of Morrill county were Fred R. Lindberg, Herman E. Smith, Win. T. McKelvey. It was agreed that the assessed valuation of Cheyenne county, being twice that of Morrill county, that Cheyenne county should get two-thirds of the property and Morrill one-third. All funds except the bridge fund should be divided on the same ratio.
1306
Morrison, Frank Cravett and two hundred other electors, a vote was requested upon
Court House Rock, South of Bridgeport
county commissioners of Morrill county were Fred R. Lindberg, Herman E. Smith, Win. T. McKelvey. It was agreed that the assessed valuation of Cheyenne county, being twice that of Morrill county, that Cheyenne county should get two-thirds of the property and Morrill one-third. All funds except the bridge fund should be divided on the same ratio.
Morrill was to receive the unpaid taxes for 1909. Morrill was to pay Cheyenne county two-thirds of all the election expenses. The contract with the Western Bridge and Construction Company for a bridge over the Platte river near Irving, Nebraska, should fall upon Morrill in its liability with such proceedings to be started and the district court to adjust that liability.
The new county was named Morrill, in honor of Charles H. Morrill, president of the Lincoln Land Company, and for many years
the issuance of SI 5,000 bonds for the building a court house of which it was remarked by said petitions was not necessary for reason that said board is in favor of said bond issue. It favored said election asked for in the said petition so the election was called for the 29th of June. 1909, and carried by a substantial majority. The commissioners districts and the precincts of the new county were then as follows :
District 1 : Havnes. Gilchrist,
teilley Hi
and
Storm Weir-
Lake. Eastwood Lisco.
District 2: Canif Court House Rock.
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the issuance of SI 5,000 bonds for the building a court house of which it was remarked by said petitions was not necessary for reason that said board is in favor of said bond issue. It favored said election asked for in the said petition so the election was called for the 29th of June. 1909, and carried by a substantial majority. The commissioners districts and the precincts of the new county were then as follows :
District 1 : Havnes. Gilchrist,
teilley Hi
and
Storm Weir-
Lake. Eastwood Lisco.
District 2: Canif Court House Rock.
District 3: Good Streak, Redington.
Bids on the new court hi ceived on October 4th as follows: Winters & Short. Atwood. Kansas, $21,750; Pruden & Breckenhauer, Norfolk, Nebraska, S2L-
Clarke, Union, King.
were re-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
970; A. C. Thomas, Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, $22,793 ; C. R. Inman, Crawford, Nebraska, $24,150; S. C. Beck, Alliance, Nebraska, $26,809.
Whereupon the contract was awarded to Winter & Short. The heating- and plumbing contract was awarded to the Sterling Heating and Plumbing Company for $2,100. The Lincoln Land Company aided in getting the site of the court house located for Bridgeport, and to donate a choice of two blocks of land, one being a block 300 feet square abutting River and Nemaha streets, lying 420 feet north of block three of the original town of Bridgeport, and the other being a block of the same dimensions abutting on River and Cheyenne streets, 420 feet north
1308
The heating- and plumbing contract was awarded to the Sterling Heating and Plumbing Company for $2,100. The Lincoln Land Company aided in getting the site of the court house located for Bridgeport, and to donate a choice of two blocks of land, one being a block 300 feet square abutting River and Nemaha streets, lying 420 feet north of block three of the original town of Bridgeport, and the other being a block of the same dimensions abutting on River and Cheyenne streets, 420 feet north
and both Fred R. Lindberg and Col. A. W. Atkins had been county commissioners. Those who have served as county officers for Morrill county since its separate organization :
County commissioners: The first board who started in 1909 and served together for practically five years were : Fred R. Lindburg, Herman E. Smith, Wm. T. McKelvey. Upon this trio of faithful servants fell the onerous burdens of the details of county government and of the numerous precincts of the county. The legislative and administrative functions pertaining to getting the various county offices established, supplied and equipped, and under their guidance. The work of building the new court house as
y:_,,- m
^•11 1 l |FF
of block two of the original town of Bridgeport. This offer being contingent upon the condition that the court house was not to cost less than $15,000 and was to be completed on or before April 1, 1910.
The first named site was the one selected and upon it Morrill county's magnificent court house was built.
1309
The legislative and administrative functions pertaining to getting the various county offices established, supplied and equipped, and under their guidance. The work of building the new court house as
y:_,,- m
^•11 1 l |FF
of block two of the original town of Bridgeport. This offer being contingent upon the condition that the court house was not to cost less than $15,000 and was to be completed on or before April 1, 1910.
The first named site was the one selected and upon it Morrill county's magnificent court house was built.
Bridgeport precinct was organized cut of King and Eastwood in October of that year.
County Officials Prior to the separate organization of Morrill county this part of the county had a number of times furnished county officials for Cheyenne county, and office of county clerk had been held four years by R. E. Bairett, R. H. Willis had served as county surveyor, and Mark Spanogle as county attorney. J. W. Lee had been sheriff and Win. Ritchie, Jr., had been county superintendent.
well as the bridge, and road work operations were carried out. To these three Morrill county probably owes as deep an obligation as it can at any time in its future history ever owe to any hoard of commissions who may take charge of its affairs.
In 1914 H. E. Randall succeeded Mr. Mc- Kelvey and remained on the board four years. When Messrs. Lindburg and Smith "left the board, J. J. Grimes came on with Leslie Bocdrv who resigned and was succeeded by F." H. Putman. After Randall, Putman and Grimes had served together for one and one-half years, then Fred R. Lindburg returned to the board and served with Messrs. Randall and Grimes and these three men were succeeded in January, 1919, by R. C.
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Randall succeeded Mr. Mc- Kelvey and remained on the board four years. When Messrs. Lindburg and Smith "left the board, J. J. Grimes came on with Leslie Bocdrv who resigned and was succeeded by F." H. Putman. After Randall, Putman and Grimes had served together for one and one-half years, then Fred R. Lindburg returned to the board and served with Messrs. Randall and Grimes and these three men were succeeded in January, 1919, by R. C. Bassett of Bayard (who had served for about three months before that). S. Garvey of Bridgeport and C. W. Draper of Broadwater, with Mr. Bassett made up the
,o8
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
board in 1920. Dale B. Osborne was elected in November, 1920, to a seat upon this board. A roster of the precinct officers chosen to serve in 1921-22 indicates the growth of Morrill county's administrators tasks.
Bayard precinct: J. B. Foelmer, police magistrate: Orrin J. Lathrop, justice of peace: J. E. Hunt, assessor; R. L. Lincoln, overseer of highways, first district; Will Johnson, overseer of highways, second district; Seth Bankson, overseer of highways, third district.
Bonner precinct : F. E. Bradbury, justice of the peace; F. P. Boone, assessor; F. P. Boone and F. E. Bredbury, tie for overseer of highways.
Broadwater precinct : Walter A. Canaday, police magistrate; Thos. O. Haiston, justice of the peace; C. V. Gilbert, assessor; W. T. Carr, overseer of highways.
Camp Clarke precinct: Dave Kelly, police magistrate; P. C. Wade, justice of the peace ; Thos. Burke, assessor ; O. M. Robinson, overseer of highways, south district; Paul Gebauer, overseer of highways, north district.
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Bradbury, justice of the peace; F. P. Boone, assessor; F. P. Boone and F. E. Bredbury, tie for overseer of highways.
Broadwater precinct : Walter A. Canaday, police magistrate; Thos. O. Haiston, justice of the peace; C. V. Gilbert, assessor; W. T. Carr, overseer of highways.
Camp Clarke precinct: Dave Kelly, police magistrate; P. C. Wade, justice of the peace ; Thos. Burke, assessor ; O. M. Robinson, overseer of highways, south district; Paul Gebauer, overseer of highways, north district.
Court House Rock precinct: F. P. Hanway, justice of the peace ; Chas. Ellis, assessor; M. E. Hanway, overseer of highways, east district ; M. A. Dugger, overseer of highways, west district.
Eastwood precinct: C. M. Fetters, justice of the peace; H. W. Majors, assessor; J. A. Thompson, overseer of highways, south district ; A. D. Waggie, overseer of highways, north district.
Gilchrist precinct : Joe Bignell and Julius Burke, tie for justice of the peace; Frank Castewell, assessor; C. A. Snow, overseer of highways.
Goodstreak precinct: E. W. Becker, justice of the peace; Albert Acker, assessor; William Marquardt, overseer of highways.
Haynes precinct: A. D. Hull, justice of the peace; Leslie Boodry, assessor; F. W. Wood, overseer of highways.
King precinct : D. S. Kelsey, justice of the peace: D. S. Meek, assessor; C. F. Hagerty, overseer of highways.
Kinkaid precinct: B. L. Gillespie, justice of the peace; Sam Sawyer, assessor; O. B. Lawhead, overseer of highways.
Redington precinct: A. W. Lease, justice of the peace; Fred Gilman, assessor: X. D. Skinner, overseer of highways.
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Becker, justice of the peace; Albert Acker, assessor; William Marquardt, overseer of highways.
Haynes precinct: A. D. Hull, justice of the peace; Leslie Boodry, assessor; F. W. Wood, overseer of highways.
King precinct : D. S. Kelsey, justice of the peace: D. S. Meek, assessor; C. F. Hagerty, overseer of highways.
Kinkaid precinct: B. L. Gillespie, justice of the peace; Sam Sawyer, assessor; O. B. Lawhead, overseer of highways.
Redington precinct: A. W. Lease, justice of the peace; Fred Gilman, assessor: X. D. Skinner, overseer of highways.
Riley Hill precinct: James Mitera, justice of the peace; W. V. Dove, assessor: VV. J. Williams, overseer of highways.
Union precinct: R. S. McConnell, justice of the peace; C. E. Satchel], assessor; Cleo Green, overseer of highways.
Storm Lake precinct: Sam Hickman, justice ci the peace; John Scott, assessor; Charles Fulcher, overseer of highways.
Weir-Lisco precinct : E. Humphrey, L. B. Hiscock, William Hanna and Nels Lindberg, tie for justice of the peace ; James A. Millett, assessor ; Eric Lif, overseer of highways, Weir district; Dan Dean, overseer of highways, Lisco district.
Yockey precinct: W. T. Dean, Jr., justice of the peace; C. L. Hoxworth, assessor; John Mittlesteadt, overseer of highways.
County Clerk and Clerk of District Court
The first incumbent of this important office was Charles D. Casper. Casper was formerly state senator from Butler county. This officer had not only the duty of county clerk and therefore clerk of the board of commissioners, but was also clerk of the district court and register of deeds for the county. In 1912 J. R. Minshall took this office. For the last three years of his term Z. H. Jones served as his deputy and in 1917 Mr. Jones became the county clerk and clerk of district court and has since then acceptably performed the multiple duties of those offices until their separation and was re-elected in November, 1920, for a four-year term as clerk of district court.
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This officer had not only the duty of county clerk and therefore clerk of the board of commissioners, but was also clerk of the district court and register of deeds for the county. In 1912 J. R. Minshall took this office. For the last three years of his term Z. H. Jones served as his deputy and in 1917 Mr. Jones became the county clerk and clerk of district court and has since then acceptably performed the multiple duties of those offices until their separation and was re-elected in November, 1920, for a four-year term as clerk of district court. W. C. Clark was elected to the now separate office of countv clerk.
County Treasurer The first county treasurer was Frank Irving and he was succeeded by Thos. Ishmael. who served for five years. In 1917, after having served as deputy to Irving and Ishmael, Miss Mabel J. Johnson assumed the county treasurership and with the assistance of Mary Johnson has discharged the duties of this office to the entire satisfaction of every patron.
Sheriff
John O. Belden, assisted by Clarence W. Mount as deputy, served the first term as sheriff and from 1912 until 1921, Wm. I. Dyson has been the sheriff of Morrill county, until he was succeeded by R. C. Neumann.
County Superintendent
The first county superintendent after the organization of the count}- was Mary E. Walford. Succeeding her for live vears
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
came Cora A. Thompson who later went to Lincoln to assume a place on the staff of state superintendent of public instruction, and the present superintendent, E. F. Keller.
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Mount as deputy, served the first term as sheriff and from 1912 until 1921, Wm. I. Dyson has been the sheriff of Morrill county, until he was succeeded by R. C. Neumann.
County Superintendent
The first county superintendent after the organization of the count}- was Mary E. Walford. Succeeding her for live vears
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
came Cora A. Thompson who later went to Lincoln to assume a place on the staff of state superintendent of public instruction, and the present superintendent, E. F. Keller.
Coroner The coroners of the county were Victor Anderson and Loren R. North, the latter who served until this office was abolished and its duties moved over to the county attorney.
Assessor
The assessor of this county was first P. G. Burke and then B. E. Betebender and for the four years from 1917 to 1921, it has been held by J. D. Zimmerman, E. M. Bigelow, taking office in January, 1921.
Surveyor The first county surveyor was Chas. Edwards and his successor was Geo. Welton, who served until 1915 when the present surveyor, Robert H. Willis, took this office.
County Attorney
The county attorneyship was first held for six years by Attorney Fav E. Williams. Since 1915, Attorney K. W. McDonald has discharged the duties of this office.
County Judge Morrill county has been more steadfast in its political affections in the matter of the county judge when they captured John H. Steuteville, at the inception of the county's career, and it has kept him to this date. Judge Steuteville has served as colleague with all of the county officials who have served Morrill county. He gave way in January, 1921, to H. M. Marquis of Bayard, and returned to private practice.
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McDonald has discharged the duties of this office.
County Judge Morrill county has been more steadfast in its political affections in the matter of the county judge when they captured John H. Steuteville, at the inception of the county's career, and it has kept him to this date. Judge Steuteville has served as colleague with all of the county officials who have served Morrill county. He gave way in January, 1921, to H. M. Marquis of Bayard, and returned to private practice.
The First Term of District Court
Those electors who are drawn for jury service at the first term of district court were : Goodstreak. E. E. Dueker, Andy Christenson ; Bayard. H. E. Randall, Jas. Burns, C. O. Morrison, C. H. Harpole, I. P. Armagost, Jas. Beauchamp. R. D. McFeron, T. A. Fulton. Redington, Geo. F. Randall. Ben E. Wagner, Geo. Juelfs. R. S. Boyd. Mark W. Whitman, Geo. Dugger. Haynes, Alex. Blackstone, Rov Wolford, Frank- Born, W. C. Fairfield, 'Reilley Hill, G. A. Dove, F. D. Paul, O. Frownfelter. Camp Clarke. Asa Baker, Mike Beerline, Geo. Degraw, John E. Oliver, Robt. Gregg, O. M.
Robinson, Chas. E. Logan, A. R. Thompson, Jas. McFarlaine, Otis Smith. Win. Mount, E. G. Rouse, Louis Larson. Frank Hunt. Court House Rock, W. F. Hollingsworth, Marion Dugger, John Hall, Marcus Hallway, Frank Halloway. Lnion. A. L. Adams, L. E. Buck. Gilchris't, J. A. Hutchinson and C. A. Snow. Storm Lake, Arthur Feagins. S. M. Hickman. King. Chas. Tolle, Fred Anderson, Andrew Hansen. Broadwater, C. G. Fairman. Anthony Johnson, Pat Row- Ian, George Beerline. Eastwood, Frank Mulloy, T. B. Rogers, J. J. Grimes. Weir- Lisco, Olaf Lindberg, D. A. Colyer.
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Rouse, Louis Larson. Frank Hunt. Court House Rock, W. F. Hollingsworth, Marion Dugger, John Hall, Marcus Hallway, Frank Halloway. Lnion. A. L. Adams, L. E. Buck. Gilchris't, J. A. Hutchinson and C. A. Snow. Storm Lake, Arthur Feagins. S. M. Hickman. King. Chas. Tolle, Fred Anderson, Andrew Hansen. Broadwater, C. G. Fairman. Anthony Johnson, Pat Row- Ian, George Beerline. Eastwood, Frank Mulloy, T. B. Rogers, J. J. Grimes. Weir- Lisco, Olaf Lindberg, D. A. Colyer.
The first session of district court in Morrill county was held on June 14, 1909. at 11 a. m., in the Odd Fellows hall at Bridgeport. Hon. H. M. Grimes of North Platte was the presiding district judge. C. B. Casper was clerk and John O. Sheldon, sheriff. The first case recorded on the docket was that of Jesse M. Couckins vs. the Nine Mile Irrigation District. This came up for action and was continued over the term. The next case on the docket was Louis Liebard vs. The Guaranty Investment Company. A mortgage foreclosure next came up. The last court held under Judge Grimes' jurisdiction as district judge'was April 4, 1911. The district then was composed of the counties of Lincoln, Perkins, Keith, Cheyenne, Kimball, Banner, Deuel, Garden, Logan, Mc- Pherson, Scotts Bluff, and Morrill.
In June. 1911, R. W. Hobart of Gering became the presiding judge of Morrill county district court. Morrill county was then removed from the old 13th judicial district into the new 17th judicial district, and in 1921 is still serving in that responsible capacity.
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The last court held under Judge Grimes' jurisdiction as district judge'was April 4, 1911. The district then was composed of the counties of Lincoln, Perkins, Keith, Cheyenne, Kimball, Banner, Deuel, Garden, Logan, Mc- Pherson, Scotts Bluff, and Morrill.
In June. 1911, R. W. Hobart of Gering became the presiding judge of Morrill county district court. Morrill county was then removed from the old 13th judicial district into the new 17th judicial district, and in 1921 is still serving in that responsible capacity.
The Story of the Census To the census may we turn for a practical and actual manifestation of the wonderful growth and development of Morrill county. The preliminary figures published for the 1920 census applying to Morrill county show, in comparison with the stories of preceding census:
MORRILL COUNTY. NEBRASKA
Minor Civil Division 1920 1910 1900
Morrill county 9151 4584 *
Bayard city 2127 261
Bayard precinct 1406 693 579
Bonner precinct 66
Bridgeport city 1235 541 545
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Broadwater precinct, including Broadwater village S57 248
Camp Clarke precinct 619 556
Court House Rock precinct 313 195
Eastwood precinct 291 282
Gilchrist precinct S7 131
Good Streak precinct 61 118
Haynes precinct 358 408
King precinct 172 199
Redington precinct 397 396
Reilly Hill precinct 138 122....
Storm Lake precinct 66 112 ... .
Union precinct 200 137 ....
Weir Lisco precinct 323 135 ....
Yockev precinct 435
Incorporated Place 1920 1910 1900
Bayard city 2127 261
Bridgeport city 1235 541 545
Broadwater village 364
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Camp Clarke precinct 619 556
Court House Rock precinct 313 195
Eastwood precinct 291 282
Gilchrist precinct S7 131
Good Streak precinct 61 118
Haynes precinct 358 408
King precinct 172 199
Redington precinct 397 396
Reilly Hill precinct 138 122....
Storm Lake precinct 66 112 ... .
Union precinct 200 137 ....
Weir Lisco precinct 323 135 ....
Yockev precinct 435
Incorporated Place 1920 1910 1900
Bayard city 2127 261
Bridgeport city 1235 541 545
Broadwater village 364
* Comparison of population for 1900 made wherever possible.
TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT
Just as the story of a person's life is often best told in the ventures undertaken, and the dreams attempted and at least partially carried to maturity with some substantial results, so the story of Morrill county can be graphically elaborated in the discussion of some of her "dreams" and hopes. The county took its second era of rapid growth from the arrival and building of the Alliance to Sterling, Brush and Denver lines of the Burlington railroad, and the arrival of the branch to Wyoming extending westward from Bridgeport, and later the Union Pacific branch from North Platte. While these three railroad lines measure the achievements accomplished in rail transportation, many others have been planned. These fond hopes have brought forth other fruits. In producing and setting forth the arguments for the fruition of these many hopes, Morrill county has herself discovered and been prompted to set forth to the rest of the world her physical and material resources. Not as a tale of dead hopes, but as a vivid portrayal of the valiant struggle kept up for some two decades by the active, loyal citizens of Morrill count}', do we divert to portray a series of discussions of the many railroad projects launched for further transportation facilities through Morrill county.
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In producing and setting forth the arguments for the fruition of these many hopes, Morrill county has herself discovered and been prompted to set forth to the rest of the world her physical and material resources. Not as a tale of dead hopes, but as a vivid portrayal of the valiant struggle kept up for some two decades by the active, loyal citizens of Morrill count}', do we divert to portray a series of discussions of the many railroad projects launched for further transportation facilities through Morrill county. In years to come, when some of these may be in actual existence, then these pages, perhaps pronounced by present readers, as a closet of skeletons, will be valuable original sources of information upon the planting and growth of these hopeful projects. Could
a small portion of these proposed lines have materialized, Morrill county would have been most wonderfully networked with transportation lines. But next to the story of her agricultural and material soil produring tale, the transportation evolution of the county develops it beyond some of its sister counties.
Bridgeport-O'Neill Railroad
Attention was called some eight or ten years .ago to the Burlington's line, running from Duluth, at the head of the Great Lakes, and now extending as far as O'Neill, this state. The Hill people said little about this project, but newspapers professed to believe that it was the intention to connect that line with the roads centering in Bridgeport. Besides providing a short and direct line across the continent, the read would pass through a good country the entire distance. The Hill interests maintain a line of steamers plying from Buffalo to Duluth, and another line from Seattle across the Pacific ocean. The road from O'Neill to Bridgeport will connect the two ends and provide a complete trans-continental transportation system.
1320
The Hill people said little about this project, but newspapers professed to believe that it was the intention to connect that line with the roads centering in Bridgeport. Besides providing a short and direct line across the continent, the read would pass through a good country the entire distance. The Hill interests maintain a line of steamers plying from Buffalo to Duluth, and another line from Seattle across the Pacific ocean. The road from O'Neill to Bridgeport will connect the two ends and provide a complete trans-continental transportation system.
Comment in the Omaha Bee and Lincoln State Journal indicated that the railroad company had the matter under advisement.
The State Journal said, among oilier things:
"The connection of the ( Weill line of the Burlington with the Billings line has been frequently discussed since the llill interests secured the Burlington. A number of years
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ago a prominent Burlington official said it was the intention to connect the loose ends of the system north of the Platte river in a way that would afford commercial circulation."
Bridgeport-Kearney Link
After the building of the Guernsey line, for some years the Burlington used the Colorado & Southern and the Northwestern tracks to reach Casper. Later they built their own road and some heavy tunnel work was necessary in Platte canyon.
Bridgeport then began to anticipate the long deferred line connecting Bridgeport and Kearney, and the following appeared in the local press of the time :
"Every man and every team that can be crowded into the big tunnel work west of Guernsey is being rushed to the scene of activity and carload after carload of outfits and equipment are being shipped to that point. The Burlington is using every effort to push that work to completion. at the earliest possible date.
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Bridgeport then began to anticipate the long deferred line connecting Bridgeport and Kearney, and the following appeared in the local press of the time :
"Every man and every team that can be crowded into the big tunnel work west of Guernsey is being rushed to the scene of activity and carload after carload of outfits and equipment are being shipped to that point. The Burlington is using every effort to push that work to completion. at the earliest possible date.
"Prominent railroad men who are in position to know what they are talking about, have given out the statement within the past few days that as soon as the harvest season is over and labor becomes more plentiful, work on the Bridgeport-Kearney line will be commenced, and others who have interests here and are waiting for the first steps to be taken in the building of the new line to launch other enterprises, have written that they have been given the same assurance.
"In fact it is believed that nothing less than a financial panic will stand in the way of filling in the gap between Bridgeport and Kearney this year."
Bridgeport to Harriseurg "An Electric Line would be a Direct Benefit without Proving a Menace to Our Business Interests," was headlined at Bridgeport in May, 1913, when Banner county was in a fever for a railroad.
With the possibility that the effort to build a standard gauge railroad from Cheyenne to Bridgeport might not prove successful, the News-Blade suggested that a company be at once organized and incorporated to build an electric or motor line from Bridgeport, via Redington, to Harrisburg, and as much further as the business would warrant. The News-Blade said :
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Bridgeport to Harriseurg "An Electric Line would be a Direct Benefit without Proving a Menace to Our Business Interests," was headlined at Bridgeport in May, 1913, when Banner county was in a fever for a railroad.
With the possibility that the effort to build a standard gauge railroad from Cheyenne to Bridgeport might not prove successful, the News-Blade suggested that a company be at once organized and incorporated to build an electric or motor line from Bridgeport, via Redington, to Harrisburg, and as much further as the business would warrant. The News-Blade said :
"An electric line could be cheaply built and it would provide the people of Banner county with a railroad outlet that would
bring them to the railroad center of western Nebraska."
Cheyenne-Bridgeport Line A new railroad project was being pushed to connect these cities, via Pumpkin creek and Banner county in 1913.
The Commercial Club listened to the proposition of the men who were promoting the railroad from Cheyenne to Bridgeport, discussing measures and the projects from all standpoints,
The proposition was discussed freely and while all were in favor of the proposed road, the question of details was referred to the railroad committee which was to confer with the promoters of the enterprise at a date to be fixed to suit the convenience of all parties.
Bridgeport-Newark Line
In 1915, railroad officials announced that definite arrangements were being made for the building of the long expected river road, and that the plans were to be given out soon. It was stated that the road was to run from Bridgeport to Newark on the south side of the river instead of to Kearney, and cross the river twice. Blue prints were said to have been prepared, and maps ready for distribution.
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The proposition was discussed freely and while all were in favor of the proposed road, the question of details was referred to the railroad committee which was to confer with the promoters of the enterprise at a date to be fixed to suit the convenience of all parties.
Bridgeport-Newark Line
In 1915, railroad officials announced that definite arrangements were being made for the building of the long expected river road, and that the plans were to be given out soon. It was stated that the road was to run from Bridgeport to Newark on the south side of the river instead of to Kearney, and cross the river twice. Blue prints were said to have been prepared, and maps ready for distribution.
It was also stated that the necessary funds for building the new line had been raised and that it would be rushed to completion in time to accommodate through trains, through the tunnels, at Guernsey.
"Bridgeport will now prepare to become the leading city of western Nebraska." enthusiastic journals of that town declared.
These were several of the dreams that were shattered by the war in part. All of them would be practical, and possibly may come in the future.
Highway Development
It is a far cry from the trail of the Indian, <>r the unbroken surface of the boundless prairie, which greeted the earliest trappers, ranchers and homesteaders of the Morrill county area to the wonderful gravel-surfaced, boulevarded roadways being constructed by the Nebraska State Department of Public Works in this second decade of the twentieth century. This single feature in the physical evolution of the county goes a long ways toward marking the progress made in even* phase of its life. Something of the scheme of the vast undertaking of the new state highway system has been outlined
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It is a far cry from the trail of the Indian, <>r the unbroken surface of the boundless prairie, which greeted the earliest trappers, ranchers and homesteaders of the Morrill county area to the wonderful gravel-surfaced, boulevarded roadways being constructed by the Nebraska State Department of Public Works in this second decade of the twentieth century. This single feature in the physical evolution of the county goes a long ways toward marking the progress made in even* phase of its life. Something of the scheme of the vast undertaking of the new state highway system has been outlined
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
in other portions of this work. When the projects already launched are completed, Morrill county will have a splendid network of permanent highways, from east to west and from north to south across the county.
North Platte Valley Highway First, local people, the communities and municipalities found it necessary to investigate and mark the most feasible roads from place to place. Seme of these were graded but many miles were untouched by plow, grader, or road drag.
Committees or delegates from the towns met from time to time to discuss proposed highways, the North Platte Valley Highway being one of the early definite marked roads of Morrill county. This was meant to> connect Lincoln Highway near North Platte, Nebraska, with the Yellowstone Highway near Douglas, Wyoming.
Pat King Road It was decided by the delegates from Alliance and Bridgeport to mark the road known as the Pat King road from Alliance to Angora, as it is the best road for immediate travel. As soon as the road on the east side of the railroad track can be put in shape for travel, the markers will be changed to that route. The "Pat King road"' runs northwest from Angora for a number of miles, and then northeast to Alliance, and is about ten miles longer than the road on the east side of the railroad track, but it will be used until the east side road can be put in better condition through the sand hills.
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As soon as the road on the east side of the railroad track can be put in shape for travel, the markers will be changed to that route. The "Pat King road"' runs northwest from Angora for a number of miles, and then northeast to Alliance, and is about ten miles longer than the road on the east side of the railroad track, but it will be used until the east side road can be put in better condition through the sand hills.
State and Federal Aid Roads In May, 1919, the county commissioners, with the county clerk, went over the road that will run through the county from southeast to northwest and will receive federal and state aid in building. After spending considerable time at different points in selecting the best route, the commissioners passed a resolution adopting the route they had selected, and pledging the county to accept the provisions of the federal and state aid road acts, to furnish the right of way and to maintain the road after its construction.
The commissioners also pledged to designate this as a county road within thirty days after its completion. In other words, it becomes a county road after it has been built by the federal and state governments, and the county is to maintain it in good condition.
The road enters the county on the east
line of section 29, township 19, range 46, and runs in an almost direct line northwest to Broadwater, where it crosses the river to the south side and follows along comparatively close to the river about five miles. Then it runs west for about two and a half miles, and then north and west for short distances until it reaches the Guthrie ranch. Then it runs west from the Guthrie ranch until it strikes the Burlington railroad about five miles southeast of Bridgeport, which it follows to that city.
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line of section 29, township 19, range 46, and runs in an almost direct line northwest to Broadwater, where it crosses the river to the south side and follows along comparatively close to the river about five miles. Then it runs west for about two and a half miles, and then north and west for short distances until it reaches the Guthrie ranch. Then it runs west from the Guthrie ranch until it strikes the Burlington railroad about five miles southeast of Bridgeport, which it follows to that city.
The road crosses the river again at Bridgeport and follows along closely to the river to near the railroad crossing tower at Northport, this being a departure from the present traveled road which runs through the sand hills immediately northwest from Northport, and will make a much better road. The road crosses the railroad tracks near the tower at the north end of the new Burlington railroad bridge, and follows along the south side of the Burlington railroad in a northwesterly direction for about two miles, where it crosses the railroad track and again runs approximately northwest till it strikes the old Bayard read at the west side of the big sand hill east of the De- Graw beet dump. This cuts out the big hill with its sand and hard climbing. The new road then practically follows the old road until it reaches Bayard.
From Bayard the new road runs north four miles, which is some departure from the old road that used to run west from Bayard past the sugar factory, the commissioners desiring to get the road away from the "seep land" near the sugar factory that has made the road so hard to travel and keep up. From the point four miles north of Bayard the new road runs straight west until it enters Scotts Bluff county.
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From Bayard the new road runs north four miles, which is some departure from the old road that used to run west from Bayard past the sugar factory, the commissioners desiring to get the road away from the "seep land" near the sugar factory that has made the road so hard to travel and keep up. From the point four miles north of Bayard the new road runs straight west until it enters Scotts Bluff county.
The commissioners had two important matters tc consider in selecting the route near Bridgeport. The first was to get away from the sand north of the river, as the cost would be excessive. This was done, as before described, by turning the road sharply to the west from the Northport crossing and then continuing along the south side of the ' Burlington track. Then, running southeast from Bridgeport, the road was held as closely to the river as practicable, which makes it a water grade road and at reasonable expense of building and upkeep.
The second problem was to designate a road that would serve the greatest number of people, and would fill the demand for postal routes, that are badly needed along
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the south side of the valley. These postal routes have been urged for years, and the land along the proposed routes is becoming densely populated. This does not mean that the road on the north side of the river between Bridgeport and Broadwater will be neglected, as it will be maintained by the county, but it does mean that the route on the south side would serve the greatest number of people at this time. The state and federal aid is for roads most needed. The commissioners are pledged to a good roads program, and each district will receive attention as rapidly as possible.
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This does not mean that the road on the north side of the river between Bridgeport and Broadwater will be neglected, as it will be maintained by the county, but it does mean that the route on the south side would serve the greatest number of people at this time. The state and federal aid is for roads most needed. The commissioners are pledged to a good roads program, and each district will receive attention as rapidly as possible. It has been hard to find labor to do road improving, and the county board has had to do the best it could. All roads in the county will receive attention.
The road from Denver, Sidney and Halton connects with this state and federal aid road a few miles southeast of Bridgeport. This highway over the divide roughlv parallels the old" Sidney-Black Hills trail."
Bridgeport-Broadwater Road Quite a lot of trouble was had in getting
the route from Bridgeport to Broadwater, south of the river, laid out for work. A road close to the river was wanted, instead of through the hills and this became accomplished by donating of the right of way by land owners along the route. A. W, Atkins donated over a mile and a half of the right of way through his ranch, and other land owners signed up so as to make certain the best road.
This road will require a little more work at the beginning than the road through the hills. Twice or three times as much tonnage can be hauled in one load and the cost of hauling thereby materially reduced. It will run through the irrigated section enabling travelers to see the better lands.
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W, Atkins donated over a mile and a half of the right of way through his ranch, and other land owners signed up so as to make certain the best road.
This road will require a little more work at the beginning than the road through the hills. Twice or three times as much tonnage can be hauled in one load and the cost of hauling thereby materially reduced. It will run through the irrigated section enabling travelers to see the better lands.
The farming corporation of Omaha donated some right of way and also subscribed $500 in cash toward building the road. The first work by state and federal aid in the county was on this road, it being most needed to meet demands for connecting principal towns of the county.
l()\\ Till-, LAND CHANGED
In April, 1919, Mrs. R. C. Bassett wrote lor the Ladies' Literary Club and read at the home of Mrs. C. W. Clifton, the following allegorical and descriptive story of the development of the North Platte valley :
"Old Spotted Elk stood on the brow of Signal Hill looking northward. In the valley below, and in front of him, lay the muddy waters of the North Platte, which seemed to broaden cut and lose themselves in the yellow sand, only to be collected later as by some unseen force, and to be swept swiftly through the channel where the banks narrowed. Again its course widened ; the river spread its waters over sand bars and around clumps of willows, passing lazily from view far to the southeast.
1330
In the valley below, and in front of him, lay the muddy waters of the North Platte, which seemed to broaden cut and lose themselves in the yellow sand, only to be collected later as by some unseen force, and to be swept swiftly through the channel where the banks narrowed. Again its course widened ; the river spread its waters over sand bars and around clumps of willows, passing lazily from view far to the southeast.
''Beyond the river lowlands a broad rolling table seemed to rise and stretch itself northward for miles and miles to where a range of hills lifted its purple haze in the
afternoon sun. The snow had disappeared some weeks before, and now the valley and table land beyond were green with grass, the sage brush had taken on a deeper hue. while at the feet of the old warrior on the hilltop bloomed the wild geranium, the little Montana, and the yellow cactus of the western prairies.
"The old chief gazed long and lovingly at the panorama thus spread out before him. Then turning his eyes to the east he mused, 'It is no longer for us. No longer shall the brave red men hunt buffalo over the hills or on the grassy plain. The white man comes to build houses and towns. The antelope will be gone, and the sunny hunting ground be plowed to raise food for the pale face and his children. He comes from the rising sun. The braves of the once great tribe are gone, and I am left: I go.' Then shouldering his rifle, the old warrior mounted his little
1331
No longer shall the brave red men hunt buffalo over the hills or on the grassy plain. The white man comes to build houses and towns. The antelope will be gone, and the sunny hunting ground be plowed to raise food for the pale face and his children. He comes from the rising sun. The braves of the once great tribe are gone, and I am left: I go.' Then shouldering his rifle, the old warrior mounted his little
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
shaggy mustang, and was soon wending his way up the valley toward the northwest. As he rounded the last curve of the break through the hills the old chief turned and gazed behind him. Far below down the river his trained old eyes caught sight of a half dozen or more ox-wagons toiling slowly up the valley.
" 'The pale face/ the old warrior muttered, and turning his back once more, rode through the pass, around the turn, straight into the land of the setting sun.
"The next morning a wagon train consisting of some half dozen ox-wagons, rumbled laboriously along the Oregon Trail and wound its way up the North Platte valley. A halt was made near a singular, conicalshaped phenomenon, called by Washington Irving 'The Chimney.'
"Some of the party from the ox-wagons climbed Old Sig'nal Hill, and standing on its summit in the exact place where Old Spotted Elk had stood the evening before, gazed over the same picturesque panorama.
" 'Let us stop here,' said one. 'Here is grass for our cattle. Why go further and fare worse?'
1332
"The next morning a wagon train consisting of some half dozen ox-wagons, rumbled laboriously along the Oregon Trail and wound its way up the North Platte valley. A halt was made near a singular, conicalshaped phenomenon, called by Washington Irving 'The Chimney.'
"Some of the party from the ox-wagons climbed Old Sig'nal Hill, and standing on its summit in the exact place where Old Spotted Elk had stood the evening before, gazed over the same picturesque panorama.
" 'Let us stop here,' said one. 'Here is grass for our cattle. Why go further and fare worse?'
"The next summer the hills and table lands were dotted with houses.
"The ranches were gradually giving way to the homesteaders, who flocked here from the east, and thus began the real settlement of the North Platte valley. Schools were started, churches were organized, and during this period of development the murky waters of the river lay in basking sunlight as though waiting its time.
"Then came the master mind, which conceived the idea of utilizing the Platte and bringing its life-giving waters upon the thirsty fields and parching plains. Thus was solved the problem of the hot summer months.
"The large volume of water in the river, the wide bottom lands, and the long, gentle slopes of the table lands afforded ideal conditions for irrigation. From the building of the first irrigation ditch in about 1887, to the completion of the Tri-State Ditch in 1911, and the Government Ditch a little later, the country has developed, step by step, until there are now some 275,000 acres of land under irrigation in the North Platte valley. This has been brought into a high state of cultivation, until it is fast becoming one of the richest sections in the world."
1333
"The large volume of water in the river, the wide bottom lands, and the long, gentle slopes of the table lands afforded ideal conditions for irrigation. From the building of the first irrigation ditch in about 1887, to the completion of the Tri-State Ditch in 1911, and the Government Ditch a little later, the country has developed, step by step, until there are now some 275,000 acres of land under irrigation in the North Platte valley. This has been brought into a high state of cultivation, until it is fast becoming one of the richest sections in the world."
Soil and its Production < >ne in any walk of life finds it difficult to
write upon the subject dearest to his heart, without an unconscious boost for his particular business. The editor-in-chief has before him an excellent article prepared by A. T. Seybolt of Bridgeport, upon the subject of Morrill county soil and its production. While "get your dollars into Morrill county land" is excellent advice, that is not historical. History relates to things already done, and not to things anticipated.
The Soil Builder
When the Architect of All laid down the strata of soil that is the foundation of Morrill county's agricultural accomplishments and prospects, He laid the foundation for a marvellous history of productivity ; and when the "Gering river" ran westward into the inland sea, enduring monuments were made. This swiftly moving river at Chimney Rock was evidently at least one hundred forty feet deep, and the coarser sand that settled down and were cemented into the firmer rocks form that much of the spire of that wonderful landmark of the ages. Court House Rock and Round House Rock are two other distinctive monuments of that ancient river, while the mighty facades of the Wildcat range west of Court House Reck, and the bluffs south of Broadwater are likewise sediments of that river which was the long ago antecedent of the great North Platte.
1334
This swiftly moving river at Chimney Rock was evidently at least one hundred forty feet deep, and the coarser sand that settled down and were cemented into the firmer rocks form that much of the spire of that wonderful landmark of the ages. Court House Rock and Round House Rock are two other distinctive monuments of that ancient river, while the mighty facades of the Wildcat range west of Court House Reck, and the bluffs south of Broadwater are likewise sediments of that river which was the long ago antecedent of the great North Platte.
In the oxidization of the rocks, the softer substances have "decomposed."
Oxygen and hydrogen, wonderful invisible elements of the Infinite, are today, and as they have been for a million years, working -- working incessantly, penetrating the hard and flinty substances of the earth, and creating' therefrom the rudiments of an excellent soil. Never, anywhere in the wide world was there found anything better. For many feet down into the bowels of the earth are found stores of potash to draw upon as the surface soil loses this vital element through crop production. Nature builded well and builded deep the foundations of Morrill county agriculture.
Morrill county has vast acres of irrigated land, which are passing from the larger holdings into smaller farms, for it has been found -- in the language of the late Arnold Martin -- "Twenty acres is abundant for any man, forty acres is a calamity, and eighty acres a catastrophe." Spreading acres develops the muscle but does not give the brain the wider chance to expand in scientific production.
1335
Nature builded well and builded deep the foundations of Morrill county agriculture.
Morrill county has vast acres of irrigated land, which are passing from the larger holdings into smaller farms, for it has been found -- in the language of the late Arnold Martin -- "Twenty acres is abundant for any man, forty acres is a calamity, and eighty acres a catastrophe." Spreading acres develops the muscle but does not give the brain the wider chance to expand in scientific production.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
For ranching, Morrill county has its share of the great sand hills and rough lands suited only for grazing. And for the scientific dry-land farmer there are wide acres of upland prairie, and table land of the highest quality.
Physically, topographically, hydn ►graphically, geographically, geologically, stratigraphically, all these big sounding words speak for the glory of Morrill county. They tell of richness and beauty, and temperate climes: of a wonderful past and undreamed of future progress with the years.
Cattle
When we come to think of the countless herds of buffalo and antelope that first roamed in this valley ; the great herds of the cattlemen later, and' then how the salvation of the early settlers came through turning their attention to cattle instead of grain raising, it seems useless to say more about this being a cattle country. The land of free range -- the time when the cattle roamed the prairie summer and winter unrestricted -- is past. The coming cf the homesteader was the termination of the big rancher, except in such cases as a far-seeing ranchman has acquired title to large tracts of deeded lands. Also the better method, born of experience, is that cattle be ranged in summer and fed in winter. The cattlemen of old counted that it took from ten to sixteen acres to range a cow a year, giving feed both summer and winter from the prairie.
1336
The coming cf the homesteader was the termination of the big rancher, except in such cases as a far-seeing ranchman has acquired title to large tracts of deeded lands. Also the better method, born of experience, is that cattle be ranged in summer and fed in winter. The cattlemen of old counted that it took from ten to sixteen acres to range a cow a year, giving feed both summer and winter from the prairie. With winter feeding half this amount should be sufficient.
It is hard to say just how much an irrigated pasture will support but, properly handled, the best can be safely counted on to feed two or three cows to the acre during the summer season, though at this forced cropping the pasture cannot be expected to last. This is no drawback, for. in irrigated farming, crop rotation is a very essential feature.
Western Nebraska cattle are far in advance of the average of their eastern brothers in regard to purity of breed. Thoroughbred bulls are the only ones used. The prevailing breeds are Herefords and Shorthorns, with an occasional Angus herd for beef, while Holsteins and Jerseys constitute the dairy herds.
A review of those men who were extensively engaged in stock-raising in Morrill county and vicinity in the last score of years can be gleaned in part from the lists of "Brand" registrations.
Coote C. Mulloy, Lower Dug Out, Irving, Nebraska.
Robert Graham, Cleman, Nebraska.
John Hanway, Deep Holes, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
R. V. Brown, Cedar Creek, Lisco, Nebraska.
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The prevailing breeds are Herefords and Shorthorns, with an occasional Angus herd for beef, while Holsteins and Jerseys constitute the dairy herds.
A review of those men who were extensively engaged in stock-raising in Morrill county and vicinity in the last score of years can be gleaned in part from the lists of "Brand" registrations.
Coote C. Mulloy, Lower Dug Out, Irving, Nebraska.
Robert Graham, Cleman, Nebraska.
John Hanway, Deep Holes, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
R. V. Brown, Cedar Creek, Lisco, Nebraska.
John King, ten miles west Angora, Angora, Nebraska.
Olof Lendberg, below Lisco, Lisco, Nebraska.
Emmons Vivian, Red Willow, Bayard, Nebraska.
Lewis Wilson, Lawrence Fork, Lewis, Nebraska.
Fred Blaine, Neville Valley, Alliance, Nebraska.
Thos. Roberts & Son, Wild Horse, Bayard, Nebraska.
Wm. Lisco, N. Platte in Garden and Morrill counties, Oshkosh, Nebraska.
J. E. Trinnier, Greenwood, Simla, Nebraska.
Lew Finn, Deep Holes, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Steve Petty, south of Storm Lake, Cleman, Nebraska.
Henry Clarke, Pumpkin Creek, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Wm. M. Willard, Court House Rock, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
I. N. Ware, Indian Creek, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
E. A. Cooper. Lower Dug Out, Irving, Nebraska.
Bern Hutchinson. Court House Rock, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Smith Brothers, 4 P. Ranch, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Anthony Johnson, north of Lisco, Irving, Nebraska.
J. W. Bowersock, Lower Dug Out, Irving, Nebraska.
Ed. Porter, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
F. W\ Smith, Indian Creek, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
J. W. Ricedorff, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Art Oliver, Bird Cage to North River, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
N. W. Elter, Pumpkin Creek, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Iddings Brothers, Deep Moles, Bridgeport. Nebraska.
J. P. Holloway, Court House Rock, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
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Bern Hutchinson. Court House Rock, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Smith Brothers, 4 P. Ranch, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Anthony Johnson, north of Lisco, Irving, Nebraska.
J. W. Bowersock, Lower Dug Out, Irving, Nebraska.
Ed. Porter, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
F. W\ Smith, Indian Creek, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
J. W. Ricedorff, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Art Oliver, Bird Cage to North River, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
N. W. Elter, Pumpkin Creek, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Iddings Brothers, Deep Moles, Bridgeport. Nebraska.
J. P. Holloway, Court House Rock, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Whitman Brothers, Camp Clark, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
A. W. Atkins. Camp Creek or Lower Deep Holes, Sidney, Nebraska.
HISTORY OF WESTERN* NEBRASKA
W. L. Ayer, Deep Holes. Bridgeport. Ne- Andy Hansen, mouth of Plum Creek,
braska. Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Gust Mittlestadt, Camp Clark, Bridge- C. W. Sixberry, Chimney Rock, Bayard,
port, Nebraska. Nebraska.
Frank Putman, Alliance. Nebraska. J. C. Foster, 22-44, Lakeside, Nebraska.
Jos. Hutchinson, Pumpkin Creek. Bridge- R. F. Durnall, Bayard. Nebraska,
port, Nebraska. Wm. T. McKelvey. Redington Gap to
Carl Wagoner, Cedar Creek, Irving, Ne- Chimney Rock, Bayard, Nebraska,
braska. E. S. Crigler. south of Redington. Reding-
M. C. Hubble, 22-45, five miles north Or- ton, Nebraska.
lando. Orlando, Nebraska. Sam Oliver, Bird Cage to No. River,
J. I). Hagerty, Fire Guard and Brown's Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Creek. Bridgeport, Nebraska. P. C. Wade, east of Oak Creek, Lisco. Ne-
Jas. Millet, below Lisco, Lisco. Nebraska, braska.
Lewis M. Meyers, Cedar Creek, Lisco, Nebraska.
P. C. Laing. Brown's Creek, Irving, Nebraska.
Frank Bull's, Court House Rock, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Clyde Meglemre, Greenwood, Bridgeport. Nebraska.
Abe Hutchinson, Alliance, Nebraska.
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Hubble, 22-45, five miles north Or- ton, Nebraska.
lando. Orlando, Nebraska. Sam Oliver, Bird Cage to No. River,
J. I). Hagerty, Fire Guard and Brown's Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Creek. Bridgeport, Nebraska. P. C. Wade, east of Oak Creek, Lisco. Ne-
Jas. Millet, below Lisco, Lisco. Nebraska, braska.
Lewis M. Meyers, Cedar Creek, Lisco, Nebraska.
P. C. Laing. Brown's Creek, Irving, Nebraska.
Frank Bull's, Court House Rock, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Clyde Meglemre, Greenwood, Bridgeport. Nebraska.
Abe Hutchinson, Alliance, Nebraska.
W. C. Dugger, Middle Creek. Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Mac Radcliff, Cedar Creek, Sidney, Nebraska.
Rush Creek Land & Live Stock Company, Rush Creek and No. Platte river, Lodgepole. Nebraska.
W. W. Belden. Middle Creek and Greenwood, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Covalt & Sons, Storm Lake and N. Platte river, Cleman, Nebraska.
W. C. Brown, Camp Lake, Alliance. Nebraska.
W. C. Thompson, Camp Lake, Alliance, Nebraska.
White & Riley, Camp Clarke. Bridgeport, Nebraska.
John Hall, east of Camp Creek. Lisco, Nebraska.
F. E. LaMore, Deep Holes, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Hannawald & Sons, Camp Clarke, Bridgeport. Nebraska.
Feagins & Feagins, Camp Lake. Cleman, Nebraska.
\". M. Clough, near Lisco, Lisco, Nebraska.
Frank Irving. Brown's Creek. Irving, Nebraska.
Ben H. Pusey, Irving, Nebraska.
Warren Coulter, Pumpkin Creek, Redington. Nebraska.
Burke Brothers. Bird Cage to No. River, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
II. B. Hopkins, Greenwood, Redington, Nebraska.
Robert McConnell, Deep Holes and Mud Springs, Simla, Nebraska.
John Nunn, Round House Rock. Bridgeport, Nebraska.
John Scherer, Mud Springs, Simla, Nebraska.
R. Swanger, Pumpkin Creek, Bridgeport. Nebraska.
Eric Lif, below Lisco, Lisco, Nebraska.
Dunn Brothers, Fire Guard, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
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Clough, near Lisco, Lisco, Nebraska.
Frank Irving. Brown's Creek. Irving, Nebraska.
Ben H. Pusey, Irving, Nebraska.
Warren Coulter, Pumpkin Creek, Redington. Nebraska.
Burke Brothers. Bird Cage to No. River, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
II. B. Hopkins, Greenwood, Redington, Nebraska.
Robert McConnell, Deep Holes and Mud Springs, Simla, Nebraska.
John Nunn, Round House Rock. Bridgeport, Nebraska.
John Scherer, Mud Springs, Simla, Nebraska.
R. Swanger, Pumpkin Creek, Bridgeport. Nebraska.
Eric Lif, below Lisco, Lisco, Nebraska.
Dunn Brothers, Fire Guard, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
G. J. Hunt, Pumpkin and Cedar Creek, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Fred Lindberg, Lawrence Rock, Redington, Nebraska.
Jerry Finn, Deep Holes, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
William Mount, Bridgeport. Nebraska.
A. M. Capron, Greenwood, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
W. H. Willis, between Indian Creek and Red Willow, Bridgeport, Nebraska:
Chas. Logan, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
C. C. Nelson, Greenwood, Simla. Nebraska.
Miller Robinson, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Jas. Finn, Pumpkin Creek. Bridgeport. Nebraska.
H. T. Dean, Greenwood and Pumpkin Creek, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
J. H. Clawges, Deep Holes and Camp Creek, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Hazen Chase, Middle Creek and Greenwood, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Geo. Haxby, Brown's Creek, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Elsas & Sons, Fire Guard. Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Beerline Brothers, Brown's Creek, Irving, Nebraska.
Arthur North. Deep Holes. Pisco. Nebraska.
Toole Brothers, Gutch Creek, Bridgeport. Nebraska.
Jas. Lafolett. Bridgeport, Nebraska.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
A. J. Alby, Deep Holes, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Henry Bartling, .Middle Creek, Redington, Nebraska.
Wm. Stilwill, Range Camp Creek, Lisco, Nebraska.
Chas. Endsley, Middle Water, Redington, Nebraska.
Fred Lisco, Morrill and Garden counties, Lisco, Nebraska.
Asa Remsburg, north of Lisco, Lisco, Nebraska.
L. R. North, Deep Holes and Cedar Creek. Bridgeport, Nebraska.
1341
Beerline Brothers, Brown's Creek, Irving, Nebraska.
Arthur North. Deep Holes. Pisco. Nebraska.
Toole Brothers, Gutch Creek, Bridgeport. Nebraska.
Jas. Lafolett. Bridgeport, Nebraska.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
A. J. Alby, Deep Holes, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Henry Bartling, .Middle Creek, Redington, Nebraska.
Wm. Stilwill, Range Camp Creek, Lisco, Nebraska.
Chas. Endsley, Middle Water, Redington, Nebraska.
Fred Lisco, Morrill and Garden counties, Lisco, Nebraska.
Asa Remsburg, north of Lisco, Lisco, Nebraska.
L. R. North, Deep Holes and Cedar Creek. Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Pat Rowlan, Fire Guard, Irving, Nebraska.
C. H. Anderson. Cedar Creek, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Robert Walsh. Lower Dug Out, Irving. Nebraska.
Willis Land & Cattle Co.. Camp Clarke, Bridgeport. Nebraska.
Adam Waggy, Lee's Creek. Irving, Ne-
John Seslar, No. Four P. Creek, Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Ed. North, Cedar Creek. Lisco, Nebraska.
Mrs. M. A. Ware, below Lisco, Lisco. Nebraska.
Jacob Eckert & Son, Ickes, Nebraska.
E. B. Polley, Pumpkin Creek. Redington. Nebraska.
White & Duncan, vicinity of Camp Clarke, Camp Clarke, Nebraska.
George Rouse, Bratton Creek. Bridgeport, Nebraska.
A number of these have now passed cut of existence, or have been absorbed and consolidated.
Sheep Raising and Lamb Fattening In the hills to the south, the mountains to the west, and the sand hills to the northwest is good, cheap range for grazing sheep -- North Platte Valley land is worth' entirely too much for this purpose. A few years ago large numbers of sheep and lambs were wintered and fattened here. For a number of years, other markets, including the constructors of the government and Tri-state canals, have made a demand on the hay crop. An old sheep feeder's advice is. "If you have never fed sheep, try old ewes first for a year or two ; then if you succeed you can rest assured that you will make good money at lamb feeding." Lamb feeding, like chicken raising, is something that all will not succeed at. but some of our feeders make good money at it. while spending most
1342
For a number of years, other markets, including the constructors of the government and Tri-state canals, have made a demand on the hay crop. An old sheep feeder's advice is. "If you have never fed sheep, try old ewes first for a year or two ; then if you succeed you can rest assured that you will make good money at lamb feeding." Lamb feeding, like chicken raising, is something that all will not succeed at. but some of our feeders make good money at it. while spending most
of their time in Omaha and hiring all of the work done. Alfalfa hay and speltz make a good lamb fattening ration. It is a high grade line of thoroughbred sheep to be found here. A half dozen sheep worth $500 to $1,000 can be found on more than one sheep ranch.
Hog Raising and Poultry Not many people, as yet, have engaged in this occupation. This was a hog raising rather than a hog fattening country; it paid better at first to grow the hogs here and then ship them to the corn belt to fatten. This is an ideal country for the bacon type of hog. Hogs will live from early spring to late in the fall upon the alfalfa pasture, and brood sows have been wintered on the alfalfa hay with good results. Pigs farrowed in early spring can be turned off in the fall weighing one hundred and fifty to two hundred pounds, with little expense, by raising on alfalfa pasture and supplementing this in the early fall with sugar beets, and possibly a little grain. Hog raising here is not hampered with the risks common to many localities. In the last few years several have engaged in the business of raising pedigreed breeding stock and it bids fair to be a better paying business than raising hogs for the feeding market.
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Pigs farrowed in early spring can be turned off in the fall weighing one hundred and fifty to two hundred pounds, with little expense, by raising on alfalfa pasture and supplementing this in the early fall with sugar beets, and possibly a little grain. Hog raising here is not hampered with the risks common to many localities. In the last few years several have engaged in the business of raising pedigreed breeding stock and it bids fair to be a better paying business than raising hogs for the feeding market. There are about 6,000 hogs in Morrill county.
Dairying Although this has been a cattle country for years, little in the way of dairying has been done, it being the old practice of the beef growing rancher to buy all his butter in town. Dairying is too confining, has too much work attached to it, to suit the habits of the old style cattle men. They also maintained the extra milk going to calves made better calves. The high, dry atmosphere, warm winters, cool summer nights, and luxuriant feed makes this an ideal dairy country. Those who are going into it are making- money, and lots of it. There is no reason, if we can have the buttermakers. why North Platte valley will not have a national reputation for its excellent butter. Several farmers have their entire output contracted by the year. Others ship their cream, there being receiving stations at all of the railroad towns.
Poultry
A number of years ago eggs sold at "four dozen for a quarter." They have never been less than fifteen cents since the construction
1344
Those who are going into it are making- money, and lots of it. There is no reason, if we can have the buttermakers. why North Platte valley will not have a national reputation for its excellent butter. Several farmers have their entire output contracted by the year. Others ship their cream, there being receiving stations at all of the railroad towns.
Poultry
A number of years ago eggs sold at "four dozen for a quarter." They have never been less than fifteen cents since the construction
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
of the railroad into the valley in 1899. They have steadily advanced and have ranged upward from fifty cents a dozen for many years. The hens have not gone on a strike. It is a case where they cannot keep up with the demand, a thing which will never be done until we get more people willing to make big money doing small things. The irrigationist and cattle man considers his time too valuable to devote attention to such a trivial affair as poultry. Poultry raising is just the thing to couple with dry farming on a homestead. Turkeys are easily raised and are quite profitable where one has sufficient range for them without bothering the neighbors. Farm women and ranch women, however busy, do find time for handling some poultry, and numbers of them regularly have an income from "the national bird" at Thanksgiving time, and another at Christmas time.
Morrill county, according to assessment rolls, has about twenty thousand domestic fowls, the number of chickens being vastly predominate.
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Poultry raising is just the thing to couple with dry farming on a homestead. Turkeys are easily raised and are quite profitable where one has sufficient range for them without bothering the neighbors. Farm women and ranch women, however busy, do find time for handling some poultry, and numbers of them regularly have an income from "the national bird" at Thanksgiving time, and another at Christmas time.
Morrill county, according to assessment rolls, has about twenty thousand domestic fowls, the number of chickens being vastly predominate.
Horses
There was a time when the horse of the plains country was the Indian pony and the broncho. This is not the case in the central and upper North Platte Valley, though the little horse is still found in the lower valley. The common weight of draft horses is fourteen to sixteen hundred. Twelve to thirteen hundred is not an uncommon weight for saddle and buggy use. The larger horse ranches own their own breeding stock and the smaller fanners band themselves together into stock companies and import high priced stallions direct from Europe. There are also most excellent horses in private ownership. Here the scrub and grade stallion is almost unknown. For the last few years horses have been in demand at good figures, three hundred to five hundred dollars being not an uncommon price for a work team. But few mules are raised here. A great many eastern people have the idea that a brand on a horse is the sign of an outlaw, or broncho or pony stock. This is no longer true. In North Platte valley can be found thoroughbred Xorman horses, imported direct from Europe, wearing brands. The brand is a sign of ownership and not "the wild and woolly west."
1346
For the last few years horses have been in demand at good figures, three hundred to five hundred dollars being not an uncommon price for a work team. But few mules are raised here. A great many eastern people have the idea that a brand on a horse is the sign of an outlaw, or broncho or pony stock. This is no longer true. In North Platte valley can be found thoroughbred Xorman horses, imported direct from Europe, wearing brands. The brand is a sign of ownership and not "the wild and woolly west."
Whether housed in of the urban dwellei
S AM) I IoNEY
e restricted
acres of the farmer, the North Platte valley bee is the same untiring, industrious worker. The vast fields of alfalfa and sweet clover, the Rocky Mountain bee plant growing in waste places and along the roadside, and the profusion of flowers on field, farm, or the unbroken prairie make honey gathering an easy task. This honey is beautiful and clear, with a delicate, mild, sweet flavor. The comb is light colored and the strong "beeswax" taste so common to eastern honey, is entirely absent. One hundred and fifty pounds of hone}- is not an unusual output for one hive. In a single season, besides swarming twice and laying up an ample supply for their use, one hive has furnished one hundred and thirty-four pounds of marketable hone}-. Many farmers have twenty-five or more swarms and a few have hives running up around the two hundred mark.
1347
The comb is light colored and the strong "beeswax" taste so common to eastern honey, is entirely absent. One hundred and fifty pounds of hone}- is not an unusual output for one hive. In a single season, besides swarming twice and laying up an ample supply for their use, one hive has furnished one hundred and thirty-four pounds of marketable hone}-. Many farmers have twenty-five or more swarms and a few have hives running up around the two hundred mark.
Frank Durnell, living near Bayard, had from one hundred to two hundred hives a recent year. As each hive contains about 22,000 bees, Mr. Durnell's army of industrious workers numbered millions. He produced about eighteen gallons of strained honey annually from the larger hives. One year from seventy-five hives he produced 5,400 quarts of strained honey, or seventytwo quarts per hive. In addition one hundred hives of bees in the spring under normal conditions should produce two hundred new colonies, although scientific handling will control that to some extent.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is to the irrigated Morrill county what the cocoanut palm is to the tropics -- food and drink and raiment. There are crops paying more to the acre, there are crops requiring less labor, there are crops requiring less time to give return, but there is net another crop that will stand by the farmer year in and year out, giving him compound interest on the labor invested, and returning the soil doubly enriched like alfalfa. Alfalfa is sowed either spring or fall at the rate of twelve to fifteen pounds to the acre.
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Alfalfa is to the irrigated Morrill county what the cocoanut palm is to the tropics -- food and drink and raiment. There are crops paying more to the acre, there are crops requiring less labor, there are crops requiring less time to give return, but there is net another crop that will stand by the farmer year in and year out, giving him compound interest on the labor invested, and returning the soil doubly enriched like alfalfa. Alfalfa is sowed either spring or fall at the rate of twelve to fifteen pounds to the acre.
Spring sowing is either with or without a nurse crop. While young it is a tender plant, but after the first season it will look after itself. Spring sowing gives one light crop the first year. Under irrigation it gives three to four cuttings in the season, yielding three to five tons of cured hay to the acre.
The rainfall is such that all of the hay, unless it be a part of the first crop, can be cut and put into the stack with little fear of
HISTORY OF WESTERN' NEBRASKA
,V,o
damage from rains, coming from the stack at feeding time as bright and green as when cut. The first cutting is best for horses, the second and third for cattle and sheep, and the fourth for milk cows, hog feeding and lamb fattening. All farm animals are fond of it. It makes good green pasture for hogs and horses, but as green pasture it is not the best for cattle and sheep owing to the liability of causing bloat the same as clover. Nebraska grown alfalfa seed is gaining an enviable reputation for purity and excellence. Under irrigation it is not a sure seed cropper, though the second year is liable to produce seed of more value than that of the land upon which it is grown.
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It makes good green pasture for hogs and horses, but as green pasture it is not the best for cattle and sheep owing to the liability of causing bloat the same as clover. Nebraska grown alfalfa seed is gaining an enviable reputation for purity and excellence. Under irrigation it is not a sure seed cropper, though the second year is liable to produce seed of more value than that of the land upon which it is grown. Eight to ten bushels (480 to 600 pounds) is considered a good seed crop, fourteen to sixteen bushels are not unusual, and as high as eighteen has been been reported. Owing to its use in the arts the price of seed is not liable to fall below fifteen cents, and has reached thirty cents for choice North Platte valley grown seed. Dry land farmers are learning that while the 3-ield is not so great with them as under irrigation, it is a surer seed crop. Under dry farming the most successful seed growers plant the alfalfa in rows and cultivate the same as other'crops. Alfalfa seed weighs sixty pounds to the bushel.
Grain Crops Oats, spelts, wheat, rye and small grains generally are wonderful producers and profitable crops. Corn recently has come in for a reasonable amount of attention. The latter is not always harvested in the regular way. Hogs and sheep have been found to be excellent corn harvesters.
Vegetables
Potatoes, or "spuds," lead all others combined in quantity and importance, although cabbage was early a commercial crop. Recently pickles ( or cucumbers ) have been grown for the Heinz people. Onions have been produced on a limited scale. They yield several hundred bushels per acre, and are usually of a high market value.
1350
The latter is not always harvested in the regular way. Hogs and sheep have been found to be excellent corn harvesters.
Vegetables
Potatoes, or "spuds," lead all others combined in quantity and importance, although cabbage was early a commercial crop. Recently pickles ( or cucumbers ) have been grown for the Heinz people. Onions have been produced on a limited scale. They yield several hundred bushels per acre, and are usually of a high market value.
Other Crops The homesteader has found sorghum and millet profitable forage crops. The season is too short for kaffir corn to ripen. Sorghum making has been tried here. The finest kind of sorghum molasses was the result but frost is liable to cut the milling season short. Beans yield heavily both with and without irrigation. This seems to be the natural
home of everything of the pea and bean family. Carrots make a good crop. No country ever raised finer turnips. Along the line of garden and truck farming nut so much is known, but there is no reason why the farmer should not keep his table well supplied with home-grown vegetables. Watermelons, squashes, pumpkins and tomatoes produce mammoth yields. Now that there is a tendency toward intensified farming it is probable that many crops heretofore untried will prove to be money-makers. As a crop producing section Morrill county is yet in its infancy.
Fruits
It has been the prevailing idea that this is not a fruit country. We can remember when the prospects of eastern Nebraska being a fruit country was far more discouraging than that of Morrill county. From the writer's observations and experiences many fruits are excellent producers. It will not be long before we will have canning factories .putting up strawberries, currants, raspberries, mulberries, cherries and plums. And in their season the same factories will make a market for large quantities of beans, peas, and sweet corn.
1351
It has been the prevailing idea that this is not a fruit country. We can remember when the prospects of eastern Nebraska being a fruit country was far more discouraging than that of Morrill county. From the writer's observations and experiences many fruits are excellent producers. It will not be long before we will have canning factories .putting up strawberries, currants, raspberries, mulberries, cherries and plums. And in their season the same factories will make a market for large quantities of beans, peas, and sweet corn. The honest nursery man will nut advise planting a vineyard with any of the now known varieties of grapes, owing to the season being too short for them to properly mature, but there is no telling how soon a grape maturing two weeks earlier may be found. This may never be the land of the commercial orchardist, but there is no reason why the average farmer should not grow all the tree fruit needed for his own use cheaper than it can be imported. One trouble with fruit trees under irrigation is that if given all the water they can use they continue growing until late in the fall without maturing up the season's growth, and the result is the green wood winterkills. This can be overcome by proper attention to the watering.
Sugar Beet Culture
When II. G. Leavitt came into the North Platte valley, one of his prime purposes was the establishment of sugar beet culture. This included Morrill county territory 1 then a part of Cheyenne county) in the tests. Sugar beets were raised and shipped to Ames, where the factory was located. The price then paid was five dollars per ton.
1352
One trouble with fruit trees under irrigation is that if given all the water they can use they continue growing until late in the fall without maturing up the season's growth, and the result is the green wood winterkills. This can be overcome by proper attention to the watering.
Sugar Beet Culture
When II. G. Leavitt came into the North Platte valley, one of his prime purposes was the establishment of sugar beet culture. This included Morrill county territory 1 then a part of Cheyenne county) in the tests. Sugar beets were raised and shipped to Ames, where the factory was located. The price then paid was five dollars per ton.
This demonstration, while proving the tonnage and sugar content tc the extent that we now have factories here, met with disas-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ter ; the Ames factory went broke, and the farmers realized but a small amount of the money. From that beginning- the largest single industry in the North Platte valley exists.
The Great Western Sugar Company has four factories in operation in the valley, one of which cost approximately two million dollars is within Morrill county at the city of Bayard. This is one of the newest type and strictly up-to-date mills. It turns out annually almost enough sugar to feed the entire state of Nebraska. In round numbers, the county produced a quarter of a million tons of beets in 1920, for which the farmer received three million dollars, and from which the factory made about eight hundred thousand bags of refined sugar, or something like sixty-five pounds for every man. woman and child in the state. The pre-war consumption of sugar was an average of eighty pounds, but it has fallen below that since the habit of curtailing the appetite for sweets was enforced by war.
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In round numbers, the county produced a quarter of a million tons of beets in 1920, for which the farmer received three million dollars, and from which the factory made about eight hundred thousand bags of refined sugar, or something like sixty-five pounds for every man. woman and child in the state. The pre-war consumption of sugar was an average of eighty pounds, but it has fallen below that since the habit of curtailing the appetite for sweets was enforced by war.
Morrill county's part in the sugar production of the North Platte valley is approximately one-fourth of the whole. While definite figures are given out by the company, there is more or less criss-crossing of the production at the different factories and between the different counties. For illustration, beets raised on the line of the Union Pacific railroad in Morrill county were in part at least reduced to sugar in the factory at Gering. Scotts Bluff county, while beet's raised in a part of Scotts Bluff county are sent to Bayard in Morrill county for reduction to sugar. Then certain portions of the syrups that cannot be treated at the Bayard and Gering factories are sent to the Scottsbluff, Scotts Bluff county, factory, which institution has a specially constructed adjunct to the mill, called a StefBns process, by which sugar can be reduced from syrups that would otherwise not be saved.
Minerals
It is a fond hope, based upon seme geological soundness of theory, that there must be mineral deposits in parts of Nebraska.
1354
Then certain portions of the syrups that cannot be treated at the Bayard and Gering factories are sent to the Scottsbluff, Scotts Bluff county, factory, which institution has a specially constructed adjunct to the mill, called a StefBns process, by which sugar can be reduced from syrups that would otherwise not be saved.
Minerals
It is a fond hope, based upon seme geological soundness of theory, that there must be mineral deposits in parts of Nebraska.
The possibilities cover a wide range. J. B. Lynch, of Bridgeport, made an extended research of Morrill county and arrived at a conclusion "that valuable mineral deposits here were being overlooked : aluminum, volcanis ash, gypsum, and glass sand deposits." He advances that :
"Granite, gneiss, and volcanic rocks decompose, setting free feldspar in finely pulverized form -- this is clay. Variations in composition of specimens show portions of silicate of potash, or scda, or small quantities of lime, or iron.
Aluminum oxide, crystalized in nature, forms oriental gems. They are variously colored by the oxide, blue in sapphire, green in emerald, yellow in topaz, red in rub}'. Massive impure beds and magnetic iron approximating emery and used for polishing. are here.
"There are small deposits of drab colored clay in the silt of the river bed, and in below the gumbo deposit in our town soil, and this is very rich in aluminum. Besides the above mentioned clay, there are harder formations in the uplands and in the brakes.
"A great possibility for some enterprise is in our deposits of white sand which is valuable in making glass for windows and bottles. Glass is composed of sand and soda.
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"There are small deposits of drab colored clay in the silt of the river bed, and in below the gumbo deposit in our town soil, and this is very rich in aluminum. Besides the above mentioned clay, there are harder formations in the uplands and in the brakes.
"A great possibility for some enterprise is in our deposits of white sand which is valuable in making glass for windows and bottles. Glass is composed of sand and soda.
"We have deposits of gypsum a short distance from town, which make a superior wall builder used as plaster with four to six parts sand, like mixtures of stucco. Stucco costs now about one dollar a hundred pounds, while gypsum should not cost over twenty cents.
"We have fine deposits of volcanic ash. ready to be made into scouring compounds.
"Our alkali white which can be scraped up off the ground is largely washing soda (soda carbonate) and when it is tinged with yellow or brown it is owing to the presence of vegetable matter destroyed by another carbonate of potash.
"Our exports will include the following in a short time if the right men wake up and utilize nature's gifts :
"Glass for windows, bottles and tableware.
"Baking soda, washing sc-da, scouring soaps and chemical cleaners made of caustic soda. Dry batteries, aluminum ware, brick, and artificial stone.
"Who has the Midas touch to turn these known natural resources into gold?"
The enthusiasm of this expert, and his conclusions which were announced in 191Q. have not up to this date (March, 1921) inspired the man with the Midas touch.
1356
"Our exports will include the following in a short time if the right men wake up and utilize nature's gifts :
"Glass for windows, bottles and tableware.
"Baking soda, washing sc-da, scouring soaps and chemical cleaners made of caustic soda. Dry batteries, aluminum ware, brick, and artificial stone.
"Who has the Midas touch to turn these known natural resources into gold?"
The enthusiasm of this expert, and his conclusions which were announced in 191Q. have not up to this date (March, 1921) inspired the man with the Midas touch.
( >u. and Gas
Drilling for oil and gas in Morrill county is not yet undertaken, although unmistakable evidences of "deformations" appear. Three parts of the county show signs of "a structure."
The depth will likely be great owing to
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the covering" depositions of tertiary and recent age. Drilling in Banner county, in Sioux county, and the Goshen Holes have demonstrated the presence of oil-bearing rocks, although the drill has not yet penetrated a paying" pool.
Recent blasting" in the construction of the government irrigation canal north toward Angora, opened up a small pocket of natural gas, which experts believe is a leak from a larger pool, perhaps some distance away.
Morrill County Farm Bureau
The Morrill County Farm Bureau was established in 1918. Mr. Comb was the first county agent and served three years. He then resigned and was succeeded by Geo. R. Schroll, starting February 1, 1921.
The State Farm Bureau drive was scheduled for March, 1921. Farm bureau work in Morrill county soon became popular.
1357
Recent blasting" in the construction of the government irrigation canal north toward Angora, opened up a small pocket of natural gas, which experts believe is a leak from a larger pool, perhaps some distance away.
Morrill County Farm Bureau
The Morrill County Farm Bureau was established in 1918. Mr. Comb was the first county agent and served three years. He then resigned and was succeeded by Geo. R. Schroll, starting February 1, 1921.
The State Farm Bureau drive was scheduled for March, 1921. Farm bureau work in Morrill county soon became popular.
Some of the projects inaugurated and carried on by this agency have been grasshopper control, in which poison bait was used with results satisfactory, saving crops of value of thousands of dollars. The eradication of prairie dogs, in which work the county was nearly covered. Preliminary work in gopher control. The control of potato bugs and web worms with good results and saving a large amount of crop.
Disease control for animals. The bureau encouraged vaccination for blackleg" with
serum, which has now become a general practice and results have been 100%. Vaccination to prevent hog cholera in which two outbreaks started and both were checked. Many demonstrations made, advice given as to seed treatment for potatoes, wheat and oats.
Some of the constructive projects have been, potatoes, variety tests, seed trials, marketing problems worked upon, culminating in a potato exchange. Trees ; introduction of new varieties attempted as to Chinese elm, pines, orchard and landscape work.
Bees ; an association formed and bee inspector appointed.
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serum, which has now become a general practice and results have been 100%. Vaccination to prevent hog cholera in which two outbreaks started and both were checked. Many demonstrations made, advice given as to seed treatment for potatoes, wheat and oats.
Some of the constructive projects have been, potatoes, variety tests, seed trials, marketing problems worked upon, culminating in a potato exchange. Trees ; introduction of new varieties attempted as to Chinese elm, pines, orchard and landscape work.
Bees ; an association formed and bee inspector appointed.
Stock improvement, encouraging better sires.
< )ther problems worked on have related to farm records, labor, exchange, irrigation and drainage, seed testing, introduction of newvarieties of grain and forage.
State and county exhibits.
During these three years crops have been good. This county surprises people from the east by the quality of corn and its sureness to ripen. Winter wheat is taking the place of spring wheat. The potato industry is developing, and an effort made to get quality acreage of the same increased.
In irrigation, government extension will add 15,000 additional acres under ditch, bringing amount of irrigated land to near 100,000 "acres.
GOVERNMENT IRRIGATION
A short history of the general subject of government irrigation and the inception of the various projects in western Nebraska, and near the Wyoming border which laid the foundation for the later enterprises that have been or are being projected in Morrill county.
The first irrigation in America, except by pre-historic peoples, was by the Spanish in Xew Mexico. The Mormons, after 1847. practiced it extensively in Utah. In the early fifties Germans from San Francisco established the colony of Anaheim, building a canal and cutting the farms into 20-acre
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A short history of the general subject of government irrigation and the inception of the various projects in western Nebraska, and near the Wyoming border which laid the foundation for the later enterprises that have been or are being projected in Morrill county.
The first irrigation in America, except by pre-historic peoples, was by the Spanish in Xew Mexico. The Mormons, after 1847. practiced it extensively in Utah. In the early fifties Germans from San Francisco established the colony of Anaheim, building a canal and cutting the farms into 20-acre
tracts. The colony was successful. In 1870 the Flurierism colony, promoted by Horace Greeley, began the first irrigation in Colorado. From these efforts Greeley, Colorado, has come to be looked upon as an example of what irrigation will do. In the early seventies, the government post at Sidney built a small irrigation system.
In 1871 the Riverside, California, colony and canal were established. Today this is one of the most beautiful spots in the world, and land has an enormous value. These were the earliest irrigation projects, and from them the irrigation idea spread over a
37:
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
wide area. Many canals were built by cooperative efforts of people under them and outside capital, but most of the land subject to irrigation remained unclaimed government land.
Major John Wesley Powell, United States Geological Survey, William E. Smythe, of California ; John Hall, of Texas ; John Henry Smith, of Utah; C. E. Brainard, of Idaho; L. Bradford Prince, of New Mexico, can be looked upon as the prime movers in government irrigation. During 1891 while employed on the Omaha Bee as editor, Mr. Smythe wrote articles resulting in a state irrigation convention at Lincoln, which laid the first steps toward a National Irrigation Congress, the first one held, which convened a few months later at Salt Lake City.
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Smythe, of California ; John Hall, of Texas ; John Henry Smith, of Utah; C. E. Brainard, of Idaho; L. Bradford Prince, of New Mexico, can be looked upon as the prime movers in government irrigation. During 1891 while employed on the Omaha Bee as editor, Mr. Smythe wrote articles resulting in a state irrigation convention at Lincoln, which laid the first steps toward a National Irrigation Congress, the first one held, which convened a few months later at Salt Lake City. The first idea advocated, which resulted in the Gary Act of 1894, was that the government should turn its land over to the respective states en condition that the state would arrange for watering it. Some of the states, notably Idaho and Wyoming, have taken advantage of this act. Owing to the necessity of diverting water from the river in one state in order to water the lands in another, the idea of federal government irrigation began to grow popular among the arid states with interstate streams. Many bills were introduced into congress appropriating money for irrigation, only to be voted down by the east and south. At last Senator Newlands, of Nevada, solved the problem, and introduced a bill providing that the net proceeds of the sale of public lands should be used for irrigation works in the respective states. This bill first failed to pass, and it is possible that the attempt at national irrigation would have failed had it not been for President Roosevelt, who, from personal acquaintance, knew the needs of the west and became an ardent supporter of government irrigation. The act authorizing the present reclaimation work was approved June 17, 1902. This act places the control of government irrigation in the hands of the secretary of the interior, who is having the work carried forward by the Reclamation Service.
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This bill first failed to pass, and it is possible that the attempt at national irrigation would have failed had it not been for President Roosevelt, who, from personal acquaintance, knew the needs of the west and became an ardent supporter of government irrigation. The act authorizing the present reclaimation work was approved June 17, 1902. This act places the control of government irrigation in the hands of the secretary of the interior, who is having the work carried forward by the Reclamation Service. Already twenty-five projects have been considered. Some are completed, others in building, and owing to the excessive cost of these the remainder are indefinitely postponed.
North Platte Project
This project comprises all of the government reclamation work on North Platte river, extending from about the town of
Broadwater, Nebraska, on the east, to the point where the river unites with the Sweetwater, in the state of Wyoming. This project is divided into the following sub-projects: Pathfinder reservoir and dam, on the river three miles below the mouth of the Sweetwater ; the Interstate Canal, on the north side of the river in Wyoming and Nebraska, and the Goshen Hole and Fort Laramie Canals on the south side of the valley. The government is not donating anything to the people in carrying out this work, as some have supposed. It is not presenting them with irrigation canals. From the receipts from public lands the L'nited States is building dams and reservoirs for the storage of water to be used in irrigation; also building canals and laterals to water the lands and owners of the lands are to pay back the money without interest, in twenty annual installments, when it will again be used to build other canals. The cost of this land itself will depend on whether it is owned by the government, in which case it is nothing, or by private parties who may sell it, and the cost of the water is dependent upon the total cost of the system.
1362
From the receipts from public lands the L'nited States is building dams and reservoirs for the storage of water to be used in irrigation; also building canals and laterals to water the lands and owners of the lands are to pay back the money without interest, in twenty annual installments, when it will again be used to build other canals. The cost of this land itself will depend on whether it is owned by the government, in which case it is nothing, or by private parties who may sell it, and the cost of the water is dependent upon the total cost of the system. The cost of making surveys and soil tests, building diversion dams and reservoirs, constructing gates and spillways, digging the canals and laterals, doing whatever it is necessary to perfect the system, and maintaining it until it is turned over to the people goes into the total bill and the persons who take the land must pay it in full. Each acre of land that can be watered must pay its pro-rata. The difficulties of putting in the system and the area of land it will water are the two factors that determine the cost of the water right.
Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir The Pathfinder dam and reservoir is located about three miles below the junction of the Sweetwater with the North Platte near the old Overland Trail, and is named in honor of John C. Fremont, who was wrecked at almost this point in an attempt to float down to the Missouri. The dam is 100 feet thick at the bottom, 10 feet wide at the top, and 215 feet high, built of solid masonry, is situated in a deep gorge of solid granite. No water ever flows over the dam, the overflow being through a specially constructed spillway cut in the solid rock.
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Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir The Pathfinder dam and reservoir is located about three miles below the junction of the Sweetwater with the North Platte near the old Overland Trail, and is named in honor of John C. Fremont, who was wrecked at almost this point in an attempt to float down to the Missouri. The dam is 100 feet thick at the bottom, 10 feet wide at the top, and 215 feet high, built of solid masonry, is situated in a deep gorge of solid granite. No water ever flows over the dam, the overflow being through a specially constructed spillway cut in the solid rock. The reservoir extends twenty miles up the North Platte and fifteen miles up the Sweetwater and has a capacity of about 326 billion gallons, enough to cover one million acres to a depth of one foot. It collects the flood waters of the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
river and stores them until such time as they are needed for irrigation. By storing the flood waters in this and other reservoirs the Xorth Platte river will supply more water than will ever be needed fur all the lands that can be watered from it.
Interstate Canal
Just below the mouth of Whalen canyon, and about eight miles up the river from the site of old Fort Laramie, is a diversion dam of concrete 325 feet long with an extreme height of 35 feet, and from the south end of the concrete extends an earthen embankment 2,000 feet long with a maximum height of 18 feet. This check raises the water of the river about 13 feet. The interstate canal heads here with a capacity of 1,400 cubic feet of water per second, and at the forty-fifth mile the capacity is 1,200 cubic feet of water per second.
1364
Just below the mouth of Whalen canyon, and about eight miles up the river from the site of old Fort Laramie, is a diversion dam of concrete 325 feet long with an extreme height of 35 feet, and from the south end of the concrete extends an earthen embankment 2,000 feet long with a maximum height of 18 feet. This check raises the water of the river about 13 feet. The interstate canal heads here with a capacity of 1,400 cubic feet of water per second, and at the forty-fifth mile the capacity is 1,200 cubic feet of water per second. The total length of the canal will be about 150 miles, terminating 15 miles east of where the Burlington road crosses the river at Bridgeport, and will water a total of some over 200,000 acres. The first three sections of the canal, about 125 miles, are now completed. Near the present end of the canal are two large natural reservoir sites in which is stored the waters for the third section. The first section of the canal lies entirely in Wyoming and is an enlargement of the W;halen Falls canal which waters some 30,000 acres under the Gary Act.
The government maintains the main canal and laterals of the system. Farm units were made with the intention of giving each homesteader eighty acres of land, but the area varies greatly depending on the quality of the land and the nearness to present markets. The size of the actual farm with the amount of irrigable land varies from forty to one hundred acres.
1365
The first section of the canal lies entirely in Wyoming and is an enlargement of the W;halen Falls canal which waters some 30,000 acres under the Gary Act.
The government maintains the main canal and laterals of the system. Farm units were made with the intention of giving each homesteader eighty acres of land, but the area varies greatly depending on the quality of the land and the nearness to present markets. The size of the actual farm with the amount of irrigable land varies from forty to one hundred acres.
Water Users' Association The Reclamation Act provides not only for the construction of the canals and reservoirs, but also for their maintenance of the Reclamation Service until such time as the major portion of the cost of any project shall have been paid back to the government, "then the management and operation of such irrigation works shall pass to the owners of the land watered thereby, to be maintained at their expense under such form of organization and under such rules and regulations as may be acceptable to the Secretary of the Interior." In compliance with the provisions of the act as just quoted, the interior
department instructed the forming of a corporation for the Interstate Canal t< > be know as the Water Users' Association. A share of stock represents the water right to one acre of land. Shareholders must be owners (or homesteaders) of land capable of being watered from the Interstate Canal, and the water stock becomes a part of and attached to the land and can thereafter be conveyed only by conveying title to the land Each stockholder will be allowed to hold as many shares of stock as acres of land, but must not exceed a total of 160 shares. The shareholder must also be a resident of the neighborhood, which is accepted as meaning a limit of fifty miles.
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Shareholders must be owners (or homesteaders) of land capable of being watered from the Interstate Canal, and the water stock becomes a part of and attached to the land and can thereafter be conveyed only by conveying title to the land Each stockholder will be allowed to hold as many shares of stock as acres of land, but must not exceed a total of 160 shares. The shareholder must also be a resident of the neighborhood, which is accepted as meaning a limit of fifty miles. This applies alike to homesteaders and holders of deeded land. Those holding more than the prescribed 160 acres must dispose of the excess before water can be had for any.
Irrigation in Morrile County
The irrigable lands contiguous to Bridgeport are in two projects -- the Northport irrigation district (called the "Bridgeport unit" by the government reclamation officials), which lies on the north side of the Platte river, and the Bridgeport irrigation district, which lies on the south side. These two districts are separate and distinct, and each is in itself a large irrigation project.
The Bridgeport irrigation district embraces about 15,000 acres of first-class irrigable land, much of which is already under intensive cultivation. The canal supplying this land is one of the oldest in this territory, and its rights are among the best. One big improvement vastly increased the value of land in this project in 1918 by the building of a dam across the river.
This was determined at a meeting of the directors and a full representation of the different interests under the canal. The Bridgeport irrigation district covers the land under the old Belmont canal, extending from the headgate to about forty miles east and comprising as stated, about 15,000 acres of irrigated land. A large share of this land is owned by the Central States Land Company, successors to the old Belmont concern.
1367
One big improvement vastly increased the value of land in this project in 1918 by the building of a dam across the river.
This was determined at a meeting of the directors and a full representation of the different interests under the canal. The Bridgeport irrigation district covers the land under the old Belmont canal, extending from the headgate to about forty miles east and comprising as stated, about 15,000 acres of irrigated land. A large share of this land is owned by the Central States Land Company, successors to the old Belmont concern.
The directors of the district decided to make the water supply certain for all time to come in the future by the building of a diversion dam across the river at the headgate. It was a big undertaking and cost a large sum of money, yet the cost to each individual land owner under the canal will In- com paratively small.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The dam extends clear across the river, debtedness of the company was paid in 1904. part of it being in the form of a dike and and since that time there have been no oblipart being an immense concrete spillway gations against the company, that will control the flood water at all times. The men who organized the Little Bel- The dam raises the water about two feet mont Company in 1889, had the pick of all and fills the canal to running- over at any lands in the valley, and as a result the holdtime of the year when water is needed or can ings which came to the present company be used. embraced some of the best lands in the state. This cost is about five dollars per acre -- a This canal eventually came into the convery small sum, and worth it in a single year trol or name of the Belmont Irrigating Canal in a case of emergency which occasionally & Water Power Company. arises.
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The men who organized the Little Bel- The dam raises the water about two feet mont Company in 1889, had the pick of all and fills the canal to running- over at any lands in the valley, and as a result the holdtime of the year when water is needed or can ings which came to the present company be used. embraced some of the best lands in the state. This cost is about five dollars per acre -- a This canal eventually came into the convery small sum, and worth it in a single year trol or name of the Belmont Irrigating Canal in a case of emergency which occasionally & Water Power Company. arises. It will save everv vear a part of the maintenance cost. Belmont Contract
This company turned over its lands in
BEGINNING OF IRRIGATION Morrill county "to a colonization company.
Irrigation in Morrill county began about and offered water rights in its canal on the
1889, with the Belmont conception. Some- following terms :
time previouslv to this L. B. Carv was pub- r
lishing the Irrigation Age at Kearney, the « ATER ^°ntrac '
paper being, I believe, established by Wil- I , hereby agree to purchase
Ham E. Smythe, later of Riverside, Califor- of the Belmont Irrigating Canal & Water
nia. Carj- came to the then Cheyenne coun- Power Company, a water right on its usual
ty, and one of the first efforts there was to terms for the following described land
assist the Belmont enterprise. situated in Morrill county, Ne-
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lishing the Irrigation Age at Kearney, the « ATER ^°ntrac '
paper being, I believe, established by Wil- I , hereby agree to purchase
Ham E. Smythe, later of Riverside, Califor- of the Belmont Irrigating Canal & Water
nia. Carj- came to the then Cheyenne coun- Power Company, a water right on its usual
ty, and one of the first efforts there was to terms for the following described land
assist the Belmont enterprise. situated in Morrill county, Ne-
The conception originally in the building braska, and shown to be irrigable by the
of this canal'was perhaps what is called the topographical survey of said canal and to
Van Aukin fiasco, this being a part of the pay for the same $16.25 per acre, to be evischeme proposed by Swede Andersen for ir- denced by promissory notes, each for
rigating the divide of Deuel county near one-tenth of the total cost thereof, and pay- Froid. able, the first note one year after date, and As told in the history of Deuel county, the remaining notes each one year therethat affair fell through. The pioneers, how- after, with interest at six per cent per anever, under the present Belmont had been num. payable annually, and to secure said banded together and determined to finish payment by a first mortgage upon the land the unit for their needs. L. B. Cary was above described, to which the water is to be much interested in it, and frequently in the conveyed ; it being understood that said years of its building told the editor-in-chief notes and mortgage are to be executed and of the system being built, something of its placed in escrow in the Bridgeport Bank. cost, and the hopes of the men who were where the water deed to be executed by said putting their shoulder to the wheel.
1370
Cary was above described, to which the water is to be much interested in it, and frequently in the conveyed ; it being understood that said years of its building told the editor-in-chief notes and mortgage are to be executed and of the system being built, something of its placed in escrow in the Bridgeport Bank. cost, and the hopes of the men who were where the water deed to be executed by said putting their shoulder to the wheel. This company to the land described is also to be was about 1888 and 1889. placed in escrow, the same to be delivered Later, after the farmers had done consid- only upon the organization of an irrigation erable individual work on the proposed ■ district to take over the said Belmont canal canal, they found themselves in need of and the exchange of papers to take place upmoney, and were directed to G. J. Hunt, on the entry of the order by the county cornthen a prominent attorney at Omaha, who missioners declaring such district organized, had succeeded in restoring their lands to a It being fully understood that the said Belnumber of Van Aukin's victims, and had mont Irrigating Canal & Water Power Comcome into prominence through the success- pany is to transfer its canal, franchise and ful fights he had made in the courts. appropriation to the district so organized to Mr. Hunt came here in 1892, and was take the same, free of charge, the district practically for a number of years the whole taking the canal in its present condition and Belmont Company. All the disappointments such transfer of the canal to the district to of pioneer days were experienced in the sue- be made at the time the notes and mortgage feeding years. The undertaking was a large referred to are delivered by said Bridgeport one and called for heavy expenditures of bank.
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Hunt came here in 1892, and was take the same, free of charge, the district practically for a number of years the whole taking the canal in its present condition and Belmont Company. All the disappointments such transfer of the canal to the district to of pioneer days were experienced in the sue- be made at the time the notes and mortgage feeding years. The undertaking was a large referred to are delivered by said Bridgeport one and called for heavy expenditures of bank.
money, which the panic of 1893 made il im- Mr, Purrington, who represented the colpossible to secure, but finally, through the onization company, sold upwards of 2,000 sale of land and stuck certificates all the in- acres of the Belmont lands following this
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
movement for an irrigation district, and the people of the community expressed the hope that a satisfactory agreement be reached whereby the Belmont canal, with its franchise and appropriation^ become the property of a district, which meant that they would be controlled by the actual owners and tillers of the land under it, that it be made to render such perfect service to the farmers dependent upon it for water. For the benefit of any opposed to the district plan, a relinquishment form was provided, at the suggestion of P. C. Wade, which form was as follows : To the State Board of Irrigation, Lincoln,
Nebraska :
I owner of the in
Morrill County, Nebraska, hereby relinquish to the Sltate of Nebraska, all of my right, title and interest, and any claim or interest whatsoever, in and to the appropriation of water for irrigation purposes from the North Platte River heretofore made for said land, which appropriation is designated upon the record in the State Engineer's Office, as Docket Number 928. and hereby respectfully ask that said appropriation be cancelled and annulled as to said lands, for the reason that said appropriation has not been beneficially applied for more than three years last past, and for further reason that I do not desire to make application of said appropriation to said lands at any time in the future.
1372
Morrill County, Nebraska, hereby relinquish to the Sltate of Nebraska, all of my right, title and interest, and any claim or interest whatsoever, in and to the appropriation of water for irrigation purposes from the North Platte River heretofore made for said land, which appropriation is designated upon the record in the State Engineer's Office, as Docket Number 928. and hereby respectfully ask that said appropriation be cancelled and annulled as to said lands, for the reason that said appropriation has not been beneficially applied for more than three years last past, and for further reason that I do not desire to make application of said appropriation to said lands at any time in the future.
The object was to permit those who so desired to relinquish their interest in the appropriation of water heretofore made for their lands and to secure the cancellation of their application, without expense or unnecessary delay.
It was understood the proposition of the Belmont company was satisfactory to all interests and there would be no further objection to the organization of a district.
Bridgeport Irrigation District Those freeholders who signed the first petition on March 26, 1913, for the establishment of the Bridgeport irrigation district were: W. H. Davis, W. T. Younggreen, James Finn. W. B. Whiteman. J. L. Johnson, Mark Iddings, C. Palmer, Hiram Maize. Nels Lindquist, Oscar Lindquist, Olga Lindquist, Olaf Lundberg. Nels Lund, Joseph A. Johnson, Carl Johnson, John Bennes, L. C. Curtis, H. F. Curtis. John M. Daugherty, The National Land Company by F. II. Davis. Jr., Belmont Irrigation Canal & Water Power Company, by Charles A. Sweet, president; C. A. Sweet, Frank N.
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Bridgeport Irrigation District Those freeholders who signed the first petition on March 26, 1913, for the establishment of the Bridgeport irrigation district were: W. H. Davis, W. T. Younggreen, James Finn. W. B. Whiteman. J. L. Johnson, Mark Iddings, C. Palmer, Hiram Maize. Nels Lindquist, Oscar Lindquist, Olga Lindquist, Olaf Lundberg. Nels Lund, Joseph A. Johnson, Carl Johnson, John Bennes, L. C. Curtis, H. F. Curtis. John M. Daugherty, The National Land Company by F. II. Davis. Jr., Belmont Irrigation Canal & Water Power Company, by Charles A. Sweet, president; C. A. Sweet, Frank N.
Hunt, Emma Woolsey, J. I.. Hanway, Charles Lowe, J. B. Lynch, 11. EC. Burket, C. C. Nelson, L. N. Meyer, A. C. North. I. I. Halligan, W. T. Wilcox. M. Hannawald, Wm. Mount, E. O. Liff, Wenzel Schmidt, Xels C. Lindberg, Hanna Lindberg, Ellen Lindberg, Anna Lindberg. Loren R. North, George J. Hunt, Daniel Johnson, Lena Johnson, D. Johnson, E. J. Johnson.
Action was taken on this petition April 2, 1913, but legal forms and other obstacles enforced delay. A second petition was filed September 15, 1914, signed by C. Palmer, P. C. Wade. Emma Woolsey, W. H. Davis, H. F. Curtis, E. P. Ouivev, C. C. Nelson. L. L. Curtis, C. A. Sweet. G. J. Hunt, Mabel Tohnson, Wm. Mount, J. S. Hanwav. Charles Hanwav. R. P. Scott. D. E. Ahrens. A. T. Seyboldt. W. E. Guthrie. Margaret Guthrie, Hiram Maize. Mark Iddings, James Finn, Belmont Irrigation Canal & Water Power Company, by C. A. Sweet, president; John M. Hanwav, Josephine A. Johnson
1374
A second petition was filed September 15, 1914, signed by C. Palmer, P. C. Wade. Emma Woolsey, W. H. Davis, H. F. Curtis, E. P. Ouivev, C. C. Nelson. L. L. Curtis, C. A. Sweet. G. J. Hunt, Mabel Tohnson, Wm. Mount, J. S. Hanwav. Charles Hanwav. R. P. Scott. D. E. Ahrens. A. T. Seyboldt. W. E. Guthrie. Margaret Guthrie, Hiram Maize. Mark Iddings, James Finn, Belmont Irrigation Canal & Water Power Company, by C. A. Sweet, president; John M. Hanwav, Josephine A. Johnson
This petition described the land embraced in the proposed district and it set forth that all of which lands described therein and irrigable from the North Platte river through the irrigation canal of the Belmont Irrigation Canal and Water Power Company, and it was the intention of the petitioners after such irrigation district be created and organized for such district to purchase the apparatus, canal and irrigation works of the said Belmont Water Power Company, for the irrigation of the land that the said district to the extent that such apparatus and canal and irrigation works may be used therefor.
The polling places for an election set for December 29, 1914. were. Division One. the house of R. P. Scott; Division Two, the home of John Hanwav; Division Three, the residence of P. C. Waite. The officers elected were: Directors, Fred Lemberg, John Hanwav, P. C. Wade, with R. P. Scott, treasurer, and Marshall Hanwav. assessor
In 1914 the Belmont Company had transferred all its land in this county by contract to the Security Realty and Investment Company of Des Moines, colonization and immigrant agents. Messrs. A. R. Ryan of the Union Pacific. W. M. Dickson and J. F. Dulin of Des Moines, and I). Wilson of < >maha were active in the movement which for a time attempted the division of these lands into smaller tracts and the colonization.
1375
Scott, treasurer, and Marshall Hanwav. assessor
In 1914 the Belmont Company had transferred all its land in this county by contract to the Security Realty and Investment Company of Des Moines, colonization and immigrant agents. Messrs. A. R. Ryan of the Union Pacific. W. M. Dickson and J. F. Dulin of Des Moines, and I). Wilson of < >maha were active in the movement which for a time attempted the division of these lands into smaller tracts and the colonization. The Belmont Company kept the ownership of the canal until the district was organized by authorization of the vote of December 29. 1914.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The low cost of water and the easy payments induced considerable speculation in land under this system. It did not cost much to let the land lie idle, and appreciate in value as the enterprising farmers alongside built up the community. These idle acres were a source of irritation to the resident people, and gave the section an ill-deserved reputation for being backward.
Belmont Land Deals
Early in 1919, a corporation known as the Farming Corporation of Omaha was organized with a capital stock of $100,000.00 for the purpose of buying and improving the Belmont lands in the Bridgeport irrigation district. Principal stock holders in the company were Skinner Bros., of Omaha, proprietors of the Skinner Packing Company and a number of other large institutions. Wm. Ritchie, Jr., and Mark Spanogle became president and local financier agents for the company and the law firm of Ritchie and Canaday. attorneys for the organization. The company started operations by buying eight farms of eighty acres each in the Bridgeport Irrigation district. They then planned good improvements for these farms and placed them for rent to responsible tenants on good terms. This company then laid plans not only to foster the sale of land in the Belmont district but to steadily increase the acreage to cultivation and in other ways develop this fertile valley.
1376
Ritchie, Jr., and Mark Spanogle became president and local financier agents for the company and the law firm of Ritchie and Canaday. attorneys for the organization. The company started operations by buying eight farms of eighty acres each in the Bridgeport Irrigation district. They then planned good improvements for these farms and placed them for rent to responsible tenants on good terms. This company then laid plans not only to foster the sale of land in the Belmont district but to steadily increase the acreage to cultivation and in other ways develop this fertile valley. This move bore particular importance to the fact that the Belmont lands had been unoccupied for years and greatly retarded the growth and development of Bridgeport.
The North Side Irrigation Project The irrigated portions of western Nebraska are becoming recognized as being among the most important agricultural sections of the United States. In recent years, the production of crops by irrigation has gone forward in Morrill county by leaps and bounds, and farmers who are practicing this S3-stem of agriculture are experiencing prosperity. Irrigation is in its infancy in this county, which is destined to become one of the most productive agricultural counties of the state.
It is our belief that Morrill county can rightfully boast of possessing the youngest irrigation district in the state. The Northport irrigation district was created by an election held on the 22nd day of September, 1017, at which the electors of the district were able to express by ballot their wishes,
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In recent years, the production of crops by irrigation has gone forward in Morrill county by leaps and bounds, and farmers who are practicing this S3-stem of agriculture are experiencing prosperity. Irrigation is in its infancy in this county, which is destined to become one of the most productive agricultural counties of the state.
It is our belief that Morrill county can rightfully boast of possessing the youngest irrigation district in the state. The Northport irrigation district was created by an election held on the 22nd day of September, 1017, at which the electors of the district were able to express by ballot their wishes,
in regard to the organization of the district. The result of the election was sixty-four votes for and one against the proposition, which is an indication of the popularity of such organizations.
The lands within the district comprise the area on the North Platte river extending from the line between ranges fifty and fiftyone, in township twenty-one, to approximately the center of range forty-nine, in township twenty, aggregating twenty thousand acres, and embraces the fertile Indian Creek, Upper Dugout and Plum Creek valleys, and the fine table lands lying between these valleys. The area comprising the district is, in fact, a part of the original North Platte valley project and is generally referred to as the Bridgeport Unit by the United States reclamation officials. It took the government about twelve years to reach the time where it is possible to say, with any degree of assurance, when work on the proposed main ditch and laterals, for the Bridgeport unit, would be commenced. Active construction work started on this ditch in the spring of 1918, and water will be available for a considerable part, and perhaps all, of the district during the year 1921.
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The area comprising the district is, in fact, a part of the original North Platte valley project and is generally referred to as the Bridgeport Unit by the United States reclamation officials. It took the government about twelve years to reach the time where it is possible to say, with any degree of assurance, when work on the proposed main ditch and laterals, for the Bridgeport unit, would be commenced. Active construction work started on this ditch in the spring of 1918, and water will be available for a considerable part, and perhaps all, of the district during the year 1921.
The Tri-State Land Company at one time claimed a prior right over the government to irrigate and reclaim these lands, and sought to induce the land owners to contract with it for water rights and the construction of the ditches. The opposition to this movement was so strong that the company finally abandoned its purpose and left the field open to the government. The government finally succeeded in acquiring an interest in the Tri-State ditch, which has its terminus at the range line at the west end of the district, and thereby became possessed of ditch capacity more than ample to carrv all of the water necessary.
The chief obstacle in the way of reclamation of this area by the government being thus removed, it only remained to make the necessary surveys and estimates of the amount of work required preliminary to entering uoon active construction. These surveys and estimates were made and the construction is well on toward the completion of the system.
1379
The government finally succeeded in acquiring an interest in the Tri-State ditch, which has its terminus at the range line at the west end of the district, and thereby became possessed of ditch capacity more than ample to carrv all of the water necessary.
The chief obstacle in the way of reclamation of this area by the government being thus removed, it only remained to make the necessary surveys and estimates of the amount of work required preliminary to entering uoon active construction. These surveys and estimates were made and the construction is well on toward the completion of the system.
The Northport irrigation district has many advantages over similar areas in the North Platte valley, if not in the entire state. It is served by two great railroad systems. the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy. and the Union Pacific, the first of which has lines passing north and south through and along
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the south side of the west part, while the Union Pacific passes along the south side of the east two-thirds of the district, thus placing the most remote parts of the area within four miles of a railroad. The stations of Northport and Kelly on the Union Pacific are accessible for the eastern part, and the stations of Northport, DeGraw and Vance on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy are accessible for the western part, thus affording every part of the district unexcelled shipping facilities.
The settlers within the Bridgeport unit have exhibited great patience and determination in waiting for the coming of the time when water would be available for irrigation. These qualities will insure wonderful development and prosperity for the district when the government has the work completed and water is at hand. The settlers will then be able to possess themselves of the reward that is due to them for such patience and determination, and millions of dollars will be added to the value of the agricultural products and to the taxable value of the property of the count}- and state.
1380
The settlers within the Bridgeport unit have exhibited great patience and determination in waiting for the coming of the time when water would be available for irrigation. These qualities will insure wonderful development and prosperity for the district when the government has the work completed and water is at hand. The settlers will then be able to possess themselves of the reward that is due to them for such patience and determination, and millions of dollars will be added to the value of the agricultural products and to the taxable value of the property of the count}- and state.
As the district is indebted in part to the energy of F. E. Williams, so the editor is indebted to Mr .Williams for the preparation of the data relating to the Northport irrigation district.
For many years the land owners whose holdings are across the river north from Bridgeport have been pleading with the government for an extension of the Tri-State Canal, in which the United States has a onefifth carrying capacity, to cover the large tract of level land that has been waiting for the application of water that it might give forth abundantly. Other projects on the Platte above Bridgeport have been pushed strenuously by those interested and the lands north of Bridgeport have been forced to wait longer than seemed to be fair to their owners. A number of Bridgeport citizens have at different times interested themselves in the matter.
Mark Spanogle, ably supported by Attorney Williams, took the affair in hand and a meeting of land owners was called for I )ecember 9, 1916. On that date a very enthusiastic meeting was held in the rooms of the Bridgeport bank, which was presided over by Mark Spanogle and at which the follow ing named persons were present : Humphrey Smith, B.
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A number of Bridgeport citizens have at different times interested themselves in the matter.
Mark Spanogle, ably supported by Attorney Williams, took the affair in hand and a meeting of land owners was called for I )ecember 9, 1916. On that date a very enthusiastic meeting was held in the rooms of the Bridgeport bank, which was presided over by Mark Spanogle and at which the follow ing named persons were present : Humphrey Smith, B. E. Betebenner, S. G. Rouse. Carl Bauer, W. H. Tracy. F. A. Reitnour, Thos. Skarboe, D. J. Kelsey, J. K. Vandel, Lewis Thompson, Chas. C. Herman, W. S.
Basset, J. H. Hagerty, T. S. Vandel, \Y. E. Guthrie, Frank Hunt, |essc Payne, Clvde Todd, C. A. Edson, < >. f. Dean. ]'. 11. Mann, Chas. A. Tolle, C. F. Brown, M. V. Hallgren, W. A. Wilhite. Win. Ireland. A. XV. Moats, C. F. Hagerty. F. E. Williams and Mark Spanogle.
Fay Williams addressed the meeting and spoke strongly and straight from the shoulder to the assembled land owners, with the result that they immediately started to work to do something for themselves and all others interested in the north side lands. Upon motion, it was unanimously decided that all present wanted the canal extended and that a representative should be sent at once to Washington to present the claims to the proper authorities. Pursuant to this motion it was further decided unanimously that Attorney Fay Williams was the proper man to send to the capital for that purpose and that he should be sent without delay. A subscription list was drawn up to defray expenses and several hundred dollars were raised immediately for that purpose. As socn as the necessary arrangements could be made, Mr. Williams took his departure for Washington and began to lay siege to the irrigation authorities in the furtherance of his plans.
1382
Pursuant to this motion it was further decided unanimously that Attorney Fay Williams was the proper man to send to the capital for that purpose and that he should be sent without delay. A subscription list was drawn up to defray expenses and several hundred dollars were raised immediately for that purpose. As socn as the necessary arrangements could be made, Mr. Williams took his departure for Washington and began to lay siege to the irrigation authorities in the furtherance of his plans.
On December 13, Mr. Williams telegraphed Mr. Spanogle, asking for a petition to be signed by all land owners under the proposed extension, which involved a heavy amount of labor which had to be done at once. Mr. Spanogle responded with his customary vigor and a day or two later a petition was forwarded to Washington carrying the signatures of sixty-six land owners and being couched in the strongest possible terms, urging the secretary of the interior to give his personal attention to the manifestly fair and just claims of the signers.
Of Mr. Williams' work at Washington we are not in a position to speak in detail, but he left no stone unturned to influence the irrigation officials and on December 15 a hearing was had before Director Davis at which Mr. Williams presented the case of the land owners very vigorously and strongly. Of this hearing, the Omaha World-Herald, under date of December 15, has the following to say :
"As a result of the hearing today before Director Davis of the reclamation service, on the proposed extension of the Bridgeport ditch, surveys will be made early next summer as a basis for estimates to be submitted to congress next session. F. E. William- of
1383
Williams' work at Washington we are not in a position to speak in detail, but he left no stone unturned to influence the irrigation officials and on December 15 a hearing was had before Director Davis at which Mr. Williams presented the case of the land owners very vigorously and strongly. Of this hearing, the Omaha World-Herald, under date of December 15, has the following to say :
"As a result of the hearing today before Director Davis of the reclamation service, on the proposed extension of the Bridgeport ditch, surveys will be made early next summer as a basis for estimates to be submitted to congress next session. F. E. William- of
37S
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Bridgeport made the principal statement in support of the proposed extension. The reclamation service believes that the extension will demand eventually the construction of another reservoir near Guernsey, Wyoming'.
"The two projects will involve more than $1,000,000. Director Davis said today that the service is not opposed to either plan and that their completion is a matter of apportioning funds in the face of demands from other quarters. Senators Hitchcock. Norris, Congressman Kinkaid, Gcvernor-elect Neville and Charles Ross took part in the hearing."
So it would seem that the efforts of those who are interested have already begun to bear fruit. At any rate, there is no question but that the efforts and money have been well expended and that the officials at Washington have been impressed with the necessity for extending the canal so that this large tract of land may receive the water and thus make use of the carrying capacity already owned by the government.
1384
So it would seem that the efforts of those who are interested have already begun to bear fruit. At any rate, there is no question but that the efforts and money have been well expended and that the officials at Washington have been impressed with the necessity for extending the canal so that this large tract of land may receive the water and thus make use of the carrying capacity already owned by the government.
The Nczvs-Bladc said it was not strong for picking out any particular man for glorification, but it must be admitted that Mark Spanogle had been the soul of this enterprise. He had talked for it, worked for it and dreamed of it for years and his prompt and effective work in this instance met with encouragement and praise. Fay Williams had also been very active and eventually came in for his full share of credit.
Northport Irrigation District The election for the establishment of this district held on September 22, 1917, resulted in sixty-five votes in favor thereof and one against. For director in the first division R. H. Willis was elected, the second division chose C. W. Mount and third division elected R. A. Riddle. Mark Spanogle was elected treasurer and John Condon, assessor.
The petition for the establishment of this Northport district bears a great many names and forms a splendid directory of the citizens residing or owning land in the central part of Morrill county and it was signed by the following: Since then M. H. Hagertv later withdrew his name: Mary Mittlestead. J. H. Brubaker, John A. Gordon, J. K. Vanel, K. G. Brown, Mrs. J. 11. Mann," formerly Lydia Hoag, Josephine Hoag, Mrs. S. W. Daniels, M. P. Gonden, T. S. Vandel. Delos Walker, F. A. O'Neal, G. A. Calkins, C.
1385
The petition for the establishment of this Northport district bears a great many names and forms a splendid directory of the citizens residing or owning land in the central part of Morrill county and it was signed by the following: Since then M. H. Hagertv later withdrew his name: Mary Mittlestead. J. H. Brubaker, John A. Gordon, J. K. Vanel, K. G. Brown, Mrs. J. 11. Mann," formerly Lydia Hoag, Josephine Hoag, Mrs. S. W. Daniels, M. P. Gonden, T. S. Vandel. Delos Walker, F. A. O'Neal, G. A. Calkins, C. B Brown, G. N. Rose, Humphrey Smith, Ernest Hoeler, Joe E. Cook, R. A. Riddle, Clyde Reitnour, Jesse Payne, M. 11. Hagertv, C. A. Cope, A. W. White, Thomas Kaiboc, O. J. Dean, Christ Bauer, C. A. Tolle, C. F. Hagerty, A. L. Guthridge, Lizzie S. Smith, Mrs. Solomon James, Mrs. Etta Wells, R. J. Middleton, L. T. Thompson, Cora A. Thompson, Lewis Thompson, C. A. Edson, C. E. Todd. C. C. Herman, Mabel Betebenner, Tesse Edson, James Ke'lsev,
C. W. Mount, Wm. Ireland, A. T. Seybol't. M. G. Brinker, S. T. Brinker, C. S. Brown,
D. S. Kelsey, Henry Franklin. A. W. Moats. Mrs. W. H. Miller, Chas. T. Cullen, W. E. Guthrie, Ada Melvin, George W. Zimmerman, R. L. Martin, A. H. Tetters, W. H. Tracy, Frank N. Hunt, Thomas Jacobson, J. I. "Catron, G. A. Seslar, W. S. Bassett, Julius Gebauer, L. F. Harmon, Mary Dobson, C. B. Achey, E. G. Rouse, F. E. Williams, Floyd Seyboldt, James A. Payne, Rex Jepords, Jesse F. Young, Laura E. Young. J. A. Hutton, Robert H. Willis. M. D. Brown, R. C. Neumann, E. S. Kelbourn. H. Dobrinski, C. J. Christensen, Mary Jones, Theodore R. Jones.
1386
Martin, A. H. Tetters, W. H. Tracy, Frank N. Hunt, Thomas Jacobson, J. I. "Catron, G. A. Seslar, W. S. Bassett, Julius Gebauer, L. F. Harmon, Mary Dobson, C. B. Achey, E. G. Rouse, F. E. Williams, Floyd Seyboldt, James A. Payne, Rex Jepords, Jesse F. Young, Laura E. Young. J. A. Hutton, Robert H. Willis. M. D. Brown, R. C. Neumann, E. S. Kelbourn. H. Dobrinski, C. J. Christensen, Mary Jones, Theodore R. Jones.
Alliance Irrigation District The petition for the formation of this district was filed February 18, 1913, and was signed by Albert O'Neal, N. B. O'Neal, Gus Middlest'adt, George DeGraw, A. R. Thompson, H. H. Vandevanter, W. E. Moe, Asa Baker, Hattie McFaron, Fred Boyer, Ulrica Andersen, B. E. Betebender, Wm. Peters, Olive Peters, S. H. Osborne, J. E. Hunt. James Burns, George W. Young. John Keith, Wm. Mount, C. F. Clawges.
The election was for the 29th of March, 1913, and resulted in the election of the following officers and directors : Division One. Paul Roberts; Division Two, Fred Boyer, and Division Three, Asa Baker. Assessor, George Middlestadt ; treasurer, Wm. W. Yannata. This district eventually bonded for $45,000. The Alliance canal opened south of Bayard on the north side of the river. About two miles west of the county line, it crosses the Burlington line about a mile east of the town of Bayard and then runs in a southeasterly direction more or less paralleling the railroad through Bayard township and goes into Yockey township. This canal is about twelve or fifteen miles long.
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Assessor, George Middlestadt ; treasurer, Wm. W. Yannata. This district eventually bonded for $45,000. The Alliance canal opened south of Bayard on the north side of the river. About two miles west of the county line, it crosses the Burlington line about a mile east of the town of Bayard and then runs in a southeasterly direction more or less paralleling the railroad through Bayard township and goes into Yockey township. This canal is about twelve or fifteen miles long.
The bonds of this district were sold to the state of Nebraska. The investment of the permanent school funds in irrigation bonds, although authorized by law. had never been done until Wm. Ritchie, Jr., brought these before the board of educational lands and
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
funds. This board then consisted of Keith Neville, governor; Charles W. Pool, secretary of state; George Hall, state treasurer; Willis Reed, attorney general, and G. L. Shumway, state land commissioner. Neville and Shumway were from the irrigation section of Nebraska. This departure was of distinctive benefit to irrigation development in Nebraska, and to date there has been no delinquent interest on such investments of the state school funds.
Chimney Rock District
The Chimney Rock irrigation district was inaugurated bv a petition filed October 3, 1912, signed by R. F. Durnall, R. J". Kruse. H. E. Randal'l. S. E. Samuelson, W. II. Nickols, E. G. Boyer, John Donley, F. A. Comstock, James Burns, C. W. Sixberry. W. E. Morse, M. J. Hanna, asking for the organization of the proposed district. The district was divided into three divisions and an election ordered for November 12, 1912. Division one was to vote at Chimney Rock store. Division two at Chimney Rock schoolhouse, and division three was directed to vote at the dwelling house in the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter 23-20- 52.
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Boyer, John Donley, F. A. Comstock, James Burns, C. W. Sixberry. W. E. Morse, M. J. Hanna, asking for the organization of the proposed district. The district was divided into three divisions and an election ordered for November 12, 1912. Division one was to vote at Chimney Rock store. Division two at Chimney Rock schoolhouse, and division three was directed to vote at the dwelling house in the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter 23-20- 52.
Fourteen votes were cast for the organization of the. district and cue against and were divided four for division one, and five each for divisions two and three. The directors elected were F. A. Comstock in division one, W. F. McKelvey in division two. and J. E. Oliver in division three. S. E. Samuelson was elected treasurer, and C. W. Sixberry received thirteen votes for assessor.
The canal was located on the south side of the river. It started in the west end of Camp Clarke precinct and run through Bayard precinct to the west end of the county through Scotts Bluff county. This district has been bonded for a total of $83,000. Bonds of this district were purchased by the state of Nebraska at the same time those of the Alliance irrigation district were purchased. So that Chimney Rock and Alliance share in being the first to sell their bonds to the state.
Brown Crekk Irrigation District The formation of this district was petitioned on November 8, 1912, hearing on said petition was held on December 16, 1912. The following list of signers of this petition show considerably to whose ambitions energy the conditions were due : Mark Spanogle. H. B. Smith, J. D. llagerty. C A.
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Bonds of this district were purchased by the state of Nebraska at the same time those of the Alliance irrigation district were purchased. So that Chimney Rock and Alliance share in being the first to sell their bonds to the state.
Brown Crekk Irrigation District The formation of this district was petitioned on November 8, 1912, hearing on said petition was held on December 16, 1912. The following list of signers of this petition show considerably to whose ambitions energy the conditions were due : Mark Spanogle. H. B. Smith, J. D. llagerty. C A.
Tolle. P. J. Dunn, S. J. Dunn, John Riley, Peter Riley, M. Elassass, John Beerline, Myrtle Slimm, Frank H. King, Roy R. Rew, Tames L. Mcintosh, W. S. Bassett, Jafe Thurman, W. T. Layne, 1'. A. Rowlan, Pat Rowlan, Anthony Johnson, P. A. Johnson, Mrs. X. P. Riley, M. L. Wehn, W. 11. Snell, G. W. Beerline, and C. F. Hagerty.
The election was held February 1. 1913. and resulted in the election of C. G. Stevens as director for the second division, Pat Hawlon, third division, and Frank H. King and Pat Dunn tied for the directorship of the first division. Anthony Johnson was elected assessor and M. L. Wehn, treasurer.
The head-gate of the canal of this district lies on the north side of the river across from Bridgeport near the railroad bridge about a mile east. The canal runs east on the north side of the river through the balance of Camp Clarke precinct across King precinct, crosses Broadwater and the end is about in the west part of eastwood precinct; tincanal being about twenty-five or thirty miles in length.
1390
Anthony Johnson was elected assessor and M. L. Wehn, treasurer.
The head-gate of the canal of this district lies on the north side of the river across from Bridgeport near the railroad bridge about a mile east. The canal runs east on the north side of the river through the balance of Camp Clarke precinct across King precinct, crosses Broadwater and the end is about in the west part of eastwood precinct; tincanal being about twenty-five or thirty miles in length.
Irrk'.ationists
One of the activities of the western part of Nebraska in which Morrill county has been able to play an important part has been the proceeding work of the Nebraska State Irrigation Association.
A convention of this association was held in Bridgeport in 1915-1916-1918. The officers selected in 1915 were: President. J. T. Whitehead, Mitchell; first vice president, W. Y. Hoagland, North Platte ; second vicepresident, S. P. Delatour, Lewellen ; secretary, J. E. LeBlanc, Bridgeport; treasurer, Mark Spanogle. Bridgeport.
J. G. W'codman of Morrill was the president elected in 1916. Legislative committee: F. M. Sands, Gering; B. K. Bushee. Kimball; W. Hiersche, Scottsbluff; J. G. Beeler, North Platte; A. W. Atkins, Bridge port; W. M. Barbour, Scottsbluff. and Judge I hint, Bridgeport.
The executive committee: R. II. Willis, Bridgeport; H. H. Andrews, Callaway; T- T- Halligan, North Platte; S. P. Delatour, Lewellen ; Paige T. Francis. Crawford ; J. S. Walker, Kimball; O. W. Gardner. Gering, and W. V. Harvey. Culbertson.
Drainage committee: J. F. Whitehead. Mitchell; Otto Juergens, Minatare, and L. A. Fricke, Bayard.
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Kimball; W. Hiersche, Scottsbluff; J. G. Beeler, North Platte; A. W. Atkins, Bridge port; W. M. Barbour, Scottsbluff. and Judge I hint, Bridgeport.
The executive committee: R. II. Willis, Bridgeport; H. H. Andrews, Callaway; T- T- Halligan, North Platte; S. P. Delatour, Lewellen ; Paige T. Francis. Crawford ; J. S. Walker, Kimball; O. W. Gardner. Gering, and W. V. Harvey. Culbertson.
Drainage committee: J. F. Whitehead. Mitchell; Otto Juergens, Minatare, and L. A. Fricke, Bayard.
The officers for 1917 and 1918 were : President, 1. G. Woodman. Morrill; first vice president, II. II. Andrews. Callaway; sec-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ond vice president, P. A. Anderson, Hershey; treasurer. Mark Spanogle, Bridgeporl ; secretary, J. E. LeBlanc, Bridgeport.
Executive committee: R. II. Willis, Bridgeport; ). T. Halligan, North Platte; I'. T. Francis, Crawford; O. W. Gardner, Gering; II. II. Andrews, Callaway; S. P. Delatour, Lewellen ; I. S. Walker, Kimball; W. V. Harvey, Culbertson.
Legislative committee: G. J. Hunt, Bridgeport; W. M. Barbour, Scottsbluff; William Morrow, Scottsbluff; F. M. Sands, Gering; B. K. Bushee, Kimball; J. G. Heeler. North Platte.
The officers for 1919 were: President, II. II. Andrews, Calloway; first vice president, M. Schumacker; second vice president, P. A. Anderson; treasurer, Mark Spanogle; secretary, R. 11. Wissis.
Executive committee: R. H. Willis. Bridgeport; Paige T. Francis, Crawford; I. T. Whitehead, Mitchell; Oval Beal, Brule; J. J. Halligan, North Platte: 0. W. Gardner, Gering; 1!. K. Bushee, Kimball.
Legislative committee: <-. J. Hunt, Bridgeport; J. G. Beeler, North Platte; W.
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Bushee, Kimball; J. G. Heeler. North Platte.
The officers for 1919 were: President, II. II. Andrews, Calloway; first vice president, M. Schumacker; second vice president, P. A. Anderson; treasurer, Mark Spanogle; secretary, R. 11. Wissis.
Executive committee: R. H. Willis. Bridgeport; Paige T. Francis, Crawford; I. T. Whitehead, Mitchell; Oval Beal, Brule; J. J. Halligan, North Platte: 0. W. Gardner, Gering; 1!. K. Bushee, Kimball.
Legislative committee: <-. J. Hunt, Bridgeport; J. G. Beeler, North Platte; W.
V. Hoagland, North Platte: W. M. Barbour, Scottsbluff; J. G. Woodman, Scottsbluff; Fred A. Wright, Scottsbluff.
The officers for 1920 were: President, A. X. ATathers, Gering; first vice president, M. Schumacher, Minatare; second vice president, P. A. Anderson, Hershey; treasurer, AI. Spanogle, Bridgeport.
The committees were as follows:
Executive committee: R. H. Willis, Bridgeport; A. P.. Wood. Gering; B. K. Bushee, Kimball; R. S. Butterfield, Brule: E. T. Westervelt, Scottsbluff; Captain V. Halligan, North Platte: Dr. McDowell, Chadron ; Perrv Brazil. Morrill; John T. Wood, Oshkosh.
Legislative committee: James T. W Whitehead, Mitchell; J. G. Beeler, North Platte: William Harbour, Scottsbluff: John G. Stuckey, Lexington: Fred A. Wright. Scottsbluff; Niles E. Olsen, Gering; George P. Buckner, Sidney.
Drainage committee: Fred Everett, Scottsbluff; A. M. Ginn. Mitchell; R. C. Bassett, Bayard.
BRIDGEPORT BUSINESS DIRECTORY -- THE BAR -- OTHER ACTIVITIES
The very name is attractive and suggests to the stranger something more than an ordinary village. One at once assumes that there is a bridge spanning an important stream and at the end of that bridge is a port or town of some importance and both surmises are correct.
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Olsen, Gering; George P. Buckner, Sidney.
Drainage committee: Fred Everett, Scottsbluff; A. M. Ginn. Mitchell; R. C. Bassett, Bayard.
BRIDGEPORT BUSINESS DIRECTORY -- THE BAR -- OTHER ACTIVITIES
The very name is attractive and suggests to the stranger something more than an ordinary village. One at once assumes that there is a bridge spanning an important stream and at the end of that bridge is a port or town of some importance and both surmises are correct.
Bridgeport always will naturally be a thriving city of the western part of the state, and the commercial center of a magnificent territory. With its network of railroads reaching out in all directions, Bridgeport offer- excellent facilities for the jobber, the distributor, the manufacturer, the wholesale
grocers, dr\ g Is dealers, hardware houses.
and many other large business houses. Around it is an empire which stretches in all direct inns and is made directly tributary by railroads reaching out in five different directions like spokes in a wheel of commerce. Bridgeport is the railroad center of western Nebraska.
The Chicago, Burlington and Ouincy railroad company has marked this city as its center of operations in the Platte valley, and here should be both the freight and passenger divisions and a natural point for other prospective lines centering here, as pointed out more fully in the railroad story of this county's history. During the comingmonths steps will be taken to install car repair shops here, with a saw mill for framing timbers. A twenty stall roundhouse has been built and a modern passenger station will be provided.
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The Chicago, Burlington and Ouincy railroad company has marked this city as its center of operations in the Platte valley, and here should be both the freight and passenger divisions and a natural point for other prospective lines centering here, as pointed out more fully in the railroad story of this county's history. During the comingmonths steps will be taken to install car repair shops here, with a saw mill for framing timbers. A twenty stall roundhouse has been built and a modern passenger station will be provided.
In recent years there has not been a vacant house or a vacant room in the city, and this in fact has been the condition nearly all of the time since the town was laid out near ly twenty years ago. Bridgeport is the gate way to the great North Platte valley, and i surrounded by rich irrigated lands.
When the Burlingtbn railroad reached the present location of Bridgeport it secured
i
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ground for the town site parti)- from Pete Peterson of Julesburg and partly from l\. V. Drown. The first building put up then for a saloon is now used for an ice cream parlor It was built for a man named Armstrong. The first store building was where Brown's grocery now is and was built fqr J. A. Gaines. R. P. Scott purchased the town site for Lincoln Land Company. J. L. Miller who had been farming below the town, quit about that time and came into town. The next year Miller went in with Gaines in the Miller cv- Gaines store. Will Gaines bought the interest of J. A. Gaines shortly after this time and in 1902 Miller bought out Will Gaines. This first general store up to about six years ago was run as J.
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Scott purchased the town site for Lincoln Land Company. J. L. Miller who had been farming below the town, quit about that time and came into town. The next year Miller went in with Gaines in the Miller cv- Gaines store. Will Gaines bought the interest of J. A. Gaines shortly after this time and in 1902 Miller bought out Will Gaines. This first general store up to about six years ago was run as J. L. Miller. Mr. Crown later took over the grocery part of the store. The clothing stock became that of Miller & Harshman and the furniture stock put in as Miller & Hopkins and these activities with the opera house have made Mr. Miller not only dean of the business men of Bridgeport, but a leader at all times. The first house in town was either that of Mr. 1 laker or Mrs. Martha Smith.
Crrv Government
The city of Bridgeport, of course, dated back only some twenty years. It was the desire of the compiler of this section to include a complete roster of all of those who had sacrificed their personal convenience and time to the arduous duties of a "City Dad," but unfortunately the city- clerk's records prior to 1911 were not turned over to the present clerk and were misplaced at the time they were wanted, so we are able to record only those who had served in the past decade.
In 1911 the town board was composed of Messrs. Clyde Spanogle, Frank H. Putman, Ray C. Neumann, Mike Beerline, and Mr. May. W. 11. Willis was citv clerk, and was followed in 1912 by C. G. Perry, who held this post until he resigned in 1917 to enter service in the World War. W. 11. Willis resumed the office and held it until the election of R.
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It was the desire of the compiler of this section to include a complete roster of all of those who had sacrificed their personal convenience and time to the arduous duties of a "City Dad," but unfortunately the city- clerk's records prior to 1911 were not turned over to the present clerk and were misplaced at the time they were wanted, so we are able to record only those who had served in the past decade.
In 1911 the town board was composed of Messrs. Clyde Spanogle, Frank H. Putman, Ray C. Neumann, Mike Beerline, and Mr. May. W. 11. Willis was citv clerk, and was followed in 1912 by C. G. Perry, who held this post until he resigned in 1917 to enter service in the World War. W. 11. Willis resumed the office and held it until the election of R. E. Barrett in 1919. Mark Spanogle, in 1911, was serving as city treasurer, as he has since faithfully served. F. E. Williams was serving as city- attorney in 1911 and was succeeded bv K. W. McDonald, who served from 1912 until 1918.
In 1912 the town board remained the same as in 1911, except that Mark Iddings took the place of F. H. Putman, who resigned in September, 1911.
The election of 1913, witnessed the entrance of L. R. North. Thomas Ishmael and J. E. Trinnier, who served with Spanogle and Iddings.
In 1914 Spanogle was re-elected and R.. C. Neumann came on the board.
In 1915 North and Trinnier wne re-elected and Mike Beerline succeeded [shmael.
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In 1912 the town board remained the same as in 1911, except that Mark Iddings took the place of F. H. Putman, who resigned in September, 1911.
The election of 1913, witnessed the entrance of L. R. North. Thomas Ishmael and J. E. Trinnier, who served with Spanogle and Iddings.
In 1914 Spanogle was re-elected and R.. C. Neumann came on the board.
In 1915 North and Trinnier wne re-elected and Mike Beerline succeeded [shmael.
In 1916 Spanogle was re-elected and A. W. Atkins succeeded Neumann. They served with the three hold-over members.
In 1917 three new men were brought onto the board to serve with Spanogle and Atkins, they being Charles F. Manney, Guy W. Gardner and Ed. P. Morriss.
In 1918 the same board served.
In 1919 Bridgeport had reached the place where it adopted the mayor and ward system of municipal government. The honor of being the first mayor of the city fell to Clyde Spanogle, who had rendered a li nger continuous service on the town board than any other individual trustee of Bridgeport. The first councilmen elected were Roy Harshman and George McGill for the first ward, and Mark Iddings and Charles F. Manning for the second ward.
Business Interests By 1900 Bridgeport had a well established community of business interests. A review of those "business houses then already in operation with some slight notice paid to their successive ownership, or discontinuance, if so, would be appropriate at this point. The Bridgeport bank opened about 1900 with J. W. Wehn as president; J. < ). Baker, vice president, and C. II. Connett as cashier. Bridgeport livery stable started with J. W. Lee as proprietor and is at the same location twenty years later, but with 1). W. Walker as its recent owner. Milholland's restaurant was then the "grubery." The C.
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A review of those "business houses then already in operation with some slight notice paid to their successive ownership, or discontinuance, if so, would be appropriate at this point. The Bridgeport bank opened about 1900 with J. W. Wehn as president; J. < ). Baker, vice president, and C. II. Connett as cashier. Bridgeport livery stable started with J. W. Lee as proprietor and is at the same location twenty years later, but with 1). W. Walker as its recent owner. Milholland's restaurant was then the "grubery." The C. D. Essig stock of hardware and furniture was located where the bank building now is with Loren North as manager. This establishment later became the Bridgeport Hardware Company. It moved to the present building of the Home Hotel a number of years ago and became the Mercantile Co. in the last years of its career. The Tierman & Tierman grocery stock conducted by women was at that present location of Millett's feed store but has been gone for some time. The career of Bridgeport's general merchandise stock, that .if J. A. Gaines, has alreadybeen sketched. The Sawyer stock of dry
goods, then one of Bridgeport's leading mercantile establishments, was sold to I). W.
White, who; had been running the store in
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Camp Clarke. White's store at Camp Clarke, six miles from Bridgeport, was known in 1900 as the "Bee Hive" store. This stock was moved to Bridgeport a short time later and became the "Checker Front" department store. In November, 1901, Dr. J. S. Romine bought the Checker Front stock from White and also the J. A. Smith stock, then in the Heme Hotel building, and consolidated the two stores in the Smith location and called it the Department Store.
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White's store at Camp Clarke, six miles from Bridgeport, was known in 1900 as the "Bee Hive" store. This stock was moved to Bridgeport a short time later and became the "Checker Front" department store. In November, 1901, Dr. J. S. Romine bought the Checker Front stock from White and also the J. A. Smith stock, then in the Heme Hotel building, and consolidated the two stores in the Smith location and called it the Department Store.
repair. The hardware stock later became the property of Beerline and Scott. The harness part of that business successively came into the control of W. H. Miller. Joe Turst and Howard Burke. The Hotel Valley on the corner near the depot was in 1900 run by Ed. Fitch. Later it was leased by Mike Beerline and run as the Melvin Hotel and later passed to the control of Iddings and LaFollette, and has been run recentlv bv Nellie Burke. D. W. I'tter had
J. S. Romine, proprietor. Dr. Romine with a wealthy ranch man and business man of Mitchell about this time purchased the general stock of the Millett mercantile company. He at various times also had other stores in the valley. Dr. H. P. Scroggin acted for a time as manager for some of these stores, removing here from Rantoul, Illinois. Moran Brothers and Sharp were running the Bridgeport restaurant. Win. McCarter had the blacksmith shop. The lumber business of Bridgeport was opening up about 1900 by Carr & Neft" and this concern is still here. James Wolff, the watchmaker and jeweler, has since left. F. FI. Wilder handled harness, hardware, and shoe
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He at various times also had other stores in the valley. Dr. H. P. Scroggin acted for a time as manager for some of these stores, removing here from Rantoul, Illinois. Moran Brothers and Sharp were running the Bridgeport restaurant. Win. McCarter had the blacksmith shop. The lumber business of Bridgeport was opening up about 1900 by Carr & Neft" and this concern is still here. James Wolff, the watchmaker and jeweler, has since left. F. FI. Wilder handled harness, hardware, and shoe
another blacksmith shop in 1900. A real estate office was run by Dr. J. H. Long and H. M. Bullock, also a lawyer. Fred A. Wright of Scottsbluff and Omaha and Attorney Merriman, then both of Gering, ran cards in the first papers, offering legal service to the people of the young community. The first hardware stock here was that of Burke & Harpole, located where the W. L. Clawges barber shop and jewelry shop now are situated. This stock was later moved to Bayard where this firm has one of the largest business houses in that enterprising city. Mrs. F. H. Wilder also offered dressmaking service and Mrs. Haxby came within a year with a millinery store.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Business Changes In 1902 Ishmael and Zimmerman put in a stock of groceries, boots and shoes where the picture show now is located. This stock was sold in January, 1912, to W. H. Tracy and was later burned out. Mrs. Haxby and Myrtle Irwing offered a small stock of clothing and dress goods. J. A. Schwender's saloon had been started about this time south of the Valley Hotel. Fred Oilman of Redington was offering photographic service. The Bradford-Kennedy Lumber Co. put in the second lumber yard under the management of J. Trinnier. This later became the Bridgeport Lumber Company, an active concern after its twenty years of existence.
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Tracy and was later burned out. Mrs. Haxby and Myrtle Irwing offered a small stock of clothing and dress goods. J. A. Schwender's saloon had been started about this time south of the Valley Hotel. Fred Oilman of Redington was offering photographic service. The Bradford-Kennedy Lumber Co. put in the second lumber yard under the management of J. Trinnier. This later became the Bridgeport Lumber Company, an active concern after its twenty years of existence. N. C. French had the carriage shop. .Mrs. J. A. Schwender opened the Palace dining room in October, 1902. The Essig stock by 1903 was going as the Bridgeport Hardware Company, with Loren North as proprietor. White & Anderson had opened the drug store which is now Dr. Anderson's pharmacy. This stock was then where Hatch and Rice now are located. The restaurant had the location where the drug store is now. These were part of three buildings that later burned.
Business Directory for 1905
By 1905 the leading stores were the J. L. Miller, Bridgeport Hardware Company. B. L. Neff & Elter Company Hardware, the latter of which became the Beerline and Scott stock, and Ishamel and Zimmerman, merchandise. The Bridgeport Bank with J. W. Lane still president, had grown in deposits to $60,811.95, and a statement of resources showed $81,525.12. Mark Spanogle and Clyde Spanogle had come into this bank as vice president and cashier. Faye Williams had located here in the practice of law. Dr. V. Anderson was practicing medicine as well as running the drug store and Bridgeport had sufficiently expanded to now have the service of various other lines of business people. A. C. Kaempfer had a blacksmith shop. J. H. Porter was running a dray line. P. J. Carnahan was auctioneer. C. F. Clawges had opened the barber shop and the Welsh photograph gallery.
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Mark Spanogle and Clyde Spanogle had come into this bank as vice president and cashier. Faye Williams had located here in the practice of law. Dr. V. Anderson was practicing medicine as well as running the drug store and Bridgeport had sufficiently expanded to now have the service of various other lines of business people. A. C. Kaempfer had a blacksmith shop. J. H. Porter was running a dray line. P. J. Carnahan was auctioneer. C. F. Clawges had opened the barber shop and the Welsh photograph gallery. Albert Scott & Co. were making cement blocks.
Business Directory for 1910 By 1910 the business directory at Bridgeport had considerably expanded. The News-Blade was well in operation. The Bridgeport Bank had been joined in its line of work by the Vallev State Bank, which
began in March, 1910, with J. I.. Johnson as cashier and John Burkett as assistant ; and the First National Bank.
Some of the business people of Bridgeport at that time were: E. H. Farmer, real estate; J. E. Trinnier, abstracts; A. L. Davis, abstracts ; John Steuteville, attorney ; Williams & Williams, attorneys ; G. J. Hunt, attorney; M. L. Wehn. "leading merchant" at Broadwater; Ishmael & Zimmerman, Bridgeport Pharmacy; R. H. Willis, Cash Bazaar, groceries and shoes; L. R. North, embalmer; Miller Opera House: C. E Palmer ; R. C. Neumann. proprietor Meglemre, city dray ; J. W. Lee, Palace livery stable ; Bridgeport Hardware Company : LeBlanc Brothers, started about 1907 or 1908; W. H. Willis, implements; Beerline & Scott, hardware and harness ; Bridgeport Lumber Company ; W. J. Scoggins, dentist; M. F. Umbenhower, auctioneer; Dr. C. Palmer, R. C. Neumann, proprietor Hotel Bridgeport ; Wilcox & Broome, law and land attorneys at Alliance, practicing here considerably ; C. E. May, meat market ; The Mode Millinery ; E.
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Neumann. proprietor Meglemre, city dray ; J. W. Lee, Palace livery stable ; Bridgeport Hardware Company : LeBlanc Brothers, started about 1907 or 1908; W. H. Willis, implements; Beerline & Scott, hardware and harness ; Bridgeport Lumber Company ; W. J. Scoggins, dentist; M. F. Umbenhower, auctioneer; Dr. C. Palmer, R. C. Neumann, proprietor Hotel Bridgeport ; Wilcox & Broome, law and land attorneys at Alliance, practicing here considerably ; C. E. May, meat market ; The Mode Millinery ; E. C. Haines, jeweler ; Beatrice Creamery Company ; Baker Restaurant, W. A. Barnes, proprietor ; Concrete Works, J. Frank VanAtter ; The Midway Saloon.
1914 Business Directory The following- is a business directory of the town in 1914. Bridgeport Mercantile Company, W. D. Cocke, president and manager, dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, groceries, hardware, furniture and notions; T. H. Stevens, meat market; Rochell Brothers, cleaning and pressing; W. H. Miller & Son, harness shop; H. H. Cook, restaurant ; C. E. McGee, bakery and lunch room ; Beerline & Scott, hardware and harness; R. C. Neumann, Hotel Bridgeport; Miller & Hopkins, furniture ; J. L. Miller & Company, clothing and furnishings ; R. C. Harshman, manager; Platte Valley Mercantile Co., dry goods and ladies' furnishings: G. G. Putman. groceries; Bridgeport Lumber Company, lumber and coal, F. H. Putman, president. J. L. Tout, secretary: A. C. G. Kaempfer, blacksmith and wagon shop; Valley Hotel, Ridings and LaFollette, proprietors ; Sam Fisher, barber shop ; Reynolds & Clark, restaurant; J. A. Schwender. wines, liquors and cigars; R. H. Hester, the Club saloon; C. C. Nelson, the "Sugar Beet Exchange"; J. S. Lee, livery; C. S. Munson, restaurant: [. E. Coleman, meat market; T. G. Porter", pool hall; LeBlanc Brothers,
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Putman. groceries; Bridgeport Lumber Company, lumber and coal, F. H. Putman, president. J. L. Tout, secretary: A. C. G. Kaempfer, blacksmith and wagon shop; Valley Hotel, Ridings and LaFollette, proprietors ; Sam Fisher, barber shop ; Reynolds & Clark, restaurant; J. A. Schwender. wines, liquors and cigars; R. H. Hester, the Club saloon; C. C. Nelson, the "Sugar Beet Exchange"; J. S. Lee, livery; C. S. Munson, restaurant: [. E. Coleman, meat market; T. G. Porter", pool hall; LeBlanc Brothers,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
clothing and men's furnishings ; The Bridgeport Pharmacy. Dr. V. Anderson ; Dr. V. Anderson, physician and surgeon ; C. B. Gadd, barber shop and bath room; Airs. A. Sanquest & Dtrs., millinery and ladies' goods; The Lyric Theatre, \Y. M. Bucy, proprietor ; J. I. Zimmerman, real estate and insurance; L. R. North, groceries and meats ; Dr. W. J. Scoggins, dentist ; C. F. Clawges, City Barber Shop ; Bridgeport Bank, capital $25,000; G. J. Hunt, attorney at law; First National Bank, capital $25,000; J. L. Johnson, real estate, investments and insurance: F. E. Williams, attorney at law; R. H. Willis, civil engineer; C. B". Millett, groceries and feed ; Dr. C. Palmer, physician and surgeon; M. Stout, photographer; Bridgeport Garage, L. Boodry, proprietor; W. H. Willis, implements, wagons, buggies and automobiles ; Mark Iddings. livery and omnibus line ; Jddings and Meglemre. dray line and ice ; Carr & Neff Lumber Company, lumber and coal ; Star Bottling Works, A'an Zimmerman, manager; Nebraska Telephone Company ; The Mode, Miss Mayme Hagerty, proprietor, the up-to-date millinery store ; Standard Oil Company, Clyde Meglemre, manager; Clarke and Martin, auto hospital ; J. F. Vannatter, proprietor cement works and contractor; R. A. Riddle, building contractor; The Bridgeport News- Blade, publishing, printing, ruling, binding, general office, bank and school supplies.
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Willis, implements, wagons, buggies and automobiles ; Mark Iddings. livery and omnibus line ; Jddings and Meglemre. dray line and ice ; Carr & Neff Lumber Company, lumber and coal ; Star Bottling Works, A'an Zimmerman, manager; Nebraska Telephone Company ; The Mode, Miss Mayme Hagerty, proprietor, the up-to-date millinery store ; Standard Oil Company, Clyde Meglemre, manager; Clarke and Martin, auto hospital ; J. F. Vannatter, proprietor cement works and contractor; R. A. Riddle, building contractor; The Bridgeport News- Blade, publishing, printing, ruling, binding, general office, bank and school supplies.
1919 Business Directory
After twenty years of growth Bridgeport finds itself with a much increased list of prosperous business houses.
The Golden Rule Store, Hatch & Rice Variety Store, Mrs. A. Sonquest & Daughter, Carr & Neff lumber yard, Robert Gress, R. V. Brown. Daylight Clothing Store, Chas. West, tailor; Beerline & Scott, hardware; Winter Hardware Companv ; L. R. North, undertaker; Bridgeport Lumber Company ; Farmers Creamerv Companv ; Lyric Theatre; W. H. Willis 'Motor Company; Millet & Smith, tires: C. A. Perkins; Avery Garage; Bridgeport Bakery; Hegrich Harness; R. E. Neumann Land 'Company ; A. J. Marsh, contractor; J. E. Mart, painter; Chas. Sawyer, plasterer; Nels Hansen, painting and decorating; O. K. Barber Shop, J. Humpal, proprietor; Iddings & Johnson ; Bridgeport Blade.
Various changes and extensions will be noted concerning some of these stores already mentioned that still are in existence.
The Golden Rule Store has flourished under its present ownership, Guy Gardner, who bought out the Millett stock. Robert Gregg's grocery has been in operation for about four years. R. V. Brown grocery stock is an old-timer in this line.
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Sawyer, plasterer; Nels Hansen, painting and decorating; O. K. Barber Shop, J. Humpal, proprietor; Iddings & Johnson ; Bridgeport Blade.
Various changes and extensions will be noted concerning some of these stores already mentioned that still are in existence.
The Golden Rule Store has flourished under its present ownership, Guy Gardner, who bought out the Millett stock. Robert Gregg's grocery has been in operation for about four years. R. V. Brown grocery stock is an old-timer in this line.
The Daylight clothing stock of Morris & McGee is the successor of the LeBlanc stock and shares this field with the general stores, J. L. Miller & Company and Charles West, the tailor. The hardware stores are those of Beerline and Scott and Winter Hardware Company.
L. R. North new has an undertaking establishment. The lumber yards are those of Carr & Neff and the Bridgeport Lumber Company, formerly Bradford-Kennedy. F. H. Putman started in with this concern. When Mr. Trinnier went out, J. L. Tout came in and later G H. Watkins became part of this concern. In addition to the old Miller opera house, Bridgeport has had for some time a very up-to-date picture theatre, the Lyric.
Auto Business
A business that has risen to a position of supreme importance within the short life of Bridgeport has been the auto business with its garages, tire and accessories, sales and repair shops.
Leslie Boodry put in the first garage in Bridgeport where the Buick garage is now located. W. H. Willis soon expanded his hardware and implement business so that he handles the Studebaker and Oakland cars. The Bridgeport Motor Company handling the Ford agency, built an attractive and substantial garage. Millet & Smith handle the Monarch tires. C. Clawges became distributor for the Patterson, Buick and Chevrolet.
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A business that has risen to a position of supreme importance within the short life of Bridgeport has been the auto business with its garages, tire and accessories, sales and repair shops.
Leslie Boodry put in the first garage in Bridgeport where the Buick garage is now located. W. H. Willis soon expanded his hardware and implement business so that he handles the Studebaker and Oakland cars. The Bridgeport Motor Company handling the Ford agency, built an attractive and substantial garage. Millet & Smith handle the Monarch tires. C. Clawges became distributor for the Patterson, Buick and Chevrolet.
C. A. Perkins for some time ran the Avery garage. Walter Clarke now has a garage and repair shop.
Commercial Club
Bridgeport's Commercial Club started its thriving career about a decade ago. In 1910 the officers of the Commercial Club were : President, J. L. Tout; vice president, R. H. Willis; secretarv. I. E. LeBlanc; board of managers, G J." Hunt. L. R. North. C. F. Clawges, J. M. Lynch, William H. Willis.
Committees on Membership: Tohn C. Burket. E. W. Fleming. L. R. North. City and County Improvements : C. F. Clawges.
D. C. Sharp, J. L. Miller. Irrigation and Water Supply: F. E. Williams. E. H. Farmer, J. F. Trinnier. Advertising: J. L. Johnson. Clyde Spanogle, W. H. Willis.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Good Roads: R. H. Willis, R. P. Scott, Rev. T. B. Burke. Conventions and Excursions: J. H. Steuteville, A. W. Atkins. J. H. Lynch.
In 1913 it had sixty-five active members. Through the efforts of President Mark Spanogle, thirty-four new members were taken into this community organization at one meeting in February. At that time the committees were given early announcements and this roster somewhat indicates the active workers in the earlier days of this commendable enterprise :
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H. Willis, R. P. Scott, Rev. T. B. Burke. Conventions and Excursions: J. H. Steuteville, A. W. Atkins. J. H. Lynch.
In 1913 it had sixty-five active members. Through the efforts of President Mark Spanogle, thirty-four new members were taken into this community organization at one meeting in February. At that time the committees were given early announcements and this roster somewhat indicates the active workers in the earlier days of this commendable enterprise :
Finance: J. L. Tout, J. A. Schwender. County and City Improvements: J. L. Johnson, O. J. Life, Mark Iddings. Irrigation and Water Supply : F. E. Williams, W. D. Cocke, Clyde Spanogle. Membership : Charles Cameron, Lee Nunn, Roy Harshman. Advertising: T. B. Estelle, J. E. Trinnier, C. E. Quale. Good Roads: F. H. Putman, Mike Beerline. R. H. Willis. Conventions and Excursions: A. W. Atkins. Archie Clinton, W. H. Willis.
Special Standing Committees -- Chautauqua : Dr. W. J. Scoggin, W. D. Cocke, L. B. Winter. Nebraska Irrigation Congress : R. H. Willis, Earnest LeBlanc. A. W. Atkins. North Platte Valley Teachers' Association: Professor R. M. Marrs, C. S. Cheatham, Wade Flynn. Reception: F. E. Williams. Old Soldiers and Settlers Reunion : B. E. Betebenner, G. H. Watkins, F. R. Lindberg, I. L. Johnson. Railroad: G. J. Hunt, J. L. Miller, R. C. Neumann. J. E. Le- Blanc, L. R. North.
Upon December 28, 1916, a complete reorganization of the old boosters' club was effected at the city hall. The new organization is to be known as the Morrill County Community Club. The members certainly mean business.
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Reception: F. E. Williams. Old Soldiers and Settlers Reunion : B. E. Betebenner, G. H. Watkins, F. R. Lindberg, I. L. Johnson. Railroad: G. J. Hunt, J. L. Miller, R. C. Neumann. J. E. Le- Blanc, L. R. North.
Upon December 28, 1916, a complete reorganization of the old boosters' club was effected at the city hall. The new organization is to be known as the Morrill County Community Club. The members certainly mean business.
Mark Spanogle was elected president and T. B. Estill, treasurer. The secretary was to be elected by the board of directors which consisted of the president and chairmen of the four different bureaus ; so in order that this board of directors might become organized and ready for business, each bureau held a meeting and elected its chairman.
Each bureau had twenty or more members, as follows :
Commercial Bureau : G. J. Hunt, chairman ; T. B. Estill, H. C. Burke, C. E. McGee, N. Beerline, T. B. Manning, H. B. Hopkins, Roy Harshman, Ed. Slimm, Geo. Clark, Mayme Hagertv, M. B. Farris, H. H. Smith, Wm. Willis, E.'F. Morris, L. R. North, Rex Jeffords, E. W. Todd, E. K. Milmine, Guy Gardner.
Enterprise Development Bureau : A. T. Seybolt, chairman ; R. C. Neumann, F. E. Williams, C. B. Millett, R. H. Willis, C. F. Clawges, J. E. LeBlanc, E. V. Draper, F. H. Putman, Lloyd Wiggins, R. E. Barrett, Frank Hunt, Dr. C. Palmer, Fred Lindberg, E. Steuteville, Dr. McCrosson, J. II. Wehn. C. C. Nelson.
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Farris, H. H. Smith, Wm. Willis, E.'F. Morris, L. R. North, Rex Jeffords, E. W. Todd, E. K. Milmine, Guy Gardner.
Enterprise Development Bureau : A. T. Seybolt, chairman ; R. C. Neumann, F. E. Williams, C. B. Millett, R. H. Willis, C. F. Clawges, J. E. LeBlanc, E. V. Draper, F. H. Putman, Lloyd Wiggins, R. E. Barrett, Frank Hunt, Dr. C. Palmer, Fred Lindberg, E. Steuteville, Dr. McCrosson, J. II. Wehn. C. C. Nelson.
Community Affairs Bureau: W. E. Guthrie, chairman ; Wm. Ritchie, Geo. Mc- Dougall, H. R. Van Home, W. C. Clarke, Z. H. Jones, C. E. Carter, Max Wilcox, Tom Neighbors, Thornton Manning, V. A. Doety, W. I. Dyson, W. M. Bucy, J. L. Tout, Clyde Spanogle, F. DeVault, Robt. Hanway, Dr. Logan, J. Peacher, Dr. Whitney, George Murphy.
Publicity and Conventions Bureau : Bruce Wilcox, chairman ; C. D. Casper, C. G. Perrv, W. B. Meeker, John Porter, A. C. Estill, Tom Ishmael, J. H. Steuteville, J. E. Trinnier, K. W. McDonald, Frank Brown, A. B. Nichols, R. V. Brown, F. E. Hedglin, Mrs. Sanquest, Mrs. Cram, F. H. Wilder. H. Rogers, C. L. West, Mark Spanogle, A. F. Marsh.
Chamber of Commerce
The work of the old Commercial Club involved into the progressive Community Club, which carried on the community work for Bridgeport for some few years. Then in common with the practice cf giving the commercial organizations throughout the United States uniform title, the community agency of Bridgeport is now known as the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce. The 1920 officers and faithful committee workers were :
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L. West, Mark Spanogle, A. F. Marsh.
Chamber of Commerce
The work of the old Commercial Club involved into the progressive Community Club, which carried on the community work for Bridgeport for some few years. Then in common with the practice cf giving the commercial organizations throughout the United States uniform title, the community agency of Bridgeport is now known as the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce. The 1920 officers and faithful committee workers were :
President, F. E. Williams: vice president. A. W. Atkins; secretary, A. E. Fisher: treasurer, Lloyd Wiggins.
Committees: Promotion -- Mark Spanogle, chairman; A. E. Fisher, T. F. Neighbors. Public Improvement -- Dr. C. Palmer, chairman; Fred Lindberg, R. H. Willis. Entertainment -- E. M. Bigelow, chairman; W. P. Ackerman, Ed. Morris. Finance-- A. T. Seybolt, chairman: George Irwin, Lloyd Wiggins. Membership -- Frank- Hunt,* chairman ; E. W. Hackney. C. G. Perry. Publicity -- Bruce Wilcox, chairman ; E. L. Novotny, E. M. Bigelow.
* Deceased.
Telephones The Wehn Telephone Company saw to it that Morrill county secured telephone service earlv in the career of that utility in
HISTORY. OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
western Nebraska and made connection with the Bell telephone system at North Platte, securing a full metallic service from Ogallala and giving direct long distance communication to all parts of the country and especially service to Morrill and Garden county points.
Newspapers
The Bridgeport Blade began publication July 27, 1900, with Cary and Lawley as publishers. In October L. B. Cary became proprietor. In 1905 R. H. Willis was publisher. The Platte Valley News began in 1903. These two papers were consolidated into the News-Blade, July 24, 1908. J. M. Lynch became editor and remained in active charge of this paper for some years until Bruce Wilcox, its present editor, took charge. Wilcox served as register in the United States land office at Alliance, and is one of Morrill county's best men.
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In October L. B. Cary became proprietor. In 1905 R. H. Willis was publisher. The Platte Valley News began in 1903. These two papers were consolidated into the News-Blade, July 24, 1908. J. M. Lynch became editor and remained in active charge of this paper for some years until Bruce Wilcox, its present editor, took charge. Wilcox served as register in the United States land office at Alliance, and is one of Morrill county's best men. He married Miss Oliver, one of the first families in Hackberry canyon community.
The story of the Bridgeport Herald is inseparably woven with the story of the recent years of the life of Charles D. Casper. Knowing Mr. Casper for twenty-seven years, the editor-in-chief, in appreciation of his public service, will permanently record some of the eulogies spoken at the time of his final call from the earthly duties.
C. D. Casper
It was the doctrine of old paganism that the gods gave nothing to mortals without severe toil, acting upon the principle that labor conquers all things and "time will bring its own reward."
C. D. Casper struck out in the great ocean of busy life and struggled heroically with its waves. His standard of work was the same in public as it was in private life. He knew no compromise when principles were involved. He was genial and social in his intercourse with friends, always thoughtful and considerate of the feelings of others. His life is a splendid exposition of those quiet, guiding precepts of the highest type of our citizenship. He crowned it all with a Christian faith that stripped death of all terror to him. Rev. King, of the Presbyterian church of Bridgeport, of which church Mr. Casper was a member, preached a funeral discourse. The Masons, of which lodge Mr.
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He was genial and social in his intercourse with friends, always thoughtful and considerate of the feelings of others. His life is a splendid exposition of those quiet, guiding precepts of the highest type of our citizenship. He crowned it all with a Christian faith that stripped death of all terror to him. Rev. King, of the Presbyterian church of Bridgeport, of which church Mr. Casper was a member, preached a funeral discourse. The Masons, of which lodge Mr. Casper was an honored member, took charge of the services and at the grave the impressive burial service of both that order and also the Eastern Star, were given.
Beautiful floral offerings bore mute testimony of the esteem. John W. Morris of Gering, an old soldier of the same regiment, was present at the funeral.
Charles Deputy Casper was born at Wilmington, Delaware, December 10, 1845, and departed this life at Hot Springs, South Dakota, July 24, 1920, at the age of seventyfour years.
At the age of seventeen years he enlisted in the Northern Army, and served to the close of the Civil War as bugler in Company D, First Regiment of Delaware Cavalry. x\t the close of the Civil War he was honorably discharged. He re-enlisted and saw service on the western frontier, during the time that the Indians were causing the United States so much annoyance. He was honorably discharged a second time and for some time afterward worked at whatever he was able to find, employment being scarce and wages low.
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At the age of seventeen years he enlisted in the Northern Army, and served to the close of the Civil War as bugler in Company D, First Regiment of Delaware Cavalry. x\t the close of the Civil War he was honorably discharged. He re-enlisted and saw service on the western frontier, during the time that the Indians were causing the United States so much annoyance. He was honorably discharged a second time and for some time afterward worked at whatever he was able to find, employment being scarce and wages low.
He entered a printing office at Danville, Iowa, as an apprentice. In 1873 he came to Nebraska, settling at David City, in Butler , county, being one of the pioneers of that city. Here he established the "Butler County Press," which he conducted for more than thirty-three years.
On December 31, 1880, he was married to Nancy M. Brownseet, a native of New England. To this union were born three daughters, Emma M., Grace A., and Ruby L., and one son who died in infancy.
He was one of the leading democrats of the state of Nebraska, serving four terms as state representative and one term as state senator from Butler county. He was a member of the board of control of the Soldiers and Sailors Home at Grand Island and Milford for three years.
In 1898 he was appointed secretary of the Nebraska Commission of the Trans-Mississippi Exposition held at Omaha, Nebraska, serving during 1898 and 1899. In 1904 he was a delegate from Nebraska to the Democratic National Convention at St. Louis, Missouri, and at one time was chairman of the Democratic State Convention.
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He was one of the leading democrats of the state of Nebraska, serving four terms as state representative and one term as state senator from Butler county. He was a member of the board of control of the Soldiers and Sailors Home at Grand Island and Milford for three years.
In 1898 he was appointed secretary of the Nebraska Commission of the Trans-Mississippi Exposition held at Omaha, Nebraska, serving during 1898 and 1899. In 1904 he was a delegate from Nebraska to the Democratic National Convention at St. Louis, Missouri, and at one time was chairman of the Democratic State Convention.
In 1906 he removed to Bayard. He took a government homestead about ten miles northeast of Bayard, meanwhile working on the Bayard Transcript, the Bridgeport Blade and the Bridgeport News. When Morrill county was formed he was most instrumental in assisting and was rewarded by being elected the first county clerk of Morrill county, holding that office for two terms.
In 1912 he established the "Northport
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Herald," but in 1913, removed to Bridgeport and continued it until his death. He was an editor of more than ordinary ability and his editorials and newspaper articles were the subjects of comment by newspapers throughout the state.
He became a member of the Masonic order years ago, in Iowa, later affiliating at David City. When Camp Clarke lodge No. 285, A. F. & A. M., was organized at Bridgeport in 1913, he became one of the charter members, and has been active in the work of this lodge since that time. He has been patron of the Eastern Star since its organization in 1914. He was also commander of the Morrill county post of the Grand army of the Republic.
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He became a member of the Masonic order years ago, in Iowa, later affiliating at David City. When Camp Clarke lodge No. 285, A. F. & A. M., was organized at Bridgeport in 1913, he became one of the charter members, and has been active in the work of this lodge since that time. He has been patron of the Eastern Star since its organization in 1914. He was also commander of the Morrill county post of the Grand army of the Republic.
C. G. Perry, the master of the Masonic lodge at Bridgeport; Rev. S. H. King, Rev. B. Burke, Rev. Geo. F. MacDougall, Addison C. Sheldon, secretary State Historical Society, J . H. Steuteville, Mark Spanogle, A. E. Fisher, and K. W. McDonald each expressed words of appreciation of the friendship and service to community and state, performed by the deceased.
Professional Directory
The professional directory of Bridgeport in 1913 showed among others, the following professional men practicing:
Doctors : C. Palmer, M.D., physician and surgeon; V. Anderson, surgeon, C, B. & 0. Ry. Company ; G. T. Seabury, D.V.S., veterinary surgeon and dentist ; William J. Scroggin, general dental practitioner.
Attorneys : Bruce Wilcox, lawyer and land attorney; F. M. Broome, United States land attorney, office at Alliance, practicing here; G. J. Hunt, attorney-at-law ; John H. Steuteville. attorney-at-law; Williams & Williams, attorneys-at-law ; Hurd & Spanogle, lawyers ; Geo*. G. Cronkleton, United States commissioner.
Auctioneers: H. P. Coursey, live stock and general auctioneer; M. F. Umbenhower, auctioneer; J. E. Coleman, general auctioneer.
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Seabury, D.V.S., veterinary surgeon and dentist ; William J. Scroggin, general dental practitioner.
Attorneys : Bruce Wilcox, lawyer and land attorney; F. M. Broome, United States land attorney, office at Alliance, practicing here; G. J. Hunt, attorney-at-law ; John H. Steuteville. attorney-at-law; Williams & Williams, attorneys-at-law ; Hurd & Spanogle, lawyers ; Geo*. G. Cronkleton, United States commissioner.
Auctioneers: H. P. Coursey, live stock and general auctioneer; M. F. Umbenhower, auctioneer; J. E. Coleman, general auctioneer.
Other professional men : Jas. I. Zimmerman, real estate; A. T. Seybolt, insurance, real estate; L. R. North, licensed embalmer and undertaker ; Bridgeport Realty Company.
Professional men of 1916 were: Ritchie & Perry, attorneys-at-law ; F. E. Williams, attorney-at-law ; George J. Hunt, attorneyat-law; John H. Steuteville, attorney-at-law; George G. Cronkleton. United States commissioner, office at Bayard ; C. J. Logan,
M.D., physician and surgeon ; Dr. V. Anderson ; Dr. C. A. Collins, veterinary surgeon ; Drake & Drake, registered optometrists, office at Alliance; L. Hoppen, massager.
The professional men of 1917 were: Ritchie and Perry, attorneys-at-law ; F. E. Williams, attorney-at-law; George J. Hunt, attorneyrat-law ; John H. Steuteville, attorney-at-law; C. J. Logan, M.D., physician and surgeon; Dr. V. Anderson; Dr. C. A. Collins, veterinary surgeon ; Drake & Drake, registered optometrists, office at Alliance ; L. Hoppen, massager; George G. Cronkleton, United States commissioner, office at Bayard; J. C. Pedersen, architect and superintendent, office at Gering.
Morrill County Bar
The Morrill county bar had increased to somewhat enlarged proportions. The death of Judge George J. Hunt left a notable gap in the familiar line-up of the legal fraternity. His younger partner, C. G. Perry, had taken over the office and practice. Judge Leslie G. Hurd, who had come from Harvard, Nebraska, to look after the practices of Fay E. Williams, at Bridgeport, and Thomas F.
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Pedersen, architect and superintendent, office at Gering.
Morrill County Bar
The Morrill county bar had increased to somewhat enlarged proportions. The death of Judge George J. Hunt left a notable gap in the familiar line-up of the legal fraternity. His younger partner, C. G. Perry, had taken over the office and practice. Judge Leslie G. Hurd, who had come from Harvard, Nebraska, to look after the practices of Fay E. Williams, at Bridgeport, and Thomas F. Neighbors, at Bayard, remained with them after they returned from service in the World War, and they had formed the firm of Williams, Hurd & Neighbors, with offices at both Bridgeport and Bayard. County Attorney K. W. McDonald who came to Bridgeport within the past decade and built a splendid practice, has associated with him George W. Irwin. Win. Ritchie, Jr., although now in Omaha, maintains an office at Bridgeport with Ralph O. Canada who came to Bridgeport a few years ago from Minden. Judge J. H. Steuteville and Banker Mark Spanogle, although not actively engaged in practice are, nevertheless, entitled to be credited as members of the Morrill county bar.
A few years ago the community of Bayard, a village of only a few hundred population, had no resident attorney, and depended upon Bridgeport and towns to the west for legal service, except for the work of United State Commissioner Cronkleton and local justices, but with the phenomenal growth of the town came several attorneys resident at Bayard. H. M. Marquis was one. In 1917 was another, Yale H. Cavett, who was associated with Morrow & Morrow of Scottsbluff. There were also C. A. Mantz, who was associated with Wm. Ritchie, at Bridgeport, and Fred T. Nichols. In 1919 E. E. Richards and Edward F. Carter came to
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A few years ago the community of Bayard, a village of only a few hundred population, had no resident attorney, and depended upon Bridgeport and towns to the west for legal service, except for the work of United State Commissioner Cronkleton and local justices, but with the phenomenal growth of the town came several attorneys resident at Bayard. H. M. Marquis was one. In 1917 was another, Yale H. Cavett, who was associated with Morrow & Morrow of Scottsbluff. There were also C. A. Mantz, who was associated with Wm. Ritchie, at Bridgeport, and Fred T. Nichols. In 1919 E. E. Richards and Edward F. Carter came to
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Bayard and formed a partnership. This gave Bayard a formidable proportion of the bar of Morrill county, an aggregation of more than a dozen of as capable and affable practitioners as can be found anywhere in the state of Nebraska.
George J. Hunt
On February 19, Judge Jacob Fawcett of the supreme court paid a masterly tribute to Bridgeport's townsman, Judge G. J. Hunt, at the bar memorial services held at the court house :
If the court please, it is with mingled pain and pleasure that I respond to your honor's kind invitation to say something on this occasion in reference to the life and character of our brother, George J. Hunt, who has so recently been called from his family, the activities of life, and this bar, to stand at the bar of the final court before which we too must sooner or later appear. While the reason for this meeting causes me great pain at the loss of one whose friendship I have enjoyed for many years, it is a pleasure that I can be here today and add a word to the tribute of respect to the memory of our departed brother which is now being paid by the members of this bar.
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Hunt, who has so recently been called from his family, the activities of life, and this bar, to stand at the bar of the final court before which we too must sooner or later appear. While the reason for this meeting causes me great pain at the loss of one whose friendship I have enjoyed for many years, it is a pleasure that I can be here today and add a word to the tribute of respect to the memory of our departed brother which is now being paid by the members of this bar.
I became acquainted with Mr. Hunt in October, 1887, when I removed to Omaha from my old home in Illinois. He was then a member of the firm of Congdon, Clarkson & Hunt. Our acquaintance and friendship continued without interruption until Mr. Hunt removed to Bridgeport, which, as I recall it, was early in 1892, and since he became an active part of the life and business of the great North Platte valley in Morrill and Scottsbluff counties we have been associated together in many matters, in all of which there was never any disagreement.
Mr. Hunt was born in 1857 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the youngest of the three sons of a widowed mother. Full of Maryland pride, and with not much in the way of resources except aristocratic tendencies, George worked his way through a Maryland college and was graduated at the head of his class at the age of eighteen. His family traditions were always with him, and in spite of lack of much in the way of earthly goods, he worked his way and was always a gentleman. He exhibited a measure of southern arrogance, as some people called it, but it was not that. While his manner might suggest it, the fact was it was simply an inborn sense of honesty of purpose, integrity of character and respectability,
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Full of Maryland pride, and with not much in the way of resources except aristocratic tendencies, George worked his way through a Maryland college and was graduated at the head of his class at the age of eighteen. His family traditions were always with him, and in spite of lack of much in the way of earthly goods, he worked his way and was always a gentleman. He exhibited a measure of southern arrogance, as some people called it, but it was not that. While his manner might suggest it, the fact was it was simply an inborn sense of honesty of purpose, integrity of character and respectability,
which gave him that appearance. When one came to know him they found instead of arrogance, the utmost geniality. He made few intimate friends, but such as he did make were firm friends. He came to Nebraska in 1875, and for the greater part of a year taught school at Plattsmouth in Cass county, studying law during unoccupied hours. In 1876 he removed from Plattsmouth to Omaha, where, notwithstanding he had not had much experience in that line, he secured a position as bookkeeper in the firm of Creighton & Morgan. This position he filled acceptably for nearly a year. What wras the firm of Creighton & Morgan is now the Paxton & Gallagher wholesale house in Omaha. During the latter part of 1876 he returned to Maryland, studied law for several months and was admitted to the bar of Maryland.
He returned to Omaha in the early spring of 1878 and entered as a clerk in the office of Thomas W. T. Richards, who during the Civil War had been a captain in the Confederate army under Mosby. Mr. Congdon, senior member of the law firm above referred to, of which Mr.
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During the latter part of 1876 he returned to Maryland, studied law for several months and was admitted to the bar of Maryland.
He returned to Omaha in the early spring of 1878 and entered as a clerk in the office of Thomas W. T. Richards, who during the Civil War had been a captain in the Confederate army under Mosby. Mr. Congdon, senior member of the law firm above referred to, of which Mr. Hunt became "a member, entered the law office of Charles T. Manderson, afterwards United States senator, in 1878. In the spring of 1879 Mr. Richards associated Mr. Hunt with himself as a partner, the firm name being Richards & Hunt. This co-partnership continued for a year or two. Richards was the founder of what is now the Paxton & Vierling iron works of Omaha. In 1881 Richards sold out his interest in the foundry and iron works and went to California. Just prior to Richards' departure, Mr. Clarkson, the ether member of the law firm above referred to, arrived in Omaha from Chicago and went into Judge Doan's office. He, Mr. Congdon and Mr. Hunt soon became intimate friends. Quite a mutual admiration society came into existence between them, and particularly between Mr. Clarkson and Mr. Hunt. The result was that early in 1881 the law co-partnership of Clarkson & Hunt came into existence and continued until May 1, 1883. Mr. Congdon in the meantime had become a partner of Senator Manderson under the firm name of Manderson & Congdon. Mr. Manderson was elected to the senate in 1883, and on May 1 of that year he and Mr. Congdon dissolved partnership and the firm of Congdon, Clarkson & Hunt was organized. These three young men had already established individual reputations for themselves, so that it is not surprising that the new firm immediately succeeded in building up an ex-
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Congdon in the meantime had become a partner of Senator Manderson under the firm name of Manderson & Congdon. Mr. Manderson was elected to the senate in 1883, and on May 1 of that year he and Mr. Congdon dissolved partnership and the firm of Congdon, Clarkson & Hunt was organized. These three young men had already established individual reputations for themselves, so that it is not surprising that the new firm immediately succeeded in building up an ex-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
tensive and active business. They all worked faithfully and hard, with the result that as Mr. Congdon expressed it to me. they "each grew in law as well as in grace." Mr. Hunt had become obsessed with the notion of getting to the front financially. He engaged in speculation in which Mr. Clarkson took a hand in putting Omaha and the whole western country to the front. This was an expensive operation for many of those who engaged in that undertaking during those years, and cost all three of the gentlemen a considerable amount of hard cash. Finally a gentleman from California or Idaho brought an irrigation case to the firm. The work fell to Mr. Hunt. The result was the dissolution of the old firm and the placing of Mr. Hunt in the irrigation business and caused his removal to Bridgeport. The firm of Congdon, Clarkson & Hunt was dissolved in February, 1892, Mr. Hunt coming to the great North Platte valley with his irrigation matters and Mr. Clarkson continuing for a time with Mr. Congdon.
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Finally a gentleman from California or Idaho brought an irrigation case to the firm. The work fell to Mr. Hunt. The result was the dissolution of the old firm and the placing of Mr. Hunt in the irrigation business and caused his removal to Bridgeport. The firm of Congdon, Clarkson & Hunt was dissolved in February, 1892, Mr. Hunt coming to the great North Platte valley with his irrigation matters and Mr. Clarkson continuing for a time with Mr. Congdon.
Mr. Hunt possessed a superb mind and a broad education. He was an indefatigable student and gave to his clients the very best that was in him. He worked many, many times when others would have rested. His friends now regret that he did not, on some of those occasions, rest. When Congdon, Clarkson & Hunt went together all three were unmarried, but all three were engaged to be married. Mr. Hunt was married on September 12, 1883, and Congdon and Clarkson during the following month. They were always very close to each other and their families were equally close. Mrs. Hunt*s maiden name was Margaret Bouldin. She was Mr. Hunt's boyhood sweetheart and the only girl or woman he was ever known to> have any interest in. He was engaged to her prior to coming to Nebraska. Air. Congdon said to me, and no one knows whereof he spoke better than he : "As a wife and mother she has been without a superior and she shows to best advantage through close acquaintance." They had three children, Harriet, Julia and Frank. All three were married at the time of Mr. Hunt's death. All three were born in Omaha.
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Hunt's boyhood sweetheart and the only girl or woman he was ever known to> have any interest in. He was engaged to her prior to coming to Nebraska. Air. Congdon said to me, and no one knows whereof he spoke better than he : "As a wife and mother she has been without a superior and she shows to best advantage through close acquaintance." They had three children, Harriet, Julia and Frank. All three were married at the time of Mr. Hunt's death. All three were born in Omaha.
Like all other men who came in early days to what had formerly been the great western desert, Mr. Hunt had many long and great difficulties to contend with. In all of the years his courage never failed him, nor did he ever lose his faith in himself or abandon the thought that he would eventually work
his financial life's problems so that when the time came that he should be called hence, if he should leave his boyhood sweetheart behind him, he would leave her provided for. He was not a selfish man, he did not toil in season and out of season simply to accumulate wealth for wealth's sake, but it seemed to me as I know him and have talked with him, and I get the same word from Mr. Congdon, that the thought uppermost in his mind always was for the Maryland girl who came west with him to share the dangers and privations of western life and remained his loving and faithful wife during all the years. One consolation in this sad hour is that she could be with him in his last moments, and that when he was called a\vay he has left her provided for, so that if he had time to think over the matter in his last moments he left us with the assurance that the ultimate purpose of his life was about to be accomplished.
1426
Congdon, that the thought uppermost in his mind always was for the Maryland girl who came west with him to share the dangers and privations of western life and remained his loving and faithful wife during all the years. One consolation in this sad hour is that she could be with him in his last moments, and that when he was called a\vay he has left her provided for, so that if he had time to think over the matter in his last moments he left us with the assurance that the ultimate purpose of his life was about to be accomplished.
Many pages could be written were I to go into detail of incidents in Mr. Hunt's life which show him to have been an exceptionall)' true man. If he failed to be true in anything, it was not in not husbanding his strength in order that his years might have been prolonged.
Bridgeport Schools
When our pioneer forefathers first blazed a trail through the trackless forests of the east, one of the early necessities of the rude settlement was the old log schoolhouse where " 'ritin', readin', and 'rithmetic" were dealt out in rather scanty allotments to the rising young hopefuls of the comunity. As the frontier line steadily pushed westward until the great prairie region of the Mississippi basin was reached, the unprepossessing log "house of larnin" gave way to the still more gloomy looking sod schoolhouse where the same rule of three was dealt with just as precariously. No matter where or when a settler contemplates going to a new location, perhaps the first circumstance he considers is the educational advantages of the country in which he intends to cast his lot. If he is a workman living in town, he wants to learn at once how much and how good schooling his children can secure without leaving the parental roof.
1427
As the frontier line steadily pushed westward until the great prairie region of the Mississippi basin was reached, the unprepossessing log "house of larnin" gave way to the still more gloomy looking sod schoolhouse where the same rule of three was dealt with just as precariously. No matter where or when a settler contemplates going to a new location, perhaps the first circumstance he considers is the educational advantages of the country in which he intends to cast his lot. If he is a workman living in town, he wants to learn at once how much and how good schooling his children can secure without leaving the parental roof. If he is a farmer, he wants to know at once how far his children will have to1 go from home to secure the educational advantages which are their rightful heritage.
To the many newcomers that are seriously contemplating the establishment of their homes at or near Bridgeport, there could be
M)
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
offered no stronger inducement than the excellent educational advantages offered in this rising city.
No town in the state of 1200 population can offer better educational facilities and but few can equal them. Housed in an exceptionally handsome and commodious modern building, the Bridgeport youngsters enjoy luxuries every day of their school lives that a few years ago were undreamed of, and which are still lacking in many residences.
The first grade is divided into two sections, presided over by the Misses Dyson and Sharp, both residents of Bridgeport and graduates of the institution in which they are now instructing. 1919 was the first year with two primary teachers. The enrollment of beginners was so much larger than usual owing to the influx of settlers that one room was too small to accommodate them, and one teacher was added, making a total of twelve on the entire force.
1428
The first grade is divided into two sections, presided over by the Misses Dyson and Sharp, both residents of Bridgeport and graduates of the institution in which they are now instructing. 1919 was the first year with two primary teachers. The enrollment of beginners was so much larger than usual owing to the influx of settlers that one room was too small to accommodate them, and one teacher was added, making a total of twelve on the entire force.
The second and third grades are combined under the instruction of Miss Irene McCoskey. This enrollment has also reached the limit, and the time is short until there will have to be a teacher for each of these two rooms. The fourth, fifth, and sixth grades are taught by the Misses Kortz, Porter and Davis respectively. All of these young ladies are local residents and graduates of the Bridgeport high school.
The seventh and eighth grades are combined under the direction of Miss Linnabery. The time is already here when each of these grades should be in a separate room and have individual instructors. After the enrollment reaches a certain number, one teacher cannot handle them to the best advantage.
Now the high school. 1919 at the beginning of the term found but very few extra seats, the enrollment being much larger than atany former time. In 1918 the school was raised to what is known as "Class A" in the comparative rating of Nebraska high schools by the state university. 1919 it was placed a notch higher, being entered on the accredited list of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. This makes the rating of the Bridgeport high school equal to the best in the state. A graduate of this institution can now enter practically any school in the country without examination unless it is a professional or technical college that requires one or more years of undergraduate college study as a prerequisite for entrance.
1429
In 1918 the school was raised to what is known as "Class A" in the comparative rating of Nebraska high schools by the state university. 1919 it was placed a notch higher, being entered on the accredited list of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. This makes the rating of the Bridgeport high school equal to the best in the state. A graduate of this institution can now enter practically any school in the country without examination unless it is a professional or technical college that requires one or more years of undergraduate college study as a prerequisite for entrance.
The high school faculty is composed of
the superintendent and four teachers, all possessing degrees from a four year college or university. F. S. Copeland of the University of Nebraska is superintendent, and director of the English department. Miss Florence R. Smith of the University of Denver is principal, and instructor in science and mathematics. Mrs. E. W. Tedd of the University of Nebraska is assistant principal, and also director of the departments of history and normal training. Mrs. W. F. Morrison of the Colorado State Teachers' College is director of the commercial department and also of girls' athletics. Miss Ledra Johnson of the Nebraska Wesleyan University is teacher of Latin and English, and has charge of the High School Girls' Glee Club. In addition to the regular members of the faculty, there is employed each year a dramatic coach to handle the annual declamatory contest. For the last two years Mrs. Ethel M. Copeland of the University of Nebraska has been employed in that capacity.
1430
Morrison of the Colorado State Teachers' College is director of the commercial department and also of girls' athletics. Miss Ledra Johnson of the Nebraska Wesleyan University is teacher of Latin and English, and has charge of the High School Girls' Glee Club. In addition to the regular members of the faculty, there is employed each year a dramatic coach to handle the annual declamatory contest. For the last two years Mrs. Ethel M. Copeland of the University of Nebraska has been employed in that capacity.
The high school gives four full years of work above the eighth grade. At least thirty university credits are required for graduation. The course for the first two years is set and then upon entering the eleventh grade the student is free to choose between the commercial and normal training courses.
The commercial course consists of two full years work in that department. The studies covered are shorthand, typewriting, business English, bookkeeping, and Spanish. A pupil can secure a complete business education right in the home school and prepare himself for a good position. The normal training course is conducted in strict compliance with the regulations of the state educational department, its primary object being to send out each year a number of well qualified teachers. How well this object is attained can be attested by the work of graduates in the schools of Morrill and adjoining counties.
The domestic science laboratory is as well equipped with all modern appliances as money can buy. The general laboratorv is remarkably complete for instruction in all the major sciences. The typewriting department is well supplied with good machines. The general library is fair, while the historical reference shelves are well filled. Throughout all the grades the most up-to-date texts and appliances have been procured.
1431
How well this object is attained can be attested by the work of graduates in the schools of Morrill and adjoining counties.
The domestic science laboratory is as well equipped with all modern appliances as money can buy. The general laboratorv is remarkably complete for instruction in all the major sciences. The typewriting department is well supplied with good machines. The general library is fair, while the historical reference shelves are well filled. Throughout all the grades the most up-to-date texts and appliances have been procured.
•In the dramatic department, 1918. this school took first in the district declamatory contest, humorous section. The local con-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
test at that time had eighteen entries, twenty-three tryouts were entered in 1919. The interest displayed in this department can best be appreciated when it is known that in many high schools with an enrollment of two hundred there can be secured but eight or ten entries for the local contests.
The stress of the war caused Iargel] the suspension of school athletics, and the influenza epidemic made such work difficult. Each spring the high school publishes an excellent senior annual. The spring dramatics of the school are always of a strong character. A school orchestra and glee club are maintained.
The nineteen hundred and eighteen graduating class contained nine members. Nineteen hundred and nineteen will graduate eight, one girl having answered the call of the teaching profession early last fall. Nineteen hundred and eighteen's enrollment was in the neighborhood of 225; 1919 close to 300. nearly seventy of which were in high school.
1432
Each spring the high school publishes an excellent senior annual. The spring dramatics of the school are always of a strong character. A school orchestra and glee club are maintained.
The nineteen hundred and eighteen graduating class contained nine members. Nineteen hundred and nineteen will graduate eight, one girl having answered the call of the teaching profession early last fall. Nineteen hundred and eighteen's enrollment was in the neighborhood of 225; 1919 close to 300. nearly seventy of which were in high school.
It has been only a few years since Bridgeport organized on a graded basis. Among the school superintendents who have had charge of the Bridgeport schools were Arthur North, Mr. Briggs, Mr. Miller, Mr. Thompson, Mr. R. M. Marrs, C. A. Sheets, F. S. Copeland and E. L. Novotny.
Some of the school officers during this time were as follows :
R. P. Scott, L. R. North, W. H. Willis, A. W. Atkins, J. M. Lynch, T- I. Zimmerman, Thomas Ishmael, O. N. Thostesen, W. H. Willis, Ben Brown. C. Palmer, E. L. Milmine, E. W. Swanson, Z. H. Jones.
In the year of 1910 and some time before that, Bridgeport schools consisted of a frame four room building with four teachers. Since that time the enrollment was steadily growing and the number of teachers was increased. This called for another two room frame building.
In 1916 these were insufficient and a brick building of fourteen rooms was erected. These are modern in every way. In 1919 the old two room school house was moved over to the main building; this was for the purpose of taking care of the increased enrollment.
1433
In the year of 1910 and some time before that, Bridgeport schools consisted of a frame four room building with four teachers. Since that time the enrollment was steadily growing and the number of teachers was increased. This called for another two room frame building.
In 1916 these were insufficient and a brick building of fourteen rooms was erected. These are modern in every way. In 1919 the old two room school house was moved over to the main building; this was for the purpose of taking care of the increased enrollment.
In 1921 another two room building was erected. The school at present has three courses. The Commercial which was added in 1916 under Superintendent C. A. Sheets, and the Normal Training Course and the College Preparatory. At present there are seventeen teachers employed with 385 pupils in the grades and ninety in the high school.
Some other special features added to the school under the present administration are as follows :
Citizenship Course throughout the school, Physical Training throughout the school. Arts Course, throughout the school, Manual Training, Community Play Ground, Parent-Teacher Association, Intelligence Tests Given, Athletics, Home Economics, Opportunity Room, Medical Inspection, Free Kindergarten, School Survey Given.
The school at present ranks as high as any in the state. It is rated in class A and belongs to the North Central Association of Secondary Schools and College.
Banks
The first bank in Bridgeport was the Bridgeport Bank, organized in 1900 with J. W. Wehn as president, J. O. Baker as vice-president and C. H. Connett as cashier. The next bank was the Valley State, organized in 1902. These two banks ran along together for quite a space of vears.
1434
The school at present ranks as high as any in the state. It is rated in class A and belongs to the North Central Association of Secondary Schools and College.
Banks
The first bank in Bridgeport was the Bridgeport Bank, organized in 1900 with J. W. Wehn as president, J. O. Baker as vice-president and C. H. Connett as cashier. The next bank was the Valley State, organized in 1902. These two banks ran along together for quite a space of vears.
In 1901 Mr. Connett resigned and Mark Spanogle succeeded him as cashier. Then Mr. Baker disposed of his interest in 1904 and Mr. Spanogle became a member of the board of directors. Under the direction of these officials the bank continued until February 3, 1909, when Mr. Wehn resigned the position of president and J. H. Wehn retired from the position of assistant cashier. On that date a reorganization of the bank was effected, and the capital stock was increased to $15,000. A new board of directors was chosen as follows: Fred Lindberg, Mark Spanogle and Clyde Spanogle, and the new officers were : Fred R. Lindberg, president ; L. P. Lindberg. vice-president ; Mark Spanogle, cashier; Clyde Spanogle, assistant cashier.
In 1910 the officers of these banks were: Bridgeport Bank : Fred R. Lindberg, president ; L. P. Lindberg ; Mark Spanogle, cashier; and Clyde Spanogle. At that time this bank had a paid up capital of $15,000, surplus and profits $5,000. deposits $120,000. Statements which not only reflect the steady and healthy growth of this institution, but also indicates similar progressive development of the community may be gained by compairing the statements of May 16, 1914, with that of February 14, 1920.
1435
In 1910 the officers of these banks were: Bridgeport Bank : Fred R. Lindberg, president ; L. P. Lindberg ; Mark Spanogle, cashier; and Clyde Spanogle. At that time this bank had a paid up capital of $15,000, surplus and profits $5,000. deposits $120,000. Statements which not only reflect the steady and healthy growth of this institution, but also indicates similar progressive development of the community may be gained by compairing the statements of May 16, 1914, with that of February 14, 1920.
May 16, 1914:
Resources ounts . . .
Loans and d
< Iverdrafts
Banking house, furniture and fixtures. . . .
Current expenses, taxes and interest paid. . . .
$212,097.30 226.61
7,500.72 40.72
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Due from national and
state banks $ 16,641.65
Checks and items of exchange 1,244.20
Currency 2,567.00
Gold Coin 8,430.00
Silver, nickels and cents 1,890.62 30,773.47
Total $250,638.10
Liabilities
Capital stock paid in.'. . $ 25,000.00
Surplus fund 3.500.00
Undivided profits 1,369.24
Individual deposits subject to check $117,905.21
Demand certificates of
deposit 5,529.47
Time certificates of deposit _ 91,766.58
Cashier's checks outstanding 1,255.00
Due to national and
state banks 2,735.91 219,192.17
Depositors guaranty
fund ". 1,576.69
Total $250,638.10
February 14, 1920:
Resources
Loans and discounts. . . $757,825.23
Overdrafts 6,067.36
Bonds, securities, judgments, claims, etc., including all government bonds 1,700.00
Banking house, furniture and fixtures. . . . 7.500.00
Other real estate 2,500.00
Current expenses, taxes
and interest paid. . . . 13,379.57
Due from national and
state banks $ 40.934.07
1436
Time certificates of deposit _ 91,766.58
Cashier's checks outstanding 1,255.00
Due to national and
state banks 2,735.91 219,192.17
Depositors guaranty
fund ". 1,576.69
Total $250,638.10
February 14, 1920:
Resources
Loans and discounts. . . $757,825.23
Overdrafts 6,067.36
Bonds, securities, judgments, claims, etc., including all government bonds 1,700.00
Banking house, furniture and fixtures. . . . 7.500.00
Other real estate 2,500.00
Current expenses, taxes
and interest paid. . . . 13,379.57
Due from national and
state banks $ 40.934.07
Checks and items of exchange 12,468.36
Currency 15,841.00
Gold coin 622.50
Silver, nickels and cents 4.283.89
Liberty loan bonds held
as cash reserve 13,735.09 87,884.91
Total $876,857.07
Liabilities Capital stock paid in. . . $ 25.000.00
Surplus fund 25.000.00
Undivided profits 21,390.93
Individual deposits subject to check $455,023.93
Demand certificates of
deposit 30,567.08
Time certificates of deposit 297,571.42
Cashier's checks outstanding 6,614.82
Due to national and state banks 8,517.69 798,294.94
Depositors guaranty
fund '. 7,171.20
Total $876,857.07
In 1910 the Valley State was officiated by Homer K. Burkett of Lincoln, as president, C.
A. Morrill, vice president, who was later succeeded in that office by M. W. Folsom of Lincoln, J. L. Johnson, cashier and John G. Burkett. assistant cashier.
This bank, at that time, had a paid up capital of $20,000.00, surplus $2,300.00. deposits $81,650.00. and loans and taxes $84,780.00.
This institution in 1910 was succeeded by The First National Bank of Bridgeport. The officers, in 1914, were: Directors. H. K. Burkett, M. W. Folsom, G. H. Watkins. J. L. Miller, J. L. Johnson, W. C. Dugger ; President, H. K. Burkett ; Vice-president, M. W. Folsom ; Cashier, G. H. Watkins ; Assistant Cashier. T. B. Estill.
1437
This bank, at that time, had a paid up capital of $20,000.00, surplus $2,300.00. deposits $81,650.00. and loans and taxes $84,780.00.
This institution in 1910 was succeeded by The First National Bank of Bridgeport. The officers, in 1914, were: Directors. H. K. Burkett, M. W. Folsom, G. H. Watkins. J. L. Miller, J. L. Johnson, W. C. Dugger ; President, H. K. Burkett ; Vice-president, M. W. Folsom ; Cashier, G. H. Watkins ; Assistant Cashier. T. B. Estill.
The only changes in the officers were the substitution of M. W. Folsom for J. L. Johnson in the office of vice-president, and the promotion of T. B. Estill to the position of assistant cashier.
In 1915, some changes were made in the government of this bank and the Xcz^s-Blade of January 15. 1915, gave the following account of the personnel of the management of this institution :
The annual meeting of the stockholders of the First National Bank, was held last week at which time directors were elected for the coming vear as follows : W. C. Duggor. T.
B. Estill, J. L. Miller, F. H. Putman, G. H. Watkins, Lloyd Wiggins.
The following officers were then elected : G. H. Watkins, president ; F. H. Putman. vicepresident : T. B. Estill, cashier ; Lloyd Wiggins, assistant cashier.
Mr. Watkins has been vice-president of the Citizen's National Bank, of McCook, of which institution Mr^. Franklin is the president, and he will divide his time between the two banks. F. H. Putman. the vice president, is one of the best known men in western Nebraska. He rode
1438
Watkins, Lloyd Wiggins.
The following officers were then elected : G. H. Watkins, president ; F. H. Putman. vicepresident : T. B. Estill, cashier ; Lloyd Wiggins, assistant cashier.
Mr. Watkins has been vice-president of the Citizen's National Bank, of McCook, of which institution Mr^. Franklin is the president, and he will divide his time between the two banks. F. H. Putman. the vice president, is one of the best known men in western Nebraska. He rode
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the range in the early days and finally settled down to the prosaic life of a lumber dealer.
T. B. Estill has been with the bank for the past two years in the capacity of assistant cashier, and now steps up to the more responsible position of cashier. Mr. Estill is popular with the people of town and country, and has already made good.
Lloyd Wiggins has been the local manager of the Carr & Neff Lumber Company for six years past and has a steadily growing business to his credit. His successor has not yet been selected, and he will continue to look after the lumber business for a time, but enters upon his new duties as assistant cashier, on January 20th.
The other directors, W. C. Duggor and J. L. Miller, have been identified with the development of town and country since pioneer days. They have the confidence and esteem of all the people.
The fact that the First National has been controlled by non-residents has worked against its popularity, but now, under home management, it expects to get its share of the business.
1439
His successor has not yet been selected, and he will continue to look after the lumber business for a time, but enters upon his new duties as assistant cashier, on January 20th.
The other directors, W. C. Duggor and J. L. Miller, have been identified with the development of town and country since pioneer days. They have the confidence and esteem of all the people.
The fact that the First National has been controlled by non-residents has worked against its popularity, but now, under home management, it expects to get its share of the business.
The Nebraska State Bank of Bridgeport was the third institution of Bridgeport which started in 1916, with L. B. Howey, of the City National Bank of Lincoln, as president; J. L. Miller of Bridgeport, ' and T. L. Green as vice presidents; T. B. Estill, theretofore cashier of the First National Bank, as cashier and W. B. Meeker, assistant cashier.
This bank started with a capital of $25,000, and soon built up a surplus profit of $5,000, with deposits of $115,000. and loans and discounts $106,000, during 1916.
On September 6, 1918. the News-Blade commented upon a change of management of this bank as follows :
The management and controlling interest of the Nebraska State bank changed hands the first of the month. A. E. Fisher, who founded and operated successfully the Farmers State Bank of Bayard, being president of that institution, sold his interest in that concern about two weeks ago and went over a considerable part of Nebraska in search of a promising location for another bank. Mr. Fisher became convinced that Bridgeport has the best prospects for immediate advancement of all the towns he has investigated, so he made purchase of all of the stock of the Nebraska State Bank of this city that is owned by non-residents.
1440
Fisher, who founded and operated successfully the Farmers State Bank of Bayard, being president of that institution, sold his interest in that concern about two weeks ago and went over a considerable part of Nebraska in search of a promising location for another bank. Mr. Fisher became convinced that Bridgeport has the best prospects for immediate advancement of all the towns he has investigated, so he made purchase of all of the stock of the Nebraska State Bank of this city that is owned by non-residents. He took over the interests of Green, Wright. Howey and Ferguson of Scottsbluff and Lincoln, and has assumed charge of the bank as cashier. Mr. Fisher has a family consisting of a wife and three children, and will move to
this city as soon as he can arrange for a residence property. The bank will therefore be a strictly home institution, and Mr. Fisher and family will be made welcome in their new home by all of our citizens.
The growth reached by this bank in its career is reflected by its statements of February 14, 1920:
Resources
Loans and discounts . . . $148,402.99
Overdrafts 1,227.73
Bonds, securities, judgments, claims, etc., including government bonds 915.76
Banking house, furniture and fixtures 6,083.81
Current expenses, taxes
and interest paid. . . . 1,380.06
Cash items 513.34
Due from National and
State banks $ 54,315.76
Checks and items of exchange 1,304.92
Currency 6,947.00
Gold coin 377.50
Silver, nickels and cents 858.04 63,803.22
Total $222,326.91
Liabilities
Capital Stock $ 25,000.00
1441
The growth reached by this bank in its career is reflected by its statements of February 14, 1920:
Resources
Loans and discounts . . . $148,402.99
Overdrafts 1,227.73
Bonds, securities, judgments, claims, etc., including government bonds 915.76
Banking house, furniture and fixtures 6,083.81
Current expenses, taxes
and interest paid. . . . 1,380.06
Cash items 513.34
Due from National and
State banks $ 54,315.76
Checks and items of exchange 1,304.92
Currency 6,947.00
Gold coin 377.50
Silver, nickels and cents 858.04 63,803.22
Total $222,326.91
Liabilities
Capital Stock $ 25,000.00
Surplus fund 3,500.00
Undivided profits 1,503.16
Individual deposits subject to check $104,859.86
Time certificates of deposit 85,225.67
Cashier's checks outstanding 218.16 190,303.69
Depositors' ' guaranty
fund '. 2.020.06
Total $222,326.91
In February, 1917, a charter was granted by the state banking board for the establishment of a new bank at Broadwater, to be called the Union State Bank. In looking over the list of stockholders, appeared the names of some of the most prominent men of Broadwater and vicinity, as well as some of the strongest financiers of Bridgeport.
The following gentlemen were named as stockholders: E. V. Duer. John Covalt, Clyde Spanogle, J. R. Minshall. John H. Adams, George W. Beerline, Carl A. Wagoner, Fred Lindberg, Carl C. Stevens, < )lof Lindberg, and
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Mark Spanogle. The following named stockholders appeared as officers of the bank :
Mark Spanogle, president ; George W. Beerline, vice-president ; Clyde Spanogle, cashier.
Corporations and Associations
A review of the record of corporations and associations as kept in compliance with the laws of the state at the County Clerk's office, show those who have been the energetic launchers and operators of numerous business enterprises that have flourished in Morrill county. The articles of the Bridgeport Independent Telephone Company filed on March 18, 1901, showed as incorporators : R.
1442
Mark Spanogle, president ; George W. Beerline, vice-president ; Clyde Spanogle, cashier.
Corporations and Associations
A review of the record of corporations and associations as kept in compliance with the laws of the state at the County Clerk's office, show those who have been the energetic launchers and operators of numerous business enterprises that have flourished in Morrill county. The articles of the Bridgeport Independent Telephone Company filed on March 18, 1901, showed as incorporators : R. Swanger, F. E. Bentley. I. Catron, Mrs. I. Catron, P. G. Bebauer, W. C. Harned, O. J. Life, F. E. Williams, C. A. Tolle, G. A. Zimmerman, H. L. Scoggin, Leslie H. Ball, Jesse F. Young, William H. Willis and E. G. Rouse.
The Wehn Telephone Company made connection in 1909, with the Bell Telephone Company system at North Platte, making full metallic service from Ogallala.
By the enterprise of this company, and Bridgeport people, service was soon had throughout the county, to Broadwater, Lisco, Oshkosh, Lewellen and on to North Platte.
Forest Lawn Cemetery To the Forest Lawn Cemetery Association, is due the beautiful resting place which has been secured and developed as a last resting place for the loved ones of the citizens of Bridgeport. The original board of trustees who bore the brunt of the work and secured and developed this beautiful plot were: J. M. Lynch, clerk, I. A. Davis, D. A. Sharp, J. B. Burke, chairman, Thos. Ishmael, G. A. Welton, L. R. North, R. H. North, R. H. Willis, C. A. Tolle.
1443
Forest Lawn Cemetery To the Forest Lawn Cemetery Association, is due the beautiful resting place which has been secured and developed as a last resting place for the loved ones of the citizens of Bridgeport. The original board of trustees who bore the brunt of the work and secured and developed this beautiful plot were: J. M. Lynch, clerk, I. A. Davis, D. A. Sharp, J. B. Burke, chairman, Thos. Ishmael, G. A. Welton, L. R. North, R. H. North, R. H. Willis, C. A. Tolle.
The Morrill Land and Investment Company Filed on March 12. 1919. with Harvey L., Sarah L.. and Hazel T. Scoggin, as incorporators.
The Pool Stock Company of Broadwater Incorporated on November 22, 1909, to buy and sell cattle with: Coote C. Malloy, J. C. Birdsell, Richard H. Watkins, as incorporators ; Charles G. Edgerton, president and general manager, and Paul Burkhalter, of Broadwater, as secretary and treasurer.
The Bridgeport Light and Power Company filed articles on December 28, 1910, calling for a capital stock of $25,000, with the following incorporators: Jos. L. Miller, Jas. L. Tout,
J. B. Burke, F. K. Irwin. A. L. Davis. Charles C. Nelson, C. Palmer, Thos. Ishmael. Fred Lindberg, Robert H. Willis, J. N. Lynch. C. S. Hutchinson, J. E. Trinnier, Loren R. North, J. E. LeBlanc, secretary, J. L. Johnson. John G. Burkett, Charles F. Clawges, Mark Iddings, Elbert Scott, Victor Anderson, Mark Spanogle, Fay E. Williams, J. F. Steuteville, George J. Hunt, A. S. Kaempfer.
Farmers Mutual Canal Company had filed on July 6, 1909, to take over the canal then owned by the Tri-State Land Company, with B. G. Dohman, F. W. Taylor and Fred A. Wright as incorporators.
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Hutchinson, J. E. Trinnier, Loren R. North, J. E. LeBlanc, secretary, J. L. Johnson. John G. Burkett, Charles F. Clawges, Mark Iddings, Elbert Scott, Victor Anderson, Mark Spanogle, Fay E. Williams, J. F. Steuteville, George J. Hunt, A. S. Kaempfer.
Farmers Mutual Canal Company had filed on July 6, 1909, to take over the canal then owned by the Tri-State Land Company, with B. G. Dohman, F. W. Taylor and Fred A. Wright as incorporators.
The Bridgeport Mercantile Companv filed August 5, 1911, with William D. Cocke,' Loren R. North and Charles E. Steuteville, as incorporators.
Platte Valley Company filed on July 9. 1912, with Claude S. Cheatham, Mable Cheatham, and Matilda Hilfiker, as incorporators.
The Mount Hope Cemetery Association filed on February 25, 1919, articles showing it intended to establish a cemetery in the southeast quarter of Section 6, Township 20, Range 51, near Atkins, and the articles were signed by R. E. O'Neal, Gus Middlestadt, George De- Graw, Albert O'Neal, Fred Berger, Oscar Funk and A. W. Anderson.
Western Blau Gas Company, incorporated March 4, 1915, with James D. Sevier, S. Robinson and Alderman as incorporators.
An enterprise which has given Bridgeport some distinction in the industrial world has been its pickle factory. The Otto Kuehne Pickling Company was incorporated Tune 15, 1915, by: P. C. Wade, A. T. Seybelt, Thos. Ishmael, Otto Kuehne, Sam Livingston, A. W. Atkins, A. Weisenberger, J. L. Johnson, F. H. Putman, J. F. Holloway, L. R. North, T- A. Schwender, F. E. Williams, T. B. Estill, J. G. Porter, William Mount, Robert Gregg, R. A. Riddle, Martin Hannwald, T. M. Lvnch, Fred Lindberg, William H. Willis, J. E. Trinnier.
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An enterprise which has given Bridgeport some distinction in the industrial world has been its pickle factory. The Otto Kuehne Pickling Company was incorporated Tune 15, 1915, by: P. C. Wade, A. T. Seybelt, Thos. Ishmael, Otto Kuehne, Sam Livingston, A. W. Atkins, A. Weisenberger, J. L. Johnson, F. H. Putman, J. F. Holloway, L. R. North, T- A. Schwender, F. E. Williams, T. B. Estill, J. G. Porter, William Mount, Robert Gregg, R. A. Riddle, Martin Hannwald, T. M. Lvnch, Fred Lindberg, William H. Willis, J. E. Trinnier.
The operation of this enterprise is told thus in May, 1919.
H. H. Van Deventer is starting the spring campaign for cucumbers for the pickle factory. He is making contracts with growers and is offering assistance to all who want to plant cucumbers for the factory this year. The company will furnish seed to all growers, so that cucumbers will be of standard size and quality and will enable the factory to pay the best price. Prices will be paid on the same scale as last year, which were "war prices ;" so the growers will know from the beginning that they are going to get good returns for their labor. An expert superintendent in the person of C.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
H. Pickarts, formerly of Leavenworth, Kans., is on the ground and will move his family here soon. He will give his best attention to the factory management and to the producing of a high class of pickles by the factory so that the business may be put on a more permanent basis. Prospective growers should see the superintendent or Mr. Van Deventer, the president, or may make their contracts at the Hunt Realty company's office at any time. This should be attended to at once by those who want to grow cucumbers this season.
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He will give his best attention to the factory management and to the producing of a high class of pickles by the factory so that the business may be put on a more permanent basis. Prospective growers should see the superintendent or Mr. Van Deventer, the president, or may make their contracts at the Hunt Realty company's office at any time. This should be attended to at once by those who want to grow cucumbers this season.
The Broadwater Electric Light and Power Company was incorporated May 16, 1916, by John Adams, J. R. Minshall, Carl Wagoner, Harry Golden, Thos. A. Haiston, C. C. Payton, Virgil O. Bruner, Haver Bruner, C. W. Rudisil, C. M. Ewing, M. L. Wehn, Preston Enos, H. W. Shull, J. A. Tishchacher, O. H. Browning, C. B. Merritt, Paul Bruner, Claude E. Williams, Charles T. Williams, John Covalt and Lottie Covalt.
The industry of Bridgeport is the creamery. The change and progressive plan for this institution, formulated in May, 1919, were recorded as follows :
On Tuesday, May 16, 1919, the property of the Farmers Cooperative Association was sold to ten individual farmers who are reorganizing the affairs of the company and will eventually merge the concern into a Farmers Union Cooperative Association. This merger will be made within, the next sixty days. In the meanwhile the property will be used as a receiving station for butter fat and eggs and business will be kept up as usual. The present name of the organization is the Farmers Creamery company, of which E. P. Loy is present manager and Frank Corl is operator.
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On Tuesday, May 16, 1919, the property of the Farmers Cooperative Association was sold to ten individual farmers who are reorganizing the affairs of the company and will eventually merge the concern into a Farmers Union Cooperative Association. This merger will be made within, the next sixty days. In the meanwhile the property will be used as a receiving station for butter fat and eggs and business will be kept up as usual. The present name of the organization is the Farmers Creamery company, of which E. P. Loy is present manager and Frank Corl is operator.
The men who took over the creamer)- are E. P. Loy, J. E. Oliver, W. J. Cochran, Orville Dugger, Joe Niehus, Will Muhr, Gus Mittlesteadt, Clarence Mount, William Powell and Joseph Twist.
They are all representative farmers and stockmen of the substantial kind. They assumed liability for payment for the property and will retain ownership until a Farmers Union Cooperative Association has been perfected, which will be soon.
The manager advises us that it is the intention of the Farmers Union Cooperative Association to handle a number of lines of business as soon as arrangements can be made. They will handle cream separators, now having an agency for these, and will engage in general merchandise business including farm machinery, along the lines of the Farmer Union stores that are in operation at different places. The
manager also states that the requisite number of petitioners for the organization of a Farmers Union has been secured and the rest of the work of organizing is largely of a detail character.
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The manager advises us that it is the intention of the Farmers Union Cooperative Association to handle a number of lines of business as soon as arrangements can be made. They will handle cream separators, now having an agency for these, and will engage in general merchandise business including farm machinery, along the lines of the Farmer Union stores that are in operation at different places. The
manager also states that the requisite number of petitioners for the organization of a Farmers Union has been secured and the rest of the work of organizing is largely of a detail character.
Bayard Cemetery Association filed articles July 20, 1916, with the following as incorporators: C. H. Harpole, I. L. Mueller, T. F. Watkins, W. E. Garwood, L. A. Fricke, W. T. McKelvey, R. A. Wisner, E. Einsell. L. C. Leach, all elected directors except the last two.
Broadwater Corporative Association was incorporated for a wholesale and retail business in coal, lumber, implements and machinery by : Marion Morriss, Harvey Majors, Carl A. Wagoner, Pete Armburst, Perry Babb, John J. Grimes and M. L. Wehn.
The Farmers Cooperative Association of Bridgeport filed articles on October 25, 1916, with $10,000 capital and signed by: W. C. Muhr, J. A. Muhr, E. G. Rouse, W. J. Cochran, Harvey Hascall, Gus Mittlestadt, W. T. Todd, George Sudvka, W. D. Cocke, Thos. Carter, I. E. Oliver.'G. A. Seslar, H. D. Mcwilliams, C. W. Mount. S. H. Burkey, Floyd Friend, J. L. Muhr, William Powell, George Miceke, T. O. Dugger, E. P. Lov, and James F. Turst.
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The Farmers Cooperative Association of Bridgeport filed articles on October 25, 1916, with $10,000 capital and signed by: W. C. Muhr, J. A. Muhr, E. G. Rouse, W. J. Cochran, Harvey Hascall, Gus Mittlestadt, W. T. Todd, George Sudvka, W. D. Cocke, Thos. Carter, I. E. Oliver.'G. A. Seslar, H. D. Mcwilliams, C. W. Mount. S. H. Burkey, Floyd Friend, J. L. Muhr, William Powell, George Miceke, T. O. Dugger, E. P. Lov, and James F. Turst.
Farmer Union of Bayard was incorporated on March 17, 1917, by: George Harms, John H. Helzer, O. S. Smith, Willie Linn, Ira Bigelow, W. E. Garwood, G. A. Norgren, G. W. Suhr, Hugo Diedricksen, G. S. Sawin, R. M. Garwood, John Peuse, I. C. Hanson, I. C. Watt, A. J. Dunham, D. H. Henderson, W. F. Gray, D. E. Meredith, Henry C. Knott, George N. Lee, C. F. Prouty, George C. Fox, Argell Warren, Conrad Knim & Son.
Union State Bank of Bridgeport was incorporated with the following directors: E. N. Duer, John H. Adams, J. R. Minshall, Fred R. Lindberg, and the following stockholders : George W. Beerline, John Cavalt, E. W. Duer, Fred R. Lindberg, John H. Adams, C. A. Wagoner, Carl C. Stevens, Clyde Spanogle. J. R. Minshall and Mark Spanogle.
Churches The establishing of resident congregation in Bridgeport came soon after the town sprang up in 1900 with the Methodists in the field first. The Presbyterian, the Episcopal and the Baptist congregations followed. The Catholic, Lutheran, Evangelical and Seven Day Adventist while having no church edifice, held occasional services in Bridgeport. The United Brethren congregation built a church in 1904, and maintained actively for quite a few years and then sold their building to the Presbyterian
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Churches The establishing of resident congregation in Bridgeport came soon after the town sprang up in 1900 with the Methodists in the field first. The Presbyterian, the Episcopal and the Baptist congregations followed. The Catholic, Lutheran, Evangelical and Seven Day Adventist while having no church edifice, held occasional services in Bridgeport. The United Brethren congregation built a church in 1904, and maintained actively for quite a few years and then sold their building to the Presbyterian
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
people. Rev. Wagner was their first pastor. Rev. S. H. King has served the people of the Presbyterian congregation for the past three years, or since the resignation of Rev. George F. MacDougall.
Rev. E. R. Kendall came to the Methodist people in 1919, before him Rev. A. J. May had served this congregation.
An interesting and memorial occasion for the Presbyterian workers of this vicinity was in April, 1919.
The Box Butte Presbytery was in session for three days in Bridgeport and brought a very large number of visitors to the city. Among those who were present were the following: Rev. Alexander Wimberly, of Bayard, also the moderator; Rev. E. A. Sayre, of Gering, the clerk of Presbytery; Rev. Ben Fye, temporary clerk, clerk of Presbytery, and a resident of Scottsbluff; Rev. A. J. Kearns, of Alliance; Rev. W. H. Kearns, Omaha ; Rev. P. P. Keplinger, Mitchell ; Rev. E. A. Steen, Scottsbluff ; Rev. George Woodward, Broadwater; Rev. J. P. Miller, Gordon; Rev. T. J. Hunter, Kimball; Rev. J. B. Currens, Morrill; Rev. Thomas Osborn, Bayard ; Mr. R. V. Crone, president of Hasting College, and Dr. E. H. Lehman, of Lolodorf, Africa.
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Ben Fye, temporary clerk, clerk of Presbytery, and a resident of Scottsbluff; Rev. A. J. Kearns, of Alliance; Rev. W. H. Kearns, Omaha ; Rev. P. P. Keplinger, Mitchell ; Rev. E. A. Steen, Scottsbluff ; Rev. George Woodward, Broadwater; Rev. J. P. Miller, Gordon; Rev. T. J. Hunter, Kimball; Rev. J. B. Currens, Morrill; Rev. Thomas Osborn, Bayard ; Mr. R. V. Crone, president of Hasting College, and Dr. E. H. Lehman, of Lolodorf, Africa.
The following were elders, or layworkers : J. D. Johnston, Bridgeport ; Mr. A. W. Wilson, Dix; J. E. Wilson, Alliance; T. O. Samuelson, Lisco"; E. F. Barfoot, Kimball; Hugh D. Moore, Sidney ; Orville Wilson, Dix ; J. O. Kemper, Bayard.
From time to time, a great many others were in attendance upon the session which was filled with interesting debates, reports, and deliberations of the New Era program of the whole church.
The rules of the Presbytery were revised, which make the fall meeting come upon the third Tuesday in September, at Gordon. After this date, the spring meeting is to be held on the third Tuesday in April, each year. The commissioners to the general assembly which convenes in St. Louis, in May, are Rev. George Woodward and H. D. Moore. Alternates, Rev. S. Light, and Dr. Wilson, of Rushville. Rev. Ben Fye as a committee on resolutions gave a hearty testimonial to the hospitality extended to the delegates and to the arrangement completed by the committee on entertainment, Rev. S. H. King, the pastor, and elders L. R. North, E. V. Draper, J. D. Johnston, C. E. Garner, O. N. Thostesen and Lee Nunn.
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Louis, in May, are Rev. George Woodward and H. D. Moore. Alternates, Rev. S. Light, and Dr. Wilson, of Rushville. Rev. Ben Fye as a committee on resolutions gave a hearty testimonial to the hospitality extended to the delegates and to the arrangement completed by the committee on entertainment, Rev. S. H. King, the pastor, and elders L. R. North, E. V. Draper, J. D. Johnston, C. E. Garner, O. N. Thostesen and Lee Nunn.
The Ladies Presbyterial Missionary society met at the same time in the lecture room and had very interesting sessions and were addressed by Mrs. Hilliker and Mrs. Johnson of
Omaha. They had many ladies from in and out of town as visitors among which were the following: Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Hunter, Mrs. Harvey, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Woodward, Mrs. Speith, Mrs. Barfoot, Mrs. North, Mrs. Todd, Mrs. Seybolt, Mrs. Vance, and Mrs. Wilson of Alliance. Under their auspices the lecture by Dr. W. S. Lehman was held in the church in the evening and a very generous offering was taken for missions.
Passing of Pioneers
One by one the original pioneers are making a pilgrimage to another land. Two of those who were in the history of Redington some years ago are gone. Fred Putney, who died at ■ Torrington in the summer of 1919, was about twenty-five years ago living on Pumpkin Creek a few miles west of Redington. Fred Putney weighed six hundred and sixty pounds, by far the largest resident of the North Platte valley. He had had made for him a specially constructed motor car with the steering wheel in the center, and before his death which he saw approaching he had measurements taken and a coffin made -- the largest ever made by the Denver casket makers. A part of the side walls of the house had to be removed to carry the casket through.
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Fred Putney weighed six hundred and sixty pounds, by far the largest resident of the North Platte valley. He had had made for him a specially constructed motor car with the steering wheel in the center, and before his death which he saw approaching he had measurements taken and a coffin made -- the largest ever made by the Denver casket makers. A part of the side walls of the house had to be removed to carry the casket through. Fred Putney was an old cowpuncher, and rode the range until he grew too heavy for a horse. He was a man of true western courage, and with a heart in proportion to the splendid size of his physique.
Another pioneer that has recently gone on to the new country, is Henry Niehus. Niehus was born in Germany sixty-five years ago, and came to America about a half century since. Nebraska became a state and Niehus an American about the same time, and each has done the part allotted to make the colors of the flag shine brighter. As related elsewhere, he settled on Lawrence Fork in 1889. He was a man of unabating energy and industry, and left a comfortable estate. His widow, one son and three daughters succeed him, each of which is doing duty in the various walks of life. Joe Niehus lives on the home place at Redington, Mrs. Theodore Scoville lives at Bushnell in Kimball county. Mrs. Will Borden resides at Bayard, and the other daughter, Mrs. R. H. Willis lives at Bridgeport.
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As related elsewhere, he settled on Lawrence Fork in 1889. He was a man of unabating energy and industry, and left a comfortable estate. His widow, one son and three daughters succeed him, each of which is doing duty in the various walks of life. Joe Niehus lives on the home place at Redington, Mrs. Theodore Scoville lives at Bushnell in Kimball county. Mrs. Will Borden resides at Bayard, and the other daughter, Mrs. R. H. Willis lives at Bridgeport.
Still another name that is familiar in the storv of Morrill county and Bridgeport, is that of Beerline. John Beerline, who came to the North Platte valley in 1896, and was married to Lilly Ewing three years later, has gone on to the New Land, yet the land that is ages old. Mike Beerline of Bridgeport, and George Beerline of Broadwater are brothers of the de-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ceased. These three brothers have stamped their names indelibly upon the history of the communities in which they made their home.
Frank Schram is another American who came to this country from Germany, three years before Nebraska became a state. In order to get permission to leave the land of his nativity, he had to promise to return in case he was needed for military duty. A year or so before the outbreak of the World War, he was injured in a runaway, the final result of which was his demise after five years of ill health. He came to the North Platte valley in 1888; and resided here, on his farm and in the city of Bridgeport since. Mrs. Schram was formerly Mrs. Margaret Mueller.
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In order to get permission to leave the land of his nativity, he had to promise to return in case he was needed for military duty. A year or so before the outbreak of the World War, he was injured in a runaway, the final result of which was his demise after five years of ill health. He came to the North Platte valley in 1888; and resided here, on his farm and in the city of Bridgeport since. Mrs. Schram was formerly Mrs. Margaret Mueller.
In 1903, when Bridgeport was in its swaddling clothes, J. L. Johnson came to the city and engaged in the banking business. He was cashier of the Platte Valley State, which afterwards became the First National. He has been active in the commercial and civic affairs of the town, but has gone on to that City not made with hands. He was faithful in his stewardship in public welfare as well is in the accumulation of property.
With the passing of Frank H. King, which
occurred a few years since, western Nebraska lost one of the stalwart characters whose record goes back to the days of cattle kings. From 1875 to 1883 he worked for the Bosler Brothers' outfit, and then for a few years he was an Ogallala foreman. He then bought one of the old Bosler ranches, and went into the new manner of ranching. King was sheriff of Cheyenne county four years, from 1897 to 1900. He was an excellent man in every respect, loved by his neighbors and old timers generally, and they turned out enmasse to attend the final services to their comrade and friend. Those who rode the range with him here, who saw his departure for the Other Range, did so with the calm assurance that they will join him in the Final Roundup later on.
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King was sheriff of Cheyenne county four years, from 1897 to 1900. He was an excellent man in every respect, loved by his neighbors and old timers generally, and they turned out enmasse to attend the final services to their comrade and friend. Those who rode the range with him here, who saw his departure for the Other Range, did so with the calm assurance that they will join him in the Final Roundup later on. King left a widow and six children, and the name will always be linked in the history of Morrill county, as one that ties the older times to the new, for King had the wisdom to know that the old way of ranching was gone, and to adopt the new standard at the right time. Fred, Harry, Frank, Grace, Hazel and Catherine, the children, have grown up here and remain to perpetuate the name and blood of excellent parentage.
BAYARD
The first settlements made in that part of Morrill county, in which the city of Bayard now flourishes, as has been pointed out in other parts of this work, were in the middle eighties. It was not until about that time that homesteaders pushed into the high plains of this region, and attempted to wrest these lands from the cattle men. The cattle wars that raged for a time never reached the state of terror here that they did on the Wyoming prairies. By 1888 the big herds had been practically withdrawn and the settlers were left in virtually undisputed possession of the valley. W. P. De Vault had preempted in 1888 and E. M. Stearns came from Loup City about that time and made a deal with Wm. Peters who had homesteaded on section 27 and there the original town site of Bayard was planned and lots laid out.
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The cattle wars that raged for a time never reached the state of terror here that they did on the Wyoming prairies. By 1888 the big herds had been practically withdrawn and the settlers were left in virtually undisputed possession of the valley. W. P. De Vault had preempted in 1888 and E. M. Stearns came from Loup City about that time and made a deal with Wm. Peters who had homesteaded on section 27 and there the original town site of Bayard was planned and lots laid out. Three other men went into this project, Dr. Cottington, Messrs. Winter and
Kranzfelter. A small community soon grew up. The first bank was the small Bank of Bayard. Stearns installed a store. The Bayard Transcript was launched in 1888 in a sod house, a little ways off the town site, and a small plant was moved from Loup City, and a Mr. Totten was the first editor, but F. O. Wisner took charge of this paper within a year and it has been in the hands of that family ever since. Wm. Johnston had a livery stable. For a time Harvey Stevens ran one of the stores and James O'Holleran handled groceries and conducted the postoffice. F. C. McMath had a stock of goods, which he disposed of to A. O. Taylor who ran the stock until the railroad came and then the store was taken to the new site by Frank Stearns. S. D. Burnett started the old hotel and that building was moved over to the new town site. In 1898 Gering. Bayard, Lewellen and Oshkosh were the only places
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For a time Harvey Stevens ran one of the stores and James O'Holleran handled groceries and conducted the postoffice. F. C. McMath had a stock of goods, which he disposed of to A. O. Taylor who ran the stock until the railroad came and then the store was taken to the new site by Frank Stearns. S. D. Burnett started the old hotel and that building was moved over to the new town site. In 1898 Gering. Bayard, Lewellen and Oshkosh were the only places
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
claiming the distinction of towns in the whole North Platte valley. In fact, Gering was the only town. Other places had been established, risen into prominence, and passed into history. Fifty miles from the nearest railroad supported by the cattlemen of the high plains and the farmer, no better, thriftier, more industrious place \Vas to be found in the west. The outside world was taking notice of this busy little place and the wonderful opportunities in the valley surrounding. There was hardly an acre of land, water for irrigation included, but could have been bought for $10.00, and the seller would have thought he was having the best of the bargain. Capitalists began to look at North Platte valley as a good place to invest..
The C. B. & Q. railway saw a future, for this country and built into it, a paying institution from the first train. This was the connecting link of civilization the valley was now to the outside world. New people, with new business life came; the old inhabitants were awakened from their peaceful slumber of contentment, and a new era, a greatness only dreamed of by far-seeing few, began to be a reality. Land content to be worthless waste became valuable town lots in the new towns springing up along the new highway built in the track of the one made by the prairie schooner a half-century before.
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This was the connecting link of civilization the valley was now to the outside world. New people, with new business life came; the old inhabitants were awakened from their peaceful slumber of contentment, and a new era, a greatness only dreamed of by far-seeing few, began to be a reality. Land content to be worthless waste became valuable town lots in the new towns springing up along the new highway built in the track of the one made by the prairie schooner a half-century before.
The real history of the new town of Bayard began with the building of the Alliance-Guernsey Branch of the Bayard and Morrill which ran its first trains in 1899 and 1900. At that time the old town site moved over practically bodily. A few of the early homesteaders who had taken up land and living in the vicinity of Bayard for the two decades preceding the establishment of the new town site were: Fred Benton. W. P. De Vault, W. W. Vannatta, W. T. McKelvey, R. F. Durnell. F. A. Comstock, W. L. Thomas, Jas. Webster, J. T. Montgomery and S. H. Osborne.
During 1920, the Bayard Transcript secured the services of an excellent, trained writer and reviewer, Evans Hilton. Mr. Hilton made a review and survey of the facilities and opportunities of the town of Bayard and vicinity. Measuring Bayard not only as a single town or city, but taking the broader view of its wonderful trade community and territory, he pictured the entire project in splendid terms. Much of the history of the community is woven into this graphic series and while the entire product is much too long for reproduction in this work, we feel it should not be lost to posterity. Neither should this work be confined to the narrow limitations of the newspaper file, kept in two. or three places, but given fuller
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Measuring Bayard not only as a single town or city, but taking the broader view of its wonderful trade community and territory, he pictured the entire project in splendid terms. Much of the history of the community is woven into this graphic series and while the entire product is much too long for reproduction in this work, we feel it should not be lost to posterity. Neither should this work be confined to the narrow limitations of the newspaper file, kept in two. or three places, but given fuller
circulation through this work, so the compiler of this narrative has taken portions of Mr. Hilton's story of Bayard and herein incorporates the same.
Located on the Burlington railroad, almost centrally between Bridgeport and Scottsbluff, in the heart of the fertile North Platte valley, Bayard, with a population of 2,500, today takes rank among the cities of the state for growth and opportunities offered. Practically builded in five years, with the erection of the mammoth $2,000,000 sugar factory in 1917, the city has one of the brightest futures of any city in the entire state of Nebraska. Climate, soil, altitude and resources combine to make it one of the most productive spots in the fertile valley, while work being done within the city by a progressive set of business men is pushing it rapidly toward the front.
Thirty-eight hundred feet above the level of the sea, short hot days with the long cool evenings are experienced in summer, while, lying snuggly in the North Platte valley it has considerable protection during the winter months.
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Climate, soil, altitude and resources combine to make it one of the most productive spots in the fertile valley, while work being done within the city by a progressive set of business men is pushing it rapidly toward the front.
Thirty-eight hundred feet above the level of the sea, short hot days with the long cool evenings are experienced in summer, while, lying snuggly in the North Platte valley it has considerable protection during the winter months.
The valley, eleven miles in width, is under seven irrigation projects, the government Highline and Lowline, the Alliance, the Tri-State, Bayard Short Line and Chimney Rock. But one of these, the Chimney Rock project, lies south of the North Platte river.
Founded thirty-one years ago, following the taking of the tract as a homestead, on which now is located the sugar factory, the city of Bayard experienced little growth until five years ago. In 1916, there were less than 500 people in the place, but, in 1917, with the erection of the factory, the work was started on Webster avenue and within that time and this that street represents thousands of dollars in improvements and presents the appearance of a larger city with its two-story modern and fireproof business houses, constructed for the most part of fire brick.
Sixty-four businesses are represented at the present time, among them being three banks with combined resources of $1,303,263.20.
Extensive civic improvements have been made in that period. A $78,000 water system started in 1916, and extended in 1919. draws its supply from a well near the city. The water is pure and the system is fed by underground springs.
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In 1916, there were less than 500 people in the place, but, in 1917, with the erection of the factory, the work was started on Webster avenue and within that time and this that street represents thousands of dollars in improvements and presents the appearance of a larger city with its two-story modern and fireproof business houses, constructed for the most part of fire brick.
Sixty-four businesses are represented at the present time, among them being three banks with combined resources of $1,303,263.20.
Extensive civic improvements have been made in that period. A $78,000 water system started in 1916, and extended in 1919. draws its supply from a well near the city. The water is pure and the system is fed by underground springs.
A sewerage system estimated at $44,600 was completed last year which makes the city absolutely safe from a standpoint of sanitation. Two miles of cement sidewalks and crossings will be laid within the next few months. A new $225,000 high school already is under the course of construction and will be completed
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
by the opening of the fall term. Electric power is supplied from up the valley, but with the completion of the huge government project below the Pathfinder dam it is thought that current may be taken in charge by the city. The erection of a $75,000 municipal building is but a matter of months, while at the same time modern fire-fighting apparatus also will be installed. The subject of paving had been discussed but is held over for the time being.
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by the opening of the fall term. Electric power is supplied from up the valley, but with the completion of the huge government project below the Pathfinder dam it is thought that current may be taken in charge by the city. The erection of a $75,000 municipal building is but a matter of months, while at the same time modern fire-fighting apparatus also will be installed. The subject of paving had been discussed but is held over for the time being.
The sugar factory at Bayard, one of three constructed in the valley, a fourth now being in the course of construction/ at Mitchell, swings an enormous trade into the city. Last year approximately $1,225,000 was paid into the farmers of Morrill county for this one crop alone. This year it is estimated it will reach $2,500,000 or almost double that of last year. The apparent prosperity of all the stores, which handle up-to-the-minute lines of all merchandise are the best pointers to the character of the proprietors and the citizens in general.
With the erection of the new $225,000 high school building, which will be completed in the fall, the city will have three schools. The high school already is accredited and ranks with the best. The teaching faculty of twenty-seven is of the highest grade and must show excellent ratings, first grade city certificates being required.
Six churches add the moral tone to the city, which in addition to the fraternal orders and clubs, make the social life of the highest and most moral.
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With the erection of the new $225,000 high school building, which will be completed in the fall, the city will have three schools. The high school already is accredited and ranks with the best. The teaching faculty of twenty-seven is of the highest grade and must show excellent ratings, first grade city certificates being required.
Six churches add the moral tone to the city, which in addition to the fraternal orders and clubs, make the social life of the highest and most moral.
School Facilities
With the completion of the new $225,000.00 high school building, which is to be modern and equipped. Bayard takes rank among the cities of the state from the educational standpoint. The new Bayard high school is one of the most thoroughly modern buildings devoted to educational work west of Lincoln and Omaha, in the entire state. Bonds for the erection of this building have been voted over a period of two years. The first issue of $40,000 was voted in 1918, the second issue of $60,000 voted in 1919, and third and largest issue, of $125,000 voted in 1920. This allows the city $225,000 for a school building which will stand as a monument to what has been done along educational lines in the city and county.
This high school which is constructed of firebrick and reinforced concrete, presents a beautiful picture. It is located at the edge of the residential section, easily accessible from every part of the city, and stands on a prominent point overlooking the broad North Platte valley. The upper part of the building of yellow
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This allows the city $225,000 for a school building which will stand as a monument to what has been done along educational lines in the city and county.
This high school which is constructed of firebrick and reinforced concrete, presents a beautiful picture. It is located at the edge of the residential section, easily accessible from every part of the city, and stands on a prominent point overlooking the broad North Platte valley. The upper part of the building of yellow
fire brick, forms a striking contrast with the brown firebrick and white cornices and edgings. The steps within are of concrete and the walls will be of hollow tile. From a standpoint of being fire proof the new structure cannot be excelled.
A large playground in addition to the equipment of a modern gymnasium within, affords plenty of exercise for the physical development of the student. The gymnasium rated among the best in the state has a tiled swiming pool and track, and is equipped with every modern devise for physical culture. Athletics is given special attention with an instructor in this branch.
The other two buildings devoted to school purposes in Bayard are the brick school which, until the present time, was used by the high school, but is now used for the junior high school. This building, erected in 1917, has twelve rooms and is modern throughout.
The third school, the original district school building of Bayard, was erected about twenty years ago and is not modern. It is devoted to grade work and more especially to the younger students and primary work.
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The other two buildings devoted to school purposes in Bayard are the brick school which, until the present time, was used by the high school, but is now used for the junior high school. This building, erected in 1917, has twelve rooms and is modern throughout.
The third school, the original district school building of Bayard, was erected about twenty years ago and is not modern. It is devoted to grade work and more especially to the younger students and primary work.
The teaching force is twenty-seven, which, for a city of 2,500, shows the advancement being made in school work and along educational lines.
While the school census of Bayard shows but 550, still last year 629 students were enrolled in the schools, due perhaps to the fluctuating population of the city which at certain seasons of the year is rated around 4,000.
The Bayard School
Believing that the majority of the people of the community are interested in the new school building, the following is a description given for their consolation.
The building is a brick structure fifty-nine and one-half feet wide and eighty-six and onehalf feet long, is two stories high with a basement. The structure faces the south on which side and at the extreme ends are found the main entrances. It is built of a rough-fini.shed, dark red brick and trimmed in grey face brick.
City Government ok Bayard
The town of Bayard was incorporated on November 13. 1900. The first Town Board consisted of: E. M. Stearns, J. H. Long, F. O. Wisner, C. H. Burk, Ward VerValin.
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The building is a brick structure fifty-nine and one-half feet wide and eighty-six and onehalf feet long, is two stories high with a basement. The structure faces the south on which side and at the extreme ends are found the main entrances. It is built of a rough-fini.shed, dark red brick and trimmed in grey face brick.
City Government ok Bayard
The town of Bayard was incorporated on November 13. 1900. The first Town Board consisted of: E. M. Stearns, J. H. Long, F. O. Wisner, C. H. Burk, Ward VerValin.
In 1901, E. M. Steams, C. < ), Morrison, K. ( ). Wisner, C. H. Burk. las. ( )'Hollaren.
In 1902, A. E. Delahoyde failed to qualify and Wm. Grose served in his place. ). 1 1. Lung. F. O. Wisner, C. H. Burk. Ward VerValin.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
In 1903, W. W. Vannatta. J. H. Long, C. W. Stone, C. H. Burk, Ward VerValin.
In 1904. W. W. Vannatta, ]. H. Long, F. O. Wisner, C. H. Burk. A. ]. Ames.
In 1905. W. W. Vannatta, J. H. Long, F. O. Wisner. Harvey Stephens, Charles D. Green.
In 1906, W. W. Vannatta, J. H. Long, W. T. McKelvey, Fred Benton, J. C. Wysong.
In 1907, W. W. Vannatta, J. H. Long, F. E. Stearns. Fred Benton, I. C. Wysong.
In 1908. W. W. Vannatta, J. H. Long, F. E. Stearns, Fred Benton, J. C. Wysong.
In 1909, W. W. Vannatta, J. H. Long. L. C. Leach, Fred Benton, C. H. Harpole.
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Vannatta, J. H. Long, F. O. Wisner. Harvey Stephens, Charles D. Green.
In 1906, W. W. Vannatta, J. H. Long, W. T. McKelvey, Fred Benton, J. C. Wysong.
In 1907, W. W. Vannatta, J. H. Long, F. E. Stearns. Fred Benton, I. C. Wysong.
In 1908. W. W. Vannatta, J. H. Long, F. E. Stearns, Fred Benton, J. C. Wysong.
In 1909, W. W. Vannatta, J. H. Long. L. C. Leach, Fred Benton, C. H. Harpole.
In 1910, Paul Burkhalter, I. H. Long, L. C. Leach, W. T. McKelvey, C. H. Harpole.
In 1911, William Franklin, I. H. Long, E. E. Williams, W. T. McKelvey, J. C. Wysong.
In 1912, N. E. Workman, T- H. Long, W. P. DeVault, William Franklin.
In 1913, N. E. Workman. J. H. Long, W. P. DeVault, L. C. Leach, W. W. Vannatta.
In 1914, N. E. Workman, J. H. Long, W. P. DeVault, L. C. Leach, W. W. Vannatta.
In 1915, J. W. Daggey. In May, 1915, Long resigned, W. T. McKelvey appointed, Walter Erickson, C. D. Leach, W. W. Vannatta.
In 1916, E. R. Vannatta, L. F. Flower, W. J. Ericson, E. W. Chambers, L. A. Fricke.
In 1917. F. W. Hughes, L. F. Flower, G. W. Judd, F. W. Chambers, L. A. Fricke, resigned, A. E. Fisher, appointed.
In 1918, A. G. Kemper, L Loewenstein, G. W. Judd. W. J. Ericson, L."A. Fricke.
In 1919, Albert Harrison, first mayor. L. A. Fricke, Chairman, G. W. Judd, J. Lowenstein, E. H. Klemke. W. J. Ericson. Wm. Swartz, councilmen.
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R. Vannatta, L. F. Flower, W. J. Ericson, E. W. Chambers, L. A. Fricke.
In 1917. F. W. Hughes, L. F. Flower, G. W. Judd, F. W. Chambers, L. A. Fricke, resigned, A. E. Fisher, appointed.
In 1918, A. G. Kemper, L Loewenstein, G. W. Judd. W. J. Ericson, L."A. Fricke.
In 1919, Albert Harrison, first mayor. L. A. Fricke, Chairman, G. W. Judd, J. Lowenstein, E. H. Klemke. W. J. Ericson. Wm. Swartz, councilmen.
Albert Harrison, formerly chief of police at Scottsbluff, the first mayor of the city of Bayard, is a man of excellent character and principles. The distinguished character, Pierre Du Terrial Bayard, known as "The knight without fear and without reproach" supplied the name for the town and city in western Morrill county, but the title may be made to apply to the first mayor of that city, the name of which harks back four hundred years.
The clerks and treasurers who have served have been :
1900 -- F. E. Stearns. C. O. Morrison, were first clerk and treasurer of village.
1901-- C. H. Harpole. March 4. 1901, A. A. Wagner.
1902-- C. H. Harpole, A. A. Wagner.
1903-- C. H. Harpole, F. O. Wisner.
1904 -- C. H. Harpole, Vannatta.
1905-- C. H. Harpole, F. E. Stearns.
1906-- C. H. Harpole, F. E. Stearns.
1907-- C. H. Harpole, F. E. Stearns.
1908-- C. H. Harpole, September, E. R. Vannatta.
1909-- R. A. Wisner, E. R. Vannatta.
1910-- R. A. Wisner, E. R. Vannatta, J. A. Games.
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1901-- C. H. Harpole. March 4. 1901, A. A. Wagner.
1902-- C. H. Harpole, A. A. Wagner.
1903-- C. H. Harpole, F. O. Wisner.
1904 -- C. H. Harpole, Vannatta.
1905-- C. H. Harpole, F. E. Stearns.
1906-- C. H. Harpole, F. E. Stearns.
1907-- C. H. Harpole, F. E. Stearns.
1908-- C. H. Harpole, September, E. R. Vannatta.
1909-- R. A. Wisner, E. R. Vannatta.
1910-- R. A. Wisner, E. R. Vannatta, J. A. Games.
1911-- Dallas Hampton, C. H. Harpole.
1912 -- Dallas Hampton, Geo. C. Cronkleton, C. H. Harpole.
1913-- Geo. C. Cronkleton, E. F. Kelley. C. H. Harpole.
1914-- E. F. Kellev. C. H. Harpole.
1915-- Geo. C. Cronkleton, E. R. Vannatta.
1916-- C. A. Mantz, E. R. Vannatta.
1917--0. I. Lathrop, E. R. Vannatta.
1918-- G. C. Houghreny. F. J. Heani, E. R. Vannatta.
1919-- F. J. Eagan, first clerk and William Loibl, first treasurer of city.
Vannatta is therefore dean of official life of Bayard with a record of ten years as trustee and seven years as treasurer.
Harpole is a close second with eight years clerk, two years trustee and four years as treasurer.
E. M. Stearns, trustee for first two years, was the father of F. E. Stearns, twice trustee later, the first clerk, and three times treasurer. F. E. (or Frank) later served three terms in the state legislature and was without superior in that body during his service.
Col. F. O. Wisner served five years as trustee, one as treasurer, and his son Ray two years as clerk. The Wisners also have published the Bayard Transcript since 1889.
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Stearns, trustee for first two years, was the father of F. E. Stearns, twice trustee later, the first clerk, and three times treasurer. F. E. (or Frank) later served three terms in the state legislature and was without superior in that body during his service.
Col. F. O. Wisner served five years as trustee, one as treasurer, and his son Ray two years as clerk. The Wisners also have published the Bayard Transcript since 1889.
December 12, 1911. citizens of Bayard petitioned for special election to be called for purpose of voting $15,000 bonds for highway construction and improvement. Said petition signed by following residents of that precinct. This list forms a rather comprehensive directory of the truly representative, active and progressive citizens of the Bayard community at that time.
J. R. Henderson, Fred Breyer, R. R. Parriot, T. D. Wright, Franz Schramm, T. W. Harper, C. O. Morrison, T. F. Watkins. C. H. Harpole, Wm. Peters, Frank McCarter, Geo. Mason, W. H. Stone. F. L. Ericson, E. F. Keeley, S. W. Daniels. J. G. Neighbors, N. C. Wysong, H. C. Henderson, T. O. Spalding, S. G. Colebank, C. E. Roberts. Z. V. Cleveland. A. M. Gilbert. H. E. Erickson. J. A. Fulton, Oscar Funk, E. H. Klembke, Laura A. Reynolds, W. Roberts, L. C. Leach, H. E. Randall. F. A. Comstock, A. W. Tohnson. C. G. Edgerson. J. H. Daggy, W. E. Hoth, P. I. Kruse, R. E' O'Neal. R. H. Walford, T. M. Brown, O. R. Peters. Geo. W. Young. W. O. Smith, D. C. Howell. R. A. Warner, John King, Jas. Webster, E. H. Reyn-
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Cleveland. A. M. Gilbert. H. E. Erickson. J. A. Fulton, Oscar Funk, E. H. Klembke, Laura A. Reynolds, W. Roberts, L. C. Leach, H. E. Randall. F. A. Comstock, A. W. Tohnson. C. G. Edgerson. J. H. Daggy, W. E. Hoth, P. I. Kruse, R. E' O'Neal. R. H. Walford, T. M. Brown, O. R. Peters. Geo. W. Young. W. O. Smith, D. C. Howell. R. A. Warner, John King, Jas. Webster, E. H. Reyn-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
olds, W. H. Nichols, E. C. Green, R. E. Davis, J. A. Fitzgerald, A. W. Anderson:, I. P. Armogast, D. H. Henderson, W. W. Corbett, O. C. Breyer, W. C. Hough, E. R. Vannatta, E. H. Wells, O. S. Smith, John L. Mueller, Paul Roberts, Wm. S. Franklin, John Kieth, E. C. Vivian, Fred Benton, J. D. Kern, J. W. Hughes.
Masons Bayard has a number of thriving fraternal associations which have done their full share towards the up-building of the community. The local Masonic lodge, Bayard Lodge 301, was chartered June 19, 1918, with the following charter members : Harvey Bald, Roland Bassett, Fred Beltner, Harry Berggsen, John Billeter. March Bigler, Leon Calvert, Harvey Carter, Jno. Cavett, Axel Ericson, Alb. Fisher, Lawrence Fricke, Earl Heyl, Fred Hughes, Ellis Judke, Clyde Leach, F. McCarter, Robt. Pinkerton.
Odd Fellows and Rebeccas
Chimney Rock Lodge 257. I. O. O. F. started September 23, 1901, with the following as charter members : F. Watkins, Steve Lowley, J. H. Long, S. D. Barnett, Elmer Warner, R. Sheffer, L. H. Franklin, Wm. Evens, Chas. Franklin, Jas. O'Hollaren. Wm. Peters. Rebeccas organized Bee Hive Lodge 17S in February, 1917, with a membership of 150.
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Fisher, Lawrence Fricke, Earl Heyl, Fred Hughes, Ellis Judke, Clyde Leach, F. McCarter, Robt. Pinkerton.
Odd Fellows and Rebeccas
Chimney Rock Lodge 257. I. O. O. F. started September 23, 1901, with the following as charter members : F. Watkins, Steve Lowley, J. H. Long, S. D. Barnett, Elmer Warner, R. Sheffer, L. H. Franklin, Wm. Evens, Chas. Franklin, Jas. O'Hollaren. Wm. Peters. Rebeccas organized Bee Hive Lodge 17S in February, 1917, with a membership of 150.
Royal Neighbors
This lodge has been a tower of strength and consolation in the lives of many Bayard people. Bayard Camp 1623 of the Royal Neighbors of America was. installed early on May 2, 1899, with the following members : Bertha Wagner, May Flower, Jennie, Lee, Eva Peters, Sadie Betting, Florence Betting, Elizabeth McKelvey, Lottie Wagner, Mary Peters. Melissa Randall, Edith Comstock, Carrie Neighbor, Ada Stearns, Melissa Baquet, Josephine Taylor, Fanny Sandoz, Mary Roberts, Elsie Beltz, Rose Peters, Anglene, Flanagen, Mary Wagner, Ora Burn, Mary Daggy. M. L. Waitman.
W. O. W. Bayard Camp 325 of Woodmen of the World started in October, 1910, with the following charter members : Ray Wisner, Harry Ericson. Clvde Leach, Le'ster Armagast, Albert Clark.
M. W. A. Bayard also has a successful Camp of Woodmen of America of which John Muller is recent
Mercantile
Bayard has a large number of stores, principally the Farmers Union and the Golden Rule and Bayard Mercantile. Groceries are handled by the Hire Bros., and the Star Grocery and J. B. Falmer. Hardware is handled by the Winter Co., Burke & Harper and the Erickson Hardware Co. The clothing stores are the Bayard Clothing Company, L. J. Fox and Company, Wm. Deiens.
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Bayard also has a successful Camp of Woodmen of America of which John Muller is recent
Mercantile
Bayard has a large number of stores, principally the Farmers Union and the Golden Rule and Bayard Mercantile. Groceries are handled by the Hire Bros., and the Star Grocery and J. B. Falmer. Hardware is handled by the Winter Co., Burke & Harper and the Erickson Hardware Co. The clothing stores are the Bayard Clothing Company, L. J. Fox and Company, Wm. Deiens.
Drygoods stores, in addition to those named, are, Kemper Dry Goods Co., Morrison Dry Goods Co., Variety Store. F. J. Egan runs a very up-to-date jewelry store. The drug stores are the pharmacies of Hughes and Erickson.
The lumber yards are those of L. W. Cox & Co., and Bayard Lumber Co. J. L. Hall Lumber Co., formerly ran a lumber yard here. Other business enterprises are the Furniture stores of Adams Sisters, the Armogast Auto Co., the Bayard Motor Co., Beatrice Creamery stations, for which the Farmer's Union are agents.
Harry Bergglen contractor and builder. Dr.
D. F. Broodshaw, dentist. Harry Bulch, blacksmith. Commercial Hotel and Cafe. Davidson and Hochstettler. L. A. Fricke, real estate office. Great Western Sugar Beet Factory. Grand Hotel and Cafe. Hapgood and Co. Art Store. Hotel Bayard. Hughes Bros. Light and Railway Power Company. L. G. Lundy, second hand store. L. Lathrop and Mr. Bassett, real estate. W. P. DeVault, real estate. Platte Valley Telephone Company. Star and Ideal Theatres. Bank of Bayard. First National Bank and Farmers Bank.
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Broodshaw, dentist. Harry Bulch, blacksmith. Commercial Hotel and Cafe. Davidson and Hochstettler. L. A. Fricke, real estate office. Great Western Sugar Beet Factory. Grand Hotel and Cafe. Hapgood and Co. Art Store. Hotel Bayard. Hughes Bros. Light and Railway Power Company. L. G. Lundy, second hand store. L. Lathrop and Mr. Bassett, real estate. W. P. DeVault, real estate. Platte Valley Telephone Company. Star and Ideal Theatres. Bank of Bayard. First National Bank and Farmers Bank.
Bank Deposits
Perhaps there is no better way to judge the general standing of a community than by the statements of its banks, and we wish to call special attention to the report of the First National and the Bank of Bayard which appear in this issue. The Bank of Bayard is one of the oldest in the valley and was organized with
E. M. Stearns, president ; W. H. Cook, cashier; and Thos. Winter, assistant cashier. Through all the years of adversity the bank was the support and mainstay of the community and many a man owes his present prosperity to the assistance he received at that time. Now that the hard times are past the bank, under the present management, is rapidly forging ahead and is considered one of the solid institutions of the valley. Its deposits are now $263,960.51 and the combined deposits of the two banks are $644,077.11.
The First National Bank is now among the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
largest and strongest banks in the valley, with deposits of over $313,000, loans of about $222,000, cash and exchange on hand of over $118,000, surplus and undivided profits of over $17,00 and total resources of over $380,000. The bank stands in an almost impregnable position to be of the greatest assistance to the community in the building up of its resources and in its ability to properly take care of all business instructed to its care.
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largest and strongest banks in the valley, with deposits of over $313,000, loans of about $222,000, cash and exchange on hand of over $118,000, surplus and undivided profits of over $17,00 and total resources of over $380,000. The bank stands in an almost impregnable position to be of the greatest assistance to the community in the building up of its resources and in its ability to properly take care of all business instructed to its care. Hotels
The first hotel in Bayard of course was the old hotel brought over by Mr. Barrett from the old town site. The Grubber hotel and restaurant started about 19 years ago. The old Windsor hotel was built by Wm. Johnson. The Commercial hotel has been conducted by the Watkins family in addition to the fine fortyroom Bayard hotel built in 1916 and the Commercial. Bayard also has the Grand Cafe and hotel.
Churches
Bayard has an up-to-date group of churches representing several different denominations. The first church in this part of the North Platte Valley was started about 1890 with Rev. Dorman one of the first ministers. The congregations in recent years which have maintained churches in Bayard are the Methodist, Presbyterian, St. Margaret's Episcopal, the First Baptist, the Lutheran and Farmers Congregation. The United Presbyterian with Rev. Wagner as pastor came to Bayard about sixteen years ago. Its church building is now in use by Presbyterians.
Post Office
Otto Wisner had charge of the postofhce about 1891 and handled it until 1904, when Frances L. Wisner became postmistress and remained until she was succeeded about 1913 by George Fox who has since been postmaster. Old Settlers Gone
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Margaret's Episcopal, the First Baptist, the Lutheran and Farmers Congregation. The United Presbyterian with Rev. Wagner as pastor came to Bayard about sixteen years ago. Its church building is now in use by Presbyterians.
Post Office
Otto Wisner had charge of the postofhce about 1891 and handled it until 1904, when Frances L. Wisner became postmistress and remained until she was succeeded about 1913 by George Fox who has since been postmaster. Old Settlers Gone
The passing of the pioneers into that newer land of the Unknown Country, seems rapid now, almost like the string of prairie schooners that thirty-five years ago came up the valley of the North river. Two women and two men have gone recently, who shall be mentioned here, for they are typical of the best whose memory we cherish, until we too shall be "moving on." -- - Editor-in-Chief. Henry E. Randall
Life epitomizes the distance traveled by the human race from the cradle to the grave, how hard or how long that passage it is a road all must travel -- all who are born must make. In
the passing of Henry Randall at his home in Bayard some time since the relatives not only lose a kind, considerate husband, father, son and brother, but this community also loses an honest, upright citizen. Mr. Randall came here about 1890, when this country had little to offer and from that time on played a man's part. He went into the cattle business and by care and thrift, laid up a good portion of this world's goods, later taking up farming. He served this county for two terms as County Commissioner and was forced to resign on account of illness. Of a most kindly disposition, his neighbors and acquaintances were his friends. With high ideals of right we believe we can safely say that Henry Randall wronged no man intentionally.
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Randall came here about 1890, when this country had little to offer and from that time on played a man's part. He went into the cattle business and by care and thrift, laid up a good portion of this world's goods, later taking up farming. He served this county for two terms as County Commissioner and was forced to resign on account of illness. Of a most kindly disposition, his neighbors and acquaintances were his friends. With high ideals of right we believe we can safely say that Henry Randall wronged no man intentionally.
Something over two years ago he was stricken with a growth on the brain. He consulted specialists and was operated on. For a time he appeared to be getting better, when a turn for the worse came, and from that time on the end was inevitable. Being of more than an ordinary constitution, the end came slowly and to that end he bore his part like a man.
Henry Earl Randall was born April 25, 1869, at Dodge, Wisconsin. He came to Nebraska in 1886, and in December, 1892, was married to Miss Melissa C. Beldon. To this union were born, two sons, Gerald and Max, and a daughter, Mrs. M. Garwood. Besides his wife and children he leaves four brothers, Charles C, of Bandon, Oregon; Dean M., of St. Cloud, Florida ; J. O. of Bridgeport, and A. J. of Bayard, His aged father, James M. Randall, lives at St. Cloud, Florida.
Mrs. Mary Watkins
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He came to Nebraska in 1886, and in December, 1892, was married to Miss Melissa C. Beldon. To this union were born, two sons, Gerald and Max, and a daughter, Mrs. M. Garwood. Besides his wife and children he leaves four brothers, Charles C, of Bandon, Oregon; Dean M., of St. Cloud, Florida ; J. O. of Bridgeport, and A. J. of Bayard, His aged father, James M. Randall, lives at St. Cloud, Florida.
Mrs. Mary Watkins
Mary Nebraska Joice was the first white child born in Nebraska City, on December 17, 1854, one year after that town sprung into existence. Her parents moved there in 1853, and erected the fifth house built there. She married A. M. Duel. In 1895 she came to Alliance, later coming to Bayard, where she conducted a store. In 1896, she married T. F. Watkins who was in the restaurant business in Alliance where they remained until 1898, when they moved to her homestead east of Bayard, later moving to this city where they embarked in the hotel business which they conducted for a number of years. She was active in lodge work, being instrumental in organizing the Rebecca lodge in this city. She was forced to take her bed on the second day of November, 1920, and passed away the following Monday. Funeral services were held, Rev. Wimberly and Rev. Osborne conducting the services. The Rebecca lodge had charge of the burial service.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
4()3
While death is looked upon as the final and great calamity in every life, it at least brings all people to the position where they are willing and disposed to do justice to the dead, whether foe or friend. It is, perhaps, true that the best measure of any person can be had after their departure from the conflicts of life.
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The Rebecca lodge had charge of the burial service.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
4()3
While death is looked upon as the final and great calamity in every life, it at least brings all people to the position where they are willing and disposed to do justice to the dead, whether foe or friend. It is, perhaps, true that the best measure of any person can be had after their departure from the conflicts of life. With all of our boasted knowledge and ingenuity, we must all in the end, admit our inability to defeat the dread reaper, and that sooner or later, under the inexorable providence of God, all of the sons and daughters of Adam will go willingly or unwillingly to join the departed in the great beyond.
In the death of "Aunt" Mary Watkins, as she was familiarly called by all who knew her, another pioneer resident has passed from that ever lessening circle in this community. A type of woman who made friends by her motherly disposition, prone to look at the good things in every one rather than the bad ; happy and sunny nature, her passing will cause more than usual sorrow among the class who have looked upon her as their friend. Devoid, perhaps, of the veneer so desired by some, she was a plain woman who played well her part in the drama of life where she has long resided.
Mrs. George Mason
Christina Ruehl was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 19, 1861, and lived there until five years of age. At that time, she with her parents moved to Newport, Kentucky. At the age of fifteen years she came with her parents to Indianapolis, Indiana, where she joined the Presbyterian church and was an active member. On October 15, 1884, she was married to George Mason, and on May 26, 1886, came to Nebraska, and lived on a homestead near Minatare, until 1899, when they moved to Bayard and resided there until her death.
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Christina Ruehl was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 19, 1861, and lived there until five years of age. At that time, she with her parents moved to Newport, Kentucky. At the age of fifteen years she came with her parents to Indianapolis, Indiana, where she joined the Presbyterian church and was an active member. On October 15, 1884, she was married to George Mason, and on May 26, 1886, came to Nebraska, and lived on a homestead near Minatare, until 1899, when they moved to Bayard and resided there until her death.
To this union were born eight children, three dying in infancy. She leaves to mourn her loss George E. Mason, Sr., her husband ; George Mason, Jr., Bayard Nebraska; Mrs. N. C. Wysong. Nevada, Missouri ; Mrs. Lloyd Staples, Los Angeles, California; Mrs. Lydia Young, Bayard, Nebraska ; and Mrs. Phil Rickman, Bayard, Nebraska. All were at her bedside at the time of her death with the exception of Mrs. N. C. Wysong, who was unable to be present on account of sickness. Her only brother, Charles Ruehl, was also present.
She died at the age of 59 years.
Services were conducted by Rev. Alexander Wimberly of the Presbyterian church, using the Scriptural consolation of Isaiah 66:13, "As one whom his mother comforted, so will I comfort you." To those who were not fortunate in knowing the wife and mother, who, by her passing, has rendered another home in this city desolate, the mere fact that some one has died, means nothing, is nothing, but to those who knew this grand, good woman, to those who had been permitted the pleasure of her acquaintanceship, and knows what the loss is to the devoted father and children, that passing will hring profound sorrow.
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Alexander Wimberly of the Presbyterian church, using the Scriptural consolation of Isaiah 66:13, "As one whom his mother comforted, so will I comfort you." To those who were not fortunate in knowing the wife and mother, who, by her passing, has rendered another home in this city desolate, the mere fact that some one has died, means nothing, is nothing, but to those who knew this grand, good woman, to those who had been permitted the pleasure of her acquaintanceship, and knows what the loss is to the devoted father and children, that passing will hring profound sorrow.
When the shadows lengthened, despite the years of suffering, her only regret was the leaving of her loved ones; she was not afraid to die.
Frank Com stock
In the death of Frank Comstock, another pioneer of this section has passed on, and with that passing will come a feeling of sorrow to all who knew him. Honest, hardworking, and loyal to his friends with a most kindly disposition we really do not think he had an enemy in the world. Temperate in his hahits in all things, every one was his friend and there perhaps is no one who knew him well who cannot tell of some kindly act performed for them or others. He knew that he was going for some time before he died and as death approached he met it as he lived, calmly and fearlessly. The old soldier, settler, comrade, and friend has gone but behind him he has left the record of a man. Soldiers of the present conflict carried his body to the last resting place, and taps were sounded and while he was unconscious of all this, methinks that up yonder he has long since heard the welcome plaudit, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of thy Lord."
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He knew that he was going for some time before he died and as death approached he met it as he lived, calmly and fearlessly. The old soldier, settler, comrade, and friend has gone but behind him he has left the record of a man. Soldiers of the present conflict carried his body to the last resting place, and taps were sounded and while he was unconscious of all this, methinks that up yonder he has long since heard the welcome plaudit, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joys of thy Lord."
Francis A. Comstock was born at Boonville, Oneida County, New York. June 18, 1845. At seven years of age he moved with his family to Herkimer county. New York, where he resided until 1858. In that year he moved to Blue Earth county, Minnesota, from which place he enlisted in Company E. 2nd Minnesota Cavalry, 1863, and served under the colors until the close of the Civil War. His company was given service on the Western Plains among the Sioux Indians.
After the war he took up his residence in Todd county, Minnesota, where he married Edith E. Webster, at Gordontown January 1, 187<>. After living for three years in Montana and returning to Minnesota for another three years, Mr. Comstock moved with his family to Kearney, Nebraska. In the spring of '86 the Comstocks settled in the North Platte Valley at Chimney Rock where the family lived for thirty years. In ISOh, he united with the United
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After the war he took up his residence in Todd county, Minnesota, where he married Edith E. Webster, at Gordontown January 1, 187<>. After living for three years in Montana and returning to Minnesota for another three years, Mr. Comstock moved with his family to Kearney, Nebraska. In the spring of '86 the Comstocks settled in the North Platte Valley at Chimney Rock where the family lived for thirty years. In ISOh, he united with the United
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Brethren church of which he was a faithful member until the day of his departure from this life.
In 1916, Mr. Comstock retired from the farm and took up his residence in Bayard where he has since lived. He had not been well for some months but was taken down with his last illness the Fourth of July, and had been confined to his bed most of the time since. He passed quietly away September 9, 1919. He has four brothers and four sisters living, three of whom were at his bedside at the time of his death. There also remain to mourn his departure, his wife, Edith E., and three children, Edward E. of Morrill ; George A. of Bayard; and Nellie F. Leytham of Bayard, and nine grand children, besides many friends and neighbors.
Angora
Situated on the Burlington Alliance-Bridgeport line near the north edge of Morrill county is the village of Angora, the third town of importance in the county. Its territory is the Good Streak country to the west, where ciryfarming is practiced to considerable success, and a prosperous community is the result; while to the east stretches the great sand hills, where thousands of cattle graze. This town is well represented in mercantile lines, and has churches, schools and other community conveniences, including banking facilities.
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Situated on the Burlington Alliance-Bridgeport line near the north edge of Morrill county is the village of Angora, the third town of importance in the county. Its territory is the Good Streak country to the west, where ciryfarming is practiced to considerable success, and a prosperous community is the result; while to the east stretches the great sand hills, where thousands of cattle graze. This town is well represented in mercantile lines, and has churches, schools and other community conveniences, including banking facilities. For the period of its existence it has dreamed of the "Burlington Cut-off" a proposed line from Angora to Scottsbluff, cutting off both grade and distance. This proposed line they also anticipate will be extended into the sand hills to Anselmo and O'Neill, putting the town upon the shortest line east and west from the Missouri river to the great North Platte valley.
Broadwater
It is quite probable that the people of Broadwater will challenge the claim of Angora to third place in commercial importance in Morrill county. Having no assembled figures, the historian will leave that to rival claims. True it is, Broadwater is situate in the heart of an excellent irrigated community, and the adjacent tables are the harvest scenes of some of the best dry-farming in the state. George W. Berge, twice candidate for governor of Nebraska, and once for attorney general lives near Broadwater, and has a splendidly equipped modern farm. The village is situate upon the Union Pacific North Platte valley branch, or Medicine Bow cut-off. The place has ample backing and mercantile facilities, churches, schools, and the like, to make it a live community center. The Kings, the Smiths, the Wehns and the Beerlines are among the families that have helped to make Broadwater an enterprising town, and a good place to reside.
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Berge, twice candidate for governor of Nebraska, and once for attorney general lives near Broadwater, and has a splendidly equipped modern farm. The village is situate upon the Union Pacific North Platte valley branch, or Medicine Bow cut-off. The place has ample backing and mercantile facilities, churches, schools, and the like, to make it a live community center. The Kings, the Smiths, the Wehns and the Beerlines are among the families that have helped to make Broadwater an enterprising town, and a good place to reside.
North port On the north side of the river, north of Bridgeport is the town of Northport, which, because of the fact that the Union Pacific and the Burlington lines cross at that point aspired to higher things. The Harpers, the Howards and the Montzes were among the families that sought for a time to make it the metropolis of Morrill county. C. D. Casper here ran the Northport Herald for a time. The railroad, however, failed to give the place the support that was anticipated, and the canal construction on the north side was delayed so long that the hope of a large town vanished. Bridgeport largely attends to the needs of the Northport community in every line.
Other Places Atkins and Simla, are small distribution centers, where the railroad offers loading facilities, and mercantile business is carried to a very limited extent. The last named is at the site o<f old Mud Springs, famous in the history of the pony express, overland stage, and early cow days, but its importance is not large in modern history of the county.
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Bridgeport largely attends to the needs of the Northport community in every line.
Other Places Atkins and Simla, are small distribution centers, where the railroad offers loading facilities, and mercantile business is carried to a very limited extent. The last named is at the site o<f old Mud Springs, famous in the history of the pony express, overland stage, and early cow days, but its importance is not large in modern history of the county.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
MORRILL COUNTY IN THE WORLD WAR
Just as it is true of every other Nebraska County, Morrill County's record during the great World War is a bright star in its crown.
The brilliant record of Nebraska throughout the Great War, of which Morrill County played its proportionate and creditable part has already been set out elsewhere in this work.
Shortly after the entrance of the United States into the World War in April, 1917, the Government's call to take a registration of all men subject to conscription in military purposes, was answered by Morrill county. Those citizens of Morrill county who were named to participate as precinct registrars were:
Union precinct, N. H. Noonan ; Court House Rock precinct, E. L. LeBlanc ; Haynes precinct,~G. W. Berry; Camp Clark precinct, Thos. Ishmael and G. W. Murphy: Bayard precinct, W. D. Askine, C. A. Mantz and Yale Cavet ; Redington precinct, H. A. Gilman ; Broadwater precinct, J. R. Minshal ; Weir-Lisco precinct, J. A. Millett ; Eastwood precinct, Harvey W. Majors ; Storm Lake precinct, Victor E. Covalt ; Gilchrist precinct, C. A. Snow; King precinct, C. A. Tolle ; Riley Hill precinct, W. V. Dove ; Bonner precinct, M. L. Anderson; Yockey precinct, C. I. Hoxworth ; Goodstreak precinct, C. H. Green.
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Murphy: Bayard precinct, W. D. Askine, C. A. Mantz and Yale Cavet ; Redington precinct, H. A. Gilman ; Broadwater precinct, J. R. Minshal ; Weir-Lisco precinct, J. A. Millett ; Eastwood precinct, Harvey W. Majors ; Storm Lake precinct, Victor E. Covalt ; Gilchrist precinct, C. A. Snow; King precinct, C. A. Tolle ; Riley Hill precinct, W. V. Dove ; Bonner precinct, M. L. Anderson; Yockey precinct, C. I. Hoxworth ; Goodstreak precinct, C. H. Green.
The registration on June 5 in Morrill county, showed 949 registered on that day, represented as follows among the various precincts :
Bridgeport, 170: Yockey, 51; Storm Lake. S; Redington, 33; Union, 17: Havnes, 30; Eastwood, 29; Weir-Lisco, 16; Riley Hill, 15 ; King, 25 ; Broadwater, 67 ; Gilchrist. 15 ; Goodstreak, 7: Court House Rock. 20: Bavard, 446 ; total 949.
The final figures given by the offices of the Provost Marshal General of the United States show that the first registration of Morrill county totaled 955. The entire record of Morrill county during the war, as to its contribution to the military service is shown in the following figures :
Registration on
June 5, 1917 955
Tuly and August. 1918 60
September 12, 1918 1139
Total 2154
Those actually inducted and accepted at camp, 254. There were 243 in general service.
five remediables, 126 placed in limited service and only twenty-five from this county disqualified. The record of deferments shows 368 on the ground of dependents, fifty-two on agricultural and six for industrial reasons.
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The entire record of Morrill county during the war, as to its contribution to the military service is shown in the following figures :
Registration on
June 5, 1917 955
Tuly and August. 1918 60
September 12, 1918 1139
Total 2154
Those actually inducted and accepted at camp, 254. There were 243 in general service.
five remediables, 126 placed in limited service and only twenty-five from this county disqualified. The record of deferments shows 368 on the ground of dependents, fifty-two on agricultural and six for industrial reasons.
Back Here
The activities of those who were to bear the burdens of the war work "back here" were early started in this county.
A patriotic meeting was called as early as May 19, 1917, with the program arranged in two parts. One part was to boost the organization of the Red Cross with G. J. Hunt presiding. Patriotic addresses were arranged by K. W. McDonald, Rev. G. F. McDougall, Dr. C. Palmer, and Mark Spanogle. An address on "What a Woman Can Do" by Mrs. M. J. McCrossen. "Work of the Red Cross" by Edward Morris, and "Red Cross Work" by Mrs. J. Rowan, head of the Red Cross organization in Alliance. The second part of the program under the direction of Mrs. G. J. Hunt fostered the work of the Council of Defense, with patriotic addresses by F. E. Williams, A. W. Atkins, and C. G. Perry. A reading on "Community Service" by Mrs. Mark Spanogle.
Council of Defense Organized under the leadership of Judge G. J. Hunt, chairman of the Council, and held meetings every Friday night in Essig Hall. During that period when affairs of such vital importance to the nation, current problems were weekly discussed and plans laid to promote patriotic movements throughout the entire county. By June, more than 360 members had joined this Council and the number was rapidly increasing.
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A reading on "Community Service" by Mrs. Mark Spanogle.
Council of Defense Organized under the leadership of Judge G. J. Hunt, chairman of the Council, and held meetings every Friday night in Essig Hall. During that period when affairs of such vital importance to the nation, current problems were weekly discussed and plans laid to promote patriotic movements throughout the entire county. By June, more than 360 members had joined this Council and the number was rapidly increasing. The officers of the Morrill County Council were: G. J. Hunt, chairman; Col. A. W. Atkins, vice chairman; J. H. Steuteville, secretary-treasurer. The precinct committeemen: Camp Clarke, Max Wilcox: Bavard. Earl Vannatta; Redington, Bryan Waitman ; Court House Rock. Albert Finn ; Yockey, C. I. Hoxworth ; King, Harry King ; Gilchrist. II. E. Smith ; Eastwood, E. V. Duer; Storm Lake, Wrri. Archer; Haynes, Robert O. Close; Broadwater, O. H. Browning; Weir- Lisco, Ed. T. Mitchell; Union, Ernest Finn; Bonner. Frank Boone; Rilev Hill. \V. V. Dove; Goodstreak, C. H. Green.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The Red Cross Chapter
The formal organization of the Red Cross Chapter took place Saturday, May 9, 1917. Despite perverse weather on the occasion, the patriotism of Bridgeport citizens was not dampened.
At the appointed hour G. J. Hunt called the meeting to' order and delivered a rousing address to those present. This was followed by a touching speech by County Attorney K. W. McDonald, whose father served under the Stars and Stripes. Attorney Fay Williams followed with a stirring talk, in which he urged all to do their duty in this hour of need. Editor C. D. Casper spoke on the philosophy of the war and the history of the nations engaged therein, showing that he had made a deep study of the subject. Attorney C.
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This was followed by a touching speech by County Attorney K. W. McDonald, whose father served under the Stars and Stripes. Attorney Fay Williams followed with a stirring talk, in which he urged all to do their duty in this hour of need. Editor C. D. Casper spoke on the philosophy of the war and the history of the nations engaged therein, showing that he had made a deep study of the subject. Attorney C. G. Perry then delivered a forceful address, in which he presented many new ideas of a practical nature and in a very pleasant manner.
The organization of a local Red Cross Chapter was then taken up, and Ed Morris, who has had much experience in that line, made a beautiful address on behalf of that movement and outlined the wide scope of the work that is being done by Red Cross workers. Mrs. M. J. McCrossen, who is an experienced trained nurse, read a good paper on "What Women Can Do," which was very effective. Mrs. J. Rowan, of Alliance, who is at the head of the Red Cross work in Box Butte county, made a splendid appeal for support of that organization. Mrs. Rowan is a very pleasant speaker and her thorough acquaintance with the subject at hand made her address of great interest. Mrs. Spanogle, whose name was on the program, thought best to decline to speak on account of the lateness of the hour and the great amount of work in organizing that yet remained to be done in a limited time. Mark Spanogle also declined to take up time for the same reason. Patriotic songs were sung at intervals by all those present, and Mrs. Roy Harshman rendered a favorite, "Keep the Home Fires Burning," as a solo, to the pleasure of the audience.
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Spanogle, whose name was on the program, thought best to decline to speak on account of the lateness of the hour and the great amount of work in organizing that yet remained to be done in a limited time. Mark Spanogle also declined to take up time for the same reason. Patriotic songs were sung at intervals by all those present, and Mrs. Roy Harshman rendered a favorite, "Keep the Home Fires Burning," as a solo, to the pleasure of the audience.
An invitation was extended to those present to join the Red Cross Chapter, and seventyfive members were enrolled as quickly as their names could be written down. Ed Morris was then elected president of the chapter, Mrs. G. J. Hunt, vice president ; Mrs. Mark Spanogle, secretary ; and Miss Mabel Johnson, as treasurer.
Memoriae Day Decoration day took on an added appreciation in 1917. Exercises were held on May 30,
with Attorney Fred A. Wright, of Scottsbluff, as the speaker of the day. Those present proceeded to the Forest Lawn cemetery for the purpose of decorating the graves of the soldiers buried there. Three veterans of the Civil War were buried in this cemetery: Comrades Brown, White, and Milledge.
Early Recruits
Morrill county's sons began to pour into service at the very first opportunity. All three of her young men, Thomas F. Neighbors, George Irwin, and H. R. Van Home, who left for Fort Snelling, got through the preliminary examination and were assigned to companies for drill. In communication Mr. Van Home had the following to say :
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Three veterans of the Civil War were buried in this cemetery: Comrades Brown, White, and Milledge.
Early Recruits
Morrill county's sons began to pour into service at the very first opportunity. All three of her young men, Thomas F. Neighbors, George Irwin, and H. R. Van Home, who left for Fort Snelling, got through the preliminary examination and were assigned to companies for drill. In communication Mr. Van Home had the following to say :
"Kindly tell all our friends that the Bridgeport trio, Neighbors, Irwin, and myself, have passed the examination here successfully. We feel very fortunate over this, since one hundred or so have been rejected for physical defects. Neighbors has been assigned to Company 14; Irwin to Company 13 ; and myself to Company 3. With the new equipment given us and uniforms donned, we look like real soldiers indeed, but there is much to learn and they will keep us busy in the next three months." '
Company G assembled at Alliance as early as May 20, to pass federal examination given by Captain Wallace, federal officer inspector, and of the eighty-seven men who answered the roll call, there were two Bridgeport boys, Leo Coleman and Roscoe Dean. The first detachment, five per cent of the soldiers from Morrill county, left on August 1 and were: Charles A. Mantz, Frank W. Chambers, August W. Johnson, Clark Ruly, Keith E. McGee. "They, were given a rousing farewell at Esseg Hall by the warm-hearted people of Morrill county. While space in this work would not permit the full presentation of remarks made upon such occasion, the farewell admonition prepared for this occasion by Rev. George F. McDougall will serve to preserve the nature of tribute that Morrill county felt upon, each and every occasion when her sons were leaving for the front :
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Johnson, Clark Ruly, Keith E. McGee. "They, were given a rousing farewell at Esseg Hall by the warm-hearted people of Morrill county. While space in this work would not permit the full presentation of remarks made upon such occasion, the farewell admonition prepared for this occasion by Rev. George F. McDougall will serve to preserve the nature of tribute that Morrill county felt upon, each and every occasion when her sons were leaving for the front :
"Men of the new army, our heroes in khaki. These men are leaving in the gloom of a beautiful morning of sunshine, going in the glory of a nation which is giving her best in battle for democracy, leaving in the hush of sorrow that overflows the hearts of those who still renin in at home, leaving in the spirit of determination which predicts ill for those who forced them to depart from all that is sweet and dear in life.
"Men of the new army, you are leaving amid
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the tears and the cheers of comrades and you are going out from our midst with the tears of loved ones fresh on their cheeks, departing for whatever battle front the war department may send you, and in the belief that you will give the best you have in strength and manhood for the cause which means life to democracy.
"Today is the most momentous in the history of the world. Most thrilling for Morrill county. This is the first time we have ever sent a whole army to a foreign soil to fight for the same principle which gave this our nation life, going to fight shoulder to shoulder with the mother of our own civilization.
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the tears and the cheers of comrades and you are going out from our midst with the tears of loved ones fresh on their cheeks, departing for whatever battle front the war department may send you, and in the belief that you will give the best you have in strength and manhood for the cause which means life to democracy.
"Today is the most momentous in the history of the world. Most thrilling for Morrill county. This is the first time we have ever sent a whole army to a foreign soil to fight for the same principle which gave this our nation life, going to fight shoulder to shoulder with the mother of our own civilization.
"You men who go out of our midst today may never return to us, and this knowledge is realized by those who send you. There are mothers with sad faces and there are grim eyed men who realize what it means for you to go. No cheering, no shouts of laughter mar the solemnity of the occasion, all is silent save the lowly spoken word, the vigorous handshake and the good wish for the future.
"Boys, you who are separated from your comrades' company may never meet again; separated for life. Those who see you depart sympathize with you and they also understand the deep sorrow on the part of the loved ones you leave. 'God help the person who would dare say that these boys in khaki are not all men.'
"You may go to France, you may go to Russia, you may be sent elsewhere, but you will gladly go where needed. We may never see you again, but you are still ours. We see you in the concentration camps, we see you on the great liner of the seas, still ours.
1496
Those who see you depart sympathize with you and they also understand the deep sorrow on the part of the loved ones you leave. 'God help the person who would dare say that these boys in khaki are not all men.'
"You may go to France, you may go to Russia, you may be sent elsewhere, but you will gladly go where needed. We may never see you again, but you are still ours. We see you in the concentration camps, we see you on the great liner of the seas, still ours. We will hear of your deeds of valor on the battlefields of France, in the trenches, and we declare you are still ours. You will stand shoulder to shoulder with Tommy Atkins, you will take your stand side by side with the French Poilu, and while you fight for the rights of men you still belong to us.
"We let you go but we keep you in our hearts. We furnish you who in the future will have the credit for saving the world from brutality and for humanity. You are the men who will be ready to fight the Germans over the rampart of dead bodies, you will give your life for the land and liberty we love so well. You will come back to us, bringing with you the knowledge that will make for the brotherhood of man and 'golden age for which humanity waits.' May the Great God whose Providence rules the universe protect and bless you and bring you safely home again."
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You are the men who will be ready to fight the Germans over the rampart of dead bodies, you will give your life for the land and liberty we love so well. You will come back to us, bringing with you the knowledge that will make for the brotherhood of man and 'golden age for which humanity waits.' May the Great God whose Providence rules the universe protect and bless you and bring you safely home again."
Red Cross Work
By July the Morrill County Red Cross Chapter made a most excellent report of the progress of its work up to that time.
Total amount subscribed in Morrill county to the American Red Cross fund from July 18 to 25, 1917, $17,974.70; total men registered for army service, 949; amount subscribed for each man registered, $18.94; average amount pledged by each subscriber in the county, $13.55.
Progress of Home War Work The second quota for Morrill county consisted of thirty-eight men, with six alternates, who left early in October for Camp Funston.
In September the call came for the women of Morrill county to register for service. The following named ladies assisted in the registering by driving cars to and from the court house: Mrs. K. W. McDonald, Mrs. Ed. Slimm, Miss Mabel Sanquest, Mrs. M. R. Hackler, and Mrs. Dick Martin. The ladies who assisted at the registering at the court house were: Mrs. H. L. Scoggin, chairman; Mrs. Brandt, Mrs. Manning, Miss Alberta Lynch, and Mrs. Ritchie.
The chairmen who officiated in the different precincts in this work 'were: Court House Rock, Lillian Twist ; Union, Delia Finn ; Broadwater, Mrs. J. R. Minshall ; Eastwood, Mrs. John McDermott; Riley Hill, Miss Anna Daxon; Bonner, Mrs. Frank Boone; Haines, Mrs. O. O. Buck ; Gilchrist, Mrs. Hugh Smith; Goodstreak, Mrs.
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The ladies who assisted at the registering at the court house were: Mrs. H. L. Scoggin, chairman; Mrs. Brandt, Mrs. Manning, Miss Alberta Lynch, and Mrs. Ritchie.
The chairmen who officiated in the different precincts in this work 'were: Court House Rock, Lillian Twist ; Union, Delia Finn ; Broadwater, Mrs. J. R. Minshall ; Eastwood, Mrs. John McDermott; Riley Hill, Miss Anna Daxon; Bonner, Mrs. Frank Boone; Haines, Mrs. O. O. Buck ; Gilchrist, Mrs. Hugh Smith; Goodstreak, Mrs. Cora Zoller; Bayard. Mrs. C. H. Harpole ; Camp Clark, Mrs. H. L. Scoggin ; Redington, Mrs. Fred Gilman ; Storm Lake, Mrs. W. H. Archer ; King, Mrs. Charles Tolle ; Yockey, Mrs. W. R. Grain ; Weir-Lisco, Miss Hilda Lindberg.
Liberty Loans
As throughout the nation, the work of the first Liberty Loan was quietly undertaken by the banks and a few leading spirits in each community and without public demonstration. But when the call came for Morrill to do its part in the campaign of selling $3,000,000,000 of "Second Liberty Bonds." an organization was promptly formed. By the end of the first week in October, eighty-one men from Morrill had left their homes, their businesses and their loved ones to protect the liberty of the world. A ringing call was issued to those at home to back up those, with their money. This organization complete in every precinct, was formed by the following committee :
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Bayard Precinct : Fred Benton, chairman ; Earl Vannatta, George Harms, George Cronkleton, all of Bayard, Nebraska.
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By the end of the first week in October, eighty-one men from Morrill had left their homes, their businesses and their loved ones to protect the liberty of the world. A ringing call was issued to those at home to back up those, with their money. This organization complete in every precinct, was formed by the following committee :
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Bayard Precinct : Fred Benton, chairman ; Earl Vannatta, George Harms, George Cronkleton, all of Bayard, Nebraska.
Broadwater Precinct : Pat Rowlan, chairman ; M. L. W'ehn, John H. Adams, A. H. Smith, all of Broadwater, Nebraska.
Camp Clark Precinct: T. B. Estill, chairman ; Mark W. Iddings, Thomas Burke, C. B. Millett, all of Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Goodstreak Precinct : Thomas E. King, chairman ; R. B. Whitlam, E. E. Dueker, Charles H. Green, all of Angora, Nebraska.
Haynes Precinct : Frank Boone, chairman ; O. O. Buck, Fred Case, George Micek, all of Angora, Nebraska.
Riley Hill Precinct: W. V. Dove, chairman; Roy Austin, Frank Lamb, Edward Peterson, all of Lynn, Nebraska.
Storm Lake Precinct : W. H. Archer, chairman ; S. M. Hickman, George Rudisil, all of Broadwater, Nebraska ; A. O. Cole, Alliance, Nebraska.
Weir-Lisco Precinct : Olaf Lindberg, chairman ; Mac Radcliff, D. A. Colyer, J. A. Millett, Jr., all of Broadwater, Nebraska.
Gilchrist Precinct : Charles A. Snow, chairman ; W. E. Rice, Frank Cantrell, Joseph Bignell, all of Alliance, Nebraska.
Redington Precinct ; E. P. Loy, chairman ; Bridgeport, Nebraska ; J. W. Niehus, N. C. Dunlap, George F. Randall, all of Redington, Nebraska.
1500
Hickman, George Rudisil, all of Broadwater, Nebraska ; A. O. Cole, Alliance, Nebraska.
Weir-Lisco Precinct : Olaf Lindberg, chairman ; Mac Radcliff, D. A. Colyer, J. A. Millett, Jr., all of Broadwater, Nebraska.
Gilchrist Precinct : Charles A. Snow, chairman ; W. E. Rice, Frank Cantrell, Joseph Bignell, all of Alliance, Nebraska.
Redington Precinct ; E. P. Loy, chairman ; Bridgeport, Nebraska ; J. W. Niehus, N. C. Dunlap, George F. Randall, all of Redington, Nebraska.
Yockey Precinct : C. I. Hoxworth, chairman; Roy O'Neal, J. E. Parsons, all of Yockey, Nebraska.
Eastwood Precinct: Harvey Majors, chairman ; John Grimes, M. F. Umbenhower, George Wheeler, all of Eastwood, Nebraska.
Bonner Precinct : Joseph Vaughn, chairman ; Alliance, Nebraska ; R. K. Thomas, Angora, Nebraska.
Court House Rock Precinct : J. E. LeBlanc, chairman; W. C. Dugger, J. S." Trott, F. R. Reddish, all of Bridgeport, Nebraska.
Union Precinct : Lewis Finn, chairman ; R. E. McConnell, Louis Schutz, A. D. Biers, all of Dalton, Nebraska.
King Precinct : Harry King, chairman ; O. J. Dean, Henry Franklin, all of Bridgeport, Nebraska ; Peter Riley, Broadwater, Nebraska.
Mark Spanogle, county chairman; Frank N. Hunt, county secretary, both of Bridgeport, Nebraska.
In the bond drive, Morrill county subscribed $10,000 more than her quota of $124,200, prorated among the various precincts as follows: Camp Clark-Bridgeport, $31,450; Bayard, $28,250; Broadwater, $10,000; Redington, $4,- 500; Haynes (Angora), $3,300; Union, $3.-
200; King, $2,000; Riley Hill, $1,450; Storm Lake, $550; Western Sugar Company's check to Chairman Spanogle, $50,000.
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Dean, Henry Franklin, all of Bridgeport, Nebraska ; Peter Riley, Broadwater, Nebraska.
Mark Spanogle, county chairman; Frank N. Hunt, county secretary, both of Bridgeport, Nebraska.
In the bond drive, Morrill county subscribed $10,000 more than her quota of $124,200, prorated among the various precincts as follows: Camp Clark-Bridgeport, $31,450; Bayard, $28,250; Broadwater, $10,000; Redington, $4,- 500; Haynes (Angora), $3,300; Union, $3.-
200; King, $2,000; Riley Hill, $1,450; Storm Lake, $550; Western Sugar Company's check to Chairman Spanogle, $50,000.
Third Liberty Loan
The third Liberty Loan was distributed by quotas among the different banks of the United States, instead of by precincts, as had been done heretofore. Each bank was responsible for raising its quota, and the report of F. E. Williams, county chairman, shows how the different banks maintained their quotas, also subscription receipts from sources other than the banks.
The several precinct committees who had charge of the registration and distribution of individual quotas were:
Bayard Precinct : W. P. De Vault, chairman; Fred Benton, George C. Cronkleton, George Harms.
Broadwater: H. C. Golden, chairman; C. A. Wagner, Harvey Bruner, T. C. Haiston.
Bonner: Frank Woods, chairman; Fred Case, Angora.
Camp Clark : G. F. McDougall. chairman ; H. H. Vandeventer, Bruce Wilcox, F. H. Putman, L. R. North.
Court House Rock : T. E. LeBlanc, chairman, J. S. Trott, F. R. Reddish, W. C. Dugger.
Eastwood: John Thompson, chairman; C. S. Cheney, W. S. Hinman. J. J. Cain.
Gilchrist: C. A. Snow, chairman; Charles Thompson, Wm. Rice, Hugh Smith.
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Golden, chairman; C. A. Wagner, Harvey Bruner, T. C. Haiston.
Bonner: Frank Woods, chairman; Fred Case, Angora.
Camp Clark : G. F. McDougall. chairman ; H. H. Vandeventer, Bruce Wilcox, F. H. Putman, L. R. North.
Court House Rock : T. E. LeBlanc, chairman, J. S. Trott, F. R. Reddish, W. C. Dugger.
Eastwood: John Thompson, chairman; C. S. Cheney, W. S. Hinman. J. J. Cain.
Gilchrist: C. A. Snow, chairman; Charles Thompson, Wm. Rice, Hugh Smith.
Goodstreak : Thos. King, chairman, or Fred Case, Angora.
Haynes : Fred Case, chairman.
King: Harry King, chairman; C. A. Tolle, O. J. Dean, Peter Riley.
Redington: E. P. Loy, chairman: N. C. Dunlap, J. W. Niehus, George F. Randall.
Riley Hill : W. V. Dove, chairman ; Roy Austin. J. P. Murphy, Frank Paul.
Storm Lake : Victor Covalt, chairman ; W. H. Archer, John Scott, C. M. Jones.
Union: J. L. Finn, chairman. R. E. McConnell, Lewis Schuetz, A. D. Biers.
Wier-Lisco : P. C. Wade, chairman ; Olof Lindberg, S. C, Ruby, Hiram Maize.
Yockey : Ellis Judd, chairman ; J. E. Parsons, C. I. Hoxworth, Roy O'Neall.
Red Cross Work The Red Cross workers in Bridgeport did some very energetic and effective work in the drive for their funds in May. A. W. Atkins conducted the work in town, acting as precinct chairman and being ably assisted by the members of the local Red Cross chapter. Headquarters were opened in the office of the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
4(i')
1503
Yockey : Ellis Judd, chairman ; J. E. Parsons, C. I. Hoxworth, Roy O'Neall.
Red Cross Work The Red Cross workers in Bridgeport did some very energetic and effective work in the drive for their funds in May. A. W. Atkins conducted the work in town, acting as precinct chairman and being ably assisted by the members of the local Red Cross chapter. Headquarters were opened in the office of the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
4(i')
Hunt Realty Company, the front windows being profusely decorated with the colors of the Red Cross, posters, packages of surgical dressings, etc., and the display was attractive and appealing. The quota was approximately $1.00 per capita, which would make our quota in town about $1,000 or a little more. Up to Tuesday night, the 28th, when the headquarters were closed, over $1,800.00 in cash had been put in the bank for the Red Cross, with some pledges still unpaid and a good supply of valuable articles which had been donated and to be sold.
Food Administration
The Morrill County unit of the National Food administration was elected in December, 1917, with Judge J. H. Steuteville as County Food Administrator. The main assistants in this work as it progressed through the ensuing month were G. W. Tudd, Bayard ; C. B. Mernitt, Broadwater; R. T. Eli and Mrs. D. C. Henderson, Angora; Harry King of King precinct ; H. A. Gillman, Redington, and T. B. Estill and later Lloyd Wiggins of Bridgeport. The fuel administration was inaugurated about this time in charge of Judge G. J. Hunt.
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The Morrill County unit of the National Food administration was elected in December, 1917, with Judge J. H. Steuteville as County Food Administrator. The main assistants in this work as it progressed through the ensuing month were G. W. Tudd, Bayard ; C. B. Mernitt, Broadwater; R. T. Eli and Mrs. D. C. Henderson, Angora; Harry King of King precinct ; H. A. Gillman, Redington, and T. B. Estill and later Lloyd Wiggins of Bridgeport. The fuel administration was inaugurated about this time in charge of Judge G. J. Hunt.
Home Guards
About two dozen men met at the Essig hall February, 1917. and proceeded to effect a local Home Guard organization. Mr. W. H. Willis opened the meeting as temporary chairman. J. H. Steuteville was chosen as president and F. S. Copeland as secretary of the permanent organization. The members chose the following officers: Captain, W. H. Willis; first lieutenant, Wesley Rogers ; second lieutenant, Frank Hedglin. A request was sent in to the state department for the officers commissions.
The following was the initial muster roll ;
F. E. Hedglin, Earl Steuteville, W. IT Willis, Wesley Rogers, Harold lones, G. P. Fitzpatrick", R. S. Wise. Pearl Pooler. C. R. Rice, Jesse Young, Orville Kortz, Auburn Atkins, Roy Harshman, Clyde Reitnour. Claude May, F. S. Copeland, J. H. Steuteville, M. B. Ferris, William I. Dyson, A. W. Atkins.
Other parts of the county were gathering at their public places to pay farewell tribute to the boys departing from their neighborhoods. During the fourth week in June, the entire community in the vicinity of Redington wasg devoting itself to a series of farewells and receptions, to Sherman Wilcox and Forrest Ridge, who were to leave their neighborhood for service with the June contingent.
1505
H. Steuteville, M. B. Ferris, William I. Dyson, A. W. Atkins.
Other parts of the county were gathering at their public places to pay farewell tribute to the boys departing from their neighborhoods. During the fourth week in June, the entire community in the vicinity of Redington wasg devoting itself to a series of farewells and receptions, to Sherman Wilcox and Forrest Ridge, who were to leave their neighborhood for service with the June contingent.
A further reduction in the use of beef and sugar was named at this time.
The Food Administration and Council of Defence had incurred considerable expense and Mr. Bigelow acted as a committee and took up small collections in June to meet this.
Through the Summer The devotion of the activities of the community to the work, continued at the same tension throughout the summer. The June, 1918, drawing of those who had become twenty-one since 1918 resulted in the first five Morrill county boys to be drawn, being :
1. 10. Edwin Frans Peterson, Redington.
2. 29. Earnest Edward Cassidy, Bayard.
3. 17. Claude Egbert Buckner. Broadwater.
4. 4. Allan Barnhart Atkins, Bridgeport.
5. 28. Charles Israel Hoxworth. Yockey. Another large contingent was given a rousing
farewell at Essig hall on June 27th.
Rev. McDougall called the assembly to order and stated briefly the purpose of the meeting, bringing in a little story to indicate how the boys were going to "sit on the Kaiser."
The first number was a song by the Bridgeport borne guards under the leadership of Ed. Morris, and the guards were called back and required to respond to an encore.
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Another large contingent was given a rousing
farewell at Essig hall on June 27th.
Rev. McDougall called the assembly to order and stated briefly the purpose of the meeting, bringing in a little story to indicate how the boys were going to "sit on the Kaiser."
The first number was a song by the Bridgeport borne guards under the leadership of Ed. Morris, and the guards were called back and required to respond to an encore.
Mrs. Roy Harshman rendered a very appropriate solo, her selection being a patriotic song written especially for the occasion. Mrs. Harshman's singing is always enjoyable.
Rev. McDougall then introduced Judge Hurd, who spoke feelingly and sensibly to the boys who were about to go to camp, calling their attention to the fact that they were now about to do the things that entitled them to be called "men" in every sense of the word. As many of them had to go on the northbound train at 10:30. the proceedings were cut short and refreshments were served early 1>\ the members of the woman's club. Then a large crowd escorted the soldiers boys to the train and gazed after them in tears as the train pulled away from the depot. The crowd Was even larger than on Monday night, showing that our people do not weary of honoring our heroes. The following program was rendered :
Song by the audience, "America."
Maypole drill by twelve, little girls under the direction of Miss Oldershaw.
Address by E. M. Bigelow.
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As many of them had to go on the northbound train at 10:30. the proceedings were cut short and refreshments were served early 1>\ the members of the woman's club. Then a large crowd escorted the soldiers boys to the train and gazed after them in tears as the train pulled away from the depot. The crowd Was even larger than on Monday night, showing that our people do not weary of honoring our heroes. The following program was rendered :
Song by the audience, "America."
Maypole drill by twelve, little girls under the direction of Miss Oldershaw.
Address by E. M. Bigelow.
Reading by Mrs. Garner.
Address by Editor C. D. Casper.
Piano duet by Mabel Ericson and Wreatha Farmer.
Address by Rev. McDougall.
Introduction of each man of the contingent to the audience by Chairman J. PI. Steuteville.
"Star Spangled Banner," by the audience.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Each one of the speakers appeared earnestly desirous of giving advice and good cheer to the selected soldiers. Mr. E. M. Bigelow spoke of his own experiences in connection with the militia and regular army, and his talk was along practical lines. He offered some excellent advice and much encouragement to the boys who were entering army life.
Editor Casper spoke of his experience as a soldier of the Civil War, and made a good, sound and effective speech that was well received by the soldiers as well as the audience.
Rev. McDougall made a strongly eloquent plea for the defeat of Germany -- "to her knees" -- which occasioned a strong applause from the assembly. The Reverend also spoke good cheer and encouragement to the recruits.
1508
He offered some excellent advice and much encouragement to the boys who were entering army life.
Editor Casper spoke of his experience as a soldier of the Civil War, and made a good, sound and effective speech that was well received by the soldiers as well as the audience.
Rev. McDougall made a strongly eloquent plea for the defeat of Germany -- "to her knees" -- which occasioned a strong applause from the assembly. The Reverend also spoke good cheer and encouragement to the recruits.
The Red Cross ladies served, refreshments and the people afterwards came forward and took each soldier by the hand and bade him farewell.
This pace was kept up throughout the month of May. when a crowd of citizens gathered at the Essig hall April 29th to bid farewell to another contingent of Morrill county soldiers was a matter of memory.
The first speech of the evening was made by Luther Murphy of Morrill, who is a traveling salesman but who devotes much of his time in speaking at patriotic meetings wherever he has the opportunity. Mr. Murphy is a whirlwind orator and rouses his hearers to the high pitch of enthusiasm maintained by himeslf. He told graphically of the atrocities committed by the Huns, and eulogized the men who were going over to stop the barbarians.
Professor Henri Deschamps, a Frenchman by birth and who has been doing psychological work in Bridgeport for some time, made a very touching address to the soldier boys and told of how France needed them in this hour of peril. The professor spoke feelingly of the French people's love for the American soldiers and closed with a beautiful peroration in farewell to the ones who were to leave for France.
1509
He told graphically of the atrocities committed by the Huns, and eulogized the men who were going over to stop the barbarians.
Professor Henri Deschamps, a Frenchman by birth and who has been doing psychological work in Bridgeport for some time, made a very touching address to the soldier boys and told of how France needed them in this hour of peril. The professor spoke feelingly of the French people's love for the American soldiers and closed with a beautiful peroration in farewell to the ones who were to leave for France.
Attorney G. J. Hunt, chairman of the county council of defense, then delivered an eloquent address which went right to the hearts of all present. Mr. Hunt encouraged and inspired the selected men to a high degree, and left with them the assurance that they were bound to victory which would ultimately bring liberty and democracy to the entire world.
Judge Steuteville closed the program with a forcible talk on the duty of Americans, and especially American housekeepers, in conserving the food which must be had to win the war. The judge was deeply absorbed in his duties as chairman of the county food administration and was using every bit of energy he possessed to encourage people in obeying the food regulations.
The next Wednesday night another meeting was held for the purpose of showing honor to the group of men who were to leave on the train for Camp Logan at 2 :00 a. m., the same night.
1510
Judge Steuteville closed the program with a forcible talk on the duty of Americans, and especially American housekeepers, in conserving the food which must be had to win the war. The judge was deeply absorbed in his duties as chairman of the county food administration and was using every bit of energy he possessed to encourage people in obeying the food regulations.
The next Wednesday night another meeting was held for the purpose of showing honor to the group of men who were to leave on the train for Camp Logan at 2 :00 a. m., the same night.
Many more names were added to the muster roll at a meeting held early in March.
War Work Moving Along
The steady progress of the tenor of war work was marked by so many steps that it is impossible to chronicle all of them in this short review. Just to pause for a moment and glance at a single week in April, 1918, one year after the entrance of our country into this conflict, we find numerous significant marks of the steady progress of this work. At that time, Morrill county was examining men to send another contingent of twelve to Camp Funston at the end of the month. The Food Administration was announcing further stringent rules. The Red Cross knitting department was moving to the back rooms of the First National Bank. The Third Liberty Loan was going strong and Morrill county was headed, in the first five days for that usual mark, "surpassing its quota." A rousing series of patriotic meetings were held on April 7th and 8th at Broadwater and Bayard and Bridgeport with serious patriotic addresses by Hon. W. L. Dowling, of Madison, Nebraska. The United States Boys' Working Reserve was prepared to register every boy between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one for non-military, agricultural and other industrial service outside of school terms.
1511
The Third Liberty Loan was going strong and Morrill county was headed, in the first five days for that usual mark, "surpassing its quota." A rousing series of patriotic meetings were held on April 7th and 8th at Broadwater and Bayard and Bridgeport with serious patriotic addresses by Hon. W. L. Dowling, of Madison, Nebraska. The United States Boys' Working Reserve was prepared to register every boy between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one for non-military, agricultural and other industrial service outside of school terms. The enrolling officers for that work in Morrill county were:
Bridgeport, Agnes fl. Clark.
Northport, Mrs. Effie B. Mann.
Broadwater, Coila E. Etchison.
Bayard, Mabel C. Yensen.
Angora, Amy E. Dyson.
Bridgeport, County Superintendent Kelley.
Thrift Campaign
T. B. Estill of the Nebraska State Bank of Bridgeport was appointed chairman for Morrill county in the campaign of selling Thrift Stamps and War Saving Certificates. The men who were appointed to handle the sale of Morrill county's quota of $117,800 were:
E. L. Case, Angora ; Mark Spanogle. Bridgeport: Ja. Millett, Colver; W. V. Dove. Lynn; N. C. Dunlap, Redington : J. E. LeBlanc, Bridgeport: E. F. Kelley, Bridgeport; Miss Emma Lyon, Bridgeport: C. O. Morrison,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Bayard ; J. R. Minshall, Broadwater ; E. V. Deuer, Broadwater ; Jesse Edson, Northport ; J. E. Parsons, Yockey ; J. L. Finn, Simla ; Miss Mabel Johnson, Bridgeport ; T. B. Estill, chairman, Bridgeport.
Morrill county went over the top on this campaign in March, 1918, and pledged 20 per cent more than her allotted quota, thus doing her full share in helping to make Nebraska the first state in the Union to subscribe its quota. The fifty-two districts o<f the county returned 1,843 subscriptions, with a total subscribed amount of $134,055.00.
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Parsons, Yockey ; J. L. Finn, Simla ; Miss Mabel Johnson, Bridgeport ; T. B. Estill, chairman, Bridgeport.
Morrill county went over the top on this campaign in March, 1918, and pledged 20 per cent more than her allotted quota, thus doing her full share in helping to make Nebraska the first state in the Union to subscribe its quota. The fifty-two districts o<f the county returned 1,843 subscriptions, with a total subscribed amount of $134,055.00.
War Savings Societies
Under the leadership of A. E. Fisher, county director, there were fifty-eight war saving societies in active operation in Morrill county. Whether or not one feels from the retrospective view that is now being taken of this work, whether the war saving stamps or "The Baby Bonds" really fulfilled the mission that it was so sincerely and zealously proclaimed during the war period, that it would, it cannot be doubted but what the societies served a very beneficial purpose. They inculcated into the minds of the people lessons of patriotism and principles of thrift that were worth the effort, and it is probably not amiss that at this point due credit should be given to those who assumed the responsibility of these organizations.
September, 1918, Registers Thursday, September 12, 1918, was another historic day in the United States. On that day the nucleus of a new national army was formed, when every man between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, inclusive, except the men who had theretofore registered, came to the polls and tentatively offered themselves to the service of their country and humanity.
1513
They inculcated into the minds of the people lessons of patriotism and principles of thrift that were worth the effort, and it is probably not amiss that at this point due credit should be given to those who assumed the responsibility of these organizations.
September, 1918, Registers Thursday, September 12, 1918, was another historic day in the United States. On that day the nucleus of a new national army was formed, when every man between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, inclusive, except the men who had theretofore registered, came to the polls and tentatively offered themselves to the service of their country and humanity.
Fourth Liberty Loan Campaign
The Fourth Liberty Loan campaign came under way in September. A rousing meeting was held at the court house on September 15th, to arrange for the opening of the campaign on September 28th.
Women workers were chosen to assist in the fourth liberty loan.
The county's quota for this loan was $311,- 250.00.
A contingent of thirty-one men left Bridgeport on July 22d. Instead of the usual reception, the program was changed that time and the ladies of the Red Cross conducted canteen service at the park near the depot for a few hours preceding the departure of these boys.
Lieutenant William Ritchie, Jr., came home
in July on a short leave of absence from Camp Dodge, Iowa. Lieutenant H. R. Van Home then assigned to a command in Headquarters Company of trench mortars, 136th Infantry, at Camp Cody, arrived for a short visit. He reported that Charles Gadd was then first sergeant of Company F, 109th Engineers, and soon expected to enter an officers' training school. Donald Merritt, of Broadwater, was serving as a battalion sergeant major.
1514
Lieutenant William Ritchie, Jr., came home
in July on a short leave of absence from Camp Dodge, Iowa. Lieutenant H. R. Van Home then assigned to a command in Headquarters Company of trench mortars, 136th Infantry, at Camp Cody, arrived for a short visit. He reported that Charles Gadd was then first sergeant of Company F, 109th Engineers, and soon expected to enter an officers' training school. Donald Merritt, of Broadwater, was serving as a battalion sergeant major.
Rev. McDougall sent in his application for chaplain in the army. W. E. Kirby made application for Y. M. C. A. work. A farewell banquet was tendered on July 13th to Attorney F. E. Williams, the occasion being the approaching time he was to depart for Y. M. C. A. work in France.
Four-Minute Men Under the leadership of Dr. F. S. Copeland, the four minute men of Morrill county performed that unique service that this organization brought to the general public. The four minute speech was something new in the way of public speaking, by which a good ten or fifteen minute talk had eight to eleven minutes taken off and its four minute climax delivered, proved to be a wonderful patriotism aroused. Those men who stood so loyally by Chairman Copeland in Bridgeport were : fudge G. J. Hunt, Judge J. H. Steuteville, R. E. Barrett, K. W. McDonald, Rev. McDougall, F. E. Williams, County Agent H. A. McComb, and L. G. Hurd.
Morrill County Bar
It is doubtful if any county in the United States that possessed at the beginning of the great world war a bar composed of more than two or three active practicing attorneys, can show a record that excels that of the Morrill County bar. At the opening of the war, there were eleven members of this bar. including County Judge Steuteville, who was not very actively engaged in the practice, and excluding two or three attorneys who came into the county near the conclusion of this war or thereabouts.
1515
It is doubtful if any county in the United States that possessed at the beginning of the great world war a bar composed of more than two or three active practicing attorneys, can show a record that excels that of the Morrill County bar. At the opening of the war, there were eleven members of this bar. including County Judge Steuteville, who was not very actively engaged in the practice, and excluding two or three attorneys who came into the county near the conclusion of this war or thereabouts. Of the eleven practicing at the beginning of the war, seven of these lawyers, or about seventy per cent of this bar left their clientele and their offices, which furnished their means and livelihood, to enter the service of their country. William Ritchie. Jr.. C. G. Perrv, Thos. F. Neighbors, George Irwin, Yale H. Cavatt and Charles Mantz, all left to enter military service. F. E. Williams went into over-seas service as a Y. M. C. A. worker. Of these remaining at home were Judge G. |. Hunt, K. W. McDonald. Judge J." II. Steute-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ville, Fred I. Nichols and after his arrival, Judge L. G. Hard. It has been noted that these men devoted the major portion of their time during the war period to the success of the work of the Council of Defense, Red Cross, Liberty Loans, Food and Fuel Administration, four minute men and other war activities.
The Armistice Following the close of the Fourth Liberty Loan, the war work went on during October at the usual pace, until about the middle of the month, when the influenza epidemic which was sweeping the country at that time made its appearance in various parts of this county. It became necessary for the Board of Health, the Board of Education, the Council of Defense and the City Council to consider ways and means, resulting in an order closing all public gatherings during part of that month.
1516
The Armistice Following the close of the Fourth Liberty Loan, the war work went on during October at the usual pace, until about the middle of the month, when the influenza epidemic which was sweeping the country at that time made its appearance in various parts of this county. It became necessary for the Board of Health, the Board of Education, the Council of Defense and the City Council to consider ways and means, resulting in an order closing all public gatherings during part of that month. Before this epidemic had abated and on the eve of the departure of a large contingent of Morrill county's sons, came the welcome news of the signing of the Armistice. Morrill county tore loose all bonds of restraint and indulged in a celebration of the happiest day of its history.
War Work Drive
The last drive was the United War Work Drive of the seven united agencies of service and mercy which was in progress at the time of the Armistice. The status of this drive early in December was as follows :
Bayard $ 7,125.50
Union 298.00
Bonner 270.00
Yockev 67.50
Court House Rock 330.50
Broadwater 673.00
Camp Clark 1,500.00
Eastwood 456.21
Wier-Lisco 262.50
Goodstreak 84.50
Hickerv 55.00
Storm Lake 370.00
Redington 316.00
King 50.00
Haynes 312.25
Total for county $12,170.96
Victory Loan
The Fifth or Victory Loan campaign was planned in May, 1919. The quotas of the precincts was fixed by townships as follows :
Bayard $92,000.00
Bonner 7.500.00
Broadwater 17,000.00
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The status of this drive early in December was as follows :
Bayard $ 7,125.50
Union 298.00
Bonner 270.00
Yockev 67.50
Court House Rock 330.50
Broadwater 673.00
Camp Clark 1,500.00
Eastwood 456.21
Wier-Lisco 262.50
Goodstreak 84.50
Hickerv 55.00
Storm Lake 370.00
Redington 316.00
King 50.00
Haynes 312.25
Total for county $12,170.96
Victory Loan
The Fifth or Victory Loan campaign was planned in May, 1919. The quotas of the precincts was fixed by townships as follows :
Bayard $92,000.00
Bonner 7.500.00
Broadwater 17,000.00
Camp Clark 38,000.00
Court House Rock 10.000.00
Eastwood 14.000.0C
Gilchrist 12,500.00
Haynes 13,000.00
Good Streak 5.500.00
King 6,500.00
Redington 19,000.00
Reilly Hill 7,000.00
Storm Lake 8,500.00
Union 8,000.00
Weir-Lisco 11,000.00
Yockey 11,500.00
Local Exemption Board Passed Into History
The local exemption board, that was the center of interest as well as the storm center for public opinion a few years ago, performed the final acts of shipping its reports to the war department at Washington, March 28, 1919, and disposed of the government property it had been using. The members were formally discharged in the spring of 1919. No more difficult or unpleasant task could be placed on any body of men than the one that was carried through so successfully by the members of the exemption board of the county. They were compelled to take men from their families and relatives, and place them on the firing line of death. Women deluged the board with protesting tears, and men with angry remonstrance and, in some cases, threats. The board stood firm through it all and cut through like a knife -- fairly and impartially, as nearly as they could with hastily assembled facts, sometimes presented in a partial manner. Mistakes may have been made for all men are human.
1518
They were compelled to take men from their families and relatives, and place them on the firing line of death. Women deluged the board with protesting tears, and men with angry remonstrance and, in some cases, threats. The board stood firm through it all and cut through like a knife -- fairly and impartially, as nearly as they could with hastily assembled facts, sometimes presented in a partial manner. Mistakes may have been made for all men are human.
Now, that nothing is left of the organization but a memory, it should be a grateful memory of three men who did their duty Well -- Dr. Palmer, Professor Copeland, and Sheriff Dyson.
Memorial Welcome
A gala and memorial occasion for Morrill county was the celebration in May, 1919. when the returned soldiers and sailors captured Bridgeport. The Nczcs-Blade described this occasion in part :
A small army of returned soldiers and sailors descended upon this city Tuesday and completely captured the place. Everything was turned over to them without question, for it was impossible to resist such an) army of heroes as those who marched gallantly through our streets. They were conquering heroes indeed, and theirs was the right to take what they saw fit. They were the most delightful
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
captors in the world, and. if what they said may be taken to be true, they never took such a pleasing bunch of captives as our citizens proved to be.
The big "welcome home" was everything it should have been. Flags were flying everywhere, inspiring band music stirred our people to a greater exhibition of patriotism, a magnificent program had been fully arranged and was carried out so that the guests of honor were being entertained every minute from noon to midnight. The banquet was one of the finest ever given in the city, and. best of all, our heroes entered into the spirit of the occasion and enjoyed everything thoroughly, from the beginning of the big parade to the last waltz at the hall.
1519
Flags were flying everywhere, inspiring band music stirred our people to a greater exhibition of patriotism, a magnificent program had been fully arranged and was carried out so that the guests of honor were being entertained every minute from noon to midnight. The banquet was one of the finest ever given in the city, and. best of all, our heroes entered into the spirit of the occasion and enjoyed everything thoroughly, from the beginning of the big parade to the last waltz at the hall.
The parade at two o'clock was headed by the Bayard brass band, and the compliments that were expressed to the band were many. The home guards acted as escort to the returned soldiers and sailors. As the company of returned heroes came marching down the street, in. full uniform, and with their swinging military gait and splendidly erect bearing, they were applauded by the great crowds that lined our streets, to the echo. They were followed in the procession by ladies of the Red Cross, also in uniform, boy scouts, a long procession of school children, several civic organizations, and citizens in automobiles. The parade disbanded at the opera house, where the afternoon program was to be rendered but only a small fraction of the crowd could get into the building and the seats were given over mostly to the ladies.
A couple of hours were spent in hearing the program, when Captain Willis dismissed the audience so that they might have an opportunity to see a war tank that was being paraded through the streets. The tank was one that had been used in the Victory loan drive in Wyoming, and was being shipped back to Kansas City on a fiat car. Chairman Spanogle was apprised by telegram of its coming, and was told that the driver of the tank could not be present, but the people were invited to view it on the car.
1520
A couple of hours were spent in hearing the program, when Captain Willis dismissed the audience so that they might have an opportunity to see a war tank that was being paraded through the streets. The tank was one that had been used in the Victory loan drive in Wyoming, and was being shipped back to Kansas City on a fiat car. Chairman Spanogle was apprised by telegram of its coming, and was told that the driver of the tank could not be present, but the people were invited to view it on the car. This didn't suit the soldier boys, so they charged the tank and soon had the beast at their mercy. It was hauled by willing hands from its resting place on the car. the engine was started up, the tank was driven through the streets and the machine guns were turned loose with blank catridges to give the people an idea of what tank warfare was at the battle front. The tank had seen considerable service at the battle front in France, and had many dents in it from hard nosed bullets that had been used in vain by
the ones whom it had attacked. It was painted in various colors, as a camouflage, and was one of the most interesting things of the day. Mark Spanogle, district chairman of the Victory loan organization, mounted it and made a short speech in which he urged the people to take the loan over the top as the tank had gone over the top so many times.
1521
The tank had seen considerable service at the battle front in France, and had many dents in it from hard nosed bullets that had been used in vain by
the ones whom it had attacked. It was painted in various colors, as a camouflage, and was one of the most interesting things of the day. Mark Spanogle, district chairman of the Victory loan organization, mounted it and made a short speech in which he urged the people to take the loan over the top as the tank had gone over the top so many times.
At six o'clock the guests were conducted to the Odd Fellows hall where a banquet was tendered them. This was perhaps the most elaborate part of the program, being prepared and served by the Bridgeport woman's club, of which Mrs. W. H. Gustafson is president. Rev. King returned thanks, and Rev. Mathews delivered a number of anecdotes from his iarge stock. The male quintet entertained with several songs, and the soldiers returned the compliment by singing trench songs and patriotic selections with which they had whiled away the long hours in the army. Short addresses were also made by Lieutenant T. F. Neighbors of this city and Mr. Kennedy of Bayard. The guests we're very liberal in their thanks and remarks of appreciation of the spread.
Immediately after the banquet the men of honor were reconducted to the opera house where the Bridgeport Comedy company was ready to renew their entertainment. The evening program began with an overture by the Bavard band, followed by a reading by Mabel Ericson entitled, "Minnie at the Movies." Miss Ericson's work is entitled to much credit, and she was trongly applauded. The band filled in the intermission with a number of selections, and then the comedy company presented the one-act comedy entitled, "Foiled by Heck !" It was a forty minute play, and each one of the participants is deserving of special mention which lack of space forbids.
1522
The evening program began with an overture by the Bavard band, followed by a reading by Mabel Ericson entitled, "Minnie at the Movies." Miss Ericson's work is entitled to much credit, and she was trongly applauded. The band filled in the intermission with a number of selections, and then the comedy company presented the one-act comedy entitled, "Foiled by Heck !" It was a forty minute play, and each one of the participants is deserving of special mention which lack of space forbids. The manbers of the company are Professor F. S. Copeland, Mrs. F. S. Copeland, Reatha Farmer, Mabel Ericson, Elsie Riddle, Wesley W. Rogers and Eugene LeBlanc. Mrs. Copeland was taken seriouslv ill, and her part was well taken by Miss Farmer, the latter's part being filled by Elsie Riddle.
Home Guards Demobilize
One of the strongest factors in patriotic Americanism during "the war passed into history lanuarv 16, 1920, with the demobilization of 'the Bridgeport home guards. The guards were organized on March 1, 1918, and not only drilled faithfully and continuously in the manual of arms, but they kept the morale of our citizens high during the struggle of the world for independence.
Invitations were sent out a few days before,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
to the members of the company and several of their friends, requesting them to appear at the opera house the evening of January 16, for demobilization exercises. About eighty-five people assembled at the opera house and held one of the most delightful social events that have ever been held in the city of Bridgeport.
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The guards were organized on March 1, 1918, and not only drilled faithfully and continuously in the manual of arms, but they kept the morale of our citizens high during the struggle of the world for independence.
Invitations were sent out a few days before,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
to the members of the company and several of their friends, requesting them to appear at the opera house the evening of January 16, for demobilization exercises. About eighty-five people assembled at the opera house and held one of the most delightful social events that have ever been held in the city of Bridgeport.
Tables were set on the stage and a spread was served, immediately after which responses to the toasts were given. The guards who responded to the toasts proved that they were orators as well as soldiers. Captain W. H. Willis acted as toastmaster. Private Estill gave the toast, "Fall in ;" Sergeant Bayles gave, "At Ease ;" First Lieutenant Rogers gave, "Forward. March!" First Sergeant Morris gave "Company Dismissal." There were also read letters from Chaplain McDougall and Private Deulen, who were absent:
After the banquet Captain Willis presented to each member of the company an honorable discharge from service and the gun and equipment that had been used by the members while in service. The arm and equipment becomes the property of the discharged members, and will be a valued souvenir of his service in the home guards.
Following is the final roll call of the Bridgeport home guards :
1524
March!" First Sergeant Morris gave "Company Dismissal." There were also read letters from Chaplain McDougall and Private Deulen, who were absent:
After the banquet Captain Willis presented to each member of the company an honorable discharge from service and the gun and equipment that had been used by the members while in service. The arm and equipment becomes the property of the discharged members, and will be a valued souvenir of his service in the home guards.
Following is the final roll call of the Bridgeport home guards :
Honor Roll Officers: Captain, W. H. Willis; First Lieutenant, W. W. Rogers ; Second Lieutenant, Frank Hedglin ; First Sergeant, Ed. Morris ; Sergeant, Henry Payne ; Quartermaster Sergeant, Rov Harshman ; Chaplain. Rev. George McDougall; Chaplain, Rev. H. C. Matthews ; Color Sergeant, Carl Bayles ; Sergeant, Glen Porter; Corporal, R. Richardson; Corporal, W. T. Jones, Jr. ; Corporal, Andy Michael ; Corporal, George Crick ; Corporal, F. S. Copeland ; Bugler, Clay Lee; Secretary, Z. H. Jones ; Privates, Albert Dugger, George Cope, Ralph Riddle, Joe Humpal, Monte Farris, Don Duelen, Bob Estill, Leslie Hascall, Howard Burke, Herbert Haines, Earl Steuteville. Jesse Payne, J. H. Steuteville, Clarence Gregg, Arthur Ishmeal, Edgar Clark, Alex Scott, Ernest Michael. Howard Kilburn, Earl Ishmael, Fred DeGraw, E. B. Newkirk, Melvin Long, Ivol Thostesen, Ora Vannater, Jesse Young, Eloyd Smith, Arthur Erickson, Howard Anderson, H. O. Turner, Orvil Kortz, O. W. Wells, Marvin McCole, Otis Peer, I,. E. Hoffman, P. C. Chandler.
War Memorial Association Organized A county organization of the Nebraska War Memorial association was perfected June 11,
1525
Jones ; Privates, Albert Dugger, George Cope, Ralph Riddle, Joe Humpal, Monte Farris, Don Duelen, Bob Estill, Leslie Hascall, Howard Burke, Herbert Haines, Earl Steuteville. Jesse Payne, J. H. Steuteville, Clarence Gregg, Arthur Ishmeal, Edgar Clark, Alex Scott, Ernest Michael. Howard Kilburn, Earl Ishmael, Fred DeGraw, E. B. Newkirk, Melvin Long, Ivol Thostesen, Ora Vannater, Jesse Young, Eloyd Smith, Arthur Erickson, Howard Anderson, H. O. Turner, Orvil Kortz, O. W. Wells, Marvin McCole, Otis Peer, I,. E. Hoffman, P. C. Chandler.
War Memorial Association Organized A county organization of the Nebraska War Memorial association was perfected June 11,
1920, at a meeting held in Bridgeport. It was decided that Morrill county was to go over the top with her quota for the state memorial just as she went over the top with all of the Liberty loans and Red Cross drives. E. F. Morris was selected as county chairman, and he immediately appointed E. M. Bigelow as county secretary. W. E. Guthrie was selected as county team chairman, and his duty was to organize the precinct teams for the drive. Arthur Erickson was chosen as county treasurer, and the association was ready for the big drive. List of Men in the Service of the United
States as Shown on the Records of
the Local Board for Morrill
County, Bridgeport, Neb.
June, 1917, Registration
Ashby, Harry H., Anderson, Grif A., Anderson, Arthur C, Amsberry, Earl T., Anderson, Walter D., Amsberry, Louis F., Anderson, Raymond, Anderson, William L.. Andrews, Ira G., Allen, Lee, Acker, Albert A., Ackerman, William P., Aspden, Raymond W., Brines, John W., Berwick, Fred, Brumm, George H., Booker, Robert L., Burry, Charles, Blackburn, Ira, Blackstock, Aubrey F., Bankson, Everrett C, Booras, Peter, Bauer. Carl, Bergman, Edward, Biester, Leo J., Buckner, Emanuel F., Burrows, Glen C, Bollerup, Christian A., Beatty, Harley, Berend.
1526
Ashby, Harry H., Anderson, Grif A., Anderson, Arthur C, Amsberry, Earl T., Anderson, Walter D., Amsberry, Louis F., Anderson, Raymond, Anderson, William L.. Andrews, Ira G., Allen, Lee, Acker, Albert A., Ackerman, William P., Aspden, Raymond W., Brines, John W., Berwick, Fred, Brumm, George H., Booker, Robert L., Burry, Charles, Blackburn, Ira, Blackstock, Aubrey F., Bankson, Everrett C, Booras, Peter, Bauer. Carl, Bergman, Edward, Biester, Leo J., Buckner, Emanuel F., Burrows, Glen C, Bollerup, Christian A., Beatty, Harley, Berend. Louis C, Bray, James N., Beaver, Earnest V., Bodry, Warren D., Becker, Roscoe H., Brown, William V., Brennan, Frank, Bailey, Paul S., Brown, Robert E-, Boodry, David E., Brinkman, Albert, Buckles, Chester E., Barr, Leonard R., Barberis, Aberham, Bankson, Amos S., Clouse, Frank, Cook, Leonard, Cavett. Yale H., Colburn, Clarence L., Childs, Fred F., Cleveland, Robert E., Colyer, David C. Chambers, Raymond L., Chambers, Allen S., Collins, Cassius A., Comstock, Jacob G., Chesebro, Ray F., Carter, Chester E., Chambers, Frank W., Cherrington, Homer F., Chapman, Raymond C, Coulter, Lester R., Clark, George C.'Clure, LeRoy S.. Childs, Frank E., Curtis. Elbert, Coulter, Bernice R., Crandall, Jerry A.. Castellow, Theodore, Colwick, William C, Chapman, Ralph D., Cade. Clarke H., Capron. Albert M., Clark, Harold E., Church, James A., Cain, Edward A., DeArmond, Clarence A., Brescher, Roy R., Dibbles, Herbert O., Daugherty. Jerry W., Determan, Edward, Dushole, Edward F., Dockrell, Gage W., Daugherty, Orange J., McDermott, George, Deines, Carl A., Dudderar, Russel A., Dean, Guy L., Enes, Raymond. Elder, Tim, Freeman, Charles W., Foster, William E., Fassiot, Antonio M., Ferris, Charles E., Faulkner, William R., Franzen,
1527
Castellow, Theodore, Colwick, William C, Chapman, Ralph D., Cade. Clarke H., Capron. Albert M., Clark, Harold E., Church, James A., Cain, Edward A., DeArmond, Clarence A., Brescher, Roy R., Dibbles, Herbert O., Daugherty. Jerry W., Determan, Edward, Dushole, Edward F., Dockrell, Gage W., Daugherty, Orange J., McDermott, George, Deines, Carl A., Dudderar, Russel A., Dean, Guy L., Enes, Raymond. Elder, Tim, Freeman, Charles W., Foster, William E., Fassiot, Antonio M., Ferris, Charles E., Faulkner, William R., Franzen,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Carl F., Funk, Elmer H., Friend, Joseph A., Gebauer, Paul G., Grimpe, Fred A., Gibson, Leonard O., Goll, Edward L., Graham, Donald A., Gies, Henry, Guard, Edward W., Goff, Charles H., Going, William L., Gillespie, Alva L., Gardner, Charles H., Gill, Carl P., Herzberg. Carl B., Hunt, Col. E., Hutchinson, Forest H., Hall, Asa M., Hoffman, Lester E., Hanway, Robert R., Herzog, William. Henderson, Paul C, Henderson, Dorris L., Hildreth, Roy N., Hutsell, Loyd E., Herzberg, John B., Herzberg. Herman, Hansen, Guy J., Harms, George M., Hunt, Carson A., Houck, William A., Hughes, Leon D.. Humphrey, Fred W., Hunt, John E.. Hannah, Charles, Irwin, George W.. Julian, Frank J.. Johnson, August W., Johnson, George F.. Jarrett, Herman,, Jones, Frank W., Jones, Arleigh, Jones, Lawrence R., Johnson, Clarence, John, Roy, Jines, Flector, Kinney, Harry E., Kleich, Emil, Kennedy, lames D., Kellev, Robert E., Kirby, John W., Kittell, Willard J.. Kolar. Frank L., Kenzie, James E., Klemke, Alfred E., King, Martin, Klemke, Erich H., Kolzow, George F., Kyle, Earl. Krupp, Charles B., Koonce, Dwight B., Kunzie, George, Kirk, Arthur, Longcor, Oscar F., Lehman, Eles E., Lister, James, Longan, Frank E., Laing, Victor K., Logan, Fred B., Lane, Edmund L., Leonard, Mark H., Lincoln, Elery R., LeBlanc, Ernest L., Lamberson, Charles A., Lane, Wade H., Ladegard, William. Miefort, Frank M., Miksell, Joseph H..
1528
Jarrett, Herman,, Jones, Frank W., Jones, Arleigh, Jones, Lawrence R., Johnson, Clarence, John, Roy, Jines, Flector, Kinney, Harry E., Kleich, Emil, Kennedy, lames D., Kellev, Robert E., Kirby, John W., Kittell, Willard J.. Kolar. Frank L., Kenzie, James E., Klemke, Alfred E., King, Martin, Klemke, Erich H., Kolzow, George F., Kyle, Earl. Krupp, Charles B., Koonce, Dwight B., Kunzie, George, Kirk, Arthur, Longcor, Oscar F., Lehman, Eles E., Lister, James, Longan, Frank E., Laing, Victor K., Logan, Fred B., Lane, Edmund L., Leonard, Mark H., Lincoln, Elery R., LeBlanc, Ernest L., Lamberson, Charles A., Lane, Wade H., Ladegard, William. Miefort, Frank M., Miksell, Joseph H.. Mittelsteadt, Tohn M., Martine, Manuel, Miller. William, McGee, Keith E., McAlear, Carl, Massoglia, Frank, McDole, Mack, Mair, Glen W.. Mrkvicka, Charley, Miller. Orvil A., Morrill, Toe M., Miller, William L.. Mays, Daniel A., Miller, Curtis M., Morrill, Glen M., McCracken, William L., McEwan, Elmer, Moore, Robert B., Mantz, Charles A., Miller, Lloyd M., Matson, William H., McFall, Rolla R., Merritt, Walter D., Merritt, Don J., Miller, Reuben A., Mildexter, Lee, McCracken, Edward, McLaughlin, Lee V., Mead, Frank M., Mercer, Walter L., Nunn, Jesse L., Nieghbors, Thomas F., Nies, Albert H., Newkirk, Allen M., Nunn, Joseph W., Norris, Emest H., Olin, Glen S., Osborne. Dean H., Perryman, John L.. Jr., Payne, Lee A., Parachini, Charles, Pearson, John C., Perry Claibourne G, Payne, James L., Peck, Maurice M., Pearson, Ralph, Parriott, Delbert, Price, Ray, Palmer, Lee O., Pfeiffer, Carl W., Parkhurst, William, Roberts, Perry W. L., Ruby, Clarke E., Rodriguez, Juan, Rodgers, David A., Ridge, Forrest, Ring, Otto W., Ross, James M., Rowen, Carl F., Reynolds. James P., Reitnour, Fern A., Reisch, Joseph F.. Reed, Frank E., Robinson, Frank L., Rasmussen, Thomas D., Roark, Robert B.,
1529
Jr., Payne, Lee A., Parachini, Charles, Pearson, John C., Perry Claibourne G, Payne, James L., Peck, Maurice M., Pearson, Ralph, Parriott, Delbert, Price, Ray, Palmer, Lee O., Pfeiffer, Carl W., Parkhurst, William, Roberts, Perry W. L., Ruby, Clarke E., Rodriguez, Juan, Rodgers, David A., Ridge, Forrest, Ring, Otto W., Ross, James M., Rowen, Carl F., Reynolds. James P., Reitnour, Fern A., Reisch, Joseph F.. Reed, Frank E., Robinson, Frank L., Rasmussen, Thomas D., Roark, Robert B.,
Rivers, Lawrence E., Rayburn, James F., Ritchie, William, Jr., Russell, Fred J., Rice, Grover C, Ray, Julius E., Rakich, Steve, Sixberry, Henry, Smith, Harry E., Short, Arthur E.. Smith, David W., Skala, Charles G, Strauss, Jack A., Simpson, Bird R., Smith, Harold E., Sedman, Colin C., Schwab, Harold J., Smith, Stephen E., Snyder, Neville S., Smith, William R., Shoopmann, Elzie, Shoemaker, Arthur G, Siebold, Philip H., Sturgeon, Philo C, Stone, Fred W., Sorenson, Roy P., Snedeker, Albert G., Snyder, Walter A., Speitzen, Henry T., Steimel, Norman C, Stoner, Wallace D., Scott, Philip R., Smith, Earl G., Smith J,oseph L. B., Smith, Albert, Snider, Jesse M., Thompson, William, Tucker, Alva A.. Tyteca, Albert J., Todd, Clyde E., Tinsley, William A., Terry, Leonard C, Thomas, John F., Tinsley, Bert G.. Thompkins. Raymond E., Underwood, Frank W., Vorhees, Edson A., •Van Deventer, Forde M., Van Horn, Robert A., Van Horn. Harry R., Warren, Ralph W., Walter, John J., Whetstine, Sherman, Wesley, Charles, Wilson, James C, Weaver, Turner, Walden, Emmet R., Waggerby, Prince W., Wilson. Harry E., Waite, Cecil, Wedell, Jesse P., Weber, Fred, Wilcox, Sherman, Welton, George W., Jr., Werber, Carl T„ Watson, Lucien C, Wilken, William J., Walsworth, Henry J., Winegar, Guy L., Wright, Frank L., Weaver, John 6., Washburn, Herschel, Wise, Velmi L." Walter, Charles O., Zeller, John V., Zeller, Ellis R., Yates, Raymond.
1530
Harry R., Warren, Ralph W., Walter, John J., Whetstine, Sherman, Wesley, Charles, Wilson, James C, Weaver, Turner, Walden, Emmet R., Waggerby, Prince W., Wilson. Harry E., Waite, Cecil, Wedell, Jesse P., Weber, Fred, Wilcox, Sherman, Welton, George W., Jr., Werber, Carl T„ Watson, Lucien C, Wilken, William J., Walsworth, Henry J., Winegar, Guy L., Wright, Frank L., Weaver, John 6., Washburn, Herschel, Wise, Velmi L." Walter, Charles O., Zeller, John V., Zeller, Ellis R., Yates, Raymond.
Registratiton of June, 1918 Ortman. Glen L., Mills, Alva M., Murray, Kirk, Standish, Glen, Thomas, William A., Waitman, Bran J., Wasser, Milan D.
Registration of September, 1918 S. A. T. C. Atkins, Auburn H., Cocke, Robert D., Erickson, Tohn A., Gibbs, Lloyd T., Hahn, Reuben E., Hughes, Dwight O., Herron, Charles H., Johnson, David G, Schuetz. Phillip H., Stockwell, James A.
Honor Roll One of the regrettable features of history writing is the difficulty in securing accurate data. In the great war, for instance, many Morrill county boys enlisted and some were voluntarily inducted in the various camps. The names of the boys who enlisted are not in the list of those inducted by the draft. Some of them have been accredited to other towns and counties. Yet they were Morrill county boys. One friendly assistant in the county gave us a
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
list according to his recollection. We asked the assistance of three others that we thought were in position and would be anxious to assist us. One entirely neglected our letter. Another turned it entirely over to the third who wrote us one of the most disheartening letters we have received. However, the following made the supreme sacrifice: Jess N. Snider, Broadwater, died in France ; James Leonard Payne, died in France; Roy Johnson, Bridgeport, died at Chateau Thierry, July 15, 1918; Earl Berry, lost in Argonne Forest, died working a machine gun, upon whom was conferred the distinguished service medal after his death ; Forrest Ridge, Redington, died in France; Elmer Cheeney, Redington, died in France ;
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Another turned it entirely over to the third who wrote us one of the most disheartening letters we have received. However, the following made the supreme sacrifice: Jess N. Snider, Broadwater, died in France ; James Leonard Payne, died in France; Roy Johnson, Bridgeport, died at Chateau Thierry, July 15, 1918; Earl Berry, lost in Argonne Forest, died working a machine gun, upon whom was conferred the distinguished service medal after his death ; Forrest Ridge, Redington, died in France; Elmer Cheeney, Redington, died in France ;
Frank M. Meifort and Joseph h. B. Smith, Bayard, two chums who went forth together ; one died at Funston and the other of wounds in France; Edward A. Cain, Lisco, died in camp ; Wallace D. Stoner, Angora, died ; William E. Foster, totally blinded, and has since died ; Earl Amsbury, died at Bayard, since return home after being mustered out.
There may have been others whose names will be given down to posterity and time cdong with those who gave so much wlv'le others who gave less are reluctantly doing homage to the boys who gave their all.
These names were given by Rev. S. H. King in his Memorial Day address of 1920.
SHERIDAN COUNTY
HOW WE BEGAN
The periods of county building and community building are distinctive, and each an epoch unto itself. Each has its own peculiar attributes, its peoples, and its dragons to slay. The great plains region has a similarity in some respects, but each subdivision, county, community or town has its own environment, and its own human as well as its wild elements to consider. Truly as related in the blanket history, the fact that Coronado and the Spanish adventurers came into the north from Mexico before Marchioness le Pompadour sent Mallett brothers and Verendrye into the west, is of vast importance to western Nebraska.
1532
Each has its own peculiar attributes, its peoples, and its dragons to slay. The great plains region has a similarity in some respects, but each subdivision, county, community or town has its own environment, and its own human as well as its wild elements to consider. Truly as related in the blanket history, the fact that Coronado and the Spanish adventurers came into the north from Mexico before Marchioness le Pompadour sent Mallett brothers and Verendrye into the west, is of vast importance to western Nebraska.
This, however, is not of such interest to Sheridan county, as it is to the counties where irrigation is a larger element of progress.
Sheridan county participated in the epochs of taming the wilderness, which were common to all of western Nebraska. It had its trappers a century ago, and the Indian wars of a half century past, and later, its period when cattlemen were kings. It also had its lean years of the nineties, and now its extraordinary period of success. The story of trappers, and wars, and cattlemen are told in the blanket history of the Panhandle, incorporated in this volume, and this part of the narrative begins with the settlements of the grangers.
Sometimes it is "the period of liquidation" which charitable and apologetic people use to tell of legalized highway robbery, that drives people into the west and sometimes it is sickness in its various forms that inspires "a change of climate." And sometimes it is the natural spirit of the pioneer, and again it may be the hope of owning a home.
1533
The story of trappers, and wars, and cattlemen are told in the blanket history of the Panhandle, incorporated in this volume, and this part of the narrative begins with the settlements of the grangers.
Sometimes it is "the period of liquidation" which charitable and apologetic people use to tell of legalized highway robbery, that drives people into the west and sometimes it is sickness in its various forms that inspires "a change of climate." And sometimes it is the natural spirit of the pioneer, and again it may be the hope of owning a home.
The thing that first "broke the ice" for Sheridan county was the "change of climate desire." There was no Sheridan county then. It was a part of Sioux county. One by one the counties were being carved out of the east section of a great territory called Sioux county, which had no county organization, and which was attached to Cheyenne county for administrative, judicial and taxation purposes. The railroad had reached Valentine, and Judge Tucker was the United State Commissioner located at that point.
Judge Tucker was back in the blue grass state at the Louisville exposition. At the hotel at which he tarried he met Rev. John A. Scamahorn, a sufferer from stomach troubles and complications to the extent that the doctors had recommended a "change of climate."
Judge Tucker was always an enthusiast for Nebraska, and told in glowing terms a story of the paradise of the west. He found Reverend Scamahorn a ready listener, and assured him that northwestern Nebraska was the most salubrious climate in the world. Scamahorn was from a malarial section of Indiana, and a number of his neighbors were with him. and all became interested in the new Mecca of the great northwest.
1534
Scamahorn, a sufferer from stomach troubles and complications to the extent that the doctors had recommended a "change of climate."
Judge Tucker was always an enthusiast for Nebraska, and told in glowing terms a story of the paradise of the west. He found Reverend Scamahorn a ready listener, and assured him that northwestern Nebraska was the most salubrious climate in the world. Scamahorn was from a malarial section of Indiana, and a number of his neighbors were with him. and all became interested in the new Mecca of the great northwest.
That autumn, the year of 1883, six or seven of them determined to come out and look it over. While here they ate so hearty and slept so well that they were assured it was indeed a healthful climate, and they returned with glowing reports. During the winter a party of 104 was made up to come west into the wilderness. On March 20, 1884, they left Sullivan, Indiana, ■.chartering cars to Valentine, and: bringing along their stock, horses, cows, farm machinery, and household effects.
Necessary funds were a concern to many of them, and not the least of these was Rev. Scamahorn. He had a cow, a hog, two old horses, and sixty dollars in money. Not enough for carfare for himself and wife, but he managed to arrange to go as caretaker of one of the cars, and that gave him free passage, while the money enabled the wife to travel with the others.
.Mrs. Scamahorn, who still lives (1921) at Gordon, had in her Indiana home a new, upholstered parlor set, which she felt she would
1535
He had a cow, a hog, two old horses, and sixty dollars in money. Not enough for carfare for himself and wife, but he managed to arrange to go as caretaker of one of the cars, and that gave him free passage, while the money enabled the wife to travel with the others.
.Mrs. Scamahorn, who still lives (1921) at Gordon, had in her Indiana home a new, upholstered parlor set, which she felt she would
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
not need in her western home. A young lady of her home town was about to be married, and she was the owner of a full blood Holstein cow. Mrs. Scamahorn and the young lady met and talked tilings over with the result that the cow was added to the Scamahorn possessions, and the furniture went into the home of the bride to be. Mr. Scamahorn managed also to secure a yoke of oxen in place of his old team. The colony went into camp at Valentine, until they could make their land entries, Valentine still being the terminus of the railroad in March, 1884. From here they made their overland trip to near where Gordon now stands and here most of them made their permanent abiding place. Mr. Scamahorn drove the oxen, which being slower than horses, gave him and his wife much of the drive alone, but usually at night they would overtake the balance of the party, for while the others had to put up tents and make down beds, their bed was in the wagon.
1536
The colony went into camp at Valentine, until they could make their land entries, Valentine still being the terminus of the railroad in March, 1884. From here they made their overland trip to near where Gordon now stands and here most of them made their permanent abiding place. Mr. Scamahorn drove the oxen, which being slower than horses, gave him and his wife much of the drive alone, but usually at night they would overtake the balance of the party, for while the others had to put up tents and make down beds, their bed was in the wagon.
The prairie had been swept by a prairie fire, and no grass was to be found except in gulches and creek bottoms. The barrels of feed that they had brought along soured and neither the cow nor the oxen would eat it, so their anxiety was first concerning the shortage of ration for their stock. One day they stopped at a little sod house by the way, to see if they could get some feed, but the woman of the house when she saw a woman in the wagon ran out crying and screaming, and begged her to come in. Her baby was sick, and she feared it was going to die. Her greatest lament was that it had never been baptized. Great was her manifestations of joy when Mrs. Scamahorn told her that her husband was a minister, and that he would baptize the baby. So here in the humble sod cabin, Rev. Scamahorn read the first baptismal service in that part of the state, and the mother in her gratitude, gave him two dollars, and Mrs. Scamahorn a warm peach pie.
1537
Her baby was sick, and she feared it was going to die. Her greatest lament was that it had never been baptized. Great was her manifestations of joy when Mrs. Scamahorn told her that her husband was a minister, and that he would baptize the baby. So here in the humble sod cabin, Rev. Scamahorn read the first baptismal service in that part of the state, and the mother in her gratitude, gave him two dollars, and Mrs. Scamahorn a warm peach pie.
One day after they had passed beyond the burned-off zone, they came upon a valley of excellent grass. Mr. Scamahorn was not well, and the stock needed feed so they stopped for the time being, and he lay down to rest. Mrs. Scamahorn sat upon the wagon tongue watching the stock to see that it did not stray far from camp. After awhile the atmosphere began to take on the hazy appearance that all westerners know is the advance indication of a prairie fire. In the distance she could see the smoke and then a flash of the flame. Unused to the menace of the prairie, she was nevertheless struck with the horror of their unprotected situation, and her mind flashed upon the fact that in. the wagon was a quantity of powder --
enough to blow it to pieces. She woke her husband, who at first was in despair, but she had recollected the story of Kit Carson, and howhe had fought fire by backfiring the prairie. The story of their youthful days, brought fruition, for by burning the grass about the wagon, they escaped the "red terror" that came after them over the distant hills. The others were not in the path of the fire, and were greatly relieved when the Scamahorns came on along the road after the fire had passed.
1538
She woke her husband, who at first was in despair, but she had recollected the story of Kit Carson, and howhe had fought fire by backfiring the prairie. The story of their youthful days, brought fruition, for by burning the grass about the wagon, they escaped the "red terror" that came after them over the distant hills. The others were not in the path of the fire, and were greatly relieved when the Scamahorns came on along the road after the fire had passed.
In due time the party arrived at Boiling Springs where Jim Dahlman worked in the early days, and here it was necessary to ford the Niobrara river. The oxen went into the water in good shape but turned down stream, and Rev. Scamahorn seemed to be able to do nothing that would change their course. The other men rushed in and by their combined efforts the stubborn beasts were turned to the shore. At Newman's ranch they had to again cross the river, and a bunch of cow-boys were there to see them arrive. They had heard of the "outfit of new settlers" and the "old preacher" with them, and they had planned that it would be a good joke to give him a "baptizing" in an apparently accidental way. As before, the oxen could not be controlled and turned stubbornly down the stream. The "old preacher" jumped into the water waist deep and made the team head for the shore without accident. Mrs. Scamahorn said she was concerned lest the chicken crate should fall into the water and her fowls be drowned. The cow-boys cheered and said they guessed he "would do." He asked to buy some hay, and they filled his wagon full, when one of them said: "Well, old Spookendyke, is that enough?" Mr.
1539
As before, the oxen could not be controlled and turned stubbornly down the stream. The "old preacher" jumped into the water waist deep and made the team head for the shore without accident. Mrs. Scamahorn said she was concerned lest the chicken crate should fall into the water and her fowls be drowned. The cow-boys cheered and said they guessed he "would do." He asked to buy some hay, and they filled his wagon full, when one of them said: "Well, old Spookendyke, is that enough?" Mr. Scamahorn answered: "How did you know my name: I thought I was away out here among strangers." They all enjoyed the joke and again the cowboys voted that the "old preacher" would do.
Later in his ministerial duties he preached to these same men of the range, and found them always courteous, although sometimes a bit rough in manner and address. Soon after the event at Newman's ranch, they arrived at their destination. Feed was scarce and the water was poor, being mostly obtained from pools until a well had been put down. They located on their place about one-half mile east of the present site of Gordon, and around them settled the others who had made the pilgrimage with them.
Mr. Scamahorn had foreseen the need of mail facilities in the new community. He was a personal acquaintance of the Postmaster General, and had received an appointment as postmaster, so as soon as their tent was up,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Mrs. Scamahorn emptied a trunk and using a cigar box for stamps, the first postoffke at Gordon was established. Newman's ranch had, since the Black Hills excitement, served as the mail collecting and distribution station of Sheridan county territory, but the Scamahorn postoffice marked the milestone of a new era in the community building.
1540
He was a personal acquaintance of the Postmaster General, and had received an appointment as postmaster, so as soon as their tent was up,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Mrs. Scamahorn emptied a trunk and using a cigar box for stamps, the first postoffke at Gordon was established. Newman's ranch had, since the Black Hills excitement, served as the mail collecting and distribution station of Sheridan county territory, but the Scamahorn postoffice marked the milestone of a new era in the community building. Each night when Mrs. Scamahorn locked the trunk, the postoffice was closed for that day. While this office served a very large territory, the cancellations were never largeenough to be any inducement for keeping the office, and only the public welfare kept it going.
Only the pioneer woman can know of the lonely hours holding down a claim. The people of the Gordon settlement knew of the days when the men would have to go to Valentine for supplies, or to the pine ridges for timber for firewood. The dead pines and cedars, lying in drifts in the gulches, or in tangled masses where the winds had torn them out by their roots, was an excellent fuel supply, and but for this provision of nature the rigors of the winters would have been felt far more keenly. But when the man of the house went after firewood, the time was long until his return. If he was late, the wife would have a troubled sense, an uneasiness for fear that a log had fallen upon her husband, or a rock had loosed from its ancient moorings and tumbled down upon him. And this fear would hold with increasing interest her attention until he hove into view.
1541
The dead pines and cedars, lying in drifts in the gulches, or in tangled masses where the winds had torn them out by their roots, was an excellent fuel supply, and but for this provision of nature the rigors of the winters would have been felt far more keenly. But when the man of the house went after firewood, the time was long until his return. If he was late, the wife would have a troubled sense, an uneasiness for fear that a log had fallen upon her husband, or a rock had loosed from its ancient moorings and tumbled down upon him. And this fear would hold with increasing interest her attention until he hove into view.
One day the cow pulled her picket pin, and started off. Mrs. Scamahorn tried to overtake her, and when the end of the dragging rope was within reach, she tried to turn her back. But the cow was thirsty and went to the stream. After drinking, she crossed to the other side. Fearful of losing the valuable cow, Mrs. Scamahorn pulled off shoes and stockings and waded the stream. The cow went on, and in desperation, the timid woman accosted two strangers who were building a claim cabin. They caught the cow, hitched up the team and took Mrs. Scamahorn and prized livestock back to the "home range." They refused any pay for the service, but were very glad indeed to accept a sack of fresh eggs.
Another time, Mr. Scamahorn had left early for Pine ridge for wood. He thought the trip would take two days, and had gone to a neighbors to get a girl to come over and stay with his wife, but she could not come. Shortly after he left a party of suspicious looking men came and went into camp near their tent.
1542
Scamahorn and prized livestock back to the "home range." They refused any pay for the service, but were very glad indeed to accept a sack of fresh eggs.
Another time, Mr. Scamahorn had left early for Pine ridge for wood. He thought the trip would take two days, and had gone to a neighbors to get a girl to come over and stay with his wife, but she could not come. Shortly after he left a party of suspicious looking men came and went into camp near their tent. The men stayed around all day. and occasionally came over and asked about the postoffice, saying they
had some three cent stamps that they desired to trade for the red twos that were just then coming into use. She was afraid to open the trunk, and it was with some relief that she saw the girl from the neighbor come into view; not that she was any protection, but the lonesome terror was not so great. At eventide the girl's father came and took her home, and Mrs. Scamahorn sat down for a sleepless night. She sat upon the trunk, and took her husband's rifle in her hands. She had never fired a gun, but determined to do so, if occasion required.
The evening wore on, and along in the night she heard the approach of wagon wheels, and to her intense relief Air. Scamahorn drove up to the tent. He said that he just felt impelled to get home that night, and everything had worked out right for it. He found wood at the first ridge, quite easy to load, and the oxen had walked exceedingly well. In the morning the strangers were gone. Like Arabs, they had silently folded their tents, and glided away.
1543
The evening wore on, and along in the night she heard the approach of wagon wheels, and to her intense relief Air. Scamahorn drove up to the tent. He said that he just felt impelled to get home that night, and everything had worked out right for it. He found wood at the first ridge, quite easy to load, and the oxen had walked exceedingly well. In the morning the strangers were gone. Like Arabs, they had silently folded their tents, and glided away.
First Church and First Services
On the second Sunday in May, 1884, about seventy-five people gathered in front of the Scamahorn tent, and Rev. John A. Scamahorn organized the first Methodist church west of Valentine. The service was opened with "Guide Me Oh, Thou Great Jehovah," then a prayer was offered, and the 23rd Psalm was read, and then the latter part of the fourth chapter of Saint John. The next hymn was "Rock of Ages," after which Reverend Scamahorn preached to his audience, which sat about upon the ground, the woodpile and on wagon tongues. The text chosen was, "Then Simon Peter answered and said, To whom shall we go. Thou hast the words of eternal life." Great earnestness and zeal marked the words of Reverend Scamahorn, and they made their impress upon the lives of pioneers of thirtyseven years ago, in that vicinity. Following the service the class was organized ; there were thirteen members.
Just thirty years thereafter, the tine new church edifice of Gordon was built at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars.
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The text chosen was, "Then Simon Peter answered and said, To whom shall we go. Thou hast the words of eternal life." Great earnestness and zeal marked the words of Reverend Scamahorn, and they made their impress upon the lives of pioneers of thirtyseven years ago, in that vicinity. Following the service the class was organized ; there were thirteen members.
Just thirty years thereafter, the tine new church edifice of Gordon was built at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars.
As the railroad buikled on into the west in the years following, Reverend Scamahorn went to the forefront, and preached the gospel with great fervor. Fie served Valentine. Chadron, Crawford and Gordon as pastor, and was for six years the presiding elder of the district. In this capacity, he was at 1 tarrison and other. extreme points in the Panhandle of Nebraska. He
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
passed to his reward some years ago, at the age of seventy-eight years.
A very useful man in the story of Sheridan county, the pioneer pilot that led the Hoosier colony beyond the great sand hills into the high plains region -- the fertile, healthful land in which we abide.
The original town of Gordon was a mile east of the present fair grounds. The first general store in Gordon was established by Tom Glover. He started in a small shanty in the old town, and later built the frame store at the comer of Alain and Second streets, in new Gordon. This building still stands, and is the property of Mr. Joyce.
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A very useful man in the story of Sheridan county, the pioneer pilot that led the Hoosier colony beyond the great sand hills into the high plains region -- the fertile, healthful land in which we abide.
The original town of Gordon was a mile east of the present fair grounds. The first general store in Gordon was established by Tom Glover. He started in a small shanty in the old town, and later built the frame store at the comer of Alain and Second streets, in new Gordon. This building still stands, and is the property of Mr. Joyce.
Shattuck & Holmes put in the first hardware store at Gordon, and George Hiller had a store there before the railroad came.
The freight was hauled from Valentine, and it gave the settlers a little work, but it was mostly in exchange for groceries, provisions and clothing.
Another store was opened up some distance northwest of Gordon, almost three miles directly north of the present site of Clinton. This store was openedin 1884, at the comer of sections 27, 28, 33, 34, in township 33, range 43. Two miles north of this store was Phil Mosser's blacksmith shop, which was established in 1885. It was in section 22. A year later, or a little less, a postoffice was established here.
A sod school house was built at the southeast corner of section 16, in this neighborbood, in 1885.
Bruce Hewitt, the present county treasurer, was one of the pioneers in this section. His claim was the southwest quarter of five, while his brother's was in the northeast of ten and his father had a tree claim in section eleven.
1546
It was in section 22. A year later, or a little less, a postoffice was established here.
A sod school house was built at the southeast corner of section 16, in this neighborbood, in 1885.
Bruce Hewitt, the present county treasurer, was one of the pioneers in this section. His claim was the southwest quarter of five, while his brother's was in the northeast of ten and his father had a tree claim in section eleven.
In 1885 John Crowder brought a second colony from Indiana, and others were arriving in bunches about that time from other states.
In the year 1885, the Chicago and Northwestern line was extended west from Valentine. Gordon was made a station, but about a mile west of the old site. Its elevation as found by railroad engineers was 3554 feet. It was the first settlement encountered after leaving Valentine, the sand hills between not being attractive to early settlers, except those who desired isolation and wide acres for ranging cattle. Thus the new Gordon came into existence. As stated, Tom Glover moved from his old town shanty into the new store built by him at the corner of Alain and Second streets.
Others besides the people from Indiana, had their eyes upon the west. Eastern Nebraska had been built up by the pioneer spirit, and the children of those who had crossed the Alissouri
were looking with longing eyes toward the sunset. Somewhere out there was free land and the fresh air of the open country. In October,
1547
As stated, Tom Glover moved from his old town shanty into the new store built by him at the corner of Alain and Second streets.
Others besides the people from Indiana, had their eyes upon the west. Eastern Nebraska had been built up by the pioneer spirit, and the children of those who had crossed the Alissouri
were looking with longing eyes toward the sunset. Somewhere out there was free land and the fresh air of the open country. In October,
1883, about the same time that Judge Tucker was at the Louisville exposition, a party of six was made up at Pawnee City, Nebraska, and they, too, come to the high plains region that was destined to become Sheridan county. Twelve miles northeast of the present site of Rushville appealed to them as the land they were looking for. Five of the six took claims in this section, and four of the five became citizens of the country, bringing with them many others. These six were : Bruce Hewitt, the present county treasurer ; J. C. Morrison, Louis Ertel, Geo. T. Morey, one of the first board of county commissioners ; John Hassler, editor at Pawnee City, took a tree claim but never came here to reside; and C. C. Akin, went away without filing on any land. The section had as attractions besides good land, close proximity to the pine ridges for fuel, and abundant good water at from ten to eighty feet below the surface.
North of the present site of Rushville was a community center, called "Rush Valley," in
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Morey, one of the first board of county commissioners ; John Hassler, editor at Pawnee City, took a tree claim but never came here to reside; and C. C. Akin, went away without filing on any land. The section had as attractions besides good land, close proximity to the pine ridges for fuel, and abundant good water at from ten to eighty feet below the surface.
North of the present site of Rushville was a community center, called "Rush Valley," in
1884. The homesteaders were overflowing 'the plains west of the sand hills, and as was usual, the first consideration was feed for their stock. Buffalo grass furnished a much better pasturage than it appeared at casual glance, and it was too short for hay, so the attraction of a natural hay meadows was sufficient to induce first settlers in the matter of location.
"Rush Valley" had some natural meadows. For the convenience of the public, and incidentally the profit in the business, each community early had a store. Two miles north of the present county seat, Henry Crow started a store in 1884, and soon thereafter had a postoffice, he being the first postmaster. A mile farther north Cal Weeter started the second store in the "Rush Valley" settlement.
"With the coming of the railroad the following year, the new town sprang into existence. Morse & Shepherd started a general store in a tent one-half mile west of town, then built the frame store in Rushville, upon the site of the present feed store. Mercantile business started with a rush, and in structures that were boxed up a few feet from the ground, the balance being tent. Early in the mercantile line were A I osier & Tully's general store, Emmet & McEachron in drugs, and O. F. Farnam also in drugs.
1549
Morse & Shepherd started a general store in a tent one-half mile west of town, then built the frame store in Rushville, upon the site of the present feed store. Mercantile business started with a rush, and in structures that were boxed up a few feet from the ground, the balance being tent. Early in the mercantile line were A I osier & Tully's general store, Emmet & McEachron in drugs, and O. F. Farnam also in drugs.
The elevation of Rushville as shown by the railroad was 3739 feet above sea level.
One of the first enterprizes in a town is a lumber yard. Vail & Lucas were the pioneers at Rushville, and they almost immediately sold
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
\2\
to Phinney & Williams. J. H. Jones was put in as manager. He owns it now. The office was on the north side of the railroad originally. If you will drop into his lumber office, which is on the south side of the track, near the depot, and start something reminiscent of old times, J. H. Jones, the pioneer, will soon have a place in the conversation, for his life of active business, and excellent memory, makes him one of the most excellent sources of old history of the Rushville settlement.
The second lumber yard was started soon after, by Herman O. Morse, and was doing business before the close of 1885.
The first bank established in the town was bv H. A. Chamberlain, and was called the Bank of Rushville. Soon after Joe Armstrong started the Farmers & Merchants Bank, and the third in point of seniority was the Citizens, organized by M. P. Musser & Company.
1550
Jones, the pioneer, will soon have a place in the conversation, for his life of active business, and excellent memory, makes him one of the most excellent sources of old history of the Rushville settlement.
The second lumber yard was started soon after, by Herman O. Morse, and was doing business before the close of 1885.
The first bank established in the town was bv H. A. Chamberlain, and was called the Bank of Rushville. Soon after Joe Armstrong started the Farmers & Merchants Bank, and the third in point of seniority was the Citizens, organized by M. P. Musser & Company.
First White Child
The first white child born in Rushville was Wilma Wood, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Wood. Mr. W:ood was an attorney residing on a claim in the Rush Valley settlement, and later served as Receiver in the United States land office at Alliance. He early moved to Rushville after the advent of the railroad, waiting only to make final proof on his claim. The daughter was born soon after they moved into the town.
For a long time Rushville told newcomers that the climate was so healthful thereabout, that they had to kill a man to start a graveyard. The fact is that a man was murdered near the town, and was the first person to be buried in Rushville cemetery.
William Shafer and George Ginger were partners living in a tent at the time the railroad was building into the community. In some kind of a difficulty, Ginger shot and killed Shafer. The murderer was taken to Sidney, then the seat of justice, and was convicted and sent to the state penitentiary.
1551
For a long time Rushville told newcomers that the climate was so healthful thereabout, that they had to kill a man to start a graveyard. The fact is that a man was murdered near the town, and was the first person to be buried in Rushville cemetery.
William Shafer and George Ginger were partners living in a tent at the time the railroad was building into the community. In some kind of a difficulty, Ginger shot and killed Shafer. The murderer was taken to Sidney, then the seat of justice, and was convicted and sent to the state penitentiary.
In the town proper the first to engage in mercantile business was Mosler & Tullys in a tent, west of the site of the present postoffice. This was later the Red Front location and is now occupied by J. W. Grubb.
Enderly & Sellers opened the Blue Front store about the same time.
Occupying land adjoining the townsite on the west were two courageous young women, who had come with the advance of settlement. Early in the historv of the town they opened a five and ten cent store on the lot north of the present Recorder office. Their business expanded, and they bought the building now
occupied by the printery, then the W. W. Wood building north. Mr. Zoll then bought the corner building, which was known as the Armstrong store.
All through their mercantile experience these courageous women were called "The Girls" and although retired from active participation in Rushville's commercial life, any of the old timers will refer to Sue S. Slotter and Kate M. Zoll as "the girls."
1552
Early in the historv of the town they opened a five and ten cent store on the lot north of the present Recorder office. Their business expanded, and they bought the building now
occupied by the printery, then the W. W. Wood building north. Mr. Zoll then bought the corner building, which was known as the Armstrong store.
All through their mercantile experience these courageous women were called "The Girls" and although retired from active participation in Rushville's commercial life, any of the old timers will refer to Sue S. Slotter and Kate M. Zoll as "the girls."
The Slotter homestead was once included within the limits of the corporate village, but was afterwards set out. The townsite itself is situate upon what was once the homestead of John Baer, but he did not make final proof. He relinquished and the tract was entered as a townsite for the town of Rushville. The "S & Z. Store" as operated by "the girls," sold out some years ago, and a furniture store operated bv John W. Grubb is now on the corner. "The Girls," are still residents of Rushville, and keenly alive to the city's interests, and the editor-in-chief acknowledges a debt of gratitude to their assistance in the compilation of the facts concerning early Rushville.
While the railroad had passed both Gordon and Rushville, and they had become established in history before Hay Springs came into existence, and while Chadron was to be the division station, and thereby overshadow its near neighbors, in some respects the town of Hay Springs made a very important mark in history. "This town is near the west line of the county of Sheridan as later created, and the fartherest west of any railroad town in the county. It has the highest elevation, the same being 3828 feet above sea level.
1553
While the railroad had passed both Gordon and Rushville, and they had become established in history before Hay Springs came into existence, and while Chadron was to be the division station, and thereby overshadow its near neighbors, in some respects the town of Hay Springs made a very important mark in history. "This town is near the west line of the county of Sheridan as later created, and the fartherest west of any railroad town in the county. It has the highest elevation, the same being 3828 feet above sea level.
T. S. Tripp, who was a land attorney at Hay Springs in the autumn of 1885, and who did considerable business locating homesteaders, secured for himself an appointment as United States Court Commissioner, thereby qualifying for the making of land entries, of hearing contests and of receiving final proofs. He was also the first notary public in the town.
The Congregationalists were the first church to organize in Hay Springs. Rev. B. F. 1 tfffenbacher was there in 1885 and preached also occasionally elsewhere, being one of the tir-t to preach at Rushville.
Rev. Diffenbacher preached the sermon in commemoration of the life of General Grant, in 1885, in a big tent which had been set up by the quartermaster of Civil War veterans, in the town of Rushville.
The first marriage license issued in the new county of Sheridan was to Benjamin Robbins and Miss Lila Abbott. They still reside in Rushville.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
CREATION OF SHERIDAN COUNTY
1554
F. 1 tfffenbacher was there in 1885 and preached also occasionally elsewhere, being one of the tir-t to preach at Rushville.
Rev. Diffenbacher preached the sermon in commemoration of the life of General Grant, in 1885, in a big tent which had been set up by the quartermaster of Civil War veterans, in the town of Rushville.
The first marriage license issued in the new county of Sheridan was to Benjamin Robbins and Miss Lila Abbott. They still reside in Rushville.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
CREATION OF SHERIDAN COUNTY
In June, 1885, James W. Loofbourow and others called upon the Governor of the state to create by* proclamation the new county of Sheridan, the same being a strip sixty-nine miles long and thirty-six miles wide off of the east edge of Sioux county. This proclamation was issued, and the county came into existence July first of that year.
The proclamation named T. B. Irwin, L. E. Post and J. D. Woods as special county commissioners, and James W. Loofbourow as special county clerk. Rushville was named the temporary county seat. The duties of these officers were to conduct the county affairs through the formation stage of an election for the selection of the county officers in a regular way, and for the location of a permanent county seat.
The board met on the 25th day of July, 1885, and its first act was to divide the county into three commissioner districts. All of ranges forty-one and forty-two comprised the first district ; all of ranges forty-three and forty-four were the second district, and the third district was composed of ranges forty-five and fortysix. Irwin acted as chairman of the board and Post made the above motion, which was seconded by Woods.
1555
The duties of these officers were to conduct the county affairs through the formation stage of an election for the selection of the county officers in a regular way, and for the location of a permanent county seat.
The board met on the 25th day of July, 1885, and its first act was to divide the county into three commissioner districts. All of ranges forty-one and forty-two comprised the first district ; all of ranges forty-three and forty-four were the second district, and the third district was composed of ranges forty-five and fortysix. Irwin acted as chairman of the board and Post made the above motion, which was seconded by Woods.
Then Woods took the initative and moved the county be divided into voting precincts, and this was seconded by Post. The precincts and voting places were designated as follows: "Wounded Knee" precinct at Henry Bredensteiner residence in section 17-34-41 ; "Larrabee Creek" precinct at G. T. Morey residence in section 6-33-43 ; "White Clay" precinct at Ben Tibbet's house ; "Beaver Creek" precinct at Cowgill's ranch ; "Hay Springs" precinct at T. Thompson's store ; "Rushville" precinct at Wood & Weeter's law office ; "Gordon" precinct at Ladd's law office ; "Heywood" precinct at G. A. Heywood's residence ; "Hunter" precinct at Hunter's ranch ; and "Mirage" precinct at S. Dewey's store.
The clerk was ordered to issue call for an election and prepare ballots and ballot boxes for these ten precincts.
First Officers Elected
The first officers of the new county by virtue of this election were :
1556
Thompson's store ; "Rushville" precinct at Wood & Weeter's law office ; "Gordon" precinct at Ladd's law office ; "Heywood" precinct at G. A. Heywood's residence ; "Hunter" precinct at Hunter's ranch ; and "Mirage" precinct at S. Dewey's store.
The clerk was ordered to issue call for an election and prepare ballots and ballot boxes for these ten precincts.
First Officers Elected
The first officers of the new county by virtue of this election were :
Judge, C. Patterson ; Treasurer, A. McKinney ; Superintendent, S. S. Murphy ; Clerk, Abel Hill; Sheriff, John Rig7S ; Coroner, Jas.
F. Tucker; Surveyor, Sojomon V. Pritcher; and Commissioners, T. B. Irwin; G. T. Morey and J. D. Woods.
Abel Hill appointed J. Steward Coghlan as deputy, while he went in person to Sidney to transcribe the meagre records necessary for starting the new county on its way. (Abel Hill died in Alliance some years ago. -- Ed.)
John Riggs appointed two dqxity sheriffs : one, Edward C. Miller of Rushville, and the other D. C. Middleton, of Gordon. The last named is the well known character of western Nebraska, Doc. Middleton.
The first meeting of the newly elected board of commissioners was held in Rushville September 15, 1885, and there were present T. B. Irwin, J. D. Woods, and G. T. Morey, commissioners ; and Abel Hill, clerk.
The bond of C. Patterson as county judge was approved, after which the judge approved the bonds of the three commissioners. The bonds of the clerk and sheriff were also approved. The bond of J. C. Weeters as justice of the peace was also approved, he being the first justice and precinct officer of Sheridan county to qualify.
1557
The first meeting of the newly elected board of commissioners was held in Rushville September 15, 1885, and there were present T. B. Irwin, J. D. Woods, and G. T. Morey, commissioners ; and Abel Hill, clerk.
The bond of C. Patterson as county judge was approved, after which the judge approved the bonds of the three commissioners. The bonds of the clerk and sheriff were also approved. The bond of J. C. Weeters as justice of the peace was also approved, he being the first justice and precinct officer of Sheridan county to qualify.
Robert McCarthy filed his bond as justice of the peace at Gordon about this time, being the first in that vicinity. The editor-in-chief recently asked of Mr. McCarthy, who is now county surveyor and county higlrway agent, what was the nature of affairs that he had to judge in that early day when he was justice. He said, "Well, they had to have someone to judge the Indian races." This statement was of literal fact. There was not much litigation, but the athletic Indians wanted someone with authority to judge the outcome of their many tests of speed. This arbiter they would not dispute, but select a judge from the crowd and it was an invitation to argument and misunderstanding.
At this first meeting of the board, the clerk was instructed to prepare lists of the books and supplies needed by the new county, and ask for bids.
W. W. Wood, C. C. Akin and W. H. Westover each made a proposition to the commissioners to act as county attorney until January, 1886, and the commissioners accepted the latter. Therefore the first attorney of Gordon, became the first county attorney of Sheridan county.
1558
This arbiter they would not dispute, but select a judge from the crowd and it was an invitation to argument and misunderstanding.
At this first meeting of the board, the clerk was instructed to prepare lists of the books and supplies needed by the new county, and ask for bids.
W. W. Wood, C. C. Akin and W. H. Westover each made a proposition to the commissioners to act as county attorney until January, 1886, and the commissioners accepted the latter. Therefore the first attorney of Gordon, became the first county attorney of Sheridan county.
W. W. Wood made a proposition to furnish
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
office room for the judge and the clerk, together with fuel and lights necessary, for eight dollars per month. The proposition was accepted.
At this meeting the board issued a call for a county-seat election, and set the date of locating the permanent county-seat on October 6, 1885.
The election which resulted in the selection of the foregoing officials was held on September 8. 1885, and W. H. Hull furnished the count\' with the first ballot boxes. The countyseat question had been submitted at the same time. There had been four contestants, three
The friend had said. "It looks like Rushville had lost out." Riggs asked how far it was hehind Hay Springs and was told, "about 200 votes." Riggs is said to have remarked that he guessed he would have to go back to the ranch and get some more votes.
The facts are that the returns from Hunter precinct gave 226 votes for Rushville. The canvassing board consisting of Abel Hill, clerk, and James W. Loofbourow and William Watterman, refused to count the extraordinary vote, but by some process of selection did count forty-two of the votes, and rejected one
1559
"It looks like Rushville had lost out." Riggs asked how far it was hehind Hay Springs and was told, "about 200 votes." Riggs is said to have remarked that he guessed he would have to go back to the ranch and get some more votes.
The facts are that the returns from Hunter precinct gave 226 votes for Rushville. The canvassing board consisting of Abel Hill, clerk, and James W. Loofbourow and William Watterman, refused to count the extraordinary vote, but by some process of selection did count forty-two of the votes, and rejected one
Sheridan County Court House, Rushy
of which were the railroad towns of Gordon, Rushville, and Hay Springs. Rushville had a clear plurality, but no place had a majority of all the votes cast, which required a re-submission of the question.
Rushville and Hay Springs were the contestants in the finals, and there was the usual bitterness that accompanies such contests. On the face of the returns Rushville had 919 votes and Hay Springs 839, a majority of 80. But a story had come in that Hunter precinct, which was for Rushville, had voted a lot of illegal votes : that the ranch had voted its payroll for years gone.
After the lapse of years, it will do to tell the story, which may or may not have any foundation of fact. It was stated that John Riggs was bringing in the returns from Hunter ranch when he met a friend and stopped to talk.
hundred and eighty-four. This action gave Hay Springs 839 and Rushville 735.
1560
But a story had come in that Hunter precinct, which was for Rushville, had voted a lot of illegal votes : that the ranch had voted its payroll for years gone.
After the lapse of years, it will do to tell the story, which may or may not have any foundation of fact. It was stated that John Riggs was bringing in the returns from Hunter ranch when he met a friend and stopped to talk.
hundred and eighty-four. This action gave Hay Springs 839 and Rushville 735.
The county commissioners declared Hay Springs the successful candidate, and ordered the seat of county government removed to that town. Rushville partisans resented what they termed unauthorized proceedings and went into court. It resulted in a preemptory writ eventually issuing from the supreme court of the state, Samuel Maxwell, chief justice, and sent down by Guy A. Brown, then clerk, ordering the canvassing board to reconvene and canvass the vote as sent in, they having no authority to go behind the returns. This opinion, made nearly a year after the election, gave Rushville the permanent county-seat, and during the interim, it had been the temporary seat of county government.. ' The election of September 8 had revealed
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
that Sheridan county was to have political contests the same as "back east." Except for the candidate for treasurer, A. McKinney, and Commissioner, G. T. Morey, there were contests for the several offices. The results also showed the isolated votes; one or two votes for this or that person, and the humorist was also in evidence. There was one vote for "Baby Tucker." whom we understand was a rather fat youngster who lived over in Cherry county. The vote also evidenced the partisans in the county-seat fight were remembered by their friends and enemies.
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that Sheridan county was to have political contests the same as "back east." Except for the candidate for treasurer, A. McKinney, and Commissioner, G. T. Morey, there were contests for the several offices. The results also showed the isolated votes; one or two votes for this or that person, and the humorist was also in evidence. There was one vote for "Baby Tucker." whom we understand was a rather fat youngster who lived over in Cherry county. The vote also evidenced the partisans in the county-seat fight were remembered by their friends and enemies.
First General Election The first general election, held in November, 1885. supplied the offices for one year. These officers were as follows :
ludge, C. Patterson, re-elected, against C. C. Akin; Clerk, J. C. Weeter; Treasurer, A. McKinney, re-elected ; Superintendent, S. S. Murphy, re-elected; Sheriff, John Riggs, reelected ; Coroner, James F. Tucker, re-elected ; Attorney, W. H. Westover, re-elected ; Surveyor, Sol Pitcher, who failed to qualify, and George L. Rockwell was appointed in January, 1886.
Commissioners Irwin and Morey were reelected and L. E. Post succeeded J. D. Woods. Irwin, who was foreman at the Newman ranch, died iir Texas some years ago.
Early People and Affairs Of the items that were transcribed from Cheyenne county records, was the first chattle mortgage filed by one of the Sheridan county territory. William Rowley mortgaged to Thos. McDonnell a team of mules, harness and wagon for $75, on April 10, 1885, due in six months and drawing interest at ten per cent per annum. The witnesses to the transaction were J. R. Jordan and G. A. Beeler. These people were from Gordon. The first in the Rushville neighborhood was Edwin C. Miller to W. W. Wood, filed in Sidney July 2, 1885, and covered a team of mules, five horses, wagon, buckboard, harness, saddle and bridle.
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McDonnell a team of mules, harness and wagon for $75, on April 10, 1885, due in six months and drawing interest at ten per cent per annum. The witnesses to the transaction were J. R. Jordan and G. A. Beeler. These people were from Gordon. The first in the Rushville neighborhood was Edwin C. Miller to W. W. Wood, filed in Sidney July 2, 1885, and covered a team of mules, five horses, wagon, buckboard, harness, saddle and bridle.
On July 25, 1885, H. A. Babcock, state auditor, sent out the county values as found by the state board of equalization, at $71,513. There was due for state taxes thereon $525.61, which had been charged to "Sheridan county, unorganized." How rapidly was the growth of the community is shown by the assessment rolls of the year following. In 1886 the county valuations were : Railroad, $168,677.69 ; personal property, $194,449.42; and real estate, $150,- 193.06; or a total of $513,320.17. This, more than seven times the value of the previous year,
was partly due to the railroad building, partly due to mercantile expansion and settlers moving in, partly due to final proofs upon pre-emptions and partly to a little closer survey of the property in the county by the assessors.
Rushville At the meeting of the county board on October 9, 1885, a petition was presented asking for the incorporation of the village of Rushville. The petition being legally sufficient, the board named the following members of the first Rushville trustees : Peter Bruhn. Chris Mosler, Ed. McEachron, L. F. Enderly and O. Meservy. The first levy of taxes for village purposes was was made in June, 1886, while W". H. Martin was clerk of the village board. The meeting place of the board was in "Tully's store," and the levy made was seven mills.
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Rushville At the meeting of the county board on October 9, 1885, a petition was presented asking for the incorporation of the village of Rushville. The petition being legally sufficient, the board named the following members of the first Rushville trustees : Peter Bruhn. Chris Mosler, Ed. McEachron, L. F. Enderly and O. Meservy. The first levy of taxes for village purposes was was made in June, 1886, while W". H. Martin was clerk of the village board. The meeting place of the board was in "Tully's store," and the levy made was seven mills.
Gordon On November 19, 1885, a petition was presented to the county board asking for the creation of the village of Gordon. The petition being sufficient legally, the request was granted, and the following were named the first trustees: A. S. Holmes, John G. Fritz, M. Swigert, M. Morrisey and L. F. Rinehardt. There must have been an early change in the membership for in June, 1886, F. J. Andreas was chairman of the board. L. O. Hill was village clerk, and the first levy was ten mills for village purposes.
Hay Springs
November 19, 1885. the people of Hay Springs also presented a sufficient petition for the incorporation of the village. The county commissioners named the following persons as trustees for the village : William Waterman, A. McKinney, George Millard, George Ballet and J. E. Brown. On June 7th following M. Finch was the village clerk and the first village levy was made at ten mills.
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Hill was village clerk, and the first levy was ten mills for village purposes.
Hay Springs
November 19, 1885. the people of Hay Springs also presented a sufficient petition for the incorporation of the village. The county commissioners named the following persons as trustees for the village : William Waterman, A. McKinney, George Millard, George Ballet and J. E. Brown. On June 7th following M. Finch was the village clerk and the first village levy was made at ten mills.
At this meeting of the county commissioners, the first bills allowed for any public service were approved: W. H. Hull received $15 for services in making ballot boxes for the first countv election. C. E. Rickley received $60, and j' H. Edwards $30. W. W. Wood received $4.. J. D. Woods $27.50 and T. B. Irwin $19.20.
Judges As stated, the first county judge was C. Patterson, who was re-elected three times, serving until May. 1891. Harcut M. Bullock was appointed to fill out the unexpired term, and was elected in 1892. Following Bullock was L. A.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Brooks, who served one term ; then Chas. P. Bresee was elected and re-elected. Bresee later bcame state senator. He resigned the office of judge in June, 1899, when John Beely was appointed to complete the term. J. H. Stanchfield was elected in 1900 and served until November 20, 1901. Then began the long period in which Jesse H. Edmunds wore the county judicial ermine For over thirteen years he maintained the office, yielding in 1915 to R. G. Dorr, who is now serving his fourth term and seventh year.
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Bresee later bcame state senator. He resigned the office of judge in June, 1899, when John Beely was appointed to complete the term. J. H. Stanchfield was elected in 1900 and served until November 20, 1901. Then began the long period in which Jesse H. Edmunds wore the county judicial ermine For over thirteen years he maintained the office, yielding in 1915 to R. G. Dorr, who is now serving his fourth term and seventh year.
Clerks
The first three clerks of Sheridan county followed one another in rapid succession. Within the first six months of the county's existence it had these three, James W. Loofbourow, by appointment of the governor as special clerk. Fie was defeated as a candidate by Abel Hill, at the county's first election, and J. C. Weeters captured the persimmon from Hill in the November election, two months later. Sol V. Pitcher was elected in the autumn of 1888. and served two terms. N. H. Wier was deputy clerk in 1887 and W. E. Sharp in 1890. J. J. Barnes took the office in 1890 serving two terms or until 1896. De F. Van Vleck who was Barnes' deputy for three years, took over the office of clerk in 1896, and was re-elected six times, serving a total of fourteen years. In 1896 he had former clerk Barnes for his deputy. H. F. Wasmund, junior, was then county clerk for four years or two consecutive terms. At the beginning of his second term he departed from the usual custom and named Maude E. Gillespie as clerk. This element of progress in the county of Sheridan was so popular, that Miss Gillespie was elected county clerk, being so far as the editor-at-large is able to determine the first woman honored with such office in the state.
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In 1896 he had former clerk Barnes for his deputy. H. F. Wasmund, junior, was then county clerk for four years or two consecutive terms. At the beginning of his second term he departed from the usual custom and named Maude E. Gillespie as clerk. This element of progress in the county of Sheridan was so popular, that Miss Gillespie was elected county clerk, being so far as the editor-at-large is able to determine the first woman honored with such office in the state. She is now beginning her eighth year as chief of the office and nowhere is there an office better organized, systemized or courteously commanded.
Clerks of the District Court This office was separated from that of county clerk in 1889, and Charles F. Mays was the first clerk of the district court in Sheridan county. Robert A. Keller served from 1892 to 1895 inclusive, and he was followed by J. 1-".. Brown, who served nine years. Amy I. Stewart, who was his deputy during this period, became the first woman clerk of the district court in Sheridan county. She was elected first in 1904 and is still at the duty in 1921. During this period she has had several deputies of note, among which we find the names of J.
E. Brown, Maude E. Gillespie and Florence Maine.
Treasurers
The first treasurer as heretofore stated was A. McKinney who was re-elected without opposition. In 1888, John H. Jones, the pioneer lumberman of Rushville, became treasurer. Jones was re-elected in 1890. He had for his deputy F. M. Godfrey. J. H. Hamsberger was elected in 1892, and after one term was succeeded by Henry Murphy who served two terms, the legal limit. In 1898, Henry F. Wasmund was elected, and he was re-elected in 1900, after which his son, Henry F.
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The first treasurer as heretofore stated was A. McKinney who was re-elected without opposition. In 1888, John H. Jones, the pioneer lumberman of Rushville, became treasurer. Jones was re-elected in 1890. He had for his deputy F. M. Godfrey. J. H. Hamsberger was elected in 1892, and after one term was succeeded by Henry Murphy who served two terms, the legal limit. In 1898, Henry F. Wasmund was elected, and he was re-elected in 1900, after which his son, Henry F. Wasmund, Junior, served one term. Lee Fritz was chosen in 1904 and again in 1906. P. T. Johnson then served for two terms, after which John Crowder was treasurer for two terms. Bruce H. Hewitt, the Pawnee City pioneer, was then elected and he still has charge of the office. While Hewitt has been in the community for thirty-seven years, or thereabout, part of the time, about fifteen years, he was over the line in Cherry county, in the ranching business.
Superintendents
The office of county superintendent was ushered in in Sheridan county by the selection of S. S. Murphy at the special election September 8, 1885. John M. S. Linn followed in 1888 and again in 1890. H. J. Stanchfield was chosen in 1892 and again in 1894. Then J. A. Briggs was elected in 1896. He served "until September. 1897, when M. E. Parker was appointed to complete the term. Mary E. Parker was then elected in 1898 and re-elected twice. C. L. Hopper, who was elected first in 1904, served three terms, after which C. P. Kelley served the longest term of any superintendent to date. In 1919 Mrs. Pearl Summers was inducted into the office and has been re-elected. Mrs. Summers is holding high the standard set by Sheridan county women in public life, and if men do not look well after their official duties, the example set by women officials will have a tendency to impress the public mind, and other offices will give way to the ambition of the other sex.
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Kelley served the longest term of any superintendent to date. In 1919 Mrs. Pearl Summers was inducted into the office and has been re-elected. Mrs. Summers is holding high the standard set by Sheridan county women in public life, and if men do not look well after their official duties, the example set by women officials will have a tendency to impress the public mind, and other offices will give way to the ambition of the other sex.
Pearl Ellis, now Mrs. Pearl Summers, and Jennie Ellis were graduates of Crawford High School, being in the class of 1895. There were six members in this class. One is dead, and three of the other five became county superintendents, the Ellis sisters being two of the three which attained that distinctive honor.
Sheriffs
As stated, John Riggs was the first sheriff of
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Sheridan count}-. Edward C. Miller and Doc Middleton were his two deputies. Riggs was a brother-in-law of T. B. Irwin, the county commissioner. Riggs was foreman at Hunter's ranch while Irwin had the same distinctive honor at Newman's ranch. These two were the old and the big ranches of the time. Looking back across the thirty-six years of intervening time, it appears that the appointment of D. C. Middleton as deputy sheriff by John Riggs was a wise bit of strategy. Doc Middleton might not have complete respect for the ownership of horses and cattle, but while deputy sheriff it is safe to say that the stock of Hunter's ranch and Newman's ranch were absolutely immune from the frequent and almost epidemic tendencies of other people's stock to mysteriously disappear.
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Looking back across the thirty-six years of intervening time, it appears that the appointment of D. C. Middleton as deputy sheriff by John Riggs was a wise bit of strategy. Doc Middleton might not have complete respect for the ownership of horses and cattle, but while deputy sheriff it is safe to say that the stock of Hunter's ranch and Newman's ranch were absolutely immune from the frequent and almost epidemic tendencies of other people's stock to mysteriously disappear.
E. T- Rosecrans served a number of terms as sheriff following Riggs, and in 1894 W. H. Essex was elected, being re-elected two years later. For eight years following 1898, Thos. E. Housh was the administrator of the law, then came Chas. B. Suplinger, L. A. Beckwith and then A. D. New. R. M. Bruce, the present popular sheriff, was first elected in 1917.
Surveyors Solomon V. Pitcher was the first surveyor of Sheridan county. Pitcher was with the government outfits prior to his settlement at Rushville. He assisted in the surveys in the southwest part of Scotts Bluff county, and was with the party that found the big cedar with a seven foot trunk. This cedar was so near to a proper corner for a section, that it was so designated. Some years later the timber scavengers cut it, but the perpetrators of the deed were never found. A tree seven feet in diameter should make a large number of posts, and no doubt did do so, and perhaps kept a homesteader's family from dire hunger.
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He assisted in the surveys in the southwest part of Scotts Bluff county, and was with the party that found the big cedar with a seven foot trunk. This cedar was so near to a proper corner for a section, that it was so designated. Some years later the timber scavengers cut it, but the perpetrators of the deed were never found. A tree seven feet in diameter should make a large number of posts, and no doubt did do so, and perhaps kept a homesteader's family from dire hunger.
Buried Gold That stump is yet to be found, and near it according to tradition, robbers buried a large quantity of gold, stolen from an overland stage. "Dad" Carr, and others have removed many cubic yards of earth in an attempt to find it. Pitcher received a letter from a party in Denver at one time, which asked him to journey to Gering where the writer would be on hand at a certain date. The letter stated that he had a key to the cache of gold, a certain number of feet in a certain direction from a big cedar tree. Pitcher arrived in Gering at the right time and tarried for several days. He went out and located the stump of the tree, but the other party failed to come. Y\ "hen he got
home there was another letter to the effect that the Denver man had been sick, and it set another date for the meeting, but as Pitcher tersely expressed it: "I had one wild goose chase, and I am not going on another."
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Pitcher arrived in Gering at the right time and tarried for several days. He went out and located the stump of the tree, but the other party failed to come. Y\ "hen he got
home there was another letter to the effect that the Denver man had been sick, and it set another date for the meeting, but as Pitcher tersely expressed it: "I had one wild goose chase, and I am not going on another."
Sol Pitcher became county clerk and Geo. L. Rockwell was appointed surveyor. In 1888, D. I. Wynkoop was chosen for the office, and in 1890 R. M. Ball was elected, being re-elected two years later. Then came C. S. Casebeer, who served but a year. In 1895, J. C. Woods was appointed and J. W. Jacobs was elected in 1896. William G. Wilson served two terms from 1898 to 1901, then in 1902 came Thos. M. Huntington. Robert McCarthy was elected in 1904. but resigned a year later. W. E. Mitchell then served for a number of years, and McCarthy was recalled to the office in 1910, serving several terms. In 1917, Sydney H. Foster was elected and served until 1919, when Robert McCarthy was again returned to the office. The veteran and pioneer of the Gordon settlement was rechosen in 1921, and is on the work at the present time. In 1918 he was county highway commissioner, being followed by Edward Stamford. Now Mc- Carthy does double duty, the commissioner office being eliminated. Hale and hearty, he does his duty well.
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Mitchell then served for a number of years, and McCarthy was recalled to the office in 1910, serving several terms. In 1917, Sydney H. Foster was elected and served until 1919, when Robert McCarthy was again returned to the office. The veteran and pioneer of the Gordon settlement was rechosen in 1921, and is on the work at the present time. In 1918 he was county highway commissioner, being followed by Edward Stamford. Now Mc- Carthy does double duty, the commissioner office being eliminated. Hale and hearty, he does his duty well.
Coroners
As heretofore related, James F. Tucker was the first coroner, being re-elected. He was succeeded by S. L. Brown and then by Wm. H. Smith. J. M. Waterman was elected in 1890, and in 1892 V. Rucker succeeded him to the place. R. F. Metcalf was elected in 1894, and was followed two years later by W. R. Bowman. I. R. C. Davis then served two terms, and Floyd Jones one, followed bv one term bv John W. Grubb. John O. Elmore. Milton B. McDowell and Albert Molzahn are other citizens who have had the coroner's office, before the position was finally consolidated with that of sheriff.
Attorneys
The first attorney was appointed as previqusly told. W. H. Westover was first county prosecutor. R. J. Graham was elected in 1888, and Geo. Spend was appointed special deputy. Thos. M. Redlau was chosen in 1889. Robert M. McGee in 1891. and then, in 1893. W. H. Westover was recalled to the post. Charles E. Woods followed for three terms, and then William W. Wood for one term. C. Patterson served from 1903 to 1906, inclusive, after which W. W. Wood served another term. In 1909, Roscoe L. Wilhite began a long period
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Graham was elected in 1888, and Geo. Spend was appointed special deputy. Thos. M. Redlau was chosen in 1889. Robert M. McGee in 1891. and then, in 1893. W. H. Westover was recalled to the post. Charles E. Woods followed for three terms, and then William W. Wood for one term. C. Patterson served from 1903 to 1906, inclusive, after which W. W. Wood served another term. In 1909, Roscoe L. Wilhite began a long period
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
of county prosecutor, the end of which has not been reached in 1921.
County Assessors This office is of comparatively recent origin. George S. Peters had had the place for the greater part of the period, although Henry E. Coleman has occupied the office satisfactorily and R. B. Sailor is the present incumbent.
County Commissioners The important position of county commissioner in Sheridan county has always been in good hands. The governor appointed T. B. Irwin, L. E. Post and J. D. Woods the first special county board to look after the preliminaries of county organization. At the first election G. T. Morey was chosen in the place of Post, and the next election, which was the first regular election. Post succeeded Woods. Then through the following years these names have been indelibly stamped upon the history of the county as "county dads :"
M. Finch." L. H. Hewitt, H. T. Wasmund, G. Ed Hopkins, F. M. Jennings, A. W. Brownell, John Hage, Wr. C. Shattuck, C. A. Turner. H. S. Burlingmier E. Bauder, O. J. Marcy, P. F. Johnson, L. R. Bray, J. W. Grubb, Elza Walls, J. D. Stauffer, R. W. Reid, J. F. Mc- Parland, Tohn Coleman, Anton Jansen, Robert M. Bruce. P. S. Parker, Fred Graeber, Otto Smith. Fred C. Duerfeldt, William Hollstein. Smith, Duerfeldt and Hollstein are the present incumbents in the year 1921.
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Ed Hopkins, F. M. Jennings, A. W. Brownell, John Hage, Wr. C. Shattuck, C. A. Turner. H. S. Burlingmier E. Bauder, O. J. Marcy, P. F. Johnson, L. R. Bray, J. W. Grubb, Elza Walls, J. D. Stauffer, R. W. Reid, J. F. Mc- Parland, Tohn Coleman, Anton Jansen, Robert M. Bruce. P. S. Parker, Fred Graeber, Otto Smith. Fred C. Duerfeldt, William Hollstein. Smith, Duerfeldt and Hollstein are the present incumbents in the year 1921.
County Physicians We do not find the record of a county physician in Sheridan county prior to 1890, at which time J. Q. Elmore was appointed. The record is quite complete until 1914. A. N. Sheffner followed Elmore, and the following names appear as having been in duty looking after the public health: E. T. Julian, T. B. Rankin, J. R, C Davis, O. L. Wilson. Z. T. Daniel and A. J. Molzahn. Davis served six consecutive years between 1894 and 1900, and Wilson six years almost immediately following that period.
The first brand committee filing bonds for record, were: M. D. Cravath and A. M. Modisett, in 1897. The first sheep inspector was Samuel T. Wallace in 1896. He was followed by Geo. P. Auker in 1898.
The first Soldiers Relief Committee filing bonds for service were : W. M. Alexander in 1890, and J. F. Powers and John Beeley, in June, 1891. The last Soldier's Relief Committee bond filed is that of C. S. Gates in 1921. Not many of the brave boys of 1861-65 remain this side of the Final Rendezvous.
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The first sheep inspector was Samuel T. Wallace in 1896. He was followed by Geo. P. Auker in 1898.
The first Soldiers Relief Committee filing bonds for service were : W. M. Alexander in 1890, and J. F. Powers and John Beeley, in June, 1891. The last Soldier's Relief Committee bond filed is that of C. S. Gates in 1921. Not many of the brave boys of 1861-65 remain this side of the Final Rendezvous.
State Officials from Sheridan County
Sheridan county has had for a quarter of a century as judge of the district court, W. H. Westover. For a large part of the time his court reporter has been Jerry Scott, whose capable work is attested by all who have had anything to do with court procedure.
The county has also been represented in the state senate by Chas. P. Bresee, in the session of 1905. Sheridan county has had several members of the legislature, the first being Wm. H. McCann of Hay Springs, in 1887. Ed. L. Heath, the founder of the Rushville Standard, was a member in 1891, and, in 1893, J. D. Woods of Hay Springs was chosen. Woods won a reputation in the house by shutting off useless debates. He would "move the previous question," and thus end wearisome arguments that otherwise seemed to have no termination. Combinations of politics kept Sheridan county out of representation in either house or senate for many years. In 1919 the potash interests demanded the retirement of Lloyd Thomas, of Alliance, who was a representative of excellent vitality and purpose. T. L. Briggs, of Antioch, was chosen.
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Woods won a reputation in the house by shutting off useless debates. He would "move the previous question," and thus end wearisome arguments that otherwise seemed to have no termination. Combinations of politics kept Sheridan county out of representation in either house or senate for many years. In 1919 the potash interests demanded the retirement of Lloyd Thomas, of Alliance, who was a representative of excellent vitality and purpose. T. L. Briggs, of Antioch, was chosen.
Generally speaking, the officials of Sheridan county, at home and abroad, have been of progressive ideals, and the county may well be proud of their records. Few counties can show the public spirit in the official family, or the tendency to reward faithful service by the ballots of the people.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
BANKING AND FINANCE
According to the chattel mortgage records there were a few men who loaned money to deserving and desiring homesteaders before there were any banks established. Also as stated heretofore, the first bank in Rushville was put in by H. A. Chamberlain and called the Bank of Rushville. Then Joe Armstrong with the Farmers and Merchants bank, and then M. P. Musser & Company.
The evolution of banking has wrought many changes in the finances of the people of the county. The potato enterprise for instance has such a firm foundation that crop loans for a moderate amount upon the growing potato crop is not considered hazardous, wihile in the early days that character of a loan would have been for a bank, outside the question.
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Then Joe Armstrong with the Farmers and Merchants bank, and then M. P. Musser & Company.
The evolution of banking has wrought many changes in the finances of the people of the county. The potato enterprise for instance has such a firm foundation that crop loans for a moderate amount upon the growing potato crop is not considered hazardous, wihile in the early days that character of a loan would have been for a bank, outside the question.
Rushville now has two banks. The Stockman's National, which was established in 1898, has a capital of thirty-five thousand dollars, and a surplus of over forty thousand. During the stress brought on by the ill-advised action of the federal reserve, this bank had a cash reserve of over twenty-two per cent, an extraordinarilly strong situation. The officers are A. M. Modisett, president; H. C. Dale, vice president; Geo. B. Wilson, cashier; and Ella Barth, assistant cashier.
The Union (State) Bank was chartered in 1908. It has a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars, and a surplus of nearly sixty thousand dollars. The cash reserve of this bank is high also, about twenty-eight per cent during the stress of money matters in the spring of 1921. Lewis Oberwetter is president; W. F. Stratheide, vice president ; G. E. Ellsworth, cashier ; and M. M. Wahlford, assistant cashier.
Gordon is the only town in Sheridan county with a population of over one thousand, according to the census of 1920. While still under village organization, it is able to qualify as a city of the second class, if its citizens so desire. Gordon has three banks.
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The cash reserve of this bank is high also, about twenty-eight per cent during the stress of money matters in the spring of 1921. Lewis Oberwetter is president; W. F. Stratheide, vice president ; G. E. Ellsworth, cashier ; and M. M. Wahlford, assistant cashier.
Gordon is the only town in Sheridan county with a population of over one thousand, according to the census of 1920. While still under village organization, it is able to qualify as a city of the second class, if its citizens so desire. Gordon has three banks.
The First National is the oldest in vears, it being organized in 1889. It has $50,000 capital and over $80,000 surplus. D. H. Griswold is president; W. E. Brown, vice president; Dwight P. Griswold, cashier; and Anna Schmidt, assistant cashier.
The Gordon State Bank, which was organized in 1907, has the largest capital of any bank in the county. It has $80,000 capital and $20.- 000 surplus. F. C. Hill is president: I. S. Magowan, cashier; and R. S. Ross and Blanche Parker, are assistant cashiers.
The American Bank was organized in 1919, and has a capital of $35,000 and a small surplus. F. P. Mills is president ; L. H. Jordan, vice president ; and J. J. Olsson, cashier.
One of the oldest banks in Sheridan county is at Hay Springs, being more than thirty years in the service of the community. The Northwestern State Bank was organized in 1890. It has a capital of $50,000 and a surplus of $23,- 000. According to recent reports it has deposits of over half a million dollars, and loans and discounts of approximately eighty per cent of the deposits. Cash and undivided profits aggregate $190,000. Chas. Weston is president of this exceptionally strong institution; William Waterman is vice president ; J.
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One of the oldest banks in Sheridan county is at Hay Springs, being more than thirty years in the service of the community. The Northwestern State Bank was organized in 1890. It has a capital of $50,000 and a surplus of $23,- 000. According to recent reports it has deposits of over half a million dollars, and loans and discounts of approximately eighty per cent of the deposits. Cash and undivided profits aggregate $190,000. Chas. Weston is president of this exceptionally strong institution; William Waterman is vice president ; J. S. Denman is cashier and R. Gustafson, assistant cashier.
The First National Bank of Hay Springs, which commenced business in 1908, is another one of the big institutions of the county, in its volume of business and financial connections. Its capital is $25,000 and surplus about $40,- 000. Its deposits according to a recent statement were over three hundred thousand dollars. Cash and undivided profits were above $130,000. Col. Chas. F. Coffee, of Chadron, is the head cf this bank, and I. B. Richmond, vice president ; J. A. Goff, cashier and T. R. Morrison, assistant cashier.
The Clinton State bank was organized in 1917, with a capital of $15,000. It has accumulated a small surplus. It has deposits of $86,000 and loans and discounts of $71,000, with a cash and undivided profits account of over $20,000. The present officers are : Noah Mose, president ; Nels S. Larsen. vice president ; R. O. Lyon, cashier ; and K. C. Mathesen, assistant cashier.
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A. Goff, cashier and T. R. Morrison, assistant cashier.
The Clinton State bank was organized in 1917, with a capital of $15,000. It has accumulated a small surplus. It has deposits of $86,000 and loans and discounts of $71,000, with a cash and undivided profits account of over $20,000. The present officers are : Noah Mose, president ; Nels S. Larsen. vice president ; R. O. Lyon, cashier ; and K. C. Mathesen, assistant cashier.
The first bank in the southern part of the county was at Lakeside, and was established in 1914, or before war and potash entered into the county development. Primarily it was for the accommodation of cattlemen, but later took care of the finances of the Lakeside Potash business. Its capital was $11,000, and according to recent statements its surplus was $7,000. It had deposits aggregating $155,000 and loans and discounts $136,000, cash and exchange $28,000. The officers are: H. C. Peterson, president ; R. M. Hampton, of Alliance, vice president ; and C. M. Empon. cashier.
The potash bubble was responsible for the establishing of banks at Antioch. War demand for potash made that locality look up in 1917
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
and that year two banks were organized and opened for business in the potash metropolis. According to the figures of a local census the town had two thousand people at one time, but many of them were transients and the closing of potash works, and the burning of the mills has reduced the population until it will hardly qualify as a city of the second class, to which honor it recently aspired. Two large mills have burned and the others are now silent.
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and that year two banks were organized and opened for business in the potash metropolis. According to the figures of a local census the town had two thousand people at one time, but many of them were transients and the closing of potash works, and the burning of the mills has reduced the population until it will hardly qualify as a city of the second class, to which honor it recently aspired. Two large mills have burned and the others are now silent.
Antioch State Bank had $10,000 capital and $1,000 surplus, deposits of more than $90,000 and loans and discounts aggregating over $65,-
do not reflect the magnitude of the financial interests of that part of the county. Cattlemen have long had connections with Alliance banks, and with commission houses at Omaha, Kansas City, and elsewhere, while the big potash mills had city connections for the transaction of their extensive affairs.
The Bar
The dean of Sheridan county bar is Judge
W. H. Westover. He was pioneer attorney at
Gordon, the first county attorney, and district
judge, now these past more than twenty-five
000, with cash and undivided profits of upward from $28 000. H. A. Copsey was president; Chas. E. Brittan, of Alliance, vice president; and James P. Thomas, cashier.
Potash State Bank had $20,000 capital and $1,000 surplus; its deposits were $60,000 and loans and discounts $48,000 with cash and undivided profits of over $18,000. The officers were: W. H. Ostenberg, president; W. G. Wilson, vice president; and F. E. Vlasek, cashier. This bank later reduced its capital to $10,000 and increased its surplus to $2,000.
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000, with cash and undivided profits of upward from $28 000. H. A. Copsey was president; Chas. E. Brittan, of Alliance, vice president; and James P. Thomas, cashier.
Potash State Bank had $20,000 capital and $1,000 surplus; its deposits were $60,000 and loans and discounts $48,000 with cash and undivided profits of over $18,000. The officers were: W. H. Ostenberg, president; W. G. Wilson, vice president; and F. E. Vlasek, cashier. This bank later reduced its capital to $10,000 and increased its surplus to $2,000.
In the spring of 1921, these two banks consolidated, as the Potash State Bank, so that Antioch has but one bank at the present time, officered by Copsey, Brittan and Thomas.
Much of southern Sheridan county does its banking business in Alliance, so that the statements of the banks at Antioch and Lakeside
vears. About the same time Samuel II. Ladd took up practice at Gordon, being in active practice about one-third of a century. C. C. Akin was also an early day attorney.
The pioneer attorney of Rushville was W. W. Wood. He homesteaded near the town and moved in soon, forming a partnership with Attorney Weeters.
The bar of the county is pretty well represented in the roster of the prosecuting attorneys through the years. R. J. Graham, Thos. M. Redlau and Geo. Spend were present in the late eighties. Robert M. McGee and Charles E. Woods joined in the legal services of the community during the nineties. C. Patterson was in the profession about twenty years ago, and Roscoe L. Wilhite who has been for a dozen years the county prosecutor, is at present an active resident member of the bar.
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The bar of the county is pretty well represented in the roster of the prosecuting attorneys through the years. R. J. Graham, Thos. M. Redlau and Geo. Spend were present in the late eighties. Robert M. McGee and Charles E. Woods joined in the legal services of the community during the nineties. C. Patterson was in the profession about twenty years ago, and Roscoe L. Wilhite who has been for a dozen years the county prosecutor, is at present an active resident member of the bar.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
A. M. Emley, Eloyd H. Jordan, and P. H. O'Rourke are at present practicing in Gordon. F. M. Broome, while a qualified attorney, lives at Antioch. but attends largely to land matters in connection with the United States land department. S. L. O'Brien is also a practicing attorney at Antioch. Ladd, Dorr, Jordan and O'Rourke. of Gordon; Westover, Wilhite, Patterson, J. H. Edmunds and Chas. A. Plantz, of Rushville ; and J. E. Gilmore. of Hay Springs, are the present members of the north Sheridan
W. H. Crawford, and O. L. Wilson. Dr. C. L. Bates and Dr. L. Quast are dentists.
At Gordon there are Doctors Edward H. Dwyer, James Q. Elmore, Loren Jones, S. E. Overmass and Geo. F. Bartholomew. In dentistry there are Tim Woolm and G. R. Brownfield".
At Hay Springs, Doctors Anderson, A. N. Sheffner, Stanley Clements, and Albert J. Molgalm are the more recent administers to public health.
county bar: with O'Brien and Broome, in the south part of the county.
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Dr. C. L. Bates and Dr. L. Quast are dentists.
At Gordon there are Doctors Edward H. Dwyer, James Q. Elmore, Loren Jones, S. E. Overmass and Geo. F. Bartholomew. In dentistry there are Tim Woolm and G. R. Brownfield".
At Hay Springs, Doctors Anderson, A. N. Sheffner, Stanley Clements, and Albert J. Molgalm are the more recent administers to public health.
county bar: with O'Brien and Broome, in the south part of the county.
Medical Profession
The first doctor in the vicinity of Rushville was Doctor J. R. C. Davis, who had a homestead four miles northeast of the present site of Rushville before the town had come into existence.
Dr. W. N. Nanney is said to have been the first doctor in Rushville. Doctors E. T. Julian and T. B. Rankin were early day physicians and surgeons.
The fraternity has always been well represented in all lines, although the health of the high plains is usually of the best.
Among the doctors of the county there are several at Rushville, namely : Z. T. Daniels,
Besides the doctors from Alliance who attend the wants of the people of south Sheridan county, Dr. Edward C. Cowles is at Antioch, and Dr. F. J. Peterson is an osteopath. Dr. Moore attends the sick of southern Sheridan county also, and for awhile Dr. E. L. Emerson, whose main occupation was ranching, was nevertheless called upon as occasion required.
The Churches
The story of the church has been partly told. Rev. J. A. Scamahorn on the second Sunday in May, 1884, organized the first Methodist church west of Valentine, in the north part of the state. This was also the first church of any kind. Rev. B. F. Diffenbacher, for the Congregationalists Was early on the ground at
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Moore attends the sick of southern Sheridan county also, and for awhile Dr. E. L. Emerson, whose main occupation was ranching, was nevertheless called upon as occasion required.
The Churches
The story of the church has been partly told. Rev. J. A. Scamahorn on the second Sunday in May, 1884, organized the first Methodist church west of Valentine, in the north part of the state. This was also the first church of any kind. Rev. B. F. Diffenbacher, for the Congregationalists Was early on the ground at
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Hay Springs ; as early as 1885. He also preached at Rushville.
Elder Martin also used to come up from Ord and that section for a number of years. Those early ministers met with unusual experiences, but in the main they were able to meet the requirements.
Robert H. Weller was a pioneer saloon man in all the towns along the Northwestern. As fast as towns were reached by the railroad he would get a saloon license. He had been a cow-puncher, and possessed the liberal conceptions of the old time cowboy. Elder Martin arrived in Rushville, and looking around found only one building at all suitable for holding services, that building being Weller's saloon. He asked the proprietor if he could hold services there, and Weller had said "Sure ; wait a minute. I'll hold the boys steady."
He cleared off a faro layout in the back part of the building for the minister to use for a pulpit, then he went to the bar, and rapped upon it with his six-shooter. The noise eased down, and he said, "Boys, the preacher man is going to be the main game for awhile. He is going to talk, and if there is anyone here who feels he can't keep still, he had better vamouse ; for if he busts loose while the, preacher is here, I'll plug him full of holes." The order was perfect.
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He cleared off a faro layout in the back part of the building for the minister to use for a pulpit, then he went to the bar, and rapped upon it with his six-shooter. The noise eased down, and he said, "Boys, the preacher man is going to be the main game for awhile. He is going to talk, and if there is anyone here who feels he can't keep still, he had better vamouse ; for if he busts loose while the, preacher is here, I'll plug him full of holes." The order was perfect. Elder Martin talked a few minutes and sang a few hymns. He asked the boys to join in the singing. The hymns were the old ones with which nearly every one was familiar, and some of the boys were fair singers, so that before long the crude rafters of Weller's saloon were vibrating with a chorus of masculine voices singing hymns of praise. They voted "Preacher Martin" as made of "the right stuff."
Father Kendall was among the first of the ministry in Sheridan county. Rev. Howell and Dr. Mallery were there in the middle eighties. The first church in Rushville was the Methodist, which was a log structure, about a block south of the present site of the postoffice. It was built in 1885, and was afterwards used for Rushville's first school.
Minnie Buchanan was the first teacher. Rev. R. H. Gammon, still living and often to be seen about George Peck's hardware store, was also a pioneer Methodist minister. The name of Rev. J. C. Sloan also appears in early nineties.
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The first church in Rushville was the Methodist, which was a log structure, about a block south of the present site of the postoffice. It was built in 1885, and was afterwards used for Rushville's first school.
Minnie Buchanan was the first teacher. Rev. R. H. Gammon, still living and often to be seen about George Peck's hardware store, was also a pioneer Methodist minister. The name of Rev. J. C. Sloan also appears in early nineties.
Rushville has several churches : Methodist, Presbyterian, German Lutheran and Catholic. The ffrst two named were established in 1885. The Lutherans started about twelve or thirteen vears ago, with Rev. Lainge at its head. Rev. Wahle followed him and in 1921, Rev. B. E. Swartz is the minister.
The Catholic church at Rushville is comparatively new, being only nine or ten years old. It has however made a large development. It has a resident priest. Rev. J. A. Knepper, and St. Mary's academy is a part of its progressive activity.
Rev. Colwell is the present Methodist minister, and Rev. N. P. Olney is at present in charge of the Presbyterians.
Rev. Wingett has charge of the Methodist church at Gordon and B. E. Swartz looks after the Lutherans. There are Catholics and Christions represented at Gordon.
Hay Springs has Congregational, Methodist and Catholic churches. Some distance south of Gordon is Lavaca Parsonage, and there are gatherings in almost every community for services from time to time. At Antioch there are Methodists, Congregationalists and Catholics served by local ministers or from Alliance which is close at hand. The transient population built up by the potash industry also helped to build places of worship, but they did not remain to support them after the bottom fell out of the potash market.
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Some distance south of Gordon is Lavaca Parsonage, and there are gatherings in almost every community for services from time to time. At Antioch there are Methodists, Congregationalists and Catholics served by local ministers or from Alliance which is close at hand. The transient population built up by the potash industry also helped to build places of worship, but they did not remain to support them after the bottom fell out of the potash market.
The Press
The story of the press runs through the years. No one need tell what it is doing, for it speaks for itself. Yet it knows not how well it speaks, for while the editor in most cases thinks he is expressing his own sentiments, these sentiments have been formed by associations and environment. Some editors confine their expression of progress to the particular circle in which they are most familiar, some to the horizon of the political faith, but generally the editor knows the pulsebeat of his community, and the newspaper gives the record of the pulse. It is a wonderful record to read after years has tempered the judgment of the reader.
The Rushville Standard is the dean of the press in Sheridan county. Thirty-six years ago it was founded by Ed. L. Heath, who afterwards served the county and district in the state legislature. For many years this journal has been in the capable hands of C. L. Mayes, who delights to reproduce from the old files bits of past history, relating to pioneers living, or those who leaving an indelible impress, have "passed on."
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It is a wonderful record to read after years has tempered the judgment of the reader.
The Rushville Standard is the dean of the press in Sheridan county. Thirty-six years ago it was founded by Ed. L. Heath, who afterwards served the county and district in the state legislature. For many years this journal has been in the capable hands of C. L. Mayes, who delights to reproduce from the old files bits of past history, relating to pioneers living, or those who leaving an indelible impress, have "passed on."
The Rushville Recorder is ten years the vounger, being established in 1894. G. M. Cooper is the present efficient head of this journal.
The Gordon Journal, now so efficiently managed by the Leedoms, Boyd S. and Joe W., assisted by Caroline Stubblefield, dates back to 1891. This period of thirty years has liven
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
under the management of several ownerships. Editor Jones appeared at the head of this paper in its initial stages. Later H. G. Lyon the present postmaster of Gordon, who takes an active interest in historical affairs, was owner. H. D. Leedom once owned it, and sold it to J. G. Clark. Clark sold it to the two Leedoms, who are the present owners.
The antecedent of the Journal, was the Sheridan County Gazette, established in 1884, by L. O. Hull. This was the first paper published in the county, and had it continued uninterruptedly to the present time would have been a year or more older than the Rushville Standard.
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Lyon the present postmaster of Gordon, who takes an active interest in historical affairs, was owner. H. D. Leedom once owned it, and sold it to J. G. Clark. Clark sold it to the two Leedoms, who are the present owners.
The antecedent of the Journal, was the Sheridan County Gazette, established in 1884, by L. O. Hull. This was the first paper published in the county, and had it continued uninterruptedly to the present time would have been a year or more older than the Rushville Standard.
Hay Springs has two newspapers, the News and the Enterprise. These papers each have an age of about thirty-three years, both being started on their way in 1888. For many years Fred W. Johansen has edited and managed the Enterprise in a most capable and progressive manner. The News has had as its controlling head, the substantial intelligence of John C. Burton.
In the south part of the county, at Antioch, the veteran newspaper man, Frank M. Broome, was the man of the hour when the potash town wanted a paper, and the Antioch News was the result. Broome, as a public man and publisher, has had a lifetime of experience in western Nebraska. When 'Gene Heath left for other lands the old 'Gene Heath's Grip was passed to the stewardship of Frank Broome. The editor in chief during his whiil upon the sea of journalism, "exchanged" with the Grip, regarding it as one of the most valued weekly papers that came to his desk.
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Broome, was the man of the hour when the potash town wanted a paper, and the Antioch News was the result. Broome, as a public man and publisher, has had a lifetime of experience in western Nebraska. When 'Gene Heath left for other lands the old 'Gene Heath's Grip was passed to the stewardship of Frank Broome. The editor in chief during his whiil upon the sea of journalism, "exchanged" with the Grip, regarding it as one of the most valued weekly papers that came to his desk.
No county in the state can show a higher standard of progressive papers than the county of Sheridan, and the people of the county will bear the same critical analysis.
Mercantile Progress
From the time that Tom Grover opened his store in Gordon, and Henry Crow and Cal Weeter in the Rush Valley section, or T. Thompson at Hay Springs, mercantile affairs have had a high part in the county progress. Nowhere is there found a more up-to-date character among men in the mercantile lines. Individual effort has always been of the honorable order that inspires traders to know that they are getting a square deal. Then there has been some co-operative effort in marketing and buying that deserves honorable mention.
Outside of the railroad towns in both the north and south portions of the county, there were early established country stores. There were Albanv, Adaton, Hunter, Grayson, Lavaca, Mirage and many other places, some of which still maintain stores, and some of which are abandoned. S. Dewey who was early at Mirage closed out his business after a number of years.
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Then there has been some co-operative effort in marketing and buying that deserves honorable mention.
Outside of the railroad towns in both the north and south portions of the county, there were early established country stores. There were Albanv, Adaton, Hunter, Grayson, Lavaca, Mirage and many other places, some of which still maintain stores, and some of which are abandoned. S. Dewey who was early at Mirage closed out his business after a number of years.
One of the desires of early mercantile enterprise was to get into the close proximity of the Indian Reservation. In this respect, Gordon has always had the advantage.
Bootlegging among the Indians has always been followed by some of the lawless dispensers of liquor, and for that reason the reservation had its boundaries extended some distance beyond the point where the Indian allotment ceased. Into this neutral zone, the trader and trafficker wished to operate. It was. not permitted. As late as 1904, a homesteader named Charles Nines tried to open a store, but lost his homestead. President Roosevelt was made acquainted with the facts, and he set aside the section of land. Legally this may have been questioned, but what is the use of a poor homesteader fighting the United States. He gave it up.
Hay Springs Today
Hay Springs has nearly six hundred inhabitants, has three churches, two banks, two grain elevators, a potato market house, opera house, electric lights, water works and Beaver Valley telephone. It has the Northwestern railroad, Western Union telegraph and American express. It is on the state highway from Norfolk and Sioux City to the Black Hills, and at the junction of a state road leading south to Alliance, Scottsbluff and Denver. Several rural telephone lines radiate out from the town; to Grayson, Moomaw, and White Clay.
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Hay Springs has nearly six hundred inhabitants, has three churches, two banks, two grain elevators, a potato market house, opera house, electric lights, water works and Beaver Valley telephone. It has the Northwestern railroad, Western Union telegraph and American express. It is on the state highway from Norfolk and Sioux City to the Black Hills, and at the junction of a state road leading south to Alliance, Scottsbluff and Denver. Several rural telephone lines radiate out from the town; to Grayson, Moomaw, and White Clay. About twenty stores and restaurants supply the mercantile requirements of thq town and surrounding country. The Niobrara river is about fifteen miles south.
Irrigation at Mirage A number of years ago, an appropriation was made from the Niobrara river, for irrigating what was called the Mirage irrigation project. The headgate was in section 26-29- 48 in Dawes county. It had two reservoir sites in Sheridan county, in section ten, 29-46, and in section six, 29-45. It crossed Pepper creek, and took in a large body of land. For some reason the matter was abandoned. In the spring of 1921, a number of the farmers and owners of land in this vicinity, made a tour of inspection of the irrigated territory in and around Scottsbluff, and so enthusiastic are they that now the project is to be revived under the name of Hay Springs Irrigation
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
District. The development of this idea will mean a family on each eighty acre farm under the ditch, instead of the sparse population there now, and it will mean a rapid doubling up of the land values, and earning power of the farms.
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In the spring of 1921, a number of the farmers and owners of land in this vicinity, made a tour of inspection of the irrigated territory in and around Scottsbluff, and so enthusiastic are they that now the project is to be revived under the name of Hay Springs Irrigation
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
District. The development of this idea will mean a family on each eighty acre farm under the ditch, instead of the sparse population there now, and it will mean a rapid doubling up of the land values, and earning power of the farms.
This land under irrigation will make a big difference in the mercantile affairs of Hay Springs. One who has never lived in an irrigation country, and noticed the change of business activity with the acres that are put under irrigation, can have no conception of how rapidly business develops. It is almost
Rushville John W. Grubb's furniture store is one of the places where one can accumulate a fund of stories about old Rushville, for Mr. Grubb homesteaded north of town about a mile, in 1884, and has been in business in town for almost thirty years. Also may be found there from time to time W. J. Zoll, who takes great interest in old times and has a splendid memory to assist. He is a brother of Kate M. Zoll, one of the splendid, brave young women who came to Rushville when it was still Rush Valley, and afterwards was associated with Mrs.
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Grubb homesteaded north of town about a mile, in 1884, and has been in business in town for almost thirty years. Also may be found there from time to time W. J. Zoll, who takes great interest in old times and has a splendid memory to assist. He is a brother of Kate M. Zoll, one of the splendid, brave young women who came to Rushville when it was still Rush Valley, and afterwards was associated with Mrs.
an even growth between the country and the town -- that is. for every additional resident upon the land, the business of the adjacent town will require an additional resident. Two thousand additional people in the Mirage district, on irrigated lands, means not only two thousand prosperous people in farm homes, but approximately the same number of inhabitants added to the town of Hay Springs. According to 1920 census Hay Springs has 577 people.
The settlement about the town is largely American. There is quite a settlement of thrifty Danes, and a good wholesome sprinkling of other nationalities: Swedish, German, French, and all dwelling under the flag of the land of their adoption in peace and amity, as becomes good Americans.
Sue M. Slotter, in Rushville mercantile affairs for so many years.
But the transition of Rushville from a tent town in 1885, to the present place of substantial buildings, and excellent mercantile attainments is one of the remarkable stories of progress which covers the high plains. Scientific farming, following the disasters of the early nineties, shows the ingenuity of man, and capableness of the home making human being to survive and prosper in the face of alnm>t any kind of trouble, or in any kind of environment. It is the farm, and what the farm does, that speaks for the progress or retrogression of any town or community center.
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But the transition of Rushville from a tent town in 1885, to the present place of substantial buildings, and excellent mercantile attainments is one of the remarkable stories of progress which covers the high plains. Scientific farming, following the disasters of the early nineties, shows the ingenuity of man, and capableness of the home making human being to survive and prosper in the face of alnm>t any kind of trouble, or in any kind of environment. It is the farm, and what the farm does, that speaks for the progress or retrogression of any town or community center. So intelligent surmounting of farm disasters, made the Rushville of today.
Rushville has about forty mercantile estab-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
lishments representing every line of business : flour mill, grain elevators, banks, hotels, five churches, two newspapers, water works, electric lights, opera house, court house, railroad, express and telegraph. Co-operative efforts in marketing potatoes, and other products, are among the modern achievements of the town. It is the county seat, and has a population of 955 according to 1920 census.
Gordon
The first settlement of grangers in the county of Sheridan, is today the metropolis of the county. The story of the Gordon rifles and the burning of the Gordon wagons and equipment, was one of the unwise affairs of handling the Indian question, and Indian country, that has marked the administration of that department from time to time. This event occurred near the Sheridan-Cherry line, some distance south of Gordon and a little east. The finding of relics is yet of frequent occurrence. The Gordon outfit was burned by the war department of the United States and not by Indians as might naturally be assumed. Gordon has trespassed beyond the lines laid down and arbitrarily forbidden by the department.
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The story of the Gordon rifles and the burning of the Gordon wagons and equipment, was one of the unwise affairs of handling the Indian question, and Indian country, that has marked the administration of that department from time to time. This event occurred near the Sheridan-Cherry line, some distance south of Gordon and a little east. The finding of relics is yet of frequent occurrence. The Gordon outfit was burned by the war department of the United States and not by Indians as might naturally be assumed. Gordon has trespassed beyond the lines laid down and arbitrarily forbidden by the department.
Inasmuch as Gordon was upon the only connecting line for a road or trail through the sand hills without encountering much sandy road, this road could easily have been a much travelled highway from the eastern settlements, to the Black Hills and High Plains
country, had it not been discouraged in its incipiency by the federal government. The effect has been to put back for a generation, the development of road facilities through a section of western Nebraska, that has needed such for its progress.
A half a hundred business enterprises mark Gordon's commercial standing as high in the story of the county. To the north is the Indian country, to the east the cattle country, and to the west and south dry-fanning makes it situated ideally for steady trade. No depression of any one, can so effect the other two of Gordon's sources of business. Flour mills, elevators, electric lights, water works, four churches, two hotels, two banks, a live newspaper, and a generally wide awake people, make the city an excellent place to live. 1920 census gives Gordon a population of 1591.
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To the north is the Indian country, to the east the cattle country, and to the west and south dry-fanning makes it situated ideally for steady trade. No depression of any one, can so effect the other two of Gordon's sources of business. Flour mills, elevators, electric lights, water works, four churches, two hotels, two banks, a live newspaper, and a generally wide awake people, make the city an excellent place to live. 1920 census gives Gordon a population of 1591.
Clinton as stated heretofore his its bank and store, although being between Gordon and Rushville, it has an uphill fight in this day of motor cars. The stories of Antioch, Lakeside and Hoffland appear in the resume of the resources of Sheridan county, under the subdivision of Potash. Bingham and Ellsworth are sand hills stations on the Burlington, with postoffices and stores for local accommodation. At Ellsworth the big ranch people, the Spade ranch, have a store. It is quite complete in all the needs for ranching, following the well known business sense of the Spade people in all their various enterprizes.
THE STORY OF THE SCHOOLS
No part of a new land is of such interest as that part which relates to education. The first schools of the High Plains were necessarily crude affairs. Log houses and sod houses were generally thrown up as soon as possible, and sometimes the first schools were in the claim shack of some settler, and occasionally that of the teacher.
The first school district organized in Sheridan county was at Gordon, Otcober 9, 1885. The county had been created the previous July, and organized in September. The settlements at Gordon and Rush Valley were a year and
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The first schools of the High Plains were necessarily crude affairs. Log houses and sod houses were generally thrown up as soon as possible, and sometimes the first schools were in the claim shack of some settler, and occasionally that of the teacher.
The first school district organized in Sheridan county was at Gordon, Otcober 9, 1885. The county had been created the previous July, and organized in September. The settlements at Gordon and Rush Valley were a year and
more old. Whatever school was held before October, 1885, was in the nature of private schools, and no record is available.
The petitioners for the organization of district number one were :
J. A. Scamahorn, Frank Thompson. H. F. Lingle. L. L. Work, A. V. Stratton, John Howell. D. Ward, S. S. Murphy, M. Moriety, T. C. Morrison, F. Buck, E. D. Evans, W. W. Claybaugh. M. Reed, N. T. Sonds, Thos. Huntington, J. G. Fritz, Frank Hunt, J. R. Tordan, L. Schmidt, Wm. Hogie, T. B. Irwin, W. E. Gibbs, H. D. Huntington, J. S. Nichol-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
son, L. C. Jaques, Sol. Dix, J. Barnett, G. S. French, A. S. Holmes, F. J. Andrea, C. Shrout, C. S. Fritz, M. Swigert, C. E. Hoffman.
District number two was organized at Rushville. on October 21, 1885. District number three at Hay Springs, on October 28. 1885. Three other districts came to life upon this same date : Number four, the Pawnee City settlement, north of Clinton ; Number five, north of Hay Springs ; Number six at the state line north of Gordon. Seven other districts were organized before the close of 1885. By June, 1886, there were nine additional dis- • tricts, so that the first county levy was for
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District number three at Hay Springs, on October 28. 1885. Three other districts came to life upon this same date : Number four, the Pawnee City settlement, north of Clinton ; Number five, north of Hay Springs ; Number six at the state line north of Gordon. Seven other districts were organized before the close of 1885. By June, 1886, there were nine additional dis- • tricts, so that the first county levy was for
B. Biddle, number two ; and Bertha Loving, number three. In November four was issued to Carrie M. Goodykoonts, number five to Katie Dulin, and in December P. H. Shepard received number six and F. J. Gaily number seven. Only the seven certificates to teach were issued in 1885.
In 1886, there wrere issued seventy-one certificates, and, in 1887, forty. The broad acres of Sheridan county were then populated as they never were before or since. In July, 1886, the county received its first state apportionment of school funds amounting to $591.12. Twentythree districts participated in the distribution
that number of schools. The different districts had levies as shown below :
First Levies
No. 1. eight mills; No. 2, twelve mills; No. 3, fifteen mills; No. 4, none; No. 5, fifteen mills ; No. 6, twenty-five mills ; No. 7, fifteen mills; No. 8, fifteen mills; No. 9, none; No. 10, fifteen mills; Nos. 11 and 12, none; No. 13, twenty-five mills.
There seems to have been a break in the numbering of districts at this time for several numerals are missing. Of the remaining districts, No. 26, had seventeen and one-half mills ; No. 24, had twenty mills ; Nos. 14 and 25 had twenty-two mills; and Nos. 13, 15, 21, 22, 27 and 31 had twenty-five mills.
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No. 1. eight mills; No. 2, twelve mills; No. 3, fifteen mills; No. 4, none; No. 5, fifteen mills ; No. 6, twenty-five mills ; No. 7, fifteen mills; No. 8, fifteen mills; No. 9, none; No. 10, fifteen mills; Nos. 11 and 12, none; No. 13, twenty-five mills.
There seems to have been a break in the numbering of districts at this time for several numerals are missing. Of the remaining districts, No. 26, had seventeen and one-half mills ; No. 24, had twenty mills ; Nos. 14 and 25 had twenty-two mills; and Nos. 13, 15, 21, 22, 27 and 31 had twenty-five mills.
First Teachers' Certificates The first record of certificates issued was on October 17, 1885. On that date John M. Linn received certificate number one; W. C.
to the extent of $6.42 per district ; the balance was distributed according to the school population at the rate of 64c per pupil. There were 686 pupils in the county.
The apportionment of the following January was $778.45, which gave each district $8.48, and distributed 85c per pupil. The school census of 1886 showed 360 bovs and 326 girls.
The Schools Today
In 1920 report there is shown in Sheridan county a total of 116 districts. Ninety-two of these are housed in frame school houses, five in brick and four in stone or concrete. There are eight log and three sod school houses in the county, and all the houses are in fair condition.
There are 3108 pupils in Sheridan county, and 169 teachers, nine of whom are male and one hundred sixty female. The last state apportionment to the county was $4296.99. Four
1602
In 1920 report there is shown in Sheridan county a total of 116 districts. Ninety-two of these are housed in frame school houses, five in brick and four in stone or concrete. There are eight log and three sod school houses in the county, and all the houses are in fair condition.
There are 3108 pupils in Sheridan county, and 169 teachers, nine of whom are male and one hundred sixty female. The last state apportionment to the county was $4296.99. Four
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
years ago, the state apportionment amounted to $3876.13. The county superintendent, Mrs. Pearl Summers, believes that there is some error in the computations, or Sheridan county would receive a greater share of the state funds. The progressive policies adopted by the state land department, in taking an inventory of school property, and making the property even more for support of the schools, while G. L. Shumway was commissioner, which policy has been followed by his successor, Dan Swanson, it seems would yield a larger increase from the state apportionment. Mrs. Summers is investigating, and if there is more due the county, she will get it for the county schools.
In 1920, twenty-three schools in the county had nine months of school. There were thirtythree that had eight months and forty-three that had less than eight months school. Eleven schools had no school or less than four months. Each and every district in the county has adequate funds for a four months' term, if they so desire.
1603
Summers is investigating, and if there is more due the county, she will get it for the county schools.
In 1920, twenty-three schools in the county had nine months of school. There were thirtythree that had eight months and forty-three that had less than eight months school. Eleven schools had no school or less than four months. Each and every district in the county has adequate funds for a four months' term, if they so desire.
Gordon and Rushville have accredited high schools. Hay Springs has ten grades and does some work in the eleventh grade. The Catholic academy has twelve grades and seven teachers. One hundred forty-two pupils are in this school, nineteen of whom are in the higher grades. Clinton consolidated school has four teachers, and has combined two districts. District No. 35, known as the Banner school, consolidated five districts, and employs three teachers.
Eighty teachers from Sheridan county attended the combined or joint teachers' institute at Chadron. in 1920. Thirty-five of the teachers stayed for the summer Normal.
The first school in Sheridan county was in Gordon, in a frame shack on the east side of Main street, between First and Second streets. From this humble beginning, the county has developed a splendid educational system, which is a matter of just county pride.
Resources of Sheridan County
Predominent export products of Sheridan county in the agricultural lines are potatoes and wheat. Other ordinary farm products are raised, and there is considerable alfalfa and hay. In the valleys of the sand hills are many beautiful meadows, but their product is almost if not entirely for home use. The Spade ranch, while appropriating much of this valuable land to its own use, has done a fine line of development work thereon, by sowing the seed of tame grasses into the wild sod.
1604
Predominent export products of Sheridan county in the agricultural lines are potatoes and wheat. Other ordinary farm products are raised, and there is considerable alfalfa and hay. In the valleys of the sand hills are many beautiful meadows, but their product is almost if not entirely for home use. The Spade ranch, while appropriating much of this valuable land to its own use, has done a fine line of development work thereon, by sowing the seed of tame grasses into the wild sod. Many
of the wild meadows have become fine fields of timothy and red clover.
Cattle, sheep and horses are raised in large quantities in Sheridan county. The best quality has taken the place of the old Texas varieties of cattle, although occasionally one of the ranchmen will ship in a train load of "old dogies" that makes the mind run back to the days of the Texas trail. It is doubtful if these experiments pay, in this rigorous climate, and this day of modern method of handling livestock, but the old timers get homesick for the old kind of the early days.
In these sand hill ranches we find two very different characters out of the growth of years. We find the ultra selfish, hardened, sly, deceptive and grasping kind occasionally, that has none of the milk of human kindness in them. Men that never help a fellow man, men whose object seeems to be to accumulate, and accumulate. Harsh men, but fortunately they are few.
I could name dozens, of the most excellent characters that the broad acres of sand hills have developed into giants of character, men like Festus Caruthers, only perhaps few that have attained the high degree of usefulness to the world. Festus Caruthers, in one instance, gave a young man three different starts on the right road to prosperity, before he stuck to it and struck his gait.
1605
Men that never help a fellow man, men whose object seeems to be to accumulate, and accumulate. Harsh men, but fortunately they are few.
I could name dozens, of the most excellent characters that the broad acres of sand hills have developed into giants of character, men like Festus Caruthers, only perhaps few that have attained the high degree of usefulness to the world. Festus Caruthers, in one instance, gave a young man three different starts on the right road to prosperity, before he stuck to it and struck his gait. But he will be found now over near the Boiling Springs, with a fine ranch. There are several others that owe to Caruthers their inspiration and start to success. Caruthers is not alone, but he is a stalwart example of the sand hills product. There was Charlie Tulleys, one of the best of sand hills men, but his life was cut short some years ago. There is Chas. C. Jameson, and Ed. Myers and Heber Hord, and scores of others that have made big men, and it has not spoiled them. They have made good, and their stewardship has been all right.
There are the Modisetts, Irwin, Cravath. Coffee, Musser, stalwart characters of the cattle days ; there are Eugene E. Thompson, David Briggs, William G. Wilson and Herman Krause, who have carried all the modern conveniences into their ranch homes. Of the smaller ranches there are many worthy of especial mention, among which we find Frank E. Jesse, Frank H. Palmer, Leonard Boyer, Frank C. Reeves, Henry Heir, Jacob Herman, Cecil C. Wilson and Leslie Ballinger. These men have joined with others in making the, sand hills a good place to live.
1606
Coffee, Musser, stalwart characters of the cattle days ; there are Eugene E. Thompson, David Briggs, William G. Wilson and Herman Krause, who have carried all the modern conveniences into their ranch homes. Of the smaller ranches there are many worthy of especial mention, among which we find Frank E. Jesse, Frank H. Palmer, Leonard Boyer, Frank C. Reeves, Henry Heir, Jacob Herman, Cecil C. Wilson and Leslie Ballinger. These men have joined with others in making the, sand hills a good place to live.
Jules A. Sandoz, member of the state horticultural society, and director therein, has put the sand hills on the map as a producer of
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
fruit. His fruit ranch is equal to many of those of Idaho. Washington or Colorado. Plums of all varieties, apples, pears, and all kinds of small fruits are grown upon this ranch. In addition to his own development he has furnished many of his friends and neighbors with plants, trees and bushes of all kinds and without charge. He is not in the nursery business, except in the way that it will benefit and improve his home, his neighborhood, his county and his state.
In one distinctive feature has Sheridan county passed all her contemporaries. Potash production in Nebraska, as an industry, is practically confined to this county, although frayed edges are over the county lines in adjoining and nearby counties. "Sand hills gold," as it has been called, seems to have been intended for Sheridan county alone.
1607
He is not in the nursery business, except in the way that it will benefit and improve his home, his neighborhood, his county and his state.
In one distinctive feature has Sheridan county passed all her contemporaries. Potash production in Nebraska, as an industry, is practically confined to this county, although frayed edges are over the county lines in adjoining and nearby counties. "Sand hills gold," as it has been called, seems to have been intended for Sheridan county alone.
The first factory of consequence was built at Hoffland, and produced for some time in a quiet way, until the war broke out, and then, "the cat was out of the bag." There were big profits in potash, and factory after factorycame into existence. Some of these were built without much source of supply, and other people waxed rich in accumulating potash leases. Some of these leases were obtained by the initiate, who failed to enlighten those who were selling ; others were made at the insistence of the seller when neither the selling party or the buyer knew of the value. When the Hord interests were buying some ranch lands, they purchased a tract from one A. Simonson, an attorney then practicing in Alliance. One1 eighty contained a sour lake, which it is stated Mr. Hord offered to let Simonson retain if he would cut the price one hundred dollars. Simonson insisted that it go with the others. Later it proved worth many thousand dollars for the potash it contained. On another occasion John Krause bought some land containing a lake from a party named Long. It developed that Krause had made an examination and knew the lake to be rich in potash. In the courts Long recovered something over seventy thousand dollars, said to be the value of the product Krause had taken from him without just compensation.
1608
Simonson insisted that it go with the others. Later it proved worth many thousand dollars for the potash it contained. On another occasion John Krause bought some land containing a lake from a party named Long. It developed that Krause had made an examination and knew the lake to be rich in potash. In the courts Long recovered something over seventy thousand dollars, said to be the value of the product Krause had taken from him without just compensation. There is a case pending in the courts against the Krause interests for potash taken from state lands without lawful authority.
The editor-in-chief, when commissioner of public lands and buildings of the state, had unpleasant controversies with John Krause and Tom Briggs concerning potash rights upon state lands. The former acquired by purchase a tract of state school land containing a potash lake without the knowledge of the state appraisers. Part of this lake is upon lands owned by the state and not purchasable, but a pipeline was constructed, and the potash extracted. The commissioner made a demand, and obtained from the operator of the plant, (then W. E. Sharp, of Lincoln, who had purchased, for his company, the American Potash Works at Antioch), a statement of the amount of potash taken from this lake. Surveys were made by the department of surveys, under order of the commissioner and computations were made as a basis of the pending suit.
In the case of Tom Briggs lake, Briggs applied to the state for the right to extract the potash, which was the honorable thing to do. There was no law! for mineral leasing in the state, but Attorney General Reed held that the board of educational lands and funds had authority to issue such leases, under the constitution, the legislature having laid down no method of procedure.
1609
Surveys were made by the department of surveys, under order of the commissioner and computations were made as a basis of the pending suit.
In the case of Tom Briggs lake, Briggs applied to the state for the right to extract the potash, which was the honorable thing to do. There was no law! for mineral leasing in the state, but Attorney General Reed held that the board of educational lands and funds had authority to issue such leases, under the constitution, the legislature having laid down no method of procedure.
Under this ruling of the attorney general, the Nebraska Pipeline & Refining company had asked for and received permission to prospect the lakes of some thirty-nine sections of land with the privilege of selecting not more than five within one year. The amount of publicity given this permit, and inquiries arriving at the office of the commissioner, caused him to insist before the board upon a set of rules, and a lease form for mineral leases. This caused considerable delay, and conflicting applications for the Briggs section, and other sections deemed desirable. Under the rules adopted competitive bidding was required where two or more applications were filed asking for the same tract. Over two hundred leases were issued under these rules, fortyfour of which were in Sheridan county.
The Briggs lake was auctioned, and bids held open for an hour, and the lease was authorized to be given to J. J. Sullivan for $1,000 bonus and twelve and one-half percent royalty. The court declared these mineral leases were without authority, and void. Then at the extraordinary session of the legislature in April, 1918, a mineral statute was enacted, and the board sought to proceed thereunder. Again the courts were invoked, and again the delay. In the end of two or three years of litigation, Briggs secured the potash rights on the section for a five percent royalty, as the potash bubble had so far exploded that he was the only bidder.
1610
The court declared these mineral leases were without authority, and void. Then at the extraordinary session of the legislature in April, 1918, a mineral statute was enacted, and the board sought to proceed thereunder. Again the courts were invoked, and again the delay. In the end of two or three years of litigation, Briggs secured the potash rights on the section for a five percent royalty, as the potash bubble had so far exploded that he was the only bidder. Thus the lawyers profited, but the state and all individuals interested lost considerable sums, beacuse of the delays.
As commissioner, the editor-in-chief realized the urgency of immediate production of potash, both from the point of national needs
43S
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
in war, and also from the point of value of the product. He sought by all reasonable means to get contentious parties into working agreements, either upon a division, or to pay the money into court, and litigate concerning the equities in the money.
Both of these plans failed, and the fact that the state did not receive a large revenue from potash production, and the fact that disputants failed to realize any considerable sums from potash taken from state lands, is due to the alluring appeal of extraordinary legalany other mill in the section, being one of the first in operation, and continuously a producer when any others were producing, and adjacent to and using the water from many of the richest lakes.
Jess lake stands as the one that produced the most potash in Sheridan county or the state. It is said that something near ten million dollars worth of product has been extracted from this one basin.
1611
Both of these plans failed, and the fact that the state did not receive a large revenue from potash production, and the fact that disputants failed to realize any considerable sums from potash taken from state lands, is due to the alluring appeal of extraordinary legalany other mill in the section, being one of the first in operation, and continuously a producer when any others were producing, and adjacent to and using the water from many of the richest lakes.
Jess lake stands as the one that produced the most potash in Sheridan county or the state. It is said that something near ten million dollars worth of product has been extracted from this one basin.
What is geologically termed the Dawes and Furnas ridge extends through the county of
fees, and the persuasive arguments of attorneys for the litigants.
Just as J. E. O'Brien and associate^ were about to open their potash plant at Antioch, a mysterious fire broke out, and it was entirely destroyed. The plant was rebuilt but got into the production of potash just as the market broke, the mill was consequently never profitable to the investors. The company finally gave it up and the plant was sold.
The Lakeside plant had a bad fire at one time, entailing a loss of many thousands of dollars and an additional loss of time at a period when potash was bringing good prices.
More recently there have been two fires at Antioch in the potash works. The latter practically destroyed the American plant, which was owned by the Western, or generally referred to as the Sharp interests. The American plant has turned out more potash than
1612
The Lakeside plant had a bad fire at one time, entailing a loss of many thousands of dollars and an additional loss of time at a period when potash was bringing good prices.
More recently there have been two fires at Antioch in the potash works. The latter practically destroyed the American plant, which was owned by the Western, or generally referred to as the Sharp interests. The American plant has turned out more potash than
Sheridan. A number of the mineral leases issued by the state were for oil prospects in the northern part of the county. The question of fuel, and the presumed submerged deformation in the vicinity of the potash plants, brought forth the agitation at one time of putting a test well down in that part of the county, but the plan never materialized.
The northwestern part of the county has appealed to oil prospectors for many years, although within the county the drill has never penetrated below strata needed for water. The Midwest company has done some drilling in the county of Dawes only a few miles from the county line, and at present the Big Chief company is drilling just over the South Dakota line. This company is operated from Rushville, and is owned in large part by Sheridan county people. If this well becomes a producer, well number two will be put in on the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Nebraska side of the state line, for the rocks encountered indicate the best prospects are to the south of the present drilling.
1613
The Midwest company has done some drilling in the county of Dawes only a few miles from the county line, and at present the Big Chief company is drilling just over the South Dakota line. This company is operated from Rushville, and is owned in large part by Sheridan county people. If this well becomes a producer, well number two will be put in on the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Nebraska side of the state line, for the rocks encountered indicate the best prospects are to the south of the present drilling.
In February, 1921, this company was officered by William F. Matthew, president ; G. A, Ostrander, vice president ; Ira Kelley, secretary ; and Geo. Greer, treasurer. Frank Owens was actively interested, and Doc. Underbill the driller. The new officers are : Rev. W. G. Vahlie, president ; H. S. Gillespie, secretary ; Herman Miller, treasurer. Herman Lund and Tom Lincoln were active in the promotion of the enterprise, and "Red" Mc- Clure spudded the well, the depth of the drill in March. 1921, being about five hundred feet.
Nothing speaks more eloquently for the substantial character of Sheridan county, than the story of its agricultural development. The first turning of virgin sod smiled back at the first settlers with abundant harvest. By 1888, the county's agriculture had advanced to such a stage that an agricultural society was formed. Recent exhibits at the state fair have won the admiration of those agriculturally inclined, especially in potatoes, vegetables, and alfalfa and wild hay.
1614
Herman Lund and Tom Lincoln were active in the promotion of the enterprise, and "Red" Mc- Clure spudded the well, the depth of the drill in March. 1921, being about five hundred feet.
Nothing speaks more eloquently for the substantial character of Sheridan county, than the story of its agricultural development. The first turning of virgin sod smiled back at the first settlers with abundant harvest. By 1888, the county's agriculture had advanced to such a stage that an agricultural society was formed. Recent exhibits at the state fair have won the admiration of those agriculturally inclined, especially in potatoes, vegetables, and alfalfa and wild hay.
The latest manifestations of agricultural unity and power is the Farm Bureau, and Sheridan county is alive to the purposes of the organization. The present officers are : Anton Jansen, president ; Geo. Fisher, vice president; R. H. Bourne, secretary; Jeffrey Westervelt, James Hindley^ John Burrows, Clarence DeWitt, directors. The county commissioners of 1921 have approved a Farm Bureau budget of two thousand dollars.
County Division
All attempts at county division have so far failed. One of the persistent ambitions of Gordon is to become a county-seat town, and one of the dreams of the future is a new county formed out of a part of Sheridan county, and a part of Cherry county, but the difficulties in the way of such an accomplishment is the consent of the two counties named.
Shortly after the building of the Burlington through the south part of the county, a petition was filed with the county commissioners (on October S, 1888.) asking the submission of the question of dividing the county, and forming the new county of Kersey. This petition was laid upon the table by the county board.
1615
One of the persistent ambitions of Gordon is to become a county-seat town, and one of the dreams of the future is a new county formed out of a part of Sheridan county, and a part of Cherry county, but the difficulties in the way of such an accomplishment is the consent of the two counties named.
Shortly after the building of the Burlington through the south part of the county, a petition was filed with the county commissioners (on October S, 1888.) asking the submission of the question of dividing the county, and forming the new county of Kersey. This petition was laid upon the table by the county board.
COUXTV DEIiTS
The first years of any county it is embarrassed by lack of funds. Taxation fails to bring returns for a year and then the amounts
are small. The result is that bonds are resorted to, to bring the finances of the county into good repute. Sheridan county issued $33,000 in bonds in November, 1888, to care for floating indebtedness and bring county warrants to a cash basis. Schools and roads are the two important items of expense in the county. It has a few bridges, but they are not long or expensive to construct, like those in counties along the Platte river. The courthouse, while very nice, artistic and convenient, was constructed at small cost as compared with the present costs of such structures. The county debt is small.
Fraternal Organizations
On the 30th of July, 1887, Amity Lodge No. 169, A. F. & A. M., was given a dispensation under authority of the Grand Lodge of the state. The charter members were : James M. Baker, Orren W. Boston. Albert M. Clyborne, Samuel S. Cornell, James D. Corder, James R. C. Davis. Casper C. Fransom, Francis M.
1616
The courthouse, while very nice, artistic and convenient, was constructed at small cost as compared with the present costs of such structures. The county debt is small.
Fraternal Organizations
On the 30th of July, 1887, Amity Lodge No. 169, A. F. & A. M., was given a dispensation under authority of the Grand Lodge of the state. The charter members were : James M. Baker, Orren W. Boston. Albert M. Clyborne, Samuel S. Cornell, James D. Corder, James R. C. Davis. Casper C. Fransom, Francis M. Godfrey, Benj. W. Harnish, John H. Jones, Elijah Kendall, Ornestine Meservey, Geo. T. Morey, Michael P. Musser, Cornealus Patterson, Robert O. Pugh, Edward A. Pyne, Edward Jj Robinson, Charles E. Sanford, Frank W. Sprague, Arthur D. Slowills, John E. Veach, Newton H. Wier, Nathan A. Shepherd and George Spense.
The officers under dispensation were: J. R. C. Davis, master; E. J. Robinson, senior warden; John Jones, junior warden; M. P. Musser, treasurer; F. M. Godfrey, secretary. E. J. Robinson was a minister, and before the charter was granted, which occurred June 21, 1888, he was in the Kimball and Banner county country. John H. Jones was advanced to senior warden, and F. W. Sprague was junior warden under the charter as granted.
The lodge now has seventy-two members, is a verv live institution, and lives up to its traditions and purposes. The present officers are; .Frank H. Black, master; Clarence O. Sawyer, senior warden ; John C. Dullaghan, junior warden ; Horace C. Dale, treasurer ; and Zadok T. Daniel secretary. Dr. Daniel is a patriarch of the order. Born at Eufala. Alabama, he is a Tangier life member Omaha Temple V A. ( ). N. M. S., is a past master, ex-scribe Podge of Perfection Scottish Rite, and lias for twelve years been the secretary of Amity Lodge.
1617
The present officers are; .Frank H. Black, master; Clarence O. Sawyer, senior warden ; John C. Dullaghan, junior warden ; Horace C. Dale, treasurer ; and Zadok T. Daniel secretary. Dr. Daniel is a patriarch of the order. Born at Eufala. Alabama, he is a Tangier life member Omaha Temple V A. ( ). N. M. S., is a past master, ex-scribe Podge of Perfection Scottish Rite, and lias for twelve years been the secretary of Amity Lodge.
Garnet? Lodge No. 125. Okder of the Eastern Star
This companion of Masonry was organized and chartered ten years after the Masonic lodge was chartered, or June 2^, 1898. The
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
first officers and charter members were: Millie A. Farman, matron ; Mary A. Cornell, associate matron and Joseph E. West, patron. Joseph E. Werb, John H. Jones, Horace C. Dale. Lizzie A. Ford, William W. Ford, Joseph P. Evans, David Dullaghan, J. O. Apian, Byron Cornell, Joe Bell, Capitola Tully, Rickie Jones, Jamie S. Brown, Lillian E. Dale, Emma K. Moore, J. E. Brown, Bertha A. Evans, Dora Dullaghan, Marie L. Aplin, Ollie Franzen, Martha West, and Althea Bell.
Rushville Lodge No. 369, I. O. O. F. This lodge was organized and chartered June 5, 1912, with fourteen charter members. B. F. Ray was the first noble grand, and C. L. Mayes, the first secretary. The lodge now has sixty-five members and the following officers : Ross Merrill, noble grand ; H. M. Steehm, vice grand ; B. F. Ray, secretary ; Joe David treas-
1618
Evans, Dora Dullaghan, Marie L. Aplin, Ollie Franzen, Martha West, and Althea Bell.
Rushville Lodge No. 369, I. O. O. F. This lodge was organized and chartered June 5, 1912, with fourteen charter members. B. F. Ray was the first noble grand, and C. L. Mayes, the first secretary. The lodge now has sixty-five members and the following officers : Ross Merrill, noble grand ; H. M. Steehm, vice grand ; B. F. Ray, secretary ; Joe David treas-
Rushvilee Lodge No. 308, Daughters of Rebecca
The companion lodge of the Odd Fellows was organized in April, 1913, with forty-three charter members. Mrs. Dora Hewitt is the noble grand ; Uldrikka Schmidt, vice grand ; Vealetta Steehm. secretary ; and Georgia Daniel, treasurer. There are eighty-two members at this time.
Modern Woodmen
Sheridan lodge number 1042 Modern Woodmen of America was the second lodge chartered in Rushville, it being organized July 30, 1889, with eleven members. The following were the officers : Rev. J. C. Sloan, vice consul ; W. N. Ford, worthy advisor; C. E. Mayes, clerk; and Frank Wood, banker. The lodge is one of the largest in the county, having a membership of seventy-nine at the present time. The present officers are : H. S. Stinson, vice consul ; Luther Davis, worthy ndvisor ; C. L. Mayes, clerk ; and M. O. Keiffe, banker.
Royal Neighbors The companion lodge of the Woodmen organized June 12, 1901, Rose Lodge number 2616, with twenty-three charter members. This lodge has the largest membership of any fraternity in Rushville and is officered as follows : Mrs. Jesse French, oracle ; Mrs. Mary Moore, vice oracle; Mrs. Carrie Henderson, recorder; Mrs. Maude Stamper, receiver.
1619
S. Stinson, vice consul ; Luther Davis, worthy ndvisor ; C. L. Mayes, clerk ; and M. O. Keiffe, banker.
Royal Neighbors The companion lodge of the Woodmen organized June 12, 1901, Rose Lodge number 2616, with twenty-three charter members. This lodge has the largest membership of any fraternity in Rushville and is officered as follows : Mrs. Jesse French, oracle ; Mrs. Mary Moore, vice oracle; Mrs. Carrie Henderson, recorder; Mrs. Maude Stamper, receiver.
Other Lodges The historian has given more detail to the lodges at the county seat, but Gordon, Hay Springs, Antioch, and other places have fraternities of the same and other lodges, whose communal fires are kept burning by the patience and charity of their beloved members. The harsh world of business is softened, and toned down, and the brotherly love engendered and kept alive in the fraternal organizations of the land. Nowhere is that spirit more exemplified than it is in all parts of Sheridan county.
SHERIDAN COUNTY AND THE WORLD WAR
Sheridan county, ever ready to do its part in public affairs, never faltered when the great sacrifices were necessary for world liberty. The pioneers who came to Sheridan county, and the children of those pioneers, had within them the blood of independence and self-sacrifice. They had stood the test of early years, and they met the test in the supreme trials of war. The people gave of their time, their means and their own blood. The liberty loans were met and passed in regular order, the thrift and war savings drives went as usual in western Nebraska, the Red Cross and other
1620
The pioneers who came to Sheridan county, and the children of those pioneers, had within them the blood of independence and self-sacrifice. They had stood the test of early years, and they met the test in the supreme trials of war. The people gave of their time, their means and their own blood. The liberty loans were met and passed in regular order, the thrift and war savings drives went as usual in western Nebraska, the Red Cross and other
volunteer workers met with cordial assistance and never failed to go over the top.
Two ways were open for the boys to enter the national army, by the volunteer route and by induction through the draft. Before the draft law became effective many had enlisted, and others not in the first draft, sought service by voluntary induction. The record of •the draft in Sheridan county was happily kept by Miss M. Gillespie, in a most complete manner. And in 1920, the assessors were instructed to list all the volunteers whose names do not appear in the regular draft lists. Thus
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Sheridan county has a list of the boys who went into the war, far more nearly complete, than any county of the Panhandle, which it has been the privilege of the editor to examine. The state wide instruction to assessors, to do as Sheridan county has already done, is a trifle belated, but is better by far than not doing at all. Even then there will be a possibility of omissions.
1621
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Sheridan county has a list of the boys who went into the war, far more nearly complete, than any county of the Panhandle, which it has been the privilege of the editor to examine. The state wide instruction to assessors, to do as Sheridan county has already done, is a trifle belated, but is better by far than not doing at all. Even then there will be a possibility of omissions.
Honor Roll
Charles Atwood, Harold F. Anderson, Gus N. Anderson, Floyd R. Armon, Frank F. Apian, John Jacob Anghrn, Oliver K. Arnold, John G. Ackerman, Albert R. Arnold, Wm. C. Arms, Eli J. Anderson, James Anderson, Carl M. Andreason, Harvey B. Bourne, Raymond L. R. Bartlett, Owen Bennett, Steve Brewer, Raliegh Brown, Howard Barta, Clyde W. Basom, Theodore H. Bos. Roy Brownlow, Glen W. Black, Fred W. Bell," Harry W. Bietz, Bruce H. Bourne, John Barta, Walter E. Blum, Raleigh E. Barker, Paul F. Blair, Alva L. Burton, Julius H. Bachman, Roy C. Branson, Osmer A. Brownlow, Earl H. Briggs, Albert C. Bisbee, Chas. W. Brown, Bernie D. Berkheimer, Arthur T. Blackledge, Ralph A. Baker, Joseph E. Brown, George H. P. Bos, Jay A. Bottorff, William H. Bormess, Arthur F. Boyles, Will Cummings, Harley Carrier, Wayne Coxon, Wm. H. Crawford, Harry R. Caparoon, Adolph Cerny, Merle C. Cass, Arthur M. Coon, Elmer E. Casselman. Eldon E. Cunningham, Rufus L. Childester, William Clauson, John C. Cline, Edward W. dishing, Jr., Moses Clayton, Frank J. Crom, Lewis N. Carrier, Lewis W. Coon, Martin Curtis, Ralph L. Clancey, William D. Coffey, Earl Chamberlain, Guy 'P. Christie. Herbert H. Clarke, Patrick N. Carroll, W. G Carlton. Emil II. Dryson, Lawrence E. Dunn, Virgil C. Dwiggins, Joseph I. Dexter, Fred Droescher, Harry B. DeWolf", William H. Davis, John B. Dykes, Ralph P.
1622
Coon, Elmer E. Casselman. Eldon E. Cunningham, Rufus L. Childester, William Clauson, John C. Cline, Edward W. dishing, Jr., Moses Clayton, Frank J. Crom, Lewis N. Carrier, Lewis W. Coon, Martin Curtis, Ralph L. Clancey, William D. Coffey, Earl Chamberlain, Guy 'P. Christie. Herbert H. Clarke, Patrick N. Carroll, W. G Carlton. Emil II. Dryson, Lawrence E. Dunn, Virgil C. Dwiggins, Joseph I. Dexter, Fred Droescher, Harry B. DeWolf", William H. Davis, John B. Dykes, Ralph P. DeBoer, James L. Dale, Alberic De- Poorter, John W. Dixon. George M. Duerfeldt. Clifford F. Davis, Fay E. Ellis, Joseph A. Edgell, Olaf C. Elie, Everett J. "Early, Robert T. Evans, Eueil D. Edmondson, Walter E. Flueckinger, Clyde V. Faust, Harry D. Ferguson, Abel R. Findley, Adolph Faukhauser, James R. Furman, Louis J. Fraser, Lloyd C. Fry, Fred Finger, Wm. C. Findley, Claude E. Fitzgerald, Clayton Graham, Everett E. Guy, Chas. E< Gleason, D wight P. Griswold, Charles R. Gardner, Rex Gulick, Leo J. Grey, Howard G Gibbs, Frederick M. Graeber, Miles D. Grover, Roydon W. Ganow, Herman I. Gerdes, Floyd M. Gettys, Chas. T. Garmon, Wm. C. Hicks, form
Herman, Albert J. Heeftle, Joseph F. Henan, Wm. A. Hosek, Paul W. Hagel, Lawrence A. Hatch, Ted T. Hummel, Charlie A. Hare, John A. Helmeisch, Henry H. Hoffland, Peter J. Heesacker, Grover C. Hayes, Clarence L. Hoagland, Martin H. Heesacker, Walter D. Horden, Ivan E. Hayes, John Havlik. Forest E. Hippach, Myron P. Hallowell, Frank G. Horn. Howard G. Hoselton, Carl W. Hagedorn, William H. Hagedorn, Audley T. Harp, .Mike W. Hindman, William M. Humphrey, Henry J. Huckins, Albert Hagedorn, Roy L. Hoffland, James W. Hare, James C. Holley, Levi A. Hahn, foe Harter, Robert Hinton, Clarence II. Hills, Mon. Hubbard, Allie G Hopperton, Ted LaVerne Hummel, Harlie A. Hale, Sidney B. Irwin, Martin J.
1623
Heesacker, Walter D. Horden, Ivan E. Hayes, John Havlik. Forest E. Hippach, Myron P. Hallowell, Frank G. Horn. Howard G. Hoselton, Carl W. Hagedorn, William H. Hagedorn, Audley T. Harp, .Mike W. Hindman, William M. Humphrey, Henry J. Huckins, Albert Hagedorn, Roy L. Hoffland, James W. Hare, James C. Holley, Levi A. Hahn, foe Harter, Robert Hinton, Clarence II. Hills, Mon. Hubbard, Allie G Hopperton, Ted LaVerne Hummel, Harlie A. Hale, Sidney B. Irwin, Martin J. Janssen, Edward B. Jameson, Wm. j. Jones. lb. Jensen, Elmer W. Johnson. Wilmer J. Johnson, Harvey L. Jones. Edward P. Johnson, Albert P. Johnson, Harry R. Johnson, Alvin D. Johns, George F. Jansen, Harry P. Johnson, Peter Y. Jensen, Joe L. Jiranek, Lein B. Jacobson, John Jorgensen, Frank M. Kuchera. Joseph L. Krepci, Rudolph ]. Krejci, Albert Kutschara, Charles R. Kime, H. M. Kleutschy. Thomas Kennedy. Henry Keiser, Frederick W. Koch, Claude Kerns, Gerhart R. Kittelman, Paul P. Kramer. Harry L. Kirkman, Earl W. Kendig, Mallow L. King, Octave L. Kicken, Thomas Kearns. Fred Kramer, Lennie F. Kutschara, Claus Koehnke, Adolph J. Kraisinger, Charlie Lulow, Willis J. Lonie, Gilbert W. Little, L. E. Lawrence, Joe W. Leedom, George A. Livingston, Charles J. Leistritz, Vince Leonard, Carl C. Landrey, Dave Landers, Conrad Lawrence. Henry M. Lefler. F. B. Logan, Frank Lawrence, Lars L. Lineburg, Ernest Muescli, L W. Moorhead, Howard S. Mellon. Martin L. Melcher, Charles C. Miller, Alberts I. Milford, Walter R. Miller, Floyd M. McCluskey, Frank S. Mauk, Wayne E. Mapes, Gilbert L McCreath. lames M. Miller, William G. Moss, John Mclntire, Wilber G. Merritt, Charley E. Macumber, Noah Myers, Ernest L. Matthews, Ellis R. McCrary, Warren W. Mapes, Boyd B. Morev, Herman W". Mueksch, August ]. Mussack, Bert G Muelke, Roy Mullikin, William M. McC.raw. Frank S. McCune, Ernest A. Markwalder. Eyle C.
1624
Mellon. Martin L. Melcher, Charles C. Miller, Alberts I. Milford, Walter R. Miller, Floyd M. McCluskey, Frank S. Mauk, Wayne E. Mapes, Gilbert L McCreath. lames M. Miller, William G. Moss, John Mclntire, Wilber G. Merritt, Charley E. Macumber, Noah Myers, Ernest L. Matthews, Ellis R. McCrary, Warren W. Mapes, Boyd B. Morev, Herman W". Mueksch, August ]. Mussack, Bert G Muelke, Roy Mullikin, William M. McC.raw. Frank S. McCune, Ernest A. Markwalder. Eyle C. Menick. George D. Magowan, Albert D. New, Ernest W. Nelson, Clarence A. New, Ernest II. Xewhouse, Charles F. Orth, Eddie F. (••Conner. Bennett Owen, James F. Overton, Ralph E. Owen, John O'Conner, Jesse E. Plouch, Martin I'. Peters, Robert f. Perreton, Tug I 'aimer, Arthur Parker. Emil I. Pfisterer, Willi- F. Pyles, Edwin 1. Lowell, Clifford R. Parker, Claude A. Perry, Due. C. Perrin, Danel II.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Prue, Jess E. Reeves, Chris Reibold, Melvin Rodgers, Dan Bryan Racobs, Raymond W. Reese, Willie W. Roby, Grover E. Riley, John Rowlette, Arthur Rush, Ehvood J. Randle, Winston W. Randle, Carlos A. Rogers, Harvey L. Roby, George L. Riley, Frank H. Rideout, Harvey W. Ravmer, Lewis O. Riley, Roy Rash, Ross D. Rash, John H. Robins. R. W. Stoner, Walter A. Sanderson, Harold A. Sorenson, Loyd B. Souands, Adrian Souands, John E. Souands, Claude A. Sheffner, Charles W. Shaekelton, Wm. Savage, Homer Spaulding, Carl A. Smith, Jerry D. Stouffer, Clyde H. Speer, Harry A. Smith, Harrison Strasburger, George H. Smith, Milo C. Shafer, Louis C. Stiehl, Ernest J. Scherbarth. Paul Shrewsbury, Erick O. Schultz, John E. Sherlock, Robert G. Slocum, Lynn Stone, Arthur L. Schiedt, Fred Stone, Harry L. Sandoz, Don B. Shrewsbury, Paul A. Stover, Howard A. Speer, Wilbur S. Sutton. George F. Sydow, Ami F. Sandoz, William T. Sears, Harry Stouffer, John L.
1625
Savage, Homer Spaulding, Carl A. Smith, Jerry D. Stouffer, Clyde H. Speer, Harry A. Smith, Harrison Strasburger, George H. Smith, Milo C. Shafer, Louis C. Stiehl, Ernest J. Scherbarth. Paul Shrewsbury, Erick O. Schultz, John E. Sherlock, Robert G. Slocum, Lynn Stone, Arthur L. Schiedt, Fred Stone, Harry L. Sandoz, Don B. Shrewsbury, Paul A. Stover, Howard A. Speer, Wilbur S. Sutton. George F. Sydow, Ami F. Sandoz, William T. Sears, Harry Stouffer, John L. Stephens, Frederick Shear, Morton R. Sweeney, Pleasant W. Smith, Arthur E. Schubert, John L. Shipp, Lewis M. Smith. Arthur R. Skiles, Grant A. Stannard, Guss Thompson, Walter E. Townsend, Lawrence Toline, Harold S. Thomas, H. K. Tiller, Roy Toline, Walter H. Tyler, Joe V. Tulloss, Lester Trotter, Albert S. L. Thompson, Clarence E. Taylor, Thomas R. Thompson. Ira B. Thayer, Raymond H. Tourtellotte. William McKi'nley Tyler, William E. Vollentine, F. E. Vlasak, Grover A. VanBuskirk, Theophiel Vincent, Frank J. Votrubs, Anton Vodicke, Ernest A. Vickery, John A. VanDinter, Leonard Van Ryt, Archie J. Van Buskirk, Ray S. Vanderford, James W. Williams, Peter Wyers, Lewis B. Wiles, Theodore C. Wassenberg, John E. Wolf, Fred Witt. Geo. Wilson, Carl S. Williams. Frank C. Winters, Samuel E. H. Waldron, Henry M. White, John L. Wehr, Joseph A. Wehenkel, John E. Yowell, Ben Zurcher.
Of this total of 368 sons of Sheridan county that went forth to do their part in the world conflict, 142 were volunteers, and 226 were inducted. Few communities will show a greater proportion of volunteers for service, and a number of them became officers. The editor has not the list
1626
Wilson, Carl S. Williams. Frank C. Winters, Samuel E. H. Waldron, Henry M. White, John L. Wehr, Joseph A. Wehenkel, John E. Yowell, Ben Zurcher.
Of this total of 368 sons of Sheridan county that went forth to do their part in the world conflict, 142 were volunteers, and 226 were inducted. Few communities will show a greater proportion of volunteers for service, and a number of them became officers. The editor has not the list
John A. VanDinter was with the Rainbow Division.
Sergeant Martin J. Janssen received the D. S. C. for extraordinary heroism at Flirey, France, September 12, 1918, and has eight medals.
Tin-: Supreme Sacrifice The following named made the supreme sacrifice : J. A. Bottorff, Paul W. Hagel, Emil j . Pfisterer, Grover A. YanBuskirk, Anton Vodicke. William H. Davis, Adolph Fankhauser. Owen Bennett, Dan Bryan Racobs, and Robert Hinton. Ten whose names will be written on the scroll of fame. The first named five died of disease, and the other five were killed in action.
The signing of the armistice was an occasion of great rejoicing. It was the greatest bit of news that ever reached Sheridan county, for it went to the heart of nearly every home.
Following the War of the World, the returning soldiers created a fraternity called the American Legion, the purposes of which are well known and splendid. It was organized in December, 1919. The first officers were Charlie Brown, commander ; Martin Janssen, vice-commander; Geo. Wilson, adjutant; and Floyd McCoskey, treasurer.
1627
The signing of the armistice was an occasion of great rejoicing. It was the greatest bit of news that ever reached Sheridan county, for it went to the heart of nearly every home.
Following the War of the World, the returning soldiers created a fraternity called the American Legion, the purposes of which are well known and splendid. It was organized in December, 1919. The first officers were Charlie Brown, commander ; Martin Janssen, vice-commander; Geo. Wilson, adjutant; and Floyd McCoskey, treasurer.
The Legion had about seventy-five members in the spring of 1921, and the officers were: Geo. Wilson, commander; Wm. H. Crawford, vice commander; W. G. Lonie, adjutant; and Peter Jensen, treasurer.
Recently the Auxiliary of the Legion was organized at Rushville, with the following officers : Mrs. J. W. Davis, president ; Mrs. O. L. Wilson, vice president ; Mrs. P. J. Jensen, secretary; Mrs. J. W. Jackson, treasurer, and Airs. J. Furman, Mrs. J. E. Brown, and M. V. Ward, committee.
These organizations are to be found in other places in the county. Gordon, Hay Springs, and Antioch, either have Legion Posts or have tentative organizations leading to the future establishment of posts.
Conclusion
From the time that T. B. Irwin, John Riggs, Jim Dahlman. J. C. Quigley, and others in early ranching invaded the territory that was later to become Sheridan county, from the days when Nick Janis, and Ben Tibbets first set foot upon its virgin soil, from the later date, that John A. Scamahorn was the Moses that led his colony through the sand hills, and the 10+ splendid settlers that came with him, from the time that the Pawnee City contingent arrived, and Rush Valley settlement came into existence, the territory and the county have assumed the role of progress and advanced ideals.
1628
Quigley, and others in early ranching invaded the territory that was later to become Sheridan county, from the days when Nick Janis, and Ben Tibbets first set foot upon its virgin soil, from the later date, that John A. Scamahorn was the Moses that led his colony through the sand hills, and the 10+ splendid settlers that came with him, from the time that the Pawnee City contingent arrived, and Rush Valley settlement came into existence, the territory and the county have assumed the role of progress and advanced ideals. Even when the wild soul of Doc Middleton was free upon the wide prairie, there was little of the rancor and hostility that frequently existed in the transition of the ranges to farms.
The people have always supported the most
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
progressive forms of government and law. In no county in the state has there been such a uniformity of press support of good and modern ideals. There is not an old line conservative in the newspaper business and there has been none for years. Mayes. Leedoms, Johannsen, Clark, Broome, and Cooper, are all progressive up-to-the-minute scribes and recorders of
the passing events. These men have performed no small part in the building of the foundations of Sheridan county, upon the firm and enduring basis of sound intelligence. The exercise of the brain has had and will have much to do in the future in retaining for this county, the excellent place it has won among the counties of the state.
1629
Leedoms, Johannsen, Clark, Broome, and Cooper, are all progressive up-to-the-minute scribes and recorders of
the passing events. These men have performed no small part in the building of the foundations of Sheridan county, upon the firm and enduring basis of sound intelligence. The exercise of the brain has had and will have much to do in the future in retaining for this county, the excellent place it has won among the counties of the state.
SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY
WHEN PART OF CHEYENNE -- EARLY EXPERIENCES
By an arbitrary act of the territorial legislature, Lyons county was created out of a part of the western Nebraska, which is now Scotts Bluff, Banner, and Kimball, and a part of each Cheyenne and Morrill counties.
The first state legislature re-adjusted the lines and the names. Lyons county, which had been unorganized, ceased to exist, and in its place and the place of Taylor county which was adjoining it upon the east, and in the place of a part of Monroe county, which was east of Taylor. Cheyenne county was created. For a few years it remained unorganized, attached to Lincoln county for administrative, judicial and taxation purposes. Then Tom Kane and a few other of the live wires of Sidney, secured the necessary act of the governor and Cheyenne county became a separate entity. Scotts Bluff county was a part thereof, in the extreme northwest corner of its limits.
School district number one was organized at Sidney, and Scotts Bluff county was also a part thereof. Taxes from the Coad and Sheedy and other big ranches were paid into Sidney. Even the ranches that were over in the unorganized county of Sioux, as far east as Valentine and the Long Pine section, helped to pay for the support of the Sidney schools for a few years.
1630
Scotts Bluff county was a part thereof, in the extreme northwest corner of its limits.
School district number one was organized at Sidney, and Scotts Bluff county was also a part thereof. Taxes from the Coad and Sheedy and other big ranches were paid into Sidney. Even the ranches that were over in the unorganized county of Sioux, as far east as Valentine and the Long Pine section, helped to pay for the support of the Sidney schools for a few years. But these taxes were not large, although the territory covered a half of the state.
District No. 10
John Wright secured the organization of District No. 10, in the early eighties, which district embraced all of the present Banner county and all south of the river in the present Scotts Bluff county. This took in the Sparks, Coad and Creighton ranches, and smaller places on the water-ways, and some of the taxable railroad land upon the divide between Harrisburg and Kimball. The school house was built at Wright's ranch on Pumpkin creek, i he first school being in a log house, until the
frame was built. Lora Sirpless was the first teacher. When the building of the frame school house came up. the settlers were locating in the east end of Banner county as it now exists, and they wanted the school house at Freeport. Hugh Milhollin was elected on the school board. A compromise was reached, and two school houses were built in 1886, one at Wright's ranch and the other at Freeport, both of frame. They are still in good repair and used for the original purpcses.
1631
When the building of the frame school house came up. the settlers were locating in the east end of Banner county as it now exists, and they wanted the school house at Freeport. Hugh Milhollin was elected on the school board. A compromise was reached, and two school houses were built in 1886, one at Wright's ranch and the other at Freeport, both of frame. They are still in good repair and used for the original purpcses.
John Thoelecke was the first assessor in the territory after number ten came into existence. The first year he brought in a large return of cattle from the big ranches, and the taxes paid
these institutions was ot material importance. In 1886, however, John failed to find very many cattle on the ranches in the district. The settlers blamed him for a lack of vision, but it may be that the ranch owners, profiting by the experience, had put their cattle just over the line in Wyoming on April first, or at least declared to the assessor that they were there.
First Settlers
The first permanent settler within the limits of the present county of Scotts Bluff was Charlie Foster, residing near and adjoining a proposed town on the Union Pacific extension to be made in the year 1921.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Everything worth while seems to be disputed. Lem Wyman has claimed the distinction of being the first permanent settler for many years, but the question is now settled because Lem has moved away. Both these excellent people were cowboys back in the seventies, and both came on to this range at about the same time. Both settled down, and were good citizens for about forty years, raising families and developing farms.
1632
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Everything worth while seems to be disputed. Lem Wyman has claimed the distinction of being the first permanent settler for many years, but the question is now settled because Lem has moved away. Both these excellent people were cowboys back in the seventies, and both came on to this range at about the same time. Both settled down, and were good citizens for about forty years, raising families and developing farms.
There has also been a dispute as to where the Union Pacific should put its station. Partisans for the Mihan location were contested by the partisans of the Lyman location, the two being about one and one-half miles apart.
Perry Braziel, a settler since 1882, lives near Lyman and Foster nearer to the Mihan quarter. While each was a partisan of his favorite location, there was no bitterness in the contest, the "old-timer fraternity" being so much stronger the tie that binds.
Runey C. Campbell came along about 1883, and the following year he appropriated some choice hay meadows adjacent to the old Coad ranch. Shortly after "Sailor Joe" Hansen, built a log cabin in Mitchell valley, but he left after a short time, when he lost his boy, who was dragged to his death by a runaway horse. "Sandy" Ingraham caught the horses, but the boy was dead.
Then William R. Akers, John Coy, and Virgil Grout came up from the Greeley district, and started the work of the Lucerne canal, the story of which is told elsewhere. Then came the Tabor or Minatare settlement.
1633
Shortly after "Sailor Joe" Hansen, built a log cabin in Mitchell valley, but he left after a short time, when he lost his boy, who was dragged to his death by a runaway horse. "Sandy" Ingraham caught the horses, but the boy was dead.
Then William R. Akers, John Coy, and Virgil Grout came up from the Greeley district, and started the work of the Lucerne canal, the story of which is told elsewhere. Then came the Tabor or Minatare settlement.
First Plowing
The first in this locality was A. W. Mills, who died in Omaha some few years ago, but whose home was here for so many years. Mills arrived from Sidney, unloaded his grass-hopper plow and began to plow sod on his claim which was about half-way between the present municipalities of Scottsbluff and Minatare. He was the first granger to set a plow in the sod of Scotts Bluff county. He and a friend were engaged in putting up a sod house, when George Baltes walked in from Camp Clarke. George came up to where the men were working near the top of the sod walls. It was evening and the sod were seemingly very heavy, so heavy that Mills and his assistant had improvised a slide from the wagon to the top of the wall, by using the endgate. George was asked to wait until they finished unloading the sod and they said they would get supper and he could bunk with them for the night.
1634
George came up to where the men were working near the top of the sod walls. It was evening and the sod were seemingly very heavy, so heavy that Mills and his assistant had improvised a slide from the wagon to the top of the wall, by using the endgate. George was asked to wait until they finished unloading the sod and they said they would get supper and he could bunk with them for the night.
George then gave them an exhibition of his
prodigious strength. He jumped upon the wagon, and notwithstanding his long wralk that day, and having had no dinner, he picked up the big sod, single handed, and placed it upon the wall.
Joe Smith at the same time selected a tract that later was platted as Tabor. There was later some mixup over the claim, and he relinquished a half of the claim which was taken by A. M. (Mack) Fairfield.
While A. W. Mills was the first to start a house on the north side of the river, Smith was the first to have his finished.
Wellington Clark, George W. Fairfield -- the old surveyor, -- A. B. Purdy, and Joe Smith arrived at the same time from Sidney. They were in Sidney when Mills left that town for the North river country. They arrived at their selected claims about September 10, 1886.
Primed the Pump With Milk
Their first act was to drive down a well point, and attach a pitcher pump. Having no water to prime it, and the pump refusing to act without priming, one of them started for
1635
B. Purdy, and Joe Smith arrived at the same time from Sidney. They were in Sidney when Mills left that town for the North river country. They arrived at their selected claims about September 10, 1886.
Primed the Pump With Milk
Their first act was to drive down a well point, and attach a pitcher pump. Having no water to prime it, and the pump refusing to act without priming, one of them started for
'Where Purdy Primed
the river, some distance away, to get the necessary water. While gone, it occurred to Mr. Purdy to milk the cow, and prime the pump with milk.
Others Walk In
Josh Stevens settled in the Cedar valley, southwest of the present site of Gering in the fall of 1886, and Laportes settled at the foot of the bad lands to run a few horses. Oscar Gardner had known the Laportes were here, and he, like George Baltes. walked in from Camp Clarke. It 'will l)e seen that some of our most substantial citizens found this country while on foot, and it was merely the sturdy
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
determination of the young pioneers that brought them upon their feet to this land of promise, and it was the same spirit that sustained them in the fight, kept them on their feet, and made them well-to-do citizens of the valley today.
Gardner's First Night
Oscar Gardner tells of his experience at the old Coad ranch, where he stopped the first night. Here he met Runey Campbell and Jim Shaw, who were looking after the Bay State affairs at the ranch. He was invited to stay, and took supper with them. At bed time he shared with Shaw a bunk on the kitchen floor. He was awakened in the night by the sniffling about of some night prowler, and in the dim light he could make out some kind of moving form.
1636
Oscar Gardner tells of his experience at the old Coad ranch, where he stopped the first night. Here he met Runey Campbell and Jim Shaw, who were looking after the Bay State affairs at the ranch. He was invited to stay, and took supper with them. At bed time he shared with Shaw a bunk on the kitchen floor. He was awakened in the night by the sniffling about of some night prowler, and in the dim light he could make out some kind of moving form.
Jim awoke at this time and sat up, asking what was the matter. "There is some kind of animals moving around in here," Oscar said. Jim let out a sleepy grunt and said simply "skunks," then he rolled back and went to sleep. Sleep with skunks prowling about was such a new and novel experience, that Gardner's rest was much broken. But in the morning he learned that it was the habit of a nest of these skunks to come to the kitchen every night. They entered through a hole in the sod wall, and proceeded to pick up such' fragments of meat, bacon rinds, or pieces of bone that the boys threw about on the dirt floor, instead of out at the door.
Later it was determined to rid the place of the skunks, and the manner was as novel as the way of cleaning the kitchen. So accustomed were the animals to the presence of man, that they would move about close to their feet, as though scarcely aware of their presence. It is said that a skunk has no sense of pain and from the story told one must believe that it is true. The manner of their destruction was to spill kerosene into their hair or fur, and then set it on fire.
1637
Later it was determined to rid the place of the skunks, and the manner was as novel as the way of cleaning the kitchen. So accustomed were the animals to the presence of man, that they would move about close to their feet, as though scarcely aware of their presence. It is said that a skunk has no sense of pain and from the story told one must believe that it is true. The manner of their destruction was to spill kerosene into their hair or fur, and then set it on fire. While it burned the skunks moved about apparently uninterested. Sometimes it took two or three saturations of oil and the same number of burnings to finish the skunk. When it became effectual, the animals merely laid down and died, apparently without pain, and certainly not offering the skunk's usual offensive tactics when annoyed.
Fording the Platte
There were no bridges on the Platte between Camp Clarke and Fort Laramie, so the people used to cross frequently, except during the
freshets of June and early July. It was necessary to get fuel, for nature had bestowed upon the hills south of the valley, the timber supply that assisted the early people of the valley. There were several places found along the river, where by passing from island to island, and sand bar to sand bar, there was little difficulty or danger. If one followed the track of the wagons gone before, a good load could be pulled across the river, but if one got out of the beaten track, there was more or less trouble.
1638
It was necessary to get fuel, for nature had bestowed upon the hills south of the valley, the timber supply that assisted the early people of the valley. There were several places found along the river, where by passing from island to island, and sand bar to sand bar, there was little difficulty or danger. If one followed the track of the wagons gone before, a good load could be pulled across the river, but if one got out of the beaten track, there was more or less trouble.
Near Tom Fanning's place was one of these fords, which a great many of those who settled on the Dutch Flats, used as a crossing. Gotfried Kamaan was coming across there on his way to his claim, and he had a yoke of oxen. He got out of the beaten track, and the oxen broke the yoke, leaving him sitting in mid-stream. He waded ashore, went to Fanning's and stayed all night. In the morning his wagon had settled down somewhat, but was still in sight. Fanning's horse stock was more of the saddle and driving varieties, and Kamaan needed a good draft team to get him out of his trouble. The Dvorseks had a place a short distance down the river from Fanning's and he had some heavy draft horses. A team of these and a rope reaching to the shore were secured ; Kamaan broke the ice which had frozen thinly across the space, and waded out to the wagon in the icy cold water. The team pulled the wagon out, and he proceeded upon his way. Experiences similar or otherwise, sometimes amusing, and sometimes tragic, were the lot of the pioneer in Scotts Bluff county.
1639
The Dvorseks had a place a short distance down the river from Fanning's and he had some heavy draft horses. A team of these and a rope reaching to the shore were secured ; Kamaan broke the ice which had frozen thinly across the space, and waded out to the wagon in the icy cold water. The team pulled the wagon out, and he proceeded upon his way. Experiences similar or otherwise, sometimes amusing, and sometimes tragic, were the lot of the pioneer in Scotts Bluff county.
Captain Akers's Story Through the skein of early events in the North Platte valley, and in the county of Scotts Bluff, the name of Akers runs. The editor first met the captain about thirty years ago, and through the years, we had many ideas in common. There have been so many characters in the "Iliad of Hardships of the Pioneer," that run along certain struggles and needs, that I have chosen for one the story of Captain Akers, as told to me, some years before he went to the "Farther Frontier." It tells the steps by which several generations have moved on and on from land to land, like the generations of men have moved since our courageous forefathers landed on New England's coast.
One of the things that drive people into the west, that makes them pioneers, is to get away from the conventions and requirements of older civilization. When the money-changers bring on their periodical panics, the men in the older
1640
There have been so many characters in the "Iliad of Hardships of the Pioneer," that run along certain struggles and needs, that I have chosen for one the story of Captain Akers, as told to me, some years before he went to the "Farther Frontier." It tells the steps by which several generations have moved on and on from land to land, like the generations of men have moved since our courageous forefathers landed on New England's coast.
One of the things that drive people into the west, that makes them pioneers, is to get away from the conventions and requirements of older civilization. When the money-changers bring on their periodical panics, the men in the older
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
country are usually harder hit than the people of the frontier. A quarter of a century ago, or more, or during the nineties while the period of depression was over the east, we of this country felt less its rigors, because We were all used to being without money, and accustomed to barter and trade as a medium of exchange.
Years earlier, when the United States Bank went down under the onslaughts of General Jackson, the nation had a severe blow in the matter of credit. Individual America was broke, and all were in the same boat, just as they were in 1907, when clearing house and cashier checks were substituted for money.
It was this early cataclysm of the country's finances that caught Grandfather Akers, as it caught my own and your own grandfathers, and all our grandfathers in that melancholy day.
1641
Years earlier, when the United States Bank went down under the onslaughts of General Jackson, the nation had a severe blow in the matter of credit. Individual America was broke, and all were in the same boat, just as they were in 1907, when clearing house and cashier checks were substituted for money.
It was this early cataclysm of the country's finances that caught Grandfather Akers, as it caught my own and your own grandfathers, and all our grandfathers in that melancholy day.
In 1848, when some were treking through this America's Valley of the Nile, to Oregon, and others were hurrying through to the newly discovered gold fields of California, Grandfather Akers, with his several sons, and their families, in one of which was ten year old William, came west into Iowa to find homes. First to Burlington, then to Crawfordville, then to the place where Millersburg now stands.
There was no money then, and the $1.25 per acre price for land was prohibitive, so they "squatted" on claims. And when Millersburg was started, the father of William sold his "squatter's right," and moved to town, and he and young William plied the hammer and saw steadily and continually until William reached his majority.
Others have told of his war record at Henry, Donaldson, Shiloh, Lays Ferry, Lyuca, Resaca, Corinth, and other places until after three and a half years, he was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky.
Triumphs of Peace
When I was young, we were taught that deeds of valor were the greatest achievements, but now we find greater triumphs in peace. One of the most heroic things that Captain W. R. Akers has done in his splendid career, was when at the age of twenty-five years he took up the work of education which had been denied him in his younger years.
1642
Others have told of his war record at Henry, Donaldson, Shiloh, Lays Ferry, Lyuca, Resaca, Corinth, and other places until after three and a half years, he was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky.
Triumphs of Peace
When I was young, we were taught that deeds of valor were the greatest achievements, but now we find greater triumphs in peace. One of the most heroic things that Captain W. R. Akers has done in his splendid career, was when at the age of twenty-five years he took up the work of education which had been denied him in his younger years. He went to school and stood in classes with ten-year-old children to learn the multiplication table. How well he succeeded, how great was his achievement, is told in the fact that in the next ten years he attended Cornell college, and taught high school and served three times as county
superintendent. In the meantime he studied law, and opened a law office at Malcolm, where for eight years he practiced law.
In the meantime. Miss Susan Karnes, of Loudenville, Ohio, had become Mrs. Akers, and together they reasoned that there were greater opportunities in the west. Captain Akers hung out his shingle in Fort Collins in 1882.
Mrs. Akers was preparing to join him. She had a sale of the most of their household effects, and went to a neighbors to spend the night. On the morrow she was to journey to far off wonderful Colorado to join her husband.
1643
Miss Susan Karnes, of Loudenville, Ohio, had become Mrs. Akers, and together they reasoned that there were greater opportunities in the west. Captain Akers hung out his shingle in Fort Collins in 1882.
Mrs. Akers was preparing to join him. She had a sale of the most of their household effects, and went to a neighbors to spend the night. On the morrow she was to journey to far off wonderful Colorado to join her husband.
The papers the next morning, contained the names of the dead and injured in the terrible Grinnell cyclone, and Mrs. Aker's name was among the dead, and Miss Cora Akers badly injured. Thus was the joy of anticipation changed to gloom and Captain Akers went east as fast as steam and steel would carry him. Back again in the land of the setting sun, but the zeal for law had died. He went out upon a farm, and here came to him the inspiration that marked him for her own. Irrigation -- that ancient-modem science -- claimed and chained his intellect and activities, first a galley slave, and then a master in the conquest of the arid west.
He heard of the great North river, with its mighty volume of water and its fertile acres, where no white people lived except the cowmen, and few real homes had foundations.
Captain Akers, Virgil Grout, and John Coy saw the possibilities of the rich soil, and abundant waters, and here they laid the foundations of their future homes.
1644
Irrigation -- that ancient-modem science -- claimed and chained his intellect and activities, first a galley slave, and then a master in the conquest of the arid west.
He heard of the great North river, with its mighty volume of water and its fertile acres, where no white people lived except the cowmen, and few real homes had foundations.
Captain Akers, Virgil Grout, and John Coy saw the possibilities of the rich soil, and abundant waters, and here they laid the foundations of their future homes.
Captain Akers had again married, and his second and charming wife whom the people here knew, was Miss Francis Hayes, of York ville, Illinois. And together, they put their belongings on a hay rack and started for the new land, where under the desert land act, and homestead and pre-emption laws, they could lay claim to 960 acres.
With wife, children, household goods, clothing, provisions, hope, courage, and $2.40 of actual money, they left Fort Collins, and by the time they reached Chugwater the money was gone.
And here a wagon wheel broke down. Mother Akers cried a little, and father Akers went down the creek looking for a ranch. He found one, and there were several wagons standing around. He told the ranchman his plight. He had not misgauged the great heart of the west, and he borrowed a wagon and
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
continued his journey into the promised land.
The broken wheel was left at Fort Laramie to be repaired, at a cost of $7.50 which was yet to be secured, and which financial achievement was made by borrowing it from an Englishman, then about ten miles up the Rawhide creek.
1645
He told the ranchman his plight. He had not misgauged the great heart of the west, and he borrowed a wagon and
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
continued his journey into the promised land.
The broken wheel was left at Fort Laramie to be repaired, at a cost of $7.50 which was yet to be secured, and which financial achievement was made by borrowing it from an Englishman, then about ten miles up the Rawhide creek.
This same Englishman taught W. R. Akers, by the use of an architect's level, the way to run the line of a ditch. And this primitive instrument, with nature's brain and brawn, was the equipment used in laying out the first irrigation canal in the North Platte valley. That canal still runs, and carries water more satisfactorily than some of the newer works which the boys with "sheepskins" and in khaki uniforms with much ado have traced across parchments, in rooms where just the right degree of light and shade obtains.
How early settlers found the necessary food to eat, are stories as old as pioneer life; and hardships and privations vary only in degree and kind. There was a time, one winter in the middle eighties that brought the question of sustenance for the next meal. The autumn previously, Mr. Akers, having time and idle horses, had put up several stacks of the coarse stemmed sand grass. The ranchmen told him that it had no feeding qualities, but he thought it would be better than nothing.,. Winter came, and he found his horses ate it, and were fat, while stock on the range grew poorer.
1646
There was a time, one winter in the middle eighties that brought the question of sustenance for the next meal. The autumn previously, Mr. Akers, having time and idle horses, had put up several stacks of the coarse stemmed sand grass. The ranchmen told him that it had no feeding qualities, but he thought it would be better than nothing.,. Winter came, and he found his horses ate it, and were fat, while stock on the range grew poorer.
The Empty Flour Sack
One cheerless day the flour sack was empty, and so was the purse. The lion-hearted said : "Mother, I don't know where to get more flour." And here Mother Akers justified the faith of a pioneer's wife. She said, "William, it will come from somewhere."
She went out to call upon a new neighbor -- a Mrs. Steinmetz, and Mr. Akers sat mooding by the cabin door. A stranger rode up and saluted, asking if he knew of anyone who had
any hay for sale. Mr. Akers took him over a ridge to a stack, which he examined.
"How much for the stack?" he asked.
"One hundred dollars," bravely said, but with inward dread that the man would vanish.
Sells Some Hay
The man laid down $20 in gold, and gave him a check for the $80.
At noon Mother Akers returned to try to improvise a meal. Captain Akers met her at the door, and said :
"Mother, I have sold a stack of hay."
"How much did you get for it, father?" a little eagerly.
1647
"How much for the stack?" he asked.
"One hundred dollars," bravely said, but with inward dread that the man would vanish.
Sells Some Hay
The man laid down $20 in gold, and gave him a check for the $80.
At noon Mother Akers returned to try to improvise a meal. Captain Akers met her at the door, and said :
"Mother, I have sold a stack of hay."
"How much did you get for it, father?" a little eagerly.
"One hundred dollars," and he caught her or she would have fallen on the doorstep.
That afternoon, Watson's grocery, a small store up the river, put $50 worth of groceries in Captain Akers wagon, and the gaunt wolf left his door forever.
His life has been woven into the constructive laws of Nebraska, and he has served his country in war and peace, but of all his great achievements, the greatest is that he held aloft a beacon to guide the footsteps of the young. A good clean life, of trying environment at times, but of a glorious sunset. His days were marked with climaxes, and when fate or Providence intervened or rebuffed, his indomitable will spoke, "Take Courage," and out of seeming disaster he triumphed to splendid useful citizenship.
Captain Akers taught us the way to put fragments together, and make the desert blossom as a rose. Here was the vagrant river and the desert land, and here now is the green oasis of thousands of homes.
The blossom which I now lay upon his bier, is but poor tribute and only one ; of the mamhe has made to bloom, but I am glad that while he lived I also gave him flowers, and never failed to render him true homage for the service he has rendered to all our Scotts Bluff country.
1648
Here was the vagrant river and the desert land, and here now is the green oasis of thousands of homes.
The blossom which I now lay upon his bier, is but poor tribute and only one ; of the mamhe has made to bloom, but I am glad that while he lived I also gave him flowers, and never failed to render him true homage for the service he has rendered to all our Scotts Bluff country.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
GERING -- FIRST OF MANY THINGS
The town of Gering was dreamed about by Oscar Gardner and a few others as early as 1886, but it was not until March 7, 1887, that the town really came into existence. The first thing was a post office, and Oscar W. Gardner
First Cabin, Gering, 1886
was the first postmaster. Gardner was also the first notary public.
In April, Martin Bristol made the first fixtures for this office.
The town was named Gering in honor of Martin Gering. This man with Gardner under the name of Gering & Gardner put in the pioneer store of the town. It confined its mercantile activities to implements and hardware.
F. A. Garlock (now of Harrison) and T. S. Franklin put in the second store, which was a general merchandise establishment.
The third business enterprise in the town was a newspaper started and still conducted by A. B. Wood. Volume one, number one, of the Gering Courier was issued April 27, 1887. Mr. Wood brought the first chair to Gering. He
1649
This man with Gardner under the name of Gering & Gardner put in the pioneer store of the town. It confined its mercantile activities to implements and hardware.
F. A. Garlock (now of Harrison) and T. S. Franklin put in the second store, which was a general merchandise establishment.
The third business enterprise in the town was a newspaper started and still conducted by A. B. Wood. Volume one, number one, of the Gering Courier was issued April 27, 1887. Mr. Wood brought the first chair to Gering. He
Gering Courier, 1887
bought it of C. D. Essig of Sidney, and brought it in with his printing outfit. Up to that time, tables and chairs were improvised of cracker boxes and other boxes used in the hauling in of merchandise.
The fourth store in Gering was a drug store started by Dr. W. H. Cbarlesworth, who was also the first doctor. Dr. C. W. Mercereau was there soon after.
The Mail Route
After the establishment of the post-office the next thing was how to get the mail. Old Camp Clarke wanted it to come that way, but Gardner planned to have it brought from Redington, then considered a better and quicker way. The carrier from Sidney to Camp Clarke frequently carried it on to the river post-office, nnd at least once lost it on the prairie where it lay until his return trip. Kimball put in a bid to get a route established across country from there, and occasionally a pouch of mail was brought in from that point by a freighter. This confusion and often delays continued until October.
1650
Old Camp Clarke wanted it to come that way, but Gardner planned to have it brought from Redington, then considered a better and quicker way. The carrier from Sidney to Camp Clarke frequently carried it on to the river post-office, nnd at least once lost it on the prairie where it lay until his return trip. Kimball put in a bid to get a route established across country from there, and occasionally a pouch of mail was brought in from that point by a freighter. This confusion and often delays continued until October.
L. D. Livingston's had established a postoffice at their home on Pumpkin creek about seven miles east of wildcat mountain. They secured mail from Redington. In Banner county there were several stores opened and these brought mail out -- for those who gave them orders -- from Kimball, Sidney or Potter, as the case might be.
In October, 1887, the postoffice at Ashford was established and Wm. Ashford was appointed postmaster. Then a Star route was put on from Kimball to Gering, which took in Ashford as an intermediate point, and dropped mail for Livingston, at the latter point. From that time Gering had quite a regular mail service.
Jones M. Clapp was the first carrier on this route into Gering. The route is still in service, although the method of travel has changed from the broncho buck board to the automobile; and the rough trail of the first year- has changed to the fine state and federal aid scenic highway.
1651
Then a Star route was put on from Kimball to Gering, which took in Ashford as an intermediate point, and dropped mail for Livingston, at the latter point. From that time Gering had quite a regular mail service.
Jones M. Clapp was the first carrier on this route into Gering. The route is still in service, although the method of travel has changed from the broncho buck board to the automobile; and the rough trail of the first year- has changed to the fine state and federal aid scenic highway.
The first carpenter and builder in Gering was Martin Bristol, soon to be joined in that work by Ed. Bosley and C. F. Berry. Orf Fanning came a little later.
Wm. and Frank Stalcup were the first blacksmiths.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
In May, 1887, Lamont brothers were making plans for a hotel and livery stable. However the Pioneer Hotel, in fact and name, was built by C. W. and Elmer Hogaboom.
Early Talk of Railroad
As early as 1885, the Union Pacific filed a plat through government land up the North Platte valley. As Perry Braziel recently stated, "It has been about forty years since they first planned building up here," and they had not yet reached his place in western Scotts Bluff county. And he was "going to stay there forty years longer and if he did not have a railroad by that time he was going to move out."
the first institutions was a band. Geo. Luft arrived from Seward, in May, and went into partnership with Dr. Charlesworth of the Gering drug store. There had been some talk of a band and with the arrival of Luft, it became a surety. He was the band leader. The other members were : A. B. Wood, Ed. Gering, Oscar and Charlie Gardner, Bert Hubbard, Frank Garlock, John Gorten, and Horatio Knapp.
1652
And he was "going to stay there forty years longer and if he did not have a railroad by that time he was going to move out."
the first institutions was a band. Geo. Luft arrived from Seward, in May, and went into partnership with Dr. Charlesworth of the Gering drug store. There had been some talk of a band and with the arrival of Luft, it became a surety. He was the band leader. The other members were : A. B. Wood, Ed. Gering, Oscar and Charlie Gardner, Bert Hubbard, Frank Garlock, John Gorten, and Horatio Knapp. They were short of instruments, but the band at Kimball loaned them their horns for the Fourth of July celebration of 1887.
One of the curios displayed in Gering windows in the early days of the town was a set of hoofs from a dead mule. These were found
Street Sce
On May 3, 1887, Phil Jurish and L. B. Calaghan came up to Gering, and then went up on top of the mountain. They came back down to the young town, and told the folks that they could see a train coming up the south side of the river. This of course w'as what was hoped would some day occur and for long years it was Gering's fondest wish. Eventually the dream came true.
In the same month Ed Gering came to the new town and pre-empted a half mile south. He said he was near enough to the business part of town. Also that he did not want his children playing around the cars.
1653
They came back down to the young town, and told the folks that they could see a train coming up the south side of the river. This of course w'as what was hoped would some day occur and for long years it was Gering's fondest wish. Eventually the dream came true.
In the same month Ed Gering came to the new town and pre-empted a half mile south. He said he was near enough to the business part of town. Also that he did not want his children playing around the cars.
In common with new communities, among
in the Mitchell gap, and had the shoes still attached. On one of these some wag had inscribed the following: "Died with his boots on --1849-- Scott's Bluffs."
Whether this inscription was written then or later no one now knows. There were the bones of many mules and horses found along the trail near here. Several were killed and the wagons burned, as is recorded elsewhere in this work while transporting army provisions to Salt Lake City. This is in the narrative of Al Wiker.
The First of Many Things The first bank in the present limits of Scottsbluff county was the Bank of Gering establish-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ed by Martin Gering and others. This bank is now the Gering National and its destinies are presided over by Al Mathers.
The first record of a birth was a son to Mr. and Mrs. A. Porter Pritchard, born June 6, 1887. A girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lamont shortly afterwards. It may be that there were earlier births, but they escaped the attention of the chronicler of the time.
1654
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ed by Martin Gering and others. This bank is now the Gering National and its destinies are presided over by Al Mathers.
The first record of a birth was a son to Mr. and Mrs. A. Porter Pritchard, born June 6, 1887. A girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lamont shortly afterwards. It may be that there were earlier births, but they escaped the attention of the chronicler of the time.
The first wedding was that of Miss Ella Yance to Wm. Burton, and the ceremony was performed by Rev. B. L. Brisbane. It occurred in June, 1887.
On July 1, 1887, occurred the first double wedding in the valley. The contracting parties were Miss Mamie Randall to Elmer Hathaway, and Miss Etta Hathaway to Wm. Burgess.
town. He called George King into his confidence, and after telling him that he must never breath a word of the discovery, he exposed the glittering "mica" to George's gaze. King knew what it was, but congratulated Schiffbauer on his find. As he left the place he met Frank Sands, and told him to go into Schiffbauer's store and ask to see the "gold." Naturally the shoemaker would be surprised that Sands should know anything about it ; then Sands was to tell him that King, whom he had pledged to secrecy, had given it away. The "little Dutchman" lost faith in humanity, and in King in particular, at that fime.
Some years later Schiffbauer & Langhorst ran the pioneer shoe store in Gering. This Langhorst was a brother of Louis Langhorst, prominent for many years in the democratic
1655
As he left the place he met Frank Sands, and told him to go into Schiffbauer's store and ask to see the "gold." Naturally the shoemaker would be surprised that Sands should know anything about it ; then Sands was to tell him that King, whom he had pledged to secrecy, had given it away. The "little Dutchman" lost faith in humanity, and in King in particular, at that fime.
Some years later Schiffbauer & Langhorst ran the pioneer shoe store in Gering. This Langhorst was a brother of Louis Langhorst, prominent for many years in the democratic
The first fire, aside from the prairie fires of old and the carnage along the old trails was that of James Westervelt. It was caused by a neighbor who wished to burn off his place and he succeeded. The fire got beyond his control and James Westervelt's house was in line of the flames. The loss was about $600, a considerable amount in that time.
The first barber in Gering was John Garten.
The first shoemaker was Wm. Schiffbauer. He had a claim near town and one day while he was putting clown a well he found a pocket of bright yellow metal. Like many he hoped and believed he had struck gold, and he carefully wrapped it up and brought a quantity to
politics of the state, and organizer of the "ship by truck" movement between Omaha and Lincoln.
Gering school district was organized in July, 1887, with James Westervelt, as moderator, Charles Johnson, as director; and Geo. B. Luft, as treasurer.
1656
He had a claim near town and one day while he was putting clown a well he found a pocket of bright yellow metal. Like many he hoped and believed he had struck gold, and he carefully wrapped it up and brought a quantity to
politics of the state, and organizer of the "ship by truck" movement between Omaha and Lincoln.
Gering school district was organized in July, 1887, with James Westervelt, as moderator, Charles Johnson, as director; and Geo. B. Luft, as treasurer.
In April, 1887, the historian finds chronicled a school report from district number 51, with Nettie K. Carling, teacher, and eleven pupils enrolled; but this school was outside of Gering.
Gering celebrated the Fourth of July in 1887. Everything was new and the sporting contests were something of the wild west order.
Runey Campbell and Sandy Ingraham always
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
had some horses about them that showed speed and the Bay State ranch usually kept a few fast horses. So the racing was very fair for the new country. Campbell and Ingraham had at an earlier date "put one over" on the Bay State boys and they were ready for real contests. That other occasion was when Campbell had heard from Ingraham that the Bay State fellows had some race horses. Ingraham said, "Runey, that hoss of yours can beat any of them for I have timed them, but how can we get them to bet?" "I will fix that," said Campbell, "you be over there with your money" on a given date.
1657
Campbell and Ingraham had at an earlier date "put one over" on the Bay State boys and they were ready for real contests. That other occasion was when Campbell had heard from Ingraham that the Bay State fellows had some race horses. Ingraham said, "Runey, that hoss of yours can beat any of them for I have timed them, but how can we get them to bet?" "I will fix that," said Campbell, "you be over there with your money" on a given date.
Runey drove up with a team that had on chain harness, and hitched to an old wagon. They sat around and "chinned" for a time, and finally the subject turned to race horses. Two of the Bay State crowd got to bantering over the relative speed of their nags, and Runey looked over their ponies. "Nothing doing in speed, boys," he said ; "I have an old horse out there in my team that can beat either of them." Finally when all the money was up that they could induce the ranch boys to bet, Runey stripped his harness from his best horse and won the race. At the celebration, Harve Beebe won the prize as the best rider of wild steers. This was accomplished without a saddle.
In revolver contests at one hundred yards, Geo. Luft easily beat Ben Franklin, and all others.
There were bucking contests and other amusements and red lemonade. The bowery dance was well patronized.
Walking a Tight Wire; Old Gering could improvise amusements when all the regular stunts were over. On one Fourth a few years later, all the usual affairs Were over, and there were some who proposed to keep alive the interest by something new. Lee Dozier proposed for five dollars to walk a wire from one side of the street to the other.
1658
There were bucking contests and other amusements and red lemonade. The bowery dance was well patronized.
Walking a Tight Wire; Old Gering could improvise amusements when all the regular stunts were over. On one Fourth a few years later, all the usual affairs Were over, and there were some who proposed to keep alive the interest by something new. Lee Dozier proposed for five dollars to walk a wire from one side of the street to the other. He had the wire stretched, and went to Westervelt's blacksmith shop and' had some hooks made which he could attach to his ankles. He had not told the crowd, but expected to surprise them by walking the wire
. :ksmith Shop lu uv ndivn. n. dugout Shop and Store i the bank to the right of the Spring Bank.
Photo by Harv.
Site of Roubidoux's First Blacksmith Shop
Left to Right: G. L. Shumwav, Clarence A. Paine,
A. B. McCoskey.
head downward hanging by the hooks. That was a courageous undertaking for a five dollar fee. However he had failed to take into consideration the sagging of the wire, and as he left one building he moved one foot to take the first step the other hook began to slide. He slid some distance from the building, and becoming panicky was unable to get the other hook over the wire. There he hung waving the disengaged foot in vain effort, and calling for help, while the crowd yelled in delirious joy at the comical gyrations of the swinging leg.
1659
However he had failed to take into consideration the sagging of the wire, and as he left one building he moved one foot to take the first step the other hook began to slide. He slid some distance from the building, and becoming panicky was unable to get the other hook over the wire. There he hung waving the disengaged foot in vain effort, and calling for help, while the crowd yelled in delirious joy at the comical gyrations of the swinging leg.
Mr. Westervelt induced a number of boys to run a wagon underneath Lee and with the aid of step ladders he was brought down from his precarious position. After a suitable amount of hilarious dispute the fee was paid, even though Lee had failed to complete his journey across the street. Dozier resides in Scottsbluff, and probably looks back at the attempt to walk a wire with as much amusement, as he then served to the spectators in old Gering.
The County Fair
While Cheyenne county had been in existence for nearly twenty years before Gering was started, there was no county agricultural society. Gering proceeded to organize, and was recognized as the Cheyenne County Fair Association bv the state association, Robert
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
F. Furnas, secretary, on August 5. 18S7. James Westervelt was president, and C. W. Johnson, secretary. Sidney woke up and organized an association also, but was a little too late.
This peculiar attribute later followed for after county division had set the Gering association outside of Cheyenne county, Bayard organized and was recognized as the home of the county fair of Cheyenne county until it too was set off into Morrill county.
1660
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
F. Furnas, secretary, on August 5. 18S7. James Westervelt was president, and C. W. Johnson, secretary. Sidney woke up and organized an association also, but was a little too late.
This peculiar attribute later followed for after county division had set the Gering association outside of Cheyenne county, Bayard organized and was recognized as the home of the county fair of Cheyenne county until it too was set off into Morrill county.
The first Cheyenne County Fair was held at Gering September 26, 27, and 2S, 1887. Gering held the Fair for many years after this became Scotts Bluff county, but it went to Mitchell some years ago and through the able management of Ed Reid, J. T. "Whitehead, and other live wires of that city, it has become an institution of which all people of the county are proud.
Before Mitchell had gotten fairly into the swing of running the fair a county exhibit association was organized for the purpose of properly advertising at the state fair and elsewhere. This institution gave over the work largely to Winfield Evans, who raised and collected such products as he was able and put them on exhibition. The boxes formerly made by the commercial club at Scottsbluff were turned over to the association, and other recepticles provided. The exhibits were made for a number of years and with a*lways an increasing number of premiums. Hundreds of ribbons have been awarded to Scotts Bluff county -- not only at the state fair, but at the international show at Kansas City and elsewhere. In this international show the county won several of the best prized silver cups.
1661
The boxes formerly made by the commercial club at Scottsbluff were turned over to the association, and other recepticles provided. The exhibits were made for a number of years and with a*lways an increasing number of premiums. Hundreds of ribbons have been awarded to Scotts Bluff county -- not only at the state fair, but at the international show at Kansas City and elsewhere. In this international show the county won several of the best prized silver cups.
In the first years of Gering the towns along the railroad began to talk county division. The original plan was to make three counties of old Cheyenne. This story has been told elsewhere. The first meeting to consider it held in Gering was on May 21, 1887. A. B. Wood was chairman, and E. P. Cromer secretary. O. W. Gardner and A. B. Wood were chosen delegates to attend a convention which had been called to meet at Sidney.
Not long after the establishment of a postoffice at Gering. other community centers organized and a number of outlying offices were supplied through the Gering office. Miss Worthington had one established at Creighton valley. This valley was first called Irish Flats but after considerable newspaper discussion and other controversy, Creighton valley came
more generally into use. Another postoffice was established at Mitchell, which was then on the south side of the river about two miles west of the south end of the present .Mitchell bridge. Geo. L. Shockley was appointed postmaster.
In thirty-four years of existence Gering has had hut five postmasters. O. W. Gardner was the first. Ed Thornton followed and then Fred A. Wright. With the return of the republicans to national power A. B. Wood was appointed and served the longest of any incumbent, or a total of sixteen years.
1662
Another postoffice was established at Mitchell, which was then on the south side of the river about two miles west of the south end of the present .Mitchell bridge. Geo. L. Shockley was appointed postmaster.
In thirty-four years of existence Gering has had hut five postmasters. O. W. Gardner was the first. Ed Thornton followed and then Fred A. Wright. With the return of the republicans to national power A. B. Wood was appointed and served the longest of any incumbent, or a total of sixteen years. Will H. Lamm is the present "Nasby" of the growing important city.
Deep Well Tragedies and Near Tragedies
Digging the wells of Scotts Bluff county had its dangers as well as the deep well country of the high divides. Two incidents are here related.
W. B. Cole had dug a well to the depth of sixty feet and was walling it up. He was within sixteen feet of the top and at work when Lizzie, his little five year old daughter fell in at the top. He undertook to catch her but failed and she went to the bottom of the well. Down he went after her as quickly as possible and found her but little the worse for the sixty foot fall. This was little short of miraculous.
In Horseshoe Bend there was another somewhat similar accident. Some newcomers were having a well bored -- using a large augur. They had pulled the augur from the hole preparatory to going into dinner, when a two-year old child ran, fell, and toppled head-long into the hole. The distance was some eighty feet to the bottom of the hole. In the neighborhood there was a boy about eleven years old who was very slim. He consented that they tie a rope to his feet, let him head first into the well, and he would bring out the baby.
1663
They had pulled the augur from the hole preparatory to going into dinner, when a two-year old child ran, fell, and toppled head-long into the hole. The distance was some eighty feet to the bottom of the hole. In the neighborhood there was a boy about eleven years old who was very slim. He consented that they tie a rope to his feet, let him head first into the well, and he would bring out the baby. This boy -- Johnny Smith -- was certainly a brave young fellow and should have been given a medal, but they were not passing out medals in those early days. They never have awarded prizes to pioneers. Johnny saw his duty, and did it well: the child was brought to the surface, but was quite dead. The sorrowing parents buried the little one. and immediately pulled out and left the country.
The Smith family later went into the western coast countrv. I have never learned what became of the brave little hero that went head first down an eightv foot well that was none too large to admit his body.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
CITY OF SCOTTSBLUFF
Scottsbluff was established by the Lincoln Land Company, upon the southeast quarter of section 23, township 22 north and range 55 west 6th principal meridian. The principal part of the town as originally platted was on land patented to Elizabeth McClenahan by the United States.
Anselmo B. Smith surveyed and the plat was filed covering fifteen original blocks, which with streets and alleys approximated forty acres. It was surveyed upon liberal lines, wide streets and alleys, the main thoroughfare being one hundred feet in width.
1664
Scottsbluff was established by the Lincoln Land Company, upon the southeast quarter of section 23, township 22 north and range 55 west 6th principal meridian. The principal part of the town as originally platted was on land patented to Elizabeth McClenahan by the United States.
Anselmo B. Smith surveyed and the plat was filed covering fifteen original blocks, which with streets and alleys approximated forty acres. It was surveyed upon liberal lines, wide streets and alleys, the main thoroughfare being one hundred feet in width.
The promoters anticipated that Gering would be ready to move over to the town site, and negotiations were initiated. A number of Gering business men were inclined to the proposal, and progress was being made, but as is often the case, a mistake was made in presuming that some were so unimportant that they need not be reckoned with. This started something with the result that a large majority of the
J irijfei*
stfiinr
Homestead of Mrs. Elizabeth McClenahan, 1899
business men stayed with the "old town," and but a few moved across the river. The Homestead, then published by Geo. E. Mark, now of the Mitchell Index, was one of the important factors in the fight.
First Enterprises
The first business in Scottsbluff, was that of lumber yards. Geo. W. King and Carr & Neff Lumber Company, began about the same time, and John A. Orr closely followed. Orr's yard was the antecedent of L. W. Cox & Company. Then King sold to the same firm.
1665
business men stayed with the "old town," and but a few moved across the river. The Homestead, then published by Geo. E. Mark, now of the Mitchell Index, was one of the important factors in the fight.
First Enterprises
The first business in Scottsbluff, was that of lumber yards. Geo. W. King and Carr & Neff Lumber Company, began about the same time, and John A. Orr closely followed. Orr's yard was the antecedent of L. W. Cox & Company. Then King sold to the same firm.
The first bill of lumber was sold by King to Mr. Kirkpatrick, who built a small store on the south lot of the present William Frank building, occupied by Fliesbach's Department store.
About the same time Winfield Evans started the little frame dwelling that stood at the intersection of Overland Road and First Avenue. This has been removed and a service station now occupies the ground.
Charles H. Simmons moved a log house into town and put it at the intersection of Fifteenth street and Broadway as now known. He was appointed the first postmaster of
Scottsbluff, and for years held the office in this building. In addition he put in a small stock of merchandise.
Kirkpatrick then went to Geo. King, who had sold him about eighty dollars worth of lumber for his store, and told him that he wanted to sell it back. He said there was not business enough for two stores in Scottsbluff. thus being the first man to express the provincialism exercised by the financial institutions of the city in the bank fight of 1919.
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Scottsbluff, and for years held the office in this building. In addition he put in a small stock of merchandise.
Kirkpatrick then went to Geo. King, who had sold him about eighty dollars worth of lumber for his store, and told him that he wanted to sell it back. He said there was not business enough for two stores in Scottsbluff. thus being the first man to express the provincialism exercised by the financial institutions of the city in the bank fight of 1919.
Immediately following, Andy McClenahan started to put up a frame store on the site of the present Bowen building at Sixteenth street and Broadway. John Emery also began the erection of the first twenty-five foot front of the Emery hotel. These began to look like real buildings.
McClenahan Sells Out When Andy McClenahan sold his corner to George King, it was thought that King paid all it was worth ; and when King sold it to Dormann the price seemed rather high, but Dormann sold to the Bowens. who built the new building, and added another lot. The entire structure was sold in 1919 to Charles R. Raymond, of the First National Bank for seventy-five thousand dollars.
The first hardware store, which soon after put in furniture, was started at the very beginning-- early in 1900 by George B. Luft and Frank A. McCreary, under the name of Luft & McCreary, at the corner of Broadway and
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Sixteenth street. This was a one story frame twenty -five feet wide and about fifty feet long. The papers of 1901 say that they were putting in a double store stock in a single store room by hanging about half of it on the ceiling.
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The first hardware store, which soon after put in furniture, was started at the very beginning-- early in 1900 by George B. Luft and Frank A. McCreary, under the name of Luft & McCreary, at the corner of Broadway and
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Sixteenth street. This was a one story frame twenty -five feet wide and about fifty feet long. The papers of 1901 say that they were putting in a double store stock in a single store room by hanging about half of it on the ceiling.
Later J. C. McCreary came out from Shelton and bought the Luft interest. The partnership known as McCreary Brothers thus came into existence and while it has later been made a corporation, it ;s still at the old stand. It has one of the finest store buildings in the west, certainly none finer for display and' stock is to be found in the panhandle of Nebraska, or eastern Wyoming. This building was constructed in 1908, and the firm does a big volume of business both wholesale and retail.
Geo. B. Luft also started the first exclusive dry-goods store in Scottsbluff in 1900. An earlv advertisement of this store which was named the Fair, speaks of a "rush for fancy dress shirts at 39 cents, work shirts at 50 cents, shoes at $1.50, and suits at $8 to $10.00." Prices like that would create a riot in the years 1920 or 1921.
First Bill of Groceries
As stated, the first grocery store was built and run by Mr. Kirkpatrick, and the first bill of groceries that went out of the store, was traded for some eggs, brought in by Jacobus' daughter. Mr. Jacobus lived in a sod house that once stood on the chautauqua grounds, the present site of the ea~t ward schools.
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An earlv advertisement of this store which was named the Fair, speaks of a "rush for fancy dress shirts at 39 cents, work shirts at 50 cents, shoes at $1.50, and suits at $8 to $10.00." Prices like that would create a riot in the years 1920 or 1921.
First Bill of Groceries
As stated, the first grocery store was built and run by Mr. Kirkpatrick, and the first bill of groceries that went out of the store, was traded for some eggs, brought in by Jacobus' daughter. Mr. Jacobus lived in a sod house that once stood on the chautauqua grounds, the present site of the ea~t ward schools.
The first bank in Scottsbluff was the Irrigators Bank, which James Casselman brought over from Gering in 1900. Casselman built a small frame bank on the site where Magees clothing store is now situated, the Fair store being on the lot north, and the old location of Gates hardware was just south. On March 15, 1902, this bank had a deposit of $29,071.56.
Other banks in the county at the same time had deposits as follows: Bank of Gering, $66,206.95 ; Mitchell Vallev Bank, $44,375.06 ; Minatare Bank, $7,446.06. The bank at Bayard had $39,083.52.
The first newspaper in Scottsbluff was the Republican, with E. T. Westervelt as editor and proprietor ; he is still guiding its destinies. The second paper was started by E. F. Moon and called the Herald, being established about two years later. In 1907, Peter J. Barron established the Star. The two latter have been consolidated under the name of Star-Herald, which is managed by H. J. Wisner, and owned by Wisner and A. B. Wood. C. C. Cross is one of its vigorous editorial writers.
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Westervelt as editor and proprietor ; he is still guiding its destinies. The second paper was started by E. F. Moon and called the Herald, being established about two years later. In 1907, Peter J. Barron established the Star. The two latter have been consolidated under the name of Star-Herald, which is managed by H. J. Wisner, and owned by Wisner and A. B. Wood. C. C. Cross is one of its vigorous editorial writers.
The first barber shop was that of Sherman Miller, on the site of the present American State Bank. The second opened was that of Ed Vandenburg on the present location. For awhile Ed lived in the back part of the shop, and here his second daughter was born May 31, 1903. When she was but a few days old, the fire occurred that burned his shop with other buildings, and the mother and baby had to be carried out in the night. It was after midnight and raining.
The first stock of millinery was carried in the Fair store, and Mrs. Luft in charge. Mrs. M. E. Marsh was the first dressmaker. She had her own building on Broadway, near the intersection of Fifteenth street.
The First Church The first church was that of the Presbyterians, built in 1900. Rev. J. B. Currens first put up a tent in what was then a cornfield, and went out to Jacobus' to stay all night. In the morning Jacobus' daughter looked out the
First Church, Scottsbluff
window of the soddy, and exclaimed; "Mr. Currens, the tent is down." During the night there had been quite a gale, which not only blew down the the tent, but damaged it so that it could not be put up again without repairs.
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Currens first put up a tent in what was then a cornfield, and went out to Jacobus' to stay all night. In the morning Jacobus' daughter looked out the
First Church, Scottsbluff
window of the soddy, and exclaimed; "Mr. Currens, the tent is down." During the night there had been quite a gale, which not only blew down the the tent, but damaged it so that it could not be put up again without repairs.
Rev. Currens debated the matter for a while, he was much discouraged, but he finally bought some lumber and pledged his salary for the payment of the cost. Then he had built a small church on the present Presbyterian site. It was of boards set on end, and the sides and the roof had battens over the cracks.
The first school board was O. B. Brown, E. T. Westervelt and W. M. Barbour. A school house site had been donated by the Lincoln Land Company on what is now Avenue A. About one-half of the main school house on this tract was built. How to build it was the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
question. The cost they found would be about forty-eight hundred dollars, and there was a valuation in the district so that the limit of a bond issue was fourteen hundred dollars. The matter was finally solved by the issuance of warrants to make up the amount, and these were sold by John A. Orr.
The building was of frame, and veneered with brick. From the beginning the schools of Scottsbluff have been crowded to the limit of possible attention.
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The cost they found would be about forty-eight hundred dollars, and there was a valuation in the district so that the limit of a bond issue was fourteen hundred dollars. The matter was finally solved by the issuance of warrants to make up the amount, and these were sold by John A. Orr.
The building was of frame, and veneered with brick. From the beginning the schools of Scottsbluff have been crowded to the limit of possible attention.
Among the early residences of Scottsbluff were those of Robert G. Walsh, who moved over from Gering ; Wilse Earnest, who moved in from the Snake creek ranch ; E. T. Westervelt, Harvey Walker and the Harrisons. In North Scottsbluff, Frank Smith, G. L. Shumway and L. L. Raymond were the first.
The first real estate firm was Wright, Orr & Howard -- William H. Wright, John A. Orr, and T. M. Howard. They also wrote the first insurance, both fire and life, that was written here. When Mr. Wright died, the firm continued as Orr & Howard. Later Mr. Howard passed on, and John A. Orr still continues the business in 1921. This veteran of the valley and city has seen many of his dreams come true.
The first contractors and builders were Winfield Evans and Charles E. Dooley. The elder
ipm
"iniiifiiifr'Ufliiii^lii i
Reoideno. of T. C. H«Uy J_-"-"'
Mr. Andrews did some carpenter work, as did also Andy McClenahan. Charles H. Simmons also used the saw and hammer to a limited extent, while later his sons have built many fine houses in the city.
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Orr still continues the business in 1921. This veteran of the valley and city has seen many of his dreams come true.
The first contractors and builders were Winfield Evans and Charles E. Dooley. The elder
ipm
"iniiifiiifr'Ufliiii^lii i
Reoideno. of T. C. H«Uy J_-"-"'
Mr. Andrews did some carpenter work, as did also Andy McClenahan. Charles H. Simmons also used the saw and hammer to a limited extent, while later his sons have built many fine houses in the city.
Village Officers Named In 1899 the Burlington System finished the grading to and beyond Scottsbluff. In 1900 train service was instituted, and, on June 25th, mail clerks were put on the trains running through the town. J. F. Ringler and D. W. Voorhees were the first railway mail clerks going through the town on regular service.
The county commissioners, by motion of L. A. Christian, seconded by F. H. Riege, and concurred in by E. S. DeLaMatter, created the village of Scottsbluff July 20. 1900, and appointed Frank McCreary, C. H. Simmons, John Emery, John McGowan, and O. P. Yarger as trustees.
August 20, 1900. an election was authorized to vote sixty-five hundred dollars to build a bridge across the river west of Scottsbluff. This bond was for Winter Creek precinct only. It carried and the bridge was built, and in service until 1918, when the new concrete structure was completed.
At the meeting of the commissioners, July 20th, aforesaid, the county attorney was' instructed to take such necessary steps to legally prevent the removal of buildings from Gering to Scottsbluff, until the back taxes on the lots were paid. This resulted in the payment of some of the back taxes, and in other cases prevented the removal of the buildings. The spring election of 1901 resulted in the election of Winfield Evans, Wm.
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It carried and the bridge was built, and in service until 1918, when the new concrete structure was completed.
At the meeting of the commissioners, July 20th, aforesaid, the county attorney was' instructed to take such necessary steps to legally prevent the removal of buildings from Gering to Scottsbluff, until the back taxes on the lots were paid. This resulted in the payment of some of the back taxes, and in other cases prevented the removal of the buildings. The spring election of 1901 resulted in the election of Winfield Evans, Wm. H. Wright, Michael Powers, Dan Park, and Frank Mc- Creary as trustees, the first three for two years and the others for the one year term. George Luft, Oscar Yarger. and Mr. Frakes each received one vote, and Elmer Soder two. These four declared that the next year they proposed to combine their strength and put up a ticket of their own.
Forty-four votes were cast at the election of April. 1902. "Jimmy" Carr, George King, and L. W. Cox were elected members of the council, as "Mike" Powers had resigned. Wright and Evans held over.
At that time the McClenahan fence occupied the middle of the "county road," now named "Overland Road." The town board wanted it set back the two rods ; the boys were a little slow about doing it, so the board set Jerry Ragan, then marshal, to do the job. Some division existed on the council for the McClenahans were strong factors in the town at the time, and it was feared they would resist, or not like it. But there was no trouble, and everyone has been satisfied that it was done at the time and the street graded.
1674
At that time the McClenahan fence occupied the middle of the "county road," now named "Overland Road." The town board wanted it set back the two rods ; the boys were a little slow about doing it, so the board set Jerry Ragan, then marshal, to do the job. Some division existed on the council for the McClenahans were strong factors in the town at the time, and it was feared they would resist, or not like it. But there was no trouble, and everyone has been satisfied that it was done at the time and the street graded.
In 1903 S. D. Kirkhart and Charles A. Morrill were elected members of the board, and F. A. Wright made clerk and attorney. Heretofore the records had been kept by a member of the board. Therefore, Fred Wright was the first clerk and attorney regularly employed. Kirkhart was chairman of the board.
The election of the spring of 1904 changed the complexion of the board. J. C. McCreary,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
S. W. Ripley, and E. T. Westervelt took the places of the three retiring members, and they named L. L. Raymond as clerk and attorney. C. W. Baysinger was chosen marshal.
In 1905, Morrill was re-elected and L. A. Larson made the new member, and chairman of the board, with Raymond again chosen clerk and attorney.
were bought and piled into the streets during the summer, and covered with gravel. On July first. Tom Hall was allowed a bill for hauling one hundred and thirty loads of gravel at seventy cents a load, or less than fifty cents a yard.
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C. W. Baysinger was chosen marshal.
In 1905, Morrill was re-elected and L. A. Larson made the new member, and chairman of the board, with Raymond again chosen clerk and attorney.
were bought and piled into the streets during the summer, and covered with gravel. On July first. Tom Hall was allowed a bill for hauling one hundred and thirty loads of gravel at seventy cents a load, or less than fifty cents a yard.
In 1906, the board named an election board for the first time. Tohn \Y. Gaddis, W. A.
llU : . a;. a fig., g ii " e ee c i;i I 3a. g a bie ■ aa a 3ii' 33 a 3 at'
M 31 IM
View From Depot, Scottsuluff
In the spring of this year the main street of Hall, and John Koenig were the judges; and ottsbluff. now Broadway, looked like the A. Crawford and Ed Denison were clerks. A
llage board were elected : E
Scottsbluff, now rJroaclway streets of Venice. The sidewalks, which were of plank and extending ten feet from the lot line, bordered on a foot of water. Frogs sang merrily in the streets, and called vivid attention to what was necessary to be done. The old sod corrals of John Hall and John Emery
full new village board were elected: E. T. Westervelt and Winfield Evans for the twoyear term ; and S. W. Ripley, A. J. Shumway, and W. H. Gates for the one-year term. Ripley was elected chairman, and L. L. Raymond, clerk ; with II. T. Bowen as treasurer.
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Frogs sang merrily in the streets, and called vivid attention to what was necessary to be done. The old sod corrals of John Hall and John Emery
full new village board were elected: E. T. Westervelt and Winfield Evans for the twoyear term ; and S. W. Ripley, A. J. Shumway, and W. H. Gates for the one-year term. Ripley was elected chairman, and L. L. Raymond, clerk ; with II. T. Bowen as treasurer.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Considerable spirit became manifest in the village elections this year. Alvin McClenahan and his friends felt justified in believing that they were unfairly dealt with, and Alvin's saloon refused a license. So that the election of 1907, for the first time, brought out the question of license or no license. The temperance people had the support of a part of the so-called wet element, and the drys won by a vote of ninety-nine to fourteen.
D. H. Cole, Beach Coleman, and T. C. Bottom were elected on the board, with Evans and Westervelt, holdovers. They named Raymond again for clerk and attorney, and Harry T. Bowen again for treasurer. The dry ordinance was passed, and since that date the town has been without a saloon.
W. Cox, J. J. Harrison, and J. A. Orr, judges ; and W. A. Hale and A. Crawford, clerks.
Evans was re-elected on the council and Harry Wisner succeeded Westervelt as a member. Raymond and Bowen were again named clerk and treasurer respectively.
T. C. Bottom moved from town and A. J. Shumway succeeded him as councilman in August, 190S.
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The dry ordinance was passed, and since that date the town has been without a saloon.
W. Cox, J. J. Harrison, and J. A. Orr, judges ; and W. A. Hale and A. Crawford, clerks.
Evans was re-elected on the council and Harry Wisner succeeded Westervelt as a member. Raymond and Bowen were again named clerk and treasurer respectively.
T. C. Bottom moved from town and A. J. Shumway succeeded him as councilman in August, 190S.
In June of this year, the Platte Valley Telephone Company was granted a franchise in Scottsbluff, although they had been in operation for some time before.
Woman's Commercial Club The Woman's Commercial Club, which at this time was active, asked permission, and it
Building became very active and the council took up the question of water works. Following the big fire of 1903, which burned out Ed Vandenburg, J. J. Harrison, Frank Duff, and Joe Anderson, pumps had been put at a number of places in town for fire protection. The Zoellner fire of 1908 put these pumps to a full test, and they proved quite successful. This was partly because the fire had not gained much headway when the fire was discovered. That was the beginning of the Scottsbluff municipal water system.
In 1908, the election board consisted of L.
was granted, to install at the comer of Broadway and Seventeenth street a cement watering trough. This was put in late in July and for nearly ten years was of service to the public. When the auto took precedence of the horse the trough was removed. The club was organized in February, 1907.
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This was partly because the fire had not gained much headway when the fire was discovered. That was the beginning of the Scottsbluff municipal water system.
In 1908, the election board consisted of L.
was granted, to install at the comer of Broadway and Seventeenth street a cement watering trough. This was put in late in July and for nearly ten years was of service to the public. When the auto took precedence of the horse the trough was removed. The club was organized in February, 1907.
1907 had proven a busy year in the building of Scottsbluff, McCreary Brothers and the Marquis Opera House being among the business buildings. G. L. Shumway built the residence that was later converted into the Midwest Hospital.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Chautauqua Organized
This year the North Platte Valley Chautauqua Association was reorganized, and a tabernacle built on the grounds which had been previously purchased.
The village board, in 1908, ordered the construction of cement sidewalks on the west side of Main street, now Broadway. This was ordered during November. Previous to this, such sidewalks had been built in front of the Ed Vandenburg barber shop, and the First National Bank. The Bowen's then were in control of the bank. Vandenburg was the first to build, and has the credit of being the starter of the- fourteen foot sidewalks now on Broadway. While the board was debating about the width of the sidewalks, which had previously been but ten feet, Vandenburg planted his curb at fourteen feet, and began work. The First National Bank, which was then at the location of the present east entrance of the Diers Brothers store, did likewise, and the ordinance was made to conform.
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Vandenburg was the first to build, and has the credit of being the starter of the- fourteen foot sidewalks now on Broadway. While the board was debating about the width of the sidewalks, which had previously been but ten feet, Vandenburg planted his curb at fourteen feet, and began work. The First National Bank, which was then at the location of the present east entrance of the Diers Brothers store, did likewise, and the ordinance was made to conform.
Water Works Bonds
On October 6, 1908, the village voted $30,- 000 bonds for water works, the election carrying by a vote of one hundred twenty-two to thirty-two.
B. A. Lathrop of Lathrop & Buzza, Julesburg, came before the board in January, 1909, with a proposition to put in an electric light plant. An agreement could not be reached.
On the 18th of February following an ordinance was passed granting such a franchise to J. C. Caine and C. J. Morley of Denver, and the first light plant in the North Platte valley was soon under construction. It was built upon lots purchased and owned by the city, where the water tank and city wells were likewise placed.
In the April election of 1909 Jesse Babcock, J. H. Graves and H. W. Neff were elected members of the board, in the place of Cole, Coleman and Shumway. Two hundred votes were cast. T. F. Kennedy was named clerk and Fred Wright as attorney.
The importance of the automobile in traffic was emphasized in May, 1909, by the passage of a speed ordinance.
1680
It was built upon lots purchased and owned by the city, where the water tank and city wells were likewise placed.
In the April election of 1909 Jesse Babcock, J. H. Graves and H. W. Neff were elected members of the board, in the place of Cole, Coleman and Shumway. Two hundred votes were cast. T. F. Kennedy was named clerk and Fred Wright as attorney.
The importance of the automobile in traffic was emphasized in May, 1909, by the passage of a speed ordinance.
Double Election In the spring of 1910, a large number of the live people of the town did not approve of the fact that the old board failed to declare Scottsbluff a city, and proceeded accordingly. Two hundred votes had been cast in 1909, indicating more than a thousand people. To express their disapproval, on election day. a second election board was organized across the street from the regular polling place, where about twice as many votes were cast for a city ticket as were cast at the village election across the street.
At the village election Wisner and Evans were re-elected on the board, and the question of "city" or "village" was voted upon, resulting in sixty-six for city and twelve for village.
The larger element brought an action in the district court to declare their ticket the true officers of the city of Scottsbluff. but it was not sustained. Judge Grimes ruled that while 'in fact Scottsbluff was a city in size, it took official action to make it so, and that official action had never been taken.
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At the village election Wisner and Evans were re-elected on the board, and the question of "city" or "village" was voted upon, resulting in sixty-six for city and twelve for village.
The larger element brought an action in the district court to declare their ticket the true officers of the city of Scottsbluff. but it was not sustained. Judge Grimes ruled that while 'in fact Scottsbluff was a city in size, it took official action to make it so, and that official action had never been taken.
This year Coleman was named attorney, Kennedy as clerk, W. T. Hill as marshal and H. T. Bowen treasurer. Graves resigned as member of the Board and A. G. Emerson was selected ; Evans resigned and F. F. Everett was chosen.
In February, 1911, Fred Roberts asked for and received a franchise for electric light and power; he having purchased the Caine and Morley interests in the old plant, which were sold under orders of court. The Cross & Roberts Electric company, popularly known as the "C. & R. Electric," came into existence.
This rendered splendid service during the management of Mr. Roberts, and he also installed a municipal heating plant, and later an artificial ice plant. The Intermountain Railway, Light & Power Company, purchased the plant in 1918, since which time the patrons have found much fault with the inadequacy of the service. The growth has caused an overload, and improvement and enlargements of the plant have not kept pace with the needs of the public.
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Electric," came into existence.
This rendered splendid service during the management of Mr. Roberts, and he also installed a municipal heating plant, and later an artificial ice plant. The Intermountain Railway, Light & Power Company, purchased the plant in 1918, since which time the patrons have found much fault with the inadequacy of the service. The growth has caused an overload, and improvement and enlargements of the plant have not kept pace with the needs of the public.
The first city election occurred April 4, 1911. Fred Alexander was elected mayor over A. G. Emerson and F. L. Wright; Fred Stark was chosen clerk over T. F. Kennedy and B. J. Seger; H. T. Bowen elected treasurer over A. E. Andrews and L. C. Jackson; E. M. Cowen elected police judge over C. A. Payne and Wm. McDougal. A. B. McCoskey had a clean sweep for city engineer. The councilmen elected were: first ward: H. E. Brown and Peter O'Shea; second ward. Wm. P. Young and C. E. Dooley ; third ward, W. H. Price and Chas. Tohnson ; fourth ward, C. H. Westervelt and E. E. Maxon. Stark did not qualify as clerk and during the year there were several clerks who served for a short time. C. C. McElroy was the first, fol-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
A. T. Crawford's Garage. Scottsbi.uff
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
lowed by W. L. Greenslit, and then by M. J. Murphy, who also acted as water commissioner. Pat Nash was chief of police.
1683
Price and Chas. Tohnson ; fourth ward, C. H. Westervelt and E. E. Maxon. Stark did not qualify as clerk and during the year there were several clerks who served for a short time. C. C. McElroy was the first, fol-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
A. T. Crawford's Garage. Scottsbi.uff
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
lowed by W. L. Greenslit, and then by M. J. Murphy, who also acted as water commissioner. Pat Nash was chief of police.
In 1912 the same officers were in charge of affairs, except that G. L. Shumway was elected clerk and D. R. Schenck as police judge. The school board was F. W. Plehn and C. W. Gahringer and F. A. Wright, Wm. Morrow was appointed city attorney, A. J. Shumway water commissioner and W. H. Goforth chief of police. During 1912 the main sanitary sewer was installed.
The city had begun to take on metropolitan airs. The election in 1913, like the two preceding it, was hotly contested. F. S. Mc- Caffree and H. E. Brown were the principals for mayor, and McCaffree won. G. L. Shumway was again elected clerk, carrying all four wards. Peter O'Shea was elected treasurer for a second term; D. R. Schenck was elected police judge for a second time; C. A. Liljenstolpe was chosen city engineer ; Chas. Deulin, W. P. Young, I. N. Wallace, F. D. Schofield, and L. Crasher were elected members of the council, and W. H. Gable and S. K. Warrick members of the school board. G. L. Shumway was appointed water commissioner, H. A. Guernsey chief of police, and Dr. A. M. Faught, city physician.
1684
Peter O'Shea was elected treasurer for a second term; D. R. Schenck was elected police judge for a second time; C. A. Liljenstolpe was chosen city engineer ; Chas. Deulin, W. P. Young, I. N. Wallace, F. D. Schofield, and L. Crasher were elected members of the council, and W. H. Gable and S. K. Warrick members of the school board. G. L. Shumway was appointed water commissioner, H. A. Guernsey chief of police, and Dr. A. M. Faught, city physician.
A petition calling for an election to vote $25,000 bonds for a city hall was found to be insufficient in number. In June the question of Sunday baseball was submitted, and carried by a vote of two hundred and eight to one hundred nineteen. In October fifteen thousand dollars in water bonds were voted for extensions. Branch sewers were installed this and the year previous over a large part of the city. During the year councilmen Maxon Brown, Wallace and Young resigned and Charles T. Zoellner. Jr., B. J. Seger, C. J. Steen and W. L- Simmons were selected to fill their places.
The highlights of the McCaffree administration were extension of water works, sewers, and street improvement. The first time that the water works proved to be more than selfsustaining, the beginning of public park improvement, and the beginning of the city library. Under the excellent management of the city physician, A. M. Faught, the small pox epidemic was subdued and brought under control. The board also made a complete revision of the city ordinances.
1685
L- Simmons were selected to fill their places.
The highlights of the McCaffree administration were extension of water works, sewers, and street improvement. The first time that the water works proved to be more than selfsustaining, the beginning of public park improvement, and the beginning of the city library. Under the excellent management of the city physician, A. M. Faught, the small pox epidemic was subdued and brought under control. The board also made a complete revision of the city ordinances.
In 1914, the city election proved a quiet affair for the first time in the history of the city. C. J. Steen was elected mayor without opposition, H. S. Stark city clerk, and Peter O'-
Shea, treasurer, also both unopposed. A. L. Selzer triumphed over C. A. Liljenstolpe for city engineer by a close vote. There were no contests on councilmen the following being elected: B. J. Seger, F. F. Everett, H. L& Sams, F. D. Scofield, W. E. Ashbaugh and H. T. Bowen, F. H. Roberts, E. E. Maxon and J. M. Carr were elected on the school board. Fred Wright was city attorney, H. W. Guernsey chief of police, and Dr. A. M. Faught again city physician. H. S. Stark failed to qualify as city clerk and G. L. Shumway held over, also retaining the position of water commissioner until July first when O. M. Finley was appointed. Councilman Crasher removed from ward four, and L. W. Cox was appointed in his stead. During the illness of chief Guernsey, Frank H. Koenig was chief of police. G. L. Shumway was appointed street and park commissioner. Councilman Seger resigned and Albert Harrison was appointed in his placei
1686
Stark failed to qualify as city clerk and G. L. Shumway held over, also retaining the position of water commissioner until July first when O. M. Finley was appointed. Councilman Crasher removed from ward four, and L. W. Cox was appointed in his stead. During the illness of chief Guernsey, Frank H. Koenig was chief of police. G. L. Shumway was appointed street and park commissioner. Councilman Seger resigned and Albert Harrison was appointed in his placei
1915 proved a contested election in which F. Alexander was elected mayor, Yal Kirkhan as clerk, Peter O'Shea as treasurer, A. L. Selzer as engineer. Charles Deulin, F. G. Warrick, R. D. Owens, W. E. Ashbaugh and K. K. Maxon were chosen councilmen; F. A. Wright, W. H. Gable and J. M. Carr on the school board. Wm. Morrow was named city attorney, Albert Harrison as chief of police, O. M. Finley as water commissioner, and the Star-Herald designated the official paper.
In 1916 C. H. Westervelt was elected mayor, V. B. Kirkham re-elected clerk, Peter O'Shea re-elected treasurer and A. L. Selzer re-elected city engineer. A. Harrison, F. F. Everett and H. T. Bowen were re-elected councilmen, and Milo Jones in the third ward. J. M. Carr and S. K. Warrick were re-elected on the school board. Beach Coleman was appointed city attorney, Winfield Evans water commissioner and J. L. Martin as chief of police and street commissioner. In December, 1916, the city voted thirty-two thousand dollars in waterworks extension bonds, also the council issued thirty-thousand dollars in refunding bonds for the same department.
1687
Everett and H. T. Bowen were re-elected councilmen, and Milo Jones in the third ward. J. M. Carr and S. K. Warrick were re-elected on the school board. Beach Coleman was appointed city attorney, Winfield Evans water commissioner and J. L. Martin as chief of police and street commissioner. In December, 1916, the city voted thirty-two thousand dollars in waterworks extension bonds, also the council issued thirty-thousand dollars in refunding bonds for the same department.
In 1917 the election was hotly contested. A. M. Faught was elected mayor, M. O. Sohus as clerk, D. B. Kelley as treasurer, W. T. Hill as water commissioner. F. C. High, H. W. Davison, Frank DcConley, E. J. Brown and T. D. Deutch were elected councilmen, and Edmund Simmons and F. H. Roberts on the school board. Mayor Faught made the following appointment : city engineer, A. L. Selzer ; city attorney, J. H. Stewart; chief of police
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
and street commissioner, J. S. Martin ; city physician, F. W. Plehn. Again the city was called upon to extend its water mains, and this time the bonds were for thirty-two thousand dollars aggregate. Also fifteen thousand dollars bonds were voted to build a city hall. Milo Jones resigned to take management of the new fire truck and Frank Cowen was named councilman in his stead. Mayor Faught also delegated to F. H. DeConley, president of the council much of the duty attendant as acting _ mayor.
There were no mayor, clerk, treasurer or water commissioner to be elected in 1918, but the councilmen chosen were T. D. Deutsch, F. F. Everett, Frank H. Cowen, O. M. Finley, A. G. Rvan, and M. J. Higgins. For the school board W. H. Gable and A. F. Baldridge were chosen. The following were selected by the mayor: J.
1688
Mayor Faught also delegated to F. H. DeConley, president of the council much of the duty attendant as acting _ mayor.
There were no mayor, clerk, treasurer or water commissioner to be elected in 1918, but the councilmen chosen were T. D. Deutsch, F. F. Everett, Frank H. Cowen, O. M. Finley, A. G. Rvan, and M. J. Higgins. For the school board W. H. Gable and A. F. Baldridge were chosen. The following were selected by the mayor: J. S. Martin, chief of police and street commissioner; Mel Miller, night watchman ; Dr. Rasmussen, city physician ; A. L. Selzer, engineer, J. H. Stewart, attorney; and J. E. Risk, light inspector. Scottsbluff Drainage district was organized, and the work put in during the year. The paving district on Broadway and adjoining streets and alleys was created, and bonds voted for the intersections. A thorough auditing of the city departments was made in October, by J. W. Gross, and improved systems of accounting adopted. In September, M. O. Sohus resigned as clerk and J. W. Bly appointed, since which time Bly has served to the present date. F. F. Everett was chairman of the board during part of 1918. J. H. Stewart removed from the city and H. Leslie Smith was appointed city attorney. W. T. Hill resigned as water commissioner and C. H. Simmons was appointed. The election of 1919 was hotly contested and a heavy vote polled. For the first time women were partisans in the fight. A total of nearly sixteen hundred votes were cast. F. A. Mc- Creary was elected mayor, J. W. Bly as clerk, Frank Fischer as treasurer, Winfield Evans as water commissioner. C. N. Wright, F. M. Bryan, O. M. Finley and M. J. Higgins were chosen councilmen. S. K. Warrick, E. E.
1689
Simmons was appointed. The election of 1919 was hotly contested and a heavy vote polled. For the first time women were partisans in the fight. A total of nearly sixteen hundred votes were cast. F. A. Mc- Creary was elected mayor, J. W. Bly as clerk, Frank Fischer as treasurer, Winfield Evans as water commissioner. C. N. Wright, F. M. Bryan, O. M. Finley and M. J. Higgins were chosen councilmen. S. K. Warrick, E. E. Magee and Mrs. W. A. McCain on the school board.
Mayor McCreary made the following appointments : Bert Ritchie, chief of police ; A. Coulter, night watchman; Cliff DeMott, street commissioner; Arthur Selzer, city engineer, H. Leslie Smith, attorney; Dr. N. H. Rasmussen, health officer. Twenty-six thousand dollar bonds were again necessary to further extend the water system, following which another ten thousand dollars was added. Forty thousand dollars in bonds were also voted for the creation and building of a storm sewer. A gas ordinance was proposed, but finally withdrawn. Bert Ritchie resigned as chief of police, and P. J. McSween, the present efficient chief, was appointed.
The election of April, 1920, resulted in the choice of J. N. Stoops, F. F. Everett, Frank Cowen, and A. G. Ryan for councilmen. The question of Sunday shows was decided against the movement. The proposed bonds for purchasing the river front and islands for park purposes was likewise defeated. Winfield Evans and A. L. Selzer were chosen members of the school board. The Republican was named the official paper. The building of the Irrigation college by the state upon west Twentieth street extension, called for the extension of the water mains thereto, and at the request of Superintendent McCarthy this has been done.
1690
The question of Sunday shows was decided against the movement. The proposed bonds for purchasing the river front and islands for park purposes was likewise defeated. Winfield Evans and A. L. Selzer were chosen members of the school board. The Republican was named the official paper. The building of the Irrigation college by the state upon west Twentieth street extension, called for the extension of the water mains thereto, and at the request of Superintendent McCarthy this has been done.
Condemn State Police On the twenty-first of January, 1921. the state police came to Scottsbluff and so conducted themselves that the council found it proper to pass condemnatory resolutions, which the mayor and every member of the council signed. The criticism was particularly directed at the state chief Gus Hyers and his deputy, Carl Schmidt, who was said to have used "Prussian methods" with a prisoner. Fred Fulton, another deputy was exonerated and justified. Schmidt was formerly chief clerk in the state land commissioner's office, during the incumbency of Fred Beckmann.
With the exception of one year when G. L. Shumway. was police judge, and one year when E. M. Cowen occupied that position, D. R. Schenck has held the office for the entire life of the city -- a total of nine years.
In all, the city has been well served. During its life as a village, the time when D. H. Cole, Beach Coleman, H. J. Wisner, Winfield Evans and A. J. Shumway constituted the village board, or in 1908 and 1909, stands out as a period of municipal advancement. In its life as a city, Scottsbluff has had excellent management from the start, the administrations of Fred Alexander and F. S. McCaffree, appearing to have the advantage in municipal progress. The latter worked under a handicap of a smallpox epidemic of unusual violence, yet the progress is distinctive indicating exceptional executive ability.
1691
Wisner, Winfield Evans and A. J. Shumway constituted the village board, or in 1908 and 1909, stands out as a period of municipal advancement. In its life as a city, Scottsbluff has had excellent management from the start, the administrations of Fred Alexander and F. S. McCaffree, appearing to have the advantage in municipal progress. The latter worked under a handicap of a smallpox epidemic of unusual violence, yet the progress is distinctive indicating exceptional executive ability.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
1921 Election
The spring city election of 1921 proved a surprise to man)'. L. B. Murphy had been nominated for mayor and until the last hour for filing candidates it seemed that there would be no opposition. Then the friends of Theo. D. Deutsch placed with the city clerk a petition asking that his name be placed upon the ballot. Murphy was in California and had no idea of the influences that made him a candidate which were the so-called "business interests" and a combination of other ideas. Other people believed that it meant the selling of improvement bonds for whatever market price they would bring and municipal improvements which the condition of the times would hardly justify. Deutsch was a heavy tax-payer and an old time resident of the city and county.
The farmers took a part also and passed about cards, the striking legend of which was. "This is our town too." Deutsch was elected and began his administration by some excellent appointments: P. J. McSween chief of police; A. R. Honnold as city attorney ; F. M. Cline, street commissioner ; arc! Dr. S. G. Allen, city physician. The administration started off with marked executive standards and conservative economies. "It is no public crib to run to" for salaries, and "a dollar's worth for a dollar," are two of the policies strictly adhered to by the mayor and the council.
1692
"This is our town too." Deutsch was elected and began his administration by some excellent appointments: P. J. McSween chief of police; A. R. Honnold as city attorney ; F. M. Cline, street commissioner ; arc! Dr. S. G. Allen, city physician. The administration started off with marked executive standards and conservative economies. "It is no public crib to run to" for salaries, and "a dollar's worth for a dollar," are two of the policies strictly adhered to by the mayor and the council. Scottsbluff has an excellent administrative force. Guy Carlson and Lou Schwaner succeeding Dr. Stoops and F. M. Bryan in the council were the only changes otherwise in the city officers from the previous year.
THE NEWSPAPERS-- EARLY DAYS IN THE COUNTY
Having once been a modest newspaper man I know something of the sorrows of pioneer journalism. If one says a good word for a friend, some one else is liable to mistake it for "a slam" at another. Then there were times when a load of wood or a little provender looked very good to be taken on subscription. This has all changed and the newspapers are today the lords of the land. The fact is they have been re-organized upon a business basis and there has been business in the last number of years.
The Dean
The dean of Panhandle and Scotts Bluff county journalism is without doubt A. B. Wood of the Gering Courier -- which paper, as has been related he founded nearly thirtyfive years ago.
1693
Then there were times when a load of wood or a little provender looked very good to be taken on subscription. This has all changed and the newspapers are today the lords of the land. The fact is they have been re-organized upon a business basis and there has been business in the last number of years.
The Dean
The dean of Panhandle and Scotts Bluff county journalism is without doubt A. B. Wood of the Gering Courier -- which paper, as has been related he founded nearly thirtyfive years ago.
Within the next few years there were several other Scotts Bluff county men in the newspaper business but they are not therein engaged at the present time. There was Col. Peck of the Mitchell Quirt when Mitchell was south of the river. It was established in January, 1889. There was Col. E. M. Totten of the Chimney Rock Transcript. This paper was first established at "Mills Site" or on the old
A. W. Mills homestead about half way between Scottsbluff and Minatare. Then it was moved to Minatare where it remained for a time. It is the antecedent of the Bayard Transcript as we now know it. It was at Minatare in 188S.
G. E. Mark Will A. Hale once ran the Homestead in Gering. Geo. E. Mark of the Mitchell Index acquired the outfit and it was later moved to Mitchell where for twenty or more years Col. Mark has run the Index, the only paper of the city. Mr. Mark is one of the old timers who takes particular interest in old history.
1694
It is the antecedent of the Bayard Transcript as we now know it. It was at Minatare in 188S.
G. E. Mark Will A. Hale once ran the Homestead in Gering. Geo. E. Mark of the Mitchell Index acquired the outfit and it was later moved to Mitchell where for twenty or more years Col. Mark has run the Index, the only paper of the city. Mr. Mark is one of the old timers who takes particular interest in old history.
The Republican Next in the order of seniority is E. T. Westervelt. Col. Gene has been at the helm of the Republican at Scottsbluff during the life of the city. His original little frame shack was put up in a cornfield.
The Star-Herald
Harry J. Wisner has for a number of years been at the helm of the Star-Herald, and with him is associated one of the best writers in
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the county, Col. Cross. The origin of this paper is two-fold. Earnest F. Moon established the Herald in the early days of Scottsbluff and a few years later Peter J. Barron established the Star. Col. Moon was a consistent progressive and for a clean town at all times. Col. Barron arrived on the scene when the village was emerging into a city and was foremost in the movement that made Scottsbluff the leading city of the North Platte valley country.
Col. Wisner associated with A. B. Wood consolidated the two and have made it a live journal. They inaugurated a daily edition but gave it up at the end of a year as unprofitable.
1695
Moon was a consistent progressive and for a clean town at all times. Col. Barron arrived on the scene when the village was emerging into a city and was foremost in the movement that made Scottsbluff the leading city of the North Platte valley country.
Col. Wisner associated with A. B. Wood consolidated the two and have made it a live journal. They inaugurated a daily edition but gave it up at the end of a year as unprofitable.
A Daily Newspaper
The Daily News next came into Scotts Bluff county newspaper world -- Col. Clark coming from Gordon and associating with Col. McConnell. The paper had hard sledding when the federal reserve tightened up on credit, and the consequent slowing down of all business. The present management followed and is doing well. The Minatarc Free Press is one of the later papers that the general growth of the county brought about. It has had a tumultuous and tragic career. Sam D. Cox once ran it and after his death it was managed by Prof. Chambers for awhile and at the present time it is owned by Ben Sallows.
The Sam Cox Murder
Not often is it that an editor and those whom a conscientious editor must oppose reach such a state of hostility that homicide results. But Scotts Bluff county had one such experience. Sam D. Cox a mortal enemy of the saloon and in all a man of great ability and progressive ideas was editor of the paper at Alinatare. He formerly had been connected with and was one of the editors of the Lincoln Daily Call. Minatare was infested with a bunch of boot-leggers and E. S. Kennison of the hotel was friendly because of the weakness he had for something stronger than water. This weakness, as has been related in the history of Deuel county, lost him his job as sheriff and many friends while in that county.
1696
Cox a mortal enemy of the saloon and in all a man of great ability and progressive ideas was editor of the paper at Alinatare. He formerly had been connected with and was one of the editors of the Lincoln Daily Call. Minatare was infested with a bunch of boot-leggers and E. S. Kennison of the hotel was friendly because of the weakness he had for something stronger than water. This weakness, as has been related in the history of Deuel county, lost him his job as sheriff and many friends while in that county.
In Scotts Bluff county he clung to the idols that ruined him there. The less couragous of the gang in Minatare lost no opportunity in "pumping up Kennison" and making him think he was the object of Sam's cutting remarks. Cox in fighting for the principle often made personal remarks that fit the foot rather snugly and there was no difficulty in firing the booze
muddled brain of Kennison to the point that he provoked and started a fight in one of the stores. In a clinch with Cox Kennison pulled a gun and killed the editor. It was a hard fought legal battle that put Kennison in the penitentiary for twenty-three years. It took two counties and two juries to put him there and there have been many and futile attempts to get him out by pardon and parole.
Other Newspapers The Morrill Mail and the Henry Item constitute the papers not mentioned heretofore in the little live cities of their position. Each have been very useful for their communities and the editors deserve all the support that they are given. In fact that is true of practically all the editorial and journalistic people of the county.
1697
It took two counties and two juries to put him there and there have been many and futile attempts to get him out by pardon and parole.
Other Newspapers The Morrill Mail and the Henry Item constitute the papers not mentioned heretofore in the little live cities of their position. Each have been very useful for their communities and the editors deserve all the support that they are given. In fact that is true of practically all the editorial and journalistic people of the county.
The Midwest One of the youngest journals in the county and yet one of the most virile is the Midzvest of Gering. The once state publicity agent Col. Will R. Maupin is the editor. Col. Maupin formerly published the York Democrat and the Midwest Magazine. Prior to those associations he had been in the newspaper game for a life time.
Colonel Wood's Story A. B. Wood, the dean of western Nebraska newspaper men has furnished the compiler a statement of journalistic history of this county and the adjoining county of Banner, which owing to his first hand knowledge is a valuable contribution. It is a matter of congratulation that we are able to include this story for permanent record. In the history of Banner county will be found a story more in detail of the newspapers of Harrisburg and Ashford.
Scotts Bluff County Journalism By A. B. Wood
The Gering Courier, which I have conducted personally from that day to this, was first issued on April 27, 1887, and was a patent inside sheet with the two outside pages printed "at home." The honor of being the pioneer in the North Platte valley was not easily achieved for less than a week later the Minatare Trumpet appeared, its publisher being John F. Ringler. Neither the Trumpet nor my own paper were established with any large vision of the later greatness of the North Platte valley.
1698
The Gering Courier, which I have conducted personally from that day to this, was first issued on April 27, 1887, and was a patent inside sheet with the two outside pages printed "at home." The honor of being the pioneer in the North Platte valley was not easily achieved for less than a week later the Minatare Trumpet appeared, its publisher being John F. Ringler. Neither the Trumpet nor my own paper were established with any large vision of the later greatness of the North Platte valley. For my own part, the fact that the country
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
was being settled by homesteaders and that they would in due time need to spend money for publishing notices for final proof was the impelling motive. Indeed, this source of revenue was all which enabled my embryo business to survive through a period of years until real development began to take place. The original plant of the Courier consisted of an Army press, one of those affairs which sets on a table and is operated like a clothes wringer, printing one page at a time, and a mere handful of type and necessary cases. This outfit, a lot of groceries for the only store in the North river valley, a couple or three trunks and a number of other articles were only enough to make a moderate sized wagon box full which Avas hauled out for me, and with me, from Sidney, seventy miles across country.
Final proof notices were the first objective in the establishment of newspapers, but closely thereafter came the county seat question, as it became probable that the old county of Cheyenne would be divided into several counties, and was responsible for a number of papers at prospective county seats, notably in what are now Scott Bluff and Banner counties.
1699
This outfit, a lot of groceries for the only store in the North river valley, a couple or three trunks and a number of other articles were only enough to make a moderate sized wagon box full which Avas hauled out for me, and with me, from Sidney, seventy miles across country.
Final proof notices were the first objective in the establishment of newspapers, but closely thereafter came the county seat question, as it became probable that the old county of Cheyenne would be divided into several counties, and was responsible for a number of papers at prospective county seats, notably in what are now Scott Bluff and Banner counties. The third paper was started at a point in Mitchell valley opposite the present city of that name, by one E. B. Peck, who lasted just long enough to make the campaign for county seat location, but long enough to take my name in vain 147 times by actual count in his final issue. Surely those were the days of personal journalism.
A newspaper had been published at Bayard, opposing the division lines which placed it on the border line between the new Scotts Bluff county and the central portion of the old county, which still remained Cheyenne county. It was called the Chimney Rock Transcript, and was printed by J. J. Totten, and he at •once espoused the cause of a point west of Minatare, called Millstown, as a county seat contender, but after this idea was eliminated by the selection of Gering, its publication was continued at Bayard, and the sheet was purchased in July, 1889, by Col. Francis O. Wisner, a fine type of the old school journalist, and published by him until his death. Today it is still in a hearty condition with his son, R.
1700
Totten, and he at •once espoused the cause of a point west of Minatare, called Millstown, as a county seat contender, but after this idea was eliminated by the selection of Gering, its publication was continued at Bayard, and the sheet was purchased in July, 1889, by Col. Francis O. Wisner, a fine type of the old school journalist, and published by him until his death. Today it is still in a hearty condition with his son, R. A. Wisner, at the helm.
The county seat period was responsible for a number of newspapers in Banner county also. The peak birth rate was in 1888, when the list across the south hills included the various hopeful contenders for the county seat. The Freeport Gazette in the northeast part, J. J. Wilson being the publisher. An issue of this paper now before me lists E. M. Cowen, now of
Scottsbluff, as an advertiser, but later on he is found as publisher of the Early Day at Harrisburg, from which I conclude he acquired the plant and moved it there after Harrisburg won out. Centropolis was a proposed site less than a mile from Harrisburg, and C. H. Randall, who has since become known to fame as the California prohibition congressman, was the founder of the Centropolis World, of which a copy indicates he was the best real newspaper man of us all in those days. Ashford, in the northern part of the county, made a strong fight for the Banner county seat, and was really a good trading center already. They entered the campaign with a paper temporarily printed in my own office at Gering, called the Ashford Gazette. J. F. Gay, now in Iowa, was the nominal editor, but as I recall it W. W. White, now of Gering, C.
1701
Randall, who has since become known to fame as the California prohibition congressman, was the founder of the Centropolis World, of which a copy indicates he was the best real newspaper man of us all in those days. Ashford, in the northern part of the county, made a strong fight for the Banner county seat, and was really a good trading center already. They entered the campaign with a paper temporarily printed in my own office at Gering, called the Ashford Gazette. J. F. Gay, now in Iowa, was the nominal editor, but as I recall it W. W. White, now of Gering, C. E. Dooley and J. M. Schooley were the men who arranged for the publication. This plant passed through the hands of Grant L. Shumway and others, finally being located in Harrisburg.
The final proof patronage was a political matter in those days, and there was one ostensibly Scotts Bluff county paper for a brief period which came near putting the Courier out of business. John M. Adams, a democrat, was registrar of the land office at Sidney, in which place the Telegraph was published by Bush & Callahan, also the Sidney Democrat, by J. F. ("Duke") Wellington. The latter being a democrat conceived the idea of securing all the government patronage, and one fine day a paper came over to Gering out of his shop bearing the title of the Gering Democrat. He started a similar process to get the coveted business in other sections also, since the law required the publication of land notices in the paper published "nearest" the land ; but the register was privileged to designate in case there was more than one paper -- hence around the Courier shop in Gering there was gloom so thick we could almost spread it on our pancakes.
1702
The latter being a democrat conceived the idea of securing all the government patronage, and one fine day a paper came over to Gering out of his shop bearing the title of the Gering Democrat. He started a similar process to get the coveted business in other sections also, since the law required the publication of land notices in the paper published "nearest" the land ; but the register was privileged to designate in case there was more than one paper -- hence around the Courier shop in Gering there was gloom so thick we could almost spread it on our pancakes. At that time I was in partnership with Martin Bristol, doing a farm loan business for an eastern company. The brilliant thought struck him as a solution, and he said, "Just you run my name up there as editor and I'll go over there and read the riot act to Adams. Guess I'm democrat enough to get by." We did. and for a few brief months the Courier was a democratic sheet, a fact which my good friend E. T. Westervelt, will never let me forget, although he forgets I had probably a much "blacker" reputation then than now, and even chairman of the republican county committee at that time. But the Gering Democrat
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
expired with its issue of November 9, 1888, after the presidential election result became known.
The next newspaper enterprise in this section was the Independent Union, in which A. F. Snyder, for the period from April, 1891, to February 18, 1892, espoused the cause of the farmers alliance movement, then suspended and went to Cheyenne. In the fall of 1893, the Nebraska Homestead made its advent at Gering, Wm. A. Hale being the publisher, and selling it to Wagner brothers, Harry and Frank, in 1895.
1703
expired with its issue of November 9, 1888, after the presidential election result became known.
The next newspaper enterprise in this section was the Independent Union, in which A. F. Snyder, for the period from April, 1891, to February 18, 1892, espoused the cause of the farmers alliance movement, then suspended and went to Cheyenne. In the fall of 1893, the Nebraska Homestead made its advent at Gering, Wm. A. Hale being the publisher, and selling it to Wagner brothers, Harry and Frank, in 1895. They in turn sold to George E. Mark in May, 1896. That gentleman was not a practical newspaper man, but he was adaptable and successful, and has been steadily in the harness since that time, except for a brief period during which he sold the plant to E. F. Moon, but bought it back again in June, 1900. When the Burlington railroad reached the North Platte valley and passed by on the other side, Mr. Mark moved his plant to Mitchell in April, 1901, changing the name to the Mitchell Index, which is conducted by him at this time and is one of the most stable institutions in the valley.
The Burlington railroad marked also the beginning of much additional newspaper history. E. T. Westervelt founded the Scottsbluff Republican and E. F. Moon the Scottsbluff Herald. The former is still conducted by him with ability and profit. The Herald is still likewise in existence as one side of the Star- Herald name, of which more later.
1704
Mark moved his plant to Mitchell in April, 1901, changing the name to the Mitchell Index, which is conducted by him at this time and is one of the most stable institutions in the valley.
The Burlington railroad marked also the beginning of much additional newspaper history. E. T. Westervelt founded the Scottsbluff Republican and E. F. Moon the Scottsbluff Herald. The former is still conducted by him with ability and profit. The Herald is still likewise in existence as one side of the Star- Herald name, of which more later.
The Morrill Mail was established by R. Bruce Hill, ostensibly, but its ownership was Geo. E. Mark, and later on H. N. Perrine, later1 deceased, became the nominal publisher. The proxy conduct of a newspaper plant not always being satisfactory, and becoming dissatisfied with the management of Will F. Due, whom he had placed in charge following Perrine's death, Mr. Mark sold the Mail to W. E. Alvis in October. 1913. The latter died a few years ago, but the paper is still operated by his wife.
The original Minatare paper, the Trumpet, was sold by Ringler to John Dyer, who could not make it go, and it was absorbed by the Gering Courier. Some years later, Sam D. Cox established the Minatare Sentinel. Its history covering the murder of Cox in a fight growing out of Cox's espousal of the temperance cause is no doubt covered elsewhere in this volume. In the meantime, the Minatare Free Press was established by Worth F. Graham, and afterward consolidated with the Sentinel. Passing through the respective ownerships of W. F. Harper, Clarence E. Lee, I. N. Lyman and R. O. Chambers, it is now a thriving and going concern in the hands of Rufus Jones as editor, but owned jointly by him and B.
1705
Its history covering the murder of Cox in a fight growing out of Cox's espousal of the temperance cause is no doubt covered elsewhere in this volume. In the meantime, the Minatare Free Press was established by Worth F. Graham, and afterward consolidated with the Sentinel. Passing through the respective ownerships of W. F. Harper, Clarence E. Lee, I. N. Lyman and R. O. Chambers, it is now a thriving and going concern in the hands of Rufus Jones as editor, but owned jointly by him and B. J. Sallows of the Alliance Times.
In November, 1906, the Star was established at Mitchell by P. J. Barron, and exactly one year later, in 1907, he moved it to Scottsbluff. The Star and Herald were purchased by Harry J. Wisner and A. B. Wood and consolidated in October, 1912, and is still so published, Mr. Wisner being in charge and assisted by Chas. C. Cross as one of its editors. A daily paper was published for one year, but found unprofitable. At this writing a daily paper, the Platte Valley Neivs, is making a heroic struggle to established itself, with what result time will tell. It was started by A. E. Clark, and at this time is in charge of George Grimes, formerly a Lincoln newspaper man.
After the Union Pacific railroad came into the valley, the McGrezv Messenger was established by the writer on October 28, 1912, and printed (in Gering) until February 19, 1913, when it was sold to G. J. Long. In November of that year, he removed the plant to Gering, where it was published as the Wasp for something like a year, then sold to Hammond & Cloud, who changed its name to the Twin City Times. It was not a success, and was finally suspended, the old material still being stored in Gering.
1706
After the Union Pacific railroad came into the valley, the McGrezv Messenger was established by the writer on October 28, 1912, and printed (in Gering) until February 19, 1913, when it was sold to G. J. Long. In November of that year, he removed the plant to Gering, where it was published as the Wasp for something like a year, then sold to Hammond & Cloud, who changed its name to the Twin City Times. It was not a success, and was finally suspended, the old material still being stored in Gering.
To bring the story down to recent years, only needs to mention the Henry Messenger, printed for a year or so by J. D. Fugate, and suspended in 1920. The McGrew Messenger and the Mclbcta Times were two papers issued for perhaps a year each as commercial propositions by the clubs of those places. The Gering Midzvest is the youngest weekly in the county, having operated during the past two years by Will M. Maupin, a well known Nebraska newspaper man, who also at this time is printing for the young city of Lyman a paper which he states will be supplied with a plant of its own shortly.
This article has made no mention of publications not in the accepted newspaper class. Several papers of a general character nave been printed here, among them the Nebraska Odd Fellow with a statewide circulation with my own name as publisher, but in reality a commercial proposition for the actual owners. The Hammer was an engineering paper printed in Gering for some time, H. A. Mark being its author. The Nebraska Times, a Japanese publication may also be credited to the county list.
1707
This article has made no mention of publications not in the accepted newspaper class. Several papers of a general character nave been printed here, among them the Nebraska Odd Fellow with a statewide circulation with my own name as publisher, but in reality a commercial proposition for the actual owners. The Hammer was an engineering paper printed in Gering for some time, H. A. Mark being its author. The Nebraska Times, a Japanese publication may also be credited to the county list.
There may be some slight inaccuracies in this article. Much of it has been gathered from the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
files of the Courier, which I have complete for almost thirty-five years in bound form, and which constitute the most valuable mass of historical data imaginable. I also have copies filed away of almost all of the publications I have named in this article, and the brief perusal I have given them in getting together the material herewith has been a labor of love, one which I would be delighted sometime to repeat with a view to exemplifying the gratifying contrast which has come to pass within my lifetime in the newspaper conditions.
SCOTTSBLUFF VOLUNTEER FlRE DEPARTMENT
In December, 1909, pursuant to call, a number of the citizens gathered together in the office of Carr & Neff Lumber company, and organized a Volunteer Fire Department, which was the beginning of the city's present vigorous fire fighting machine.
The first meeting was held on the eleventh, when Fred Alexander was elected president ; P. J. Barron, secretary-treasurer ; and J. C. Caine as chief. They also constituted a committee to draft constitution and by-laws. The next meeting was held on the sixteenth. George Elquist, W. A. Stull, W. W. Cline, G. L. Shumway, W. H. Goforth, C. J.
1708
In December, 1909, pursuant to call, a number of the citizens gathered together in the office of Carr & Neff Lumber company, and organized a Volunteer Fire Department, which was the beginning of the city's present vigorous fire fighting machine.
The first meeting was held on the eleventh, when Fred Alexander was elected president ; P. J. Barron, secretary-treasurer ; and J. C. Caine as chief. They also constituted a committee to draft constitution and by-laws. The next meeting was held on the sixteenth. George Elquist, W. A. Stull, W. W. Cline, G. L. Shumway, W. H. Goforth, C. J. Dawson, J.
D. Bohnert and J. C. Caine were the first members to fully qualify as members On January tenth F. D. Schofield, William Morrow and A.
E. Delahovde qualified, and on February fourteenth, E.'S. Young, W. G. Ashbaugh.'H. W. Newby, Chas. J. Evans, Homer Cline, W. E. Rice. M. T. Murphy, W. T. Hill, G. 1. Godsev, V. B. Kirkham, Earl Sawver, P. T. Sheffer. I. N. Wallace, A. Dean, G. E. Caine, H. J. Gilbraith and M. A. Scott did likewise. This completed the roster of the first members of the fire department, a total of thirty members. At this meeting W. A. Stull was chosen as assistant chief.
In April, 1910, Alexander and Barron were re-elected, and H. J. Gilbraith chosen chief. Gilbraith served until June 13 when F. D. Schofield was selected. The council during this year passed an ordinance charging fire insurance companies doing business in Scottsbluff an annual license of five dollars for a fireman's fund. P. T. Sheffer was appointed assistant chief, and the department divided into three groups. Hose Cart No. 1 had Hill, Morrow, Edgar, Schofield and Barron, while No. 2 had Sheffer, Guernsey, Foreman, Carlisle and Cline. The hook and ladder team was Elquist, Lane, Alexander, Westervelt and Ashbaugh.
1709
Schofield was selected. The council during this year passed an ordinance charging fire insurance companies doing business in Scottsbluff an annual license of five dollars for a fireman's fund. P. T. Sheffer was appointed assistant chief, and the department divided into three groups. Hose Cart No. 1 had Hill, Morrow, Edgar, Schofield and Barron, while No. 2 had Sheffer, Guernsey, Foreman, Carlisle and Cline. The hook and ladder team was Elquist, Lane, Alexander, Westervelt and Ashbaugh.
In 1911, a more thorough organization was effected. J. R. Baskins was elected president; O. W. Rhoads, chief; F. D. Schofield, secretary-treasurer; W. T. Hill was made foreman of Hose Cart No. 1 with W A. Stull as assistant ; B. T. Sheffer, foreman of No. 2 with J. J. Carlisle, assistant ; Geo. Elquist was foreman of the hook and ladder, with I. N. Wallace, assistant. This year the department put on a Fourth of July celebration which was a live one. So lively 'in fact that all of the fireworks went off at once, giving a never-to-beforgotten pyrotechnical display.
Baskins was re-elected in 1912, with Drew Rogers, chief; and W. L. Simmons, secretary-treasurer.
In 1913.' Harry Wisner was elected president, being re-elected the following year. Jack Carlisle was chief in 1913, and Bert Lynch, secretary. Geo. Bohnert was chief in 1914, and Guy Lane, secretary. In 1915, F. G. Warrick was president ;' Wash Scott', chief; and Dan Ayres, secretarv. Bert Lynch followed as president in 1915, with Wash Scott again chief, and Milo Jones secretary.
1710
Baskins was re-elected in 1912, with Drew Rogers, chief; and W. L. Simmons, secretary-treasurer.
In 1913.' Harry Wisner was elected president, being re-elected the following year. Jack Carlisle was chief in 1913, and Bert Lynch, secretary. Geo. Bohnert was chief in 1914, and Guy Lane, secretary. In 1915, F. G. Warrick was president ;' Wash Scott', chief; and Dan Ayres, secretarv. Bert Lynch followed as president in 1915, with Wash Scott again chief, and Milo Jones secretary.
O. W. Rhoads, chief in 1911, has served three terms as president, 1917, 1918, and 1920. A tireless, loyal member.
John Orr, who was chief in 1917 and 1918, became president in 1919, and is president in 1920. He is another who has been steadily working for the good of the order. Milo Jones was chief in 1919, and in 1920 Guy Carlson was chosen for the place. Carlson's idea) brought about the adoption of the "silent fire alarm," instead of the siren whistle. This system is the ringing of a bell at the home of every member of the fire department, instead of disturbing the entire city.
W. P. Ford was elected chief 'in 1921. F. E. Missen was secretary in 1917, Bert Lynch in 1918, and Marshall Kinney in 1919; Kim Westervelt and W. P. Ford, each serving for a short time. Lynch again became secretary in 1920 and G. F. Ervin, treasurer. In 1921 Lee Wright is the secretary and Ervin again looking after the treasurer's office.
In 1919 the new city hall was built with accommodations for the department including club rooms, and the old hose house was abandoned. A combination truck was purchased that year, and put in charge of G. F. Ervin. driver, and he has been the driver since that time. In 1921 the new chemical truck was bought by the city, and \Y.
1711
In 1921 Lee Wright is the secretary and Ervin again looking after the treasurer's office.
In 1919 the new city hall was built with accommodations for the department including club rooms, and the old hose house was abandoned. A combination truck was purchased that year, and put in charge of G. F. Ervin. driver, and he has been the driver since that time. In 1921 the new chemical truck was bought by the city, and \Y. H. Goforth, driver, put in charge. The department has today thirty-eight active members.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Brief Saloon Record
Before the village was incorporated, a Mr. Armstrong came over from Alliance and tried to get a saloon license from the county commissioners. The matter was delayed although Colonel Irwin stayed around for some weeks. Immediately following the creation of the village, Alvin McClenahan and Spry & Soder were granted license, and Soder moved a brick building over from Gering. This was the first brick business house on Broadway, and is used as "Sweetland" by Theo. Lewis at this time.
Armstrong, then came from Alliance and built a story and half frame near the depot, where he opened for a time. A colored tramp painter came along and Armstrong had him print a sign upon the roof, in letters seven feet long. It was not a neat job, and not evenly spaced. Armstrong made him paint another "N" on the name, so that until the building burned some years later, the first sign to greet the eye of the stranger at the station was "S-A-L-O-O-N-N." Dan McAlseese, of Sidney, once owned this place.
1712
Armstrong, then came from Alliance and built a story and half frame near the depot, where he opened for a time. A colored tramp painter came along and Armstrong had him print a sign upon the roof, in letters seven feet long. It was not a neat job, and not evenly spaced. Armstrong made him paint another "N" on the name, so that until the building burned some years later, the first sign to greet the eye of the stranger at the station was "S-A-L-O-O-N-N." Dan McAlseese, of Sidney, once owned this place.
The saloon was short-lived in Scottsbluff, and went out of business by a seven to one vote in 1907, since which the town and city has been consistently dry. There has been some boot-legging, but no more than in other places of equal size and importance. The officers are generally very vigilant, and are constantly picking up those whom are bent on infractions of the liquor laws.
Early Days in Scottsbluff With the building of new towns, there is always the spirit that at first challenges the authority of law. Not however with the lawless spirit, but with the spirit of independence. They want no restraining influence, no interference with what they are doing. The old west was more inclined to this than the newer towns. Yet, when Scottsbluff came into existence there were numbers of the old regime, who took it upon themselves to give the new town a touch of high life -- to stage a sort of a realism to the order, or lack of order that once obtained. This throwback of ten or twenty years was the end of the wild west in Scotts Bluff county. Naturally, there were some really lawless episodes instead of relaxation, for the evilly inclined always take advantage of a condition and throw in with innocent amusements and sometimes transform them into orgies that should not exist.
1713
Yet, when Scottsbluff came into existence there were numbers of the old regime, who took it upon themselves to give the new town a touch of high life -- to stage a sort of a realism to the order, or lack of order that once obtained. This throwback of ten or twenty years was the end of the wild west in Scotts Bluff county. Naturally, there were some really lawless episodes instead of relaxation, for the evilly inclined always take advantage of a condition and throw in with innocent amusements and sometimes transform them into orgies that should not exist.
J. H. Casselman will remember to his dying day an affair that grew partly out of Casselman's opposition to the saloon. Some of the wild ones resented interference and set about to make things hum. Then there was a little bad blood between the two saloons, which added fuel to the flames. A partisan of one entered the other and hit John Eiler, the kindly and peaceable attendant at the bar in the other saloon, over the head with a beer bottle. Slim McClenahan was interested in the saloon where the affair was pulled off, and he grabbed his gun. He never waited for the ordinary method of getting the gun in action, but started a rapid fire, by striking the hammer part way back and releasing it. The cylinder was quickly emptied toward the offender, and one bullet hit his finger. He lost no time in going out of the door and across the street, where a tree that stood at the McCreary corner checked his progress for a moment. This tree bent under the impact of his body, but he soon went on his way with little diminishing of speed.
1714
He never waited for the ordinary method of getting the gun in action, but started a rapid fire, by striking the hammer part way back and releasing it. The cylinder was quickly emptied toward the offender, and one bullet hit his finger. He lost no time in going out of the door and across the street, where a tree that stood at the McCreary corner checked his progress for a moment. This tree bent under the impact of his body, but he soon went on his way with little diminishing of speed.
A few moments later, a woman came madly down the street with a gun, which she pressed into the ribs of Mr. Casselman, declaring that it was his agitation that had caused all the trouble. Casselman did not answer, and she rushed on to the saloon where the affair started. But "Slim" had gone out the back door, over to Mowry's barn and saddled his horse. He rode into the country and did not come back for a few days, or until the affair had cooled down. It is said that Casselman collapsed after the woman passed on, and had to be carried into the bank.
John Konkle can also remember when he first came to Scottsbuff, and was camped on First avenue, near the present Emery Annex. A bullet carelessly sent on its way passed through the top of his wagon cover. Whether or not this was the reason, John returned to his home in the south part of the state and remained there a couple years before he returned to make the city his permanent home.
1715
It is said that Casselman collapsed after the woman passed on, and had to be carried into the bank.
John Konkle can also remember when he first came to Scottsbuff, and was camped on First avenue, near the present Emery Annex. A bullet carelessly sent on its way passed through the top of his wagon cover. Whether or not this was the reason, John returned to his home in the south part of the state and remained there a couple years before he returned to make the city his permanent home.
For the most part the popping of guns within the city limits was entirely for amusement, and those who shot them did so just for exuberance, noise or marksmanship. The fellows who did the shooting were just "waking things up." For instance, when Herman Siingbaum came in off the range the town seemed a bit quiet, and he so remarked. A bystander handed him a gun and said "wake her up." Herman stepped out on the street, and fired three shots into the ground and three into the air, and then handed the gun back to the owner. The shooting occurred in front of the Harrison grocery. Mrs. Harrison used to sit
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
in the front room of the grocery, and when a customer came in she would call Mr. Harrison who sometimes worked in the back room, counting eggs or checking in merchandise. Mrs. Harrison's eyesight was very poorly at the time, and she could not attend the wants of customers, but occupied a rocker. When the gun was discharged it so startled her that she went over back in the rocker, and Mr. Harrison fell over a crate of eggs in his haste. But Herman was out of sight, and it was a
1716
Harrison who sometimes worked in the back room, counting eggs or checking in merchandise. Mrs. Harrison's eyesight was very poorly at the time, and she could not attend the wants of customers, but occupied a rocker. When the gun was discharged it so startled her that she went over back in the rocker, and Mr. Harrison fell over a crate of eggs in his haste. But Herman was out of sight, and it was a
long time before they knew who was responsible for the incident.
Trying to make themselves believe that the wild west still existed, and putting a touch of realism in it, were play hours in early Scottsbluff, but to those who had lived the old western way, they had about the same realism as the movie. There was little of the thrill of danger, that went with the old west, and little of the gigantic action that was with events in the epoch when cattlemen were kings.
INCIDENTS AND PERSONALITIES
When the grangers came they found a number of the unique characters of cowboy days trailing around as though they regretted to leave the old range. There were Dan Callahan, Phil Jurish, Jimmy Moore, and many others, but this incident is concerning Phil. In 1889, he dropped in where the election was being held in Tabor precinct, and made some remark about what the governor of North Carolina said to the governor of South Carolina. He had about a pint of that now obsolete beverage in a quart bottle, and passed it to the nearest member of the board. It went the rounds and Phil replaced the cork and put what was left in his pocket. "Gentlemen," he asked, "would you like to hear a song?" Being assured that they would be delighted he sang, "The Irish Exile," in a fine tenor voice.
1717
In 1889, he dropped in where the election was being held in Tabor precinct, and made some remark about what the governor of North Carolina said to the governor of South Carolina. He had about a pint of that now obsolete beverage in a quart bottle, and passed it to the nearest member of the board. It went the rounds and Phil replaced the cork and put what was left in his pocket. "Gentlemen," he asked, "would you like to hear a song?" Being assured that they would be delighted he sang, "The Irish Exile," in a fine tenor voice. Then he emptied the bottle and mounted his horse. As he rode away he announced that he was going over the Castle Rock precinct to defeat Runey Campbell for constable. He failed in his mission. Phil had a little case in district court over some water rights, and he secured the services of Judge Heist. As the case was about to go to the court, the Judge said in that wheezy voice of his: "Well, Phil, I guess it is about time to give me a retainer." Phil asked how much and when the judge said, "About twenty dollars," Jurish nearly had a fit. He paid the money which then was a big sum, after which he' exclaimed : "Well, Judge, we will sure win the case now, won't we ?' "No-o" drawled the judge as he tucked away the twenty, "No-o -- we will lose the case, Phil." "What,"' yelled the surprised client, as the money disappeared into the judge's watch pocket, "me paying you twenty to tell me I am going to lose?" "Well," drawled Heist, "it is worth something to know it in advance."
1718
He paid the money which then was a big sum, after which he' exclaimed : "Well, Judge, we will sure win the case now, won't we ?' "No-o" drawled the judge as he tucked away the twenty, "No-o -- we will lose the case, Phil." "What,"' yelled the surprised client, as the money disappeared into the judge's watch pocket, "me paying you twenty to tell me I am going to lose?" "Well," drawled Heist, "it is worth something to know it in advance."
How Tabor Was Named Names are sometimes left perpetually upon the country, not for what the individual does, but because of an admiring friend or affectionate relative. The precinct in which Minatare is situate is called Tabor, after Wian Tabor, the son-in-law of Geo. W. Fairfield. It was left to Fairfield to supply the name and he chose Tabor. He also platted a town of that name, but Minatare, just east of it, became the town. While Tabor was a good citizen, there was nothing so distintctive about him or his service to the community, that should make his name paramount to that of many other Minatare folks.
True, George W. Fairfield had done much, and out of deference to him was the name. Fairfield was one of the old surveyors for the government and he was also one who surveyed out Minatare canal, and others of the early days. He was an enthusiast of irrigation, and in pioneer development.
Tim; Quagmires Fairfield's spectacular language is written into the field notes now on file with the state surveyor, in the office of the state land com-
1719
Fairfield had done much, and out of deference to him was the name. Fairfield was one of the old surveyors for the government and he was also one who surveyed out Minatare canal, and others of the early days. He was an enthusiast of irrigation, and in pioneer development.
Tim; Quagmires Fairfield's spectacular language is written into the field notes now on file with the state surveyor, in the office of the state land com-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
missioner, but nowhere does it surpass his description of the bog holes or quagmires found in western Scotts Bluff county. These singular formations seem to be wells in the firmer soils, and the wells are filled with a soft muck. These differ in color but all are very thin, and originally many cattle were lost in them. The grass grows green around the edges, and in tufts on top of the heaps of muck, for it seems that the internal pressure forces the bogs to rounded forms above the level adjacent ground.
There are two groups of these bogs in the county, about two or three miles apart : one just east of the Crocket ranch and the other on Honeycutt hill. Each group has a dozen or more of the bogs about ten feet across, twenty-five feet and upward apart, and sometimes connected by trenches that seem to be cracks, possibly made by an upwards pressure of underneath forces or materials. No one
for distances instead of using the chain.
1720
There are two groups of these bogs in the county, about two or three miles apart : one just east of the Crocket ranch and the other on Honeycutt hill. Each group has a dozen or more of the bogs about ten feet across, twenty-five feet and upward apart, and sometimes connected by trenches that seem to be cracks, possibly made by an upwards pressure of underneath forces or materials. No one
for distances instead of using the chain.
It calls to mind the story of the elder Mr. Lafferty who was a locater in early days. There was a small party of land seekers of which Bert Mills was one, and they were running off the lines using the wagon wheel method. One hundred eighty-five revolutions made a half mile, and Mr. Lafferty was doing the counting. After they had driven on and on until it seemed three or four times the half mile, they turned and found that Lafferty had fallen asleep. It was one of those hot, sleepy days. They turned about, and started it over again with the same result, but the third time he counted it to the half mile post.
Other Early Names It would have been more in keeping with proprieties to have given Tabor precinct the name Harshman. Theo. Harshman furnished
:e or Jesse Pickering Xear Mi
knows to what depths these bogs extend but at least it is presumed that they reach down to the Laramie formation and perhaps a far greater depth. One can shove a pole or post into the muck with little force, as far as it will reach.
1721
Other Early Names It would have been more in keeping with proprieties to have given Tabor precinct the name Harshman. Theo. Harshman furnished
:e or Jesse Pickering Xear Mi
knows to what depths these bogs extend but at least it is presumed that they reach down to the Laramie formation and perhaps a far greater depth. One can shove a pole or post into the muck with little force, as far as it will reach.
Surveyor Fairfield said that an unfortunate steer could never hope to extricate itself if it fell into one of these bogs, but that it would gradually sink down "until its last despairing bellow would ring across the prairie as the tip of its tail would sink beneath the mud."
Surveying With a Wagon Wheel The fact that many corners were some few feet or rods from where they should be, making crooked lines, or sometimes over acreage or under acreage in given tracts, gave rise to the stories that original surveyors were careless, and "counted the revolutions of a wagon wheel"
the largest family and thereby the greatest population of any individual in "the precinct. He arrived in the spring of 1886, from Iowa, with several covered wagons, as there were twelve children (and they were all good workers). He built a sod house 30 by 75 feet, in which. the family resided for twenty years. He brought a complete blacksmith outfit and put up a shop, which was a great convenience to the neighborhood. He also brought the first herd of dairy cows that was ever in Scotts Bluff county.
1722
He arrived in the spring of 1886, from Iowa, with several covered wagons, as there were twelve children (and they were all good workers). He built a sod house 30 by 75 feet, in which. the family resided for twenty years. He brought a complete blacksmith outfit and put up a shop, which was a great convenience to the neighborhood. He also brought the first herd of dairy cows that was ever in Scotts Bluff county.
The Johnson family is another familiar one in the nomenclature of Scotts Bluff county. We have had W. W. Johnson, the tree man, who went over all the country selling trees, and many an orchard now blooms to his memory and perseverance. We have the present family of Johnsons, at Scottsbluff, who are active in all its public spirit and enterprise and there
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
are others. But the Johnsons that are around Minatare, are distinctive and have been from the early pioneer days. C. T. Johnson was the first county superintendent of Scotts Bluff county. He had other qualities that distinguished him. For instance, he one day took W. R. Akers and Bert Mills to hunt grouse on the islands. He had a good dog, and the birds were flushed in nice order. Akers and Johnson worked along together and Bert was the boy of the crowd. Johnson killed fourteen of sixteen flushed up, and Akers not one. Among the advantages permanently to the good of the county for C. T. Johnson having resided here is that Harry T. and Frank Johnson are among the present citizenship of Minatare. Harry served for years as county commissioner and Frank once as superintendent and both have been prominent in everything for the progress of the community and county.
1723
Akers and Johnson worked along together and Bert was the boy of the crowd. Johnson killed fourteen of sixteen flushed up, and Akers not one. Among the advantages permanently to the good of the county for C. T. Johnson having resided here is that Harry T. and Frank Johnson are among the present citizenship of Minatare. Harry served for years as county commissioner and Frank once as superintendent and both have been prominent in everything for the progress of the community and county.
The Flowers, and Fowlers, and Norths, and Wrights, the Bloods, and Clarks, and Keelers, and Orr, and Moomaws, and Davis's and Gentrys stand among the old names of quality in the north side east end of the county. While on the south side are the Franklin folks, Ben Roberts, the Hubbards, the Jeffords, the Lees, the Randalls and scores of other excellent names deserving of being perpetuated in the nomenclature of the county they have helped to build. But their names are not so written. Instead, we have Tabor, Minatare, Melbeta, McGrew, Hayward, and other names. Few of our towns mean anything by the names except that some one has permitted us to use his splendid "Andrew Jackson" for our convenience.
The Lost Chain
Near Minatare, the settlers had but one log chain at first, that was in much use dragging logs and posts out of the canyons. It went the rounds that way, and the man to whom it belonged considered it a community chain. He therefore kept it handy on a post so that the neighbor who wanted to borrow it could take and was welcome if he returned it to the post as soon as through with it. One day it was gone and never came back and he considered it stolen as soon as it failed to be returned in a day or two.
1724
It went the rounds that way, and the man to whom it belonged considered it a community chain. He therefore kept it handy on a post so that the neighbor who wanted to borrow it could take and was welcome if he returned it to the post as soon as through with it. One day it was gone and never came back and he considered it stolen as soon as it failed to be returned in a day or two. At the following round-up, which was about the last round-up in Nebraska, a% range steer was found with the log chain on its horn. It had evidently been rubbing on the post and by accident one of the links slipped over its horn and the steer had carried it for several months. It was identified by the homemade link which was large enough to slip over the horn.
Tree Claims
Many of the beautiful groves to be found in the valley were the initiation of first settlers under the timber claim act. That law required the claimant to plant and cultivate ten acres of trees upon an 160-acre claim. Probably ninety per cent of the tree planting was later neglected and the groves died. Many trees were not good varieties, but the man who planted Ash, Box Elder and Cottonwood and attended to them, made satisfactory groves. In Scotts Bluff county will be found a number of the successful timber culture shady nooks on the valley's broad expanse.
The Schumacher boys, Matt and John, who came here about 1885, were among the successful growers of trees. There is also the fine grove of W. M. Barbour northwest of Scottsbluff. Joe Emery was also a successful grower of trees, and fruit trees as well. When Mrs. Emery was a little girl, she planted a lot of small trees that her father had brought up from the river ; and the people who attend the Scotts Bluff County Fair, at Mitchell, year after year, should know and realize whose hand it was that planted those magnificent shade trees upon the fair grounds.
1725
Barbour northwest of Scottsbluff. Joe Emery was also a successful grower of trees, and fruit trees as well. When Mrs. Emery was a little girl, she planted a lot of small trees that her father had brought up from the river ; and the people who attend the Scotts Bluff County Fair, at Mitchell, year after year, should know and realize whose hand it was that planted those magnificent shade trees upon the fair grounds. Dvorsek's, Deutsch's, Simmons' and Fanning's places are well bowered in the trees of older years, while the newer people are planting groves and orchards under all the canals.
The "tree planter state" has not confined the tree results from the timber culture law alone to Scotts Bluff county. If one will take a trip south for twenty miles, over the state and federal aid road into Banner county, one will see three more of these groves. They are a bit neglected now and the fire has run through one of them but that was not the fault of the law or the people who took pride in planting and caring for the trees. Will Ashford, Daniel Stouffer, and Emma J. Leach planted those groves. The first two have "gone on" and the latter now lives at Long Beach, California. These are in Banner county development, but they are nevertheless a part of the tree planting story of the Panhandle. Ten miles east of this road the editor-in-chief planted his several thousand trees that grew and thrived so long as the place was under his care. They may be there now.
1726
Will Ashford, Daniel Stouffer, and Emma J. Leach planted those groves. The first two have "gone on" and the latter now lives at Long Beach, California. These are in Banner county development, but they are nevertheless a part of the tree planting story of the Panhandle. Ten miles east of this road the editor-in-chief planted his several thousand trees that grew and thrived so long as the place was under his care. They may be there now.
Others in Scotts Bluff county who have substantial groves to their memory from the old tree culture law are Charles Robinson and S. S. Videtto.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
"Sons of Martha"
When surveyors invaded the Indian country, the red men were first struck with fear and superstition. When they invaded the cattle country, the cowmen were distinctly annoyed. But the surveying went on and the settler came and occupied the land. They are the base of our present day civilization and prosperity. Foremost among Nebraska's "Sons of Martha" is Robert Harvey, the present state surveyor. He has put a lifetime into the work, the most of which was in western Nebraska. He made long trips into the Indian country and among cow ranches. He had all kinds of adventures with Indians, with men of unfriendly natures, with prairie fires, and with storms of early years.
Equipping his parties on the lower Loup (or Wolf) river, he would journey for long trips into the western part of the state. When the country traversed became too sandy, or for any cause the wheeling was too heavy, the party would make a cache of a part of the provisions, to pick them up at a later date in case of need. Owing to the danger of other parties finding the cache and appropriating the goods to their own use, or destroying them, it was necessary for them to obliterate all traces of the hiding place, and trust to memory to again find the same.
1727
When the country traversed became too sandy, or for any cause the wheeling was too heavy, the party would make a cache of a part of the provisions, to pick them up at a later date in case of need. Owing to the danger of other parties finding the cache and appropriating the goods to their own use, or destroying them, it was necessary for them to obliterate all traces of the hiding place, and trust to memory to again find the same.
One Hidden Cache
On one trip they were nearing the point where they were to go to work, and they cached away a quantity of corn and flour in a sand blowout some distance from the trail their wagons were making. They buried the provisions under several feet of sand. They then discovered that one of the sacks of corn had had a small hole in it and that an occasional kernel of corn had dropped on the way from the wagons to the cache. They picked up every kernel of corn they could find and then obliterated the burying place and the tracks to and from the wagon by smoothing the sand.
Some weeks later, on their return, they found that some of the wasted corn had not been recovered, and that there was a row of growing corn from the wagon tracks to the cache at the top of the blowout, thus clearly pointing out to any chance passerby where the provisions and feed were hidden. The cache, however, had not been disturbed.
1728
They picked up every kernel of corn they could find and then obliterated the burying place and the tracks to and from the wagon by smoothing the sand.
Some weeks later, on their return, they found that some of the wasted corn had not been recovered, and that there was a row of growing corn from the wagon tracks to the cache at the top of the blowout, thus clearly pointing out to any chance passerby where the provisions and feed were hidden. The cache, however, had not been disturbed.
Something over forty-two years ago a sudden snowstorm swept down upon them while in Sheridan county, and while resting under the lea of a rock waiting for it to ease up before they returned to their camp, Dull Knife,
then on his famous raid, made a run between them and the camp, with a bunch of soldiers in hot pursuit. The recalcitrant Indians were soon thereafter captured.
The Burning Prairies Some distance south of the present site of Chadron, in Dawes county, a prairie fire came .sweeping down upon them in a high wind from the northwest. As it topped the ridge from Chadron creek, it presented a wonderful but fearful sight. It was the worst ever witnessed by the veteran surveyor, and only rapid work back-firing and the assistance of a natural ridge of rock saved the outfit from destruction. They were running a "base line" to the west and had to continue for several days. The burnt prairie did not offer an inviting condition for feed for their horses and mules. But it so transpired that some natural obstruction had broken the progress of the flames at nearly every natural camping place, leaving a spot of unburned prairie. In one place the grass had been flattened down by a herd of cattle that had bedded there for a night, and this did not burn.
1729
They were running a "base line" to the west and had to continue for several days. The burnt prairie did not offer an inviting condition for feed for their horses and mules. But it so transpired that some natural obstruction had broken the progress of the flames at nearly every natural camping place, leaving a spot of unburned prairie. In one place the grass had been flattened down by a herd of cattle that had bedded there for a night, and this did not burn.
Hunting Water Places In the early part of June, 1880, Mr. Harvey and his party were working near the head of Winter creek draw in Sioux county. They had followed the south line of township twenty-five to section 33 in range 54, where they established camp. Near them was a pile of rocks that had been put up by a previously passing party, marking a corner on the edge of a bluff. They needed water, and the notes left by the preceding party said there was a spring threequarters of a mile to the southward. A search failed to reveal its location. About 120 chains south was the head of Winter creek draw, but no water. To the north was a high rocky ridge. They got along with the meagre supply of water on hand, postponing further search until the following day.
The Mirage
In the dawn they witnessed the most remarkable mirage that was ever witnessed in western Nebraska. Two or three hundred miles to the southwest were Long's peak, Pike's peak, and the Mountain of the Holy Cross ; and they were standing out plainly and distinctly visible to the naked eye.
1730
To the north was a high rocky ridge. They got along with the meagre supply of water on hand, postponing further search until the following day.
The Mirage
In the dawn they witnessed the most remarkable mirage that was ever witnessed in western Nebraska. Two or three hundred miles to the southwest were Long's peak, Pike's peak, and the Mountain of the Holy Cross ; and they were standing out plainly and distinctly visible to the naked eye.
To the westward appeared some rough hills covered with timber, and cattle grazing on the hillsides. This puzzled Mr. Harvey, for the presence of timber in this locality had never
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
before been noted by surveyors or travelers, and the Spotted Tail trail passed near where they were encamped.
A short distance west from their camp, they found another ravine that led off to the southwest. A man rode down it for some distance, while the others waited for him to report. The sound of his rifle announced the discovery of water, and the wagons dropped down into the valley to replenish their supply.
When they reached the top of the next ridge, the timbered hills to the west had vanished. Probably these were the hills west of Rawhide, or the Hartville mountains, which are seventy to one hundred miles away, and they were drawn near by the mystery of the mirage.
Careless Surveys
When the work of subdividing townships was taken up, a large number of men were employed, and some of the parties were not very careful of their work. In some places the lines are as crooked as the proverbial ram's horn and have caused innumerable controversies and litigation over the boundary lines. There have been overlapping claims, and strips of "no man's land," and resurveys ; the carelessness of those irresponsible parties has brought trouble' without end.
1731
When the work of subdividing townships was taken up, a large number of men were employed, and some of the parties were not very careful of their work. In some places the lines are as crooked as the proverbial ram's horn and have caused innumerable controversies and litigation over the boundary lines. There have been overlapping claims, and strips of "no man's land," and resurveys ; the carelessness of those irresponsible parties has brought trouble' without end. Corners have become "lost'' and some early settlers improvised corners where they thought they ought to be, and where they had selected their claims. When in the sand hills occasionally the original corners were found, it so upset the calculations of the settlements that they importuned the government to make a resurvey and establish the lines where they would meet the lines of the tracts which the settlers occupied. Washington authorized the now famous "Alt Survey."
Inasmuch as this survey took many acres of fine hay meadows out of state school lands and gave them to claimants, the state resisted the action of the government. A bill was introduced in the legislature approving the survey as to Grant and Hooker counties, and this too was resisted for the same reason. The legal department employed Frank Edgerton to protect the state. Frank evidently felt he could take on more clients and he accepted the work of chiropractics in helping to legalize their profession. The result was disastrous to the state. The chiropractics won. the state lost. No other county has been able to secure adoption of this abortive survey, although they have sought, or individuals have sought from time to time to make the Alt lines stand in counties where the statute has not sanctioned it. So far they have failed.
1732
Frank evidently felt he could take on more clients and he accepted the work of chiropractics in helping to legalize their profession. The result was disastrous to the state. The chiropractics won. the state lost. No other county has been able to secure adoption of this abortive survey, although they have sought, or individuals have sought from time to time to make the Alt lines stand in counties where the statute has not sanctioned it. So far they have failed.
George W. Fairchild and F. M. Dnrrington were among the old time surveyors in western Nebraska. E. C. Simmons and II. A. Mark have done much recent work. Dan Nippell recently worked in the Antioch district reestablishing corners.
Horse Improvement
When Creighton bought the Coad ranch he bought with it a large number of horses which were of the better class than those generally found on ranches. This was a matter of congratulation to the cowboys for they liked good riding stock.
Harry Winters used to have a fine driving team which he personally used between his saloon business in Sidney and his ranch business on the North Platte river near Wright's gap. Charlie Trognitz also had some fine drivers that he would let out occasionally to
Farm R
people that he was sure would not over drive. Sam Fowler had some fair horse stock down on Lawrence Fork. These were the old people and their pride.
The Post ranch on Pole creek a few miles north of Cheyenne was a place where one could find some good horses and some of these found their way into the North Platte valley.
1733
Charlie Trognitz also had some fine drivers that he would let out occasionally to
Farm R
people that he was sure would not over drive. Sam Fowler had some fair horse stock down on Lawrence Fork. These were the old people and their pride.
The Post ranch on Pole creek a few miles north of Cheyenne was a place where one could find some good horses and some of these found their way into the North Platte valley.
Neelev's Ride Frank Neeley had taken the job of putting up the hay on the Ray State meadows in Mitchell valley and during the winter of 1886- 1887, he was' worried as to a market for the product. He made ten trips to Cheyenne, and had agreed to price as to the hay: and that William A. Force, the manager of the Post ranch, was to send some of these horses over to the river to be fed. One day during a snow
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
storm, Neeley received a letter from Force not to consider the matter farther ; that his brother in California was not expected to live, and he was to start in a few days f^r the bedside. Neeley considered that he must get to Cheyenne the next day or lose out ; even then he might not make a deal, but it was his one chance.
He rode all night through the driving snow and the next morning was at Cheyenne. "On the way," said Neeley, "I figured that the way to sell the hay and be sure it was sold was to open an account with them. So I sold them the hay at their figure, and took as part payment six mares valued at $900, which I brought home with me." Frank had made a shrewd move, for he not only got some good horse stock, but they sent a large number of their horses to Mitchell valley to winter feed.
1734
"On the way," said Neeley, "I figured that the way to sell the hay and be sure it was sold was to open an account with them. So I sold them the hay at their figure, and took as part payment six mares valued at $900, which I brought home with me." Frank had made a shrewd move, for he not only got some good horse stock, but they sent a large number of their horses to Mitchell valley to winter feed. After that year John R. Stilts built his large sod barns an;!, brought them regularly there to feed.
All these antedated the real breeding up of the pintail bronchos that were the first horses here. T. J. James brought a good sire into the valley ; John H. Hall's "Neptune" was a good horse; Ed Thornton's "Ben Laddie" is the cire of many fine horses.
After 1900, there were many others brought in. Matt Schumacher brought in, and bred some of the finest Belgians. In 1903, W. L. Wallace, T. D. Deutsch and Jerry Ragan brought an excellent Belgian from Iowa. The sire that belonged to Hall, Sayre & Company was a fine coach and was kept at Gering. These are a few of the people responsible for bringing in good horse stock.
Violent Storms
This portion of the state has been free generally from violent storms. The emigrants moving into the far west occasionally were inconvenienced by the sudden mountain storms that still visit here once in a while. They sometimes were just sudden deluges of w"ater that lasted an hour or two. At other times they were accompanied by hail of such severity that such legends as that of Cannon Ball river result. Along this stream are piles of rounded -rocks and Indian tradition is that they fell in a mountain storm.
1735
The emigrants moving into the far west occasionally were inconvenienced by the sudden mountain storms that still visit here once in a while. They sometimes were just sudden deluges of w"ater that lasted an hour or two. At other times they were accompanied by hail of such severity that such legends as that of Cannon Ball river result. Along this stream are piles of rounded -rocks and Indian tradition is that they fell in a mountain storm.
In the early days of ranching there was a blizzard that was remembered for many years as the most severe of all time, and its reputation still survives. It is doubtful if one of such destructiveness has ever occurred before or since. The storm started on March 7, 1878, and lasted until the tenth. Thousands of cattle perished. The Seven-U, near Bayard, was a heavy loser. Ranch losses ran from forty to sixty per cent. Billy Heck, in charge of freighting from Cheyenne to Fort Laramie, was caught out in this storm with twelve teams of fourteen yoke of oxen to the team, and the entire 168 head perished. "Stuttering" Brown, who ran the stage over this route, did not venture out, much to his good judgment. A nephew of Nick Janis (Genice) died on the river near the state line. But this was before the years of the granger.
In 1884 there was also a bad loss of cattle, incident to a storm, but strong or well fed cattle survived it. The storm of March 22, 1886, was tremendously destructive. It continued for about ten or eleven days, "sometimes letting loose a little to get a better hold," as the people said. It occurred after an extended period of fine weather. The grass had started and cattle having been out grazing on the soft spring grass were unfitted to sustain the long period of the storm.
1736
In 1884 there was also a bad loss of cattle, incident to a storm, but strong or well fed cattle survived it. The storm of March 22, 1886, was tremendously destructive. It continued for about ten or eleven days, "sometimes letting loose a little to get a better hold," as the people said. It occurred after an extended period of fine weather. The grass had started and cattle having been out grazing on the soft spring grass were unfitted to sustain the long period of the storm. In the end, thousands of dead cattle littered every range. The wrecks of cow corporations affecting this territory were the Scottish companies, the Bostonians, and the Texas, and Nebraska combinations. The genius of the Coads, the Creightons, the McShanes ; of W. A. Paxton, James E. Boyd, John Clay, and others, were tested to their uttermost.
That spring was my initiation into the storms of the west. On the Hall & Evans ranch, near North Platte City, A. B. Hall and I had the care of about 250 head of stock, and were milking thirty cows. On the third day, Mr. Hall had a chill, and from then on the duty was mine, assisted by Mrs. Hall. It was a day and night undertaking, snatching a bit of sleep whenever one could. I milked the cows, fed the horses and cattle, pumped water with an ordinary pitcher pump for them all, churned the butter, and looked after several hundred hens. Early cows were dropping their calves in snow drifts, where I would find them and take them by the wheelbarrow route to the kitchen. Here I would rub them dry with a gunny sack, feed them some hot diluted milk, and return them to their mothers. We did not have a loss.
1737
I milked the cows, fed the horses and cattle, pumped water with an ordinary pitcher pump for them all, churned the butter, and looked after several hundred hens. Early cows were dropping their calves in snow drifts, where I would find them and take them by the wheelbarrow route to the kitchen. Here I would rub them dry with a gunny sack, feed them some hot diluted milk, and return them to their mothers. We did not have a loss.
The river and lagoons remained open, and at night there was a great clattering of wild fowls, which had migrated northward in the earlier warm weather and were caught here in the storm.
The call of the duck and the sand hill crane Of wild geese and brants resounding again
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
From White Horse creek to North river Platte. A revel in storm and water and sand ; The snow a-seurrying over the land ;
The night -- it swallowed my vanishing hat.
Summer Snow Storms
In the east a snow storm in the summer or late spring never in the early life of the historian do we remember. So that, when on May first, 1887, the snow began to fall about our cabin on Pumpkin creek, it was a most wonderful sight, and when it continued for the greater part of the day and lay a foot deep across the prairie, it was little short of marvellous to me. Snow in Illinois had meant the death of any green herbage and I anticipated that it meant the same here. We have since found that plants on the high plains become, in a measure, immune to freezing weather.
1738
So that, when on May first, 1887, the snow began to fall about our cabin on Pumpkin creek, it was a most wonderful sight, and when it continued for the greater part of the day and lay a foot deep across the prairie, it was little short of marvellous to me. Snow in Illinois had meant the death of any green herbage and I anticipated that it meant the same here. We have since found that plants on the high plains become, in a measure, immune to freezing weather.
Our horses drifted away in the storm and, toward evening, I sallied forth to find them. They had gone less than half a mile and were standing in a smother of snow when it fell over an embankment protected from the wind. Their tracks indicated that they had left the protecting bank, starting for the house a number of times, but had not the courage to face it very far. I took the lead, and they followed me in single file through the still raging storm.
The next day was beautiful and sunny, and before evening the snow had melted and gone into the ground and was of great benefit to crops and cropping that year.
The snow will occasionally fall as late as the first of June, but in very small quantity. The latest snow storm of consequence that has occurred here began on May 19, 1914, and continued for three days. On May 23 we went to our buried garden, dug down through about sixteen inches of wet snow, and pulled some crisp radishes for our dinner. That night it froze quite hard, but as everything was covered with a blanket of snow, no damage was done except to fruit blossoms. Some of these were not yet far enough advanced.
1739
The latest snow storm of consequence that has occurred here began on May 19, 1914, and continued for three days. On May 23 we went to our buried garden, dug down through about sixteen inches of wet snow, and pulled some crisp radishes for our dinner. That night it froze quite hard, but as everything was covered with a blanket of snow, no damage was done except to fruit blossoms. Some of these were not yet far enough advanced.
The tornado has never accomplished much of its devastation in the Panhandle of Nebraska. Three have been observed, and one photographed, while in earlier years there evidently were two storms of greater magnitude than any that have been seen. Stansbury mentioned the evidence of a great storm that had blown down the great cedar forest that once stood on the Wildcat range near Chimney rock. This must have occurred about one hundred years ago, or perhaps longer.
' Tornado of June, 1878
A most remarkable tornado occurred about June 11 or 12, 1878, and crossed Cherry and Sheridan counties, breaking near Buffalo Gap, South Dakota. Beaver creek comes out of the Black Hills at the latter point flowing eastward eventually uniting with Cheyenne river. The rocks on either side stand up on edge because of the great internal disturbances that made the Black Hills.
Over a radius of several sections there was a deposit of mud, rushes, turtles, and fish, several feet deep and a deluge of water. In a torrent the water rushed through the gap and a few miles below utterly destroyed eleven wagons that were loaded with miscellaneous merchandise for Black Hills points. There was no salvage. The storm had come from the southeast.
1740
The rocks on either side stand up on edge because of the great internal disturbances that made the Black Hills.
Over a radius of several sections there was a deposit of mud, rushes, turtles, and fish, several feet deep and a deluge of water. In a torrent the water rushed through the gap and a few miles below utterly destroyed eleven wagons that were loaded with miscellaneous merchandise for Black Hills points. There was no salvage. The storm had come from the southeast.
Not long after this storm, a surveying party headed by Robert Harvey were in Sheridan and Cherry counties. Others of the party were Wm. Culbertson, David Davis, Samuel Brittan, Ed. Turner, Sam F. Keeney, Max Amendi, C. R. Starkweather, Ed. Seeley and W. S. Orr. I believe Starkweather, who was the wagon boss, still lives in Salt Lake City. Seeley and Orr have been reported as dead. Amendi, Turner and Keeney dropped back into the unknown from which theyr came. Brittan and Davis were buddies and Davis was from the famous Molly Maguire district of Pennsylvania. Culbertson who came from a peppermint farm in Michigan was a musician and carried a "lap organ" which he used to entertain the boys at night about the campfire. He could play well and was a good singer which adds to the glory of the open life.
This party was in the vicinity of section 36-28-36 which is south of the Bordman. Mr. Harvey noticed a strip or wide swath where the grass was laid flat to the ground as though washed over by a flood. But it had been swept up grade which is contrary to the way that water runs.
1741
Culbertson who came from a peppermint farm in Michigan was a musician and carried a "lap organ" which he used to entertain the boys at night about the campfire. He could play well and was a good singer which adds to the glory of the open life.
This party was in the vicinity of section 36-28-36 which is south of the Bordman. Mr. Harvey noticed a strip or wide swath where the grass was laid flat to the ground as though washed over by a flood. But it had been swept up grade which is contrary to the way that water runs.
He had surmised that the deposited mud and other materials at Buffalo Gap might have come from Nebraska and he had told the boys to be on the lookout for a lake in the sand hills that the storm might have crossed. A short distance from this flattened grass they found a crescent shaped lake. The rush bound shore line was broken in two places. A strip on each side had been -wept bare to the clear white sand below. Thus was explained what might have been a geological mystery.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Geo. Fulton Murdered In July, 1888, Geo. Fulton was shot and instantly killed by a man named Arnold. Fulton had been a good friend of Arnold but there seemed to be a little difference between them with relation to some wages. Arnold had used Fulton's team to do some plowing and did not want to make any allowance.
1742
A strip on each side had been -wept bare to the clear white sand below. Thus was explained what might have been a geological mystery.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Geo. Fulton Murdered In July, 1888, Geo. Fulton was shot and instantly killed by a man named Arnold. Fulton had been a good friend of Arnold but there seemed to be a little difference between them with relation to some wages. Arnold had used Fulton's team to do some plowing and did not want to make any allowance.
On the day of the fatality Arnold with his gun proceeded up the valley to LeMaster's place, the latter owing him a little bill for labor. LeMaster was not at home so he went to Dan D. Davis' place, for what it was not known. Then he went to Fulton's. George was at home, and Arnold said he had come after the money. Fulton explained where there was a little difference but it did not satisfy, and he declared he came after some money and he
was going to get it at which he pulled his gun and shot into the roof. George said that a little thing like that did not scare him and told him to cut it out. Arnold then shot him and after he fell fired another bullet into the back of his neck. Mrs. Fulton and her sister had run out of the house but he followed them around the house and Mrs. Fulton emptied the contents of her purse -- which was little enough -- into his hand. He then went to Wellington Clark's place and told of the killing. He was arrested and at first the case was called at Sidney where a continuance was granted. The trial came on after Scotts Bluff county was organized.
1743
Mrs. Fulton and her sister had run out of the house but he followed them around the house and Mrs. Fulton emptied the contents of her purse -- which was little enough -- into his hand. He then went to Wellington Clark's place and told of the killing. He was arrested and at first the case was called at Sidney where a continuance was granted. The trial came on after Scotts Bluff county was organized. Heist & Rayner conducted the defense and the prisoner got off with twenty-three years. He was released some years later on the insanity dodge and he and his family utterly faded out of sight.
THE STORY OF IRRIGATION
The part played by irrigation in the North Platte valley marked its wondrous development. Without irrigation the county prosperity would still be large like the rest of western Nebraska, but the added insurance provided by the network of canals that spread over the county, has made it indeed a garden spot -- a paradise clone in seventeen shades of green.
Francis Parkman tells us that in 1847, there were some Mexicans at Fort Laramie, who were trying to raise gardens by irrigation, but with indifferent success. Since then climatic and soil conditions must have changed, for the application of water by irrigation to the same lands today, brings marvelous result.
The first dry farming in western Nebraska, as heretofore stated, was by Otto Baumgarten, at the Shiedley ranch near Big Springs. He raised some vegetables on a plat plowed upon an island, but this had the benefits of sub-irrigation. The extraordinary showing that vegetables would grow well was not encouraged by the ranchmen, who foresaw the end of the open range, if such evidence was to be put before the homeseekers.
1744
Since then climatic and soil conditions must have changed, for the application of water by irrigation to the same lands today, brings marvelous result.
The first dry farming in western Nebraska, as heretofore stated, was by Otto Baumgarten, at the Shiedley ranch near Big Springs. He raised some vegetables on a plat plowed upon an island, but this had the benefits of sub-irrigation. The extraordinary showing that vegetables would grow well was not encouraged by the ranchmen, who foresaw the end of the open range, if such evidence was to be put before the homeseekers.
Then General Anncon put in a small irrigation plant at the Sidney Fort in 1874. This was used by giving .each of the soldiers who would try it, a garden spot, and an offer of prizes to the best gardener.
There was not much success to the enterprise, the soldiers being indifferent gardeners, and several years later, the matter was a subject of conversation between Robert Oberfelder and General Merritt. Bob was told to "turn himself loose," and he had one of the finest of gardens, principally potatoes, growing, when the grasshoppers came along and left the ground absolutely bare.
The trees however, were doing fine, and the more venturesome and home-loving were making attempts with flower gardens. These generally developed until ten years after irrigation was put in, the places along the routes of the laterals, became beauty spots. Sidney looked to the eyes of the stranger who crossed the wide reaches of prairie, before arriving there, like a veritable oasis in the desert.
1745
Bob was told to "turn himself loose," and he had one of the finest of gardens, principally potatoes, growing, when the grasshoppers came along and left the ground absolutely bare.
The trees however, were doing fine, and the more venturesome and home-loving were making attempts with flower gardens. These generally developed until ten years after irrigation was put in, the places along the routes of the laterals, became beauty spots. Sidney looked to the eyes of the stranger who crossed the wide reaches of prairie, before arriving there, like a veritable oasis in the desert.
In the meantime, ranchmen had noted that the valley lands under which the "water table" was close to the surface, made good hay crops. They also noticed the porous character of the soil, and the thought had occurred to raise
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the level of the water in the streams it would percolate back farther from the stream banks, making more hay land. So the substantial method was adopted of hauling loose rocks or refuse from the barns and corrals, and throwing into the channels. The stream thereby became little cascades at irregular distances, and then instead of running waters, there were rather quiet lagoons above each of these artificial rapid places. The waters were held at higher levels, and soaked back into the banks as intended.
The next step was to build small ditches to lead the water away from the natural channels, across the flat grounds near by, where it was turned loose to soak into the ground, or find its way back to the stream.
1746
The stream thereby became little cascades at irregular distances, and then instead of running waters, there were rather quiet lagoons above each of these artificial rapid places. The waters were held at higher levels, and soaked back into the banks as intended.
The next step was to build small ditches to lead the water away from the natural channels, across the flat grounds near by, where it was turned loose to soak into the ground, or find its way back to the stream.
First Canal in the North Platte Valley When William R. Akers, John Coy and Virgil Grout arrived in the valley, their first thought after getting settled, was to build an irrigation canal. As stated in a preceding chapter, this was done with the use of an ordinary spirit level, for the engineering instrument. They had plenty of time, and teams, and they had brought along a few of the common tools necessary, before the days of drag lines, steam shovels and tnt in such uses here. The Lucerne canal was completed in due time, and still does service in an excellent manner in the territory about L ingle ; and the original costs were so small as to be negligible.
ney, who represented the district, introduced and secured the passage of a short bill for irrigation regulation in the manner of appropriating water.
A number of filings had been previously made, and several canals built. The first from the North Platte river was the Seeberger canal at North Platte. The second was the Farmers canal, and the third the Minatare canal, both in Scotts Bluff county.
1747
The Lucerne canal was completed in due time, and still does service in an excellent manner in the territory about L ingle ; and the original costs were so small as to be negligible.
ney, who represented the district, introduced and secured the passage of a short bill for irrigation regulation in the manner of appropriating water.
A number of filings had been previously made, and several canals built. The first from the North Platte river was the Seeberger canal at North Platte. The second was the Farmers canal, and the third the Minatare canal, both in Scotts Bluff county.
I was publishing the Ashford Advocate, about seventeen miles south of the town of Gering, when George F. ' Fairfield, who surveyed and was active in the promotion of the Minatare canal, occasionally stopped in to tell of the progress of the ditch. Ashford was then on the stage and freighting road to Kimball. One time he told of the picnic held by the Minatare folks upon the completion of the canal, and the turning in of the water. The celebration had been during the day, but the water had proceeded more slowly along the canal than anticipated, and it was nightfall before it reached the waiting people. In the classic language of the old surveyor ''the silvery moon was high overhead when the water rounded the bend above the crowd, and on it came, like a silver ribbon unrolling itself upon the prairie."
The Farmers canal contemplated far more extensive development. At first it was completed but a few miles and the undertaking farther seemed so great that progress rested for some time.
1748
The celebration had been during the day, but the water had proceeded more slowly along the canal than anticipated, and it was nightfall before it reached the waiting people. In the classic language of the old surveyor ''the silvery moon was high overhead when the water rounded the bend above the crowd, and on it came, like a silver ribbon unrolling itself upon the prairie."
The Farmers canal contemplated far more extensive development. At first it was completed but a few miles and the undertaking farther seemed so great that progress rested for some time.
First Irrigation in Scotts Bluff County
When the summer heat began to tell upon the crops in 1881, and 'there was a shortage in the rainfall, Will Ripley and Ben Gentry were farming near the Winters creek springs, northeast of the present site of Scottsbluff city about five miles. They noticed that next to the spring bed, the oats were remaining green and growing, while a little distance away, they were suffering from want of moisture. They took a team, and without leveling apparatus, plowed furrows from the running water into the field. The water followed behind the plow, and soon there was a demonstration of what resulted from the artificial application of water to growing crops.
The following year, there was considerable activity in the subject of irrigation, and but little building of ditches. Nebraska had no irrigation law. The corporation statute gave "Irrigation companies" "the right of eminent domain." That was all. In the legislature of the winter of 1889, Henrv St. Raynor, of Sid-
1749
They took a team, and without leveling apparatus, plowed furrows from the running water into the field. The water followed behind the plow, and soon there was a demonstration of what resulted from the artificial application of water to growing crops.
The following year, there was considerable activity in the subject of irrigation, and but little building of ditches. Nebraska had no irrigation law. The corporation statute gave "Irrigation companies" "the right of eminent domain." That was all. In the legislature of the winter of 1889, Henrv St. Raynor, of Sid-
Wright's Vision of the Enterprise
Clarke and Wright were engaged in the realty business at Weeping Water, and became interested in this country. They came up and looked it over, with the result that Wright moved here permanently, and there came with him, or soon after, quite a number from the Weeping Water settlements. They are among the most substantial and good citizenship that are to be found in this county of good citizens.
An investigation of the lands, and the nature of the water rights, appealed to them. They made some reports on the acreage and the probable cost of building the canal unit by unit, and the prospect of settlers taking the water, and paying for it. Back in Rutland, Vermon, was F. C. Colburn, an old family friend, and a substantial financial character. He agreed to raise the money to build the ditch, up to four hundred thousand dollars ultimately, which was the estimate made by the engineers headed bv Wes. Kittell. Colburn succeeded in rais-
1750
They made some reports on the acreage and the probable cost of building the canal unit by unit, and the prospect of settlers taking the water, and paying for it. Back in Rutland, Vermon, was F. C. Colburn, an old family friend, and a substantial financial character. He agreed to raise the money to build the ditch, up to four hundred thousand dollars ultimately, which was the estimate made by the engineers headed bv Wes. Kittell. Colburn succeeded in rais-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ing sixty thousand dollars from friends and among relatives and estates held in trust. William H. Wright was joined in the west by John A. Orr and Thos. M. Howard, under the name of Wright, Orr & Howard. Orr took up the work of attending the commissary, which was northeast of the present Scottsbluff a short distance.
We can almost call Mr. Orr the first merchant of the town of Scottsbluff, but his store was outside the present city limits, and was closed out before the town came into existence.
The Postoffice
In this commissary there was a postoffice, called Wright, and John A. Orr was the postmaster during its entire career. Reports were not as regularly attended as is now required, but the winding up of the affairs of this office was made by turning over the supplies, and everything was in good order, as those who know Mr. Orr, naturally would expect.
Many amusing and other incidents occurred at and in connection with this store. Once a fellow was enroute from Sidney with a load of merchandise. On the tableland north of Bayard, he broke an axle. He got off the wagon, looked ruefully at the broken part and said : "Now, what do you think of that? Here I am fourteen miles from nowhere, with a broken axle and not a bit of baling wire to mend it." In those days the baling wire that came around baled hay, was used for almost universal repair work, a broken hamestrap, tug, or other parts of the harness, or double trees, neckyoke, tongue and some parts of the wagons, but just how it could be used to mend a broken axle, was left to the imagination.
1751
Here I am fourteen miles from nowhere, with a broken axle and not a bit of baling wire to mend it." In those days the baling wire that came around baled hay, was used for almost universal repair work, a broken hamestrap, tug, or other parts of the harness, or double trees, neckyoke, tongue and some parts of the wagons, but just how it could be used to mend a broken axle, was left to the imagination.
We had in our midst at that time a fellow named George Ringler, who had quite a tendency to appropriate to his own use, things that he came across when the owner was not around. Some harness disappeared from the commissary, and watchers found where George had buried it on the ditch bank. Kind-hearted Mr. Orr did not wish to prosecute, but did hope to reform the misguided man. With the harness back, he gave George a quiet talking to, about where that policy would lead him. Ringler cried like a good penitent, and Orr was much impressed with his sincerity, until a short time after he discovered that during the stay at the store, either just before or after the talk, George had again let his fingers stray. Ringler afterwards went to Canon City penitentiary for an offense in Colorado, where I believe he died.
Canal Construction
An agreement was entered into between the local management of the Farmers Canal company, and Jesse Harrison and others, whereby the latter agreed to build and complete the canal for $400,000. Because of the stringency in the money market, and the lack of financial ability of the Harrison company, the deal fell through. In the meantime individuals along the route had been induced to take up and excavate sections of the canal, for which they in some cases received part money, part goods and part was to apply upon their water rights.
1752
An agreement was entered into between the local management of the Farmers Canal company, and Jesse Harrison and others, whereby the latter agreed to build and complete the canal for $400,000. Because of the stringency in the money market, and the lack of financial ability of the Harrison company, the deal fell through. In the meantime individuals along the route had been induced to take up and excavate sections of the canal, for which they in some cases received part money, part goods and part was to apply upon their water rights.
In the end the company went broke, and the local people lost practically even-thing they possessed, along with the wreck. Colburn had found it impossible to raise the amount that he had anticipated. Then due perhaps to wornover what seemed the poor investments, Mr. Colburn died. Quite a few of the investors held canal stock and others had lands. For the most part the lands were in the name of Colburn as trustee.
At his death, William H. Wright was appointed the trustee, and how faithfully he fulfilled the trust was shown by the ultimate report, that brought back to each investor the sum invested together with interest for the full time the money had been out of hand.
Eventually the ditch was sold to H. G. Leavitt and associates, and while it cost many times the original estimates, and while there was no doubt some waste and losses in the construction, it is pronounced by experts and engineers as one of the finest structural accomplishments in all the history of irrigation.
1753
Wright was appointed the trustee, and how faithfully he fulfilled the trust was shown by the ultimate report, that brought back to each investor the sum invested together with interest for the full time the money had been out of hand.
Eventually the ditch was sold to H. G. Leavitt and associates, and while it cost many times the original estimates, and while there was no doubt some waste and losses in the construction, it is pronounced by experts and engineers as one of the finest structural accomplishments in all the history of irrigation.
The needle dam, at the intake of this tremendous artificial river, is of such character that one man can in a few hours practically dam the North Platte river, or in the same length of time remove the dam. He can hold the water at a given inch in height, regardless of the fluctuating flow from day to day or hour to hour.
The wasteway constructed some distance down the ditch from the headgate, contains nineteen miles of re-enforcing steel rods, the body being of concrete. Massive iron gates that can be raised or lowered at will, govern the flow of the water into the main canal. Each day the ditch superintendent receives reports by telephone, the needs of the water users along the sixty-mile canal and that is the quantity
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
that goes through the gates. At the headgate the canal bottom is forty feet wide, and it will carry water a depth of eleven feet.
1754
The wasteway constructed some distance down the ditch from the headgate, contains nineteen miles of re-enforcing steel rods, the body being of concrete. Massive iron gates that can be raised or lowered at will, govern the flow of the water into the main canal. Each day the ditch superintendent receives reports by telephone, the needs of the water users along the sixty-mile canal and that is the quantity
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
that goes through the gates. At the headgate the canal bottom is forty feet wide, and it will carry water a depth of eleven feet.
The Burlington railroad was vitally interested in this project, from the standpoint of tonnage and passenger traffic incident to its development. George W. Holdredge was one of the active promoters from that viewpoint. Holdredge and William Frank made a trip over the land before the ditch construction commenced, and Frank was given authority to purchase for the Tristate Land Company, as the Leavitt company was called, a large acreage of the lands. He acquired about thirty thousand acres, much of it at five to ten dollars per acre. While the company itself lost a large sum of money, the losses would have been far greater, had it not been for the advances of the value of the land.
Frank's activities were not alone confined to the buying of land. When emergencies arose regarding right-of-way, he invariably proved the man of the hour; sometimes by buying outright the property that caused the friction, and sometimes taking necessary court action to prevent obstruction of the work. He could if he wished, tell of the hot-summer conferences in Omaha, when others were away on vacations, and even the courts were not to be found except by journeys into the woods or mountains. In these duties Attorney James E.
1755
When emergencies arose regarding right-of-way, he invariably proved the man of the hour; sometimes by buying outright the property that caused the friction, and sometimes taking necessary court action to prevent obstruction of the work. He could if he wished, tell of the hot-summer conferences in Omaha, when others were away on vacations, and even the courts were not to be found except by journeys into the woods or mountains. In these duties Attorney James E. Kelby was right hand man and capable counsellor.
The Canal Builders The men of brain were not the only people necessary to build the ditches, neither were the men of finance. There came a time when rough men of action, capable of handling other rough men of work were strung along the miles of the construction.
Bids for the big construction appeared high in comparison with former prices for similar work. However, portions were let out, principally to Maney Brothers, and part of the work was undertaken by force account. The latter is; that the company itself went into construction business. The government was then building its big Interstate canal, and the rivalry between the two advanced prices of construction, and made labor independent.
Engineer Wanzer was at the head of the consulting board, and O. V. P. Stout, of the Nebraska University, was frequently overlooking the works. Chas. Green was sent out by Stout at the request of the Tristate people. Before leaving, Stout gave his student one parting piece of advice that has made Green one of the foremost engineers in the land today. Stout said: "Remember, Green, you are going out there to build a big ditch. You will find all kinds of reasons for slowing down, for stopping the work from time to time, but that is not what you are there to do.
1756
Green was sent out by Stout at the request of the Tristate people. Before leaving, Stout gave his student one parting piece of advice that has made Green one of the foremost engineers in the land today. Stout said: "Remember, Green, you are going out there to build a big ditch. You will find all kinds of reasons for slowing down, for stopping the work from time to time, but that is not what you are there to do. The measure of your success will be the rapidity with which you proceed, and the completion of the canal."
Green proceeded, and revolutionized the work. He drove the force account department into camp, and stored the machinery. The management found objection and Green offered his resignation, but it was not accepted. He put on smaller divisions of contractors, and tore about the country in that little old Stanley steamer (one of the first automobiles) like a wild tornado. Where there was danger of going to jail for trespass on land where right-ofway questions had not been settled, he took the chance, and won.
Help was brought from Denver, from anywhere it could be gotten. Some of the camps were entirely of negroes, and the first requisite with them seemed to be a gun and a razor. Frequently one would come to town slashed up, or with a wound of some sort, and require the attention of the doctor. Each of the negro camps held some of the female variety, and these were eternally at war. More wounds were made by the one-fourth female population, and upon one another, than there were in the three-fourths male population.
1757
Some of the camps were entirely of negroes, and the first requisite with them seemed to be a gun and a razor. Frequently one would come to town slashed up, or with a wound of some sort, and require the attention of the doctor. Each of the negro camps held some of the female variety, and these were eternally at war. More wounds were made by the one-fourth female population, and upon one another, than there were in the three-fourths male population.
It took hardy characters to handle these camps, among which probably J. F. Williams, a powerful one-armed Texan, was the peer. I do not recall a fatality in all the negro fights, but there is a story that has gone along with the years, that here are negroes buried in the twelve and fifteen foot ditch banks. This may be true but it probably resulted from an affair that Williams pulled off to scare his refractory camp into submission and industry.
One morning, as the first teams came up the bank with Fresnos filled with dirt, Williams was there. Near where he was standing there were a pair of partly exposed boots, of the kind worn by the laborers. They were in a position that indicated they might be upon feet. The dirt had been partly dug out with a spade, and the hole again refilled, and it had the appearance of a partly buried man. Williams called to the driver to dump his dirt over the boots, "and finish burying this dead nigger." There were no independent or saucy negroes in Williams camp after that incident.
1758
Near where he was standing there were a pair of partly exposed boots, of the kind worn by the laborers. They were in a position that indicated they might be upon feet. The dirt had been partly dug out with a spade, and the hole again refilled, and it had the appearance of a partly buried man. Williams called to the driver to dump his dirt over the boots, "and finish burying this dead nigger." There were no independent or saucy negroes in Williams camp after that incident.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
MORE OF THE IRRIGATION STORY
Going back again to the beginning, the first irrigation works in the North Platte valleywere built without much money, Fortunately, perhaps, there was plenty of time, and most people had a team or two of pintail bronchos.
Enterprise Canal
For surveying and doing all the engineering work upon the Enterprise canal which covers about fourteen thousand acres of land, William R. Akers received one hundred dollars. The construction work was done by the people along the ditch, and each took shares of stock in payment. When the irrigation district law came into existence, the Enterprise district was formed, bonds voted, and the stock in the company exchanged for the bonds. This policy was followed by the Mitchell ditch, the Central, and some of the others farther down the valley.
Winter Creek Canal
The people under the Winter creek canal line, managed to scrape together enough money to have their line run out and cross-sectioned, but the building seemed too large to undertake. Finally Dan D. Johnson grew weary of just laying around and plowed up the ground on a section of the canal line that crossed his land. He was moving some of the dirt to one side, when Will Ripley drove up.
1759
This policy was followed by the Mitchell ditch, the Central, and some of the others farther down the valley.
Winter Creek Canal
The people under the Winter creek canal line, managed to scrape together enough money to have their line run out and cross-sectioned, but the building seemed too large to undertake. Finally Dan D. Johnson grew weary of just laying around and plowed up the ground on a section of the canal line that crossed his land. He was moving some of the dirt to one side, when Will Ripley drove up. "What are you doing, Dan?" asked Will. "Building a ditch," said Dan. "Too big a job, ain't it ?" Will asked. "Well, it won't build itself, "answered Johnson, "and I have both horses and time. Why not be doing something?"
Good advice, and good initiation, started the work. In two weeks teams were at work for the whole length of the canal. Thus was the ditch built.
Our Own Conversion
As the dry years came on in the early nineties, I was at Harrisburg, and Ash ford, doing a little newspaper work, teaching school, and trying my first irrigation farming. Sometime previously, F. P. Reed had built a ditch for the purpose of furnishing power for a mill, which mill was never completed. I rented the land on which this canal was located and did some work in extending it to get it upon our homestead. A small ditch constructed by Jim
Walters to water his timber claim, crossed this homestead making a little garden spot that we could irrigate. All told I had about twenty acres under ditch. Will C. (Pink) Reed and Jake McClune had a few acres under the same canal. The results here, made a profound impression upon anyone who looked it over.
1760
I rented the land on which this canal was located and did some work in extending it to get it upon our homestead. A small ditch constructed by Jim
Walters to water his timber claim, crossed this homestead making a little garden spot that we could irrigate. All told I had about twenty acres under ditch. Will C. (Pink) Reed and Jake McClune had a few acres under the same canal. The results here, made a profound impression upon anyone who looked it over. A patch of wheat grass hay went three tons to the acre, millet went two tons, and everything else that was watered grew wonderfully, while ten feet back from the lateral line, the millet and grass shrivelled and died in the hot winds that swept in from the south.
District Idea Born
About that time "Swede" Anderson was trying to interest the people on the Froid tableland in Deuel county, in extending the Belmont canal. This story is told in the History of Deuel county, in this volume. W. W. White and I had been associated in a number of affairs, and we discussed the Deuel county proposed experiment, and the methods sought to raise money to build ditches. That was the big question on the North river. There seemed some sort of an injustice in bonding a precinct to build a ditch that would water only a part of the precinct; and out of the consideration of the problem, the idea of district irrigation came.
1761
White and I had been associated in a number of affairs, and we discussed the Deuel county proposed experiment, and the methods sought to raise money to build ditches. That was the big question on the North river. There seemed some sort of an injustice in bonding a precinct to build a ditch that would water only a part of the precinct; and out of the consideration of the problem, the idea of district irrigation came.
George C. Lingenfelter, of Cheyenne county, was elected to the legislature that year, and in the legislative session of 1893, he secured for me an appointment as chief engrossing clerk in the house. J. L. Lynch, representative of Dawson county, assisted. J. H. Darner, of Lexington, who had been chosen senator, secured for Tim T. Kelliher a position as bookkeeper in the senate. E. W. Crane, an active man in the campaign, tried to get a place through Senator Darner, but he evidently did not get the support he thought Mr. Darner could give. He did, however, secure a clerkship through the friendly offices of H. G Stewart, now of Scotts Bluff county, but then senator Crom Dawes county.
Carried to Lincoln Tim Kelliher knew of my irrigation ideas to some extent, and he had met R. B. Howell, of Omaha, who had some ideas of forming irrigation districts. He had us meet and with Senator Darner we went over a proposed bill
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
forming it from what our insufficient knowledge of California and Colorado statutes, told us would be applicable to Nebraska conditions. Darner introduced the bill. Crane was still irritated by what he considered Senator Darner's neglect, and he picked some holes in the bill, which he put up to Senator Stewart. No doubt some of them were weak points, but in the main the opposition came from a lack of understanding the purpose, and in that day when populism had emerged to power, there was a fear of a joker in every thing that was not fully understood.
1762
Darner introduced the bill. Crane was still irritated by what he considered Senator Darner's neglect, and he picked some holes in the bill, which he put up to Senator Stewart. No doubt some of them were weak points, but in the main the opposition came from a lack of understanding the purpose, and in that day when populism had emerged to power, there was a fear of a joker in every thing that was not fully understood. Stewart opposed the bill, and it was defeated.
The Bill at Home
Wenzel Hiersche received a copy of the proposed bill, and his thought was that it had some hidden features. He went over to Frank Sands, and they looked it over. They decided that it was too big a bill to thoroughly analyze, and pass judgment on, in the short time they had to do so, so an objection went in to the passage of the act. Sands says: "I then saw the underlying principle was sound, but I thought we ought to have more time to consider it ; what it would do and not do."
The criticism of A. B. Wood was that such a bill would do in California, "where the land had a basic value, but here our lands had no value of consequence." Captain W. R. Akers came to the defense of the proposed principle, and in two years that followed it was pretty well threshed out, and practically approved. Senator Akers, who was chosen from this district for the legislative session of 1895, went into the work with thoroughness. He secured the co-operation of Senator Stewart, again there from Dawes county, and the bill became a law in April, 1895.
1763
Wood was that such a bill would do in California, "where the land had a basic value, but here our lands had no value of consequence." Captain W. R. Akers came to the defense of the proposed principle, and in two years that followed it was pretty well threshed out, and practically approved. Senator Akers, who was chosen from this district for the legislative session of 1895, went into the work with thoroughness. He secured the co-operation of Senator Stewart, again there from Dawes county, and the bill became a law in April, 1895.
An Odd Aftermath One of the queer situations that arose from this story of the irrigation district bill, was that in March, 1895, about ten days before the bill became a law, William H. Wright went before the proper authorities at Lincoln, and under the existing St. Raynor law, asked for a revival of the water right which the Farmers Irrigation Company held. These had been idle, and practically dead. Their request was granted. This gave, as shown by later court records, a ten year preferential riglu to the water in the claim, and for its application to beneficial uses. For years Senator Stewart fought this appropriation and other canals claimed precedence in time, but the supreme court finally sustained it. I have often thought
if Senator Stewart. Frank Sands, Wenzel Hiersche, and other affected by this decision, and through the years opposed to the appropriation, had given the immediate time to the bill proposed in 1893, and the bill then became a law, that the story would have been written differently. The water right of the Farmers canal would have died a natural death. However, that is not important now, for all have supplemental waters from the Pathfinder dam, and the questions of priority need never be again discussed or litigated in the state of Nebraska.
1764
Frank Sands, Wenzel Hiersche, and other affected by this decision, and through the years opposed to the appropriation, had given the immediate time to the bill proposed in 1893, and the bill then became a law, that the story would have been written differently. The water right of the Farmers canal would have died a natural death. However, that is not important now, for all have supplemental waters from the Pathfinder dam, and the questions of priority need never be again discussed or litigated in the state of Nebraska. Only interstate right need now the dictim of law, and return waters to the streams is solving that question.
The Mitchill-Gering Canal This is one of the systems evolved in the lean years when the money question was hard to solve. Chas. Neeley, W. A. French and Phil Stilts plowed the first furrows and moved the first dirt from this canal. It was built as all the early canals were built, by the energy of the people who wanted the water. The headgate is in Wyoming, and the right to divert the water from the stream is a Wyoming privilege granted. Its right in Nebraska, comes from the years of time it has been applied to the land, the fact that water and land are inseparable under the state laws, and the fact that the territory and the water users therein qualified under the state irrigation district law shortly after its passage. Ten years (the Mitchell ditch easily had twice that) of undisputed used of water, makes "the right of prescription" good, according to many of our best authorities.
1765
Its right in Nebraska, comes from the years of time it has been applied to the land, the fact that water and land are inseparable under the state laws, and the fact that the territory and the water users therein qualified under the state irrigation district law shortly after its passage. Ten years (the Mitchell ditch easily had twice that) of undisputed used of water, makes "the right of prescription" good, according to many of our best authorities.
After this ditch was completed as far as Horse creek, Theo. Deutsch, made it one of the most substantial in all the country, by running it "bank full" to the creek where the water returned to the river. During this time he watched the bank the full length, and when it settled down a little, applied more dirt. The soaking and puddling thus given it, made it so substantial, that it has never shown any signs of weakening in the thirty-odd years of service. John A. Orr, Perry Braziel, Frank Neeley and Harry Haig were the promofers of the' Mitchell canal.
Gering Canal
The Gering end of the canal was built at a later date, and under the district plan. The total bond issue was about thirteen dollars per acre, and a warrant indebtedness of four or five dollars existed shortly alter. The engineering difficulties getting the canal through
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Spillway Pathfinder Dam. Nebraska's X
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the bad lands north of the mountain, were no small matter. Private local enterprise made some attempts but the finishing and completing of the successful canal was finally in the hands of T. C. Henry, of Denver.
1766
The total bond issue was about thirteen dollars per acre, and a warrant indebtedness of four or five dollars existed shortly alter. The engineering difficulties getting the canal through
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Spillway Pathfinder Dam. Nebraska's X
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the bad lands north of the mountain, were no small matter. Private local enterprise made some attempts but the finishing and completing of the successful canal was finally in the hands of T. C. Henry, of Denver.
At one time there was some dispute as to the amount due Mr. Henry, and he declared he would quit the job unless it was paid. The local people stood their ground and Henry left the room in high dudgeon. He took to the middle of the street, his long thin legs and arms jerking like piston rods. When he had gone far enough to see that his spectacular departure did not cause the people to relent, he stopped short, his head at an angle indicating concentration upon a profound problem. He wheeled about, marched back jn the same jerky piston effect steps, entered the building, completely capitulating to the popular will. It was not conceded on his part that this was right -- no indeed -- but the pride of achievement, the desire to finish the job. inspired to the sacrifices he was about to make.
The Gering debt seemed like a heavy load, for a time, but in the growth of years and the knowledge of what irrigation can be made to do in the fertile lands of Scotts Bluff county, the amount now seems of little consequence, a mere fraction of the vast benefits received.
1767
It was not conceded on his part that this was right -- no indeed -- but the pride of achievement, the desire to finish the job. inspired to the sacrifices he was about to make.
The Gering debt seemed like a heavy load, for a time, but in the growth of years and the knowledge of what irrigation can be made to do in the fertile lands of Scotts Bluff county, the amount now seems of little consequence, a mere fraction of the vast benefits received.
Small Enterprises
Central irrigation ditch was first built by private means, and then converted into a district. At one time, Martin Gering undertook by an hydaulic method to use the canal to force water to the higher elevation of the town of Gering. Farther down the valley, Castle Rockcanal and Steamboat Rock canal are parallel systems watering the lower part of the valley in the vicinity of Melbeta and McGrew. They are old systems, built by the brawn and determination of early years. These people, like the people who built the first ditches on the north side of the river, remember the shortage of equipment. The late John Hall said that later men in yellow britches were doing some good work, but the epoch of real achievement was when men built without money, and almost without machinery.
He tells of when Anton Hiersche, Will Young, and many of the older crowd used to go to Colorado to "pick spuds" for a 'grub stake." Once they observed some discarded scrapers lying by the roadside. On returning home they secured wagons and drove back to the Greeley country, and finding no claimant for the scrapers, they loaded them on their wagons and brought them home. They were
1768
The late John Hall said that later men in yellow britches were doing some good work, but the epoch of real achievement was when men built without money, and almost without machinery.
He tells of when Anton Hiersche, Will Young, and many of the older crowd used to go to Colorado to "pick spuds" for a 'grub stake." Once they observed some discarded scrapers lying by the roadside. On returning home they secured wagons and drove back to the Greeley country, and finding no claimant for the scrapers, they loaded them on their wagons and brought them home. They were
half worn out "slushers." and scrapers of the Mormon "tongued" variety. These were a boon to the ditch builders of the North Platte valley, serving much in the ditch construction of those formative years.
Government Irrigation
By the passage of the reclamation act, in 1904, a new element entered into the development of the west. The power and finance of the United States were put behind the building of systems that before were too large or complicated for the undertaking of private enterprises.
The North Platte valley was singularly fortunate, and Scotts Bluff county most favorably located to invite the building of a vast federal project. After the work of seventeen years, there is yet a tremendous development ahead. Upwards of ten million dollars have been expended in government canals, dams, dikes, reservoirs and systems of laterals, and several million more will be needed to complete the works in this territory.
1769
The power and finance of the United States were put behind the building of systems that before were too large or complicated for the undertaking of private enterprises.
The North Platte valley was singularly fortunate, and Scotts Bluff county most favorably located to invite the building of a vast federal project. After the work of seventeen years, there is yet a tremendous development ahead. Upwards of ten million dollars have been expended in government canals, dams, dikes, reservoirs and systems of laterals, and several million more will be needed to complete the works in this territory.
Caney French's Ditch
The work of his father on the Mitchell canal and the work of his own under the tutelage of John Kellums who had repair and enlargement work on the same canal, imbued the younger French with the spirit of irrigation enterprise. Caney French looked about and found a place where he could take from the North Platte river through a rock bound headgate the water necessary to supply about sixteen hundred acres on a flat south of Hem v. a part of which is in Wyoming and the major part in Nebraska.
Here he put in a number of years in building an independent irrigation project which he has completed, and owns a lot of the land thereunder. About one-half of the sixteen hundred acres covered by the ditch belongs to Mr. and Mrs. French, her homestead being a part of the watered tract.
The permit is taken from the river in Wyoming, but Mr. French secured his rights by proper procedure before the Nebraska authorities, thereby making his appropriation doubly
1770
Here he put in a number of years in building an independent irrigation project which he has completed, and owns a lot of the land thereunder. About one-half of the sixteen hundred acres covered by the ditch belongs to Mr. and Mrs. French, her homestead being a part of the watered tract.
The permit is taken from the river in Wyoming, but Mr. French secured his rights by proper procedure before the Nebraska authorities, thereby making his appropriation doubly
Water Claims in County On September \i<. 1887, the first water appropriation was taken out in Scotts Bluff, and the second on the North Platte river in Nebraska. This, as has been state, ripened into the Farmers Irrigation district right which
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
was merged into the government system, and farmers secured the benefits of the Pathfinder storage as an exchange.
Following in the order given are the appropriations from the river and other streams in Scotts Bluff county.
Farmers canal, September 16, 18S7, from North Platte river, 60,000 acres; Minatare canal, January 14, 1888, from North Platte river. 12,000 acres ; Winter creek canal, October 18, 1888, from North Tlatte river, 7,000 acres ; Enterprise ditch, March 28, 1889, from North Platte river, 12.000 acres ; Castle Rock canal, April 18, 1889, from North Platte river, 5,000 acres ; Central canal, June 23, 1890, from North Platte river, 2,000 acres ; Ramshorn canal. March 20, 1893, from North Platte river, 2,500 acres ; Shortline canal. May 1, 1893, from North Platte river, 3,000 acres; Nine Mile canal, December 6, 1893, from North Platte river. 4,000 acres ; Steamboat ditch, October 22, 1895, from North Platte river, 800 acres; Gering canal, March 15, 1897, from North Platte river, 15,000 acres.
1771
Farmers canal, September 16, 18S7, from North Platte river, 60,000 acres; Minatare canal, January 14, 1888, from North Platte river. 12,000 acres ; Winter creek canal, October 18, 1888, from North Tlatte river, 7,000 acres ; Enterprise ditch, March 28, 1889, from North Platte river, 12.000 acres ; Castle Rock canal, April 18, 1889, from North Platte river, 5,000 acres ; Central canal, June 23, 1890, from North Platte river, 2,000 acres ; Ramshorn canal. March 20, 1893, from North Platte river, 2,500 acres ; Shortline canal. May 1, 1893, from North Platte river, 3,000 acres; Nine Mile canal, December 6, 1893, from North Platte river. 4,000 acres ; Steamboat ditch, October 22, 1895, from North Platte river, 800 acres; Gering canal, March 15, 1897, from North Platte river, 15,000 acres.
In addition to the foregoing the Mitchell canal irrigates about 15,000 acres, and there are a number of smaller appropriations from the North Platte river: David Kah, of Minatare. Will A. Hale of Scottsbluff, L. F. Flower of Minatare, and Joe Maycock at Morrill. John Kellums has several appropriations from Owl creek ; John Mihan, Perry Braziel, George Marsh, Chas. E. Gatch, A. O. Taylor, Caney French, C. B. Foster. Joel Jackson, F. D. Gilmore, Ellis Lowry, Ed. A. Currie, H. J. Pizer, and a few others have small appropriations from Horse creek, Kiowa creek, Sheep creek, Winter creek, and other small streams.
The acreage given in the foregoing list is approximate. In some cases the original intentions have been enlarged, and a few of the smaller projects entirely abandoned. A larger number of the small appropriations have been merged into the southside federal irrigation project, and are included in the Gering & Fort Laramie Irrigation district.
1772
Pizer, and a few others have small appropriations from Horse creek, Kiowa creek, Sheep creek, Winter creek, and other small streams.
The acreage given in the foregoing list is approximate. In some cases the original intentions have been enlarged, and a few of the smaller projects entirely abandoned. A larger number of the small appropriations have been merged into the southside federal irrigation project, and are included in the Gering & Fort Laramie Irrigation district.
Interstate Canal Some years before the reclamation act was passed, several irrigation enthusiasts were looking for the possible extention of H. D. Lingle's irrigating canal of Wyoming, into Nebraska, and including thereunder the fine table lands now under the Interstate canal. They were driving east from the Rawhide, and struck a valley through the sand hills, which Oscar Gardner called "Lucky valley," because of the desired elevation.
When the government purchased the Lingle canal, and made its extention, this valley was utilized for the passage of the big Interstate canal into Nebraska. The building of this canal was simultaneous with that of the Tristate or Farmers canal, and the incidents and conditions obtaining in the construction years were similar to those related under the former story. This difference occurs : government work was eight hour labor. Under the civil service rules and the rapid expansion of the government department, there were those in the service that the departmnt could not discharge had it so desired, and some of the places were occupied by men who should not have been there.
1773
The building of this canal was simultaneous with that of the Tristate or Farmers canal, and the incidents and conditions obtaining in the construction years were similar to those related under the former story. This difference occurs : government work was eight hour labor. Under the civil service rules and the rapid expansion of the government department, there were those in the service that the departmnt could not discharge had it so desired, and some of the places were occupied by men who should not have been there.
That is generally true in civil service positions, but it was more apparent in irrigation work which was expanding with such strides. The result was some costly mistakes, and a higher cost of canal construction. However, the system was built in a substantial manner, the only lingering fault being the capacity of the canal, which many believe is not adequate for the vast acreage. This has been remedied in part, by the construction of storage reservoirs known as Lake Alice and Lake Minatare, and by securing a carrying capacity through the Farmers canal, for irrigating what is known as the Northport extension.
Gradually, the difficulties have been ironed out, and the system is now in quite capable hands. The territory embracing something near 140.000 acres is changed from grazing land to splendid irrigated farms. There have been many changes from the original conceptions and altruistic ideas. There have been a number of modifying acts relating to the irrigation statute, making longer time for the payments, but the costs have mounted rather higher than the original estimates. It is expected that this will all be adjusted in due time with ultimate justice to all.
1774
The territory embracing something near 140.000 acres is changed from grazing land to splendid irrigated farms. There have been many changes from the original conceptions and altruistic ideas. There have been a number of modifying acts relating to the irrigation statute, making longer time for the payments, but the costs have mounted rather higher than the original estimates. It is expected that this will all be adjusted in due time with ultimate justice to all.
Water Users Association The original plans required the organization of a water user association. This was done at a series of meetings held in Scottsbluff. The incorporation of their names as appears in the articles filed with the secretary of the state are: G. L. Shumway, F. F. Everett, J. A. Smith, J. C. McCreary, W. N. Randall, Wenzel Hiersche, M. A. Sams, M. K. Powers, Andrew Crawford, John Powers, John Hall, Frank A. McCreary, E. T. Westervelt, Anton Hiersche, H. L. Sams, L. L. Raymond, J. A. McGowan.
The following were named as officers : President, Harvey L. Sams ; Vice President, Wen-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
zel Hiersche ; directors, W. N. Randall, D. D. Davis, C. A. Elquist, H. M. Arnold, John Powers, Elmer Hathway. and John Hall. The capital stock was originally $200,000.
The inception of the water users plan found its origin in the Salt River valley, Arizona. The editor-in-chief was informed of its existence by the editor of the Irrigation Age, Mr. D. H. Anderson, of Chicago. Immediately, I wrote for a copy of these articles, and with some amendments to meet local conditions, these were the articles adopted by the North Platte Valley Water Users Association.
1775
Arnold, John Powers, Elmer Hathway. and John Hall. The capital stock was originally $200,000.
The inception of the water users plan found its origin in the Salt River valley, Arizona. The editor-in-chief was informed of its existence by the editor of the Irrigation Age, Mr. D. H. Anderson, of Chicago. Immediately, I wrote for a copy of these articles, and with some amendments to meet local conditions, these were the articles adopted by the North Platte Valley Water Users Association.
The Gering and Fort Laramie canal is under a different plan. Judge Will R. King for years under President Wilson and Secretary Lane was a constructive chief counsel of the reclamation service. And he formulated a plan for irrigation districts functioning in the place of water users associations. It was believed the elimination of the eight hour feature in the work of administering the water would be an economy, which under the water users plan leaves that to the government directing law, which is for eight hour labor. It yet remains to be demonstrated. In any event if it fails to satisfy the public, the public need blame nobody but itself. Just now the higher costs of maintenance under the Interstate project is causing considerable irritation and criticism. Perhaps this is without just cause, and perhaps had the territory the district plan of management it would find its expense as great.
The official roster of the North Platte Valley Water Lasers Association is interesting. Few of the incorporators have held office for any length of time. Of the original seventeen, ten have never been officials. Five of these still are farming under the government ditch. Three others who have held office are farmers under the project. Of the present officials I think only one had land in the project at the time the organization was created.
1776
The official roster of the North Platte Valley Water Lasers Association is interesting. Few of the incorporators have held office for any length of time. Of the original seventeen, ten have never been officials. Five of these still are farming under the government ditch. Three others who have held office are farmers under the project. Of the present officials I think only one had land in the project at the time the organization was created. Wenzil Hiersche has had the longest term of office, beginning with the first creation of the institution, November 14, 1904, he served on the board without intermission for more than sixteen years. In 1921, he is succeeded by Wr. Clyde F. Smith, who has been a farmer of the same neighborhood for the same length of time, and now for the first time an official.
Going Back
Following the narrative of irrigation development, the story has forward and backward movement, like a story in the press. In the early nineties Gilchrist, Mead & lohnson, of
Cheyenne, made a proposition to the people of Gering and vicinity, to build a south side canal on the basis of seven dollars for a perpetual water right, and a fixed charge of $1.50 per acre per year for maintainance. This proposition met with considerable favor and would no doubt have been made had not two discouraging elements injected themselves at that time.
The Belmont and Froid affair was just then receiving an airing, and was referred to as the "Belmont & Fraud" canal. Bering & Brothers, of London, were behind the Cheyenne aggregation, and just at that time they blew up, which made the immediate raising of funds by Gilchrist, Mead & Johnson, an impossible task.
1777
This proposition met with considerable favor and would no doubt have been made had not two discouraging elements injected themselves at that time.
The Belmont and Froid affair was just then receiving an airing, and was referred to as the "Belmont & Fraud" canal. Bering & Brothers, of London, were behind the Cheyenne aggregation, and just at that time they blew up, which made the immediate raising of funds by Gilchrist, Mead & Johnson, an impossible task.
However, after some delay, the south side project was under way with local energy. R. F. Neeley, whose spirit of enterprise was exemplified in that earlier ride to Cheyenne through a storm to sell the P. O. horse people some Mitchell valley hay, was again in the forefront with a contract for, and was rapidly proceeding, with enlarging the Mitchell end of the canal.
Miller & Henry were engineers and Henry Investment Company, contractors. Much rock work had been done in the bad lands and the water had been turned in to test it out. At "No. 6" fill there occurred a disastrous washout in December, 1900, which while discouraging never made the stout hearts stop beating. It really served as a permanent benefit, for thereafter all the fills and high banks were "puddled." I. J. Ross. Stilts & David, and Koenig Brothers, each had contracts widening the rock excavations, while farther along and around "Cedar valley", dirt was being moved by Alva Leonard, A. M. Parmenter, F. E. Randall, John Clure, and others. The settlers were determined to have a ditch.
1778
At "No. 6" fill there occurred a disastrous washout in December, 1900, which while discouraging never made the stout hearts stop beating. It really served as a permanent benefit, for thereafter all the fills and high banks were "puddled." I. J. Ross. Stilts & David, and Koenig Brothers, each had contracts widening the rock excavations, while farther along and around "Cedar valley", dirt was being moved by Alva Leonard, A. M. Parmenter, F. E. Randall, John Clure, and others. The settlers were determined to have a ditch.
Antecedent of Reclamation Act Four years before the passage of the reclamation act, congress appropriated $100,000 for making surveys for locations of suitable reservoir sites. The engineers employed under this act, or appropriation, were to make selections of sites where the water impounded would or could be made to control stream flow and at the same time serve for irrigation uses. This required a much wider range of activity than merely finding a good place to hold back the water. The mountains are filled with good reservoir locations, many of which will not serve irrigation to any great extent.
In the west the government had also built
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
a number of small canals to supply forts and in some cases on Indian reservations, to give the red men a boost. The latter were without cost to the Indians, but there seemed no way to convince eastern congressmen that the building of irrigation works would serve a double purpose : make homes on the land and control stream flow. Congressmen called the reclamation act a "slick steal" saying that never a dollar spent would be paid back. In this the prophets were not accurate, although these charges are no more justifiable against the water user than levee charges on the lower Misissippi would be against the people living in that vicinity.
1779
The latter were without cost to the Indians, but there seemed no way to convince eastern congressmen that the building of irrigation works would serve a double purpose : make homes on the land and control stream flow. Congressmen called the reclamation act a "slick steal" saying that never a dollar spent would be paid back. In this the prophets were not accurate, although these charges are no more justifiable against the water user than levee charges on the lower Misissippi would be against the people living in that vicinity.
Dams and Reservoirs
The Pathfinder Dam and Reservoir is one of the great engineering features of the government irrigation system in the North Platte valley. Briefly it will impound 1,000,000 acre feet of water (sufficient to cover 1,000,000 acres one foot deep). This water is collected from melting snows in the early part of the season and thereby serves to prevent floods that used to, frequently, and in fact every June and July tear along with destructive force from the foot of the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. This is held back and released as needed for irrigation in the months of August and September, when the rainfall on the high plains is usually insufficient for crop needs.
The expense of this dam has been charged to the water users in the North Platte valley, although the benefits are fully as pronounced in Arkansas, Louisiana, and other states of the south.
On the north side of this valley, in Scotts Bluff county, there are two constructed reservoirs along the line of the Interstate canal. Lake Alice, so named in respect of Theodore Roosevelt, and for his daughter Alice Longworth, is a beautiful lake two miles long and about a half mile wide with a maximum depth of about thirty feet.
1780
The expense of this dam has been charged to the water users in the North Platte valley, although the benefits are fully as pronounced in Arkansas, Louisiana, and other states of the south.
On the north side of this valley, in Scotts Bluff county, there are two constructed reservoirs along the line of the Interstate canal. Lake Alice, so named in respect of Theodore Roosevelt, and for his daughter Alice Longworth, is a beautiful lake two miles long and about a half mile wide with a maximum depth of about thirty feet. It holds thirty thousand acre feet of water available for use when needed.
Ten miles southeast of this is the larger lake designated as Lake Minatare. This is about three miles across and has a maximum depth of about eighty feet. It will contain 90,000 acre feet of water when filled. The larger portions of this is available for irrigation use when needed. Sixty-seven thousand acre feet of water can be drawn through the outlet valves on emergency. These lakes furnish excellent fishing resorts.
Minatare Dam
Many unexpected formations, or lack of formations, were found in the construction of this dam. All the dirt was first stripped from the Brule clay foundation. Then into the clayrock, a trench was cut to a depth of forty to sixty feet in places, or until it wras believed that the excavation was below any possible seams in the formation. In this trench was built a concrete core for the dam. The length of the dam is 4,000 feet and the maximum fill is sixty-five feet. The top oi the dam is twenty feet wide making a maximum width of 350 feet, for the slope is about two and one-half to 1. The embankment contains a half million yards of earth and 150,000 yards of gravel.
1781
Then into the clayrock, a trench was cut to a depth of forty to sixty feet in places, or until it wras believed that the excavation was below any possible seams in the formation. In this trench was built a concrete core for the dam. The length of the dam is 4,000 feet and the maximum fill is sixty-five feet. The top oi the dam is twenty feet wide making a maximum width of 350 feet, for the slope is about two and one-half to 1. The embankment contains a half million yards of earth and 150,000 yards of gravel. A tunnel twelve by fifteen feet extends through this tunnel at the rate of 450 cubic feet per second. Nearly seven hundred thousand pounds of steel wrere used in the construction and outlets. There were over eighty thousand sacks of cement used and the total cost was nearly $600,000. At high water line the lake covers 2,230 acres.
For some time after its completion there were extensive springs bubbling up on the lower side of the dam. It was known that these must go down through the rock formations, and there was no danger to the dam. How ever a diamond drill made test holes along the dam, and finally located the under-rock passages. Into these by hydraulic power were forced several carloads of concrete, and ultimately effectively stopped the leads. During this process, the force of the hydralic machinery caused bubbling out in the lake a quarter of a mile from the dam showing the points at which the water had found the subterranean channels. The historian has gone extensively into the details of this, which is only one of the many structures of the tremendous irrigation system that now covers such a wide acreage of Scotts Bluff county.
1782
Into these by hydraulic power were forced several carloads of concrete, and ultimately effectively stopped the leads. During this process, the force of the hydralic machinery caused bubbling out in the lake a quarter of a mile from the dam showing the points at which the water had found the subterranean channels. The historian has gone extensively into the details of this, which is only one of the many structures of the tremendous irrigation system that now covers such a wide acreage of Scotts Bluff county. These irrigation structures are of various shapes and forms : great dykes, concrete flumes and syphons that are large enough to carry veritable rivers, and tunnels in the hills. One of these, that will be large enough to ran a train through, is to be part of the Gering & Fort Laramie canal where it passes through the Scotts Bluff National Monument from Mitchell valley to Gering valley.
So, out of the wilderness, has the land about us emerged. So, from the ranges for buffalo and cattle, have we the magnificent homeland of our adoption. Trees, groves, orchards, gardens, flowers, and shrubbery, and around them, the farms done in seventeen shades of green.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Cities have sprung up, Aladdan-like, or like the alone runs to about seven million dollars a dreams of dreamers, and over twenty thousand year. It is a story as wonderful as the Arabian people live in Scotts Bluff county. One crop Nights.
SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY SCHOOLS
The beginning of the school in the North Platte valley was in Horseshoe Bend, when a part of Cheyenne county. A new district had been taken from the old number ten and number eleven by the Williams, the Shobars, the Rayburns, and others. Gertrude Ashford taught this school, and she stayed at the Rayburn homestead during the week, and rode home over the glorious hills at the weeks' end.
1783
One crop Nights.
SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY SCHOOLS
The beginning of the school in the North Platte valley was in Horseshoe Bend, when a part of Cheyenne county. A new district had been taken from the old number ten and number eleven by the Williams, the Shobars, the Rayburns, and others. Gertrude Ashford taught this school, and she stayed at the Rayburn homestead during the week, and rode home over the glorious hills at the weeks' end. This district is in Banner county.
Within the limits of the present Scotts Bluff county the first school was at Minatare, and Lora Sirpless was the first teacher. I have spoken of the Gering schools in an early day, and of some of the other schools. I asked the county superintendent, Ada M. Haldeman, to give me a snapshot of the school situation past and present, and how well she has done this will be seen by the following story, which is remarkable, not only in the concise way in which it has been stated, but also by the wonderful progress of education in the county.
This is but one of the ways of education that is offered by Scotts Bluff county. Every farmer has the benefits of the experiment station, the irrigation college, the county agent, and the expert irrigators and field men in connection with the sugar company. They are principally without cost to the people.
The chautauqua is another way by which we become informed. This institution was first brought into Scotts Bluff county by some of the Scottsbluff people, probably more as the result of the initiation of Rev. E. E. Thompson than any one man. In 1921 Gering offers a number one program.
1784
Every farmer has the benefits of the experiment station, the irrigation college, the county agent, and the expert irrigators and field men in connection with the sugar company. They are principally without cost to the people.
The chautauqua is another way by which we become informed. This institution was first brought into Scotts Bluff county by some of the Scottsbluff people, probably more as the result of the initiation of Rev. E. E. Thompson than any one man. In 1921 Gering offers a number one program.
A Snapshot of CbuNTY Schools By Ada M. Haldeman As the residents of Scotts Bluff county in the year of our Lord, 1920, recall the many and splendid achievements of the short thirty-one years of the county's existence, they would do well to go back in their imagination to the days
of the early pioneers of this county, or even farther to the period before Scotts Bluff county had been carved from the broad expanse of Cheyenne county.
With the early settler came the spirit of education. Wherever nature had left materials for a home the pioneer found them. With the sound of his ax and hammer as he fashioned his log shanty, came the echo of these tools as they helped to fashion the first rude school house.
Or, if you please, the stubborn sod, which parted from its mother earth that the plainsman mijjht build a home for himself and family, had* its companion turf peeled back clean cut and left to dry in the sun for the school house of the settler's children.
1785
With the sound of his ax and hammer as he fashioned his log shanty, came the echo of these tools as they helped to fashion the first rude school house.
Or, if you please, the stubborn sod, which parted from its mother earth that the plainsman mijjht build a home for himself and family, had* its companion turf peeled back clean cut and left to dry in the sun for the school house of the settler's children.
In at least one instance native gravel and rock entered into the composition of a grout school.
In one case, the new settlers poor in worldly wealth but rich in ambition and Yankee ingenuity, dug a cave in the hillside and secured a schoolma'am to teach their growing children the mysteries of the three R's and the alphabet.
Sometimes the summer crop rewarded the sturdy farmer with an abundance of grain. There are those now living in Scotts Bluff county who started to school within the sheltering confines of a school house constructed of bales of straw.
All honor to the ambition and perseverance of the early pioneer and pathbreaker whose foundations made possible more pretentious and useful superstructures. Within the meager walls of crude buildings his children learned Well, besides book learning, many lessons of patriotism and community welfare ; of honesty, industry, and thrift; of steady self-reliance, without which virtues no nation can build success fullv.
The First District
The first school district formed in Scotts Bluff county was organized by our first County
1786
All honor to the ambition and perseverance of the early pioneer and pathbreaker whose foundations made possible more pretentious and useful superstructures. Within the meager walls of crude buildings his children learned Well, besides book learning, many lessons of patriotism and community welfare ; of honesty, industry, and thrift; of steady self-reliance, without which virtues no nation can build success fullv.
The First District
The first school district formed in Scotts Bluff county was organized by our first County
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Superintendent, Miss Frances E. Brown, now Mrs. Dan Davis of Scottsbluff, on October 3, 1889. This district was in Kiowa precinct, southwest of Morrill and south of the Platte river.
Close upon the heels of District one came many other one-teacher schools with buildings of various sizes and materials but with similar lines and architecture.
By teaching in these buildings many a rising Scotts Bluff county farmer, lawyer or other business man secured needed funds and early training. And many a pretty eastern girl taught school while she held down a nearby homestead or until she was kidnapped by some popular young cowpuncher or granger of the neighborhood.
The school houses were community meeting houses, useful alike for church, Sunday School, singing school, spelling bee, box supper, pie supper, political caucus and the neighborhood dance. It is small wonder that those buildings still in existence have sagging sills and much carved furniture. The shed-barn was often a necessary part of the school property, in sparsely settled communities. The tough pony might be saddleless or almost bridleless, but as a carrier of children he was a part of the school equipment.
1787
The school houses were community meeting houses, useful alike for church, Sunday School, singing school, spelling bee, box supper, pie supper, political caucus and the neighborhood dance. It is small wonder that those buildings still in existence have sagging sills and much carved furniture. The shed-barn was often a necessary part of the school property, in sparsely settled communities. The tough pony might be saddleless or almost bridleless, but as a carrier of children he was a part of the school equipment.
Consolidated Schools
In 1915 a new type of rural school appeared with the consolidation of Districts 36 and 38 into the Lake Alice Consolidated school.
In 1915 Hope School District, together with District 21 made the second consolidated school in the county and in 1917, Districts 34, 37, 42 and 51 consolidated as the Sunflower School.
In July, 1920, Hope School evolved through various stages from its first dug-out school house into an excellent furnace-heated, twoteacher school with a commodious playground, a superior collection of play apparatus, a cottage used in turn for teachers' home or to house, during the school year, pupils living in a remote part of the district. The pupils were transported in a carry-all drawn by horses and hired at district expense.
Lake Alice school, with a five acre site, has a substantial school building, cottage for jitney driver, garage, gasoline tank and pump and a many roomed dormitory, modern in every respect. This dormitory will house the teachers, the jitneys and the departments for Manuel Training and Home Economics. The transportation of pupils is by means of large automobile busses, owned by the district. The school enrolled in 1919-20 one hundred and
1788
The pupils were transported in a carry-all drawn by horses and hired at district expense.
Lake Alice school, with a five acre site, has a substantial school building, cottage for jitney driver, garage, gasoline tank and pump and a many roomed dormitory, modern in every respect. This dormitory will house the teachers, the jitneys and the departments for Manuel Training and Home Economics. The transportation of pupils is by means of large automobile busses, owned by the district. The school enrolled in 1919-20 one hundred and
eighty pupils. Eight teachers and a manual training teacher were hired for 1920-21.
The Sunflower Consolidated school, on a twenty-acre tract donated by Uncle Sam from an adjoining government reserve, has a large brick building thoroughly modern and furnishing room for the present corps of eight teachers and two hundred fifty-five pupils, a brick shop with six housekeeping rooms above, a superintendent's cottage and a care-taker's cottage.
A building which will house the transportation contractor, his two drivers and his three cars is under process of construction.
During the past year, besides carrying on an excellent quality of work, Sunflower boys and girls have had the advantage of art and music lessons under the able direction of well trained specialists.
During 1920-21 the Sunflower high school had intensive training in Agriculture and Home Economics and Lake Alice had Home Economics work. These courses were handled by instructors especially trained for the conduct of this work. Both schools will receive federal and state aid and supervision for these departments. Music will hold an important place in the program.
1789
During the past year, besides carrying on an excellent quality of work, Sunflower boys and girls have had the advantage of art and music lessons under the able direction of well trained specialists.
During 1920-21 the Sunflower high school had intensive training in Agriculture and Home Economics and Lake Alice had Home Economics work. These courses were handled by instructors especially trained for the conduct of this work. Both schools will receive federal and state aid and supervision for these departments. Music will hold an important place in the program.
Under the Redistricting Law of 1919, Consolidated School District 67, between Sunflower, Lake Alice and Scottsbluff has been formed and other districts are taking steps to change their boundaries. District No. 67 will construct a two-room building on the site of the old East Six school. Here will gather the pupils in seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth grades from the entire district. For the present, four six-grade schools will be conducted in the four one-teacher buildings in various parts of the district.
While improvement of roads and added valuation are needed to permit any consolidated school in Scotts Bluff county to attain to its highest possibilities, we find the consolidated rural school competing well with any town school of its size. Since the consolidated school offers improved buildings and equipment, some specialization of work, the association of teachers and a teacher's home on the school ground, there is small difficulty in securing teachers for these school.
Pupils are permitted better training, more of them remain in school to complete the high school course, greater competition is possible and pupils may remain at home while pursuing high school work.
1790
While improvement of roads and added valuation are needed to permit any consolidated school in Scotts Bluff county to attain to its highest possibilities, we find the consolidated rural school competing well with any town school of its size. Since the consolidated school offers improved buildings and equipment, some specialization of work, the association of teachers and a teacher's home on the school ground, there is small difficulty in securing teachers for these school.
Pupils are permitted better training, more of them remain in school to complete the high school course, greater competition is possible and pupils may remain at home while pursuing high school work.
Patrons take added pride in a superior plant ; greater improvements and better equip-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ment are possible. A larger and more efficient community center is available ; strong attractions-- such as art exhibits, glee clubs, lecture courses, athletic meets, musicals, etc., are available with the large community hall.
Modern improvements for the farm home will spread from the school houses ; not the least among advantages is the training of boys and girls for independent rural life rather than away from the farm. Short courses and vocational work under the supervision of state and federal specialists and partly supported by stale and federal funds go with the consolidated rural school.
We believe that, wherever a territory of sufficient size and valuation and with sufficient number of pupils may be found, the consolidated school will eventually be located, by the wish of the patrons in the district. The Redisricting law of Nebraska endeavors to give impetus to the establishment of a rural graded school wherever conditions make this possible.
1791
Short courses and vocational work under the supervision of state and federal specialists and partly supported by stale and federal funds go with the consolidated rural school.
We believe that, wherever a territory of sufficient size and valuation and with sufficient number of pupils may be found, the consolidated school will eventually be located, by the wish of the patrons in the district. The Redisricting law of Nebraska endeavors to give impetus to the establishment of a rural graded school wherever conditions make this possible.
Probably the most significant feature of our recent school development, has been the introduction and progress of vocational work in the high schools.
All of these five cities and towns have more or less of equipment and time on the schedule for this work. Home Economics has been taught in all of these places, manual training and specialized agriculture in most of them.
Gering and Scottsbluff have creditable commercial departments and turn out students prepared for practical business training. Scottsbluff and Gering have installed equipment and specially trained instructors for teaching Smith- Hughes Home Economics. Scottsbluff has also the Smith-Hughes agricultural work, both cities in these courses receiving special state and federal aid as well as detailed state and federal supervision in this work.
The boys learn practical and scientific agriculture with the addition of home projects; the girls learn to cook, and serve meals, to can fruit and to sew. The ability developed in these courses demonstrates the value of teaching vocational subjects in school under competent supervision.
1792
Scottsbluff and Gering have installed equipment and specially trained instructors for teaching Smith- Hughes Home Economics. Scottsbluff has also the Smith-Hughes agricultural work, both cities in these courses receiving special state and federal aid as well as detailed state and federal supervision in this work.
The boys learn practical and scientific agriculture with the addition of home projects; the girls learn to cook, and serve meals, to can fruit and to sew. The ability developed in these courses demonstrates the value of teaching vocational subjects in school under competent supervision.
The Scottsbluff and Mitchell Home Economics instructors and pupils have, during the past year, served hot cafeteria lunches to teachers and pupils at a nominal sum.
School Population
The school population of Scotts Bluff county in June, 1920, was 7,633, an increase of seventeen per cent over that of 1919. Since each year's increase has been rapid the ingenuity and
financial strength of school officials and patrons, especialy in cities and towns, have been greatly taxed to provide sufficient school room and equipment.
Among the better-built and more recent school houses in rural districts besides those already given, may be mentioned the following'1
District No. 3, a commodious brick building, especially well equipped and finished. This building is just east of the Scottsbluff Sugar factory.
Nine Mile school, which has had a mushroom growth during the last five years, and now has ample quarters for three teachers and their classes.
Creighton Valley, Number Eight, Number Seventeen, and Number Twelve have remodelled their buildings to take care of the increasing attendance and to make it possible to add one teacher each. District Ten West has provided space for two teachers. Number Twenty-four has a most excellent plan of structure with ample space for cloak rooms and hall and with furnace heat and approved lighting.
1793
Nine Mile school, which has had a mushroom growth during the last five years, and now has ample quarters for three teachers and their classes.
Creighton Valley, Number Eight, Number Seventeen, and Number Twelve have remodelled their buildings to take care of the increasing attendance and to make it possible to add one teacher each. District Ten West has provided space for two teachers. Number Twenty-four has a most excellent plan of structure with ample space for cloak rooms and hall and with furnace heat and approved lighting. Lake Minatare has a creditable two-teacher building and neat little teacherage.
Fairview School on Dutch Flats, is our newest and one of the most attractive appearing schools in the county -- furnace heated, electric lighted and well finished. Practically all of these schools have given careful attention to the lighting and heating of their buildings, as well as to the comfortable seating of pupils.
At present McGrew and Melbeta have substantial school houses adequate for immediate needs ; Minatare has a good nine-room brick structure besides the high school frame building; Mitchell, Morrill, Scottsbluff and Gering are contemplating the early erection of new buildings for immediate needs.
When these buildings have been completed the present urban population of our county will be well cared for, but the building of sugar factories at Minatare and Mitchell, together with the rapid growth in population throughout the county, will doubtless require continual school building for years to come.
Among the better urban school buildings may be mentioned the substantial brick buildings of Mitchell and Minatare, the ward and high school building of Scottsbluff, and Gering's new high school and grade building.
1794
When these buildings have been completed the present urban population of our county will be well cared for, but the building of sugar factories at Minatare and Mitchell, together with the rapid growth in population throughout the county, will doubtless require continual school building for years to come.
Among the better urban school buildings may be mentioned the substantial brick buildings of Mitchell and Minatare, the ward and high school building of Scottsbluff, and Gering's new high school and grade building.
Looking forward into the near future we see many substantial improvements in the school situation. Larger and better buildings will gradually take the place of some temporary structures now in use ; larger school grounds with more play ground apparatus, more trees
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
and more space for agricultural experiment will be found. Vocational work will continue to grow in importance on the school curriculum; pupils will be better trained to meet the social and economic needs of their communities. Written and oral examinations will gradually give place to the more scientific and adequate measurements and tests which are taking prominent places in the school programs of the leading schools of the country today. Night schools for foreigners, summer schools for the children of beet workers and more continuous use of the school plant will be factors of our educational growth. The city and country school nurse will come to stay to follow up the physical examination of pupils.
Serving Hot Lunch at Schools
Boys' and Girls' club work, include the hot lunch for cold weather, in rural and city schools, the scientific raising and care of farm
1795
Written and oral examinations will gradually give place to the more scientific and adequate measurements and tests which are taking prominent places in the school programs of the leading schools of the country today. Night schools for foreigners, summer schools for the children of beet workers and more continuous use of the school plant will be factors of our educational growth. The city and country school nurse will come to stay to follow up the physical examination of pupils.
Serving Hot Lunch at Schools
Boys' and Girls' club work, include the hot lunch for cold weather, in rural and city schools, the scientific raising and care of farm
crops and animals, the making of garments and preparation of meals under the efficient co-operation and guidance of the County Home Demonstrator and Agricultural Agent. Boys and girls and their parents are enthusiastic supporters of the Club movement.
Increased salaries for teachers, better training for teachers, improved buildings and equipment are helping to return a hundred-fold to parents the increased taxation which makes possible added opportunity for the training of their boys and girls to enjoy wholesome industries and pleasures of farm and city.
With Scotts Bluff county's infinite resources and the tireless energy and ambition of her people, she can and is beginning to build up a commonwealth second to none in this part of the west. The results of her efforts will be limited only by the breadth of vision and application of those in charge of the educational growth of the young people of our county.
1796
Increased salaries for teachers, better training for teachers, improved buildings and equipment are helping to return a hundred-fold to parents the increased taxation which makes possible added opportunity for the training of their boys and girls to enjoy wholesome industries and pleasures of farm and city.
With Scotts Bluff county's infinite resources and the tireless energy and ambition of her people, she can and is beginning to build up a commonwealth second to none in this part of the west. The results of her efforts will be limited only by the breadth of vision and application of those in charge of the educational growth of the young people of our county.
OFFICIAL SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY
As a separate entity, Scotts Bluff county began its existence in 1888. The first official bond filed in the county was that of T. H. Ewing as justice of the peace of Kiowa precinct. Immediately following were the bonds of John Dyer, of Tabor precinct; John R. Stilts, of Mitchell precinct ; Geo. Mason, of Tabor precinct ; and D. D. Johnson, of Winter creek precinct; all as justices; and Theodore Harshman, of Tabor, as assessor; and Dwight H. Hawley, of Wrinter creek as constable. These bonds were first filed with the parent county of Cheyenne. The county was organized in January, 1889, with the following officers : J. M. King, county judge : Frank Beers, treasurer; T. J. Fanning, sheriff; J. L. Gilmore, surveyor; B. F. Gentry, clerk with D. D. Davis deputy ; C. T. Johnson, superintenden ; W. J Richardson, attorney ; J. A. Burton, coroner.
1797
Johnson, of Winter creek precinct; all as justices; and Theodore Harshman, of Tabor, as assessor; and Dwight H. Hawley, of Wrinter creek as constable. These bonds were first filed with the parent county of Cheyenne. The county was organized in January, 1889, with the following officers : J. M. King, county judge : Frank Beers, treasurer; T. J. Fanning, sheriff; J. L. Gilmore, surveyor; B. F. Gentry, clerk with D. D. Davis deputy ; C. T. Johnson, superintenden ; W. J Richardson, attorney ; J. A. Burton, coroner.
S. R. Spear, L. L. Christian, and T. D. Deutsch, commissioners. Jahile Keefer was deputy sheriff. It had been a three cornered race and the candidates were elected in the most part by pluralities. L. L. Feltham and Jahile Keefer had divided the opposition to
King for judge. Peter McFarlane and F. A. Garlock had split the opposition to Gentry for clerk. Beers for treasurer had two opponents, Ed. Thornton and Ed. Markland. For sheriff Fanning had Chas. W. Ford and Geo. W. Davis as opponents. B. F. Knapp alone matched steel with C. T. Johnson ; A. B. Wood and J. B. Towne appeared on the ballot in opposition to Burton for coroner; Bruce McCoskey was candidate against Gilmore; C. M. Woodard and M. L. Bishop were candidates against Richardson for county attorney; and there were six candidates contending against the successful three for commissioners in the names of Ellis Lowry, D. D. Johnson, F. J. Irvine, Charles Bouton, Bennett Chapman and Samuel J. Clarke. The tickets were represented as democratic, republican and peoples. The peoples indorsed C. T. Johnson, the democratic candidate for superintendent, and J. L. Gilmore the republican candidate for surveyor, easily electing both. Of the candidates elected King and Richardson were on the peoples ticket ; Gentry, Richardson and Spear were republicans ; and Beers, Fanning.
1798
Bishop were candidates against Richardson for county attorney; and there were six candidates contending against the successful three for commissioners in the names of Ellis Lowry, D. D. Johnson, F. J. Irvine, Charles Bouton, Bennett Chapman and Samuel J. Clarke. The tickets were represented as democratic, republican and peoples. The peoples indorsed C. T. Johnson, the democratic candidate for superintendent, and J. L. Gilmore the republican candidate for surveyor, easily electing both. Of the candidates elected King and Richardson were on the peoples ticket ; Gentry, Richardson and Spear were republicans ; and Beers, Fanning. Burton, Deutsch and Christian were democrats.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Division and County Seat Scotts Bluff county cast 2,048 for and 654 against county division. At the first county seat election there were three contestants, and the result was as follows : Gering, in section 2-21-55, 268 votes: Mitchell (then in Mitchell valley) in section 11-22-56, 172 votes; Mills site (north of the river) in section 34-22-54, 109 votes. No place having received a majority, another election was called with Mills site eliminated.
In the election that followed there was considerable acrimony. The Gering Courier and the Mitchell Quirt were valiantly defending their respective locations. These papers were then published on "patent insides" that is they received from the Newspaper Union theii* papers with two pages printed, and printed the other two at home. These were brought in by the stage from Kimball, the nearest railroad express office, and sometimes they missed connections. Sometimes the weather kept the stage from running, and sometimes the ready prints were sent C. O. D., and the local printers were occasionally compelled to wait a day or two, or until the money came in to meet these bills.
1799
These papers were then published on "patent insides" that is they received from the Newspaper Union theii* papers with two pages printed, and printed the other two at home. These were brought in by the stage from Kimball, the nearest railroad express office, and sometimes they missed connections. Sometimes the weather kept the stage from running, and sometimes the ready prints were sent C. O. D., and the local printers were occasionally compelled to wait a day or two, or until the money came in to meet these bills.
During this fight, there came a storm that prevented the arrival of the Courier prints on time, and having a stock of plain white paper, Colonel Wood printed the two home pages, leaving the others blank. Mitchell partizans referred to this as the best paper ever gotten out in Gering. The blank pages were just what they needed for keeping "pedro scores." Pedro was a game then played by local people at cards, and the storm kept them in doors, so that they had plenty of time to play.
The result of the second county seat election was: Gering 309, Mitchell 223, Gering thereby becoming the permanent county seat of Scotts' Bluff county.
Second Election The second county election occurred in November, of 1889. The result as before was a mixed ticket, there being three tickets in the field. Gentry for clerk, Beers for treasurer, Gilmore for surveyor, and Deutsch for commissioner were re-elected, defeating George B. Luft. A. B. McCoskey and Ellis Lowry respectively. Milton Byal defeated Tom Fanning for sheriff, for Fanning's deputy Kiefer got into the race and split the normal Fanning vote. Jas. Westervelt gave Frank Beers a close run 204 to 211, and McCoskey was close on the heels of Gilmore for surveyor. W. H. Johnson had no opposition for coroner, and Miss Francis
1800
Gentry for clerk, Beers for treasurer, Gilmore for surveyor, and Deutsch for commissioner were re-elected, defeating George B. Luft. A. B. McCoskey and Ellis Lowry respectively. Milton Byal defeated Tom Fanning for sheriff, for Fanning's deputy Kiefer got into the race and split the normal Fanning vote. Jas. Westervelt gave Frank Beers a close run 204 to 211, and McCoskey was close on the heels of Gilmore for surveyor. W. H. Johnson had no opposition for coroner, and Miss Francis
Brown (now Mrs. Dan D. Davis) had a majority over both her opponents for superintendent. Anthony Kennedy defeated L. A. Christian for commissioner in the first district, and Perry Braziel was elected over Ed. Thornton in the second, and as stated Deutsch was elected in the third district over Ellis Lowry.
First Bond Issue
As is usual in counties beginning their independent organization, there was a scarcity of money. The first years of a county mean invariably a debt ; then usually a bond issue to clear it up. Then, in the case of Scotts Bluff county, it fell heir to the costs incurred in the Arnold murder trial. The murder occurred at about the time of the county division and while the trial was at Sidney and in Cheyenne county by some legal method the mother countv succeeded in passing it on to the new countv of Scotts Bluff.
So at the regular election of 1889 the bond issue was considered and carried by a very small margin, namely, 191 to 189.
1801
Then, in the case of Scotts Bluff county, it fell heir to the costs incurred in the Arnold murder trial. The murder occurred at about the time of the county division and while the trial was at Sidney and in Cheyenne county by some legal method the mother countv succeeded in passing it on to the new countv of Scotts Bluff.
So at the regular election of 1889 the bond issue was considered and carried by a very small margin, namely, 191 to 189.
Election of 1890
The election of November 4, 1890, was of little local interest, only two county officers being elected. Elmer J. Morse was elected commissioner from district number three, and L. L. Feltham was chosen county attorney over J. M. King by a vote of 202 to 186. W. J. McCandless carried the county for representative over Chas. Purnell by 66 votes. Nine prohibition votes were cast in Rose precinct -- practically the total vote of the precinct.
There were three constitutional amendments proposed and voted upon in 1890. The one for increasing the number of supreme judges carried the county by ninety. The other two related to the liquor question and exemplified the spirit of the county at that early date was for temperance -- a principle to which it has always adhered. The prohibition amendment carried 171 to 130, while the high license amendment lost by a vote of 161 to 118.
First Soldier's Relief Commission The first commisioners to look after relief for old soldiers was appointed in 1890, and consisted of John P. Finley. D. D. Johnson and Wm. H. Johnson, all of whom are now bivouaced in the Land Beyond.
1802
The other two related to the liquor question and exemplified the spirit of the county at that early date was for temperance -- a principle to which it has always adhered. The prohibition amendment carried 171 to 130, while the high license amendment lost by a vote of 161 to 118.
First Soldier's Relief Commission The first commisioners to look after relief for old soldiers was appointed in 1890, and consisted of John P. Finley. D. D. Johnson and Wm. H. Johnson, all of whom are now bivouaced in the Land Beyond.
First Precinct Officers
Among the precinct officers chosen at the
first election and serving Scotts Bluff county
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
in 1889 are the following: T. J. James, Tabor precinct; Enos S. DeLaMatter, Kiowa precinct; Clark B. Whipple, North Hull precinct; M. L. Bishop, Gering precinct; Oscar W. Gardner, Gering precinct ; as justices of the peace : B. B. Franklin, Eugene T. Westervelt and A. B. Wood, constables of Gering precinct and other constables as follows : Dwight Hawley of Winter creek precinct ; William H. Gould and Charles W. Proctor of Tabor precinct ; R. H. Spaulding of Highland precinct ; Richard Beebe of North Hull precinct ; Geo. W. Davis of Castle Rock precinct. The road overseers serving filing bonds were Seymour Dickman of Castle Rock precinct ; W. J. Senteny of Highland precinct; Albert Gillett of Roubedoux precinct; Basil Decker of Tabor precinct ; J. E. Shannon of Mitchell precinct ; John Ray of Kiowa precinct; E. J. Morse of district number nine; and Ossian M. Ross of North Hull precinct. In the bond register we also find the following named for assessors : A. E. Currie of Kiowa ; J. S. Edgar of North Hull ; Michael R. Harris of Winter creek ; Milton Byal, of Mitchell; E.
1803
Senteny of Highland precinct; Albert Gillett of Roubedoux precinct; Basil Decker of Tabor precinct ; J. E. Shannon of Mitchell precinct ; John Ray of Kiowa precinct; E. J. Morse of district number nine; and Ossian M. Ross of North Hull precinct. In the bond register we also find the following named for assessors : A. E. Currie of Kiowa ; J. S. Edgar of North Hull ; Michael R. Harris of Winter creek ; Milton Byal, of Mitchell; E. Y. B. Smith, of Roubedoux ; George B. Luft of Gering; R. M. Senteny of Highland; J. W. Lee, of Castle Rock; and Edward Scrivens of Ford.
The Platte River Bridge
In a very early date the Fort Laramie bridge was built, and in the seventies Camp Clarke bridge came into existence. Between these two points there were a number of fords. "Rock Bottom" ford was near the upper PF ranch and was used extensively by overland emigrants and then by the freighters for the Black Hills traffic. The Indians and the buffulo used to cross at almost any point that would suit their fancy. Saint George Cooke saw a large Indian village cross near the present location of the Scottsbluff-Gering bridge. After the battle of Horse creek a thousand or more crossed near the state line. Near the east line of Scotts Bluff county travelers were once halted for three hours to allow the passage of a vast herd of buffalo which was moving across the river and to the north. Near Tom Fanning's ranch there is the old ford used so much by early settlers. Oelrich's ranch had a regular crossing and Gering and Minatare had regular fords before the day of bridges.
1804
After the battle of Horse creek a thousand or more crossed near the state line. Near the east line of Scotts Bluff county travelers were once halted for three hours to allow the passage of a vast herd of buffalo which was moving across the river and to the north. Near Tom Fanning's ranch there is the old ford used so much by early settlers. Oelrich's ranch had a regular crossing and Gering and Minatare had regular fords before the day of bridges.
When Gering came into the county seat contest, Martin Gering offered to build a bridge in case his namesake was chosen. That bridge was built and was in service for many )ears. That was before the days of concrete state and
federal aid bridges. It was a narrow affair -- single track at first -- about four thousand feet long with two "turnouts" for teams to pass each other. The rails were flimsy and occasionally some driven animal or team would go into the river taking the rail with it.
Judge J. M. King s team took him through the railing into the water one time in about twenty years ago, and in the mixup two of his fingers were so nearly amputated, that the doctors finished the job. One time Sherwood Taylor was hauling a load of hay across this bridge, and the wind upset it into the river, with Taylor underneath. He was unable to extricate himself and was drowned. There were other tragedies and near tragedies in the crossing, more than once.
1805
King s team took him through the railing into the water one time in about twenty years ago, and in the mixup two of his fingers were so nearly amputated, that the doctors finished the job. One time Sherwood Taylor was hauling a load of hay across this bridge, and the wind upset it into the river, with Taylor underneath. He was unable to extricate himself and was drowned. There were other tragedies and near tragedies in the crossing, more than once.
In 1908 the water reached the highest stage in its history and was running nearly up to the bridge floor. W. J. Bryan made his first address in Scottsbluff on June 8th of that year, and had to cross the river to reach Harrisburg and Kimball. He will probably remember that trembling old bridge as Dr. A. T. Crawford drove him across with the Pierce Arrow. The river was so high that many people refused to cross to Scottsbluff, when they saw the menace of the raging water.
Judge R. W. Hobart made a trip across this bridge in the latter days of its use. The new bridge -- which in 1921 is called the old bridge -- was just about complete, and the old bridge on the section line a quarter of a mile east was being neglected. It was full of holes and occasionally a section of the railing was gone. Anton Hiersche was driving a team of spirited colts, and had Judge Hobart in the rig with him. At the approach he put the team on the run and went across the bridge at full speed. It seemed like a perilous ride but Anton knew his skittish team, and took the chance. If kept going there was less menace than if given time to get frightened and possibly going off the bridge at so_me point.
1806
Anton Hiersche was driving a team of spirited colts, and had Judge Hobart in the rig with him. At the approach he put the team on the run and went across the bridge at full speed. It seemed like a perilous ride but Anton knew his skittish team, and took the chance. If kept going there was less menace than if given time to get frightened and possibly going off the bridge at so_me point.
The original bridge in Scotts Bluff county cost the county nothing, and cost those who built it around $10,000. The next bridge which was from Scottsbluff to Mitchell valley cost even less, for the railroad donated a lot. It was built by bonding Winter creek precinct for $6,500. Compared with our present bridges and bridge building processes it seems small, but those bridges served well in those days. Today seven concrete state aid bridges, which cost wlith the approaches nearly a million dollars, now span the river. But they are there for all time without much care or cost of repair.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Political History During the years of the early nineties the populists were active and a power to be reckoned with. In some instances they were strong enough to have their own way, and in others they combined with other parties and were sufficiently strong to dominate the conventions and practically name the candidates.
As late as 1896, Bryan carried Scotts Bluff county by fifteen. T. D. Deutsch was again elected county commissioner. The Courier then paid the following compliment to the present mayor of Scottsbluff city: "The returns indicate a good healthy trade on county officers was conducted, but the delivery was principally on one side. It is a losing operation every time unless a good schemer like Theo. Deutsch has hold of one of the strings.
1807
In some instances they were strong enough to have their own way, and in others they combined with other parties and were sufficiently strong to dominate the conventions and practically name the candidates.
As late as 1896, Bryan carried Scotts Bluff county by fifteen. T. D. Deutsch was again elected county commissioner. The Courier then paid the following compliment to the present mayor of Scottsbluff city: "The returns indicate a good healthy trade on county officers was conducted, but the delivery was principally on one side. It is a losing operation every time unless a good schemer like Theo. Deutsch has hold of one of the strings. Theo. is a mighty smooth politician, and when he can't fool a big part of the people all the time it is no use for common fellows to try."
While this is "old stuff" in more than one sense the peculiar part of the accusation was that there were but two county officers elected that year. T. M. Morrow was elected county attorney over W. J. Richardson by a vote of 246 to 213 and Morrow and Deutsch were on the same ticket. That left no one to be traded. This was but one of the many battles royal in the old days and anything is good for an argument according to the standards of the times and politicians of the periods. Then, young people take to heart the subjects of political economy far more seriously than do we when full of years.
1808
Richardson by a vote of 246 to 213 and Morrow and Deutsch were on the same ticket. That left no one to be traded. This was but one of the many battles royal in the old days and anything is good for an argument according to the standards of the times and politicians of the periods. Then, young people take to heart the subjects of political economy far more seriously than do we when full of years.
First Commissioner's Meeting Board met January 28, 1889 ; present, L. A. Christian, S. R. Spear, and T. D. Deutsch, commissioners ; and B. F. Gentry, clerk. Deutsch was chosen chairman of the board. The official bonds of J. M. King as county judge and B. F. Gentry as county clerk were approved. Gering was chosen the temporary county seat on the vote of Spear and Christian, Deutsch being for Mitchell. Board adjourned until the next day.
On January 29 the first county estimate and levy was made ; estimate of expense for the years $17,500. General fund levy, 9 mills; sinking fund, 3 mills ; road fund, 2 mills ; bridge fund, 1 mill. Compensation for county superintendent fixed at $3.50 per day. County seat election was called for February 12th ; election notices and ballots to be printed by A. B. Wood. S. R. Spear was chosen to accompany County Attorney W. J. Richardson to Sidney to make a settlement with the mother county of Cheyenne.
Thus was Scotts Bluff county sent upon its official and substantial career.
1809
General fund levy, 9 mills; sinking fund, 3 mills ; road fund, 2 mills ; bridge fund, 1 mill. Compensation for county superintendent fixed at $3.50 per day. County seat election was called for February 12th ; election notices and ballots to be printed by A. B. Wood. S. R. Spear was chosen to accompany County Attorney W. J. Richardson to Sidney to make a settlement with the mother county of Cheyenne.
Thus was Scotts Bluff county sent upon its official and substantial career.
Old Personal Bonds In the beginning of the county, from the names that appear, either as principle or as surety, it seems that nearly everyone was on some bond. These old names are here given for the reason that it will revive a flood of memories among those that were here in the formative years.
Thos. H. Ewing's bond, the first filed, contained for sureties Daniel Wooldridge and W. H. Hulbert. If was filed January 5, 1889.
Other names were : Joseph G. Neighbors, F. A. Garlock, R. E. King, S. T- Clark, C. C. Franklin, J. S. Franklin, Wm. H. Bass, Martin Gering, Joe Salmon, W. E. Ingraham, R. T. Huffman, Tohn Emery, T. R. Garrett, Peter McFarlane, F. W. Hugh's, j. E. Giltner, W. E. Morse, T- H. Currie, E. A. Currie, A. W. Mills, Geo. C. Stahl, Ed. Eastman, Wm. Kingen, G. W. Slonecker, G. F. Wingate, Martin Bristol, M. L. Bishop, P. L. Hull, C. A. Bouton, S. W. Ripley, Chas. W. Chubb, Anthony Kennedy, Bennett Chapman, E. O. Wilberger, D. T. Cummins, Charles B. Gardner, T. J. James, J. S. Mace, Robert S. MisKimmon, W. S. MisKimmon, Wm. C. Kirby, James Westervelt, Gus Tensen, S. Woldridge, E. B. Spencer, A. L. Wiles, Robert M. Senteny, David F. Hayes, John F. Wooldridge, M.
1810
Eastman, Wm. Kingen, G. W. Slonecker, G. F. Wingate, Martin Bristol, M. L. Bishop, P. L. Hull, C. A. Bouton, S. W. Ripley, Chas. W. Chubb, Anthony Kennedy, Bennett Chapman, E. O. Wilberger, D. T. Cummins, Charles B. Gardner, T. J. James, J. S. Mace, Robert S. MisKimmon, W. S. MisKimmon, Wm. C. Kirby, James Westervelt, Gus Tensen, S. Woldridge, E. B. Spencer, A. L. Wiles, Robert M. Senteny, David F. Hayes, John F. Wooldridge, M. G. Murray, John A. Fairchild, Edward C. Enderly. John Worthington, W. B. Cole, Judson A.* Moon, Wm. Sheffener, Elmer Hathaway, Daniel W. Warner, I. N. Rose, Geo. Gerlock, Austin Moomaw, Phil W. Hull, Ed. Gering, Alexander Clark, F. T- Irvine, E. T. Harshman, Wm. Rutter, A. B. Wood, Robert F. Neeley, G. W. Hale, L. D. Williams, John H. Kellums, M. R. Harris, Winfield Evans, B. F. Hector. Richard Beebe, John Card, Robert S. Oberfelder, George Sowerwine, Thos. Chambers, and others.
Of the one hundred or more names that appear as first county officials and bondsmen, about twenty-five remain in the land about us. Probably as many more have gone to that Greater Frontier beyond, and the others have gone away. Of the eleven original county officers but three remain: B. F. Gentry, T. D. Deutsch, and T. J. Fanning. Six of them are dead and the other two gone to other lands, one of whom. Frank Beers, is in California.
The Court House Scotts Bluff county early built a brick court house. Long since the room has been in-
1811
Probably as many more have gone to that Greater Frontier beyond, and the others have gone away. Of the eleven original county officers but three remain: B. F. Gentry, T. D. Deutsch, and T. J. Fanning. Six of them are dead and the other two gone to other lands, one of whom. Frank Beers, is in California.
The Court House Scotts Bluff county early built a brick court house. Long since the room has been in-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
adequate and it was impossible to preserve the Its cost is practically $250,000 when equipped, records properly. The county now has, nearly It is to be of beautiful design, but no picture is complete a court house befitting its importance, yet available, as scaffolding is not removed.
CHAPTER N
THE FARMERS REVOLUTION
The expansion of the Farmers' Alliance and the dominant character of such men as Jay Burrows and John Powers began as early as 1888. The leadership of such splendid men, and the country needs more of them now, brought about the political uprising of the following years. In 1890 a number of congressmen were elected, and by 1892 the movement had spread like a prairie fire over the state. That year Congressman O. M. Kem was elected for his second term, as member from this, then, the third district. John Powers was the candidate for governor, and many still maintain he was honestly elected, but that through a partisan act of the supreme court and the manipulation of politicians, James E. Boyd was seated.
1812
In 1890 a number of congressmen were elected, and by 1892 the movement had spread like a prairie fire over the state. That year Congressman O. M. Kem was elected for his second term, as member from this, then, the third district. John Powers was the candidate for governor, and many still maintain he was honestly elected, but that through a partisan act of the supreme court and the manipulation of politicians, James E. Boyd was seated.
The movement was a little slow in reaching Scotts Bluff county and the Panhandle. In the election of 1890, Post for supreme judge was sixty ahead of Edgerton. For district judge, Church was ninety-three ahead of Neville.
Some of the county offices had a three cornered fight and in others it was straight out between the democratic and republican candidates. F. J. Irvine was elected judge over E. S. DeLaMatter; Ed. Sayre was elected over C. C. Franklin for treasurer. A division of the opposition between Maycock, independent, and Raymond, republican, gave Harry Walker an easy victory for sheriff. In the contest for clerk, J. H. Vickrey nosed out ahead of T. D. Deutsch by two votes while Snyder, independent, received eighty-eight or about one-half as many as the high man.
Mrs. Aggie Moomaw was elected superintendent as an independent; and A. B. Mc Coskey, for surveyor; and L. O. Tisdel, for coroner. It was not a good year for republicans in Scotts Bluff county. Lot L. Feltham who was county attorney resigned in 1893, and M. J. Huffman was appointed. He was
1813
Vickrey nosed out ahead of T. D. Deutsch by two votes while Snyder, independent, received eighty-eight or about one-half as many as the high man.
Mrs. Aggie Moomaw was elected superintendent as an independent; and A. B. Mc Coskey, for surveyor; and L. O. Tisdel, for coroner. It was not a good year for republicans in Scotts Bluff county. Lot L. Feltham who was county attorney resigned in 1893, and M. J. Huffman was appointed. He was
re-chosen in the fall election of that year, and W. H. Hulbert was elected judge.
The republicans had better luck in 1893, fur only one democrat, T. D. Deutsch for commissioner over George Lawyer, was elected. Two independents, Mrs. Moomaw for superintended, and J. W. Senteny, for sheriff, were elected. L. L. Raymond was candidate against Mrs. Moomaw, and Senteny had two opponents: John R. Stilts and A. M. (Dad) Carr. The republicans secured the rest of the county offices. L. O. Tisdel received a majority over both his opponents, who were W. J. Chambers and Henry Stevens.
The most marked contest seemed to be between the several candidates for clerk. J. H. Vickrey was re-elected by a plurality of thirteen over Martin Bristol, but lacking 103 of having a majority. L. A. Christian and D. D. Davis were candidates. Ed. Sayre was reelected treasurer in a contest against F. M. Sands. O. W. Gardner defeated J. M. King and Theo. Harshman for judge, while A. P. Kittell triumphed over A. B. McCoskey and T. L. Gilmore for survevor. Commissioners for 1894 were B. Decker, T. D. Deutsch and E. S. DeLaMatter. L. L. Raymond was chosen deputy county clerk.
1814
Vickrey was re-elected by a plurality of thirteen over Martin Bristol, but lacking 103 of having a majority. L. A. Christian and D. D. Davis were candidates. Ed. Sayre was reelected treasurer in a contest against F. M. Sands. O. W. Gardner defeated J. M. King and Theo. Harshman for judge, while A. P. Kittell triumphed over A. B. McCoskey and T. L. Gilmore for survevor. Commissioners for 1894 were B. Decker, T. D. Deutsch and E. S. DeLaMatter. L. L. Raymond was chosen deputy county clerk.
In November, 1894, the republicans carried the county by about seventy. E. S. LeLaMatter defeated James H. Cross for county judge. M. J. Huffman was re-elected county attorney over T. M. Morrow who ran as an independent ; and F. A. Wright, who was the democratic candidate. The farmers' revolution was on in full swing over the state. They dictated the democratic nominee for governor, Silas A. Holcomb, and he was elected. They also elected O. M. Kem again for congress. W. R. Akers was elected to the senate, and R. D. Harris for representatives, both republicans.
Things were warming up for the election of president in 1896. In the west Cleveland's administration was accepted by many demo-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
crats as an abject surrender to Wall street. Yet, the moneyed east was demanding the return of republicans to power. So strong was this force being brought to bear that Win. H. Wright wrote the engineer, A. P. Mitchell, that he was going to vote the republican ticket as the chance to get eastern money to finish the Farmers canal, and the letter was given publication in local republican papers.
1815
In the west Cleveland's administration was accepted by many demo-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
crats as an abject surrender to Wall street. Yet, the moneyed east was demanding the return of republicans to power. So strong was this force being brought to bear that Win. H. Wright wrote the engineer, A. P. Mitchell, that he was going to vote the republican ticket as the chance to get eastern money to finish the Farmers canal, and the letter was given publication in local republican papers.
The election of November 6, 1895, was the fore-runner of the, great battle of the ballots of 1896. There were ten candidates for regents of the state university. H. L. Gould and C. H. Morrill easily carried Scotts Bluff county and were elected by the state. None of the other eight candidates received 100 votes in the county while the Gould and Morrill vote was over 200. H. M. Grimes and William Neville divided honors for district judge the vote being 220 to 219. Grimes was elected and began his twenty-five year period in that capacity, which ended only with his recent death. Neville also some years since went to his great judgment bar.
In this election of 1895 the republicans had the best of it in Scotts Bluff county. They elected all but surveyor and commissioner. A. B. McCoskey, democrat, was chosen surveyor over Ed. Scriven by a, close vote: 209 to 201. There were three candidates for commissioner: Matt Schumacher, republican; F. J. Irvine, democrat ; and Chas. Fowler, peoples independent. The latter was elected, defeating Schumacher by 11 votes, and Irvine by 23. For clerk, C. W. Ford ; for treasurer, C. B. Whipple: for judge, Geo. W. King; for superintendent, L. L. Raymond ; and for coroner, Dr. Jos. H. Miller, were elected by large maporities.
1816
McCoskey, democrat, was chosen surveyor over Ed. Scriven by a, close vote: 209 to 201. There were three candidates for commissioner: Matt Schumacher, republican; F. J. Irvine, democrat ; and Chas. Fowler, peoples independent. The latter was elected, defeating Schumacher by 11 votes, and Irvine by 23. For clerk, C. W. Ford ; for treasurer, C. B. Whipple: for judge, Geo. W. King; for superintendent, L. L. Raymond ; and for coroner, Dr. Jos. H. Miller, were elected by large maporities. The contest for sheriff developed a three cornered fight between E. T. Festervelt, republican ; Chris Gronberg, democrat ; and W. J. Senteny, peoples independent. Westervelt received 170 votes out of a total of 449, the others being almost equally divided. His plurality was 28.
In the battle of 1896, the county was carried by Bryan for president by 14, and by Holcomb for governor by eight. The fusion of the democrats and pebples independents that year was the best in its history. Porter for secretary of state had 15 lead in this county. The balance of the state ticket went republican here by majorities of from four to sixteen. There was a constitutional amendment to increase the number of judges and all parties had nominated candidates. William Neville and John S. Kirkpatrick carried the county over their republican opponents Ryan and Kincaid. They also carried the state but the amendment
failed to carry, so they were elected to offices that did not exist.
The county ticket was only for commissioner and attorney and the fusion forces were successful. T. M. Morrow won over W. J. Richardson by 33 votes or 246 to 213 ; and T. D. Deutsch won over John A. Orr by 28 or 116 to 88. This was the election in which the Courier intimated that trading was practiced but the delivery on one side.
1817
failed to carry, so they were elected to offices that did not exist.
The county ticket was only for commissioner and attorney and the fusion forces were successful. T. M. Morrow won over W. J. Richardson by 33 votes or 246 to 213 ; and T. D. Deutsch won over John A. Orr by 28 or 116 to 88. This was the election in which the Courier intimated that trading was practiced but the delivery on one side. Perhaps Morrow did receive some support from Orr partisans, and perhaps they expected return support ; and perhaps some of Richardson's supporters were for Deutsch, anticipating that Deutsch's friends were for Richardson. Perhaps such votes were cast, but in any event both the democrats won. This was about the last of democratic dominance in Scotts Bluff county politics. Occasionally a democratic candidate will win out, but in the main the republicans have had the upper hand in the county for the past nearly quarter of a century.
The election of 1897 was a republican landslide. Every candidate of that party for state or county offices were elected. In this county majorities from 14 to 232 prevailed. E. von Forell, now of our county, but then of Kearney, was a candidate for regent of the state university but was not elected. C. W. Ford was elected clerk; Geo. W. King for judge; C. B. Whipple for treasurer; L. L. Raymond for superintendent ; E. T. Westervelt for sheriff; Georgia A. Fix for coroner; Thos. Preston for surveyor; and E. S. DeLaMatter for commissioner.
1818
In this county majorities from 14 to 232 prevailed. E. von Forell, now of our county, but then of Kearney, was a candidate for regent of the state university but was not elected. C. W. Ford was elected clerk; Geo. W. King for judge; C. B. Whipple for treasurer; L. L. Raymond for superintendent ; E. T. Westervelt for sheriff; Georgia A. Fix for coroner; Thos. Preston for surveyor; and E. S. DeLaMatter for commissioner.
In November, 1898, there were republican majorities on all the state ticket, but F. A. Wright, democrat, was elected over M. J. Hueman republican for county attorney ; and L. A. Christian, by petition, was chosen over Matt Schumacher, republican, for commissioner. N. M. Snyder, by petition, was elected surveyor.
The republican state ticket as well as the county ticket carried in Scottsbluff county in November, 1899. County officers elected were : L. L. Raymond, judge ; H. M. Thornton, clerk ;
E. J. Whipple, treasure ; P. H. Stone, superintendent; Robert G. Walsh, sheriff; G. A. Fix, coroner; N. M. Snyder, surveyor; and
F. H. Riege, commissioner. The vote on commissioner was very close, being 123 for Riege, and 119 for George Baltes. J. L. Gilmore gave Nate Snyder a close run also for surveyor. On three other candidates there appeared a little "knifing" on the part of republicans. Raymond. Thornton, and Walsh had engendered a hostile spirit of some of their colleagues, possibly the beginning of the north and south feud that politicians have used for
1819
Snyder, surveyor; and
F. H. Riege, commissioner. The vote on commissioner was very close, being 123 for Riege, and 119 for George Baltes. J. L. Gilmore gave Nate Snyder a close run also for surveyor. On three other candidates there appeared a little "knifing" on the part of republicans. Raymond. Thornton, and Walsh had engendered a hostile spirit of some of their colleagues, possibly the beginning of the north and south feud that politicians have used for
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
twenty years, and fed from time to time. In any event Walsh and Raymond were two of Gering's first people to move to Scottsbluff, and Thornton with his additions to Gering is perhaps a result of this old discord.
In 1900, F. A. Wright went down in a battle for county attorney with Ed. A. Mann ; and Ed. A. Currie defeated Theo. Deutsch for commissioner. Wright lost by 34 and Deutsch by 29. The republican state ticket swept the county by about 125 average.
The election of 1901 resulted in practically a republican victory. Some of the officers were elected by small majorities and but two democrats were successful. The republicans elected Ed. J. Whipple for treasurer ; H. M. Thornton for clerk ; E. S. DeLaMatter judge ; Agnes Lackey, superintendent ; Joseph H. Fairfield, surveyor; L- R. Craig, coroner; and the democrats elected Runey C. Campbell for sheriff, and Thos. Allen for commissioner.
In November, 1902, Wenzel Hiersche, democrat, was elected commissioner.
The November election of 1903 gave the democrats two officers and the republicans the balance. R. C. Campbell was re-elected sheriff and James McKinley for clerk. The republicans elected Thos. Preston, treasurer; E. S. DeLaMatter, judge; A. C. Morrison, commissioner ; F. P. Johnson, superintendent ; R. B. Judson, surveyor ; and F. D.
1820
Craig, coroner; and the democrats elected Runey C. Campbell for sheriff, and Thos. Allen for commissioner.
In November, 1902, Wenzel Hiersche, democrat, was elected commissioner.
The November election of 1903 gave the democrats two officers and the republicans the balance. R. C. Campbell was re-elected sheriff and James McKinley for clerk. The republicans elected Thos. Preston, treasurer; E. S. DeLaMatter, judge; A. C. Morrison, commissioner ; F. P. Johnson, superintendent ; R. B. Judson, surveyor ; and F. D. Wolt, coroner. For the first time the county elected a county assessor, Anthony Kennedy, republican being the first to fill that office in Scotts Bluff coun- The election of 1904 divided honors between the parties. L. L. Raymond, republican, was chosen county attorney, and T. P. Allen, democrat, re-elected commissioner.
In 1905 the republicans elected the following officials: Thos. Preston, re-elected treasurer; E. S. DeLaMatter, re-elected judge ; R. B. Judson, re-elected surveyor; F. D. Wolt, re-elected coroner; and J. P. Westervelt, for sheriff. The democrats re-elected James McKinley for clerk, and elected Jess O. Ammerman for commissioner, and Agnes Lackey for superintendent.
Resignations and changes of residence required the electorate to choose a surveyor and three commissioners in addition to the county attorney in 1906. Wra, Morrow, fusion, was ■chosen attorney; Clarence Scriven, republican, was elected surveyor; and the commissioners were: A. H. Fuller and W. M. Barbour, republicans ; and Frank Beers, a democrat.
In November, 1907, election, Agnes Lackey, democrat ; and F. D. Wolt, republican, had no
1821
Ammerman for commissioner, and Agnes Lackey for superintendent.
Resignations and changes of residence required the electorate to choose a surveyor and three commissioners in addition to the county attorney in 1906. Wra, Morrow, fusion, was ■chosen attorney; Clarence Scriven, republican, was elected surveyor; and the commissioners were: A. H. Fuller and W. M. Barbour, republicans ; and Frank Beers, a democrat.
In November, 1907, election, Agnes Lackey, democrat ; and F. D. Wolt, republican, had no
opposition for re-election to the offices of superintendent and coroner respectively. The democrats elected H. T. Johnson, commissioner, and otherwise the county ticket was republican. DeLaMatter, Scriven, and Westervelt were re-elected judge, surveyor, and sheriff, respectively; and M. H. McHenry was chosen clerk; Geo. Sampson, treasurer; W. H. White county assessor.
In 1908, W. H. Barbour was chosen without opposition for re-election for commissioner; and Wm. Morrow re-elected attorney. The new location for a bridge between Scottsbluff and Gering was the paramount issue and it carried 669 to 317 -- the necessary two-thirds vote.
The 1909 election resulted in re-choosing the entire county ticket except sheriff and commissioner. Billy Hunt was chosen for the former place and R. S. Baker for the latter. Both were republican candidates.
The election of 1910 resulted in re-election of H. T. Johnson for commissioner; and R. W. Hobart was chosen county attorney without opposition.
DeLeMatter and Wolt were the only officers re-elected in 1910. A. B. McCoskey was chosen by all parties for surveyor ; and M. H. McHenry without opposition for the new office of clerk of the district court. The republican candidates that were successful were: J. H. Ferguson, clerk ; Fred L. Burns, treasurer; H. J. Mumma, superintendent; and Chas. R. Raymond, commissioner. The democrats elected Fred O. Aaron for sheriff.
1822
Hobart was chosen county attorney without opposition.
DeLeMatter and Wolt were the only officers re-elected in 1910. A. B. McCoskey was chosen by all parties for surveyor ; and M. H. McHenry without opposition for the new office of clerk of the district court. The republican candidates that were successful were: J. H. Ferguson, clerk ; Fred L. Burns, treasurer; H. J. Mumma, superintendent; and Chas. R. Raymond, commissioner. The democrats elected Fred O. Aaron for sheriff.
Robert G. Walsh, republican, was elected commissioner in 1912, and Geo. Downey, on both republican and democratic tickets, had no trouble in being selected county assessor.
The biennial election law went into effect and there were no officers to be chosen in 1913. And in 1914 of the ten officials chosen six had no opposition. These were Fred Burns for treasurer; Ada Haldeman for superintendent; W. W. White for attorney; A. B. McCoskey for surveyor; F. A. McCreary for coroner; and Chas. Raymond for commissioner. Reelected officers were Ferguson for clerk ; Aaron for sheriff; Johnson for commissioner and DeLaMatter for judge.
The suffrage amendment carried in this county 974 to 479 although it lost in the state.
Scotts Bluff county opposed the removal of the state universitv to the state farm by a vote of 1144 to 507.
Only five officers were elected in November, 1916, the others holding over under the provisions of the new statute. H. M. Springer
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
for commissioner ; Robert G. Simmons for attorney; and F. H. Koenig for sheriff, were the successful republican candidates. Martin Bristol for county assessor, and Val. B. Kirkham for clerk, were successful democrats.
1823
Scotts Bluff county opposed the removal of the state universitv to the state farm by a vote of 1144 to 507.
Only five officers were elected in November, 1916, the others holding over under the provisions of the new statute. H. M. Springer
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
for commissioner ; Robert G. Simmons for attorney; and F. H. Koenig for sheriff, were the successful republican candidates. Martin Bristol for county assessor, and Val. B. Kirkham for clerk, were successful democrats.
Since 1918 there have been but few changes in the county official roster: Val. B. Kirkham resigned as clerk, and the commissioners chose J. W. Burrows for the place, and last year (1920) Edgar P. Johnson was elected county assessor without opposition. The office of register of deeds was created in 1916 and James H. Ferguson appointed. At the next election R. G. Neeley was chosen and he was re-elected in 1920.
The present county officers are : R. G. Neeley, register of deeds ; J. W. Burrows, clerk ; M. H. McHenry, clerk of the district court; A. R. Downar, treasurer; Frank Koenig, sheriff; Ada M. Haldeman, superintendent ; A. B. McCoskey, surveyor; J. L. Grimm, attorney; E. S. DeLaMatter, judge; Edgar Johnson, assessor; J. F. Ray, H. M. Springer, and Geo. Lawyer as commissioners. The) tremendous growth of the county in the last score of years has so added to the burdens of office holding that there seems to be little zest in the contests and the present officers are measuring up to their responsibilities equal, if not superior, to any in the state.
1824
B. McCoskey, surveyor; J. L. Grimm, attorney; E. S. DeLaMatter, judge; Edgar Johnson, assessor; J. F. Ray, H. M. Springer, and Geo. Lawyer as commissioners. The) tremendous growth of the county in the last score of years has so added to the burdens of office holding that there seems to be little zest in the contests and the present officers are measuring up to their responsibilities equal, if not superior, to any in the state.
State Officers
As early as 1893 Scotts Bluff county candidates for state offices appeared. J. M. King aspired for the fusion nomination for representative, but lost out to Geo. C. Lingenfelter of Cheyenne county in the convention.
Captain W. R. Akers has the distinction of being the first of this county to occupy an office larger than the county limits. He was elected to the senate in 1895 and served with remarkable capacity. Akers later served as assistant state engineer in the formative period of the department of irrigation.
The only other member of the senate from Scotts Bluff county was in 1909, when L. L. Raymond was chosen from this district. The story of Raymond's achievements is best recorded in his biographical sketch to be found elsewhere in this volume.
In 1907, Henry M. Springer was elected to the house of representatives, he being the first member from Scotts Bluff county to serve in that capacity. The name of Springer has long been identified with the growth of this part of the west. The present county commissioner (twice chosen) is the son of the Springer who served in the legislature.
1825
The story of Raymond's achievements is best recorded in his biographical sketch to be found elsewhere in this volume.
In 1907, Henry M. Springer was elected to the house of representatives, he being the first member from Scotts Bluff county to serve in that capacity. The name of Springer has long been identified with the growth of this part of the west. The present county commissioner (twice chosen) is the son of the Springer who served in the legislature.
In 1913, Frank M. Stearns was the next member of the house from this county. Frank was twice re-elected, and was one of the best representatives in the state. During his third term he was a minority member but his diplomacy, ability and integrity won for him an influence, with consequent results, that have made a permanent record in the destinies of the state.
For the last two terms W. M. Barbour has held the important place as a member in the house, and has maintained the high standard of Scotts Bluff county official excellence.
Judge W. R. Hobart was the first district judge from Scotts Bluff county, he being appointed in 1911 to till the vacancy caused by the creation of a new district composed of Banner, Garden, Arthur, Morrill, and Scotts Bluff counties. He has been re-chosen three times at subsequent elections and still presides over the judicial destinies of the county and district.
A. B. McCoskey was appointed assistant state engineer at the time when Akers gave up the position for that as receiver in the United States land office at Alliance. McCoskey is at present county surveyor of Scotts Bluff county.
1826
Hobart was the first district judge from Scotts Bluff county, he being appointed in 1911 to till the vacancy caused by the creation of a new district composed of Banner, Garden, Arthur, Morrill, and Scotts Bluff counties. He has been re-chosen three times at subsequent elections and still presides over the judicial destinies of the county and district.
A. B. McCoskey was appointed assistant state engineer at the time when Akers gave up the position for that as receiver in the United States land office at Alliance. McCoskey is at present county surveyor of Scotts Bluff county.
The editor-in-chief was elected Commissioner of Public Lands and Buildings for the state in 1916. He adopted a new policy of making an inventory of the state school lands and property, and raising the valuations toward the point where they should be. The result was an increase of ten thousand dollars a month in the revenues to help support the schools. The policy has been followed by his successor in the office.
During his period in the state house he wrote, and the legislature passed, a state mineral statute which has already been a source of revenue to the extent of many thousand dollars from potash production. With the prospective discovery of oil it will mean a much greater income for the schools. Irrigation College
He also wrote, and the legislature passed, the bill providing for the state irrigation college. This is an initiation of one of the greatest institutions in the land, if proper polices are inaugurated and carried out. It is the only irrigation college in the world, and the world is hungering for a knowledge of this scientific method of farming. The state regents and chancellor of the university should call together a number of the best heads known to practical irrigation and adopt a curriculum that will meet the crying public need.
1827
This is an initiation of one of the greatest institutions in the land, if proper polices are inaugurated and carried out. It is the only irrigation college in the world, and the world is hungering for a knowledge of this scientific method of farming. The state regents and chancellor of the university should call together a number of the best heads known to practical irrigation and adopt a curriculum that will meet the crying public need. Credit is due to H. L. Sams for the suggestion of the idea and it was an outgrowth of the Farmers'
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Institute. The state formerly sent to the irrigated section, men to address the Farmers' institute that were utterly unfamiliar with irrigation conditions. So far from the needs were their advice, that the local people would pay the expenses of a Colorado man to come from Greeley or Collins territory, to talk intelligently on irrigation problems in farming. There was always a difficulty in getting the most satisfactory people and the thought occurred to Mr. Sams to have a school at which men could be trained in the technique of irrigation.
Frank Stearns introduced the bill in the legislature. It was passed in the closing days of the session with a small appropriation. The
following session a larger appropriation was passed and more land was acquired. During 1921-22 larger buildings will.be erected. Prof. McCarthy is in charge and is a man of considerable vision.
The result of the editor's experience in the state house is given best in his biennial report issued in 1918, a copy of which may be had by addressing the land commissioner's office, at Lincoln, Nebraska.
1828
It was passed in the closing days of the session with a small appropriation. The
following session a larger appropriation was passed and more land was acquired. During 1921-22 larger buildings will.be erected. Prof. McCarthy is in charge and is a man of considerable vision.
The result of the editor's experience in the state house is given best in his biennial report issued in 1918, a copy of which may be had by addressing the land commissioner's office, at Lincoln, Nebraska.
He is the only citizen of Scotts Bluff county elected to a state office, was renominated without opposition, and came the nearest of election of any candidate upon the democratic ticket in 1918.
THE CHURCH-- ITS ACCOMPLISHMENTS-- FIRST RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Rev. B. D. Yates was the first resident minister in Cedar valley and Scotts Bluff county. In the early years all the beautiful valley land about Gering was called Cedar valley. Father Yates was a United Brethren and held services at school houses or in the homes, and it mattered not what your faith, for he ministered to all the denominations. These first ministers were splendidly liberal.
On December 12, 1886, a few neighbors gathered at the home of E. P. Cromer and organized the first Sunday school in Cedar valley. Mr. Cromer was elected as superintendent, and Mrs. Sallie Pritchard as secretary-treasurer. Uriah Millikin, A. Porter Pritchard, and Mrs. R. M. Hanks were the teachers. They later held the school at the school house two miles south of Gering. This was old district number twenty-seven and the school house was built in 1887. The school house at Gering was not built until the following year.
1829
Cromer and organized the first Sunday school in Cedar valley. Mr. Cromer was elected as superintendent, and Mrs. Sallie Pritchard as secretary-treasurer. Uriah Millikin, A. Porter Pritchard, and Mrs. R. M. Hanks were the teachers. They later held the school at the school house two miles south of Gering. This was old district number twenty-seven and the school house was built in 1887. The school house at Gering was not built until the following year.
Another early minister -- one most prominent in early Gering, was Rev. Benjamin L. Brisbane. He had a homestead on the south side of Scottsbluff mountain which included the spring. While he lived there, he made the south pass up the mountain reasonably accessible, and used to lead his mule up, ' and haul down firewood and necessary timber.
He never made final proof on the claim.
Rev. Brisbane was a Baptist, and his sonin-law, C. T. Johnson (formerly in the Bank of Gering), and Mrs. Johnson were most active in church work. The Baptists had the first church organization in Gering. Also; the first church.
The Methodist people organized about the same time, but neither of them had churches until about 1889. In 1887 the new Methodist organization were talking of "a fifteen hundred dollar church."
The Christian church came into being about 1890, and Rev. A. Slafter was the first minister. Among other early preachers who visited Gering were Rev. RRufus Cooley, who came out occasionally from Potter; Rev. A. Dorman, and Rev. A. A. Fries.
1830
Also; the first church.
The Methodist people organized about the same time, but neither of them had churches until about 1889. In 1887 the new Methodist organization were talking of "a fifteen hundred dollar church."
The Christian church came into being about 1890, and Rev. A. Slafter was the first minister. Among other early preachers who visited Gering were Rev. RRufus Cooley, who came out occasionally from Potter; Rev. A. Dorman, and Rev. A. A. Fries.
May 21, 1887, was the date of the first services held in Gering; presided over by Rev. Brisbane as the first minister.
About this time -- the same month -- Miss M. E. McKinstry organized a Sunday school in Horseshoe Bend.
The First Church
The first church actually built in Scotts Bluff county was in the Kiowa country. It was made of native lumber from the native pines, and the first load was hauled by J. E.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Jones. The first board sawed was by Thos. Shiels. This was the Methodist church with Rev. Tripp in charge. Elder Armbury obtained a loan from the church extension fund, which paid the necessary cash outlay, but much of the work was donated. The church was built near the old Couch place, and was later moved to Harrisburg.
The second church, in the limits of the county as now shown, was at Hull. It was also a Methodist church and was built very soon after the Kiowa building was put up.
Then the Methodists built at Gering and the Baptists built in the Robidoux valley. Rev. John Young and wife were quite active in the building of the latter.
1831
The church was built near the old Couch place, and was later moved to Harrisburg.
The second church, in the limits of the county as now shown, was at Hull. It was also a Methodist church and was built very soon after the Kiowa building was put up.
Then the Methodists built at Gering and the Baptists built in the Robidoux valley. Rev. John Young and wife were quite active in the building of the latter.
These early activities in church work have blossomed out into an extensive religious work up and down the valley, and nearly all the Christian religions are represented in Scotts Bluff county.
The present Bishop Beecher of the Episcopal church was here in an early day, and he made many trips through this country in his younger years, his bride accompanying him on nearly all occasions.
The Bishops Lose Their Guns The Bishop came occasionally to hunt and fish, and once when coming he brought the then Bishop Graves with him. They stopped at C. J. Carlisle's at Harrisburg overnight, and left their guns in the wagon. In the morning the guns were gone. Suspicion pointed to a roustabout that lived in the Hull neighborhood. A search warrant was gotten out by Carlisle, one of the guns was found, and the man brought back to town. Carlisle hired a local attorney. The jury found him guilty, but it was stated the hired attorney suggested that they make the value of the gun less than $35, so that it would be petit larcency and a jail sentence instead of the penitentiary. The jail at Harrisburg was more or less of a joke, but the jury followed the suggestion.
1832
A search warrant was gotten out by Carlisle, one of the guns was found, and the man brought back to town. Carlisle hired a local attorney. The jury found him guilty, but it was stated the hired attorney suggested that they make the value of the gun less than $35, so that it would be petit larcency and a jail sentence instead of the penitentiary. The jail at Harrisburg was more or less of a joke, but the jury followed the suggestion.
Afterwards it was claimed that the attorney sold the other gun to another party with admonitions of secrecy, and it further appeared from reports that he had advised the jury to be easy on the prisoner at the bar, to establish a price, and protect himself in case the other gun was found in his possession.
Bishop Beecher has always had a warm spot in his heart for the North Platte valley country, and the result was that after a number of years St. Andrew's Mission came into existence at the metropolis. Rev. Henry Ives was the immediate and directing genius of its organization and existence.
The Episcopals
On August 20, 1910, he visited that Nichols ranch on Little Moon lake, and the following day held the first meeting in a store room at Henry. There were twenty-five people in attendance. On August 27, he became the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Fred D. Wolt at Gering; and the following day held services at which there were thirty people. The first services held in Scottsbluff were on September 8, and by the courtesy of Dr. Leeper, the pastor, they were in the Methodist church. A heavy down pour of rain occurred at the time. But twenty persons were present.
1833
On August 20, 1910, he visited that Nichols ranch on Little Moon lake, and the following day held the first meeting in a store room at Henry. There were twenty-five people in attendance. On August 27, he became the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Fred D. Wolt at Gering; and the following day held services at which there were thirty people. The first services held in Scottsbluff were on September 8, and by the courtesy of Dr. Leeper, the pastor, they were in the Methodist church. A heavy down pour of rain occurred at the time. But twenty persons were present.
The first Guild meeting was at the home of Mrs. Geo. Jones on September 27, with seventeen women present. A mission was organized at this meeting, and Bishop Graves asked for a name. By unanimous agreement "Saint Andrews" was chosen for the mission. For a while services were held in the hall over Rice's store, and later in the Christian church where arrangements were made for afternoon meetings.
For a number of months the members of the Christian church were without a pastor and during that time the Episcopals had the use of the church in the morning. On December 15, 1911, Rev. Ives entered into negotiations with the management of the Christian church and purchased the building and lot for $900. Services were held irregularly for a time, and finally Reverend Ives was placed in charge with Gering, Mitchell, Bayard, Bridgeport, Minatare, and Henry. Following his advancement in church work the local church was turned over to A. Sidney Topping, a lay minister ; he was followed by Rev. W. S. J. Dumville ; and he by Rev. Frank Henry ; and now ably taken care of by Rev. A. A. Weller. The parsonage was built about four years ago.
1834
Services were held irregularly for a time, and finally Reverend Ives was placed in charge with Gering, Mitchell, Bayard, Bridgeport, Minatare, and Henry. Following his advancement in church work the local church was turned over to A. Sidney Topping, a lay minister ; he was followed by Rev. W. S. J. Dumville ; and he by Rev. Frank Henry ; and now ably taken care of by Rev. A. A. Weller. The parsonage was built about four years ago.
Bishop George A. Beecher has risen to be one of Nebraska's truly great men and Scotts Bluff county takes justifiable pride in part of the formative period in the making of the splendid character. However he has given back to us by precept and example a courage and ambition for better living. So the compensations and services usually balance.
Among the well known people who assisted in the organization of this church and its maintainance in Scottsbluff, were Air. and Mrs. Chas. A. Morrill, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Bowen, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. A. Jones, Dr. F. W. Plehn and family, Heyward G. Leavitt, Mrs. John Hall, Mrs. H. H. Ostenberg, Mrs. A. Grace Hamer, and Helen R. Eastman. Bishop Beecher had thirty-five confirmations on one trip.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Rev. Curren's Story
Another who has done much for the religious and moral life of the North Platte valley in all parts thereof, from Garden county to Fort Laramie, is Rev. J. B. Currens, the Presbyterian missionary who built the church at Scottsbluff.
1835
Plehn and family, Heyward G. Leavitt, Mrs. John Hall, Mrs. H. H. Ostenberg, Mrs. A. Grace Hamer, and Helen R. Eastman. Bishop Beecher had thirty-five confirmations on one trip.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Rev. Curren's Story
Another who has done much for the religious and moral life of the North Platte valley in all parts thereof, from Garden county to Fort Laramie, is Rev. J. B. Currens, the Presbyterian missionary who built the church at Scottsbluff.
In the early days he used to wade the river to render spiritual service to the people of Garden county. He was located at Alliance and when the railroad extension was made through the valley into Wyoming he was upon the ground early. He made stereopticon pictures of when the railroad came to Scottsbluff. It was Sunday morning and the construction men were "cleaning up." The track had been laid to
train stood at the head of what is now Broadway. There was no depot, hotel, store, or street, but the railroad was there.
As Mr. Currens said, "I had been down at Bridgeport and built a church and now I came to Scottsbluff. But there were no Presbyterians in sight. How could we have a church here? Rev. E. H. Sayre and his family were at Gering, but they had Methodist and Baptist churches there. Also resident pastors and it was the desire of the Presbyterians not to the town the night before. Some of the men were shaving each other, and others were doing their week's washing. The construction
1836
Currens said, "I had been down at Bridgeport and built a church and now I came to Scottsbluff. But there were no Presbyterians in sight. How could we have a church here? Rev. E. H. Sayre and his family were at Gering, but they had Methodist and Baptist churches there. Also resident pastors and it was the desire of the Presbyterians not to the town the night before. Some of the men were shaving each other, and others were doing their week's washing. The construction
tramp on other people's toes, or divide the community, or the support of the struggling churches there.
"I had been Sunday School missionary for several years and sometime every summer I would come down from Alliance, organizing Sunday Schools in nearly every sod or log school house that I could find, as far west as Sunflower. One was in the dining room of the old Camp Clarke hotel several years before the railroad came. Another was in the old Wright school house two or three miles east of the proposed town of Scottsbluff.
"How to build a church at Scottsbuff ? -- that was the question. Where were the Presbyterians to support it ? -- that was another question. I decided to try. I put a tent in a corn field and went out to Jacobus' sod house. This was on the east ward school house site. It was later bought by the chautauqua association, and by the people connected therewith sold to the school district. Jacobus' family occupied the sod house that stood among the young cottonwoods of the time. I visited W. H. Wr right who then lived two miles in the country ; then Mr. Lackey, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sayre; and others that I knew personally. Mr. Wright, who was townsite agent, and I selected a lot and I put up the tent, intending to hold a week's meeting.
1837
It was later bought by the chautauqua association, and by the people connected therewith sold to the school district. Jacobus' family occupied the sod house that stood among the young cottonwoods of the time. I visited W. H. Wr right who then lived two miles in the country ; then Mr. Lackey, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Sayre; and others that I knew personally. Mr. Wright, who was townsite agent, and I selected a lot and I put up the tent, intending to hold a week's meeting.
"The next morning Mr. Jacobus' twelve year old daughter looked out the window and shouted, 'Mr. Currens, your tent is down.' There had been a cold snow and heavy March wind during the night. It had pulled the stakes from the soft ground 0f the cornfield and there was my tent all torn and flapping, and my lamp that I had bought in Gering the day before was broken. I laid a few boards on the flapping, torn tent, and took a night to consider what was best to do. The next morning I determined to build a church, and went over to Gering and bought the lumber for a small building, pledging my salary for the payment. We went to work and in a week we had a church built of rough boards set on end, and a board roof ; also a church and Sunday School was organized.
"Rev. E. H. Sayre preached every other Sunday while the Christian minister at Gering held services here the alternate Sunday. Air. Jacobus was superintendent of the Sunday School ; Mr. Wright, assistant ; Miss Orr, secretary; and Mr. Lackey teacher of the Bible class. At first we sat on pine boards, but the Ladies Aid soon managed to get chairs and an organ while Mr.
1838
We went to work and in a week we had a church built of rough boards set on end, and a board roof ; also a church and Sunday School was organized.
"Rev. E. H. Sayre preached every other Sunday while the Christian minister at Gering held services here the alternate Sunday. Air. Jacobus was superintendent of the Sunday School ; Mr. Wright, assistant ; Miss Orr, secretary; and Mr. Lackey teacher of the Bible class. At first we sat on pine boards, but the Ladies Aid soon managed to get chairs and an organ while Mr. Wright gave us a stove. I gave the lamp.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
"While only eight persons' names appear as charter members of this first church in Scottsbluff : namely Mr. and Mrs. Cassel, Mr. and Mrs. Wright, and son Cullen, Mrs. Sayre, Edith Sayre, and Mrs. Wood ; others were soon affiliated with the work. Mr. and Mrs. McCoskey, and Mr. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Orr, D. H. Cole. F. F. Everett, and C. H. Simmons, Dr. H. L. Sheldon and wife, Thos. M. Howard, Geo. W. Sawyer, and others. The church was organized in the pioneer building May 20, 1S99, by Rev. Thos. L. Sexton and later re-organized by Rev. J. C. Sloan.
At that time there was no depot, no completed building, and no store or restaurant in Scottsbluff. They were building the first part of the Emery hotel."
As Others Began
The historian has asked a number of ministers to tell us the story of early church struggles, and Rev. Currens responded so completely with a story of detail, that we think it describes fairly well the beginning of many others. Sometimes we think that our churches are inclined to get away from the first principles of food for the hungering soul.
1839
At that time there was no depot, no completed building, and no store or restaurant in Scottsbluff. They were building the first part of the Emery hotel."
As Others Began
The historian has asked a number of ministers to tell us the story of early church struggles, and Rev. Currens responded so completely with a story of detail, that we think it describes fairly well the beginning of many others. Sometimes we think that our churches are inclined to get away from the first principles of food for the hungering soul. It is well that "God's House" be made beautiful, if we do not forget that Christ was born in a manger. The spirit behind these first efforts to plant the churches in our valley had much to do with the substantial character of the older citizenship that has been remarked by visitors and later settlers coming into our midst. Many of the newer and delightful characters that have helped to build the modern Scotts Bluff county were attracted here by the very fact that the earlier people were of such excellence.
The churches of the valley are now numerous. Men like Rev. F. J. McCaffree, Rev. T. C. Osborne, Rev. Sayre, and others have come and stayed. They have carried the Gospel and the principles of better living into the community centers of the land of their adoption. Others have come and gone but left behind them a memory of service. And always side by side or perhaps a little in advance of the men, were the good women of the west. The mothers who know that the spiritual inspiration planted in the minds of her children will make them better people in the years that follow.
1840
They have carried the Gospel and the principles of better living into the community centers of the land of their adoption. Others have come and gone but left behind them a memory of service. And always side by side or perhaps a little in advance of the men, were the good women of the west. The mothers who know that the spiritual inspiration planted in the minds of her children will make them better people in the years that follow.
Father Byrne's Activities While the Catholic church was one of the three great institutions that responded to the call of the western wilderness in the thirties of nearly one hundred years ago ; while Father Peter DeSmet probably saved thousands of lives along the great trails that went through the North Platte valley, by impressing the Indian mind that it was "The Great White Medicine Road ;" while he performed the marriage ceremony of Lucien Fontenelle (the first man in charge of the first trading fort in the present limits of Scotts Bluff county, and his Indian woman) the Catholic church failed for many years to follow the lead of this great man. It was not otherwise a pioneer in religious activity as it was in so many other sections.
It remained for Father T. C. Byrne's energy and vision to do much of the church building of that denomination, and it was after the substantial character of material progress had reached a stage that none need ■ doubt the valley's future. Father Byrne came to Scottsbluff in October, 1912, a little over a year after he was ordained priest. The following churches were built while he was in charge. St. Teresa at Mitchell; St. Gants at Lisco ; St. Elizabeth at Oshkosh ; St. Mary's at Bridgeport ; and St.
1841
Byrne's energy and vision to do much of the church building of that denomination, and it was after the substantial character of material progress had reached a stage that none need ■ doubt the valley's future. Father Byrne came to Scottsbluff in October, 1912, a little over a year after he was ordained priest. The following churches were built while he was in charge. St. Teresa at Mitchell; St. Gants at Lisco ; St. Elizabeth at Oshkosh ; St. Mary's at Bridgeport ; and St. Agnes at Scottsbluff.
Wrhile money is no standard of spiritual excellence, the human mind has been so trained in the school of material things that it is one of the methods by which we measure accomplishment. The smallest of these churches cost about five housand dollars, and the crowning excellence of the one at Scottsbluff is remarked by many. It is 115 feet long and 50 fet wide, and will seat from 700 to 1000 people. The spire reaches 123 feet into the air. Wm. Frank donated three blocks of ground, and presumably there will be an academy here in the future. The aggregate value of church property assembled during the regime of Father Byrne in the several towns in the North Platte valley is approximately $200,000, the greater part of which is at Scottsbluff.
Churches Elsewhere While at Minatare, Morrill, Melbeta, Mc- Grew, Haig, and. Henry, the church has made substantial prgress with the period, it remained for Mitchell to adopt a new order, which in reality is the older order modified.
1842
Frank donated three blocks of ground, and presumably there will be an academy here in the future. The aggregate value of church property assembled during the regime of Father Byrne in the several towns in the North Platte valley is approximately $200,000, the greater part of which is at Scottsbluff.
Churches Elsewhere While at Minatare, Morrill, Melbeta, Mc- Grew, Haig, and. Henry, the church has made substantial prgress with the period, it remained for Mitchell to adopt a new order, which in reality is the older order modified.
Back in the younger days of the world the worshiper* of the Deity had such numerous "gods" and "creeds" that the building of "churches" or "shrines" was a tremendous burden. Then they built Pantheons: a single building where the different people could go and worship, regardless of their particular manner of doing so. Mitchell went the old way one better. The good folks there established a Community church with Walter Runden in charge. It has been abundantly satisfactory to the organizers -- this exemplification of the community spirit ; and the Brotherhood here shown still has Rev. Runden for pastor.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
SCENIC BEAUTY -- MANUFACTURING AND OTHER INDUSTRIES
No part of the west can excel the Wildcat range for scenic beauty. This beauty also extends to the south part of Banner county. No one can imagine the impressions one receives when one reaches the top of some eminence and looks about at the miles of evergreen fringed miniature mountains. It must be seen to be appreciated.
1843
It has been abundantly satisfactory to the organizers -- this exemplification of the community spirit ; and the Brotherhood here shown still has Rev. Runden for pastor.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
SCENIC BEAUTY -- MANUFACTURING AND OTHER INDUSTRIES
No part of the west can excel the Wildcat range for scenic beauty. This beauty also extends to the south part of Banner county. No one can imagine the impressions one receives when one reaches the top of some eminence and looks about at the miles of evergreen fringed miniature mountains. It must be seen to be appreciated.
Coming from the plains region, these mountains do not seem small. They are gigantic geological structures approximately a mile above the sea, and rising hundreds of feet, and in some instances a thousand feet, above the surrounding land. Scottsbluff mountain is 4,662 feet above sea level and eight hundred feet above the river that runs at its feet. Wildcat mountain is 5,038 feet and the Hogback is 5,082 feet above tide water, and about nine hundred feet above the adjoining valley. The
Scott Bluff Mountain
Wildcat range extends from near Bridgeport to the state line, or about forty-five miles. The range varies from two or three to five or six miles wide, and the two spurs terminating at the north with the Scottsbluft' mountain, and at the south with the Wildcat mountain, makes an extreme width of about fifteen miles.
In this forty-five miles range, there is one natural pass for travel, being known as Wright's Gap and is south of Melbeta. A number of other passages were used, but were much more difficult: there is Round House Gap, Williams Gap, Birdcage Gap, Rifle Gap, The V. and perhaps a few others. The present state and federal aid highway south of Scottsbluff and Gering is entirely artificial.
1844
The range varies from two or three to five or six miles wide, and the two spurs terminating at the north with the Scottsbluft' mountain, and at the south with the Wildcat mountain, makes an extreme width of about fifteen miles.
In this forty-five miles range, there is one natural pass for travel, being known as Wright's Gap and is south of Melbeta. A number of other passages were used, but were much more difficult: there is Round House Gap, Williams Gap, Birdcage Gap, Rifle Gap, The V. and perhaps a few others. The present state and federal aid highway south of Scottsbluff and Gering is entirely artificial. The cattle trails ran here and there over the hills, and because this was almost directly south of the original town of Gering, a precarious roadway was made, and it was used
for freighting and stage traffic. According to present standards it would be "a pretty tough road."
But the builders either by accident or design made it run through very picturesque canyons and over a high ridge that gave one a magnificent view of the lesser hills and the distant pine and cedar fringed mountains, as well as of the valleys smooth and fair.
To the southwest were Wildcat and Hogback with their mile high summits towering above their contemporaries, and across the valley south of Lover's Leap. Southeast were Table Mountain and the Big Horns and eastward was Chinese Wall, on the south side of the range, and Castle Rock and Sheep Mountain on the north side. ' The spire of Chimney Rock, and the pile of Court House Rock were hidden by other elevations.
1845
But the builders either by accident or design made it run through very picturesque canyons and over a high ridge that gave one a magnificent view of the lesser hills and the distant pine and cedar fringed mountains, as well as of the valleys smooth and fair.
To the southwest were Wildcat and Hogback with their mile high summits towering above their contemporaries, and across the valley south of Lover's Leap. Southeast were Table Mountain and the Big Horns and eastward was Chinese Wall, on the south side of the range, and Castle Rock and Sheep Mountain on the north side. ' The spire of Chimney Rock, and the pile of Court House Rock were hidden by other elevations.
Hon. W. W. Cox, of Seward, who visited this land in 1892, tells of the scene, and thus describes the vista to the north :
''O ! the transporting rapturous scene,
The rises to my sight. Sweet hills arrayed in living green,
And a river of delight."
"Scottsbluff in the distance, and nestling beside it and Dome Rock ; at the feet, the bright bustling little town of Gering. The broad river shining in the bright sunlight like a silver spear, was sweeping through the broad valley."
Scottsbluff National Monument
As stated Benjamin F. Bribane once had a homestead filing on a part of Scottsbluff and he left without making proof. Later on T. C. Henry made a filing. He said he would make final proof, and cede it to Gering for a park. This did not materialize and later still Mrs. Gardner, the mother of Oscar W. Gardner, had a filing. She had a cabin in the bend in the bluff back of the country club house. She did not make proof, and the bluff then reverted back to the government in time to be caught in the reserve for irrigation.
1846
Henry made a filing. He said he would make final proof, and cede it to Gering for a park. This did not materialize and later still Mrs. Gardner, the mother of Oscar W. Gardner, had a filing. She had a cabin in the bend in the bluff back of the country club house. She did not make proof, and the bluff then reverted back to the government in time to be caught in the reserve for irrigation. In the land business occasionally there would come to my attention and to others the idea that the mountain would make an ideal "garden" for recreation. Near Golden, Colorado, a table mountain was converted into a "beer garden." Should Scottsbluff have met such a fate it would destroy its beauty and usefulness for recreation, for at least a part of the people.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRAJ
50.?
The thought of preserving it to all the people was the Henry view, and the Gardner view, and it was the same that inspired me to suggest to Congressman Kincaid the introduction of a bill to set it aside for a park. He informed me of the national monument law, and went with me to the proper Washington department to make the necessary application to have it so set aside. I was asked to prepare a historic statement as a basis for the request and to designate the lands. This was done and the National Park magazine used the matter practically complete in describing the monument several years later. Will M. Maupin, the editor of the Midwest, at Gering, has been designated custodian, and the public are taking a natural pride. Winfield Evans and Robert F. Neeley are proposing the setting aside of a day, and a call for volunteers for tree planting, then get trees by the thousand from the National Forest at Halsey, Nebraska, and put in a day in foresting the monument.
1847
This was done and the National Park magazine used the matter practically complete in describing the monument several years later. Will M. Maupin, the editor of the Midwest, at Gering, has been designated custodian, and the public are taking a natural pride. Winfield Evans and Robert F. Neeley are proposing the setting aside of a day, and a call for volunteers for tree planting, then get trees by the thousand from the National Forest at Halsey, Nebraska, and put in a day in foresting the monument. There are thousands of trees already upon the historic landmark varying in height from a foot to fifty feet or more. But there are many acres that are barren of trees and all they need is a chance to grow.
The; Country Club
At the foot of the National Monument of Scottsbluff the people of the county have a "Country Club," Here they have a neat and commodious club house, and golf links, and all that goes with a first class country club. During the summer season there is a custodian in charge, and the people from one end of the valley to the other, join in the sport and entertainment common and general at such places.
Experiments and Orcharding
Probably dozens in the county have sought to increase forage and hay crops by the introduction of vetches and other plants. The editor has tried a number, including the shipping of quack grass sod from Minnesota and Johnson grass sod from Arkansas. Neither has proven a success.
1848
During the summer season there is a custodian in charge, and the people from one end of the valley to the other, join in the sport and entertainment common and general at such places.
Experiments and Orcharding
Probably dozens in the county have sought to increase forage and hay crops by the introduction of vetches and other plants. The editor has tried a number, including the shipping of quack grass sod from Minnesota and Johnson grass sod from Arkansas. Neither has proven a success.
In 1889, I planted an orchard from the Crete nurseries on my father's homestead in Banner county.
In Scottsbluff city are numerous orchards on the places along Overland Road : notably the Sams place, the Howard place, the Wright place, the Dooley place, the Hall place, and what was formerly the Evans place. O. B. Brown had a fine orchard which was sold to Mr. Mills, and is now cut up into smaller places about Ninth and Tenth streets. Herman Slingbaum and C. D. Snvder have excellent fruit
acreage on Eleventh street, and Wm. Marlin on Tenth avenue. Others in the same vicinity also are growing fruit. The John Emery farm east of town, and the Joe Emery farm west of town, the C. H. Simmons orchard in the east part of the city, are close in nice orchard places.
Farther out are some of the most noted places in the county: the orchards of Ed. Scrivens and Howard Raymond northwest and those of Otto Jurgens and Teodore Carlson between here and Minatare.
1849
Others in the same vicinity also are growing fruit. The John Emery farm east of town, and the Joe Emery farm west of town, the C. H. Simmons orchard in the east part of the city, are close in nice orchard places.
Farther out are some of the most noted places in the county: the orchards of Ed. Scrivens and Howard Raymond northwest and those of Otto Jurgens and Teodore Carlson between here and Minatare.
In the north part of town are the places of A. V. (Buck) Taylor, which is largely strawberries. The Roach place, now owned by Mr. Colin, and south thereof the newer fruit orchard recently purchased by Mr. Cath, are a bower of shade and fruit. On Broadway between Twentieth and Twenty-first street, A. E. Scott has a fine orchard formerly owned by Geo. B. Luft. Across the street, is the editor's orchard in which we have a few hardy varieties of fruit. George H. Roach also planted the orchard that is now owned by D. W. Hill on Avenue A and Twenty-first street. J. R. Kelley also has a fine young orchard at the intersection of the same streets. The remnant of L. L. Raymond's former orchard is in T. C. Halley's beautiful lawn. Scattered about the city and county are younger orchards that will be a pride to the owners in the near future. The McHenry cherry orchard of Gering is another well known place.
That this community has an excellert climate for fruit has been demonstrated, and for the benefit of the people who are interested, we are giving the investigation of Jules Ami Sandoz of Sheridan county. He has been there for nearly forty years, and has developed a fruit orchard as fine as you will find in Colorado or Idaho. He cultivates and cares for his fruit for profit, and is thirty-five miles from the railroad station.
1850
That this community has an excellert climate for fruit has been demonstrated, and for the benefit of the people who are interested, we are giving the investigation of Jules Ami Sandoz of Sheridan county. He has been there for nearly forty years, and has developed a fruit orchard as fine as you will find in Colorado or Idaho. He cultivates and cares for his fruit for profit, and is thirty-five miles from the railroad station.
The Sandoz Fruit Farm
The Sunbeam Everbearing Red Raspberry developed by Prof. Hanson, from Turtle Mountain wild stock, is hardy and produces from July to October. It does not require burying in winter like some red raspberries. Ohta is another raspberry recommended bv Mr. Sandoz.
He recommends also as the best cherries for western Nebraska, the Dyehouse, Montmorency, and Wragg. They are best on north slopes. For plums, he says we can compete with California if we plant and care for the Omaha, Stella. Waneta, Wastesa, and Yutega varieties.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
For sandy land, even white sand, plant Hansen's sand cherry hybrids : Opata, Sapa, Skuya, Sansota. and Cherosoto. They will thrive well also in the heavy and black soils.
The best pears are Flemish Beauty and Moscow No. 9, which in addition to hardiness, fruitage, and other qualities, grow very straight and make nice shade trees.
The following are the choice of apples in the order given: Florence, Whitney Crab, Duchess, Wealthy, Janet, Yellow Transparent, Hibernal, Longfield, Charlamoff, Ljveland, Raspberry, Delicious, and Golden Delicious. The Charlamoff is a splendid tree for combined fruit and shade.
1851
They will thrive well also in the heavy and black soils.
The best pears are Flemish Beauty and Moscow No. 9, which in addition to hardiness, fruitage, and other qualities, grow very straight and make nice shade trees.
The following are the choice of apples in the order given: Florence, Whitney Crab, Duchess, Wealthy, Janet, Yellow Transparent, Hibernal, Longfield, Charlamoff, Ljveland, Raspberry, Delicious, and Golden Delicious. The Charlamoff is a splendid tree for combined fruit and shade.
This western Nebraska "Burbank" says, "do not plant Compass cherry -- ■ it is too poor. Yata and Sapa much better. Plant only the Beta grape. And do not plant Transparent crabs as they will infest all other trees with blight."
Paul Sandoz, a brother of the "sand hills fruit wizard," formerly lived at Bayard, on the south side of the river, and left an orchard there when he went to Oregon.
Gold Discovered
In 1S98, some one found a little float gold in the gravel on the north side of the river. Samples were thoroughly examined and small quantities found. All the gravel hills to the north were entered under the placer mining laws, and experts came from Denver to make examinations. The gold was found to be only float gold and could not be collected with the ordinary cradle. It was of such small consequence the excitement soon passed.
Recently Wallace Beatty found in the sand excavated on his sand lot between Scottsbluff city and the river a small nugget of gold and a few other particles, but they failed to appear in sufficient frequency to create much, enthusiasm. Small particles of gold that have come down from the mountains are found as far east as Broadwater.
1852
The gold was found to be only float gold and could not be collected with the ordinary cradle. It was of such small consequence the excitement soon passed.
Recently Wallace Beatty found in the sand excavated on his sand lot between Scottsbluff city and the river a small nugget of gold and a few other particles, but they failed to appear in sufficient frequency to create much, enthusiasm. Small particles of gold that have come down from the mountains are found as far east as Broadwater.
An Ancient Waterfall From a geological standpoint the editor-inchief would believe that very little gold will ever be found east of the mouth of horse creek in western Scotts Bluff county. The rock bottom ford at the upper PF ranch and the upper rim of the "state line anticline" would serve as lodging places for any gold that might be washed down the river, and should any pass those natural riffles in the rocks, if would sink to unknown depths in the sand that is known to be hundreds of feet deep.
Probably at an earlier time the state line anticline was a natural dam in the river and the country above Henry and up to Torrington may have been submerged. The water pouring over this dam gouged out a great hole under the waterfall. This in the change of years has filled up with white sand now impervious to water. So that the gold that may have come down the Platte, probably never came beyond this point, and here it is buried a thousand feet down. A few fragments have possibly come on in excessive freshets and these are being found. Float gold is so light that water will carry it on, at least some of the lighter particles, into the far sea.
1853
This in the change of years has filled up with white sand now impervious to water. So that the gold that may have come down the Platte, probably never came beyond this point, and here it is buried a thousand feet down. A few fragments have possibly come on in excessive freshets and these are being found. Float gold is so light that water will carry it on, at least some of the lighter particles, into the far sea.
Manufacturing
Scotts Bluff county has become one of the leading counties in the state for its output of manufactured or finished materials and foods.
The first manufacturing of any nature in this section of the country was at Cheyenne, in 1873, when a brick yard was started. Probably the first brick made in western Nebraska was by Bob Everett, on Willow creek, in Banner county. This was about 1888 and he hauled brick to Kimball. He also furnished the brick for the John E. Logan house in Harrisburg, which I believe is the only brick building in that town and county.
O. W. Gardner started the manufacture of brick in Scotts Bluff county. It was in 1889 that Ed. W. Sayre wanted to build a brick store. Gardner took the soil from near the corner where Stever Lowley now resides and went into the manufacture of brick. The two story Stayre store, the old Commercial hotel, and the Soder saloon building were built from the product and all are doing service after thirty years and the quality of the brick seems to have been excellent. The Soder building was moved to Scottsbluff and is now "Sweetland" and owned by Theo. Lewis.
1854
Sayre wanted to build a brick store. Gardner took the soil from near the corner where Stever Lowley now resides and went into the manufacture of brick. The two story Stayre store, the old Commercial hotel, and the Soder saloon building were built from the product and all are doing service after thirty years and the quality of the brick seems to have been excellent. The Soder building was moved to Scottsbluff and is now "Sweetland" and owned by Theo. Lewis.
Gardner put on his "darbys" and went to work in the yard like any other laborer.
Joe Kinnamon was there at the time but he was in other lines of work. He hauled home made lumber from the Kiowa mill that was used in the Sayre building, and also stringers for the old Gering bridge.
Charles Dooley manufactured some very good quality brick at the foot of the bad lands for a number of years. W. B. Cole undertook it in a small way. A. Sorenson has put a great many fair quality brick upon the market which have been manufactured at Gering.
One of the difficulties encountered in an attempt to make brick in this part of Nebraska is
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
to find clay that is free from lime. The fine particles of lime-stone that is so universally scattered throughout our soil is excellent from the point of richness of the land, but it has no virtue in brick-making. The burning of the brick also burns the lime which makes it "alive" and when water from rains or the moisture of the mortar enters the brick the lime "slacks" and bursts the brick or makes "pop holes" in them.
1855
to find clay that is free from lime. The fine particles of lime-stone that is so universally scattered throughout our soil is excellent from the point of richness of the land, but it has no virtue in brick-making. The burning of the brick also burns the lime which makes it "alive" and when water from rains or the moisture of the mortar enters the brick the lime "slacks" and bursts the brick or makes "pop holes" in them.
At Edgemont a pile of manufactured brick crumbled under this action of the elements and at other places the same trouble has been encountered. In the extreme northwest part of the state is a red bed of material called "indian paint"- and some brick were made from this at one time. They were wonderfully hard brick, water-proof and enduring. But the weight is almost twice that of other brick. Transportation being a big item in building materials the weight makes these bricks prohibitive for use outside of the immediate neighborhood.
Concrete manufacturing in its many forms is naturally a part of the present age in Scotts Bluff county as well as all over the west. The miles of cement sidewalks, the foundation work, the re-enforced building and irrigation structures, the tile, brick and blocks made of concrete have moun+ed into millions of dollars of structural value.
The Story of Sugar
Sugar beets as an industry came from Europe. When Napoleon ruled the affairs of France the industry was new and he told the people of that country to raise the.ir own sugar or go without. That put France in the forefront of beet sugar producing nations, although prior to the embargo Germany and the adjacent states were more extensive producers of the product.
1856
The miles of cement sidewalks, the foundation work, the re-enforced building and irrigation structures, the tile, brick and blocks made of concrete have moun+ed into millions of dollars of structural value.
The Story of Sugar
Sugar beets as an industry came from Europe. When Napoleon ruled the affairs of France the industry was new and he told the people of that country to raise the.ir own sugar or go without. That put France in the forefront of beet sugar producing nations, although prior to the embargo Germany and the adjacent states were more extensive producers of the product.
The beginning in Nebraska was some years ago at Ames, Grand Island and Norfolk. The Norfolk plant was moved to Colorado and the Ames plant became a part of the big mill at Scottsbluff.
The beginning of the culture here was probably the inspiration of the Burlington railroad which knew of the great tonnage incident to development of that industry. The person who actually started the industry in Scotts Bluff county was H. G. Leavitt. He had been connected with the Ames factory and knew from experience that beets raised in the lands dependent upon rainfall contained less sugar content than beets that are in the semi-arid region. Three peculiarities of climate are
best for sugar beet culture. Naturally deep culture is an essential. But an ideal beet climate would be one that would wet the ground thoroughly in the spring before planting time; then reasonably dry weather so that the roots will reach down to the deeper soil after moisture, thereby making a long beet. Then from about July 15 plenty of water will make heavy tonnage -- the beets growing during this midsummer period of about sixty days. For some days before the beets are barvested there should be a period of warm, sunny weather and this will put the sugar content into them.
1857
But an ideal beet climate would be one that would wet the ground thoroughly in the spring before planting time; then reasonably dry weather so that the roots will reach down to the deeper soil after moisture, thereby making a long beet. Then from about July 15 plenty of water will make heavy tonnage -- the beets growing during this midsummer period of about sixty days. For some days before the beets are barvested there should be a period of warm, sunny weather and this will put the sugar content into them. In rainfall communities there is no control over these factors, but where crops are dependent upon irrigation for moisture there is a measurable control of the conditions desired. Mr. Leavitt and Mr. Geo. W. Holdredge found in Scotts Bluff county soil the essential qualities for beet growing and in the climate they found that which was lacking at Ames. Beets were raised and shipped to Ames where chemical tests were made and found as desired.
Beets were raised at a promised price of five dollars per ton but the factory went broke and paid much less. The demonstration proved that tonnage and content were as anticipated and of such volume and quality that we have sugar factories here. It is by far the largest single industry in the North Platte valley. Four large factories are in the valley and three of them within the limits of Scotts Bluff county. Probably six hundred thousand tons of beets were grown in the county and the farmers received therefor approximately seven million dollars. About two million bags of sugar was the 1920 output. Before the war the average consumption of sugar per capita was about eighty pounds but it has fallen some below that since, owing to the habits and lessons of the war.
1858
Four large factories are in the valley and three of them within the limits of Scotts Bluff county. Probably six hundred thousand tons of beets were grown in the county and the farmers received therefor approximately seven million dollars. About two million bags of sugar was the 1920 output. Before the war the average consumption of sugar per capita was about eighty pounds but it has fallen some below that since, owing to the habits and lessons of the war. It will be seen that Scotts Bluff county produced sugar sufficient for over two million people.
The county has three large mills, the largest and first built being at Scottsbluff city. The next was built at Gering and the third at Mitchell. A fourth factory is at Bayard within two miles of the Scotts Bluff county line. The four are all the mills of the Great Western Sugar Company with headquarters at Denver.
The story of the first mill and the efforts to locate the same in this valley is told that the spirit of the people of the valley be shown. In the years of its initiation the Great Western sent several men into the valley to look it over and report. By accident I met W. H.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Fairbrother and made one or two trips with him. One time I took him to look over the Hiersche farm of two hundred acres east of town and tried to point out its attractive features as a suitable location for a sugar factory.
1859
The story of the first mill and the efforts to locate the same in this valley is told that the spirit of the people of the valley be shown. In the years of its initiation the Great Western sent several men into the valley to look it over and report. By accident I met W. H.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Fairbrother and made one or two trips with him. One time I took him to look over the Hiersche farm of two hundred acres east of town and tried to point out its attractive features as a suitable location for a sugar factory.
As the matter seemed near to culmination A. V. Officer came into the valley. We had a sort of a commercial club that occasionally met in the hall of the old frame that stood where the First National Bank now stands and for the time had Charles A. Morrill for its presiding officer. Morrill, J. C. McCreary, F. F. Everett and Fred A. Wright with "Doc" A. T. Crawford drove overland to Denver, encountering considerable snow south of Cheyenne, and met some of the officers of the sugar company and they left but little unsaid that needed to be said in favor of the point.
Enthusiasm ran high and so high that a telegram signed by C. A. Morrill as president of the commercial club went to the Lincoln
Sugar Factory, Scottsbluff
Land Company and several others that might be interested. Charlie did not happen to be at home at the time but he did happen to be in how he telegraphed from Scottsbluff when he was already in Lincoln.
1860
Crawford drove overland to Denver, encountering considerable snow south of Cheyenne, and met some of the officers of the sugar company and they left but little unsaid that needed to be said in favor of the point.
Enthusiasm ran high and so high that a telegram signed by C. A. Morrill as president of the commercial club went to the Lincoln
Sugar Factory, Scottsbluff
Land Company and several others that might be interested. Charlie did not happen to be at home at the time but he did happen to be in how he telegraphed from Scottsbluff when he was already in Lincoln.
But the result was that the sugar company asked for an option upon not less than ten thousand acres of land which they would select east of the town of Scottsbluff at a maximum price of not over $115 per acre, and contracts for the raising of not less than ten thousand acres of sugar beets for the year. The first the office of the Lincoln Land Company at Lincoln when the telegram arrived. They handed it over to him and asked him why and was reasonably easy to get but the latter more difficult, owing to the fact that other towns would refrain from any encouragemen of sugar beet raising for a factory at Scottsbluff -- each hoping the lightning would strike its way. J. C. McCreary, F. F. Everett and I went out
on several of the trips to secure the land. The first place optioned was the Hiersche 200 acres. We then secured the W. S. Cline land and the lands of J. E. Armstrong, Albert Harrison, Norman DeMott, W. H. Johnson, Harry Walker, John A. McGowan and part of the F. F. Everett farm. Two others were desired but not obtained, although in one case the party signed up an option then declined to deliver it.
1861
on several of the trips to secure the land. The first place optioned was the Hiersche 200 acres. We then secured the W. S. Cline land and the lands of J. E. Armstrong, Albert Harrison, Norman DeMott, W. H. Johnson, Harry Walker, John A. McGowan and part of the F. F. Everett farm. Two others were desired but not obtained, although in one case the party signed up an option then declined to deliver it. I remember McCreary saying, "we either want it or know that we do not have it. If you cannot give it to us burn it up," and it was burned in the kitchen stove. The highest price paid for any of the land was $250 per acre for the McGowan forty. No land was bought for less than $115, and most of it for around $150. In the totals it was found that the purchase price was about $23,000 more than the price the company wished to pay. This was made up by popular subscriptions from the local people. As usual some paid more than their business would justify and others paid less, and some who subscribed refused to pay at all and were let out of it without any attempt to collect.
Then came the question of acreage. When about six thousand of the ten thousand acres were subscribed it was found difficult to get more. Some of the beet acreage subscribed was raw prairie and hardly to be classed as beet land. In this we are all surprised at the results from prairie land put into beets. It took considerable emphasis on the part of such positive natures as Craig McCreary to get the company to accept our claim that the acreage question was solved and that the additional four thousand acres would be subscribed as soon as it was definitely given out that the factory was to be located at Scottsbluff.
1862
Some of the beet acreage subscribed was raw prairie and hardly to be classed as beet land. In this we are all surprised at the results from prairie land put into beets. It took considerable emphasis on the part of such positive natures as Craig McCreary to get the company to accept our claim that the acreage question was solved and that the additional four thousand acres would be subscribed as soon as it was definitely given out that the factory was to be located at Scottsbluff. We "got away with it" but the fact was that there were never over seven thousand acres raised that year. It is also a fact that the factory did not care for more beets at that time as it was a little late in getting started.
There were acres covered with machinery shipped in and under the direction of Geo. Cumbers this gradually went into place. Some of the parts of the old Ames factory were used and much new machinery. As a tribute to the intelligence of the construction genius let it be said that thirteen acres of floor space was filled with complicated machines all driven from one propelling engine and that when ready to start it started and ran for sixty days and nights without a pause for adjustments or any other cause.
The struggles incident to the location of the first factory in Scotts Bluft" county have been
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
duplicated in a way by the building of the others at Gering, Mitchell and Bayard. Not perhaps quite so intense, for the company has not required the exacting terms in other cases since they were unnecessary. Acreage has always been more than the local factories could consume and tons have been shipped out to the factories of Colorado.
1863
The struggles incident to the location of the first factory in Scotts Bluft" county have been
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
duplicated in a way by the building of the others at Gering, Mitchell and Bayard. Not perhaps quite so intense, for the company has not required the exacting terms in other cases since they were unnecessary. Acreage has always been more than the local factories could consume and tons have been shipped out to the factories of Colorado.
The property of the Great Western Sugar Company in Scotts Bluff county is probably worth seven or eight million dollars and including the Bayard mill will probably represent ten million dollars in value.
The by-products from the mills -- pulp and syrup -- is of great interest to the feeding industry; thousands of cattle and sheep being fed annually adjacent to the sugar factories. Stock feeding yards covering hundreds of acres are near the mills and the company as well as others use them in the feeding season.
The Soil
I have told the story of "The Gering River" which ran westward into an inland sea. The enduring monuments that form the Wildcat range were then laid down. At Chimney Rock it was 140 feet deep as shown by the depositions in the spire. But much of the rich soil of Scotts Bluff county was laid in the bottom cf possibly one hundred fathoms of water before that river was in existence. Sheep -Mountain, Castle Rock, and Scotts Bluff are distinctive monuments of the ancient river and in part the valley lying alongside received its alluvial substances from wash from these hills.
1864
The enduring monuments that form the Wildcat range were then laid down. At Chimney Rock it was 140 feet deep as shown by the depositions in the spire. But much of the rich soil of Scotts Bluff county was laid in the bottom cf possibly one hundred fathoms of water before that river was in existence. Sheep -Mountain, Castle Rock, and Scotts Bluff are distinctive monuments of the ancient river and in part the valley lying alongside received its alluvial substances from wash from these hills.
The oxidization of the rocks that ages ago were strewn upon the turbulent main is one of the sources of wonderful fertility. Oxigen and hydrogen, the wonderful invisible elements of Infinite, have been at work for a million years -- incessantly penetrating the flinty substances of the younger world. And while the waters covered our country minute marine life put into the sedimentation the elements that make it now rich in potash, lime, and all the qualities required for crop raising, and all the especially desirable crops for the human race.
The big farms of the valley have been gradually cut into smaller acreage for it is found that one does not need a large acreage. As Arnold Martin said : "Twenty acres is enough for any man, forty acres is a calamity and eighty acres a catastrophe." The brain has the better chance to expand on a smaller acreage according to intensive farming methods.
The work of enriching the irrigated lands goes on with the years. Baron Munchausen
1865
The big farms of the valley have been gradually cut into smaller acreage for it is found that one does not need a large acreage. As Arnold Martin said : "Twenty acres is enough for any man, forty acres is a calamity and eighty acres a catastrophe." The brain has the better chance to expand on a smaller acreage according to intensive farming methods.
The work of enriching the irrigated lands goes on with the years. Baron Munchausen
once said of the waters of a river similar to the North Platte that in every gallon of water there was a peck of sediment. Other notable characters have said that "Platte river waters were too thick for batter and too thin for dough." During the high water period some tests were made and about twenty-five per cent of the fluid dipped from currents of the river proved to be sediment -- largely silt. This spread out by the network of irrigation ditches over the farms year after year is of immense value, said to be two dollars and upwards per acre each year. Few rivers in the world carry as much solid matter as does this "America's Valley of the Nile."
Oil and Gas
Scotts Bluff county has probably the first discovery of natural gas and oil in Nebraska. A number of years ago Wm. Sturgis made some test drillings in the county along Horse creek. The well at the mouth of the creek nearly a thousand feet deep disclosed evidence of the ancient waterfall heretofore mentioned. Near the Mihan farm in the northeast quarter of section 34-23-58 the discovery of oil sands and gas was made. The quantity is small, the depth thereto is shallow, less than one thousand feet, but through all the years there has been a steady flow of gas from the four inch pipe in the well.
1866
The well at the mouth of the creek nearly a thousand feet deep disclosed evidence of the ancient waterfall heretofore mentioned. Near the Mihan farm in the northeast quarter of section 34-23-58 the discovery of oil sands and gas was made. The quantity is small, the depth thereto is shallow, less than one thousand feet, but through all the years there has been a steady flow of gas from the four inch pipe in the well. It is in sufficient quantity to burn when confined to a small hole.
The Prairie Oil & Gas -- a subsidiary of the Standard Oil -- drilled to the south of the county and are operating in the Goshen Hole to the west. The Centennial well and the new well just spudded in by an Ohio company are within ten miles of the west county line. A well at Agate about twenty miles from the north county line is down some distance with good prospect. Oil and gas are found seeping from the ground in some parts of Scotts Bluff county and there is evidence of one "very old structure" a part of which is within the county and of several "newer structures" in whole and in part within the county limits.
Other Resources The county has abundant resources other than its argicultural and sugar manufacturing. The Wildcat range has many beds of excellent volcanic ash, one being about eight feet thick and of great purity. In the Owl creek country there are magnesium outcrops that are valuable. Wonderful and extensive beds of gravel are here and there throughout the county. Some of these are of the quality and color of the famous Sherman hill gravel used for
1867
Other Resources The county has abundant resources other than its argicultural and sugar manufacturing. The Wildcat range has many beds of excellent volcanic ash, one being about eight feet thick and of great purity. In the Owl creek country there are magnesium outcrops that are valuable. Wonderful and extensive beds of gravel are here and there throughout the county. Some of these are of the quality and color of the famous Sherman hill gravel used for
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ballast on the Union Pacific right-of-way and along- the Lincoln Highway. Wallace Beatty of Scottsbluff has opened up the largest gravel deposit in a mercantile way and ships out hundreds of tons of the product for state aid and other highways and for building purposes.
In the moderately new geological formations of the rocks there have been some examinations made with a view to discovering a bed of thorium content. Thorium or Valadinum is used in steel to temper it and make it more serviceable for uses which its fusing temperature will now not permit it to be used. Tests have found some rocks radio active and with two-tenths of one per cent the required mineral -- not sufficient for development. But its being radio active and the presence of the mineral make further prospecting sure and it may be successful.
There have been no coal discoveries of consequence in the county although undoubtedly ligniteous coal underlies the county's soil. The depth, is, however, prohibitive from a commercial standpoint.
Potash production is only in connection with the sugar factory at Scottsbluff and the low price of the commodity made the plant lie idle the year of 1921. It is made from the waste waters from the mills at Scottsbluff and Gering which is piped into a large storage reservoir and later reduced to potash.
1868
There have been no coal discoveries of consequence in the county although undoubtedly ligniteous coal underlies the county's soil. The depth, is, however, prohibitive from a commercial standpoint.
Potash production is only in connection with the sugar factory at Scottsbluff and the low price of the commodity made the plant lie idle the year of 1921. It is made from the waste waters from the mills at Scottsbluff and Gering which is piped into a large storage reservoir and later reduced to potash.
THE COUNTY MILITARY RECORD -- HONOR ROLL -- FRATERNAL ORDERS
One of the forever bright spots in the history of Scotts Bluff county will be the part she took in the great World War. This county stands with but few equals, in a state that had no equal in the constructive and substantial parts of the world's conflict.
When the great forest fire in northern Wisconsin was raging some years ago, it reached the shore of Tomahawk lake. Out on this lake on rafts, were refugees, a mile from the shore. The heat became so intolerable, that they dropped over the edges of the rafts into the water up to their necks, and repeatedly ducked their heads. A great sheet of flame stretched out across the water and over their heads, and set the forest on fire about a half mile beyond them. The flames leaped nearly one and one-half miles, a distance unheard of in forest fires, and theretofore believed an impossible distance for a fire to leap.
1869
The heat became so intolerable, that they dropped over the edges of the rafts into the water up to their necks, and repeatedly ducked their heads. A great sheet of flame stretched out across the water and over their heads, and set the forest on fire about a half mile beyond them. The flames leaped nearly one and one-half miles, a distance unheard of in forest fires, and theretofore believed an impossible distance for a fire to leap.
So many of us said wisely to ourselves, when President Wilson made his famous trip into the west, telling us that the world was on fire, that if we staid on our side of the broad Atlantic, that great green ocean would be the natural and invincible "safeguard" beyond which the flames of Europe would not reach. This was our mistake, for we had not reckoned with the ambition of the insane monarch, and the war mad brutal bestiality of the Prussian. Germany and the German people were
but pawns in the game. They had been taught for generations things concerning the power, the intelligence and the destiny of the race.
Germany's threat to make the United States pay indemnity, for the losses her war lords claimed were due to munition and food supplies for the Allies and none for the Central Empire, was a factor in inducing the United States to enter into the conflict.
Before the formal entry of this country into the fray, many theretofore Americans, crossed the Canadian line and became citizens of the Dominion, and enlisted under the English flag. Thousands of Italians and French people returned to their native lands to fight for the country that gave them birth.
1870
Germany's threat to make the United States pay indemnity, for the losses her war lords claimed were due to munition and food supplies for the Allies and none for the Central Empire, was a factor in inducing the United States to enter into the conflict.
Before the formal entry of this country into the fray, many theretofore Americans, crossed the Canadian line and became citizens of the Dominion, and enlisted under the English flag. Thousands of Italians and French people returned to their native lands to fight for the country that gave them birth.
When the ruthless warfare on the seas took form that made it impossible for the United States to remain quiet longer, congress, instead of declaring war upon Germany, declared that a state of war already did exist. Then the thousands of Americans which before had reluctantly held back, waited no longer, and "volunteered." Those who thus "enlisted" became one class or part of the American army. Those who joined the army by "voluntary induction" became another portion of the whole, while the regular for of registration and "induction" became the third, and by far the largest part of the mighty army of the Republic of the United States.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
The call for registration came soon after the declaration that a state of war existed, or in April, 1917.
The Registration
The registration of June 5, 1917, was red letter day in the history of America, when an army of ten million fighting men became available for service. In Scotts Bluff county the people who participated in and assisted in the work of conscription as registrars performed their work with unabating zest. Like each of the several departments of war work there was no flagging of spirit.
1871
The call for registration came soon after the declaration that a state of war existed, or in April, 1917.
The Registration
The registration of June 5, 1917, was red letter day in the history of America, when an army of ten million fighting men became available for service. In Scotts Bluff county the people who participated in and assisted in the work of conscription as registrars performed their work with unabating zest. Like each of the several departments of war work there was no flagging of spirit.
General Bundy's famous remark in answer to the suggestion of General Foch at Chateau Thierry was the idea dominant in the people of Scotts Bluff county whether in the work at home or the boys that went forth to do their duty. It will be forever remembered by the world regardless of the petty politicians that hesitate to do him honor that General Bundy said : "Americans have been forced to retire. They will not understand it; we are going to counter attack." They did and it was the beginning of the end, for from that day the Boche were on the run until the Armistice was signed. After a seventy-two day Marathon they were ready to sign anything.
Scotts Bluff county did not wait for the draft. Many of her boys went forth as volunteers and are credited to other counties, particularly Box Butte where Captain Miller organized a company and a number came from the several towns in this county.
The First Eight
1872
They will not understand it; we are going to counter attack." They did and it was the beginning of the end, for from that day the Boche were on the run until the Armistice was signed. After a seventy-two day Marathon they were ready to sign anything.
Scotts Bluff county did not wait for the draft. Many of her boys went forth as volunteers and are credited to other counties, particularly Box Butte where Captain Miller organized a company and a number came from the several towns in this county.
The First Eight
Of the first eight drawn in the draft only three returned without the scars of war. Two were badly gassed and three were killed in action. The list is here given : Lewis L. Hood, killed in action; August W. Turnbull, killed in action ; John A. Michie, killed in action ; Paul F. Bryan, gassed ; Irl J. Walker, gassed ; Charles B. Yarnell, Henry F. Kilpatrick, Reuben C. Driscoll.
Two other boys, who were born and reared in this vicinity, were among those who made the supreme sacrifice. They were Archie Irion and Charlie Wright. In honor of this sacrifice and in the memory of these native boys, the local post of the American Legion is named the Wright-Irion post.
Earl Holcomb, well known in Scottsbluff and now a resident of Gering, had one close call on the west front when the officer under whom he was serving in the medical corp was blown to atoms and Holcomb wounded. He
1873
Two other boys, who were born and reared in this vicinity, were among those who made the supreme sacrifice. They were Archie Irion and Charlie Wright. In honor of this sacrifice and in the memory of these native boys, the local post of the American Legion is named the Wright-Irion post.
Earl Holcomb, well known in Scottsbluff and now a resident of Gering, had one close call on the west front when the officer under whom he was serving in the medical corp was blown to atoms and Holcomb wounded. He
wrote home in a humorous vein concerning a safety razor his folks had sent him. He said, "It is somewhere on the west front, but I am not going to look for it."
The humorous seemed to run through the spirit of the Yankee boys in the midst of their perils and dangers. Another Scottsbluff boy. Earnest Young, was on the Tuscania when it was torpedoed off the coast of Ireland. He was one of those who reached the shore in safety. In writing home he said that he and another were playing checkers and the game was about over. He had but one king and his opponent had three. Suddenly his "king jumped all three of his opponents and the game was over." That is the way of our western boys: They treated these narrow escapes and the tragedies lightly.
At home the bond drives and all the other drives went over the top in record time. The farmers were producing wheat and sugar-- two of the much needed elements of war -- in record quantities. The council of defense and the home guards, the Red Cross and other organizations were working fine.
1874
Suddenly his "king jumped all three of his opponents and the game was over." That is the way of our western boys: They treated these narrow escapes and the tragedies lightly.
At home the bond drives and all the other drives went over the top in record time. The farmers were producing wheat and sugar-- two of the much needed elements of war -- in record quantities. The council of defense and the home guards, the Red Cross and other organizations were working fine.
A. T. Shumway was the only local man who went overseas for the Y. M. C. A. and "Pop" as the boys called him, made an excellent record according to the high standards of others directly or indirectly in the great World War from this part of the west.
Robert G. Simmons born and raised in Scotts Bluff county has been singled out for the distinctive honor of state commander of the American Legion, an organization created by members of the great American Army.
Individual mention of the hundreds of Scotts Bluff county boys that each performed his duty so well would be impossible.
The ability of the local young men to handle horses put a number of them in line for that work: Dan Ingraham, Joe Sanford, the Hiersche boys and a number of others. No matter in what particular department they were assigned there was always the splendid fidelity to duty and service that marked Scotts Bluff county as one of the brightest stars in the story of the war.
1875
Individual mention of the hundreds of Scotts Bluff county boys that each performed his duty so well would be impossible.
The ability of the local young men to handle horses put a number of them in line for that work: Dan Ingraham, Joe Sanford, the Hiersche boys and a number of others. No matter in what particular department they were assigned there was always the splendid fidelity to duty and service that marked Scotts Bluff county as one of the brightest stars in the story of the war.
Old Soldiers There is no dimming in the brilliance of the achievements of the men of old who almost sixty years ago shouldered their muskets for the land recently made more glorious by the recent war. Had they not been there with the usual purpose there would have been a divided America and perhaps no participation in the recent world conflict. There are not many of them left -- those old war horses of the past,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
but the recent registration at a reunion at Gering showed twenty-nine. Fourteen of them were from outside the county but only three from a distance. That leaves but fifteen of the registrants as residents of Scotts Bluff county. True there may have been more in the county who were not able to attend the re-union. The list of the registrants were as follows :
John W. Morris, commander, George Sowerwine, Phineas B. Gurnsey, Isaac S. Barger, J. J. Boyer, Wendell Gross, A. H. Townsend, all of Gering, Joseph W. Smith, D. D. Martindale, W. M. Fo'sket, Otis A. Richardson, Luther Mattox. all of Scottsbluff; Newton Bowman and John W. Douglass of Mitchell; and W. T. Briggs of Morrill ; I. F. Meglemre, Richard Skinner, Frederick Weber, J. S. Hutchinson and S. L.
1876
The list of the registrants were as follows :
John W. Morris, commander, George Sowerwine, Phineas B. Gurnsey, Isaac S. Barger, J. J. Boyer, Wendell Gross, A. H. Townsend, all of Gering, Joseph W. Smith, D. D. Martindale, W. M. Fo'sket, Otis A. Richardson, Luther Mattox. all of Scottsbluff; Newton Bowman and John W. Douglass of Mitchell; and W. T. Briggs of Morrill ; I. F. Meglemre, Richard Skinner, Frederick Weber, J. S. Hutchinson and S. L. Bricker of Bridgeport; James H. Daggy, James Leslie and Joseph Coty of Bayard ; John Covalt of Broadwater ; Robert Anderson of Hemingford ; S. D. Burnett of Redington; R. T. Jones and Orlando Learned of Burkett, Nebraska ; and F. M. Smith of Lyons, Kansas.
Captain Finlay was the first commander of the G. A. R. in this county and he is now bivouaoed in that farther camping ground. One of the exhibits at the recent re-union was a set of stirrups -- a present from General Tom Henderson at the close of the war to Chas. Mc- Comsey, the well known soldier and pioneer who recenly "went to the new frontier."
Fraternal Spirit and Orders
Scotts Bluff county has not been slow in the matter of' fraternals. It has seemed to the laymen that the fraternal spirit has run riot in the county to such an extent that all one needs to do is to propose to organize something and immediately the something will be organized. Some have been inclined to intimate that this is because we have so many "easy marks" but I am inclined to think that it is because the generous spirit of Scotts Bluff county people is looking for an outlet at all times.
1877
It has seemed to the laymen that the fraternal spirit has run riot in the county to such an extent that all one needs to do is to propose to organize something and immediately the something will be organized. Some have been inclined to intimate that this is because we have so many "easy marks" but I am inclined to think that it is because the generous spirit of Scotts Bluff county people is looking for an outlet at all times.
The old Scotts Bluff lodge of Masons at Gering goes back to early days and the Knights of Pythias were early at Minatare. The Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias are the three most vital organizations of fraternal orders in the county. They each have large memberships, several lodges and are alive to the principles for which their lodges were created. I think that Victor Fuehring, the present master of Robert W. Furnas lodge A. F. & A. M., at Scottsbluff, is one of the most consistent and industrious Masons that I have ever met. He was raised in the lodge of which
he is now master and has always been a faith- I ful member and attendant.
W'hile the editor was the first chancellor in I the Knights of Pythias at Scottsbluff all will agree that the most active member and the one I who is most consistent in attendance and in pre- j cept and example, is George L. Wilcox.
Val Kirkman, F. H. Koenig and W. L. Sim- 1 mons and Frank Scofield are among the active Odd Fellows.
1878
he is now master and has always been a faith- I ful member and attendant.
W'hile the editor was the first chancellor in I the Knights of Pythias at Scottsbluff all will agree that the most active member and the one I who is most consistent in attendance and in pre- j cept and example, is George L. Wilcox.
Val Kirkman, F. H. Koenig and W. L. Sim- 1 mons and Frank Scofield are among the active Odd Fellows.
Anna R. Crawford has been an organizer of 1 the Royal Neighbors for years and later of | the Woodman Circle. She has had many ex- j periences worthy of a more detailed mention because of the fidelity of purpose; illustrative as it is of the fidelity that marks the fraternal ] spirit of the people of the county. In the early days the Modern Woodmen of America was a vital order but other organizations have j passed it in importance of numbers and enthusiasm since.
The more recent creations are the Rotary Club and the Lion's Club.
The past year or two A. W. Means has been doing some wonderful work among the younger | people with his Carter canyon summer camp as well as in constant endeavor. The Boy Scout and the Campfire Girls movement have developed an excellent usefulness among the young set.
Altogether there has been a delightful and useful element in every institution that has been promulgated in Scotts Bluff county due without doubt to the spirit of the people who have become interested.
1879
W. Means has been doing some wonderful work among the younger | people with his Carter canyon summer camp as well as in constant endeavor. The Boy Scout and the Campfire Girls movement have developed an excellent usefulness among the young set.
Altogether there has been a delightful and useful element in every institution that has been promulgated in Scotts Bluff county due without doubt to the spirit of the people who have become interested.
Conclusion
The editor regrets that he must limit the number of pages devoted to the events and progress and people of Scotts Bluff county. He has been many years accumulating the stories herein told. He has omitted many that he would like to have related and there are many that should have found space that he has not heard. Some one else will some day take up the thread of events and follow on. They will fill in the omissions that I have made. There are so many that I should thank for the kindly assistance that personal mention of each individual will not be possible. I wish however all should know that I appreciate this help and to hope that a better hand than mine will complete the story of our inland empire.
The prosperity of the county in the future will fall upon its people and their co-operative efforts. The present financial condition has proven unsatisfactory in that the banks have exacted too great a tribute in proportion to the service rendered.
BANNER COUNTY
1880
There are so many that I should thank for the kindly assistance that personal mention of each individual will not be possible. I wish however all should know that I appreciate this help and to hope that a better hand than mine will complete the story of our inland empire.
The prosperity of the county in the future will fall upon its people and their co-operative efforts. The present financial condition has proven unsatisfactory in that the banks have exacted too great a tribute in proportion to the service rendered.
BANNER COUNTY
FOLLOWING HORACE GREELEY'S ADVICE -- EARLY EXPERIENCES
The historian crossed the Missouri river on September 15, 1885, and has since claimed Nebraska for his home. That trip up the Republican river and into Colorado and Kansas; then across country from Indianola to North Platte, was the prototype of the experience of many seeking new homes in the far west.
My first impression of North Platte was not of the best. It had twelve saloons that ran wide open. My opinion of "Buffalo Bill" fell several notches when I saw the Wild West saloon in which I believe he had an interest. I had come from the provincial community of western Illinois, and in the light of years have come to be more liberal in my conceptions of the early people of the plains. In subsequent years I rode the range as a "puncher" and drove twenty mule teams with one line and a blacksnake whip. I remained an abstainer and occasionally found others that did likewise ; but I learned to tolerate and really sometimes enjoy the witticisms and foolishness of those who did indulge. The fact of being sober did not reduce one in the opinion of his associates, although they in their cups and in carousals frequently "smoked up" the little cities of the plains.
1881
In subsequent years I rode the range as a "puncher" and drove twenty mule teams with one line and a blacksnake whip. I remained an abstainer and occasionally found others that did likewise ; but I learned to tolerate and really sometimes enjoy the witticisms and foolishness of those who did indulge. The fact of being sober did not reduce one in the opinion of his associates, although they in their cups and in carousals frequently "smoked up" the little cities of the plains.
I spent the winter of 1885-86 on the ranch of Hall & Evans northeast of North Platte; and one of the pleasant acquaintances of my life has been with John Evans, recently gone over the Great Divide. Father and Mother Hall have also gone to their rewards, they being devout Methodists.
In the spring of 1886 the constant string of emigrants and emigrant wagons going west along the valley of the North Platte river gave one an impression that soon the entire west would be filled with people. I grew impatient to be on my way, and in May I came to Sidney and in June went on to Cheyenne.
I shall always remember the time when we
topped the crest of the divide east of Cheyenne and I saw far away to the southwest the snowy caps of the Rocky Mountains.
During the summer I "skinned mules" on the Cheyenne & Northern, now a part of the Hill system of railroads that connects Denver with the Big Horn Basin and the Puget Sound. Here I found many homeseekers like myself who had taken claims and were out looking for a grub stake for the winter. Several were from the Box Butte Table, among whom were old time friends from Illinois, John Frazier and Henry Watson.
1882
topped the crest of the divide east of Cheyenne and I saw far away to the southwest the snowy caps of the Rocky Mountains.
During the summer I "skinned mules" on the Cheyenne & Northern, now a part of the Hill system of railroads that connects Denver with the Big Horn Basin and the Puget Sound. Here I found many homeseekers like myself who had taken claims and were out looking for a grub stake for the winter. Several were from the Box Butte Table, among whom were old time friends from Illinois, John Frazier and Henry Watson.
One does not accumulate much in working for $1.75 per day, and paying $4.50 a week for inferior board, for when the season is over there are clothes to buy to take the place of worn out garments. So when I returned to Sidney, with my new boots resting comfortably upon plush cushions, I had little residue from my summer's wages. I fell in with George Hendricks, whom my uncle George Streeter had located in Hackberryf canyon, and we shoveled coal for the Union Pacific to get the winter grub stake.
I had bought an old buckskin broncho of Charlie Trognitz and took a skinning like a tenderfoot for it developed a "setfast" -- a sore under the saddle that would heal up when the horse was not in use, but would not stand much pressure of riding, and would peel off again. On the back of this broncho we packed our belongings consisting of our beds, bacon, flour, beans, coffee, cooking utensils, axes, picks, shovels, and clothing, and started over the divide for Pumpkin creek -- our promised land. In a little over a day -- one leading the horse and the other walking behind to prod it along -- we reached Hackberry canyon, and here in a grove by the spring we built our first cabin.
1883
On the back of this broncho we packed our belongings consisting of our beds, bacon, flour, beans, coffee, cooking utensils, axes, picks, shovels, and clothing, and started over the divide for Pumpkin creek -- our promised land. In a little over a day -- one leading the horse and the other walking behind to prod it along -- we reached Hackberry canyon, and here in a grove by the spring we built our first cabin.
Three sides of it were of log and the back was against a rock. The roof was of the
5i;
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
well known materials as was the floor -- just dirt -- resting on poles and pine boughs. Up the rock side of the cabin we improvised a fireplace, made of stones gathered near by, and laid in mud from the spring and creek. Then we rigged our bunk in one side of the cabin and hung a blanket for the door.
Out of the elements at hand we had made the rudiments of a home and security prevailed, although without the coyotes and grey wolves howled, and the winds whistled through the treetops. It was a pleasant moment when all complete we were preparing our first meal ; the bacon odor filled the cabin, the coffee was steaming, the bread was baking in a skillet that leaned so that the heat from the fire would cook it one side at a time. The art of turning it when one side was done is familiar to all people of the west -- tossing it into the air and then catching it in the skillet as it came down.
1884
It was a pleasant moment when all complete we were preparing our first meal ; the bacon odor filled the cabin, the coffee was steaming, the bread was baking in a skillet that leaned so that the heat from the fire would cook it one side at a time. The art of turning it when one side was done is familiar to all people of the west -- tossing it into the air and then catching it in the skillet as it came down.
I remember at Ashford, Charlie Gilpin and I were the guests of W. W. White at his claim shack near Funnel Rock, and Charlie tried the experiment of turning a flapjack in the air, with the usual result of first experience. The "batter" side hit the wall about six feet from the floor and smeared a trail as far as gravity would take it. It is saying nothing against White as a housekeeper that the batter dried where it hit, and was there when he made final proof on the claim some months later.
The first Sunday school in Hackberry neighborhood was organized in the spring of 1887, by James Hadley, who called a few of the neighbors together at the claim house of Cora Oliver. Mr. Hadley was chosen superintendent. After the Oliver log school house was built, the Sunday school was held there.
A little later another Sunday school was organized in the residence of A. B. (Briley) Randleman near Table mountain in the Big Horn valley. Active in the work were Mr. and Mrs. Randleman, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Deaton, Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Cashier, Grant Allen and others. They named the historian as superintendent. Grant Allen was the originator of the idea that developed into a Sunday School picnic held in Hackberry canyon.
1885
After the Oliver log school house was built, the Sunday school was held there.
A little later another Sunday school was organized in the residence of A. B. (Briley) Randleman near Table mountain in the Big Horn valley. Active in the work were Mr. and Mrs. Randleman, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Deaton, Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Cashier, Grant Allen and others. They named the historian as superintendent. Grant Allen was the originator of the idea that developed into a Sunday School picnic held in Hackberry canyon. Probably this was the first of its kind in all the Panhandle of Nebraska. It was held in June, 1888, and from far and near the settlers assembled in the beautiful grove of hackberry and ash by Hendrick's beautiful spring. Many vehicles were decorated. Allen rolled up the side curtains of his covered wagon and decorated the bows, top, wheels, box, and harness artistically. I
do not know where he found the decorations ; he must have brought them with him when he came. Six of us young people rode the twelve or fifteen miles, and entered the grove in triumph, for ours was easily the prize taker.
The rocks about Hackberry canyon never before re-echoed to the sounds that came out of the grove. There were many musical selections, and John Muhr gave us a temperance lecture which was undoubtedly the pioneer dry address of western Nebraska.
Old district number ten was the first school in this part of the west and as heretofore stated the first teacher was Lora Sirpless. With the coming of the grangers there were numerous schools established almost simultaneously. Over one hundred were organized in 1887 and 1888, many of which were in the present limits of Banner county. In the Hackberry community, Samuel Oliver and John Muhr were among the organizers of a school in 1887.
1886
Old district number ten was the first school in this part of the west and as heretofore stated the first teacher was Lora Sirpless. With the coming of the grangers there were numerous schools established almost simultaneously. Over one hundred were organized in 1887 and 1888, many of which were in the present limits of Banner county. In the Hackberry community, Samuel Oliver and John Muhr were among the organizers of a school in 1887. They were on the board. Cora Oliver was the teacher first employed, and she held school in her claim house until a log school house was built.
Cora Oliver and Samuel Abbot were married on February 12, 1888, the ceremony being performed by Justice of the Peace E. M. Cowen. On that day a terrible storm raged over western Nebraska. In November, 1891, "Sam" and "Cora", as they were always called, contracted typhoid fever. Cora died December 3, and Sam on the 18th of the same month. Cowen has never performed another marriage ceremony. Once when we were both "jedges" in Scottsbluff, he came to me and asked me to perform a ceremony, for the melancholy demise of both his old friends on Pumpkin creek had made him decline to officiate at weddings.
The Abbots left two children -- a boy who died in the summer of 1892, and a girl, now Mrs. Claude North, and residing at El Paso, Illinois.
Samuel and Mrs. Oliver are now residing at Readley, California, where the youngest daughter Vera resides, and looks after them. Mrs. Oliver has been helpless for sometime with creeping paralysis and Mr. Oliver is quite feeble. The children are scattered in many states. One of .'the daughters is, at Bridgeport where her husband, Bruce Wilcox -- with her assistance -- ably chronicles through the Nezvs-Blade the story of active life and community development.
1887
Claude North, and residing at El Paso, Illinois.
Samuel and Mrs. Oliver are now residing at Readley, California, where the youngest daughter Vera resides, and looks after them. Mrs. Oliver has been helpless for sometime with creeping paralysis and Mr. Oliver is quite feeble. The children are scattered in many states. One of .'the daughters is, at Bridgeport where her husband, Bruce Wilcox -- with her assistance -- ably chronicles through the Nezvs-Blade the story of active life and community development.
Over the hill north of Freeport is a corner of Banner county somewhat isolated from the rest of the county by the "Wildcat range" of mountains. William's Gap was the somewhat rough and tumbled thoroughfare by which the people of Horseshoe Bend and lower Pump-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
kin creek mingled and visited. The gap was so named because of a unique character, George Williams who lived near there. In this country lived the Rayburns, the Hubbards, the McNetts, the Shobars, the Williams, the Roberts, the Franklins, "Johnny" Logan, "Mike" Jeffords, the Darnells, and others. I believe the Williams are all dead except H. V. (Vollie) who resides at Sidney. "Grandmother" Williams died at Caldwell, Kansas ; Quincy, at Sidney; James R. (the father of Vollie), at Sidney; George at Cassville, Perry county, Missouri (in the Ozarks). Mrs. Williams remarried at Caldwell, Kansas, to an old soldier. Both are now dead, Mrs. Williams dying in Texas.
John E. Logan went to Missouri to do some work for the Kilpatricks, and is reported to have died there.
1888
I believe the Williams are all dead except H. V. (Vollie) who resides at Sidney. "Grandmother" Williams died at Caldwell, Kansas ; Quincy, at Sidney; James R. (the father of Vollie), at Sidney; George at Cassville, Perry county, Missouri (in the Ozarks). Mrs. Williams remarried at Caldwell, Kansas, to an old soldier. Both are now dead, Mrs. Williams dying in Texas.
John E. Logan went to Missouri to do some work for the Kilpatricks, and is reported to have died there.
The Hubbards who are said to be the first settlers of Horseshoe Bend, who were in what is known as the C. D. Wood canyon are still alive in Idaho, although very feeble. He has creeping paralysis. Johnny Hubbard was killed by falling under a train on which he was a brakeman, at Weiser, Idaho, and Hudson, his brother died at Boise. William Hubbard is at North Platte in railroad work.
In this part of Banner county now resides James Jessup formerly of Scotts Bluff county, who was once candidate for county treasurer.
Settlement Groups
Around Freeport soon there were settled Thos. Wilson, the Stalcups, Henry Bruner, Hugh Milhollin, and up the creek were the Earleys, and Jim Pogue. Above the Wright ranch was Wm, Kelley, the Livingstons, Chris Streeks, and the Thoelecke place where Francois Jourdain held forth. The beginning of the Airdale ranch was north of the creek, with Philo H. Mann and Harry Eggleston in charge. Later the Hartmans moved into the canyon north of Livingston and Ingles settled on land to the south.
1889
Wilson, the Stalcups, Henry Bruner, Hugh Milhollin, and up the creek were the Earleys, and Jim Pogue. Above the Wright ranch was Wm, Kelley, the Livingstons, Chris Streeks, and the Thoelecke place where Francois Jourdain held forth. The beginning of the Airdale ranch was north of the creek, with Philo H. Mann and Harry Eggleston in charge. Later the Hartmans moved into the canyon north of Livingston and Ingles settled on land to the south.
South of Livingston, Martin Draper was early to settle and Robert Osborne came soon after. Then there were the Fitzsimmons people, our neighbors for we had our homestead joining theirs. Harry was at Colorado Springs, foreman of the Rock Island round house the last time we saw him. The elder Fitzsimmons have gone to the "new frontier" while two daughters, Mrs. J. M. Wilson, of Harrisburg, and Mrs. Charles Gingrich, of Gering, are still residents of this beautiful land. Draper has "gone on," and Osborne resides in Gering.
Sam Kelly has managed the home ranch of the old Wright place for several years ; he resides at Scottsbluff during the school year.
John Kelly has developed his holdings until he has an empire of land -- a domain that keeps him busy -- but not too busy to put in part of his time at his home on Avenue A, near 21st street, Scottsbluff, looking after his young orchard.
John Weast and family went on to Montana ; the Livingstons to Colorado ; and we know not what became of Harvey Ransier, Will Clampitt, the Calahans, and others, who in the first years went heavily after the timber supplies about Big Horn. The Brays who bought and accumulated cattle have yet a representative in the county, Ben F. Bray. In east Big Horn came the Wyatts and J.
1890
John Kelly has developed his holdings until he has an empire of land -- a domain that keeps him busy -- but not too busy to put in part of his time at his home on Avenue A, near 21st street, Scottsbluff, looking after his young orchard.
John Weast and family went on to Montana ; the Livingstons to Colorado ; and we know not what became of Harvey Ransier, Will Clampitt, the Calahans, and others, who in the first years went heavily after the timber supplies about Big Horn. The Brays who bought and accumulated cattle have yet a representative in the county, Ben F. Bray. In east Big Horn came the Wyatts and J. B. Hankinson, and in west Big Horn settled Judge Walters and John Nail. The Dicks came and went away soon. The Walters are gone, Nail is gone, Hankinson is dead, and the Wyatts moved into the Harrisburg neighborhood where the children still reside.
The first fire in Banner county-- outside of prairie fires -- was when E. M. Cowen's residence at Freeport burned to the ground with all its contents. This occurred in June, 1887. The folks had little to subsist upon until the return of Mr. Cowen from Sidney. There were numerous fish in the creek and they were easy to catch. This was the main source of provender for a few days. .
The first funeral was that of Mary Rose at Livingston June 25, 1887. Dicky Brown had lost two" children who had been buried near Wright's ranch at a date prior to the coming of the grangers. Mary Rose was twenty-two years of age, and lived with the Livingstons, and often visited for several days with Mrs. S. T. Robb at the head of the creek, where the Bay State ranch was located.
1891
This was the main source of provender for a few days. .
The first funeral was that of Mary Rose at Livingston June 25, 1887. Dicky Brown had lost two" children who had been buried near Wright's ranch at a date prior to the coming of the grangers. Mary Rose was twenty-two years of age, and lived with the Livingstons, and often visited for several days with Mrs. S. T. Robb at the head of the creek, where the Bay State ranch was located. She was buried at Livingston and her neglected grave is there yet enclosed in barbed wire.
The part of Banner county in which I landed has some of the old names and people, while many are gone. Geo. Hendricks has drifted on, and if living must be about seventy-five years of age.
Take the Hackberry neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Sam Abbott are dead. Frank Abbott was a short time ago at Gering. E. M. and Frank Cowen, Ed and Mel Denison and a few others reside in Scottsbluff. One familiar name of that old neighborhood is that of Muhr. John Muhr was among the first grangers -- a pioneer also in the temperance movement. The names of J. L., W. G, and W. A. Muhr are among
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the Banner county people who grew up and stayed with the land. In Horseshoe Bend, John McNett still holds bachelor hall as of old. A. F. Burnett, Richard Skinner, and W. M. Wisner, are familiar names to old timers.
1892
One familiar name of that old neighborhood is that of Muhr. John Muhr was among the first grangers -- a pioneer also in the temperance movement. The names of J. L., W. G, and W. A. Muhr are among
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the Banner county people who grew up and stayed with the land. In Horseshoe Bend, John McNett still holds bachelor hall as of old. A. F. Burnett, Richard Skinner, and W. M. Wisner, are familiar names to old timers.
Around Big Horn
When we topped the hill to Big Horn valley in that summer day of thirty-five years ago, there were but few settlers there. Crickbaum had almost full sway in the first section of the valley, and in the west section Geo. A. Cashier had settled. We selected a timber claim adjoining Cashier's, and a pre-emption cornering therewith. Soon about our places there were homestead domiciles : J. W. Thomas, the veteran surveyor; the Jensens, the Randlemans, the Wisconsin boys, Frank Heinz and Joe Hammerly, the Fryes, the Filers, the Brays, and Theo. Johnson with his blacksmith shop.
In the summer of 1887, Nora Thomas died and was buried on the Deaton hill, north of Big Horn. I was suddenly and unexpectedly called upon to perform the last sad rites. I quoted from Bryant's "Thanatopsis," at the grave. Nora Thomas was the daughter of the veteran surveyor.
In 1887, J.' S. Clarkson offered a prize of one hundred dollars for the best five acres of corn grown in Cheyenne county without irrigation. John S. Wright of Pumpkin Creek won the prize; he raised fifty bushels per acre. The variety grown was squaw corn which gave rise to some argument, but there was nothing in the specifications that would bar any variety of corn.
1893
Nora Thomas was the daughter of the veteran surveyor.
In 1887, J.' S. Clarkson offered a prize of one hundred dollars for the best five acres of corn grown in Cheyenne county without irrigation. John S. Wright of Pumpkin Creek won the prize; he raised fifty bushels per acre. The variety grown was squaw corn which gave rise to some argument, but there was nothing in the specifications that would bar any variety of corn.
In 1887 the roundup passed my father's homestead on Pumpkin creek terraces. It was the firsti time that our people had seen thousands of cattle trailing by for hours and it was a marvelous sight. In the passing across the country they went over the fields of the grangers, and naturally there was not much crop left. A settlers protective association was formed in the log school house just built in section 33 or west Big Horn. It never got very far, for the settlers decided that Washington was too far away to get effective action. After that "slow elk" frequently hung on the ridgepoles of the settlers. The old and infirm were cared for by the stronger and more youthful people of the neighborhood. The settlers also began to look for "mavericks" or unbranded stock among the range cattle. The more daring began to take unbranded calves from their range cow mothers.
One morning Harry Fitzsimmons rode over to the house and said someone had stolen a
heifer from his corral. The neighborhood turned out, and the trail was struck. It was easily followed to Wildcat mountain. In the black root sod on this eminence it was lost. Going down Helves canyon, Mrs. Helves declared that they had passed that way early in the dawn. She was mistaken.
1894
The more daring began to take unbranded calves from their range cow mothers.
One morning Harry Fitzsimmons rode over to the house and said someone had stolen a
heifer from his corral. The neighborhood turned out, and the trail was struck. It was easily followed to Wildcat mountain. In the black root sod on this eminence it was lost. Going down Helves canyon, Mrs. Helves declared that they had passed that way early in the dawn. She was mistaken.
Long years afterwards a letter came from Texas telling how close we were upon the real folks we were after. There was a cabin that looked deserted near which we passed in the canyon on the west side of Wildcat, and there was the heifer and the rustlers. They burned the rope before we came in view. These two men were good citizens as far as the people knew and remained as such. After years one of them was converted in Texas and he sent the price of the heifer to Fitzsimmons. I am glad we did not find them then, for Harry was mad enough to shoot.
Will Kelly's daughter was the first child born on Pumpkin creek that lived to maturity. Bess Kelly grew up in the present limits of Banner county but has since died. Ted Kelly resides on the old Kelly ranch on Pumpkin creek.
The Lone Pine District
South of the valley was the Lone Pine district. A. S. Alexander opened a store there when the land was young. Wild horses used to browse on the high tablelands and travellers could see them from afar.
1895
Will Kelly's daughter was the first child born on Pumpkin creek that lived to maturity. Bess Kelly grew up in the present limits of Banner county but has since died. Ted Kelly resides on the old Kelly ranch on Pumpkin creek.
The Lone Pine District
South of the valley was the Lone Pine district. A. S. Alexander opened a store there when the land was young. Wild horses used to browse on the high tablelands and travellers could see them from afar.
Prominent among the early names in this community were the Trowbridges, the Mc- Latchys, the Palms, the Johnsons, the Larsons, and the Petersons. All these names are still in the land -- decendant of the pioneers and in rare cases the pioneers themselves-- except Mc- Latchy.
Palm was a wizard in fruit ; he had an orchard and worked at blending varieties. Notic- •i)£ the trees that were hardy in this country, lie sought to graft domestic fruit on some of the native stock. He was successful in making plums grow on boxelder trees, but not to a commercial extent.
J. T. Bunger's was the well known place on the south divide on the road to Kimball from Big Horn and Indian Springs. Bunger had a deep well and used to haul the water out of it with a team. There was a barrel attached to the rope and he would bring up a barrel of water at a time
When coming to western Nebraska I heard of the depth to water between Hastings and Seward, and in Keith county I found a man who had just completed a well 140 feet deep. That scared me out of the fine tableland countrv that is now Perkins countv. The fine table-
1896
Bunger had a deep well and used to haul the water out of it with a team. There was a barrel attached to the rope and he would bring up a barrel of water at a time
When coming to western Nebraska I heard of the depth to water between Hastings and Seward, and in Keith county I found a man who had just completed a well 140 feet deep. That scared me out of the fine tableland countrv that is now Perkins countv. The fine table-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
lands north of Sidney and in south Banner county were no doubt passed over by dozens and hundreds of people on account of the depth to water. But that question has later been solved.
Nels Christianson, now living in Mitchell valley, has dug a mile of deep wells if they were placed end on end. His pick and shovel are a part of the collection of the state historical society at Lincoln.
BEAUTIFUL SCENERY-- TRAGEDIES-- RANCHES AND SCHOOLS
One of the most inspiring bits of scenery is on the road from Bunger's place to Indian Springs. As the road formerly ran, one approached the hills from the long hot trip over the divide near the east side of Indian Springs draw. A few pine trees attracted the eye to the west and northwest, then suddenly there would appear a grand vista of Big Horn canyon. The approach was just at the head of an abrupt canyon where there is a spring, about half a mile south of Table mountain. The longer one looked, the more it inspired ; first the close-at-hand view, and then farther away across the wide valley of the Pumpkin, were
1897
As the road formerly ran, one approached the hills from the long hot trip over the divide near the east side of Indian Springs draw. A few pine trees attracted the eye to the west and northwest, then suddenly there would appear a grand vista of Big Horn canyon. The approach was just at the head of an abrupt canyon where there is a spring, about half a mile south of Table mountain. The longer one looked, the more it inspired ; first the close-at-hand view, and then farther away across the wide valley of the Pumpkin, were
"Lover's Leap"
the castle walls of Kane's point; and to the northwest the mile high Wildcat and Hogback mountains towered.
I am not surprised that the Indians liked Indian Springs. I am not surprised that the two trails that led away across the valley led to Wildcat and to Kane's point. For at the distance these two held aloft their primitive and wilderness grandeur, inviting to the nature loving instinct in mankind.
From Indian Springs westward there is a low range of hills, in which I killed the only deer that ever fell from my gun. At the foot of these hills were I. L. Yoey, H. P. Hinds, Will S. McKee, and Levi Schooley in those
first years. Later the Fadens and Grant Brady ran their thousands of sheep on this range. J. S. Emerson's ranch occupies part of this acreage at the present time.
Nature gave Banner county the significant distinction of having within its borders several features of geological interest. Evidence points out that Horse creek formerly flowed south of Sixty-six mountain and down the valley of the Pumpkin. The wind drift of ages swept over and buried it in the west end of the county, but the flow of much of its water is through the sands and subterranean channels of the Pumpkin valley to this day.
1898
Nature gave Banner county the significant distinction of having within its borders several features of geological interest. Evidence points out that Horse creek formerly flowed south of Sixty-six mountain and down the valley of the Pumpkin. The wind drift of ages swept over and buried it in the west end of the county, but the flow of much of its water is through the sands and subterranean channels of the Pumpkin valley to this day.
Wildcat and Hogback mountains are the two highest mountain peaks in the state of Nebraska, being 5038 and 5082 feet above the sea respectively. Hon. W. W. Cox made a trip through here in the early years and remarked: "What, a mountain in Nebraska? It surely is, and it sure is a daisy."
The Flowerfield Swell is the highest land in the state of Nebraska. Near the head of Bull Canyon on the Wyoming line is the only place in the state that can be said to be a mile above the sea. Should the commonwealth evenly sink a mile the entire state would be under water except a small area on the Flowerfield swell.
So far as has been shown, the Mastodon was the first settler in the valley of the Pumpkin; and that was when the surface of that part of the world was many feet below its present level. In the well being put down on the homestead of S. B. Shumway, at a depth of sixtyfour feet, the remains of one of these primitive monsters was encountered. How much of it is there no one knows, but it is certain that we removed a part of the upper jaw containing two back teeth. These grinders weighed about eight pounds each, and were eight inches long by four in width on the grind-
1899
So far as has been shown, the Mastodon was the first settler in the valley of the Pumpkin; and that was when the surface of that part of the world was many feet below its present level. In the well being put down on the homestead of S. B. Shumway, at a depth of sixtyfour feet, the remains of one of these primitive monsters was encountered. How much of it is there no one knows, but it is certain that we removed a part of the upper jaw containing two back teeth. These grinders weighed about eight pounds each, and were eight inches long by four in width on the grind-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ing surface. In sand that showed every indication of caving, the hazard was too precarious to undertake to remove any more of the prehistoric mammoth.
Owing to deep water on the divides the homestead settlements were first in the valleys
"Twin Sisters" Rock
and the first claims on the divide were tree claims. Among the first to homestead on the Sidney tableland were the Raymond brothers. It was twelve miles north and a little east of Sidney. Downer, Teeter and Company owned a well outfit, and they were employed to put down a well. Jack McCutchin, now ( 1920) of Wheatland, Wyoming, had charge. The well was 220 feet deep, and furnished abundant water for the whole neighborhood for many years. It is still in use.
Nels Christenson, heretofore mentioned as having dug a mile of deep wells, was down 280 feet digging in the well of Andrew Liden, which was twelve miles north of Potter, in 1890. The well was a hole about two feet and ten inches in diameter, and the bucket was sixteen inches square, and weighed when full about 300 pounds.
1900
The well was 220 feet deep, and furnished abundant water for the whole neighborhood for many years. It is still in use.
Nels Christenson, heretofore mentioned as having dug a mile of deep wells, was down 280 feet digging in the well of Andrew Liden, which was twelve miles north of Potter, in 1890. The well was a hole about two feet and ten inches in diameter, and the bucket was sixteen inches square, and weighed when full about 300 pounds. When at the top of the well, it was detached, and accidently allowed to fall back in. A shout from above warned Christenson who "flattened himself" against the side of the well and held up his hands to ward off the blow. The bucket skinned his knuckles, tore the shirt and skin from his breast and landed just in front, on the bottom of the well. A day or two later he was at work, and finished the well in due time.
In the southwest part of Banner county, and the northwest part of Kimball county, there were two well fatalities in the deep wells of that vicinity. About six miles east oi the
southwest corner of the county, a fellow named Morby was buried at a depth of about two hundred feet, and at the suggestion of "nearest of kin" he was not exhumed.
Just over the line in Kimball county, a man named Peterson was buried, and after one or two attempts were made to get the body out, they came to Robert Osborne who had had experience in the mines. He said he could get to the body but someone else would have to take it out. When he reached it, he was hauled up, and another man went down and removed the body. Peterson had been in for six weeks, and was in a bad state of decomposition.
1901
Just over the line in Kimball county, a man named Peterson was buried, and after one or two attempts were made to get the body out, they came to Robert Osborne who had had experience in the mines. He said he could get to the body but someone else would have to take it out. When he reached it, he was hauled up, and another man went down and removed the body. Peterson had been in for six weeks, and was in a bad state of decomposition. The body was crouching in a half erect position under some of the caved-in curbing, but it is probable that death had been practically instantaneous.
While on the subject of tragedy, we here relate the story of the murder that occurred in the upper end of the valley, about four miles south of Hull. Four people -- three men and one woman -- selected four claims, and built one house so that one of each of its four corners would be upon a claim ; thereby four beds, one in each corner, would occupy separate homesteads. The people were Mrs. Yost and her son, and the others named Thompson and Rogers. Young Yost and Rogers were about
Smoke Stack Rock
twenty-five years old, and Thompson thirtyfive or forty. The "boys" sometimes worked out, or were getting out house logs from Bull canyon; for each had planned his individual home as soon as he could get around to build-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ing it. Thompson was supposed to put in his time in improving the several claims.
1902
Yost and her son, and the others named Thompson and Rogers. Young Yost and Rogers were about
Smoke Stack Rock
twenty-five years old, and Thompson thirtyfive or forty. The "boys" sometimes worked out, or were getting out house logs from Bull canyon; for each had planned his individual home as soon as he could get around to build-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ing it. Thompson was supposed to put in his time in improving the several claims.
Rogers came home one day from accumulating a grub stake, and complained that Thompson was not doing his share ; that he Was putting in too much time trying to win the favor of Widow Yost, and not enough on the work at hand. Rogers and Thompson had a fight, and Rogers went to the far corner of his claim and started a dugout. Thompson went to Frank Beer's store, then a little south of Eagle Nest, and bought a gun. He then went to Bull canyon where young Yost was hewing house logs, and told him of the trouble. The intimated slander of his mother made young Yost mad, and he borrowed Thompson's gun and started straight for Rogers. In a battle that followed, Yost was shot through the arm, and Rogers through the leg. The latter wound healed over, but internally began to mortify. Seventeen days after the shooting Dr. Markley, of Kimball, dressed the wound, but it was too late. Rogers died January 16, 1887, or just thirty days after the fight. A younger brother came from Belgrade, Maine, and the body was taken there for burial. The body had been laid out at Joe Menard's place, and he, with Sherm. Bookwalter, and Melt. Hill, and Bogardus Blade, kept watch while T. D. Deutsch went to Kimball to meet young Rogers.
1903
Seventeen days after the shooting Dr. Markley, of Kimball, dressed the wound, but it was too late. Rogers died January 16, 1887, or just thirty days after the fight. A younger brother came from Belgrade, Maine, and the body was taken there for burial. The body had been laid out at Joe Menard's place, and he, with Sherm. Bookwalter, and Melt. Hill, and Bogardus Blade, kept watch while T. D. Deutsch went to Kimball to meet young Rogers. They were somewhat confused in a snowstorm, and when they saw the Menard light, and drove up to the very door, the place did not look natural.
When the body reached Kimball, Doctor Field, and County Attorney Rielly were on hand, and inquest was held in Ham Lilly's barn. Mrs. Yost and her son and Thompson were arrested and lodged in the Sidney jail.
The father of young Yost, and the former husband of the widow, came out to look after the defense for the boy. As he was the one who did the shooting, he was the one against whom the prosecution directed its energy. Mrs. Yost and Thompson both testified as to young Rogers conduct, and as to what he had said. The boy was justified, according to the judgment of the time, and the others were likewise released in June of that year.
All parties faded out of the ken of Banner county, and the claims were later entered by the MisKimmons family ; thus the land first involved in tragedy, became devoted to the arts of peace and dedicated to the altar of home.
1904
Yost and Thompson both testified as to young Rogers conduct, and as to what he had said. The boy was justified, according to the judgment of the time, and the others were likewise released in June of that year.
All parties faded out of the ken of Banner county, and the claims were later entered by the MisKimmons family ; thus the land first involved in tragedy, became devoted to the arts of peace and dedicated to the altar of home.
Other Tragedies of Old
Two other tragedies have their interest to old timers on Pumpkin creek aside from the Rogers murder elsewhere chronicled.
Dave Shaw was a horse rustler in the vicinity of Camp Clarke temporarily and a posse were out after him. In the east edge of Banner county territory they had a brush with him, and Rufus Brott, a saloon man from Camp Clarke, was killed. The rustler escaped for the time being, but was later apprehended and brought before the bar of justice by George Laing.
The east end and the west end of the county being fully identified and baptised in the homicidal blood of men it was fitting that the central part should share in a Cain and Abel episode. Jim Walters who resided at Ashf ord had some kind of a difficulty with Lewis F. Enderly, a merchant at Harrisburg. We do not know the nature of their trouble but it became acute. One day Jim was in Enderly's store at Harrisburg, and was leaning upon the show case, when a friend came in and said, "Jim, you ready to go home?" Walters straightened up, and as he did so his elbow went through the glass with a crash. Enderly, a nervous man under any circumstances, grabbed a shotgun and fired with fatal effect.
1905
Enderly, a merchant at Harrisburg. We do not know the nature of their trouble but it became acute. One day Jim was in Enderly's store at Harrisburg, and was leaning upon the show case, when a friend came in and said, "Jim, you ready to go home?" Walters straightened up, and as he did so his elbow went through the glass with a crash. Enderly, a nervous man under any circumstances, grabbed a shotgun and fired with fatal effect. He testified that Jim had threatened him and he thought Walters was pulling his gun. The case never went beyond the justice court. Enderly died two years later of softening of the brain, probably accentuated by this tragedy.
The west end of the county was settling fast. Here we found the Hamptons, the Warners, the MisKimmons, the Noyes, A. B. Hull, T. W. Rockafield, the Spears, and the Spahr family, the Dunns, the Cards, and McComseys, in the Hull neighborhood ; and the Riders a little farther south. W. W. Everett was on Willow creek, and G. A. and John Snook were on Pumpkin creek below the Bay State ranch. Uzell Snook on Wildcat mountain is the son of G. A. Snook. The names of Bert Warner, W. W. Warner, Rolla Warner, Arthur Warner, Dunn brothers, W. C. Spahr, and C. W. Rider, sound like voices from home, to the old timers.
Around Ashford there are a group of likewise interesting names that hark back into the primitive years. The Howards, the Masons, the Stauffers, the Shaftos, the Walters, and the Olsons, the Andersons, Chris Pfiefer, the Shauls. Leonidas Leach brought into the county some of the finest Morgan horses ever seen in this section. Emma Leach, now of Long Beach, California, planted the trees that top the hill south of the old Ashford townsite.
1906
Rider, sound like voices from home, to the old timers.
Around Ashford there are a group of likewise interesting names that hark back into the primitive years. The Howards, the Masons, the Stauffers, the Shaftos, the Walters, and the Olsons, the Andersons, Chris Pfiefer, the Shauls. Leonidas Leach brought into the county some of the finest Morgan horses ever seen in this section. Emma Leach, now of Long Beach, California, planted the trees that top the hill south of the old Ashford townsite. To the east of this road will be seen the grove, down on the flat, that was planted by William Ashford. A little farther south will be seen the Stauffer orchard. Daniel Stauffer was firm
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
in his faith, and that faith his son, F. F. Stauffer, has shared. The result is acres of cherries. F. U. and Geo. Streeks are still on Pumpkin creek looking after the Airdale ranch, and Theo. Johnson is upon and owns the Sunderling place and a lot of adjacent lands. The Beattys have gone to Scottsbluff and prospered.
Around Harrisburg we find the names of the Cross family, the Jones, Earl and Geo. A , Mark H. Crosby, the" Downers, Stauffers, the Grubbs, the Kellys, the Langmaids, the Dubbs, the Snyders, Lars Olson, and others.
Over on the southwest table are the McKinnons, the Cox family, the VanPelts, Cvrus, William, and Mrs. T. U. All old timers remember Tom VanPelt for the good citizen that he was. Others prominent in the neighborhood for the material and civic progress of the high tableland are: John Patton, Geo. Schindler, and the Thomases, the Zorns, John V. Broadhead. Over in the Gabe Rock country J. W. Hoke formerly resided, and while he went to Colorado, one of his sons resides in the vicinity of Sixty-six mountain.
1907
Over on the southwest table are the McKinnons, the Cox family, the VanPelts, Cvrus, William, and Mrs. T. U. All old timers remember Tom VanPelt for the good citizen that he was. Others prominent in the neighborhood for the material and civic progress of the high tableland are: John Patton, Geo. Schindler, and the Thomases, the Zorns, John V. Broadhead. Over in the Gabe Rock country J. W. Hoke formerly resided, and while he went to Colorado, one of his sons resides in the vicinity of Sixty-six mountain. Rolland Bigsby carries on the family name, and Johnn'e Wynne, Rolla Alanbaugh, Gust Pearson Wilson Mitchell, Earl Harvey, and Roy D. Wilson each carries forward the spirit of enterprise that brought their ancestry into the west. Shedrick Peterson, Klaus E. Peterson, and Frank Peterson are among the well known Banner county people, while no less distinguished we find many other names. Ed Heintz, Felix Wilkinson, Mrs. L. A. Green, Mrs. S. N. Larson, Geo. W. Leafdale, Lars J. Hendrickson, Mrs. John Jensen, H. I. Miller, F. W. Schumaker, Charles V. Webber, L. M. Hopkins, W. H. McComber, Ewing Barrett, Thos. C. Barkell and A. H. Heiman, each have contributed their part in the upbuilding of community and its spirit in the parts of the county in which they respectively abide. In the northwest portion Jesse O. Ammerman and Edward J. Whipple retain the names of olden times as beacons of what can be done by young people. On Wildcat W. W. Henderson has come at a later date. The editor well remembers the Bolin Spear for the high moral standard he never failed to hold aloft and the name of Sarah M. Spear is one I notice in the later chronicles.
1908
Heiman, each have contributed their part in the upbuilding of community and its spirit in the parts of the county in which they respectively abide. In the northwest portion Jesse O. Ammerman and Edward J. Whipple retain the names of olden times as beacons of what can be done by young people. On Wildcat W. W. Henderson has come at a later date. The editor well remembers the Bolin Spear for the high moral standard he never failed to hold aloft and the name of Sarah M. Spear is one I notice in the later chronicles.
Banner county is one of the two counties in the state that has dropped in population in the last ten years. From that enormous vote cast at the county division election the population dropped back until in 1900 the census shows but 1114 people. In 1910 there were 1444. In 1920 but 1435. The area of the county is 743 square miles which gives a population of less
than two for each section of land in the county. This is principally rural population. But naturally the land must be in large holdings and some of the largest are those of Lars Olson of Harrisburg, and A. H. Olson of Ashford. John Kelly, Hope Brown estate, Joe Duckworth, and W. W. Henderson, Rolla Warner, the Harveys, the Noyes family, A. B. Beard and Millard Cluck are some of the big present acreage in individual ownership. Thos. W. G. Cox, Cyrus Van Pelt, E. J. McKinnon and many others are surrounded by great stretching acres accumulated in the years of intelligent dry farming and stock raising.
1909
But naturally the land must be in large holdings and some of the largest are those of Lars Olson of Harrisburg, and A. H. Olson of Ashford. John Kelly, Hope Brown estate, Joe Duckworth, and W. W. Henderson, Rolla Warner, the Harveys, the Noyes family, A. B. Beard and Millard Cluck are some of the big present acreage in individual ownership. Thos. W. G. Cox, Cyrus Van Pelt, E. J. McKinnon and many others are surrounded by great stretching acres accumulated in the years of intelligent dry farming and stock raising.
The Largest Ranch
The largest ranch in Banner county is called the Airdale. It has taken long years to build it to its present proportions and perfection. Harry Eggleston and Philo Mann were the first in management and the ownership was largely on T. C. Eggleston. After Harry went back east and Mann died, Trowbridge C. Eggleston himself came and developed the ranch with marked energy and ability. It is now owned by the Airdale Ranch Company and is one of the best appointed and well balanced ranches in the west. Ed. Ried, W. H. Ferguson, C. N. Wright and Del Skinner are the heavy stockholders and the extensive hay meadows are now being taken care of by Fred U. Anderson and Geo. Streeks.
Subterranean Waters
Many efforts have been made to raise the subterranean waters to do surface service. The cowboys used to pile rocks in the creek to raise the water table so that the moisture would percolate back into the adjoining land and feed the grass roots. In the dry years of the nineties many dreamed of methods of raising water that was known to exist but a few feet below the earth's surface in extensive sheets. It remained fc" A. E. Scott to sink a concrete wall to the bed rock across Pumpkin creek, intercepting the underflow and bringing it to the surface and applying it to beneficial use.
1910
The cowboys used to pile rocks in the creek to raise the water table so that the moisture would percolate back into the adjoining land and feed the grass roots. In the dry years of the nineties many dreamed of methods of raising water that was known to exist but a few feet below the earth's surface in extensive sheets. It remained fc" A. E. Scott to sink a concrete wall to the bed rock across Pumpkin creek, intercepting the underflow and bringing it to the surface and applying it to beneficial use. His plant was one of the most successful of its kind that it has been the privilege of the historian to examine. It is now owned by Dr. Simon of Sidney.
Those Early Builders The building of the first rude domiciles and later the extension of such building as the pioneers could afford by the expenditure of either time or money; the furnishing of these homes and all the other works of breaking out or fencing the land are stories of similar circumstances to nearly all.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
After building Hendrick's cabin in Hackberry it was necessary for me to build on my pre-emption. At its north end there was a little spring which we cleaned out as we did the spring at Hackberry. Then in the bank of the small arroyo we excavated the "house"' about eight by twelve feet. In front we put up cedar posts and covered the top with posts, cedar boughs and dirt. Later I boarded the room up from the bottom about four feet and used common shiplap lumber for a floor. The balance of the walls and the ceiling were covered with muslin. The front was of shiplap with a board door and one window of four 8x10 glass.
1911
Then in the bank of the small arroyo we excavated the "house"' about eight by twelve feet. In front we put up cedar posts and covered the top with posts, cedar boughs and dirt. Later I boarded the room up from the bottom about four feet and used common shiplap lumber for a floor. The balance of the walls and the ceiling were covered with muslin. The front was of shiplap with a board door and one window of four 8x10 glass. The furniture consisted of a bed built across the back part of the room, a sheet iron stove of small camping dimensions, a cracker box that served both as cupboard and table and the bed with one nail keg served as chairs.
The stable was also a dugout and we dug off a pathway so that we could easily descend from the mesa above to the door of our cabin and to the stable. This was my first claim home and we lived there -- Hendricks and I -- part of the time and part of the time in Hackberry.
We bought a team of pintail old age bronchos of Harvey Ransier with harness and wagon and were to pay for them in getting out one hundred houselogs and I don't know how many posts. We had no money -- the grubstake we had raised at Sidney was less than twenty dollars. We had worked six days at $1.75 per day each and paid out for our board so together we had about eighteen dollars to buy our axes, shovel, pick, and winter's provender as far as it would go.
1912
We bought a team of pintail old age bronchos of Harvey Ransier with harness and wagon and were to pay for them in getting out one hundred houselogs and I don't know how many posts. We had no money -- the grubstake we had raised at Sidney was less than twenty dollars. We had worked six days at $1.75 per day each and paid out for our board so together we had about eighteen dollars to buy our axes, shovel, pick, and winter's provender as far as it would go.
As my father had determined to follow into the west we got out a set of houselogs for him and erected a house 1Sx28 with a board roof. After that I made me a new log house for my homestead claim 16x26 and a story and a half high. It was floored, roofed and finished with native lumber which I had myself taken from the hills and had reduced to lumber at the old Ben Cross sawmill.
In those days it did not seem to me that we worked very hard. We seemed to have plenty of time for visiting, exploring and re-creation, yet when we sum up the quantity of work that was accomplished in the time that we had to do it we must have worked like Trojans of old. We
must have been full of the "Fires of Youth," a vitality of which the young are possessed but wholly unconscious of its existence. The hardest labor of all were the trips to Sidney for lumber which took three days to the trip.
1913
We seemed to have plenty of time for visiting, exploring and re-creation, yet when we sum up the quantity of work that was accomplished in the time that we had to do it we must have worked like Trojans of old. We
must have been full of the "Fires of Youth," a vitality of which the young are possessed but wholly unconscious of its existence. The hardest labor of all were the trips to Sidney for lumber which took three days to the trip.
The above experiences are similar to those of hundreds of others in Banner county. Those who came with some money and built better than others were soon reduced to the same rank as'the rest of us. The hard times of the early nineties was the great leveller -- all the west went broke.
Banner County Schools
There are few of us who have not at one time or another served on the school board of the home district -- my experience was in the Cashier district or No. 33 -- and few who have not at one time or another taught a district school • -- my experience in this was in the soddy school house in the "V" district. The early salaries paid teachers were not high, ranging from $22 a month to $30 per month but the schools I venture were as well taught as they are today when vou consider the equipment with wrhich
Early Schoolhouse
we had to operate. We taught the foundation studies and when one wanted "domestic science" she helped her mother at the kitchen stove ; in "scientific agriculture" we went into the fields. "Dry farming" was learned by experience and none of the old timers had time or money to take a course in the "Campbell system."
1914
The early salaries paid teachers were not high, ranging from $22 a month to $30 per month but the schools I venture were as well taught as they are today when vou consider the equipment with wrhich
Early Schoolhouse
we had to operate. We taught the foundation studies and when one wanted "domestic science" she helped her mother at the kitchen stove ; in "scientific agriculture" we went into the fields. "Dry farming" was learned by experience and none of the old timers had time or money to take a course in the "Campbell system."
In addition to the district schools of the county there is a County High School at Harrisburg, in which the higher grades are taught.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
HOW THE COUNTY BEGAN-- EARLY OFFICERS
In the middle eighties Cheyenne county was filling up with grangers. Seven counties are now embraced in the territory that was then one. The county division agitation began in 1887 and was originated by the towns along the railroad. Kimball and Chappell each had ambitions to become county seat towns, and they each wanted all the territory north to be tributary to them in matters administrative and judicial as well as commercially. This was not satisfactory to the people off the railroad, with the result that the proposed lines of division were rejected by the people. Next year, or in 1888, the five county proposal was submitted which was carried in all parts of the old county including Sidney, which had previously opposed any form of division.
1915
Kimball and Chappell each had ambitions to become county seat towns, and they each wanted all the territory north to be tributary to them in matters administrative and judicial as well as commercially. This was not satisfactory to the people off the railroad, with the result that the proposed lines of division were rejected by the people. Next year, or in 1888, the five county proposal was submitted which was carried in all parts of the old county including Sidney, which had previously opposed any form of division.
Banner county territory then had 2,721 votes -- the largest in its history -- indicating a population of 8,000. 2,064 votes were cast for division and 657 against ; more than three to one. Theo. Menges and George Moyer were leaders for division at Kimball, in both elections, but within a short time after Kimball became a county seat both of these agitators went to other fields.
There was an effort to make two counties on Pumpkin creek which would center near Freeport and Banner. E. M. Cowen headed the Freeport delegation to Kimball convention, and Robinson & Wells took active part for the Banner crowd. Banner was near the head of the creek. In the resolutions committee they won out, and on the floor of the convention, John Adams successfully threw his support to a minority report that was brought in by the delegates from the central part of the territory now in Banner county.
Wright's Precinct At the convention that was held in Wright's precinct to elect delegates to go to Kimball, there was some discussion as to the name for the proposed new county. Some proposed "Wright" in honor of the early ranchman. J. B. Hankinson proposed it be named "Frelingheuson" and other names were proposed. I was one to consult with delegates from Banner and Ashford.
1916
In the resolutions committee they won out, and on the floor of the convention, John Adams successfully threw his support to a minority report that was brought in by the delegates from the central part of the territory now in Banner county.
Wright's Precinct At the convention that was held in Wright's precinct to elect delegates to go to Kimball, there was some discussion as to the name for the proposed new county. Some proposed "Wright" in honor of the early ranchman. J. B. Hankinson proposed it be named "Frelingheuson" and other names were proposed. I was one to consult with delegates from Banner and Ashford. We met at the latter place and H. L. Wells, S. M. Smith, and the historian were appointed a committee to agree upon a name. We not only selected the name "Banner county," but we proposed the design for the county seal which was later adopted
by the commissioners, and is the present seal of the county. In the circle will be found a banner, and across its face is a line indicating the stream that traverses the county from west to east. In the center of the banner is shown a pumpkin ; thus stamping Banner county and Pumpkin creek upon every official document from the county record.
Immediately after it became known that the new county was to be a fact, the politicians and statesmen became very busy. There instantaneously appeared four aspirants for county-seat honors ; namely Ashford, Banner, Freeport, and Harrisburg. A convention was called to meet in Harrisburg to nominate a county ticket.
1917
In the center of the banner is shown a pumpkin ; thus stamping Banner county and Pumpkin creek upon every official document from the county record.
Immediately after it became known that the new county was to be a fact, the politicians and statesmen became very busy. There instantaneously appeared four aspirants for county-seat honors ; namely Ashford, Banner, Freeport, and Harrisburg. A convention was called to meet in Harrisburg to nominate a county ticket.
Those not successful in their ambitions, and others not present, decided that this convention did not properly represent the voice of the people and another convention met at Ashford a short time afterwards. There were two of the Harrisburg ticket that met favor at Ashford. Clara Shumway for superintendent, and W. W. Renfrow for sheriff, were on both tickets. The result of the election showed that some of the others were practically unopposed, but the fight was on commissioner and attorney. In the first district, E. M. Cowen defeated A. L. Deaton for commissioner ; Ira Paver and G. W. Rockafield being the other two commissioners elect. A. H. Dunlavy and W. R. Hampton contested honors for attorney, and Dunlavy won. The other first county officers were: J. E. Logan, clerk; Cyrus Van Pelt, treasurer; Henry Walters, judge; W. W. Renfrow for sheriff and Clara Shumway for superintendent as aforesaid.
The county was organized on January 29, 1889, and Ashford was chosen the temporary county seat by the commissioners. An election was called to locate the seat of county government permanently, and at the first election Banner was eliminated. Another election resulted in the selection of Harrisburg, for Freeport went over in a body for that point quite to the surprise and chagrin of Ashford.
1918
Renfrow for sheriff and Clara Shumway for superintendent as aforesaid.
The county was organized on January 29, 1889, and Ashford was chosen the temporary county seat by the commissioners. An election was called to locate the seat of county government permanently, and at the first election Banner was eliminated. Another election resulted in the selection of Harrisburg, for Freeport went over in a body for that point quite to the surprise and chagrin of Ashford.
What was considered one of the shrewd political moves of the time was when a meeting was being held to determine the basis of representation for a coming convention. M, E. Shafto proposed that it be on the basis of one delegate for each fifteen votes or major fraction thereof, cast at the last election. This was adopted, and when the vote was appor-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
tioned it was found that Long Springs precinct (containing Harrisburg) had cast 82 votes and Ash ford 83. This one vote for Ashford gave that precinct one additional delegate and the balance of power in the convention that followed. It was a long time before the politicians of Harrisburg could forgive or forget Shafto.
The following is the official history of the county from the beginning: clerks, J. E. Logan who served two terms ; J. W. Hoke followed serving two terms, after which M. E. Shafto served two terms. J. W. Hoke was then returned for two more terms. Murdoch McLeod followed and he was succeeded by A. J. Shumway. In September, 1905, Shumway removed to Scottsbluff. He resigned and C. S. Page was appointed. Dr. Page served for nearly fourteen years, retiring in January, 1919. R. D. Wilson then assumed the duties of the office and was re-elected at the last election.
1919
Hoke followed serving two terms, after which M. E. Shafto served two terms. J. W. Hoke was then returned for two more terms. Murdoch McLeod followed and he was succeeded by A. J. Shumway. In September, 1905, Shumway removed to Scottsbluff. He resigned and C. S. Page was appointed. Dr. Page served for nearly fourteen years, retiring in January, 1919. R. D. Wilson then assumed the duties of the office and was re-elected at the last election.
Treasurers: Cyrus VanPelt was the first treasurer and served two terms. VanPelt has no hands, both being lost in an accident when quite young, but he is a good scrivener and accountant. He holds the stock of the pen between his wrists and writes with free arm movement. Years of practice made it easy for him to pull loose change from his pocket with his stub of an arm, and as easy to return to that receptacle moneys that he wished to so deposit. Byron VanVleet followed VanPelt, for one term, and then came H. L. Graves. Owing to difficulties in his accounts he resigned in November. 1896, and A. E. Scott was appointed. Scott was re-elected, after which J. M. Wilson served two terms. John E. Wyatt then was treasurer for four years after which Wilson was returned to the office, the only treasurer having that signal honor. From January, 1910, J. W. Hill served two terms, and then J. B. Heintz followed for two terms or five years, the biennial election law giving him one year additional to the regular term. J. E. Schindler assumed the office in 1919 and was re-elected at the last election.
1920
Wilson served two terms. John E. Wyatt then was treasurer for four years after which Wilson was returned to the office, the only treasurer having that signal honor. From January, 1910, J. W. Hill served two terms, and then J. B. Heintz followed for two terms or five years, the biennial election law giving him one year additional to the regular term. J. E. Schindler assumed the office in 1919 and was re-elected at the last election.
Judges : Henry Walters was the first county judge. In 1890, J. B. Hankinson was elected serving one term. S. B. Shumway then served for two years, and A. H. Dunlavy followed for one term. Levi Schooley then served a- term after which H. P. Hinds served two terms thereby breaking the record. Schooley was then returned for another term after which J. W. Hoke served one term and was re-elected. He resigned in July, 1907, after which M. E Shafto was appointed. Shafto was twice reelected and then S. E. Cross served three years.
Shafto was returned to the office in 1915 and being re-elected at the last election his present term will make about fifteen years service as judge with the last ten years uninterrupted. Adding to this his four years as clerk, M. E. Shafto is easily the Dean of Banner county official life.
Superintendents : Beginning with the election of Clara Shumway as county superintendent in 1889, and her re-election in 1890, the schools of Banner county have been well looked after for the more than thirty years. The record shows the first teacher's certificate was issued to Gertrude Ashford. Following, Ella Freeman served one term as superintendent and Jones M. Clapp one term. Grant Allen assumed the office in 1896, but resigned in August, 1897. A. S. Alexander then served until 1899, when E.
1921
Superintendents : Beginning with the election of Clara Shumway as county superintendent in 1889, and her re-election in 1890, the schools of Banner county have been well looked after for the more than thirty years. The record shows the first teacher's certificate was issued to Gertrude Ashford. Following, Ella Freeman served one term as superintendent and Jones M. Clapp one term. Grant Allen assumed the office in 1896, but resigned in August, 1897. A. S. Alexander then served until 1899, when E. F. Barfoot assumed the office for a year. Mrs. W. E. Heard was then chosen, and re-chosen two years later, after which Mrs. Mamie Faden was superintendent for two years. Jessie Barfoot then began her four year period after which M. M. Belain served for five years. Minnie Larson then was at the head of the county education for four years, followed by one term by Fred Johnson. At the last election J. H. Macauley was elected and is serving at the present time.
Sheriffs : Ten different men have served as sheriff of Banner county beginning with W. W. Renfrow. David W. McKee followed, after which Vance Cross broke the record by a service of four years. David Muldrew then served one term, and he was followed by John R. Kelly. F. E. Woodard then followed and he was succeeded by H. A. Downer. William H. Ingles served as sheriff for two terms, after which H. A. Downer was returned to the office and served for seven years. In 1915, Patrick O'Grady assumed the duties of the office and so well has he performed them that he has no opposition at the succeeding elections. By the end of his term, his will be the longest uninterrupted service in the office, and will also have passed Downer's total service of a little over seven years.
1922
Ingles served as sheriff for two terms, after which H. A. Downer was returned to the office and served for seven years. In 1915, Patrick O'Grady assumed the duties of the office and so well has he performed them that he has no opposition at the succeeding elections. By the end of his term, his will be the longest uninterrupted service in the office, and will also have passed Downer's total service of a little over seven years.
County Attorneys : A. H. Dunlavy was the first county attorney serving two years. J. C. Black then served for a little over a year. W. R. Hampton served the county for a year as prosecutor, after which C. M. Woodard served for six years. A. S. Alexander then was attorney for a time. The law was amended to permit the selection of non-resident attorneys and Fred Wright was appointed in 1906 serving four years. W. W. White, of Gering, was then chosen and served seven years. J. A.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Rodman of Kimball has served four years, and recently O. J. Torgerson was appointed.
Commissioners : In the first district, E. M. Cowen was the first to be selected. In 1890, Hugh Millhollin assumed the duties of the office. W. E. Wyatt was chosen in 1891 and served six years. John Hendrikson then served for six years and he was followed by the late Hope Brown for two terms or a total of six
Wheat Seeding years. Victor Peterson then served for three years being followed by T. H. Smith, who served nearly two terms. Peterson was then returned to the office until 1919, when W. E. Burnap, the present incumbent, was elected Wyatt, Henrikson, and Brown are tied for the long period of service each being for six years while Peterson has nearly five years to his credit.
1923
John Hendrikson then served for six years and he was followed by the late Hope Brown for two terms or a total of six
Wheat Seeding years. Victor Peterson then served for three years being followed by T. H. Smith, who served nearly two terms. Peterson was then returned to the office until 1919, when W. E. Burnap, the present incumbent, was elected Wyatt, Henrikson, and Brown are tied for the long period of service each being for six years while Peterson has nearly five years to his credit.
In the second district, Ira Paver was the first commissioner. J. T. Bunger then followed for a year, and F. R. Stewart served a year. John Rowley then was chosen for one year after which Stewart was returned for three years. Wm. Ramsbottom then served one vear, W. S. McKee completing his term and then being re-elected for two full terms or a total of over seven years service. D. W. (Billy) Hill was then chosen in a surprising way by a popular movement for writing his name upon the ballot and defeating the regular candidate whose name was printed on the ballot. Hill served two terms or six years. F. F. Stauffer was then chosen for four years ; Lars Olson followed for four years, and Grant Meek, the present incumbent of the office, was chosen in 1919.
In the third district, G. W. Rockafield was the first commissioner. T. L. Pierce was the successor and he was followed by J. M. Mann. F. O. Baker was elected in 1895 and served nearly eight years. W. E. Heard then served for two years, and Chas. H. Spieth a little over five years. C. G. Peterson completed the term after which G. A. Millett held a four year
1924
Stauffer was then chosen for four years ; Lars Olson followed for four years, and Grant Meek, the present incumbent of the office, was chosen in 1919.
In the third district, G. W. Rockafield was the first commissioner. T. L. Pierce was the successor and he was followed by J. M. Mann. F. O. Baker was elected in 1895 and served nearly eight years. W. E. Heard then served for two years, and Chas. H. Spieth a little over five years. C. G. Peterson completed the term after which G. A. Millett held a four year
term. L. H. Warner then was commissioner for five years being followed by J. W. Cross who was chosen at the last election.
Good old names are those we find on the roster of Banner county official life. In the entire list one will find but few that were not strong and true to their obligations -- a less percentage than you will find in the story of a state. The people knew their neighbors and voted for them because of their respective merit, which is not always true of state officers. Banner county's financial condition, her law abiding citizenship, and her material advancement, are evidence of the good management of public and private affairs within her borders.
Many are the other good old names that do not appear in the county official life. All cannot hold office ; some hold the minor offices in the county with excellent record and others never aspired to office of any kind. The southwest part of the county, the valley around Harrisburg, and the tableland south are filled with the good people whose names are familiar and who have been there for a generation. Other parts of the county have equally as good representation, but perhaps the tableland has developed more rapidly as, a wheat and grain producing community, for there is no better soil to be found anywhere in Nebraska.
1925
All cannot hold office ; some hold the minor offices in the county with excellent record and others never aspired to office of any kind. The southwest part of the county, the valley around Harrisburg, and the tableland south are filled with the good people whose names are familiar and who have been there for a generation. Other parts of the county have equally as good representation, but perhaps the tableland has developed more rapidly as, a wheat and grain producing community, for there is no better soil to be found anywhere in Nebraska.
Here the modern method, tractor farming, is at its best, for the far reaches of prairie offer no obstruction. The only limitation to the length of the furrow is the ownership of the land. Last year there was a section of wheat raised along the state and federal aid state road south of Harrisburg that not a hoof of an ani-
Marketing Potatoes
mal touched. It was plowed, disced, harrowed, seeded, harvested, threshed, and hauled off the place with machinery. A combination harvester and thresher was used in garnering the crop ; and motor driven trucks hauled it away. This, however, is an extreme case of fanning by machinery. Nearly everyone has some horses and cows are a necessity on a farm. The
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
is yet the queen of the state and the bidlen is a maid of honor, inner county now has but seven precincts ced to meet the present requirement of the
1926
A combination harvester and thresher was used in garnering the crop ; and motor driven trucks hauled it away. This, however, is an extreme case of fanning by machinery. Nearly everyone has some horses and cows are a necessity on a farm. The
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
is yet the queen of the state and the bidlen is a maid of honor, inner county now has but seven precincts ced to meet the present requirement of the
population. All are old names except one. The present voting divisions are : Epworth, Flowerfield, Gabe Rock, Lone Pine, Long Springs, Loraine and Wright.
ONCE A PART OF LYONS COUNTY-- BANKS-- THE PRESS-- INDUSTRIES
This territory was first designated on maps as a part of Lyons county. In the early seventies Cheyenne county was created out of Lyons county, Taylor county and a part of Monroe county. Thus for fifteen or more years it remained and Banner county came into existence.
Only three banks is the history of Banner county. Banner county bank was the first and for long years it was under the efficient care of C. J. Carlisle. A. E. Scott and Fred Telcamp were valuable assistants of this bank at different times. When J. H. Graves was county treasurer the Beards and some others organized a bank that endured for a time. Carlisle had displeased one political faction and it was not proposed to "feed him up" with county money. This bank liquidated after about two or three years.
When the Standard Oil was expecting to bring in an oil well near Harrisburg the Mc- Nish-Ostenburg interests established a bank there to be ready for the big rush. The oil failing to materialize this bank also liquidated a year or more ago. The original Banner County Bank is the only existing financial institution in the county.
1927
Carlisle had displeased one political faction and it was not proposed to "feed him up" with county money. This bank liquidated after about two or three years.
When the Standard Oil was expecting to bring in an oil well near Harrisburg the Mc- Nish-Ostenburg interests established a bank there to be ready for the big rush. The oil failing to materialize this bank also liquidated a year or more ago. The original Banner County Bank is the only existing financial institution in the county. Several of the substantial names of the county appear connected with this bank.
Banner county press activity was confined to the first few years. Then it settled down to the Banner Comity News which has flourished as monarch of the field for over a quarter of a century.
Almost simultaneously several papers appeared : the Ccntropolis World, the Frccport Gazette, and the Ashford Advocate. Charles H. Randall who has since served the Los Angeles district of California for two terms in congress, was the founder of the World. Johnny Wilson established the Gazette, and while the name of J. F. Gay appeared at the head of the Ashford Advocate, it was known
that W. W. White, Chas. E. Dooley and Jake Schooley were behind it.
Randall sought to have a county-seat town of his own. The "Harrisburg" postoffice was formerly "Centropolis." Randall was editor of the World, postmaster, and the Schooley-Fisher combination for Harrisburg had failed to meet his expectations. One morning "Harrisburg" woke up to find that a plat of "Centropolis" was to be filed about a half mile north of where Schooley had planned the town. The Randall building, postoffice and newspaper had been moved to the new site, at the present Wyatt corner.
1928
Randall sought to have a county-seat town of his own. The "Harrisburg" postoffice was formerly "Centropolis." Randall was editor of the World, postmaster, and the Schooley-Fisher combination for Harrisburg had failed to meet his expectations. One morning "Harrisburg" woke up to find that a plat of "Centropolis" was to be filed about a half mile north of where Schooley had planned the town. The Randall building, postoffice and newspaper had been moved to the new site, at the present Wyatt corner.
Local courts were appealed to and a search warrant issued : a justice issued it, looking for a United States postoffice. As A. H. Dunlavy said : "the warrant accused Charlie Randall of swallowing the postoffice."
Randall could probably have fought it out, but concluded not to do so, and moved the building back to Harrisburg. He soon sold out and went into the railway mail service. In this he undertook to suggest to a superior official of the service an improvement, which suggestion was received with some acrimony on the part of that official. Randall said if he could not use his brains in the service he would resign -- and resign he did. He was too big a man for truculence, as has been demonstrated by his continued rise.
Randall used to drive a roan horse that had a habit of stopping unbidden at times. Usually it could be started by taking it by the bit. One day Mrs. Randall, her sister, and Randall's baby daughter, drove to Ashford. Starting on the return the horse stopped. Mrs. Randall's sisler could not get it to start in the usual way, and Mrs. Randall got out to try her hand. Before the sister could get into the buggy-, the horse started leaving both ladies on the prairie and the baby sitting in the bottom of the buggy.
1929
Usually it could be started by taking it by the bit. One day Mrs. Randall, her sister, and Randall's baby daughter, drove to Ashford. Starting on the return the horse stopped. Mrs. Randall's sisler could not get it to start in the usual way, and Mrs. Randall got out to try her hand. Before the sister could get into the buggy-, the horse started leaving both ladies on the prairie and the baby sitting in the bottom of the buggy.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Ira Paver and I were visiting at the claim house of my cousin, Emma Leach about two miles south of Ashford. We saw the horse and buggy pass at a brisk trot ; the road was about a half mile from where we were. Then we saw the two women coming on afoot and could hear some one crying.
Paver had a pony called "Naughty Tom," and he was hitched to a cart. We drove out to the road and found out the trouble. Naughty Tom was no whirlwind to travel, but he made two or three miles in record time that day. When he approached the rig he was driven in a wide circle on the prairie, passing the Randall buggy, and dropped into the road ahead of it. Then slowing down the runaway was easy to catch. The little girl was still enjoying the ride, and a recent letter from Hon. Chas. Randall states that the grandchildren (this daughter's children) are the source of much enjoyment to this household.
1930
Naughty Tom was no whirlwind to travel, but he made two or three miles in record time that day. When he approached the rig he was driven in a wide circle on the prairie, passing the Randall buggy, and dropped into the road ahead of it. Then slowing down the runaway was easy to catch. The little girl was still enjoying the ride, and a recent letter from Hon. Chas. Randall states that the grandchildren (this daughter's children) are the source of much enjoyment to this household.
The Freeport Gazette passed from J. J. Wilson to A. F. Snyder, who moved it to Harrisburg. When E. M. Cowen bought the Cenfropolis World and changed its name to the Early Day, the Snyder paper ceased to exist or was merged into the larger journal.
Charles Gilpin came from Missouri and he and W. W. White took over the Ashford Advocate. The first few papers were issued from the office of the Gcring Courier. Gilpin went baik to Missouri, and the historian became associated with White under the name of White & Shumway. White sold and the paper was then operated by A. J. Shumway and the writer. Emma Leach acquired my brothers interest, and Leach & Shumway was at the masthead for a time. The paper was then leased to M. E. Shafto. In the autumn of 1891 he joined with A. J. Shumway and moved the plant to Harrisburg. Later in the fall I re-assumed management.
Graves & Beard bought the Early Day, and then C. L. Burgess acquired both papers and consolidated the plants under the name of Banner County News. A. J. Shumway became associated and Burgess & Shumway then ran the News for a time. Burgess, sold to A.J. Shumway and in 1904 he sold it to Norman McKinnon.
1931
In the autumn of 1891 he joined with A. J. Shumway and moved the plant to Harrisburg. Later in the fall I re-assumed management.
Graves & Beard bought the Early Day, and then C. L. Burgess acquired both papers and consolidated the plants under the name of Banner County News. A. J. Shumway became associated and Burgess & Shumway then ran the News for a time. Burgess, sold to A.J. Shumway and in 1904 he sold it to Norman McKinnon. Sometime later M. E. Shafto, C. S. Page, and I believe J. M. Wilson, were interested in a company that bought out McKinnon. Shafto finally acquired the interests of the others, and then sold the plant to R. D. Wilson.
In 1920 the building and entire plant was burned. The paper was continued, being published elsewhere for a time until new materials
and stock could be acquired. Then Clarence Shafto purchased it from Wilson and is the present publisher.
The original press brought to Harrisburg was an old Washington hand press but of rather unique design. The multiple power given by a mechanism just over the press plate is different from that usually found on the Washington press, and was hand forged. The origin of the press is not known as Randall purchased it second hand. The Ashford Advocate was published on an old Army press. Bench and Bar
It is a story quickly told. The county is without a resident lawyer. All legal business is attended by attorneys residing outside the county. Fred Wright formerly held the larger part of this business. W. W. White and J. A. Rodman each have a share. L. L. Raymond formerly had considerable business in Banner county and retains a portion of the clientele. A. R. Honnold, who was for many years the district counsel for the United States reclamation service, is building up a useful service, and has many friends in Banner county.
1932
All legal business is attended by attorneys residing outside the county. Fred Wright formerly held the larger part of this business. W. W. White and J. A. Rodman each have a share. L. L. Raymond formerly had considerable business in Banner county and retains a portion of the clientele. A. R. Honnold, who was for many years the district counsel for the United States reclamation service, is building up a useful service, and has many friends in Banner county. All of the formerly resident attorneys of the county at one time or another have held the office of county prosecutor, except R. J. Wallace. While he was an attorney, he was more of a loan agent and made many farm loans to early settlers in need of funds.
Fraternal
Fraternal orders are few and far between in Banner county. In fact, the only real live institution of the kind is the Knights of Pythias lodge at Harrisburg. The order has existed exemplifying the lives of Damon and Pythias for a quarter of a century. Recently the local members thereof gave a banquet and invited the brothers and their families from other castles within the radius of twenty-five or thirty miles to participate in the festivities. Medical
Banner county has had but few doctors. In the early days Dr. Markley used to come out from Kimball and occasionally Dr. Field from Sidney. Dr. Scherer of Kimball once had a practice of some proportions in the county. Scherer hved in the county for a time. Dr. Franklin was in the northeast part of the county. Dr. Georgia A. Fix and Dr. Miller of Gering were in the county occasionally. Dr. Stalcup practiced at Freeport and Harrisburg. These were the doctors of old and but three of them were resident doctors at any time.
1933
Markley used to come out from Kimball and occasionally Dr. Field from Sidney. Dr. Scherer of Kimball once had a practice of some proportions in the county. Scherer hved in the county for a time. Dr. Franklin was in the northeast part of the county. Dr. Georgia A. Fix and Dr. Miller of Gering were in the county occasionally. Dr. Stalcup practiced at Freeport and Harrisburg. These were the doctors of old and but three of them were resident doctors at any time.
In the later years the county determined to have a resident doctor and prevailed upon Dr.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
C. S. Page to locate among them. Page became county clerk as well and held the office for years. Page was once candidate for Lieutenant Governor.
Industries
Farming -- the several branches of agriculture -- ■ naturally is the leading industry of a fertile county like Banner. The progress of grain raising has developed from the days that Bill and Martin Montz ran an old horse-power thresher to the present French and Hanks combination harvesters.
This has made better roads necessary, and the old "Hogback ragtrack" that we used to follow after leaving the south hills has changed into vastly improved highways. Many of the farm homes have changed from dwellings of the old Jake Smith dugout type, to modern Delco-lighted farm houses of large dimension.
Plow and sod, or ax and timber, made the first dwellings. The Livingston grout house was the first to break away but the lime therein was hauled from Sidney. Over in Big Horn, about a mile north of the Table mountain the first lime kiln in the county came into existence as early as 1887. G. W. Bushong and sons were the owners.
1934
Many of the farm homes have changed from dwellings of the old Jake Smith dugout type, to modern Delco-lighted farm houses of large dimension.
Plow and sod, or ax and timber, made the first dwellings. The Livingston grout house was the first to break away but the lime therein was hauled from Sidney. Over in Big Horn, about a mile north of the Table mountain the first lime kiln in the county came into existence as early as 1887. G. W. Bushong and sons were the owners.
About the same time "Briley" Randleman started his sorghum mill. This was a convenience, and we hauled cane for many miles to take home our home-made molasses. Syrup was quite a necessary standard of food in those years.
The first and only brick yard in the county was on Willow creek -- established by Bob Everett about 1S88. He hauled some of the product to Kimball, and he furnished the brick for Johnny Logan's brick house in Harrisburg ; the only brick ever constructed in the county. It is now the residence of M. E. Shafto.
At the Four- J spring Ben Cross located a sawmill where the native timber was reduced to rough boards for our domestic use. Ed. Wright bought this mill, and ran it for a while in Glenrock canyon, now a part of Airdale ranch. He later moved it to Laramie peak. The largest log that I pulled to this mill made 240 feet of lumber. It was too heavy to load on a wagon and I had a pair of hind wheels from and old wagon of large dimension. I balanced the log about the middle with a chain over the axle and under the reach. By pulling the reach down to horizontal, it lifted most of the weight of the log, and was easily dragged six or seven miles to the mill.
1935
The largest log that I pulled to this mill made 240 feet of lumber. It was too heavy to load on a wagon and I had a pair of hind wheels from and old wagon of large dimension. I balanced the log about the middle with a chain over the axle and under the reach. By pulling the reach down to horizontal, it lifted most of the weight of the log, and was easily dragged six or seven miles to the mill. This mill was of great service to early people.
F. P. Reed undertook to put in a waterpower flour mill at Ashford but the reservoir
he made for reserve supply failed to hold because the ground was perforated with gopher holes. It would fill about half full and the entire supply from the creek could not raise it farther. The first and only boat that was ever in Banner county was on this reservoir where the young folks of Ashford would float around in the narrow confines of its bordering banks and dream of Venice. "Youth is our Italy and Greece -- full of gods and temples."
The mill was never completed. Reed gave it up and went to Coatsburg, Illinois, where he fell from an upper floor in a mill there, into the engine room and was instantly killed by breaking his neck.
In the early nineties the farmers alliance movement swept over Banner county and Jimmy Burton, E. M. White, Martin Montz, and others around Harrisburg were enthusiastic, making trips out to the sod school houses, fighting bed bugs and fleas, as well as the pirates of finance that were then on one of their periodical squeezes or sprees.
1936
Reed gave it up and went to Coatsburg, Illinois, where he fell from an upper floor in a mill there, into the engine room and was instantly killed by breaking his neck.
In the early nineties the farmers alliance movement swept over Banner county and Jimmy Burton, E. M. White, Martin Montz, and others around Harrisburg were enthusiastic, making trips out to the sod school houses, fighting bed bugs and fleas, as well as the pirates of finance that were then on one of their periodical squeezes or sprees.
One of the common incidents to such periods is that farmers are more inclined to co-operation than at other times. At this time the development was manifest in the building of a cheese factory at Harrisburg. Geo. Kendrick was put in charge and he knew the business. The product was good and found a fair market, but one year the output was practically all sent to a brokerage concern that failed to remit. This crimp caused the dissolution of the institution, and the stockholders felt that enough care had not been exercised by C. J. Carlisle in looking up the character of the concern before sending the cheese. This is doubtful, for any shipper knows you cannot always depend upon reports as to the character of brokerage firms.
At the present time I do not know of a single manufacturing institution in operation in Banner county. The material progress and wealth accumulation in the county "comes from the grass roots" -- it comes out of the ground.
1937
This crimp caused the dissolution of the institution, and the stockholders felt that enough care had not been exercised by C. J. Carlisle in looking up the character of the concern before sending the cheese. This is doubtful, for any shipper knows you cannot always depend upon reports as to the character of brokerage firms.
At the present time I do not know of a single manufacturing institution in operation in Banner county. The material progress and wealth accumulation in the county "comes from the grass roots" -- it comes out of the ground.
In the hills -- particularly on the north side of the valley -- are excellent beds of volcanic ash, but this is so plentiful that its development is not likely for many years. When General Stansbury made his trip through here he left the river and came up Pumpkin creek for a distance and crossed over the hills back to the Platte in the northeast corner of the present Banner county. He said he picked up some lumps of lignitic coal in Pumpkin creek, according to his reports to the government; also that the hills near Chimney Rock were covered with a dead forest, that looked like it had been
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
swept down by a storm. Harley Wells once claimed to have discovered coal blossoms on the east side of Wildcat mountain.
The Prairie Oil & Gas Company, of Independence, Kansas, a subsidiary of the Standard Oil Company, once looked over Banner county, and a few years ago they drilled a hole over a mile deep on the land holdings of John Kelley. The drill was down below the level of the sea.
1938
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
swept down by a storm. Harley Wells once claimed to have discovered coal blossoms on the east side of Wildcat mountain.
The Prairie Oil & Gas Company, of Independence, Kansas, a subsidiary of the Standard Oil Company, once looked over Banner county, and a few years ago they drilled a hole over a mile deep on the land holdings of John Kelley. The drill was down below the level of the sea.
There were both oil and gas encountered but the depth made it doubtful of commercial quantity. A vein of lignitic coal was gone through at the depth of nine hundred feet. It was about ten feet in thickness. An accident when several thousand feet of casing parted from the rest and fell, "jimmed" the well and it was abandoned. Banner county's dream of great mineral value there ceased to exist.
IRRIGATION-- EARLY POSTOFFICES-- EARLY EXPERIENCES
In the dry years of the early nineties the facts were brought home to people on Pumpkin creek that they should Irrigate. Prior to that there had been small projects developed. John Wright and W. J. Kelly had a ditch near Kane's point that diverted the water and let it percolate back across the meadow land to the creek. Eggleston had a small area irrigated which is a part of the Airdale development of the present time. Jim Walters had a ditch on his tree claim near Ashford, which crossed our homestead domicile. We hadabout three acres that it watered and it gave us a nice garden patch. Down the creek Worth Earley and Henry Bruner each had small ditches leading from the creek, but generally the flow of water was light below the Wright ranch. For about a mile east of Ashford the bed of the creek was higher than the immediately adjoining land, and in the winter the creek would freeze and water flow over the ice until it was above the banks, when it would spread back covering sixty or seventy acres of land with a sheet of ice.
1939
Down the creek Worth Earley and Henry Bruner each had small ditches leading from the creek, but generally the flow of water was light below the Wright ranch. For about a mile east of Ashford the bed of the creek was higher than the immediately adjoining land, and in the winter the creek would freeze and water flow over the ice until it was above the banks, when it would spread back covering sixty or seventy acres of land with a sheet of ice.
In the nineties we extended and used the old mill ditch with the ultimate intention of carrying it to the homestead where we estimated that it would irrigate about fifty or sixty acres.
"Swede" Anderson's irrigation attempt in Deuel county had run its course, but the "irrigation district germ" had been planted in my system and abode its time for development. That came in the winter of 1892-1893, when I went as chief engrossing clerk to the state legislature. This story has been told in the history of Scotts Bluff county.
Sub-irrigation always attracted attention, and the abundance of water at a shallow depth
made many speculate as to how to bring it to the surface. As stated elsewhere, it remained for the enterprise of A. E. Scott to show one way of so doing. The improvement and general use of the explosion engine has pointed out another way that will sometime extend the irrigated acreage of Banner county many fold.
Some years ago Fred Roberts, who was then manager of the power plant at Scottsbluff, examined parts of Pumpkin creek valley in company with the historian, with a view to putting in pumping motors, extending a power line and putting a transportation system to and from the cities of Gering and Scottsbluff. He sold out to the Intermountain, which company has not been able to keep abreast of the local needs, and consequently extension was out of the question.
1940
Some years ago Fred Roberts, who was then manager of the power plant at Scottsbluff, examined parts of Pumpkin creek valley in company with the historian, with a view to putting in pumping motors, extending a power line and putting a transportation system to and from the cities of Gering and Scottsbluff. He sold out to the Intermountain, which company has not been able to keep abreast of the local needs, and consequently extension was out of the question.
But at no far distant date the great underwater sheet of north Banner county will be doing service for the people to a much greater extent than many now conceive is possible.
POSTOFFICES OF Old
Without question the first postoffice on Pumpkin creek was at Redington. The first within the present boundaries of Banner county was at Livingston with Mrs. Livingston the postmistress. In August, 1887, E. M. Cowen was appointed postmaster for the newly created office at Freeport. Mail was brought from Redington. In October of the same year William Ashford was named postmaster for a new office at Ashford and the Redington-Livingston route was extended for the service. Practically at the same time Centropolis postoffice, the antecedent of Harrisburg, came into existence with C. H. Randall as postmaster. Banner and
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Hull soon followed in the call for mail service. A. B. Hull was appointed at the latter point and Mrs. Harvey Ransier at Banner. Getting the mail from the railroad was the problem, but this was solved by a star route from Kimball to Gering in late 1S87. Jones M. Clapp was the first carrier. For many years, Emery Lewis who resides near Harrisburg in 1921, drove this route on the north end and also kept the route going from Ashford to Redington. The Harrisburg-Scottsbluff division is now maintained by Roy Lewis, and a Dodge car has superseded the rattling old stage of years ago.
1941
Getting the mail from the railroad was the problem, but this was solved by a star route from Kimball to Gering in late 1S87. Jones M. Clapp was the first carrier. For many years, Emery Lewis who resides near Harrisburg in 1921, drove this route on the north end and also kept the route going from Ashford to Redington. The Harrisburg-Scottsbluff division is now maintained by Roy Lewis, and a Dodge car has superseded the rattling old stage of years ago. The trip is made in an hour or two that formerly took half a day. Ham Lilly and C. A. Forsling for years attended the Harrisburg-Kimball portion of the route, and the same is now operated by Floyd Lewis, with the same improvement in character of service. Emery Lewis, the veteran stage driver, resides at Harrisburg, and is retired to his farm south of town.
The First Stores
The date of the first mercantile establishment in Banner county I cannot give with certainty. In 1887 A. S. Alexander had a store in the Lone Pine country where we used to go seventeen miles for mail.
But I believe L. D. Livingston had the first store. It was running as early as June, 1886, the grout house being built the previous year. Lightning struck this grout house and cracked the walls soon after it was built and the family thereafter lived in the log house and used the new house for mercantile and postoffice and for the merry parties of the olden time.
1942
Alexander had a store in the Lone Pine country where we used to go seventeen miles for mail.
But I believe L. D. Livingston had the first store. It was running as early as June, 1886, the grout house being built the previous year. Lightning struck this grout house and cracked the walls soon after it was built and the family thereafter lived in the log house and used the new house for mercantile and postoffice and for the merry parties of the olden time.
Charley Wurdig opened a store in Freeport as early as 1887 and perhaps at an earlier date. Will Clampitt had a store in Big Horn the same year.
Dooley & Logan built the large store building in Ashford soon after and here was carried one of the most complete lines of merchandise in the county. In later years this building was torn down by John E. Logan and removed to Gering. The hall over this store was used for several years as a gathering place and for parties of all kinds. Around Ashford were gathered in those early years a jolly set of young folks: the Logans, the Dooleys, the Schoolevs, the Eckersons, the Smiths, Newt Sperry and others. W. W. White, C. T. Gilpin and some others were a little more solemn and looked upon the future with more serious mien.
For some time Luft & Enderly conducted a store at Ashford. Enderly Brothers had a store at Harrisburg for years and one of the present merchants of Harrisburg was associated therein. J. M. Wilson, familiarly known as "Doc." because he was first a druggist, was in the Enderly-Harrisburg store which he later acquired. While he served the county in various capacities and Mrs. Wilson the government as postmistress for many years they have always kept the main store of the town and at times fed the hungry traveller most excellent meals.
1943
Enderly Brothers had a store at Harrisburg for years and one of the present merchants of Harrisburg was associated therein. J. M. Wilson, familiarly known as "Doc." because he was first a druggist, was in the Enderly-Harrisburg store which he later acquired. While he served the county in various capacities and Mrs. Wilson the government as postmistress for many years they have always kept the main store of the town and at times fed the hungry traveller most excellent meals. J. M. Wilson is the Dean of Banner county mercantile life.
Of late years there have been other good merchants in Harrisburg -- the Zorns among them ; and there were others. Bank Robbery
Banner county once had its sensation of this nature. According to the best information it was believed that there were three men involved in the plans and it fell to the lot of W. Graham to pull off the deed.
C. J. Carlisle was in the bank at the time and the man rode up to the back door. Dismounting he entered and called to Carlisle to throw up his hands at the same time started to draw his gun. The gun stuck in the holster sufficiently long for Carlisle to rush out the back door and jump upon the robber's horse. He rode around the court house square shouting "robbers" until there were several men headed for the scene. Back of the bank there was a large pile of cedar posts that Carlisle had taken in from time to time and behind these the robber took refuge. W. W. Everett, an old soldier, was exchanging shots with the bandit around this post pile when others began to arrive. The man made a run for an empty house that was in the south part of town when a bullet from C.
1944
He rode around the court house square shouting "robbers" until there were several men headed for the scene. Back of the bank there was a large pile of cedar posts that Carlisle had taken in from time to time and behind these the robber took refuge. W. W. Everett, an old soldier, was exchanging shots with the bandit around this post pile when others began to arrive. The man made a run for an empty house that was in the south part of town when a bullet from C. L. Burgess's rifle hit him in the leg. In the excitement of the moment one woman who saw him trying to again rise screamed, "shoot him again, Mr. Burgess he isn't dead yet." Graham was tried and convicted but it was generally believed that he was the goat and the real bandits who planned the affair had gotten away. Graham escaped and was never again apprehended or sought for. He lived in this community for many years afterwards and made a quiet and respectable citizen. Today he is the principal owner of a bank in Wyoming.
A Singular Masquerade
Old timers still talk of the singular appearance of William Reep and his supposedly wayward nephew, William Wallace who came into the Flowerfield country a number of years ago. Wallace was a wildling and was in all kinds of episodes with other wild folks of the day. Frequently he would go on a spree with some of them for several days but never was known to be too much intoxicated to take care of him-
1945
Old timers still talk of the singular appearance of William Reep and his supposedly wayward nephew, William Wallace who came into the Flowerfield country a number of years ago. Wallace was a wildling and was in all kinds of episodes with other wild folks of the day. Frequently he would go on a spree with some of them for several days but never was known to be too much intoxicated to take care of him-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
self. At the dances he was a favorite and conducted himself with interesting dash and spirit. He carried the mail on the Gabe rock route for several months. During this period it was said that there came from the east at regular periods drafts that were always endorsed by Wallace and cashed by Reep. After a particularly dashing episode that disturbed some good families of "the county Mr. Reep and William Wallace left the community. The lingering effect of this last episode was some court proceedings wherein came the evidence that William Wallace was a woman and the wife of William Reep. It could hardly be believed even by the closest associates until several responsible parties attested to its truth. It was a well planned and executed masquerade and no one here knows its purpose. Many believed the checks were behind it and that in some way the real William Wallace was being impersonated, the Reeps in all likelihood having inside information of the facts and that probably Wallace was dead.
1946
The lingering effect of this last episode was some court proceedings wherein came the evidence that William Wallace was a woman and the wife of William Reep. It could hardly be believed even by the closest associates until several responsible parties attested to its truth. It was a well planned and executed masquerade and no one here knows its purpose. Many believed the checks were behind it and that in some way the real William Wallace was being impersonated, the Reeps in all likelihood having inside information of the facts and that probably Wallace was dead.
The Storm of 1878
This was a long time ago. Banner county territory had but two resident families at that time and one of them was more or less temporary. At the head of the creek was Creighton's ranch and John S. Wright had the year before located near Kane's point. Tommy Shunover, Bob Cavelier and "Scotty" were hunting mountain sheep. They had made a kill on Wildcat mountain when the storm came. They undertook to drift with it to Wright's ranch but the spring weather having been mild had caught them unprepared and without heavy clothing.
Shunover was the only one of the three to reach the shelter. One had fallen near the place Theo. Johnson now resides and the other near Ted Kelly's. This storm was long remembered by cattle men as one that caused great losses. It occurred on March 7, 1878. No later storm has equalled in violence or destructiveness.
1947
They undertook to drift with it to Wright's ranch but the spring weather having been mild had caught them unprepared and without heavy clothing.
Shunover was the only one of the three to reach the shelter. One had fallen near the place Theo. Johnson now resides and the other near Ted Kelly's. This storm was long remembered by cattle men as one that caused great losses. It occurred on March 7, 1878. No later storm has equalled in violence or destructiveness.
Weddings and a Golden Wedding The first wedding in the valley or in Banner county territory has been told in the story of, "When Cattlemen Were Kings." It was that of Miss Dude Wright to E. A. Boots which occurred at the old Wright ranch and Elder Leslie Stevens came from Sidney to perform the ceremony. The next wedding of Pumpkin creek people was that of Ellen Anderson and Oiris Streeks. Elder Stevens also performed this ceremony. The wedding occurred at the Metropolitan Hotel at Sidney and cowboys from far and near were in attendance. They cleaned up the Thoelecke jewelry store of all its supply of silverware for presents to the uniting couple.
The wedding and the sequel of Miss Oliver and Samuel Abbott has already been chronicled as has also the double wedding at Wright's place.
The spirit and determination of the mating quality in mankind can be illustrated by many references to early marriages. Tom Hughes (on the Niobrara) paid Judge Robert Shuman $100 to come out to his place and perform a marriage ceremony.
1948
They cleaned up the Thoelecke jewelry store of all its supply of silverware for presents to the uniting couple.
The wedding and the sequel of Miss Oliver and Samuel Abbott has already been chronicled as has also the double wedding at Wright's place.
The spirit and determination of the mating quality in mankind can be illustrated by many references to early marriages. Tom Hughes (on the Niobrara) paid Judge Robert Shuman $100 to come out to his place and perform a marriage ceremony.
T. D. Deutsch the present mayor of Scottsbluff city went to Sidney a distance of about one hundred miles to get his marriage license ; then seventy miles to Kimball to get a minister. As he puts it, "I bought a couple 'Hereford' shirts (the white shirt was a new experience for him) and we were married in a dugout." This spirit, however, is what has made our part of the west. Deutsch's indomitable will was here exemplified and the same industry and perseverance helped him to aid in the building of many of the headgates and ditches on the North Platte river and to perform the duties of county commissioner in the formative days of the county of Scotts Bluff and other public duties from time to time.
Ham ['Ton's Golden Wedding
Some years ago there was celebrated at Harrisburg the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Hampton, the only event of the kind that we know in Banner county. The affair was at Hotel St. James at the northeast corner of the court house square. Many of the friends of the pioneers of Banner county attended this affair. Since then both of the elder Hamptons have gone on to the New Country.
1949
Ham ['Ton's Golden Wedding
Some years ago there was celebrated at Harrisburg the golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Hampton, the only event of the kind that we know in Banner county. The affair was at Hotel St. James at the northeast corner of the court house square. Many of the friends of the pioneers of Banner county attended this affair. Since then both of the elder Hamptons have gone on to the New Country.
The World War
Into the Arcadian peace of Banner county came the world disturbing rumor of war. Then
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
followed all the activities incident to the preparations and carrying on of the great enterprize. The selective draft, the bond drives, the Red Cross, the thrift stamp and war-savings drives and the miscellaneous drives incident and necessary in the world conflict came into Banner county and the patriotic peoples rose like one and performed the duties as becomes Americans everywhere. The love of freedom that brought into the open of western Nebraska the people who here reside would not brook the threat against the liberty of the world. Those militarists that would build out of the war a war machine for the United States had better pause and take count. The world loves those who leave the plow and the marts of I trade in time of stress but no affection is wasted upon the "regular" soldier and none upon those who bring into our peaceful communities the constant reminder of strife and the arrogance of military caste.
1950
The love of freedom that brought into the open of western Nebraska the people who here reside would not brook the threat against the liberty of the world. Those militarists that would build out of the war a war machine for the United States had better pause and take count. The world loves those who leave the plow and the marts of I trade in time of stress but no affection is wasted upon the "regular" soldier and none upon those who bring into our peaceful communities the constant reminder of strife and the arrogance of military caste.
Arcadian Delights
Those were splendid years of the long ago,
when the violinists of the valley were Ed.
Stemler. who played with the fiddle upside
down, and pulled the bow with his left hand.
There were Lee Livingston, Ed. Wright, Runey Campbell, and the Shobar string band. In the absence of better music Jim Pogue plied the bow across the strings ; Wellington Clark played the "dulcimer" on occasion. Phil Jurish led all the rest at jig dancing. He was not alone in the art for Wyatt Heard, Will Ashford, and others, could rattle the clogs. Down the valley there was an old lady named Mrs. Mclntyre who could dance like a devotee of the footlights. I would like to have the old crowd back again, to celebrate the Fourth in Wright's Gap, as we did in 1887; or to dance at Abbott's, or Wright's, or Livingston's, or Ashford or on Pleasant Hill.
1951
He was not alone in the art for Wyatt Heard, Will Ashford, and others, could rattle the clogs. Down the valley there was an old lady named Mrs. Mclntyre who could dance like a devotee of the footlights. I would like to have the old crowd back again, to celebrate the Fourth in Wright's Gap, as we did in 1887; or to dance at Abbott's, or Wright's, or Livingston's, or Ashford or on Pleasant Hill.
The new generation have, however, many of the old delights of rural life, and some of the newer enjoyments. Then we did not know of automobile -- ■ our best modes of conveyance being horses and a buggy, or the saddle. The children of Banner county have none of the old homesickness of their fathers and mothers, and have grown into maturity in the environment of the prairie, and western sky, and western stars. Around them are the Arcadian delights of Nature's own magnificence -- life, beauty, and delightful dreams.
DAWES COUNTY
THE EARLIEST YEARS
Dawes county is one of the most historic as well as prosperous counties in the state. Erom its well known citizens we have collaborated a story that cannot fail to be of i iterest. We will begin with the reminiscences aud philosophy of F. B. Carley, who was the first county clerk.
Prior to 1878 the territory now known as Dawes county really had no white settlers. However, it is known that a few trappers had plied their vocation within its borders for short periods in earlier years, probably as early as 1873. A few Frenchmen had been adopted into the Sioux tribes, had married Indian women and were accustomed to camp on the various streams in summer and were units of the community camps established by the Indians in winter at various sites where fuel was available, for a number of years before 1878, but they were wanderers with no fixed abode.
1952
However, it is known that a few trappers had plied their vocation within its borders for short periods in earlier years, probably as early as 1873. A few Frenchmen had been adopted into the Sioux tribes, had married Indian women and were accustomed to camp on the various streams in summer and were units of the community camps established by the Indians in winter at various sites where fuel was available, for a number of years before 1878, but they were wanderers with no fixed abode. At least they never were permanent residents of the county. Tradition tells that an occasional cattleman came to look at the rich grass lands as early as 1875, and that a few venturesome spirits eager to explore the Black Hills region passed through its borders in the same year. Camp Robinson, at the present site of Fort Robinson, was established in 1876, and was thereafter garrisoned by soldiers, with Post Trader and a few civilian employees usual at frontier posts in those days, but they all belonged exclusively to the army and were here as transient campers only so long as their connection with the army continued. They were merely temporary residents of a military camp and did not class themselves as citizens of the county.
Prior to the state legislative session of 1883, the territory which is often called the panhandle of Nebraska, and comprising eleven counties at this date, was known as Cheyenne and Sioux counties. That part now comprising the counties of Sioux, Dawes, Box Butte, and Sheridan was unorganized and known as Sioux county, and was by statute attached to
1953
They were merely temporary residents of a military camp and did not class themselves as citizens of the county.
Prior to the state legislative session of 1883, the territory which is often called the panhandle of Nebraska, and comprising eleven counties at this date, was known as Cheyenne and Sioux counties. That part now comprising the counties of Sioux, Dawes, Box Butte, and Sheridan was unorganized and known as Sioux county, and was by statute attached to
Cheyenne county on the south for judicial and other governmental purposes; that is to say, the only local civil government enjoyed by Sioux county was exercised and administered by the courts and officials of Cheyenne county, Sidney being the county seat.
The legislature of 1885 divided Sioux county into three counties; Sioux county with its present territory; Dawes county with the territory now comprising Dawes ; and Box Butte counties, and Sheridan county as it remains at this time. At the fall election in 1886 the proposition to divide Dawes by the establishment of Box Butte county was carried by vote of the people of the entire territory, and soon thereafter the records pertaining to Box Butte were transferred and the new county organized ; and it was then that Dawes county with its territory as we know it today came into existence.
The county received its name at the hands of the legislature as an honor conferred upon the then governor, James W. Dawes. The name of Sioux county was very dear to the few inhabitants, and as the territory comprising the county was at that date the real heart of all the territory cut up, and we prided ourselves on having more semblance of settlement and civilization than other sections of the original county, our people felt piqued that the western part of the territory should take away our county name.
1954
The county received its name at the hands of the legislature as an honor conferred upon the then governor, James W. Dawes. The name of Sioux county was very dear to the few inhabitants, and as the territory comprising the county was at that date the real heart of all the territory cut up, and we prided ourselves on having more semblance of settlement and civilization than other sections of the original county, our people felt piqued that the western part of the territory should take away our county name.
Cattle Years
From 1878 to 1884 the only industry of the county was that of cattle-raising. Business of ranching was then carried on upon a larger scale than would be possible in a more populated community, by men schooled in the profession, a profession which time and change has made practically obsolete, not only in this section, but in the United States. Cattle ranging as then in vogue required an empire of unpopulated territory and is unknown today. The lands
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
were unsurveyed and belong to the public domain. Ranchmen paid no rental and possessed no rights to land recognized by government, except the preference right accorded to "squatters," which consisted of the preference right to homestead or timber culture entry when lands were surveyed and thrown open to entry. The right of "discovery" was the only right possessed by the ranchmen to the large tracts then occupied. Custom became in practice the unwritten law of the land that the first to establish a ranch on a certain creek or in a certain locality was entitled to sufficient range for his needs ; the metes and bounds of each "range" were fairly well defined and no one encroached upon the rights of his neighbor -- at least it was so in Dawes county, as there were no disputes over range rights during the •open range period.
1955
Custom became in practice the unwritten law of the land that the first to establish a ranch on a certain creek or in a certain locality was entitled to sufficient range for his needs ; the metes and bounds of each "range" were fairly well defined and no one encroached upon the rights of his neighbor -- at least it was so in Dawes county, as there were no disputes over range rights during the •open range period. A ranch with 500 head of cattle was classed as a small one, and there was but one such in the county. The others "ran" from 2000 to 5000 head.
Cow Ponies
The price of horses was cheap and but few were grown by the ranchmen ; the supply of saddle horses which was a necessary part of the equipment of each ranch being mostly brought from Texas along with the cattle herds. It was almost the universal custom for each cowboy to have his "string" of six or eight saddle horses selected by himself or assigned to him by the owner for his individual use. It was a gross breach of etiquette for one rider to handle or use the horse of another except in a case of emergency or stressful need. When it is understood that a goodly portion of the cowboy's work in handling wild cattle was hazardous in the extreme, it will be seen how vitally important it was. that each rider should know the characteristics of his horses.
1956
It was almost the universal custom for each cowboy to have his "string" of six or eight saddle horses selected by himself or assigned to him by the owner for his individual use. It was a gross breach of etiquette for one rider to handle or use the horse of another except in a case of emergency or stressful need. When it is understood that a goodly portion of the cowboy's work in handling wild cattle was hazardous in the extreme, it will be seen how vitally important it was. that each rider should know the characteristics of his horses.
The First Settlers
The first ranch established in the territory that was to become Dawes county was by Edgar B. Bronson in the summer of 1878 and was located on Dead Man's creek five miles south of Fort Robinson. For some time after his arrival he was dubbed a tenderfoot which in fact he was to those born or reared upon the frontier. He was a young man, probably 24 or 25, well educated and well bred and about the last man one would expect to find upon a cattle ranch. He had commenced life as a newspaper man in the east.
Chance threw him in contact with men from the west and the tales of western life appealed
to his nature and so firmly to his love of adventure that he came to Cheyenne and worked for a time as a common "puncher." Afterwards he purchased a small herd of his own and moved them to White river valley. At first he ranged from the head of White river to Fort Robinson and later moved over the divide to Running Water. It was known as the Three Crow Ranch, and was sold in 1883 to a company of which Bartlett Richards was manager.
1957
to his nature and so firmly to his love of adventure that he came to Cheyenne and worked for a time as a common "puncher." Afterwards he purchased a small herd of his own and moved them to White river valley. At first he ranged from the head of White river to Fort Robinson and later moved over the divide to Running Water. It was known as the Three Crow Ranch, and was sold in 1883 to a company of which Bartlett Richards was manager. Dawes county then knew Bronson no more except through his books : "Reminiscenses of a Ranchman" and other stories. But a bighearted, brave and generous man like Bronson could not live in an untamed country such as this was at that time without the impress of his personality. He did not have as much "cow sense" as some of our earliest people, but he had the advantage of travel and education which in most of us was sadly lacking and those who were privileged to know him were
First House in Dawes County, Built in 1879 and 1880
more or less enriched by his few years' stay among us.
A stage line from Sidney to the Black Hills with steel lined Concord stages of twelve passenger capacity was established and put in operation through a part of what is now Dawes county in 1876. In a short time it carried mails. The stage travelled what was called the Deadwood trail entering the county at a point a little southeast of the present town of Marsland. thence over the divide and down Breakneck hill to White Clay creek crossing White river at the old Red Cloud agency about midway between Fort Robinson and Crawford. The schedule time from Sidney to Red Cloud, a distance of 120 miles, was 24 hours.
1958
In a short time it carried mails. The stage travelled what was called the Deadwood trail entering the county at a point a little southeast of the present town of Marsland. thence over the divide and down Breakneck hill to White Clay creek crossing White river at the old Red Cloud agency about midway between Fort Robinson and Crawford. The schedule time from Sidney to Red Cloud, a distance of 120 miles, was 24 hours. The coming and going of the dusty old stage coach was the daily event of importance at every stage station.
A tri-weekly mail route was established between Fort Robinson and the Bijou hills on the Missouri river in 1877. but was discontinued after the return of Red Cloud Indians to the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Pine Ridge in 1878. Then a daily mail was established between Fort Robinson and the Pine Ridge which was continued until the summer of 1855.
The service was by buckboard or on horseback, depending upon the season of the year and the condition of the roads. In winter and in spring as it so transpired not more than one mail a week was delivered and month after month the contractor was obliged to report his story to Uncle Sam by affidavit of himself and the carrier or other witnesses conversant with the facts of no bridges, no forage, and no travel to help break the trail. This was in order to escape fines for failure to deliver mails as stipulated in the contract.
1959
In winter and in spring as it so transpired not more than one mail a week was delivered and month after month the contractor was obliged to report his story to Uncle Sam by affidavit of himself and the carrier or other witnesses conversant with the facts of no bridges, no forage, and no travel to help break the trail. This was in order to escape fines for failure to deliver mails as stipulated in the contract.
Whether merited or not, it was the opinion our people generally entertained in those days that the departments at Washington were very stupid in handling the affairs of the Indians, the mails and other public matters of vital importance to the few inhabitants here almost isolated from civilization.
Two of Dawes county pioneers who are still with us were connected with the Fort Robinson-Pine Ridge mail line in the early eighties, P. B. Nelson as contractor and R. H. Arnold as carrier.
In the spring of 1876 the Cheyenne and Black Hills Telegraph company constructed a one wire line into Deadwood and after the establishment of Camp Robinson the company built a line sixty miles east from Hat creek station where a wire testing operator was stationed to Robinson where the first telegraph instrument clicked in the present limits of Dawes county.
After the establishment of the Pine Ridge agency the government built a telegraph line from Fort Robinson to Rosebud agency via the Pine Ridge agency. The line was a practical failure east of the Pine Ridge agency during the whole period of its existence for the reason that between Pine Ridge and Rosebud there were many Indian camps and telegraph poles furnished dry and convenient firewood. The Indian agents as often as opportunity presented explained to the Indians the importance of keeping the wire off the ground that quick communication might be had with Washington as to the shipment of blankets and provisions for their own use.
1960
The line was a practical failure east of the Pine Ridge agency during the whole period of its existence for the reason that between Pine Ridge and Rosebud there were many Indian camps and telegraph poles furnished dry and convenient firewood. The Indian agents as often as opportunity presented explained to the Indians the importance of keeping the wire off the ground that quick communication might be had with Washington as to the shipment of blankets and provisions for their own use. The Indians would promise not to molest the poles any more but the line would go down within a day or two after a repair party had put it in order.
In 1876 Dawes county territory was the home of two large divisions of the Sioux Indians. The Brules were at the Spotted Tail
agency, located on White river near the mouth j of Beaver creek, now a part of the ranch of ] Mrs. Wm. Braddock ; and the Ogallalas at the Red Cloud agency, a mile east of Fort Robin- j son.
Official records and statements of the earli- I est inhabitants fail to agree as to the time of the location of these agencies, probably for the very good reason that like Topsy they just grew. When the Union Pacific railroad was built these Indians were scattered over eastern Wyoming, parts of the Dakotas and western Dakotas. The government from time to time sent its officials to visit and confer with them first in one place and then in another. When regular or permanent agents were appointed they established themselves at the camps or headquarters which Spotted Tail and Red Cloud had set up for themselves and named the agencies after those chiefs.
1961
When the Union Pacific railroad was built these Indians were scattered over eastern Wyoming, parts of the Dakotas and western Dakotas. The government from time to time sent its officials to visit and confer with them first in one place and then in another. When regular or permanent agents were appointed they established themselves at the camps or headquarters which Spotted Tail and Red Cloud had set up for themselves and named the agencies after those chiefs.
The Brule Sioux virtually effected their own removal to the Rosebud country north of Gordon, Rushville and Valentine. For sometime as individuals they kept drifting in that direction until a large portion of them resided there and in order that the agent might keep in touch with them he was instructed to move. By the middle of the summer of 1877 the old Spotted Tail agency on White river had become only a memory.
In October, 1877, about 12,000 of the Ogallala Sioux were removed from Red Cloud agency to the Missouri river at Bijou hills but they were moved back to the present Pine Ridge agency a year later.
Neither the cowmen or the early settlers were ever molested by the Indians except that occasionally a few horses were stolen from the ranches. Red Cloud and the lesser chiefs frowned upon such acts which were in the most instances committed by young men who wanted the excitement and adventure to break the monotony of camp life.
After the establishment by the Indian agent, Dr. McGillycuddy, of the Indian police under Captain Sword, in 1880 or 1881, these acts of lawlessness entirely disappeared.
1962
Neither the cowmen or the early settlers were ever molested by the Indians except that occasionally a few horses were stolen from the ranches. Red Cloud and the lesser chiefs frowned upon such acts which were in the most instances committed by young men who wanted the excitement and adventure to break the monotony of camp life.
After the establishment by the Indian agent, Dr. McGillycuddy, of the Indian police under Captain Sword, in 1880 or 1881, these acts of lawlessness entirely disappeared.
One Indian Scare
In the winter of 1890 and 1891 the people of the county, particularly those residing in the eastern portion thereof and nearest the Sioux reservation, experienced a genuine Indian scare. A weird religious excitement had sprung up among the Sioux which was given expression in what was termed "ghost dancing." The fanatical unrest finally precipitated the Battle of Wounded Knee between the Indians and the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
United States army. It was next to impossible for anyone to inform themselves as to what was really transpiring on the reservation or the causes which brought a considerable number of troops to the agency and when it was known that an engagement had taken place between the Indians and the troops, it was only natural that much excitement should prevail among settlers. Most of those residing east of Chadron moved their families either to Chadron or Hay Springs and so filled the town that not a few camped in the court house at Chadron. The residents of the towns also became agitated over the prospect of an Indian outbreak.
1963
It was next to impossible for anyone to inform themselves as to what was really transpiring on the reservation or the causes which brought a considerable number of troops to the agency and when it was known that an engagement had taken place between the Indians and the troops, it was only natural that much excitement should prevail among settlers. Most of those residing east of Chadron moved their families either to Chadron or Hay Springs and so filled the town that not a few camped in the court house at Chadron. The residents of the towns also became agitated over the prospect of an Indian outbreak.
After the Battle of Wounded Knee the surviving turbulent ones were placed under arrest and the uncomfortable feeling in Dawes county passed away in a few days.
In the summer of 1882 news came through cowmen returning from visits in the east that quickly spread from ranch to ranch ; news disquieting to the then inhabitants of the country. It was to the effect that the Northwesern railroad intended to extend its line to the White river valley with the Black Hills as its ultimate objective. Also that the Burlington was contemplating an extension into northwest Nebraska. Also that the government was about to survey the lands with a view to opening them to legal entry and settlement.
Immediately there was a revolutionary spirit manifested and plans were discussed how the "plow chasers" could be stopped. Looking back over the period of years how puny and childlike were the protests of the brave fellows who then comprised the citizenship; yet it was natural that their feelings should be stirred to the depths by the prospect of others coming to dispossess them of their homes; to upset their businesses and to change the trend of their lives.
1964
Immediately there was a revolutionary spirit manifested and plans were discussed how the "plow chasers" could be stopped. Looking back over the period of years how puny and childlike were the protests of the brave fellows who then comprised the citizenship; yet it was natural that their feelings should be stirred to the depths by the prospect of others coming to dispossess them of their homes; to upset their businesses and to change the trend of their lives.
The cow people as they were pleased to call themselves loved their calling and had come to almost believe that the ranges occupied by them belonged to them as by birthright. For a long time their possession had been without hindrance of other men or the government.
Strains of the "cowboy Swan song" could be heard in the spring of 1884 in any cow camp
in Dawes county. By the fall of the year every cowboy realized that the new era was at hand. The distinction of being the first to acknowledge it is accorded to Sam Cross of the '"33" outfit who rode into camp between Red Cloud and Mayfield ranch one noon and after listening to the boys discussing the possible tide of settlement he solemnly said :
"Fellers it's this-away. Cow time in this country will soon be over ; the grangers are already hyar; thar's two of 'em aholden down Squaw crick this mawnin.' I jest come by and talked to 'em and seed their government paper writin's fer the land ; and you shore can't beat the game. So my advice to you-all to hurry up and git some corn-fed gal to adopt ye and then turn in and hep her make a livin' jest like ye was born a granger."
1965
Cow time in this country will soon be over ; the grangers are already hyar; thar's two of 'em aholden down Squaw crick this mawnin.' I jest come by and talked to 'em and seed their government paper writin's fer the land ; and you shore can't beat the game. So my advice to you-all to hurry up and git some corn-fed gal to adopt ye and then turn in and hep her make a livin' jest like ye was born a granger."
A few like Bob and Ben Harrison and Billy Lockler took his advice and stayed with the country, married and adapted themselves to the changed conditions. But the most of them pushed out into New Mexico, Wyoming and Montana or wherever a range country could be found. The dissolution of the cowboy clans of Dawes county was practically complete by the summer of 1885.
"Dancers Hill" in Sioux county is the first reference to dancing in northwestern Nebraska. "Dancing Buttes" in Dawes count}- is also old with Indian tradition. But the dance hall came with the saloon and the forts ; the stage station and the railroad. Johnny Owens and John Cotton were two of the well known characters who maintained such places in the early years.
In 1884 Cotton's place near Fort Robinson ceased to operate. It was maintained just over the line of the reservation near the present site of the city of Crawford. Here were frequent fracases between the cowboys and the soldiers. John Cotton was an ex-cow-puncher. One days in the justice court at Fort Robinson where Cotton was an trial for some misdemeanor Jack Talbott, the foreman of the Oxyoke ranch, was asked to state his opinion as to Cotton's general reputation. He replied with this quaint expression:
1966
It was maintained just over the line of the reservation near the present site of the city of Crawford. Here were frequent fracases between the cowboys and the soldiers. John Cotton was an ex-cow-puncher. One days in the justice court at Fort Robinson where Cotton was an trial for some misdemeanor Jack Talbott, the foreman of the Oxyoke ranch, was asked to state his opinion as to Cotton's general reputation. He replied with this quaint expression:
"Well, he's a pretty good feller, but he sells licker that would make a hummin' bird spit in a rattlesnake's eye."
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
CLIMATE-- AGRICULTURE AND SOILS
The soil survey of Dawes county is very complete. The county lies in the northwestern part of the state, has an area of 1,402 square miles, or 897,280 acres.
Physiographically the county includes portions of two main divisions. The southern part lies within the High Plains, the northern part in a lowland belt. That part of the High Plains lying within the county is known in Nebraska geography as the Dawes Table, and occupies the southern third of the county.
The Niobrara river drains about 450 square miles of the county on the south and the White river drains all the remainder, except about 35 square miles in the northwest corner, which drains north into the Cheyenne river. The White river rises in Sioux county, about 30 miles west of the Dawes county line, and flows in a northeasterly direction, crossing into South Dakota about two miles from the eastern county line. The valley is approximately 45 miles long, but the length of the stream is much greater because of its meandering course.
1967
The Niobrara river drains about 450 square miles of the county on the south and the White river drains all the remainder, except about 35 square miles in the northwest corner, which drains north into the Cheyenne river. The White river rises in Sioux county, about 30 miles west of the Dawes county line, and flows in a northeasterly direction, crossing into South Dakota about two miles from the eastern county line. The valley is approximately 45 miles long, but the length of the stream is much greater because of its meandering course.
Numerous tributaries flow southeasterly into the White river, the most important of which are Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood, Rush, and Lone Tree creeks. These streams have carved out narrow valleys and in general are bordered by narrow strips of bottom land. They are cutting rapidly near their sources, and much slower in their lower courses ; but the White river and its tributaries are eroding to a greater or less extent all along their •courses. Numerous tributaries, of which the most important are Beaver, Bordeaux, Chadron. Dead Horse. Indian and Ash creeks, enter the White river from the south, flowing almost due north from their sources in the Pine Ridge watershed. Here they have deep channels, which are being rapidly intrenched.
How County Was Formed
Dawes county was formed from a part of Sioux' county in 1885. Settlement had begun a few years before, and by 1886 nearly all the land had been filed upon under the public- land laws. The lowlands along the White river and Bordeaux creek were first taken up and later settlement spread over the entire county. The early settlers were of many nationalities, a large percentage being American born.
1968
Here they have deep channels, which are being rapidly intrenched.
How County Was Formed
Dawes county was formed from a part of Sioux' county in 1885. Settlement had begun a few years before, and by 1886 nearly all the land had been filed upon under the public- land laws. The lowlands along the White river and Bordeaux creek were first taken up and later settlement spread over the entire county. The early settlers were of many nationalities, a large percentage being American born.
In 1910 the total population of the county was 8.254. Approximately 89 per cent of the
population consists of native white persons and nine per cent of foreign born. The principal foreign nationalities represented are German, Irish, English and Swedish. The rural population, including the residents of all the towns except Chadron, constitutes 67.4 per cent of the total and averages four persons to the square mile. The most densely populated areas are in the immediate vicinity of Chadron and Crawford, in the White river valley, on the flat north of Crawford, and on the Dawes Table. The area of Pierre clay soil and the country between the Dawes Table and the Niobrara valley are very sparsely settled.
Chadron, the county seat and principal town, is situated about ten miles northeast of the center of the county. This town is a division point on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, and the shops operated here furnish employment for quite a large number of men. Crawford is situated at the junction of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad and the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, about four miles from the western county line. This town is noted for its horse markets. It owes its growth partly to the establishment of a military reservation nearby and partly to the development of ' the surrounding farming community.
1969
This town is a division point on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, and the shops operated here furnish employment for quite a large number of men. Crawford is situated at the junction of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad and the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, about four miles from the western county line. This town is noted for its horse markets. It owes its growth partly to the establishment of a military reservation nearby and partly to the development of ' the surrounding farming community. Marsland, Whitney, Wayside, and Belmont are other towns in the county, named in order of importance. Fort Robinson lies near the western border of the county, on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad.
The Chicago & Northwestern railroad between Omaha, Nebraska, and Lander, Wyoming, crosses the county east and west. A branch runs northwest from Dakota Junction to Deadwood and the Black Hills. The main line of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad between Omaha and Denver on the south and Billings. Mont., on the north, crosses the western part of the county, passing through Marsland and Crawford.
Agriculture
The first settlers to make use of the agricultural resources of Dawes county were cattlemen. During the period from 1877 to 1884 agriculture was confined to the grazing of cattle on the free, open range, where a variety of nutritious grasses furnished good summer and fair winter grazing. Winter losses were very heavy at times, but usually the profits on the
HISTORY < )F WESTERN NEBRASKA
animals that survived were large. Grain farming began to replace open-range ranching about 1884, when settlers began to take up the alluvial lands along Bordeaux creek and White river. A little later homeseekers from the vicinity of Sidney, to the south, settled upon the table and park lands. At that time the nearest railroad points were Sidney to the south and Valentine to the east.
1970
Winter losses were very heavy at times, but usually the profits on the
HISTORY < )F WESTERN NEBRASKA
animals that survived were large. Grain farming began to replace open-range ranching about 1884, when settlers began to take up the alluvial lands along Bordeaux creek and White river. A little later homeseekers from the vicinity of Sidney, to the south, settled upon the table and park lands. At that time the nearest railroad points were Sidney to the south and Valentine to the east. By the end of 188b settlement had spread to all parts of the county. A large percentage of the tillable land was brought under cultivation, and it is probable there was as much land in cultivation before 1890 as there is at the present time. Corn, cats, and potatoes were grown for home use, but wheat early became the money crop.
At the present time the smooth land of the White River Valley is largely held in comparatively small farms devoted to grain production, general farming, and, to a small extent, dairying. The remainder of the area is utilized by stock farmers and ranchers, many of whom cultivate only sufficient lands to produce grain and hay for feed.
The most extensively grown crop is corn, which occupied 16,532 acres. In 1910 wheat
One H
or Dawes County Spuds
and oats both ranked above corn in acreage, but the latter crop has been increasing. A few farmers raise more corn than they require and sell the surplus in the community. Corn is used for feeding hogs, cattle and horses. The demand is greater than the supply, and there is a large annual importation from the corn belt.
1971
The most extensively grown crop is corn, which occupied 16,532 acres. In 1910 wheat
One H
or Dawes County Spuds
and oats both ranked above corn in acreage, but the latter crop has been increasing. A few farmers raise more corn than they require and sell the surplus in the community. Corn is used for feeding hogs, cattle and horses. The demand is greater than the supply, and there is a large annual importation from the corn belt.
Wheat ranks second in importance among the grain crops. The average yield is thirteen bushels per acre. There are two flour mills in the county, but the greater part ot the crop is shipped to eastern markets. The quality of the grain is generally very good.
Oats rank third in acreage. About 10,000 acres annually are devoted to this crop. The production is practically all used within the county for feeding stock.
Rye is an important crop in local areas, mainly on the table-land and park lands. This crop occupies 3,700 acres annually with an average yield of 19.4 bushels per acre. Part of the crop is used by local mills, but the greater part is shipped out of the county.
According to the census, about 50,000 acres are devoted to hay production. Of this total, about 40,000 acres are in wild grasses. The feeding value of the western wheat grass which grows in the Pierre clay region is very good, and the hay always brings a premium on the market. The other grasses cut are the bluestem and grama. Alfalfa is the principal cultivated hay crop, occupying over 10,000 or more acres. Much of the hay produced is fed to stock, but a large tonnage is shipped to both eastern and western markets and to the Black Hills.
1972
The feeding value of the western wheat grass which grows in the Pierre clay region is very good, and the hay always brings a premium on the market. The other grasses cut are the bluestem and grama. Alfalfa is the principal cultivated hay crop, occupying over 10,000 or more acres. Much of the hay produced is fed to stock, but a large tonnage is shipped to both eastern and western markets and to the Black Hills.
Irish potatoes are an important product in certain sections of the county, especially on the eroded table-lands in the vicinity of Belmont and Marsland, where the sandy soil is very well suited to the crop. About 2,500 acres are devoted to potatoes. Yields as high as 200 bushels per acre are frequently obtained. The production is sold mostly to eastern buyers, who come into the county and contract with the farmers at the time of harvest.
Barley and spelts are at present relatively unimportant crops, but they are gaining in favor on account of their seemingly greater resistance to drought. Very little barley or spelt is marketed.
Fruits, including apples, cherries, and plums, are grown to a small extent. Few orchards receive proper care. Strawberries do well, but are not produced commercially.
Nearly every farm has as much pasture land as cultivated land, and most farms have more. In the region occupied by the Pierre clay, and in the area lying south of the Dawes Table, nearly all of the land is used for grazing.
1973
Very little barley or spelt is marketed.
Fruits, including apples, cherries, and plums, are grown to a small extent. Few orchards receive proper care. Strawberries do well, but are not produced commercially.
Nearly every farm has as much pasture land as cultivated land, and most farms have more. In the region occupied by the Pierre clay, and in the area lying south of the Dawes Table, nearly all of the land is used for grazing.
The value of poultry and eggs produced is $60,000 annually. About one-half of the production was sold. On practically every farm chickens are kept in greater or less number.
The size of farms in Dawes county ranges from a few acres to several sections. Most of the farms are between 300 and 1.500 acres in size, and the average size for the county is 897.8 acres.
Seventy-five per cent of the farms are operated by owners, as compared with 85.6 per cent in 1900, and 95 per cent in 1890. The cash and share rental systems are about evenly divided in favor. Share rent ranges from onefourth to one-third of the crop. Cash rent
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ranges from 50 cents to $5 an acre, depending on the location and value of the land.
Irrigation is carried on quite generally along /he Niobrara and White rivers and their tributaries. There are no public ditches, but farmers have co-operated in the construction of systems to supply water to small areas of firstbottom and terrace land. In some years, as in the summer of 1915, there is sufficient rainfall to make irrigation unnecessary. A large project for irrigation along the White river was inaugurated near Crawford about twenty years ago, with a capital of $150,000. This
1974
Irrigation is carried on quite generally along /he Niobrara and White rivers and their tributaries. There are no public ditches, but farmers have co-operated in the construction of systems to supply water to small areas of firstbottom and terrace land. In some years, as in the summer of 1915, there is sufficient rainfall to make irrigation unnecessary. A large project for irrigation along the White river was inaugurated near Crawford about twenty years ago, with a capital of $150,000. This
was expended, but obstacles were encountered which prevented the completion of the project and the results obtained were of little importance. The small private ditches, however, have proved very successful. Alfalfa is the main crop grown under irrigation, although some wild-hay land is irrigated. Practically all the terrace and first-bottom land along the White river and the first-bottom soils along the Niobrara river are irrigable.
Stock Raising and Other Interesting Facts
About five years ago Harry B. Coffee made a statement which is reproduced here relative to stock-raising, there being no better authority on the subject. It is full of interesting facts on other matters also:
Fifteen years ago most of the land north and west of White river was government land and free range through to Cheyenne river. In those days most ranchmen in northern Dawes county ran their herds on this range in the summer months and shipped them in the fall, except what they reserved to carry over for the next season and these they took home.
1975
Coffee made a statement which is reproduced here relative to stock-raising, there being no better authority on the subject. It is full of interesting facts on other matters also:
Fifteen years ago most of the land north and west of White river was government land and free range through to Cheyenne river. In those days most ranchmen in northern Dawes county ran their herds on this range in the summer months and shipped them in the fall, except what they reserved to carry over for the next season and these they took home.
Much of this land known as "gumbo" produced the very best of grazing known as buffalo grass. This grass has unusual fattening qualities and is inferior only to grain.
All over this vast range are water holes which fill up from melting snow and spring rains and hold out the entire season.
At present all this land has been homesteaded, fenced, and much of it under cultivation, producing good crops when properly tilled. There are probably not more than one half as many cattle south of White river as formerly while north of the river the number is not much lessened, while the introduction of registered stock has greatly improved the quality.
Years ago many two year old steers were shipped in from Texas and New Mexico, these were kept until three or four years old then shipped to South Omaha and compared favorably wtih the grain fed cattle of like age.
But few cattle are shipped in except registered stock as most ranchmen aim to produce their own cattle and also to raise and husband enough feed to carry their stock over the winter regardless of weather. Dawes county has never been infested by any epidemic among cattle, horses or hogs. Alfalfa grows abundantly wherever it is sown in Dawes county and the seed produced here is a very high grade.
1976
Years ago many two year old steers were shipped in from Texas and New Mexico, these were kept until three or four years old then shipped to South Omaha and compared favorably wtih the grain fed cattle of like age.
But few cattle are shipped in except registered stock as most ranchmen aim to produce their own cattle and also to raise and husband enough feed to carry their stock over the winter regardless of weather. Dawes county has never been infested by any epidemic among cattle, horses or hogs. Alfalfa grows abundantly wherever it is sown in Dawes county and the seed produced here is a very high grade.
With the raising of the grade of cattle many have been induced to adopt the dairy strains and as a result a creamery and ice plant is now being built to care for the cream output. Cattle are being inspected to insure pure products and Dawes county may soon hope to be a leader in the production of butter and other creamery outputs.
We, who came as pioneers of the cattie and horse industry of this part, are proud of the fact that we have never lost faith in the results and they are even beyond our most sanguine expectations and we believe we shall live
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
to see the home of our choice, the most prosperous part of the grandest state in the union.
We know whereof we speak and are still in the business and have no desire to change our occupation. The cow has been and is the Queen of Nebraska. Raise good stock and you are sure of good results. It costs less to produce good stock than scrubs and oh what a difference in the outcome.
1977
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
to see the home of our choice, the most prosperous part of the grandest state in the union.
We know whereof we speak and are still in the business and have no desire to change our occupation. The cow has been and is the Queen of Nebraska. Raise good stock and you are sure of good results. It costs less to produce good stock than scrubs and oh what a difference in the outcome.
Horses are raised in great numbers here and the small western horse is rapidly being displaced or rather replaced by standard breeds of English and French draft and roadster class. Dawes county has furnished several hundreds of horses for the European war zone in the last six months.
We have had ample chance to observe the outcome of attempts at ranching and farming in Dawes county and will say, fearless of successful contradiction, that every man who has made a persistent effort has had his labors crowned with success. And we look forward to the time, in the near future, when Dawes county shall be the leader of the state in the production, not only of stock, but also of grain and other products that are simply awaiting brain and brawn for their development. It is true that the time of saddle farming is past but the time of real farming is in its embryotic state in Dawes county.
Dawes county, the only county in the western half of the state without a sandhill, has more running creeks, more timber, more irrigated acres of alfalfa and excepting Cherry, more miles of railroad than any of the twentyfive western counties in Nebraska. Dawes county has two rivers and over twenty-six creeks winding through fertile valleys verdant with fields of alfalfa, wheat, oats and corn.
1978
It is true that the time of saddle farming is past but the time of real farming is in its embryotic state in Dawes county.
Dawes county, the only county in the western half of the state without a sandhill, has more running creeks, more timber, more irrigated acres of alfalfa and excepting Cherry, more miles of railroad than any of the twentyfive western counties in Nebraska. Dawes county has two rivers and over twenty-six creeks winding through fertile valleys verdant with fields of alfalfa, wheat, oats and corn. There are more than 13,000 acres of alfalfa in the county. Though this is a great increase over the alfalfa acreage five years ago, five years more will see even a greater increase. Thousands of acres of the best land in the county lie idle. Too many farmers are waiting for volunteer alfalfa to take their places. Others have too much land and can develop but a small part of their holdings. Within six miles of Chadron are five separate ranches each comprising over two thousand acres and each capable of supporting ten families or fifty families in all, if the land were divided up in smaller tracts and the resources of each developed. The resources are here. All that is needed to make Dawes county a garden spot is new energy and new capital.
Seventeen hundred bushels of carrots to the acre seems almost impossible, but such a crop
was raised by J. W. Good on his farm six miles east of Chadron. He raises every year from five hundred to six hundred bushels of onions to the acre and from thirty to thirtyfive tons of stock beets to the acre. Last year, one of the driest years of record, his corn went fifty bushels; his wheat has run as high as thirty-six bushels and his oats sixtythree bushels to the acre.
1979
Seventeen hundred bushels of carrots to the acre seems almost impossible, but such a crop
was raised by J. W. Good on his farm six miles east of Chadron. He raises every year from five hundred to six hundred bushels of onions to the acre and from thirty to thirtyfive tons of stock beets to the acre. Last year, one of the driest years of record, his corn went fifty bushels; his wheat has run as high as thirty-six bushels and his oats sixtythree bushels to the acre. Mr. Good is one of the biggest hog raisers in the state. He has about twelve hundred hogs feeding on alfalfa. He gets a cent a pound more for his hogs than the market price because they are free from disease and find a ready market at the serum plants at advanced prices. Dawes county has never had a case of hog cholera. There is lots of money to be made raising hogs where alfalfa is so easily produced. Mr. Good has over five hundred acres in alfalfa besides raising a greater variety of crops than any other farmer in Dawes county. He has proved that Dawes county will raise almost any crop raised in the eastern part of the state when properly cared for.
Other Dawes county farmers will verify statements as to their yields. Schwabe brothers last year netted over $60 per acre from one hundred and twenty acres of alfalfa six miles north of Chadron. They cut the first crop for hay which averaged about a ton and a half to the acre. The next crop was left for seed and averaged from five to eight bushels per acre. Dr. Wes Grantham is author of the statement that his alfalfa land three miles south of Chadron, netted him more than $80 per acre last year.
1980
Schwabe brothers last year netted over $60 per acre from one hundred and twenty acres of alfalfa six miles north of Chadron. They cut the first crop for hay which averaged about a ton and a half to the acre. The next crop was left for seed and averaged from five to eight bushels per acre. Dr. Wes Grantham is author of the statement that his alfalfa land three miles south of Chadron, netted him more than $80 per acre last year. Dawes county seed is recognized as a superior quality throughout the country. John O'Donnell won first prize at the state fair with his Dawes county seed raised along the Niobrara valley. At the Land Show in Omaha when all the farming sections from the Missouri river to the Pacific were in competition, Dawes county won first prize with its alfalfa seed, testing 98 per cent pure.
Dawes county last year won two out of the three first prizes given to the boy or girl in the state showing the biggest yield of poatoes, corn and garden produce. Dawes county won the state championship on potatoes and garden produce. Frank Chaulk, 17 years old, raised two hundred bushels of marketable potatoes on one acre, doing all the work himself, and beat all the other counties in the state with his yield.
The garden truck prize went to Myrtle Mann who netted $71.20 from one tenth of an acre of ground five miles south of Chadron. She not only won the state championship for
1981
Dawes county won the state championship on potatoes and garden produce. Frank Chaulk, 17 years old, raised two hundred bushels of marketable potatoes on one acre, doing all the work himself, and beat all the other counties in the state with his yield.
The garden truck prize went to Myrtle Mann who netted $71.20 from one tenth of an acre of ground five miles south of Chadron. She not only won the state championship for
5.W
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Dawes county but won second prize in the national contest competing against all the other counties in the United States. This shows what Dawes county can do under intense cultivation.
The following table shows what Dawes county produced: Crop Bushels
Corn 198,384
Spring Wheat 125,100
Oats 218,243
Rye 71.838
Barlev 13,542
Potatoes 131040
Alfalfa (tons) 27,394
Wild Hay ( tons') 8,641
hay in the stack since it cures up before frost and thus conserves its nutrition. This is one of the greatest assets for, with plenty of pasturage, only a small amount of hay is necessary. This reduces the cost of production to a minimum.
With good winter pasturage, two hundred tons of hay will easily winter five hundred head of cattle in Dawes county. The eastern part of the state would require several times that much hay to carry the same number of cattle through the winter, because the grass is of little value after frost hits it. Horses usually run out all winter without hay and work in the summer without grain. Eat cattle right off Dawes county grass bring nearly as much as corn
1982
With good winter pasturage, two hundred tons of hay will easily winter five hundred head of cattle in Dawes county. The eastern part of the state would require several times that much hay to carry the same number of cattle through the winter, because the grass is of little value after frost hits it. Horses usually run out all winter without hay and work in the summer without grain. Eat cattle right off Dawes county grass bring nearly as much as corn
Superior Domixo-557924, 0\yxi:i> r.v Mrs. \Ym. Rrawuick, Chadron.
Dawes county ranks fourth in the state in the production of spring wheat. This «record is exceptionally good when you consider the fact that there are only five hundred and eighty-seven men over twenty-one years old on the farms in Dawes county.
The live stock industry is, of course, the chief industry in the county. No country can be better adapted to the raising of cattle than Dawes county. Its grasses are nutritious and fattening. The grass is as good in winter as
fed cattle on the market. Grazing land is cheap and the cost of raising livestock of all kinds is very low as compared to the cost to the eastern farmer on his high priced land, who has to feed corn winter and summer to fatten his cattle. The eastern feeders are casting envious eyes in this direction and it won't be long before a good many of them will have a Dawes county ranch to supply their feed lots with cattle.
1983
Grazing land is cheap and the cost of raising livestock of all kinds is very low as compared to the cost to the eastern farmer on his high priced land, who has to feed corn winter and summer to fatten his cattle. The eastern feeders are casting envious eyes in this direction and it won't be long before a good many of them will have a Dawes county ranch to supply their feed lots with cattle.
Though Dawes county is suffering the same
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
as the country in general from shortage in The following table shows the number of
cattle, it now has a better grade of stock. One livestock in Dawes county in 1914, as comof the biggest herds of registered cattle in the pared to 1907:
state is owned by William Braddock on his
ranch north of Chadrori. Mr. Braddock has Kind 1914 1907
over three hundred and fifty head of regis- Cattle 21,181 43,975
tered Herefords. It doesn't cost very much Sheep 5,542 20,600
more to raise good stock and the returns are Hogs 4,494 2,275
several times as much. Mr. Braddock sells his Horses 10.132 8,239
calves for two and three times as much as the Mules and Jacks 527 123
ordinary calf will bring. There are several .
herds of registered cattle in Dawes county. 2,485 milch cows included.
The cattle business offers one of the greatest
opportunities open to capital at the present Dawes county has the natural resources to
time. Prices may fluctuate, but they will have a steady upward trend to meet the ever increasing demand from both home and abroad. Statistics show that there were in the United States, in 1907, over 72,533,000 head of cattle, as compared to 58,592,000 in 1914. The demand has been increasing steadily and the supply decreasing.
1984
The cattle business offers one of the greatest
opportunities open to capital at the present Dawes county has the natural resources to
time. Prices may fluctuate, but they will have a steady upward trend to meet the ever increasing demand from both home and abroad. Statistics show that there were in the United States, in 1907, over 72,533,000 head of cattle, as compared to 58,592,000 in 1914. The demand has been increasing steadily and the supply decreasing. Ther.e is only one logical conclusion -- ■ higher prices. When the war ended, restocking Europe's farms commenced, the demand should increase and the prices soar to a new level. Now is the time to get into the cattle business before the rise in prices and the consequential advance in land values.
care for three times the number of livestock that now graze its pastures. In 1907 it had twice as many and its alfalfa production was only half as great.
When Dawes county's agricultural resources are developed, Chadron, the county seat, will outgrow its corporate limits in search of room for expansion. Already Chadron is recognized as an educational center of western Nebraska. With a State Normal School, an annual pay roll of nearly a million dollars from the railroad, and a rich agricultural community, Chadron bids fair to become a city of ten thousand people.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
SETTLEMENT AND INDIAN DAYS IN DAWES COUNTY
Quite a few made their filings on land without having seen it. relying upon statements made by locators residing at Valentine. These agents had only a general idea as to the quality and lay of land, and result was a few settlers who made entries in this way were disappointed with selections made through proxy.
1985
With a State Normal School, an annual pay roll of nearly a million dollars from the railroad, and a rich agricultural community, Chadron bids fair to become a city of ten thousand people.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
SETTLEMENT AND INDIAN DAYS IN DAWES COUNTY
Quite a few made their filings on land without having seen it. relying upon statements made by locators residing at Valentine. These agents had only a general idea as to the quality and lay of land, and result was a few settlers who made entries in this way were disappointed with selections made through proxy.
During the summer of 1884 a great rush of homeseekers made entries under the pre-emption and timber culture acts at Valentine land office, but only a comparative few established actual residence on lands before the spring of 1885.
Peter B. Nelson, with his wife, Olaffine, and two children, Nellie and Ernest, antedate any of the other settlers of the county by several
The new arrivals were mostly young, and eager to quickly build up new homes and convert the prairie into garden patches and grain fields, and the activity displayed on every hand was convincing proof to the few old timers that a new era for Dawes county was an accomplished fact.
By the fall of 1885 the population of the country districts was larger than at the present day, for the reason that the lands of the county as a rule are now owned in larger tracts. Up to 1892 but few had turned their attention to stock-raising, and they in a very modest way.
1986
The new arrivals were mostly young, and eager to quickly build up new homes and convert the prairie into garden patches and grain fields, and the activity displayed on every hand was convincing proof to the few old timers that a new era for Dawes county was an accomplished fact.
By the fall of 1885 the population of the country districts was larger than at the present day, for the reason that the lands of the county as a rule are now owned in larger tracts. Up to 1892 but few had turned their attention to stock-raising, and they in a very modest way.
By 1892 most of the settlers had made final proof on lands and secured small loans from
years, having settled on Bordeaux Creek, three miles east of Chadron, along with the first cattle ranch in 1878, and holding land by virtue of "Squatters' Rights" until legal entry could be made.
The next settlers to arrive were Mrs. Fannie M. B. O'Linn, with her daughter and two sons, and Hiram J. Ingersoll and family, both families establishing residence on Chadron creek in March, 1884, and Howard G. Furniaii and family, on Niobrara river, a few miles east of Marsland in the earlv spring of 1884.
In the spring of 1885 a stream of settlers came to settle upon lands previously entered ai the land office.
eastern investors by mortgaging to secure funds to pay the government $1.25 per acre on pre-emption claims, and the crop failure of that year, combined with land prices, made payment of interest impossible, and the value of the lands depreciated to almost nothing. Many eastern investors refused to pay the very small taxes then levied, together with the expense of foreclosure suits necessary to secure title, and allowed their mortgage liens to lapse.
1987
In the spring of 1885 a stream of settlers came to settle upon lands previously entered ai the land office.
eastern investors by mortgaging to secure funds to pay the government $1.25 per acre on pre-emption claims, and the crop failure of that year, combined with land prices, made payment of interest impossible, and the value of the lands depreciated to almost nothing. Many eastern investors refused to pay the very small taxes then levied, together with the expense of foreclosure suits necessary to secure title, and allowed their mortgage liens to lapse. This was so general that the county itself was compelled to foreclose on lands for collection of taxes under what was known as the tax scavenger act. The bulk of these foreclosures by the county came in 1900. during-which year 110 cases were brought in the district court by
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the county attorney and the lands sold. Sales of farm lands of this kind forced by the county, and numerous foreclosures of tax liens by individuals, was the opportune time for the formation of ranches and putting together tracts of 1,000 and 2,000 acres by those who "hung on" to the country, and the laying of foundations for many fortunes amassed by ranchmen in later years.
The season of 1885 was good, and although farming operations were, of course, limited, returns were satisfactory, and inspired the newcomers with faith in the country and to doubt the statements so often put forth by cattlemen that it was fitted only for range cattle and Indians.
1988
Sales of farm lands of this kind forced by the county, and numerous foreclosures of tax liens by individuals, was the opportune time for the formation of ranches and putting together tracts of 1,000 and 2,000 acres by those who "hung on" to the country, and the laying of foundations for many fortunes amassed by ranchmen in later years.
The season of 1885 was good, and although farming operations were, of course, limited, returns were satisfactory, and inspired the newcomers with faith in the country and to doubt the statements so often put forth by cattlemen that it was fitted only for range cattle and Indians.
During the next six years -- 1886 to 1891 -- settlers just plodded along and "farmed," most of them with inferior work animals and inadequate machinery. Generally speaking, farming was indifferently done and crop yields not what they might have been, although seasons were fair.
In 1892 came a severe drouth, accompanied by the panic and extremely low prices, and every day added to the sombre color of the industrial life of the county, and made the problem of existence more complex. The history of the nation may record that the panic came in 1893, but the fact is that its fury was upon all of western Nebraska as early as the summer of 1892. Dry seasons lasted for seven years.
No single epic in the history of Dawes county holds so much of human interest as the story of the pioneer homebuilders who faced the drouth, the panic and the low prices of the '90's. The pathos of those drouth stricken days, when stout hearts yielded to disheartening conditions; those days "when all the west went broke," was an experience never to be forgotten by those who witnessed or were a part of the exodus of a large portion of our people from their homes in poverty and in doubt as to where they would go or what the future had in store for them.
1989
No single epic in the history of Dawes county holds so much of human interest as the story of the pioneer homebuilders who faced the drouth, the panic and the low prices of the '90's. The pathos of those drouth stricken days, when stout hearts yielded to disheartening conditions; those days "when all the west went broke," was an experience never to be forgotten by those who witnessed or were a part of the exodus of a large portion of our people from their homes in poverty and in doubt as to where they would go or what the future had in store for them. The industrial conditions prevailing elsewhere were not inviting to those now impoverished who had so recently been home owners and land owners of Dawes county.
Much could be written of the individual struggle by business and professional men and farmers to avert the failures they were so helpless to escape, when poverty was a normal condition, and the resources of the country were so dried up that the business man could not help the farmer nor vice versa ; when many business men closed their doors and went home
to the "wife's folks," and farmers loaded their belongings into prairie schooners and bade farewell to homes and surroundings upon which the affections and hopes had been placed, and tracked east or west to commence over again. Mention of the conditions prevailing which molded the lives of our people at that time would be incomplete unless tribute was paid to the courage and resourcefulness of the women. Men may excel in physical courage, but the moral courage displayed by the women generally in those sombre days was fully sufficient to warrant any student of human nature in concluding that in time of universal and long drawn out disaster and hardship the women can carry the heavy load.
1990
Mention of the conditions prevailing which molded the lives of our people at that time would be incomplete unless tribute was paid to the courage and resourcefulness of the women. Men may excel in physical courage, but the moral courage displayed by the women generally in those sombre days was fully sufficient to warrant any student of human nature in concluding that in time of universal and long drawn out disaster and hardship the women can carry the heavy load. The sublime hope and courage of the women of Dawes county were the chief props of our community life during the disastrous years of the nineties.
The people of the county today have no more fear of a return of the conditions of the nineties than of a repetition of the grasshopper scourge, for the reason that we have learned what the country is adapted for and how its natural resources may be utilized ; our industries are established and the foundations of our prosperity are sure.
Among other things, those pioneer settlers did demonstrate for us that ordinary farming methods as carried on in eastern Nebraska and Iowa were largely impractical in Dawes county in the average season; that the breeding and raising of horses, cattle and hogs, and the growing of alfalfa were more essential to the success and prosperity of the agriculturist than the raising of wheat and other cereals ; that is to say, experience has satisfied the old timers that it is a country better adapted to ranching than farming; that by combining ranching with farming the income for a term of years is sure and certain, for, no matter how unfavorable the season, a fair crop of grasses native to the climate is sure to grow and mature, which, when brown and cured, are rich in substance and a crop of much money value.
1991
Among other things, those pioneer settlers did demonstrate for us that ordinary farming methods as carried on in eastern Nebraska and Iowa were largely impractical in Dawes county in the average season; that the breeding and raising of horses, cattle and hogs, and the growing of alfalfa were more essential to the success and prosperity of the agriculturist than the raising of wheat and other cereals ; that is to say, experience has satisfied the old timers that it is a country better adapted to ranching than farming; that by combining ranching with farming the income for a term of years is sure and certain, for, no matter how unfavorable the season, a fair crop of grasses native to the climate is sure to grow and mature, which, when brown and cured, are rich in substance and a crop of much money value. It requires time for people to assimilate the fact that the sombre terrain of brown grass standing on the ground in the winter season was a crop that could be depended upon ; that the short grass was not withered and worthless, but cured and ripened and equivalent to cured hay as fodder. As they came to understand the value of the grass for winter ranging, there came also a realization that the fodder produced by a blighted wheat or oats crop, if husbanded in season, was of much value as "roughing" to tide over the periods when snow covered the grass; and the art of averting a
1992
It requires time for people to assimilate the fact that the sombre terrain of brown grass standing on the ground in the winter season was a crop that could be depended upon ; that the short grass was not withered and worthless, but cured and ripened and equivalent to cured hay as fodder. As they came to understand the value of the grass for winter ranging, there came also a realization that the fodder produced by a blighted wheat or oats crop, if husbanded in season, was of much value as "roughing" to tide over the periods when snow covered the grass; and the art of averting a
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
crop failure was learned. It must be admitted that this is a semi-arid region, but the statement needs to be qualified ; in the spring time the precipitation is as sure as in the Missouri valley region. The dry weather comes, "if at all," in July and August. The agriculturist schooled in peculiarities of the climate remains "on the job" very closely in mid crop season. The abundant rainfall in spring and the fertility of the soil gives assurance of a crop equal to that of eastern Nebraska or Iowa up to the latter part of June, after which the rainfall is more uncertain, and then if drouth sets in to threaten the small grain or corn crop experience seems to have taught the grower not to gamble. A good fodder crop will repay the expense of seeding and harvesting, the steer in the grass pasture or the hog in the alfalfa patch will do the rest, and the season will be rounded out as a success, even though not a bushel of grain is threshed.
1993
The abundant rainfall in spring and the fertility of the soil gives assurance of a crop equal to that of eastern Nebraska or Iowa up to the latter part of June, after which the rainfall is more uncertain, and then if drouth sets in to threaten the small grain or corn crop experience seems to have taught the grower not to gamble. A good fodder crop will repay the expense of seeding and harvesting, the steer in the grass pasture or the hog in the alfalfa patch will do the rest, and the season will be rounded out as a success, even though not a bushel of grain is threshed.
Some Legends of Crow Butte By Wayne T. Wilson, Chadron
The buttes of the northwest are as mile-posts marking periods and events in the history of the country. Among the numerous buttes of this section of the country, none has a more interesting history than "Crow Butte." Located five miles east of Crawford, it can be seen for miles in every direction, standing like a sentinel guarding the pine-clad hills on the south and the beautiful White river valley, which winds across the country at its feet on the north. Its battle-scarred sides are evidences of the hard fought battles which occurred between the tribes of hostile Indians that once inhabited this section of the great west. A view of this stately rock can be seen in this issue, showing also the approach to the summit, which is 1,000 feet higher than the surrounding country. The walls on the opposite side near the top have a perpendicular elevation of 100 feet.
1994
Among the numerous buttes of this section of the country, none has a more interesting history than "Crow Butte." Located five miles east of Crawford, it can be seen for miles in every direction, standing like a sentinel guarding the pine-clad hills on the south and the beautiful White river valley, which winds across the country at its feet on the north. Its battle-scarred sides are evidences of the hard fought battles which occurred between the tribes of hostile Indians that once inhabited this section of the great west. A view of this stately rock can be seen in this issue, showing also the approach to the summit, which is 1,000 feet higher than the surrounding country. The walls on the opposite side near the top have a perpendicular elevation of 100 feet.
Many beautiful Indian legends are told about this historic place. The incident that gave "Crow Butte" its name occurred years before white men saw the plains of Nebraska and when this land was the chosen field of large herds of antelope and buffalo. Here the Indian came in quest of food and raiment and here the tribes met and struggled for supremacy. This was disputed territory between the Sioux and Crow Indians, who were ever bitter enemies, and the entrance of one tribe or the other into this valley meant hostilities, which only ended with the extermination of one band or the other.
It was in the early sixties -- no one can ascertain the exact date, but as the Indian will tell you, "many moons ago," long before Red Cloud agency occupied this same ground -- that two bands of Indians met here and fought unceasingly for hours and hours, until both sides were reduced to less than half their number. Such open fighting, such carnage had never before been witnessed in tribal warfare.
1995
This was disputed territory between the Sioux and Crow Indians, who were ever bitter enemies, and the entrance of one tribe or the other into this valley meant hostilities, which only ended with the extermination of one band or the other.
It was in the early sixties -- no one can ascertain the exact date, but as the Indian will tell you, "many moons ago," long before Red Cloud agency occupied this same ground -- that two bands of Indians met here and fought unceasingly for hours and hours, until both sides were reduced to less than half their number. Such open fighting, such carnage had never before been witnessed in tribal warfare. At eventide, on the third day of conflict, the Crows recognized their disadvantage and ultimate defeat and, under cover of darkness, withdrew to the summit of this butte, with the intention of using it as a fortification. The Sioux knew well there was no escape for the Crows, except by a narrow path, by which they had gained the top.
Accordingly, they put a strong guard across this path and fell back onto the creek, to care for their sick and wounded.
For a time it looked as if the Crows were doomed to starvation. The chiefs and wise men were called in council to devise means of escape. It was decided that a few old men among them, who had outlived their usefulness, should be sacrificed that the others might live.
The old men were stationed on the side of the butte where they would be in plain view of the Sioux guard and instructed to chant their weird songs, so that the Sioux might not suspicion their undertaking. The rest of the band were, meanwhile, busily engaged in tearing in twain their blankets, which they tied together and subsequently used as a means of escape over the north precipice of Crow Butte, a distance of 100 feet.
1996
The old men were stationed on the side of the butte where they would be in plain view of the Sioux guard and instructed to chant their weird songs, so that the Sioux might not suspicion their undertaking. The rest of the band were, meanwhile, busily engaged in tearing in twain their blankets, which they tied together and subsequently used as a means of escape over the north precipice of Crow Butte, a distance of 100 feet. They accomplished this dangerous task during the night, having the old men on top to chant their songs.
It was several hours before the Sioux learned of the ruse. They at once decided to place a guard around the entire butte and starve to death the remaining few. Several days passed and still the chanting of the old men was wafted down on the breeze from the pines on the hillside. One moon elapsed and the chantings ceased, and the majestic butte was enveloped in a mist.
In the evening tide, as the autumnal sun sank slowly behind distant western hills, the mist was lighted in a blaze of glory and the guards beheld three beautiful Indian maidens floating in the distance, and finally the maidens, bearing the old men who had been left on the butte, and surrounded by a strange light -- according to the legends of the Indians -- floated into the heavens, upon the wings of great birds of pure white.
The Sioux chiefs were gathered in council
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
1997
In the evening tide, as the autumnal sun sank slowly behind distant western hills, the mist was lighted in a blaze of glory and the guards beheld three beautiful Indian maidens floating in the distance, and finally the maidens, bearing the old men who had been left on the butte, and surrounded by a strange light -- according to the legends of the Indians -- floated into the heavens, upon the wings of great birds of pure white.
The Sioux chiefs were gathered in council
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
to explain this strange phenomenon, but all shook their heads and only spoke of the Great Father. Finally, one old Sioux arose and explained that the old men had been taken to the happy hunting ground, and that the maidens had been sent as messengers of peace, and that unless they made treaty with the Crows there would be a drouth and the antelope and buffalo all leave the country; but if they did make peace the game would stay and they would want no more.
A messenger was sent after the Crows, who requested them to return, which they did, and a compact was entered into, which has not been broken to this day.
Thus Crow Butte received its name.
Brave Band of Indians Killed
In the military cemetery at Fort Robinson are the graves of about fifty Cheyenne Indians. These braves were killed in one of the sharpest conflicts that ever took place between soldiers and Indians. It was in the summer of 1878 that a band of Indians, who had been removed from Pine Ridge agency to the Indian Territory, came wandering back up the Platte and crossed over into the Running Water, where they divided into two divisions. One division continued up Running Water, while the other moved over into the Pine Ridge country, near the head of Chadron creek, and lay there quietly in camp.
1998
These braves were killed in one of the sharpest conflicts that ever took place between soldiers and Indians. It was in the summer of 1878 that a band of Indians, who had been removed from Pine Ridge agency to the Indian Territory, came wandering back up the Platte and crossed over into the Running Water, where they divided into two divisions. One division continued up Running Water, while the other moved over into the Pine Ridge country, near the head of Chadron creek, and lay there quietly in camp. General Thoruburg followed up with one thousand troops and camped on Bronce lake, now the town site of Alliance. Here General Thornburg was relieved of his command, and was succeeded by General McKenzie.
The little band of Indians who had continued up Running Water was soon located and was immediately returned to their reservation in the Indian Territory, with but little trouble. The band on Chadron creek had not yet been discovered nor missed. The intention of the Indians was not hostility, but to get back to the home they loved and the scenes of their childhood. They were mostly married bucks and had found their wives among the Sioux, their friends and neighbors on the Pine Ridge agency.
General Larrabee, then in command at Fort Robinson, kept the country well patrolled and scouted for signs of hostile Indians. The fate of General Custer and the famous Seventh cavalry was still fresh in the minds of General Larrabee and his soldiers. It was late in the fall of that year, 1878, when the scouts reported that a band of Indians were in camp at the head of Chadron creek. A detachment of soldiers were sent out to inquire their purpose and destination. It was soon learned that they belonged to a band of Cheyennes that had been sent back to the Indian Territory only a short time before.
1999
The fate of General Custer and the famous Seventh cavalry was still fresh in the minds of General Larrabee and his soldiers. It was late in the fall of that year, 1878, when the scouts reported that a band of Indians were in camp at the head of Chadron creek. A detachment of soldiers were sent out to inquire their purpose and destination. It was soon learned that they belonged to a band of Cheyennes that had been sent back to the Indian Territory only a short time before. The Indians were persuaded to peaceably accompany the soldiers over to White River, where they camped for the night. The next morning, when the start was made in the direction of Fort Robinson, the Indians rebelled and flatly refused to go any farther.
At first the Indians believed they were being returned to the Pine Ridge agency, but when they found this was not the intention of the soldiers, they refused to go. They remained there that day, and when night came on a messenger was sent to the fort for reinforcements and some large guns. When day dawned the next morning the Indians, who had camped on a lower piece of ground than the soldiers, looked up into the mouth of several pieces of field artdlery. Under this persuasive argument the Indians peaceably accompanied the soldiers to the Fort.
Once here, they were confined in the old barracks, which were later replaced by new ones for the soldiers. Here they were kept from September until the following January. They would not return to their southern reservation, and all overtures in this direction availed nothing.
2000
When day dawned the next morning the Indians, who had camped on a lower piece of ground than the soldiers, looked up into the mouth of several pieces of field artdlery. Under this persuasive argument the Indians peaceably accompanied the soldiers to the Fort.
Once here, they were confined in the old barracks, which were later replaced by new ones for the soldiers. Here they were kept from September until the following January. They would not return to their southern reservation, and all overtures in this direction availed nothing.
General Larrabee then resorted to other and more severe tactics. He first took their fuel away, and as this failed of its purpose, their rations were also taken. The Indians, without either fire or rations, became savage. On the night of January 10, 1879, they broke through the windows of their barracks and attacked the guards with knives and war clubs, which they had made out of the floor of the barracks. The guards were killed and their guns taken.
By this time the soldiers, who had retired for the night, awoke to the awful realization of the fate of their comrades. Hastily they dressed, and without waiting for orders, grabbed their guns and fiercely attacked the belligerent Indians. The dawn of morning showed that twenty-eight Indians and a number of soldiers were lying dead on the commons east of the barracks. The remaining Indians fled up White River. The women and children were induced to return to the fort, where their wounds were dressed. Many of the women and children had been badly wounded. One squaw was shot twenty-two times,
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Hastily they dressed, and without waiting for orders, grabbed their guns and fiercely attacked the belligerent Indians. The dawn of morning showed that twenty-eight Indians and a number of soldiers were lying dead on the commons east of the barracks. The remaining Indians fled up White River. The women and children were induced to return to the fort, where their wounds were dressed. Many of the women and children had been badly wounded. One squaw was shot twenty-two times,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
and is still alive and living on Pine Ridge agency. The bucks fled across onto Hat creek, where they were pursued by the soldiers. They finally took refuge in the head of a canyon, where they were impregnably fortified. Artillery was used to shell them out and the little band of twenty-two sacrificed their lives rather than accept exile to a strange land.
How Crazy Horse Died
One of the greatest mysteries of the famous Custer massacre and Sioux war of 1876 was the death of Crazy Horse, one of the principal chiefs and leaders of the rebellious Sioux -- the man above all others who was the evil genius of that stormy period. The telegraph reports sent out from Fort Robinson at the time of his death were contradictory and nebulous. No one seemed to know how he died, while the man who killed him -- William Gentles, of the Fourteenth United States infantry -- died with the secret locked in his bosom. There were only two witnesses to the act, and only one of them is now living. His name is Sergeant William F. Kelly, formerly of the Fourteenth infantry, in recent years a resident of E street, in Washington. The story that he told to a Washington Post reporter of the killing of Crazy Horse had never before been published until Sergeant Kelly had kept the matter a secret for twenty-seven years.
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No one seemed to know how he died, while the man who killed him -- William Gentles, of the Fourteenth United States infantry -- died with the secret locked in his bosom. There were only two witnesses to the act, and only one of them is now living. His name is Sergeant William F. Kelly, formerly of the Fourteenth infantry, in recent years a resident of E street, in Washington. The story that he told to a Washington Post reporter of the killing of Crazy Horse had never before been published until Sergeant Kelly had kept the matter a secret for twenty-seven years.
At the conclusion of the Custer massacre, on June 25, 1876, said Sergeant Kelly, the Sioux, pursuant to a custom followed by all plains Indians in their wars with the whites, split up into numerous small bands which departed in every direction, in order to bewilder the troops, which they knew would be sure to follow. Most of these bands came in at the approach of winter and surrendered, and a large body of them were captured in Montana by General Miles, but the band under Crazy Horse, which took refuge in the Powder river country, remained out until late in February of 1877.
It was during the latter part of this month, however, that Crazy Horse and his band, half starved and nearly frozen, arrived at Red Cloud agency, Nebraska, in the teeth of a cutting blizzard, and offered to surrender. The agent, whom the Indians thoroughly despised for very good reasons, had deserted at the outbreak of the Sioux war, and at the time I speak of the agency was being conducted by Lieutenant Johnson, of the Fourteenth infantry, which regiment, together with several others, was stationed at Fort Robinson under General McKenzie. The fort lay a short distance from the agency, and as soon as the fact became known, General McKenzie went over and held a pow-wow with the Indians, at which terms of capitulation were arranged.
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The agent, whom the Indians thoroughly despised for very good reasons, had deserted at the outbreak of the Sioux war, and at the time I speak of the agency was being conducted by Lieutenant Johnson, of the Fourteenth infantry, which regiment, together with several others, was stationed at Fort Robinson under General McKenzie. The fort lay a short distance from the agency, and as soon as the fact became known, General McKenzie went over and held a pow-wow with the Indians, at which terms of capitulation were arranged. Rations were issued to the starving redskins, who pitched their tepees on the bank of WTiite Clay creek, about six miles distant from the agency.
Before proceeding further. I want to state that of all Indians Crazy Horse was perhaps the worst and most thoroughly criminal that ever lived. He was the typical bad Indian, without a single redeeming trait or quality, and one of the hardest men to deal with in the entire west. Consequently, it was not long after this event before Crazy Horse had a quarrel with his principal sub-chief and adviser, an Indian known to the whites as Little Bad Man. I don't know what it was about, but at all events the two were deadly enemies from that time forward, and as a result of this trouble Little Bad Man gathered his followers together and, separating from Crazy Horse, established his camp at a point two miles up the creek. Things remained quiet until the next ration day came around. In those days it was the custom to issue beef to the Indians on the hoof. The entire tribe, bucks and squaws alike, mounted on ponies, would congregate about the corral in which the government cattle were kept, and as fast as the cattle were driven out would hold a regular buffalo hunt, whooping and yelling and riding, chasing the cattle until the poor animals were almost ready to drop, then shooting and leaving them to the squaws to skin and butcher, as they did in the days of old on their buffalo hunts.
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The entire tribe, bucks and squaws alike, mounted on ponies, would congregate about the corral in which the government cattle were kept, and as fast as the cattle were driven out would hold a regular buffalo hunt, whooping and yelling and riding, chasing the cattle until the poor animals were almost ready to drop, then shooting and leaving them to the squaws to skin and butcher, as they did in the days of old on their buffalo hunts.
On this occasion Lieutenant Johnson was on the point of issuing cattle to Crazy Horse, when the interpreter informed him that Little Bad Man had asked that his cattle be issued separately. The acting agent was perplexed, for at that time everyone was trying to pacify the Indians, and he realized that whatever he did he was certain to arouse the anger of one or the other of the two men. He asked the advice of the interpreter. The latter replied that he thought the best plan would be to issue rations as requested by Little Bad Man. This the agent did, serving Little Bad Man first. when, sure enough, just as he had feared, Crazy Horse flew into a fury, refusing to accept his share, and riding back to camp followed by his people.
Spring was approaching, and it was not long after that before Crazy Horse began mak-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ing trouble. It was not his nature to remain peaceful and quiet, and reports seemed lo indicate that he was preparing for the war path. Among other things, he circulated the story that General McKenzie and his entire command were preparing to descend on the camp some night and massacre the entire outfit. By means of this and similar stories he managed to start a reign of terror, both in his camp and also that of Little Bad Man.
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It was not his nature to remain peaceful and quiet, and reports seemed lo indicate that he was preparing for the war path. Among other things, he circulated the story that General McKenzie and his entire command were preparing to descend on the camp some night and massacre the entire outfit. By means of this and similar stories he managed to start a reign of terror, both in his camp and also that of Little Bad Man. At that time Crazy Horse had some three hundred warriors and one hundred forty-six tepees, and the way we came to hear these reports was due to the feuds which existed among the Indians themselves.
The Ogalalla Sioux, Under Red Cloud, and the Brule Sioux, under Spotted Tail, had remained loyal to the whites during the campaign of 1876, and also the Arapahoes. Red Cloud and his people were stationed at the agency named in his honor, while Spotted Tail and the Brule Sioux were at Spotted Tail agency, some miles distant. The Ogalallas were bitter enemies of the Northern Sioux under Crazy Horse, despising the latter from the bottom of their hearts. A very considerable number of these Indians were at that time enlisted and serving in several companies at Fort Robinson, and inasmuch as Crazy Horse was a domineering tyrant, holding his people in subjection more through fear than he did through kindness, they did a good deal of talking behind his back to the Ogalallas and enlisted Indians who, of course, carried the word direct to the commanding officer.
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The Ogalallas were bitter enemies of the Northern Sioux under Crazy Horse, despising the latter from the bottom of their hearts. A very considerable number of these Indians were at that time enlisted and serving in several companies at Fort Robinson, and inasmuch as Crazy Horse was a domineering tyrant, holding his people in subjection more through fear than he did through kindness, they did a good deal of talking behind his back to the Ogalallas and enlisted Indians who, of course, carried the word direct to the commanding officer.
These rumors finally became so alarming that General McKenzie sent word to Crazy Horse, through an interpreter, telling him to come to the fort ; that he wanted to see him. Crazy Horse sent word that if McKenzie wanted to see him he would have to come to his camp. Following this. General McKenzie sent a second time, summoning him to the fort, in reply to which Crazy Horse stated that he was sick. The third time General McKenzie sent word, he gave Crazy Horse to understand that unless he obeyed he would send down and have him brought to the fort by force. Crazy Horse concluded that it would be well to obey, and sent word back that he would be up the following morning.
When a person hears a great deal of some famous personage, it is no more than natural that he should form a somewhat exalted notion of the personality and appearance of the distinguished individual ; and such was the state of my mind with regard to Crazy Horse. I expected to see a second Pontiac, a noble red
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Crazy Horse concluded that it would be well to obey, and sent word back that he would be up the following morning.
When a person hears a great deal of some famous personage, it is no more than natural that he should form a somewhat exalted notion of the personality and appearance of the distinguished individual ; and such was the state of my mind with regard to Crazy Horse. I expected to see a second Pontiac, a noble red
man; and you can imagine my surprise when, on the arrival of Crazy Horse next morning before the general's headquarters, I beheld one of the meanest, sickliest, most repulsive looking Indians that ever walked the face of the globe. Of course I was not present at the conference, but I heard enough of what took place to know that General McKenzie gave him a pretty straight talking to. He was given to understand that McKenzie was not contemplating any night attack on his village, but trying to live in peace, and that if war became, necessary he would come in the daytime to do what fighting he had to perform.
Instead of pacifying Crazy Horse it only made him worse. At the time of his surrender he gave up some fifty ponies, which were given to Red Cloud, and at the conference he asked that they be restored -- a request flatly refused by General McKenzie. This made him furious, and a few weeks after this powwow reports began starting that Crazy Horse was preparing to take the warpath. In the meantime, however, General McKenzie was relieved, General L. P. Bradley arriving as his successor! General Bradley had been at the fort only a few days when another alarming report came in, the result of which was that the entire command was ordered ready for action, and on the following morning left the fort to surround and capture Crazy Horse and his band.
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This made him furious, and a few weeks after this powwow reports began starting that Crazy Horse was preparing to take the warpath. In the meantime, however, General McKenzie was relieved, General L. P. Bradley arriving as his successor! General Bradley had been at the fort only a few days when another alarming report came in, the result of which was that the entire command was ordered ready for action, and on the following morning left the fort to surround and capture Crazy Horse and his band.
There was only one cannon at the fort -- an old brass affair, used for firing the morning and evening gun -- and this constituted the artillery. An old Irishman named Murphy, who quarreled with the driver because the latter failed to keep the six mules in line with the rest of the command, had charge of the battery, while I was the gunner. Little Bad Man was on hand to guide us to the camp of his rival, and away we went in fine style. The work of surrounding the camp, which was in a low hollow or depression in the prairie, was very skillfully executed, but when the order came to close in, and we crossed the ridge that shut the camp off from view, not a tepee was in sight.
It appears that Crazy Horse had spies just as well as ourselves, and that he had gotten wind of this intended move some five hours beforehand. What happened in the Indian camp, I am not able to say, but at all events his band picked up in a body before davlight the following morning, and moved into Red Cloud agency, mixed among the Ogallalas in such a manner that they were not readily noticed, while Crazv Horse mounted a horse
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It appears that Crazy Horse had spies just as well as ourselves, and that he had gotten wind of this intended move some five hours beforehand. What happened in the Indian camp, I am not able to say, but at all events his band picked up in a body before davlight the following morning, and moved into Red Cloud agency, mixed among the Ogallalas in such a manner that they were not readily noticed, while Crazv Horse mounted a horse
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
and put out for Spotted Tail agency, hoping to lie low at that point until affairs quieted down and he got in thorough readiness for the warpath.
While we were standing around, disgusted and disgruntled over our poor success, one of Crazy Horse's band came up and told us what had occurred. We returned to the fort, and as there was a telegraph line from there to Spotted Tail agency. General Bradley wired General Brooke (retired) to have Spotted Tail arrest Crazy Horse the moment he arrived there. This the former was quite willing to do, and did so. Mr. Crazy Horse was brought back to the fort in an ambulance, escorted by two troops of cavalry.
The Indians at Red Cloud agency having heard of his coming, had congregated about the fort, and when we arrived with Crazy Horse, the pendemonium and excitement that followed I shall never forget. To begin with the followers of Crazy Horse grew excited over the exultation of the Ogallalas, Brules and members of Little Bad Man's party and prepared for battle. This was the signal for counter hostilities on the part of the friendly Sioux, who hegan stripping their clothing for fight.
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The Indians at Red Cloud agency having heard of his coming, had congregated about the fort, and when we arrived with Crazy Horse, the pendemonium and excitement that followed I shall never forget. To begin with the followers of Crazy Horse grew excited over the exultation of the Ogallalas, Brules and members of Little Bad Man's party and prepared for battle. This was the signal for counter hostilities on the part of the friendly Sioux, who hegan stripping their clothing for fight.
Crazy Horse was taken to the adjutant's office, where the officer of the day, Captain Kinnington, and his enemy. Little Bad Man, started with him to the guard house, about two hundred and fifty feet distant. He bucked so hard that they had their hands full getting him over to this building. It was then sundown and the space between the guardhouse and the office was filled with Indians, soldiers and the guard, who with fixed bayonets were stationed there to prevent any one from getting in the way of the two men and their recalcitrant prisoner. Just as they entered the prison, Crazy Horse caught sight of the grated bars and iron doors of the cell he was to occupy, and with one supreme effort threw Kinnington in one direction and Little Bad Man in another. As he did so he drew a long butcher knife from up his sleeves and attacked Little Bad Man, cutting him on the wrist. The latter was game, and, grasping Crazy Horse by the arms, the two struggled for the mastery out through the door and into the alleyway between the prison and the office. The guard formed a circle around the two men as they struggled while Kinnington was trying every way he could to get some one to part the two men and secure Crazy Horse.
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As he did so he drew a long butcher knife from up his sleeves and attacked Little Bad Man, cutting him on the wrist. The latter was game, and, grasping Crazy Horse by the arms, the two struggled for the mastery out through the door and into the alleyway between the prison and the office. The guard formed a circle around the two men as they struggled while Kinnington was trying every way he could to get some one to part the two men and secure Crazy Horse.
It was an exciting moment, when a shot would have started a massacre, and no one
knew just what to do. Suddenly, as the two men surged forward in the direction of where I as standing, I saw Win. Gentles, an old soldier, and a veteran of the Mormon campaign of 1857, give Crazy Horse a thrust with his bayonet. The thrust was delivered with lightning like rapidity, and the next instant he had his gun at carry, as though nothing had happened. Crazy Horse gave a deep groan, staggered forward and dropped his knife and fell.
Only two men, myself and another, saw and knew how this was done; and the strangest thing of all was that many members of the guard imagined that they were guilty of the killing.
Crazy Horse died at midnight. He was conscious all the while and never uttered a word.
Red Cloud's Plea For Justice
Red Cloud went to Washington some years ago, accompanied by American Horse, his principal lieutenant, for the purpose of calling the attention of congress to certain grievances. Rev. Dr. Eastman, a well educated half-breed, went along as interpreter, and did his work very well. He is a fine looking, intelligent fellow, and is popular with the Sioux tribe.
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Crazy Horse died at midnight. He was conscious all the while and never uttered a word.
Red Cloud's Plea For Justice
Red Cloud went to Washington some years ago, accompanied by American Horse, his principal lieutenant, for the purpose of calling the attention of congress to certain grievances. Rev. Dr. Eastman, a well educated half-breed, went along as interpreter, and did his work very well. He is a fine looking, intelligent fellow, and is popular with the Sioux tribe.
Senator Pettigrew, chairman of the committee on Indian affairs interrogated the old chief, and a stenographer took a complete report of ' the conversation as interpreted by Dr. Eastman. Red Cloud said:
"I am nearly seventy-seven years old, and am very feeble and almost blind ; you see I wear black goggles to shield my fading eyes from the light, which hurts them. Although I am old and feeble, I have come all this distance to plead for justice to my people. In 1851 I made a treaty at Fort Laramie and gave the white men a right to build a railroad across my country. I never gave up any rights to property, beyond the use of ground for the railroad. I have alwavs lived in and round the Black Hills of Dakota. My people still live there, but the treaties which have been made with them have been violated by the white men. I made a treaty with the great soldier who was president for eight years (Grant), and he assured me that my reservation should never be interfered with. Now white men want to divide the reservation into eighty-acre lots for my people to starve on. The lands are bad lands and we cannot raise crops there. In August the hot winds dry up everything, even the little streams.
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My people still live there, but the treaties which have been made with them have been violated by the white men. I made a treaty with the great soldier who was president for eight years (Grant), and he assured me that my reservation should never be interfered with. Now white men want to divide the reservation into eighty-acre lots for my people to starve on. The lands are bad lands and we cannot raise crops there. In August the hot winds dry up everything, even the little streams.
"We want our lands as they are. so that we may make a living by raising horses and cattle,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
because the lands are nearly all good grazing lands. We do not want money from the government in place of rations, because we can live on what the government sends us to eat ; but nearly all of the beef cattle sent to us are thin and starved to death. We prefer money and will buy our own clothing. The suits of clothes are made of poor cloth and they fall to nieces. Besides, the tall men get short suits and the small men get long suits, and the distribution is never satisfactory. We would rather have money than government blankets, because they are all rotten. They are made of cow's hair, dipped in ink, and in the rain or moisture the ink runs off of them. Besides, they fall to pieces. When we are compelled to take such goods and blankets we are charged big prices for them, and we trade them away for other clothing, and have to give money in addition in order to get decent things to wear. "We want the lands left as they are. We want decent food to eat. We are entitled to good clothing, or money in its place.
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They are made of cow's hair, dipped in ink, and in the rain or moisture the ink runs off of them. Besides, they fall to pieces. When we are compelled to take such goods and blankets we are charged big prices for them, and we trade them away for other clothing, and have to give money in addition in order to get decent things to wear. "We want the lands left as they are. We want decent food to eat. We are entitled to good clothing, or money in its place. We want
a law preventing half-breeds from acquiring tribal rights on our reservation. White men come here to marry our young squaws and then claim tribal rights of property and cheat us out of our best grazing lands. If we should kill them for coming among us unforbidden the army would punish us for protecting ourselves. Therefore, I come to ask that the government will treat my people right and protect us from the bad white men."
In his stalwart days Red Cloud was a mighty warrior and a murderous savage. Nevertheless, it is pitiful to see him now, shambling along, led by others and going to Washington to make an honest and heroic effort to secure for his people the rights which ought to be spontaneously conceded by the government. His days of savagery are gone and he is now an old man, wise and attempting in his untutored way, to do right and to induce the intelligent, civilized white men to also do that which is right.
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Nevertheless, it is pitiful to see him now, shambling along, led by others and going to Washington to make an honest and heroic effort to secure for his people the rights which ought to be spontaneously conceded by the government. His days of savagery are gone and he is now an old man, wise and attempting in his untutored way, to do right and to induce the intelligent, civilized white men to also do that which is right.
EARLY DAYS-- AND CRAWFORD-- MANY FIRST THINGS
"The easy and quick method of communicating with your friends at Crawford (by telephone) causes me to realize the change tnat has taken place since mv first visit there, in 1884," says Mrs. F. M. O'Linn, a number of years ago, in the Crawford Tribune :
"Then the territory now known as Sioux, Dawes, Box Butte and Sheridan counties was all Sioux county, unorganized, but attached to Cheyenne county for judicial purposes.
"The only houses in what is now Dawes county (except on the ranches) were those around Fort Robinson, in April, 1884. To one of these, where lived Mr. McManis, we went, in the fall of the year, to obtain potatoes. Our return to what is now known as Dakota Junction required over a day's time, owing to the fact that our team mired in Dead Horse creek. Soon after dark we were helped out by a passing cowboy, and escorted to the Price & Jenkins ranch on Chadron creek. Here we were given a warm welcome and a good supper. A young fawn, skinned and dressed, was added to our supplies, and cowboys, on horseback,
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Our return to what is now known as Dakota Junction required over a day's time, owing to the fact that our team mired in Dead Horse creek. Soon after dark we were helped out by a passing cowboy, and escorted to the Price & Jenkins ranch on Chadron creek. Here we were given a warm welcome and a good supper. A young fawn, skinned and dressed, was added to our supplies, and cowboys, on horseback,
guided us safely to our log house. I often wish, when one uses the term 'cowboy' slightingly, he knew some the many hundreds of noble and generous acts they are credited with in northern Nebraska. To me the very name means 'one of nature's noblemen.' "
First Commissioners
The latter part of April, 1885, notice was received from Governor Dawes of the appointment, as special commissioners of Dawes county, C Fairchild, E. E. Egan and H. G. McMillan, with F. B. Carley as county clerk. Chadron was the temporary county seat. This board met May 9, 1885, and divided the county into voting precincts and called an election for June 27, to elect county and precinct officers, and to locate the county seat permanently.
July 3, 1885, when the official vote was counted. Chadron was declared the county seat of Dawes county, over Dawes City (now Whitney), its only opponent in the race. It was said that every Indian, every traveler, every boy, in fact, every person that could be found
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
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This board met May 9, 1885, and divided the county into voting precincts and called an election for June 27, to elect county and precinct officers, and to locate the county seat permanently.
July 3, 1885, when the official vote was counted. Chadron was declared the county seat of Dawes county, over Dawes City (now Whitney), its only opponent in the race. It was said that every Indian, every traveler, every boy, in fact, every person that could be found
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
inside the limits of the county that did not wear dresses, was allowed to vote. The total vote cast was 949.
In 1SS4, we found at Ft. Robinson Major Louis H. Carpenter of the 5th cavalry, commanding officer. He had three troops under him and one company, "C" of the 4th infantry. The kindest hospitality was shown us here, and every attention possible paid, which was most highly appreciated, after six months of "roughing it." All supplies for the fort were' hauled from Sidney, a distance of one hundred and twenty miles.
of H. J. Ingersoll on Chadron creek, October 26, 1884. Dr. Alfred Lewis, of Valentine, was then married to Jennie H. Ingersoll, by Rev. Jones.
The first church services of the M. E. church were held in the house of Mrs. O'Linn, on White river, in December, 1884, being conducted by Rev. Joseph Gray of the Sidney district.
The first thea'trical performance took place at the house of John Settles, on Bordeaux creek, in February, 1885.
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of H. J. Ingersoll on Chadron creek, October 26, 1884. Dr. Alfred Lewis, of Valentine, was then married to Jennie H. Ingersoll, by Rev. Jones.
The first church services of the M. E. church were held in the house of Mrs. O'Linn, on White river, in December, 1884, being conducted by Rev. Joseph Gray of the Sidney district.
The first thea'trical performance took place at the house of John Settles, on Bordeaux creek, in February, 1885.
The first hotel opening was at P. B. Nel-
I i
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^-?^pll
Dawes County Court House, Chadron
Pine Ridge agency, under the efficient charge of Dr. V. T. McGillicuddy, was the center of civilization to the east of us in those days. Here we found houses, schools, and witnessed the issuance of rations, that made one see how much easier it was to be a ward of Uncle Sam than a citizen of the U. S., and a would-be settler, having to fight for a living in more ways than one, to obtain one hundred and sixty acres of land. We had to travel one hundred and fifty miles with a team to obtain provisions, as they were not allowed at the agency to sell us even the necessities of life.
Firsts of Many Things So far as I know, the first birth in what is now Dawes county, was a baby boy, at George Crawford's, on Chadron creek in July, 1884. The first wedding occurred at the residence
son's, in Bordeaux, in February, 1885, and they "didn't go home 'till morning." At this ranch the "gude wife" was known to everyone far and near."
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We had to travel one hundred and fifty miles with a team to obtain provisions, as they were not allowed at the agency to sell us even the necessities of life.
Firsts of Many Things So far as I know, the first birth in what is now Dawes county, was a baby boy, at George Crawford's, on Chadron creek in July, 1884. The first wedding occurred at the residence
son's, in Bordeaux, in February, 1885, and they "didn't go home 'till morning." At this ranch the "gude wife" was known to everyone far and near."
The first trial, or rather attempted trial, of a criminal character was that of Frank Walthal, a nephew of the Mississippi senator ; but as no once could be found to act as complaining witness, it was dismissed. The sheriff who had been called all the way from Sidney, was much chagrined and searched the statute (of which I had the only copy) faithfully to find something he could do, but finally returned home alone. This was in April, 1885.
The assessment for Dawes county for 1885 was made by Cheyenne county assessors and was as follows :
Horses 1,828; valued at $ 35,460
Cattle 25,575; " " 222,126
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Mules 153;
Sheep 640 ;
Hogs 2;
Carriages and
wagons 143 ;
Merchandise .... Land, 800 acres . .
4,590
5,114 8,500 1,600
Total value of all property $280,000
Which with a tax levy of nine mills on the dollar gave Dawes a revenue of $2,520.
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The assessment for Dawes county for 1885 was made by Cheyenne county assessors and was as follows :
Horses 1,828; valued at $ 35,460
Cattle 25,575; " " 222,126
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Mules 153;
Sheep 640 ;
Hogs 2;
Carriages and
wagons 143 ;
Merchandise .... Land, 800 acres . .
4,590
5,114 8,500 1,600
Total value of all property $280,000
Which with a tax levy of nine mills on the dollar gave Dawes a revenue of $2,520.
I look back upon the summer of 1884 as one of the most pleasant I ever spent. We had only to throw our lines in the White river to have a catfish to eat. We found fortynine kinds of wild flowers, which kept us busy with our botany and dictionary. We went "a-beading," finding large supplies the Indians had lost, and the busy ants had gathered in their hills for us. Then, too, the whole country looked as beautiful as imagination could picture, filled with castles on the ground and in the air.
Capt. Jim Cook's Agate Springs Ranch
If one was to attempt to write a description of this portion of the country and would neglect to include the famous Agate Springs ranch, owned and conducted by Capt. "Jim" Cook, his efforts would be incomplete. It would take columns to give the reader even a vague idea of the beauty, richness and convenience of this lauded pearl of the Niobrara valley. Standing on an elevation of more than one hundred feet and casting the eye in either direction up and down this fertile plat, for a distance of ten miles sights beautiful and grand meet the vision. Dotted here and there with shady groves, the gentle breezes moving their leaf-burdened branches to and fro, and the thousands of tiny songsters which inhabit them, warbling their notes to nature ; the purling stream of the Niobrara, winding its way in a zigzag course through the entire valley; herds of cattle and horses moving about feeding on the nutritious grasses of the seeming boundless fields ; the barns standing like sentinels in an earthly paradise; the endless stock sheds and outhouses ; the magnificent house of Capt.
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Dotted here and there with shady groves, the gentle breezes moving their leaf-burdened branches to and fro, and the thousands of tiny songsters which inhabit them, warbling their notes to nature ; the purling stream of the Niobrara, winding its way in a zigzag course through the entire valley; herds of cattle and horses moving about feeding on the nutritious grasses of the seeming boundless fields ; the barns standing like sentinels in an earthly paradise; the endless stock sheds and outhouses ; the magnificent house of Capt. Cook and family, surrounded by immense gardens of growing vegetation, and stately elm trees so artistically arranged about the home ; the miniature lake so close at hand, just to the west of the palatial abode. Passageways and hedges lead all about the premises ; macademized road crosses the valley to the barns -- all these are but a small conception of the grandeur portrayed to the eye of the individual who should happen to be
so fortunate as to view the Agate Springs ranch scenery that abounds in all directions.
The size of this mammoth stock haven is eight thousand acres. More than three-quarters of a mile in width in some places, and a mile and more in other places ; it reaches a distance of more than ten miles up and down the Niobrara valley. Every inch is fertile and productive and grows almost every conceivable vegetable.
Capt. Cook has an irrigation system in operation that is absolutely complete. The flow of water in the Niobrara fills the ditches and one thousand, two hundred acres are therefore made more productive by means of irrigation.
2022
More than three-quarters of a mile in width in some places, and a mile and more in other places ; it reaches a distance of more than ten miles up and down the Niobrara valley. Every inch is fertile and productive and grows almost every conceivable vegetable.
Capt. Cook has an irrigation system in operation that is absolutely complete. The flow of water in the Niobrara fills the ditches and one thousand, two hundred acres are therefore made more productive by means of irrigation.
Two thousand tons of hay were put in stack last season and Mr. Cook expects to greatly increase these figures this season. Notwithstanding the fact that $20,000 worth of last year's cut was sold in the stack off this ranch, there are yet thousands of tons remaining in the fields.
Mr. Cook has reduced stock-raising to a practical business basis. Every detail, no matter how small, is carefully looked after.
A water system plant is one of the many features of the ranch that is deserving of mention. On a convenient elevation a six hundred barrel reservoir is erected and close at hand is an inexhaustible well. The water is brought to the surface and into the reservoir by means of an immense windmill. Pipes lead out to the corrals and barns and into the home, which, by a system of plumbing, is carried to all parts of the building. In case of fire a stream of water can be thrown a distance of one hundred feet or more.
2023
On a convenient elevation a six hundred barrel reservoir is erected and close at hand is an inexhaustible well. The water is brought to the surface and into the reservoir by means of an immense windmill. Pipes lead out to the corrals and barns and into the home, which, by a system of plumbing, is carried to all parts of the building. In case of fire a stream of water can be thrown a distance of one hundred feet or more.
The herds of stock are of the high-grade quality and run largely to Aberdeen, and Angus. The number of horses on the place at present is but three hundred and fifty head, recent sale diminishing the former number. They are also of the high grade quality, and are sired, foaled and bred on the Agate Springs ranch.
The commodious home was built in 1893. It contains fifteen rooms, a den and bath room. It has all the conveniences of a modern home and is richly furnished throughout. Mr. Cook purchased Agate Springs ranch sixteen years ago, and has gradually developed its resources and beautified the premises until now it seems that any further effort along these lines would be fruitless. It has reached the point where perfection draws to a close years of persistent toil and countless dollars.
Mr. Cook's family consists of his estimable wife and two sons. Harold and John and his mother-in-law, Airs. Graham, a prepossessing
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
elderly lady of delightful entertaining qualities. A visitor to Mr. Cook's ranch is so royally entertained that the event is long cherished. Beginning of Crawford Crawford was incorporated August 2, 1886. There is an amusing incident connected with the story of incorporating the place. Crawford was a very tiny infant then and not enough legal signatures could be procured to a document asking for incorporation honors to satisfy the law, in the whole community.
2024
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
elderly lady of delightful entertaining qualities. A visitor to Mr. Cook's ranch is so royally entertained that the event is long cherished. Beginning of Crawford Crawford was incorporated August 2, 1886. There is an amusing incident connected with the story of incorporating the place. Crawford was a very tiny infant then and not enough legal signatures could be procured to a document asking for incorporation honors to satisfy the law, in the whole community. W. D. Edgar and E. A. Thompson were active and persistent in their desire to see the town in-
The commissioners granted the petition, and appointed as trustees H. F. Clough, J. Burger, A. Thompson, O. K. Eastman and C. R. Cook.
Crawford is located in the extreme west portion of the county. Its natural advantages give it an exceptional prestige as a distributing point for miles around. Its railroad facilities make it by right the commercial center for northwest Nebraska, southwest Dakota and eastern and central Wyoming.
The town has a good graded public school, costing $35,000, churches, water power, flouring mill, and is an important shipping point
corporated. They visited the Fort and many soldiers signed the instrument. On presenting the petition to the board. Von Harris, the chairman, instantly noticed the unlawful signaures. "How- is it, Mr. Edgar," quickly interrogated Von Harris, "you overlooked getting the signature of the commanding officer, Col. Fletcher?" Mr. Edgar, quick to grasp the import of Von Harris' remark, answered, saying: "Why, certainly, Mr. Von Harris; the colonel would have willingly signed it, had he been there ; let's go and have something," and the two proceeded to "irrigate."
2025
On presenting the petition to the board. Von Harris, the chairman, instantly noticed the unlawful signaures. "How- is it, Mr. Edgar," quickly interrogated Von Harris, "you overlooked getting the signature of the commanding officer, Col. Fletcher?" Mr. Edgar, quick to grasp the import of Von Harris' remark, answered, saying: "Why, certainly, Mr. Von Harris; the colonel would have willingly signed it, had he been there ; let's go and have something," and the two proceeded to "irrigate."
for grain, stock and hay.
The site upon which Crawford is built was formerly a tree claim, taken up by W. E. Annin, the first postmaster of Fort Robinson. It was town sited in 1886 by the Pioneer Town Site company, which was virtually the Elk Horn railroad.
Whitney, Bordeaux, Dunlap, Marsland, and Belmont are all small places of more or less importance to the surrounding community. A store or two, a blacksmith shop, school house, postoffice, and possibly a few minor industries tell the story of their magnitude.
C( )UNTY ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNMENT
The territory embraced in Dawes county was first settled in 1884, by a band of as hardy and determined pioneers as ever crossed the plains to seek homes in the great west. In the spring of 1885 the county was organized, on a
petition of some of our first settlers and foremost citizens, among whom were Cyrus Fairchild, B. S. Paddock, E. S. Nesbitt, E. Egan, B. F. Carley, F. M. Dorrington, J. H. McMillan, and W. H. Reynolds.
2026
The territory embraced in Dawes county was first settled in 1884, by a band of as hardy and determined pioneers as ever crossed the plains to seek homes in the great west. In the spring of 1885 the county was organized, on a
petition of some of our first settlers and foremost citizens, among whom were Cyrus Fairchild, B. S. Paddock, E. S. Nesbitt, E. Egan, B. F. Carley, F. M. Dorrington, J. H. McMillan, and W. H. Reynolds.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
On the 9th day of May, 1885, the first hoard of county commissioners met. These were appointed by Governor Dawes, after whom the county was named, and consisted of Cyrus Fairchild, E. E. Egan, H. G. McMillan, with F. B. Carley as clerk. At this meeting the commissioners created seven voting precincts : Dry Creek, Bordeaux, Chadron, Ash Creek, Crow Butte, Running Water and Snake Creek. They also issued a call for the first election. The election was held June 27, 1885, and resulted as follows:
Commissioners : D. Y. Mears, H. A. Moorehead, A. H. McLaughlin ; County Judge, Burr Shelton; Treasurer, H. G. McMillan; Clerk, F. B. Carley ; Sheriff, George W. Clark ; Coroner, R. K. Burns ; Surveyor, R. W. Calvin.
The location of the county seat was hotly contested between Chadron and Dawes City, the latter town now known as Whitney, which terminated in favor of Chadron by a majority of two hundred and fifteen votes. The number of votes cast was nine hundred and forty-nine. Chadron received five hundred and eighty-two, Dawes City three hundred and sixty-four, Bordeaux three.
2027
Carley ; Sheriff, George W. Clark ; Coroner, R. K. Burns ; Surveyor, R. W. Calvin.
The location of the county seat was hotly contested between Chadron and Dawes City, the latter town now known as Whitney, which terminated in favor of Chadron by a majority of two hundred and fifteen votes. The number of votes cast was nine hundred and forty-nine. Chadron received five hundred and eighty-two, Dawes City three hundred and sixty-four, Bordeaux three.
The first district court was held at Chadron during February. 1886. There was only one case of importance tried at that time. Ed. Casey was charged with holding up a s:age near Whitney and securing the contents of a paymaster's box. The trial resulted in an acquittal.
The erection of the courthouse was completed in 1887, at a cost of $35,000. This enormous outlay of the people's money, considering what ought to have been the real cost, caused criticism of those directly in charge of the county's affairs, but little comment followed the transaction.
There are six railroad towns and ten postoffices in the county. The Nebraska division of the Chicago and Northwestern and the Burlington railroads tap the county from east to west and north to south, with a branch at Chadron running into the Black Hills.
The fuel question is of but little importance to the farmer, for he can go to the timber at any time and get wood -- yet free for chopping and hauling. The great Wyoming coal fields are less than a hundred miles from us. Coal can be laid down at railroad towns in the county equal to the best Iowa coal.
2028
The Nebraska division of the Chicago and Northwestern and the Burlington railroads tap the county from east to west and north to south, with a branch at Chadron running into the Black Hills.
The fuel question is of but little importance to the farmer, for he can go to the timber at any time and get wood -- yet free for chopping and hauling. The great Wyoming coal fields are less than a hundred miles from us. Coal can be laid down at railroad towns in the county equal to the best Iowa coal.
There are over one hundred school districts in the county and a school house in each district. The most competent teachers are employed to develop the minds of the ''young idea," no matter how small the attendance
may be. All the towns support creditable church edifices, and in localities where no church is provided, the school house is used for this purpose.
The land upon which Red Cloud agency once stood forms a portion of the military reservation on which Fort Robinson is built. Surrounded on three sides by beautiful ridges of the famous Pine Ridge hills, on the north side by a magnificent range of cliffs, known to the Sioux Indians as "Dancing Buttes," and on the west and south sides lie a succession of towering peaks, relieved by beautiful undulating swells and receding knobs. These are covered by superb growth of stately pines and nutritious grasses, on which, in times past, the buffalo, deer, elk and other game fed undisturbed, except by the wily Indian, who claimed an ownership in them.
2029
Surrounded on three sides by beautiful ridges of the famous Pine Ridge hills, on the north side by a magnificent range of cliffs, known to the Sioux Indians as "Dancing Buttes," and on the west and south sides lie a succession of towering peaks, relieved by beautiful undulating swells and receding knobs. These are covered by superb growth of stately pines and nutritious grasses, on which, in times past, the buffalo, deer, elk and other game fed undisturbed, except by the wily Indian, who claimed an ownership in them.
In 1881-1882 the slaughter of the buffalo reached its highwater mark in northwestern Nebraska. Buffalo hunting it was called by courtesy, but the pursuit as then practiced possessed none of the features or attributes of the sport known as hunting. The Indians hunted the buffalo and so did those whites who shot and killed for the trophies of the chase ; but the cowardly and inhumane work that exterminated the monarch of the prairies was in no sense "hunting," though for lack of a more appropriate title the men who helped to do it were called buffalo hunters. That winter, we are told, the very deep snow made it almost impossible for herds to move, and fully twohundred and fifty thousand of these noble, harmless beasts were mercilessly slaughtered. The humanitarian will deplore this chapter of our history; the fatalist will argue that in the development of the west the buffalo was fast becoming an obstacle and their removal was provided for. Whatever may be the conclusion, there is no room to doubt the dependent fact : With the exception of a few sickly herds of less than a hundred each the buffalo is extinct.
2030
That winter, we are told, the very deep snow made it almost impossible for herds to move, and fully twohundred and fifty thousand of these noble, harmless beasts were mercilessly slaughtered. The humanitarian will deplore this chapter of our history; the fatalist will argue that in the development of the west the buffalo was fast becoming an obstacle and their removal was provided for. Whatever may be the conclusion, there is no room to doubt the dependent fact : With the exception of a few sickly herds of less than a hundred each the buffalo is extinct.
Roster of Officers of County
County Treasurer, DeForest Richards ; Clerk, Robert Dickson; Sheriff, Geo. W. Clark ; Tudge, W. W. Byington ; Commissioners, D." W. Sperling, T. D. Pattison, A. V. Harris.
County Treasurer, Lyman A. Brower ; Clerk, W. L. Handy; Sheriff, James C. Dahlman ;
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Judge, T. F. Powers ; Superintendent, R. H. "Blanchard ; Surveyor, Frank Woodford ; Coroner, Geo. P. Waller.
County Attorney, M. Ballard ; Commissioner, Josiah Berger.
County Treasurer, L. A. Brower; Clerk, Tohn G. Maher; Sheriff, T. C. Dahlman ; Judge, S. A. Ballard; Clerk District Court, A. G. Shears ; Attorney, W. G. Pardoe ; Commissioner, B. S. Cooley ; Superintendent, R. H. Blanchard; Coroner, G. E. Myers. County Commissioner, A. M. Bartlett; Attorney, I. N. Harbaugh. County Clerk, J. G. Maher; Sheriff, J. C. Dahlman ; Treasurer, W. H. Reynolds ; Judge, S. A. Ballard ; Clerk of District Court, A. G. Shears ; Coroner, D. C. Gibbs ; Commissioners, G. W. Howenstein, Cephas Ross. County Attorney, G. A. Eckles.
2031
Ballard; Clerk District Court, A. G. Shears ; Attorney, W. G. Pardoe ; Commissioner, B. S. Cooley ; Superintendent, R. H. Blanchard; Coroner, G. E. Myers. County Commissioner, A. M. Bartlett; Attorney, I. N. Harbaugh. County Clerk, J. G. Maher; Sheriff, J. C. Dahlman ; Treasurer, W. H. Reynolds ; Judge, S. A. Ballard ; Clerk of District Court, A. G. Shears ; Coroner, D. C. Gibbs ; Commissioners, G. W. Howenstein, Cephas Ross. County Attorney, G. A. Eckles.
County Clerk. O. K. Eastman; Treasurer, W. H. Reynolds ; Judge, P. E. Baird ; Superintendent, C. E. Foster; Coroner, J. V. Way; Commissioners, Benj. Loewenthal, T. W. Schmidt ; Sheriff, A. M. Bartlett. Clerk District Court, B. H. McGrew.
County Clerk, O. K. Eastman; Treasurer, T. L. Paul; Clerk District Court, F. B. Carley; Judge, E. S. Ricker; Sheriff, A. M. Bartlett; Coroner, Geo. Uhl.
County Attorney, A. G. Fisher ; Commissioner, A. C. Fowler.
County Treasurer, W. F. Hayward ; Sheriff, Chas. F. Darqan; Clerk, C.' F. Wardlaw ; Judge, E. S. Ricker; Superintendent, A. R. Julian; Coroner, J. F. Sampson; Commissioner, Chas. R. Peterson.
County Attorney, W. H. Fanning; Commissioner, Donald McMillan. County Treasurer, Jacob Kass ; Clerk, C. T. Wardland ; Sheriff, C. F. Dargan ; Judge, S. G. Canfield ; Superintendent, H. L. Fisher; Clerk District Court, F. B. Carley ; Surveyor, R. M. Stanton ; Coroner, J. F. Sampson ; Commissioner, Samuel T. Mote.
Countv Attorney, Albert W. Crites.
Countv Treasurer, J. Kass ; Clerk, R. G. Smith ; Sheriff, W. A. Birdsall ; Judge, C. D. Sayrs ; Superintendent, H. L. Fisher ; Coroner, Chas. E. Furay; Commissioner, J. C. Farrington.
2032
Wardland ; Sheriff, C. F. Dargan ; Judge, S. G. Canfield ; Superintendent, H. L. Fisher; Clerk District Court, F. B. Carley ; Surveyor, R. M. Stanton ; Coroner, J. F. Sampson ; Commissioner, Samuel T. Mote.
Countv Attorney, Albert W. Crites.
Countv Treasurer, J. Kass ; Clerk, R. G. Smith ; Sheriff, W. A. Birdsall ; Judge, C. D. Sayrs ; Superintendent, H. L. Fisher ; Coroner, Chas. E. Furay; Commissioner, J. C. Farrington.
County Attorney, E. M. Slattery.
County Clerk, R. G. Smith ; Treasurer, Wayne T. Wilson ; Clerk District Court. C. L. Freeman; Sheriff, W. A. Birdsall; Judge. C. D. Sayrs ; Assessor, H. Lambert ; Commissioner, Wm. J. Darrow ; Coroner, Chas. G. Elmore.
County Attorney, Justin E. Porter ; Commissioner, E. C. Kendrick.
County Treasurer, Wayne F. Wilson ; Clerk, Chas. Naylor; Sheriff, L. K. Mate; Judge, C. D. Sayrs; Superintendent, Thos. S. Smith; Commissioner, W. S. Gillam.
County Clerk, Chas. Naylor; Treasurer, Thos. S. Smith; Clerk District Court, L. J. F. Iaeger; Judge, C. D. Sayrs; Sheriff, L. K. Mate; Superintendent, Jennie M. Ellis; Commissioner, C. H. Bisping.
County Attorney, Edwin D. Crites ; Assessor, J. E. Clapp; Commissioner, Geo. A. Hamilton.
Countv Clerk, Chas. Navlor ; Treasurer, Thos. S.' Smith ; Sheriff, A. W. Birdsall ; Judge,
C. D. Sayrs ; Superintendent, Carrie L. Munkres ; Commissioner, Martin J. Weber ; Coroner, H. C. Gibson.
County Clerk, Chas. Naylor; Treasurer, Harry Adams ; Clerk District Court. L. T. F. Iaeger; Judge, E. M. Slattery; Sheriff, W. A. Birdsall ; Superintendent, Carrie L. Munkres. County Attorney, Edwin D. Crites ; Commissioner, J. T- Harvev ; Assessor, Tohn B. Carroll.
2033
Countv Clerk, Chas. Navlor ; Treasurer, Thos. S.' Smith ; Sheriff, A. W. Birdsall ; Judge,
C. D. Sayrs ; Superintendent, Carrie L. Munkres ; Commissioner, Martin J. Weber ; Coroner, H. C. Gibson.
County Clerk, Chas. Naylor; Treasurer, Harry Adams ; Clerk District Court. L. T. F. Iaeger; Judge, E. M. Slattery; Sheriff, W. A. Birdsall ; Superintendent, Carrie L. Munkres. County Attorney, Edwin D. Crites ; Commissioner, J. T- Harvev ; Assessor, Tohn B. Carroll.
County Clerk, R. G. Smith; Treasurer, Harry Adams ; Sheriff, Vet. Canfield ; Superintendent, Carrie L. Munkres ; Attorney, Edwin
D. Crites ; Judge. E. M. Slattery ; Commissioners, M. Christensen, Tohn Blundall.
County Clerk, R. G. Smith; Treasurer, Bill Cjuinn ; Sheriff, Yet. Canfield ; Attorney,
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
Frederick A. Crites ; Commisisoners, W. A. Birdsall ; Dugald McMillan.
The county officers for 1920 and 1921 are: County Clerk, Roll G. Smith; Treasurer, Bill Quinn; Clerk District Court. L. T. F. Iaeger; Sheriff, Vet. Canfield ; Judge, E. M. Slattery; Superintendent, Edna E. Rineker; Assessor, Frank J. Walvington ; Attorney, Frederick J. Crites ; Surveyor, Page T. Francis; Commissioners, S. Swinebank, Crawford, W. A. Birdsall; Chadron, Dugald McMillan, Marsland.
State Officers From Dawes
Dawes county has never had a state-wide officer elected from its borders. It has had candidates of its citizens and its former citizens. Jim Dahlman was once a candidate for governor; John Maher once aspired in the primaries ; W. H. Reynolds was once a candidate in the primaries for state treasurer. A. W. Crites was once district judge of the fifteenth judicial district. Alfred Bartow of Chadron succeeded him in that position.
2034
State Officers From Dawes
Dawes county has never had a state-wide officer elected from its borders. It has had candidates of its citizens and its former citizens. Jim Dahlman was once a candidate for governor; John Maher once aspired in the primaries ; W. H. Reynolds was once a candidate in the primaries for state treasurer. A. W. Crites was once district judge of the fifteenth judicial district. Alfred Bartow of Chadron succeeded him in that position.
Nebraska's state senate has had some remarkably strong men. W. W. Wilson of Chadron was the first so selected in 1891. H. G. Stewart of Crawford, now of Scotts Bluff county was one of the remarkably strong men of the senate in the two terms of 1893 and 1895. In 1899 another who has proven his worth was chosen. W. H. Reynolds served that year and has since been chosen two terms, 1911 and 1913; and is now the live mayor of Chadron. George M. Adams, • one of the strongest men of Crawford and northwest Nebraska was a member in 1917. James W. Good is the present member and his membership has been marked in the last two sessions of the senate.
In the house we find a no less interesting
and powerful array of talent from the county of Dawes. Leading in chronological order and possibly in progressive spirit was Addison E. Sheldon in 1897 and at present the secretary of the state historical society and of the legislative reference bureau. Next was Allen G. Fisher, a splendid intelligence who has handicapped his own efficiency by indulging in antagonisms with his fellowmen: Col. Chas. F. Coffee, whose name is not limited to western Nebraska, was a member in 1901. It is likely there is no man with greater influence and always for the good in all northwestern Nebraska.
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Sheldon in 1897 and at present the secretary of the state historical society and of the legislative reference bureau. Next was Allen G. Fisher, a splendid intelligence who has handicapped his own efficiency by indulging in antagonisms with his fellowmen: Col. Chas. F. Coffee, whose name is not limited to western Nebraska, was a member in 1901. It is likely there is no man with greater influence and always for the good in all northwestern Nebraska. Frank Currie of Crawford, a man of high standing, served two terms in the house, 1903 and 1905. In 1907 we find the name of our old friend George M. Adams, the Crawford merchant and business man who later became senator. Chas. H. Chase of Crawford succeeded Adams in 1909 and left a stamp of his identity upon the records of the state legislature. In 1913 H. E. Riesche, at present efficient member of the state normal board, was elected and kept high the standard of educational and other excellence from Dawes. Last mentioned and in the order of chronology, but not least in the hearts of his people, is Charles Naylor. He served in 1915 and 1917 with an efficiency and integrity that made him a state wide character. Recently his splendid and intelligent wife has been called Beyond. Both Mr. and Mrs. Naylor were holding two of the highest offices in the gift of the Rebekahs of the state at the time of Mrs. Naylor's departing from the field of activity.
Geo. C. Snow was representative in the legislative session of 1919. A good man, in keeping with Dawes county's high record.
2036
He served in 1915 and 1917 with an efficiency and integrity that made him a state wide character. Recently his splendid and intelligent wife has been called Beyond. Both Mr. and Mrs. Naylor were holding two of the highest offices in the gift of the Rebekahs of the state at the time of Mrs. Naylor's departing from the field of activity.
Geo. C. Snow was representative in the legislative session of 1919. A good man, in keeping with Dawes county's high record.
Dawes county has a just reason to be proud of the galaxy' of her statesmen and other noted people that have gone forth from her borders.
TOWN OF CHADRON
In the early fall of 1884, E. E. Egan erected a log house on his claim, about a mile south of the mouth of Chadron creek, launched the Sioux County Journal and announced that it was published at Chadron. Strange as it may
seem, this was the first business venture in the county to come after range cattle, post settlers, and Indian traders, and it was recognized as a harbinger of civilization, of schools and churches, and women and children.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
It could only be guessed that "Chadron" was somewhere in the vicinity of the creek bearing that name, for the town still "lay a bornin" in the mind of Egan.
The Journal, week after week, told of the wonderful White river valley, "the garden spot of the western Nebraska, beyond the sand hills ;" of the fertility of the soil ; the ideal climate ; the pure atmosphere, and the soft sunshine unsurpassed elsewhere, facts so familiar to the native of Dawes county today.
2037
It could only be guessed that "Chadron" was somewhere in the vicinity of the creek bearing that name, for the town still "lay a bornin" in the mind of Egan.
The Journal, week after week, told of the wonderful White river valley, "the garden spot of the western Nebraska, beyond the sand hills ;" of the fertility of the soil ; the ideal climate ; the pure atmosphere, and the soft sunshine unsurpassed elsewhere, facts so familiar to the native of Dawes county today.
The Journal did much in helping to bring settlers and others. Egan was a broad minded, talented fellow of 25, with a wife and young
Richards, (who in later years became the governor of Wyoming), a perfect type of the educated and polished New England gentleman, to Opportunity Hank, a typical frontier tinhorn gambler, who was in the habit of greeting a newcomer with a wild stare, with nostrils extended and eyes blazing, accompanied by some lingo of words, such as "I'm a fighting man ; I can whip my weight in wild cats. I can I guess." followed by a nasal snort which cannot be described in words, but which conveyed the impression that he was ready and willing to prove the assertion, but Hank was a bluffer through and through.
child when he "homesteaded" on Chadron creek, and is deserving of grateful remembrance for the large part he played in the establishment and upbuilding of the town of Chadron and in furthering the speedy settlement of the county. It was mainly due to his stand and influence that the town was named Chadron, as the railroad company had determined upon the name of Bordeaux.
2038
I can I guess." followed by a nasal snort which cannot be described in words, but which conveyed the impression that he was ready and willing to prove the assertion, but Hank was a bluffer through and through.
child when he "homesteaded" on Chadron creek, and is deserving of grateful remembrance for the large part he played in the establishment and upbuilding of the town of Chadron and in furthering the speedy settlement of the county. It was mainly due to his stand and influence that the town was named Chadron, as the railroad company had determined upon the name of Bordeaux.
It was often said in early days that no town of its size ever had so many individual characters of pronounced type as Chadron. Egan was one of them -- one who was ever ready to voice his honest opinions in matters of public concern, and stake his all upon his convictions. And those characters ranged from DeForest
Chadron was the first town established in the county. However, it was first on the map as O'Linn. In the summer of 1884 Mrs. Fannie O'Linn obtained the establishment of a postofhce and the appointment of herself as postmistress, naming the office in honor of her son who was accidentally killed and maintained it in a claim "shack" on her homestead on White river just east of the present Dakota Junction.
The shack was half "dug out" and half sod. that is, an excavation in the ground was dug about four feet in depth and sod walls laid up from the surface three or four feet, and this was covered by log rafters, brush and earth, making what is termed a dirt roof. It con-
2039
Fannie O'Linn obtained the establishment of a postofhce and the appointment of herself as postmistress, naming the office in honor of her son who was accidentally killed and maintained it in a claim "shack" on her homestead on White river just east of the present Dakota Junction.
The shack was half "dug out" and half sod. that is, an excavation in the ground was dug about four feet in depth and sod walls laid up from the surface three or four feet, and this was covered by log rafters, brush and earth, making what is termed a dirt roof. It con-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
55?
sisted of one room about 14x16, which served as living room, bed room and kitchen. The mail was kept in a cracker box, from which the patrons of the postoffice not infrequently helped themselves when calling for their mail.
In the early fall of 1884 Burr Shelton and his wife, Phoebe, arrived from the east with a small stock of general merchandise which was freighted by wagon from Valentine, procured native lumber from the sawmill, which Fred M. Merritt had just set up on Chadron creek near the pine ridge, and erected a modest frame store building, on the O'Linn homestead. Judge Jason Wood arrived about the same time and opened a land locating agency in a temporary office building. The Shelton store building and the O'Linn and Judge Wood shacks became the nucleus of the "old town" of Chadron. Later in the fall of 1884 Milo M. Harrah came from Iowa with a stock of hardware, and early in January, 1885, W. A. and G. A. Birdsall cast their lot with the town and established a livery stable and feed supply store. With the coming of spring of 1885 other business houses were established as follows : Loewenthal Brothers, clothing, Walter & Lyman, druggists, J.
2040
The Shelton store building and the O'Linn and Judge Wood shacks became the nucleus of the "old town" of Chadron. Later in the fall of 1884 Milo M. Harrah came from Iowa with a stock of hardware, and early in January, 1885, W. A. and G. A. Birdsall cast their lot with the town and established a livery stable and feed supply store. With the coming of spring of 1885 other business houses were established as follows : Loewenthal Brothers, clothing, Walter & Lyman, druggists, J. Kass & Company, hardware. Glover & Brower. general merchandise, Dawes County Bank, Chadron Banking Company, Lake & Halley, bankers, McCoy hotel, F. R. Curran, saloon.
Some of the later comers were doing business in tents waiting the time when the town should be definitely located, and a town site plated and lots placed on sale, and other business people were on the ground ready to embark in business ventures as soon as a permanent town should be established. Among the latter were Robert Hood and Mary Smith-Hayward. who are still Chadronites. No dwelling houses were" built at the old town for the reason that all were merely squatters on Mrs. O'Linn's claim without any legal rights to the ground occupied. The temporary buildings were grouped so as to .give the appearance of a street. The O'Linn homestead and adjoining lands were generally believed to be the natural and most desirable site for the new town. The matter of location was entirely in the hands of the railroad company, and why the present site was determined upon has always remained a mystery. In those days the higher railroad officials were often quite arrogant, and many of the first settlers believed that the price of land asked by Mrs. O'Linn, coupled with other demands, so incensed the railroad officials that they acted in a vengeful spirit in making the location.
2041
The O'Linn homestead and adjoining lands were generally believed to be the natural and most desirable site for the new town. The matter of location was entirely in the hands of the railroad company, and why the present site was determined upon has always remained a mystery. In those days the higher railroad officials were often quite arrogant, and many of the first settlers believed that the price of land asked by Mrs. O'Linn, coupled with other demands, so incensed the railroad officials that they acted in a vengeful spirit in making the location. Be this as it may. fate decreed for the raw land acquired
for its own town site. Failing to secure the desired land of the old town site it sought to locate three quarter sections at the new site with government land warrants, and was in fact allowed to make the entries at the local land office at Valentine.
Richard M. Stanton instituted a contest as to one quarter section alleging that prior to entry by warrant by the townsite agent he had tendered a pre-emption application which was wrongfully rejected by the land office when no other entry was of record and charging collusion of the land office officials with the townsite company. The matter was strongly contested, the decision of the local land office being in favor of the townsite company. On appeal to the Commissioner of the General Land Office at Washington the decision was reversed, and the townsite company thereon appealed to the Secretary of the Interior, but before a hearing of the case was had by the Secretary a compromise was affected, the townsite companypaying Mr. Stanton $15,000 to relinquish his claim, a very handsome price for a Dawes county claim in those days.
2042
The matter was strongly contested, the decision of the local land office being in favor of the townsite company. On appeal to the Commissioner of the General Land Office at Washington the decision was reversed, and the townsite company thereon appealed to the Secretary of the Interior, but before a hearing of the case was had by the Secretary a compromise was affected, the townsite companypaying Mr. Stanton $15,000 to relinquish his claim, a very handsome price for a Dawes county claim in those days.
When it was definitely made known by the railroad company where the town was to be established and that town lots would be placed on sale on August 1, 1885, all commenced to plan for moving and building, and those with families began to look forward to the time when their families might join them in the establishment of new homes in a brand new town. The townsite officials had given assurance that the town would remain the terminus of the road for at least two years, thereby making it the outfitting point for the country west and north, but! the Burlington road began building west from Broken Bow with its destination unknown to the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Company, which urged the latter to push its lines to the Black Hills country and west to the coal fields and stock ranges of Wyoming. Before the town could be officially platted, the special election was coming on for the organization of the county government, the election of county officers and the location of the county seat. At this time the friends of Chadron were in a quandary as to possible misunderstanding and legal entanglements which might arise over the location of the county seat. While the railroad officials had announced where they intended to establish a town called Chadron, a few squatters on Mrs.
2043
Before the town could be officially platted, the special election was coming on for the organization of the county government, the election of county officers and the location of the county seat. At this time the friends of Chadron were in a quandary as to possible misunderstanding and legal entanglements which might arise over the location of the county seat. While the railroad officials had announced where they intended to establish a town called Chadron, a few squatters on Mrs. O'Linn's homestead called the settlement by the same name, and in reality there was no town that could at the time lay legal claim to the name of Chadron, and if Dawes City should contest
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
the election it might be difficult to establish proof as to where the voters intended the county seat should be. And so it was thought best to designate on the ballot the location of the town, and the ballots were printed "Chadron located on S. W. J4 of Section 17, Township 33, Range 48." After the election in June, the county clerk transacted business at the old town, and packed up his records in a suitcase and moved to the new town on August first with the other inhabitants. Prior to removal the sheriff let it be known that his office was any place in the county where he happened to be. The county judge issued marriage licenses to the few applying, but none of the other county officers took up their official duties until established in the county seat proper at the new town.
2044
J4 of Section 17, Township 33, Range 48." After the election in June, the county clerk transacted business at the old town, and packed up his records in a suitcase and moved to the new town on August first with the other inhabitants. Prior to removal the sheriff let it be known that his office was any place in the county where he happened to be. The county judge issued marriage licenses to the few applying, but none of the other county officers took up their official duties until established in the county seat proper at the new town.
A Retrospective Glance at Chadron
The following by F. J. Houghton is a historic story of the past and almost to date, very extensive and complete.
In writing the history of our beautiful city, one begins by casting for facts, like an expert with the rod, casting for bass, and the reel of time sings a pleasing tune as the lure goes out, and almost the first cast is rewarded with trophies of old timers upon the brows of whom age in her annual round-up has placed her brand. Age may conquer the flesh but the spirit of the west never yet surrendered till mortal light was extinguished. Memory sleeps at times, but when awakened flashes with a brightness that illumines the past. So, if the pictures painted here are pleasant, it is because of the incandescent flashes from the by gone years, when the switch key is softly pressed by the hand that here records the story of Chadron's magic growth.
2045
In writing the history of our beautiful city, one begins by casting for facts, like an expert with the rod, casting for bass, and the reel of time sings a pleasing tune as the lure goes out, and almost the first cast is rewarded with trophies of old timers upon the brows of whom age in her annual round-up has placed her brand. Age may conquer the flesh but the spirit of the west never yet surrendered till mortal light was extinguished. Memory sleeps at times, but when awakened flashes with a brightness that illumines the past. So, if the pictures painted here are pleasant, it is because of the incandescent flashes from the by gone years, when the switch key is softly pressed by the hand that here records the story of Chadron's magic growth.
We are deeply indebted to such old timers as Wendel A. Birdsall, P. B. Nelson and Johnnie Stetter, who were in the country when the Spotted Tail Indian agency was over on Beaver creek near "Sheridan Gate," Ben Loewenthal, Jim Owens, Jake Kass and many others who staked their claims at Old Chadron where the Chicago & Northwestern railway crosses White river. Give Johnnie Stetter a good cigar and a half Nelson on your time and he will keep you interested for many hours, telling you how Corporal MacDonald, a regular soldier, skewered Crazy Horse to the wall with a bayonet at the old Red Cloud agency and held him there until he was dead, and how the incident came near causing an outbreak, which only for Antoine Janis, whose wife was Indian, might have resulted in a
2046
Give Johnnie Stetter a good cigar and a half Nelson on your time and he will keep you interested for many hours, telling you how Corporal MacDonald, a regular soldier, skewered Crazy Horse to the wall with a bayonet at the old Red Cloud agency and held him there until he was dead, and how the incident came near causing an outbreak, which only for Antoine Janis, whose wife was Indian, might have resulted in a
massacre similar to that when brave Custer with his entire troop was annihilated on the little Big Horn.
Johnnie Stetter was the first white man married in the county of Dawes after it was organized, and his bride was a sister of Postmaster W. A. Danley. The county was not fully organized at that time and his marriage license was procured from Cheyenne county, from which Dawes county was separated. But Alfred Lewis was married here while this territory was a part of Cheyenne county. In the years between 1877 and 1884 northwest Nebraska was populated principally by Indians and cow-men. The early history of Chadron clusters around the "Half Diamond E Ranch," which was located on the old Sidney trail near where it crossed Chadron creek, on the school section now under lease from the state by Dr. C. B. Payton. The ranch buildings were intact as late as- 1887. The creek was called after a French trapper and squawman named Chadron (pronounced with a long O and accent on the last syllable) who came to the country with Janis and Bordeaux in 1847. The Frenchman, Chadron, had squatted on a tract of land on the west side of Chadron creek near its junction with White river. In 1880 a postoffice was established at the "Half Diamond E. Ranch," with Robert Harrison postmaster.
2047
The ranch buildings were intact as late as- 1887. The creek was called after a French trapper and squawman named Chadron (pronounced with a long O and accent on the last syllable) who came to the country with Janis and Bordeaux in 1847. The Frenchman, Chadron, had squatted on a tract of land on the west side of Chadron creek near its junction with White river. In 1880 a postoffice was established at the "Half Diamond E. Ranch," with Robert Harrison postmaster. The ranch was owned by Price & Jenks of Cheyenne and was a veritable fort for protection against hostile Indians. The corrals were stockades and the ranch was constructed from heavy logs and made with port holes in the walls for convenience in fighting Indians. An underground escape was prepared, leading down to the creek and thence into the dense brush that bordered its banks. This underground passage was stored with supplies sufficient for a siege of several days duration, and so packed that it could be carried away in small quantities if necessary, and many were the skirmishes had with the vicious red-skins. The last battle between Indians and soldiers in the vicinity of Chadron, was fought a few rods north and west of the old ranch building, on the land now owned by A. N. Jackson, which was the homestead of George Dorrington, and the rifle pits have remained to this day. The location of the ranch was ideal, on the banks of beautiful Chadron Creek which winds through thick foliage as it makes its way into the broader valley where its sparkling waters mingle with the more turbulent White river, near the point where the first real settlers of Dawes county pitched their serried
2048
The last battle between Indians and soldiers in the vicinity of Chadron, was fought a few rods north and west of the old ranch building, on the land now owned by A. N. Jackson, which was the homestead of George Dorrington, and the rifle pits have remained to this day. The location of the ranch was ideal, on the banks of beautiful Chadron Creek which winds through thick foliage as it makes its way into the broader valley where its sparkling waters mingle with the more turbulent White river, near the point where the first real settlers of Dawes county pitched their serried
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
rows of white tents and "Old Chadron" was born.
Early in the summer of 1884 there were rumors afloat that the Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley railway company would extend its line west from Valentine the next year. The White river valley was extensively advertised as a stock and farming country, subject to homestead entry and practically unsettled. As usual, people flocked to this new land and the advance guard consisted of a few families and business men having been, as they believed, truthfully informed that a division town would be located on White river, sought out the points where the survey intersected with that stream, erected crude business houses and proceeded to make a town. Mrs. Fannie O'Linn, a pioneer woman, now residing with her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, at Chadron, had secured a homestead at the place where the town was located and succeeded in establishing a postoffice with the name of O'Linn. But the location had so long been intimately associated with the name of Chadron, the creek and French trapper pioneer and the former postoffice of Chadron, that the new settlers desiring to preserve, as far as possible, the history and traditions collected and handed down by those who for ages had traveled the ancient Indian trails, protested against the name of O'Linn and transmitted to Washington a remonstrance signed by nearly every settler in the country and succeeded with the assistance of our representatives in congress, in having the name changed to Chadron.
2049
But the location had so long been intimately associated with the name of Chadron, the creek and French trapper pioneer and the former postoffice of Chadron, that the new settlers desiring to preserve, as far as possible, the history and traditions collected and handed down by those who for ages had traveled the ancient Indian trails, protested against the name of O'Linn and transmitted to Washington a remonstrance signed by nearly every settler in the country and succeeded with the assistance of our representatives in congress, in having the name changed to Chadron. Mrs. O Linn had erected a little log shack on her claim where she resided for a time, and it was in this humble home that the present Methodist church of Chadron was organized and conducted its first service. She was destined to become one of the most widely known and respected women in the northwest She was present at the first wedding, the first birth and the first funeral in Dawes county. The first burial was very sad. and more so because the death was accidental and came without a moment's warning. Bert O'Linn, oldest son of Mrs. O'Linn, had accidentally shot himself. His remains were interred near their new home, but later were moved to Blair, Nebraska, and now rest in the family lot in the cemetery of that place.
The autumn of 1884 found a few families and business houses at the old town on White river near what is now Dakota Junction. These people existed there through the most severe winter that the oldest settlers have experienced in this country. The snow was so deep that travel with any conveyance was impossible.
2050
His remains were interred near their new home, but later were moved to Blair, Nebraska, and now rest in the family lot in the cemetery of that place.
The autumn of 1884 found a few families and business houses at the old town on White river near what is now Dakota Junction. These people existed there through the most severe winter that the oldest settlers have experienced in this country. The snow was so deep that travel with any conveyance was impossible.
Stage lines were tied up, and no mails could get through. Canyons and valleys over the entire country were filled with snow. Chadron creek, Deadhorse, and Ash creeks were completely covered. The snow was so deep above them and beaten so solid, that, when travel became possible, heavy freight outfits passed over on the snow as if there had been no creeks. There were scarcely supplies sufficient to feed the little bunch of people that had staked their destiny in this new Eldorado. There was no outside communication for weeks and weeks until a purse was made up and a man engaged to walk to Fort Robinson and bring up the mail. The journey was made, so we are informed, on snow shoes, and the mail bag brought to Old Chadron packed on the back of the carrier. Four days were required to make the trip. Exsheriff Wendall A. Birdsall, was one of the number who spent that strenuous winter at the old town and informed the writer that he made two trips to Fort Robinson and back on foot.
2051
There was no outside communication for weeks and weeks until a purse was made up and a man engaged to walk to Fort Robinson and bring up the mail. The journey was made, so we are informed, on snow shoes, and the mail bag brought to Old Chadron packed on the back of the carrier. Four days were required to make the trip. Exsheriff Wendall A. Birdsall, was one of the number who spent that strenuous winter at the old town and informed the writer that he made two trips to Fort Robinson and back on foot.
During a lull in one of the many severe blizzards that winter, Elmer Rees, a young man, started out hunting and was lost in the storm. A rescuing party was instituted and a search made for the young man without success. His remains were found when the snow melted away in the spring. There were many narrow escapes from death by blizzards that memorable winter, but it passed with only a minimum of fatalities, and spring, with its thousand perfumes of bursting buds borne upon every fragrant breeze from the south, its raucous serenade by hundreds of beautiful song birds, the far off cry of hungry coyotes, came and found this little community with its brave heart overflowing with hope, watching and waiting for the first construction train and listening for the shrill scream of the first locomotive. The early spring of 1885 saw a great influx of people at the old town. Every branch of business was represented, but saloons predominated. It was frequently visited by cow boys from adjoining ranches, fine, manly fellows when sober, but otherwise when intoxicated. Every saloon operated gambling tables and dance halls had ample patronage and nightly revels. The town was "shot up" at frequent intervals.
2052
There were many narrow escapes from death by blizzards that memorable winter, but it passed with only a minimum of fatalities, and spring, with its thousand perfumes of bursting buds borne upon every fragrant breeze from the south, its raucous serenade by hundreds of beautiful song birds, the far off cry of hungry coyotes, came and found this little community with its brave heart overflowing with hope, watching and waiting for the first construction train and listening for the shrill scream of the first locomotive. The early spring of 1885 saw a great influx of people at the old town. Every branch of business was represented, but saloons predominated. It was frequently visited by cow boys from adjoining ranches, fine, manly fellows when sober, but otherwise when intoxicated. Every saloon operated gambling tables and dance halls had ample patronage and nightly revels. The town was "shot up" at frequent intervals.
Angel's place was the first saloon in the town, and the first to be made the target of a hundred six shooters in the hands of as many reckless cowboys. Angel was compelled to part with all his cartridges and they were made use of by the boys in shooting up the place. Not a bottle or glass was left unbroken. Every article of furniture was shot to pieces ; the stove was perforated, windows broken and the
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
walls and ceiling riddled with bullets. Angel touched only the high places in making his exit. After wrecking his place, the boys procured a stove and other furniture from the Tv A. N. ranch, then located on Horsehead creek ' near where Oelrichs, S. D., now stands, and otherwise assisted Angel to start in business again. Soon after, Angel secured a bartender from some distant point, and gave it out that he had hired a man with whiskers that was some gun man himself, and that any further disorder in his emporium would be summarily sat upon.
2053
After wrecking his place, the boys procured a stove and other furniture from the Tv A. N. ranch, then located on Horsehead creek ' near where Oelrichs, S. D., now stands, and otherwise assisted Angel to start in business again. Soon after, Angel secured a bartender from some distant point, and gave it out that he had hired a man with whiskers that was some gun man himself, and that any further disorder in his emporium would be summarily sat upon. The new man came and he truly was a man with whiskers and had a formidable appearance with his long red beard. Shortly after his arrival, Bill Malone, one of the wildest of the fellows, heard about the man with whiskers, who was a bad man with a gun, and came in to size him up. Malone approached the bar, looked at the purported bad man for a moment, in evident disgust, then grabbed him by the long whiskers with his right hand, pulled his gun and began shooting through them with the other. The man finally escaped with only a few whiskers, but lots of experience and departed the town forever. In 1884 Burr Shelton, who was later a local judge of Dawes county, erected a frame building and a general store in the old town. The building now stands on Egan street in the present town, and is owned by J. W. Owens. Soon after this the boys made some demand upon Mr. Shelton which was refused, and they shot up the store badly, damaging the contents, terrorizing and menacing Mr. and Mrs. Shelton, who were living in the rear of the store. Later these same fellows, having learned that Mr. Shelton was in no way to blame, became his warmest friends. The next person to erect a frame building was Dr.
2054
The building now stands on Egan street in the present town, and is owned by J. W. Owens. Soon after this the boys made some demand upon Mr. Shelton which was refused, and they shot up the store badly, damaging the contents, terrorizing and menacing Mr. and Mrs. Shelton, who were living in the rear of the store. Later these same fellows, having learned that Mr. Shelton was in no way to blame, became his warmest friends. The next person to erect a frame building was Dr. J- M. Davidson ; he erected a small shack which was used for an office. Very soon L. N. Cartwright and George B. Chase, father-in-law of Charles Trussler'began the erection of a small building, intending to open x supply store, but before it was completed W. A. and George Birdsall bought them out and put in a stock of groceries and provisions. The Birdsalls later erected a building and opened a livery and feed stable, which they conducted for many years in the new town. The next enterprise was a lunch room, operated by one Bloodgood. On his opening night the cow boys ate up and shot to pieces everything in the house. The next man was named Cotton, of dance house fame. He erected the frame building now on the corner just south of the Blaine hotel, on the corner of Second and Bordeaux avenue, which was used for a saloon ; later he built a dance
hall, which was moved over and is now merged into one of the finest homes in Chadron on Egan street. About the first of April, 1885, tents began to come. The first was that of M. M. Harrah, who put in a stock of hardware ; then came Jack and Sam Stotts with groceries ; Walter & Lyman, drugs ; Ed.
2055
He erected the frame building now on the corner just south of the Blaine hotel, on the corner of Second and Bordeaux avenue, which was used for a saloon ; later he built a dance
hall, which was moved over and is now merged into one of the finest homes in Chadron on Egan street. About the first of April, 1885, tents began to come. The first was that of M. M. Harrah, who put in a stock of hardware ; then came Jack and Sam Stotts with groceries ; Walter & Lyman, drugs ; Ed. Flvnn, saloon, Tom and Charley Black and White & Sloggy, restaurants and saloons, and Keyes & Soder, cigars, confectionery and notions. About this time the two story log house of Mrs. O'Linn was completed and leased to Mc- Coy & Kearns, who converted it into a hotel and saloon. Then came more tents. Loewenthal Brothers, clothing; Kass & Poll, hardware; Billy Wilson, afterwards postmaster, with furniture : Emil Faust, bakery ; Frank Soder, saloon, afterwards turned into a dance house which was later moved to the new town and operated by irrepressible Johnnie Owens, and later cut into two parts and made into residences and now occupied by prominent families. By this time buildings were fast going up. Among them the Lockler & Harrison Red Front saloon with Mickey O'Brien in charge ; Carter & Dixon, wholesale and retail liquors ; Canfield & Garner, groceries and hotel. Ed. Egan moved his Journal plant in from his shack out on Chadron creek ; Glover & Brower put in the Dawes county bank ; Ballou & Cassady, real estate ; H. O. Martin, jewelry ; Anton Weber, groceries ; Lamb & Whitten, general store with George Shinn manager ; Valentine & Younglove, general store with Ed.
2056
Among them the Lockler & Harrison Red Front saloon with Mickey O'Brien in charge ; Carter & Dixon, wholesale and retail liquors ; Canfield & Garner, groceries and hotel. Ed. Egan moved his Journal plant in from his shack out on Chadron creek ; Glover & Brower put in the Dawes county bank ; Ballou & Cassady, real estate ; H. O. Martin, jewelry ; Anton Weber, groceries ; Lamb & Whitten, general store with George Shinn manager ; Valentine & Younglove, general store with Ed. Valentine manager ; Higgins & Coffey, saloon, and C. H. King, groceries.
During the early summer of 1885, the old town grew at rapid strides. People of all classes drifted in and among them crooks, and gamblers, hold-up men and women of doubtful character. One old town character, who gained considerable notoriety, was a woman, Mary Woodward, better known by the euphonious title of Red Jacket. Mrs. Woodward was very much faded, but was said to have been a brilliant and beautiful woman in her younger days. Once when making a trip on a Mississippi steamboat, she fell violently in love with the captain of the boat, deserted her husband and went to live with the captain without the formality of a marriage ceremony. A few years of the life caused her beauty to wane and the captain tiring of her, discarded her for some woman who appealed more to his taste, and she drifted with the tide for a few years then remarried. She lived with her last husband for some years, then followed the crowd to old Chadron. She had a claim on
2057
Once when making a trip on a Mississippi steamboat, she fell violently in love with the captain of the boat, deserted her husband and went to live with the captain without the formality of a marriage ceremony. A few years of the life caused her beauty to wane and the captain tiring of her, discarded her for some woman who appealed more to his taste, and she drifted with the tide for a few years then remarried. She lived with her last husband for some years, then followed the crowd to old Chadron. She had a claim on
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
White river just south of the Junction. She was possessed of a violent temper, and more than once asserted what she believed her rights with a Winchester rifle, and was charged with the murder of a man who trespassed upon her claim. Red Jacket came over with the old town. She was a confirmed dope fiend, and after great suffering she died in poverty about 1888. Once when confined in the public bastile she managed to set the jail on fire, but John Henry, who was also an inmate, gave an alarm and they were rescued. Red Jacket was given the name because she constantly wore a red sweater when running the Mississippi river. There are people living in Chadron at .this date who are said to have gazed into the barrel of her six shooter. Her claim was swallowed up
new town was named after the old. Whether or not the new town was launched into existence by the bursting of a bottle of champagne, we are unable to enlighten the reader. But knowing the particular thirst that gnawed at the throats of many westerners of that date, we deem it safe to say that nothing less than straight whiskey was indulged in on that occasion.
2058
There are people living in Chadron at .this date who are said to have gazed into the barrel of her six shooter. Her claim was swallowed up
new town was named after the old. Whether or not the new town was launched into existence by the bursting of a bottle of champagne, we are unable to enlighten the reader. But knowing the particular thirst that gnawed at the throats of many westerners of that date, we deem it safe to say that nothing less than straight whiskey was indulged in on that occasion. Anyway, the town was platted, named Chadron, lots listed for sale and the sale day set for August 1, 1885. An arrangement was made with the Town Lot company by which the business men at old Chadron could select lots in the new town and purchase them at the list price, but all others would be sold at auction, at not less than the list price to the highest bidder. Those entitled to lots at list price had
Si'ki:i:t Vikw, Chadron
in expenses when she was charged with murder, and for some years she was a county ward. In the summer of 1885, the F. E. & M. V. railroad was built from Valentine westward a hundred miles through the sand hills and finally reached the rich open prairies of what are now Sheridan and Dawes counties. For some reason the lands upon which the Western Town Lot company expected to locate the town near White river were not available for that purpose. But the town lot company had quietly secured a tract of sufficient dimensions for a good sized town, platted the same and selected "Bordeaux" as a suitable name for the infant metropolis. This christening was not satisfactory to the first settlers, and steps were taken that brought about a re-christening and the
2059
For some reason the lands upon which the Western Town Lot company expected to locate the town near White river were not available for that purpose. But the town lot company had quietly secured a tract of sufficient dimensions for a good sized town, platted the same and selected "Bordeaux" as a suitable name for the infant metropolis. This christening was not satisfactory to the first settlers, and steps were taken that brought about a re-christening and the
a meeting and made their selections with very little friction. Some wanted to make Main avenue the principal business street. Others wanted Second street, but differences arose and business houses were finally located about evenly between the two. What is now the First National Bank, was located on the northwest corner of Main avenue and Second street, in a little rough board shack just large enough for the safe, a desk and counter, and was opeiated by Richards Bros. & Brown, all business men of the highest integrity and all have since passed into the Silent Valley. Much of Chadron's prosperity was due to these energetic men and they should be accorded great credit. We are informed that the first draft issued from this bank was for the sum of $17,000. Glover
HISTORY OF WESTERN' NEBRASKA
& Brower came over with the Dawes County Bank, and W. E. Higman with the Chadron Banking company. After selecting their lots on August 1, 1885, the business men returned to the old town and began preparations to remove to the new, and when the pink sun peeked over the edge of the world on August,
2060
We are informed that the first draft issued from this bank was for the sum of $17,000. Glover
HISTORY OF WESTERN' NEBRASKA
& Brower came over with the Dawes County Bank, and W. E. Higman with the Chadron Banking company. After selecting their lots on August 1, 1885, the business men returned to the old town and began preparations to remove to the new, and when the pink sun peeked over the edge of the world on August,
Second Street, Chadron
2, her slanting rays chased the darkness away and revealed a new Chadron, where twentyfour hours before the coyotes were trailing jackrabbits and grey hawks sailing, watching for dinner. Every business house in the old town came over. We would be pleased to give here the entire list, but have been unable to secure the names of all who cast their lots for better or worse with the new town. Most of them remained a while, then drifted on westward. Many have passed the dark river, but a few of those old timers are still here and have had much to do with the upbuilding of our beautiful little city. At the sale of the lots on August 1, $56,000 was paid for properties. John Berry and E. E. Egan were agents of the Town Lot company. With the coining of the railroad also came the people. In the autumn of 1885 the estimated population was 1,500. Not a dwelling had been completed, but many were in course of construction. Builders labored week days, nights and Sundays. The noise of hammer and saw ceased not day or night. Saloon and restaurants were open at all hours. There were many places to eat. but few to sleep. Great numbers slept in tents and many in the open air. The railroad company established headquarters in a rough board building near where the present freight house stands.
2061
Not a dwelling had been completed, but many were in course of construction. Builders labored week days, nights and Sundays. The noise of hammer and saw ceased not day or night. Saloon and restaurants were open at all hours. There were many places to eat. but few to sleep. Great numbers slept in tents and many in the open air. The railroad company established headquarters in a rough board building near where the present freight house stands. It contained the offices, depot, freight house and dispatcher's rooms.
Stage coaches arrived and departed to and from Deadwood and intermediate points. Merchandise and supplies were freighted westward overland by large freighting outfits, and it was no uncommon thing to see ten and twenty horse or mule teams, with two and three wagons trailing., Occasionally there would
be an outfit drawn by oxen. John Y. Sechler, a squaw man, better known as "Arkansas John," and who has since freighted over the Great Divide never to return, had the largest outfit that came to Chadron. It was a novel sight when his wagons were all loaded and the teams strung out on the trail, winding away over the hills over a mile in length. It was exciting, too, when an unbroken animal would be in a twenty-horse team. No time would be lost in breaking and there was no doubt of his going. He had to go. Sometimes he would rear and plunge, throw himself and get dragged a few hundred yards, but it was only a matter of an hour or two until he would be thoroughly subdued. The railroad company put a large force to work upon buildings and only a few weeks elapsed before a depot, hotel and roundhouse were completed. A village government was perfected with DeForest Richards, Thomas A.
2062
No time would be lost in breaking and there was no doubt of his going. He had to go. Sometimes he would rear and plunge, throw himself and get dragged a few hundred yards, but it was only a matter of an hour or two until he would be thoroughly subdued. The railroad company put a large force to work upon buildings and only a few weeks elapsed before a depot, hotel and roundhouse were completed. A village government was perfected with DeForest Richards, Thomas A. Glover, M. M. Harrah, and William H. Crater, trustees ; E. S. Ricker, clerk; L. A. Brower, treasurer, and M. P. Cook, attorney. But on the second day of August, 1886, the village cast off its swaddling clothes, and donned the habiliments of a city of the second class. D. Y. Mears (Uncle Dave) was first to be honored with the office of mayor ; Robert G. Dorr, now county judge of Sheridan county, clerk ; and Benjamin Lowenthal, treasurer. The first school was organized with Mrs. Laura Clay, now residing at 448 Bordeaux street, teacher, and the upper room of the Harry Hooker residence at the corner of First avenue and Egan street, for school. This limited space was soon crowded to overflowing. An effort was made to provide a suitable place resulted in the erection of the frame building on West Second street, now occupied by Schwabe Brothers as a feed store. This too soon became crowded and a carriage house on the Bartlett Richards residence property was made into a school room and used for that purpose until the high school building was ready for occupancy. This little building was later merged into what is C. F. Coffee's garage. In 1887, the school population increasing rapidly, the school district floated $18,000 of 10-20 bonds and the present high school building erected, with C.
2063
An effort was made to provide a suitable place resulted in the erection of the frame building on West Second street, now occupied by Schwabe Brothers as a feed store. This too soon became crowded and a carriage house on the Bartlett Richards residence property was made into a school room and used for that purpose until the high school building was ready for occupancy. This little building was later merged into what is C. F. Coffee's garage. In 1887, the school population increasing rapidly, the school district floated $18,000 of 10-20 bonds and the present high school building erected, with C. E. Foster first principal.
Mr. Foster had a contract for three years with the school board, but some dissatisfaction arose and an attempt was made to avoid the contract and discharge the superintendent. Joseph Denton was then employed and took charge of the school, but Mr. Foster appeared at the school house daily for a long time, but
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
finally gave this up and brought suit against the district for his unexpired contract and succeeded in recovering a judgment for $600.00 against the district, which the school board paid.
In 1911, it was found necessary to provide more school accommodation and a new building was erected in the west part of the city, at a cost of $20,000. There is a school population of 885 and the two large buildings are scarcely adequate to accommodate this large number. Up to 1887 there were no brick buildings in the town, but in the spring of that year, all the buildings on the west side of
2064
In 1911, it was found necessary to provide more school accommodation and a new building was erected in the west part of the city, at a cost of $20,000. There is a school population of 885 and the two large buildings are scarcely adequate to accommodate this large number. Up to 1887 there were no brick buildings in the town, but in the spring of that year, all the buildings on the west side of
was sold to the consumers at 20c a barrel. John Marston, now residing at the corner of Second street and Bordeaux avenue, was the chief water dealer in the early days at Chadron. The crying need of the city was more water. Artesian water was talked about, and a company was formed for the purpose of putting down a well. A contract was made with a well drilling outfit and work commenced on Pill hill just back of the present residence of W. S. Gillam. The contract price for the first thousand feet was $2.00, and for the second thousand feet, $1.00 per foot. The enthusiasm of the company veiled their wisdom when the contract
Jack Rabbit Roundup, Chadron
Main avenue from Second street to where the postoffke now stands were burned. There was not water enough in the town to put out a fire in a kitchen stove. People could only stand idly by and see their buildings go up in smoke. This was a severe blow to the town. But out of ashes and debris grew the splendid brick and stone buildings now occupying the same sites on Main avenue. Later an effort was made to provide some means of fire protection for the city. Two large cisterns were made. One at the corner of Main avenue and Second street and one at Egan and Second streets.
2065
People could only stand idly by and see their buildings go up in smoke. This was a severe blow to the town. But out of ashes and debris grew the splendid brick and stone buildings now occupying the same sites on Main avenue. Later an effort was made to provide some means of fire protection for the city. Two large cisterns were made. One at the corner of Main avenue and Second street and one at Egan and Second streets. These were filled with water and a large hand engine was secured, which did valiant duty on many occasions. The first fire after the purchase of the new engine was the depot hotel. It was a hot day in August. Twelve hundred feet of hose were required and nearly every man in town was at the pump brakes or the hose line, but the building was saved as the last barrel of water in the cistern was exhausted. At this date all the water for domestic use was hauled to town in wagons from nearby springs and
was made, for the second thousand feet is much more difficult than the first, and they should have paid a high price for it. The drilling company penetrated the earth about seven hundred feet, salted the hole and represented they had struck a vein of coal. This caused great excitement for a time as it was known that the state had, and has a large reward for coal in paying quantities in Nebraska. Finally the drilling company represented that they were down 1,100 feet, collected for the first thousand, managed to lose their drill beyond recovery and abandoned the whole thing. The manager was afterwards killed in Wyoming by one of his employees for becoming too intimate with his wife. The demand increased with its rapid growth, and on May 24, 1888, the first election for water bonds took place and $35,000 of bonds were voted.
2066
This caused great excitement for a time as it was known that the state had, and has a large reward for coal in paying quantities in Nebraska. Finally the drilling company represented that they were down 1,100 feet, collected for the first thousand, managed to lose their drill beyond recovery and abandoned the whole thing. The manager was afterwards killed in Wyoming by one of his employees for becoming too intimate with his wife. The demand increased with its rapid growth, and on May 24, 1888, the first election for water bonds took place and $35,000 of bonds were voted. The survey was made and a water system soon perfected with a large Holly pumping station three and onehalf miles southwest of town.
The pumping system was soon found to be inadequate and besides was too expensive. The
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
cost of operating was about $600 a month and the supply insufficient. In 1891, during the administration of Mayor J. I. Leas, a survey was made which disclosed that a gravity system could be obtained by tapping Chadron creek at a point seven miles south of the city. The matter was taken up by the council and that year another bond election voted $80,000 more bonds and the pipe line was extended up Chadron creek to the designated point. The proceeds of the bonds, however, failed to cover the expense of the new project and interest bearing warrants were issued to the amount of $10,000, which were purchased by Chadron citizens, the plant completed and the pumping station abandoned. The demand for water has increased every year and it was found necessary to lay
2067
The matter was taken up by the council and that year another bond election voted $80,000 more bonds and the pipe line was extended up Chadron creek to the designated point. The proceeds of the bonds, however, failed to cover the expense of the new project and interest bearing warrants were issued to the amount of $10,000, which were purchased by Chadron citizens, the plant completed and the pumping station abandoned. The demand for water has increased every year and it was found necessary to lay
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First Schoolhouse, Ten Miles South of Chadron
a second 10-inch main to the source of supply. In 1914, under the administration of Mayor Allen G. Fisher, the supply was greatly augmented by the erection of a new concrete and earth work dam that will impound sufficient water to cover twenty acres of land to an average depth of about ten feet. In 1886, the United States land office was located in Chadron with Milton Montgomery, register, and A. W. Crites, receiver, but was a few years later moved to Alliance in Box Butte county. Shortly after Dawes county was organized a county seat fight arose. Dawes City ( now Whitney) and Chadron were contestants for the honor. Every method of securing votes was employed. The election was under the old law and in many instances the voter was led to the polls and cast his vote as directed. It was a warm time and no mistake. John Berry, an advance scout of the railroad company, and a Chadron booster, was in evidence everywhere. Physical encounters were frequent. The Whitney people were out in their war paint and determined to win.
2068
Dawes City ( now Whitney) and Chadron were contestants for the honor. Every method of securing votes was employed. The election was under the old law and in many instances the voter was led to the polls and cast his vote as directed. It was a warm time and no mistake. John Berry, an advance scout of the railroad company, and a Chadron booster, was in evidence everywhere. Physical encounters were frequent. The Whitney people were out in their war paint and determined to win. About the time for closing the polls Von Flarris, the leading spirit of that berg, wired to Chadron to know how many votes were cast at this place. The information was so astounding that it is said that they kept the polling place open all night
and voted all the cats and dogs in town but still lost out. Chadron cast 1,017 votes, the greatest number ever polled from the organization of the town to the time when the present court house was erected. At this time D. W. Sperling, Jim Patterson and Von Harris were county commissioners and the contract for its construction was let by them, but it remained for Commissioner Harris, Mann and Cooley to complete the construction.
It is well known that the soil of western Nebraska is adapted to the growing of sugar beets and an analysis has disclosed that beets grown in Dawes county and northwest Nebraska contain a greater per cent of Saccharine matter than those grown in other parts of the same state. This suggested that if we could secure a facory, the county would at once come into its own, as the beets could be easily grown and the yield large.
2069
It is well known that the soil of western Nebraska is adapted to the growing of sugar beets and an analysis has disclosed that beets grown in Dawes county and northwest Nebraska contain a greater per cent of Saccharine matter than those grown in other parts of the same state. This suggested that if we could secure a facory, the county would at once come into its own, as the beets could be easily grown and the yield large.
So in the summer of 1894 an effort was made to find some individual or corporation who could or would bring a sugar factory to our energetic little city. The Oxnard's already had a factory at Norfolk, but could not be induced to come here. A mass meeting was held to consider the matter and a committee consisting of J. S. Romine, B. F. Pitman and A. C. Putman were elected to go on a still hunt for the right man, and finally unearthed one. He styled himself Hurst. Baron ( ?) Hurst of Chicago, who represented that he possessed the necessary knowledge, influence and money to carry out the scheme. Every one was enthusiastic. All the baron required was the title to about 16,000 or 20,000 acres of land and a good chunk of stock in the concern and his "Open Sesame" would unbar the door that held Dawes county wealth captive. Land was cheap here and any 160 acres in the county could be bought for a song, so we all commenced singing the song and succeeded in securing the title to several sections. The committee waited on the so-called Baron Hurst in Chicago several times, were wined and dined and sent back to Chadron for more title deeds. The factory would be commenced in a few weeks and be ready for operation next season.
2070
All the baron required was the title to about 16,000 or 20,000 acres of land and a good chunk of stock in the concern and his "Open Sesame" would unbar the door that held Dawes county wealth captive. Land was cheap here and any 160 acres in the county could be bought for a song, so we all commenced singing the song and succeeded in securing the title to several sections. The committee waited on the so-called Baron Hurst in Chicago several times, were wined and dined and sent back to Chadron for more title deeds. The factory would be commenced in a few weeks and be ready for operation next season. But go back and get more land. The Baron and Baroness came to Chadron to view the situation and the warranty deeds. The site of the factory was selected. Romine was to be the manager. This on the quiet, for everybody in town expected this paying position. Meetings were held among the farmers. In our minds Dawes county was one large beet field. Everybody lost his head. That is, everybody but one man. A. A. McFadon frowned on the proposition from the beginning and the people
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
abused him. He began an investigation of Baron Hurst and they cursed him ; he informed the people that Hurst was a fake and they felt like mobbing him. A meeting was held on the street at the corner of Second and Egan to denounce Mr. McFadon. A prominent citizen and sometime spellbinder was to be the chief orator. But before beginning his speech he required a stimulant. Someone, in a spirit of mischief, doped the stimulant. The speaker began his flight of oratory, raised one hand toward heaven, and collapsed, fell into the stree+. was carried home on a stretcher, and the crowd faded away into the darkness.
2071
A meeting was held on the street at the corner of Second and Egan to denounce Mr. McFadon. A prominent citizen and sometime spellbinder was to be the chief orator. But before beginning his speech he required a stimulant. Someone, in a spirit of mischief, doped the stimulant. The speaker began his flight of oratory, raised one hand toward heaven, and collapsed, fell into the stree+. was carried home on a stretcher, and the crowd faded away into the darkness. Hurst was a confidence man. Disappointment rested heavily upon everybody but Mr. Mc- Fadon. and the sugar beet business was abandoned.
About this time a corporation was organized by Chadron people for the purpose of building a large hotel and went broke with the building half completed. Later, private parties finished the structure, which is now our popular Hotel Blaine. Chadron, like all other cities, had its ups and downs.
The first five years were fairly prosperous. In fact, we think they may be called the boom days. But with the advent of the nineties came also a drouth that continued for four or five years. The panic of 1893 added to the distress already caused by the prolonged dry spell. Money was not to be had. No security was sufficient to obtain a loan. Many business houses were forced to the wall and several banks closed their doors. People drifted away until half the houses seemed empty and property depreciated in value and in many instances sold for less than half the first cost. In these days it was a wide open town. Saloons, gambling houses and restaurants were open at all hours. At first money seemed plentiful. It was stacked in heaps on the gambling tables, but finally their business began to wane. While Chadron seemed to be going to the bad, there was still an optimistic spirit in the breast of its real people.
2072
People drifted away until half the houses seemed empty and property depreciated in value and in many instances sold for less than half the first cost. In these days it was a wide open town. Saloons, gambling houses and restaurants were open at all hours. At first money seemed plentiful. It was stacked in heaps on the gambling tables, but finally their business began to wane. While Chadron seemed to be going to the bad, there was still an optimistic spirit in the breast of its real people. The town was always a trifle sensational. It was constantly doing things that no other town ever did. A hundred mile race was pulled off.
On the day of the race a withering, blistering simoon set in from the south and before night Mike Elmore's beautiful thoroughbred succumbed to exhaustion ; half the horses were dead on the field and the race was won by a cayuse that belonged to Jim Dahlman and was ridden by Frank Hartsell, worth about fifty dollars. Then a Chadron to Chicago race was organized. The entries were Doc Middleton, the one time famous Nebraska outlaw, but
then a peaceable law abiding citizen of Chadron, residing on Shelton street in a neat cottage which he had erected, and now owned by Willis Schenek ; John Berry, the C. & N. W. advance scout ; Joe Gillespie, cowboy and horse wrangler ; Emmet t Albright, a sure thing man, and Charles W. Smith, all of Nebraska; David Douglas, Spearfish, South Dakota ; George Jones, Whitewood, South Dakota; Rattle Snake Pete Stevens, Kansas ; and Joe Campbell, of Indian Territory.
2073
then a peaceable law abiding citizen of Chadron, residing on Shelton street in a neat cottage which he had erected, and now owned by Willis Schenek ; John Berry, the C. & N. W. advance scout ; Joe Gillespie, cowboy and horse wrangler ; Emmet t Albright, a sure thing man, and Charles W. Smith, all of Nebraska; David Douglas, Spearfish, South Dakota ; George Jones, Whitewood, South Dakota; Rattle Snake Pete Stevens, Kansas ; and Joe Campbell, of Indian Territory.
The race was started by firing a 45 revolver from the balcony of the Hotel Blaine and terminated at the entrance of the World's Fair in Chicago.
Hundreds of people were out to view the start and thousands to greet the victors. Mayor Harrison and Buffalo Bill with a magnificent following met the winners, Joe Gillespie and John Berry in the suburbs of the city and escorted them to the final goal. This event did more to put Chadron on the map than any previous event.
F. S. Baird, then of Chicago, now of Chadron, informed the writer that the newspaper comments on the thousand mile race gave him the first knowledge that such a place as Chadron existed, and that interest in this great race caused him to look up the town to which he eventually migrated.
Although a frontier town, the people were generally law abiding. Of course gambling and dance halls with their attendant resorts were tolerated in those days, but there was no great amount of what is usually termed tough element. Occasionally a cowboy who had imbibed too freely would ride his horse into a saloon and shoot things up, and on one occasion Renfro's Circus, a second rate affair with a bunch of gamblers, thieves and shell game men following, was shot to pieces.
2074
Although a frontier town, the people were generally law abiding. Of course gambling and dance halls with their attendant resorts were tolerated in those days, but there was no great amount of what is usually termed tough element. Occasionally a cowboy who had imbibed too freely would ride his horse into a saloon and shoot things up, and on one occasion Renfro's Circus, a second rate affair with a bunch of gamblers, thieves and shell game men following, was shot to pieces. It was not done by cowboys or toughs either. Some of the present business men of the town took part in the shooting and at least one of the city officers assisted. There was never but one murder in the town and that was a double murder. One George Wooten shot and killed his wife just at the entrance of Mrs. Hayward's store, then turned the gun on himself and both lay dead on the walk near the door of the store.
During those early years the people of Chadron and surrounding country suffered great privation, yet their hearts always went out in sympathy toward those who were in great distress. When news of the great Johnstown disaster came with an appeal for assistance, Chadron and vicinity, out of the little they had, contributed a train load of supplies consisting of corn, potatoes and flour. When an earthquake
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
wrecked the beautiful city of San Francisco, Chadron contributed nearly a thousand dollars to assist in relieving distress. These were only few of the many instances. No appeal for help was passed unheeded. When distress cried out, the wild scramble for money was for a time forgotten. No community ever loosed its purse strings more generously. Many pathetic scenes were witnessed on the street that never found their way to the people.
2075
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
wrecked the beautiful city of San Francisco, Chadron contributed nearly a thousand dollars to assist in relieving distress. These were only few of the many instances. No appeal for help was passed unheeded. When distress cried out, the wild scramble for money was for a time forgotten. No community ever loosed its purse strings more generously. Many pathetic scenes were witnessed on the street that never found their way to the people. Often amusing scenes were enacted.
There was a little two room shack about where the P. W. Hennessy house now stands which as occupied by a couple of the wild women of early days. There was also in the town a burly red-headed Scotchman and his wife, who posed as salvation army people. The good wife, after due deliberation thought it her religious duty to attempt to convert the two wayward girls. She accordingly called and had a heart to heart talk with them. They expressed regret that they had departed from the right way, thanked the lady for her kindly feeling and promised to consider the matter of reform. Before departing the lady was invited to have some refreshments. Cake and fruit were brought and set before her which she seemed to appreciate and "just a sip of wine could do no harm." The good woman fearing that to refuse might undo all her good work took one taste, then another, and found it so pleasant that she could not resist and was soon under the influence to such an extent that she lost consciousness. She was laid on the bed, covered with a sheet, a beer bottle under each arm and word sent to her husband that his wife was dead. He came very quickly and found her -- dead drunk. There is some doubt about which most needed reforming.
2076
Cake and fruit were brought and set before her which she seemed to appreciate and "just a sip of wine could do no harm." The good woman fearing that to refuse might undo all her good work took one taste, then another, and found it so pleasant that she could not resist and was soon under the influence to such an extent that she lost consciousness. She was laid on the bed, covered with a sheet, a beer bottle under each arm and word sent to her husband that his wife was dead. He came very quickly and found her -- dead drunk. There is some doubt about which most needed reforming.
Every town has its freak individual who makes himself and others ridiculous at times. Often he is a man with "wheels in his head," oftener someone with a habit. The story of our little city would be incomplete without some mention of Opportunity Hank (Henry Atkins), an old time gambler and booze fighter. Opportunity was a soldier of the Civil War and it is possible may have participated in some of the many battles during the four years strife. It is certain, however, that he engaged in many a tussle with, but never yet succeeded in winning a fight with old Johnnie Booze. When not drinking he was quiet and unassuming, but given two or three drinks, he would start down the street with a wild whoop, declaring that he was a fighter and could lick any man in Chadron. He was indeed a fierce looker, with long hooked nose which had been knocked clean over toward his right ear during some of his
2077
It is certain, however, that he engaged in many a tussle with, but never yet succeeded in winning a fight with old Johnnie Booze. When not drinking he was quiet and unassuming, but given two or three drinks, he would start down the street with a wild whoop, declaring that he was a fighter and could lick any man in Chadron. He was indeed a fierce looker, with long hooked nose which had been knocked clean over toward his right ear during some of his
many gambling room fights. His wicked, blood-shot eyes and nervous movements. The fact was, that because of age and whiskey, Hank was really feeble and could not whip a ten year old school boy. It was all a bluff with him. It happened that one day when the streets were filled with people "Old Opportunity started out "to lick any man in Chadron." The train had just arrived and brought in many strangers. Opportunity stepped in front of a big husky fellow, squared himself off, 'and with a wicked leer in his bleared eyes said, "I'm a fighter I am, I can lick any man in Chadron." The stranger looking into those fierce blood shot eyes evidently thought it was now or never with him and struck out with all his might. The blow caught Hank on the jaw and the stranger made a quick get away. After a brief space Opportunity raised up, gazed around a moment in evident disgust, and remarked, "I guess I ain't no fighter, ain't I ?"
2078
Opportunity stepped in front of a big husky fellow, squared himself off, 'and with a wicked leer in his bleared eyes said, "I'm a fighter I am, I can lick any man in Chadron." The stranger looking into those fierce blood shot eyes evidently thought it was now or never with him and struck out with all his might. The blow caught Hank on the jaw and the stranger made a quick get away. After a brief space Opportunity raised up, gazed around a moment in evident disgust, and remarked, "I guess I ain't no fighter, ain't I ?"
The Gold Bar saloon, which was located in the building in recent years occupied by Phillips Book Store on the corner of Main and Second street, had a den of wildcats, which were kept on the walk outside the building, and, believe me, they were some fierce wildcats, too. Opportunity stopped before the cage one afternoon, watched the animals for a short period and evidently believed he could cover himself with glory by licking them all at once. He removed his coat and vest, looked up and down the street, to see if anyone was watching him, then rolled up his sleeves. By that time he had attracted the attention of quite a crowd, which gathered around him. He informed the gathering multitude that he could "lick any wildcat God ever made," and plunged his bare hand between the bars of the cage in an attempt to grasp the enemy. The cats were s~me fighters themselves and tore his hands almost to rags. Opportunity withdrew his torn and bleeding hands, looked at the crowd with apparently injured feelings, and remarked that "I guess I can't lick any wildcat that God ever made," and hurried away to some more secluded spot.
2079
He informed the gathering multitude that he could "lick any wildcat God ever made," and plunged his bare hand between the bars of the cage in an attempt to grasp the enemy. The cats were s~me fighters themselves and tore his hands almost to rags. Opportunity withdrew his torn and bleeding hands, looked at the crowd with apparently injured feelings, and remarked that "I guess I can't lick any wildcat that God ever made," and hurried away to some more secluded spot.
The first justice of the peace in Chadron was an old time Methodist minister, J. A. Wilson, and his justice parlor was in a building on the second lot north of the Methodist church on Morehead street, in recent years owned by Mrs. Caroline Kraut. Judge Wilson was a fine old man but had a method of his own when dispensing justice. John Henry was a black negro, so black that charcoal would make a white mark on his face. His appearance on the street was that of a King of Cannibal Islands ; he was always clothed in smiles and a jag.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
usually extremely polite but sometimes quarrelsome. On one occasion he had trouble with another gentlemen of color and threatened to carve him with a razor. This did not quite meet the approval of the party to be thus carved so he procured a pistol just to be on the safe side. Shortly after as he was walking down the street he saw John Henry approach him from the opposite direction. He commanded him to stop on penalty of death but John had nerve and kept advancing till .the man with the gun fired. His aim was bad and before he could fire again the marshal nabbed him. He was taken before the justice of the peace and arraigned on the charge of shooting with intent to kill.
2080
Shortly after as he was walking down the street he saw John Henry approach him from the opposite direction. He commanded him to stop on penalty of death but John had nerve and kept advancing till .the man with the gun fired. His aim was bad and before he could fire again the marshal nabbed him. He was taken before the justice of the peace and arraigned on the charge of shooting with intent to kill. He acknowledged the shooting but claimed J^hn Henry had attacked him with a razor. John was sent for, brought into court and seated in a chair at the side of and very near to the judge, but he had no razor. Now the judge was an almost constant smoker and kept a cigar or two in one of the drawers of his desk. He opened his docket on the table, but before taking up the case he took from the drawer a fragrant cigar, deliberately removed the tip with his desk knife, lighted it and took a generous whiff or two then laid the cigar on his desk beside the docket. After writing a few words he reached for his cigar but it was not where he had laid it. He then turned his gaze upon the prisoner. There sat John Henry in all his kingly dignity smoking the judge's cigar. The man who shot with intent to kill was fined $5.00 which he paid and was discharged. John Henry was fined $15.00 and sent to jail for being shot at. Whether or not the purloining of the judge's cigar had anything to do with John Henry's fine and sentence is still an unanswered question.
2081
He then turned his gaze upon the prisoner. There sat John Henry in all his kingly dignity smoking the judge's cigar. The man who shot with intent to kill was fined $5.00 which he paid and was discharged. John Henry was fined $15.00 and sent to jail for being shot at. Whether or not the purloining of the judge's cigar had anything to do with John Henry's fine and sentence is still an unanswered question.
Up until 1900 Chadron had not made much progress as a business point. A fine roller mill had been erected and the company failed. Not less than twenty businesses went to the wall. Three banks closed their doors and the future was veiled by uncertainty. Nearly everybody who had means to purchase transportation left for other fields. Settlers had ruined the country for ranch purposes and farming was not profitable. People living on the prairie lands were compelled to give up. Those along the timbered creeks fared a little better. They could sell wood enough at $1.50 a load to purchase supplies. But it was difficult for the people in town to find money to buy a load even at that price. Chadron was destined however to come to its on. The perseverance of those who stood by the old ship through wreck and disaster, who faced poverty and
privations, who had lost their property and money and had seen the slender bridge of human life break under the heavy burden, saved the day, and dragged together the remnants of the almost bankrupt municipality. Inch by inch, step by step, the business men who were stayers recovered from the strain incident to the long drought and paralyzing panic. City improvements began and everybody worked together. Mrs. Mary E. Smith Hayward, labored almost day and night to beautify the city and the court house park is a proud monument to her memory.
2082
privations, who had lost their property and money and had seen the slender bridge of human life break under the heavy burden, saved the day, and dragged together the remnants of the almost bankrupt municipality. Inch by inch, step by step, the business men who were stayers recovered from the strain incident to the long drought and paralyzing panic. City improvements began and everybody worked together. Mrs. Mary E. Smith Hayward, labored almost day and night to beautify the city and the court house park is a proud monument to her memory. Admiring citizens have erected an artistic fountain in the center of the park inscribed in her honor. Twenty-five beautiful brick and stone buildings have been erected. In 1907, the roller mill burned, and cut of its ashes arose a splendid structure with a daily capacity 'of 200 barrels. In 1910 the C. & N. W. round house and shops were destroyed by fire together with sixteen engines, all equipped with coal, oil and water ready to go out upon their respective runs, and almost in a breath a modern structure, costing around $100,000 appeared on the site of the former building. In 1911 when the state decided to place a Normal School near the west end of the state, Chadron entered the contest for the location and as an inducement offered a beautiful tract of eight acres with $12,000 for a site.
As competitors Alliance, Crawford, Valentine and Scottsbluff entered the race. After a spirited fight Chadron was selected as the location and its citizens raised over $13,000.00 by popular subscription to make good her offer. So generously did they respond that a surplus donation remained and was refunded to the subscribers. In a few years the Chadron school had attained an enrollment of two hundred and fifty students in the most properous Normal School in the state.
2083
As competitors Alliance, Crawford, Valentine and Scottsbluff entered the race. After a spirited fight Chadron was selected as the location and its citizens raised over $13,000.00 by popular subscription to make good her offer. So generously did they respond that a surplus donation remained and was refunded to the subscribers. In a few years the Chadron school had attained an enrollment of two hundred and fifty students in the most properous Normal School in the state.
Located in the central part of the city is a beautiful public library building of artistic design. The collection of books consists of several thousand volumes and is cared for by an efficient board of management, with Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, librarian.
The Young Men's Christian Associ ition owns and occupies a splendid three story modern brick building valued with equipments at $30,000.00. It is under the management of a board of trustees consisting of successful business men and has a large enrollment. Its members have free use of its fine bath rooms and for a small charge may enjoy the bowling alley and gymnasium.
Lots have been purchased on the corner of Main avenue and Third street and money appropriated for a government building to cost
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
$110,000.00 and the structure will without doubt be completed soon.
In 1912 the magnificent Masonic Temple was erected on Main avenue. The entire building and equipment cost $18,000.00, and the same year the Mildred Block, now occupied by the Citizens State Bank, and the most pretentious building in the town, was erected at a cost of $24,000.00.
2084
Lots have been purchased on the corner of Main avenue and Third street and money appropriated for a government building to cost
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
$110,000.00 and the structure will without doubt be completed soon.
In 1912 the magnificent Masonic Temple was erected on Main avenue. The entire building and equipment cost $18,000.00, and the same year the Mildred Block, now occupied by the Citizens State Bank, and the most pretentious building in the town, was erected at a cost of $24,000.00.
The Intermountain Railway Light & Power Company, with their plant valued at $75,000.00 furnishes a continuous day and night current for light and domestic power purposes. The Chadron Journal and Chadron Chronicle printing and folding and type-settings machines ; the machinery of the Chadron Garage Company ; Chadron planing mill ; Christensen wagon shop; J. F. Stanton and E. P. Scott, shoe repairing machines are operated by electricity and many families make use of the current for cooking. An ice factory and cold storage plant, with creamery in connection have been erected,
Public Library, Chadron
which with equipment cost $60,000.00. The Chadron Telephone Exchange was established in 1891. Since that the time the plant has steadily grown till now there are 2,230 phones in the country and communication with Omaha and all eastern cities has been established. As the industries, so has the population and area of the town increased. G. A. Birdsall platted several blocks on the west side, the greater par of which have been improved by elegant and substantial homes. Normal Heights, a beautiful tract, was platted as an addition on the south side and many residence lots sold. Kenwood addition and Houghton's sub-division on the north side have been most successful. They were platted in 1913. Three hundred seventy-five lots were sold in ten days.
2085
As the industries, so has the population and area of the town increased. G. A. Birdsall platted several blocks on the west side, the greater par of which have been improved by elegant and substantial homes. Normal Heights, a beautiful tract, was platted as an addition on the south side and many residence lots sold. Kenwood addition and Houghton's sub-division on the north side have been most successful. They were platted in 1913. Three hundred seventy-five lots were sold in ten days. Water mains have been laid, street lights and telephone communication installed and fifty homes erected. Kenwood was platted by George C. Flack, treasurer of the Occidental Building and Loan Association of Omaha, Nebraska, and his faith in our city is investing large sums of money here in home building. Propositions
for many new industries are under consideration and the near future will see their consummation. Twenty-five miles of mains convey water to the consumers of the city. There are twenty miles of sidewalk and street crossings and a complete sewer system. It is not, however, in physical improvements alone that Chadron excels. In education, music and culture no city in the west ranks higher. The Woman's Club has a membership of nearly two hundred and is in close touch with the state and national organization. The Chadron Culture Club has a limited membership and the maximum is always maintained. The Chadron Commercial Club has a membership of two hundred active business men, who are untiring in their efforts to make Chadron truly the metropolis of the west. A great number of Chadron citizens occupy high places in the councils of men. Among these are two college presidents, two district judges, James C. Dahlman, many times mayor of greater Omaha, the late Hon. A. W. Crites, ex-judge and ex-receiver of the United States Land Office, F.
2086
The Chadron Commercial Club has a membership of two hundred active business men, who are untiring in their efforts to make Chadron truly the metropolis of the west. A great number of Chadron citizens occupy high places in the councils of men. Among these are two college presidents, two district judges, James C. Dahlman, many times mayor of greater Omaha, the late Hon. A. W. Crites, ex-judge and ex-receiver of the United States Land Office, F. M. Dorrington and Major T. F. Powers, both deceased, and W. H. McCann register and receiver of the United States Land Office, Captain L. A. Dorrington, superintendent of government prisons in the Philippines, E. S. Ricker, historian in the Indian Department, Washigto, D. C. ; Frank Chaulk, age fifteen years, champion potato grower of the state, and Myrtle Mann, age fourteen, state champion of garden clubs; and the irrepressible John G. Maher, peerless prevaricator and proud of the achievement, and sometimes democratic candidate for Governor until 1920, when he became Republican. Of successful business men the number is very large. The city government is and nearly always has been, in the control of young men of energy and ability. Those who have occupied the position of mayo1- are D. C. Mears and C. C. Hughes, deceased, Herbert A. Cox, George L. Harner, T- I. Leas, deceased, F. M. Merritt, James C. Dahlman, H. M. (Tug) Wilson, A. W. Crites, deceased ; Charles Rust, deceased, A. M. Wright, E. D. Satterlee, Robert Hood. Allen G. Fisher, W. F. Hayward, deceased, W. H. Donahue, Duncan Mc- Millan, J. W. Finnegan and Ben Loewenthal, twenty in all. During this period there have been but six city clerks : Robert Dorr, served three and one-half terms; I. W. Smith, two; L. T- F. (Billy the Bear) Iaeger, ten and onehalf ; B.
2087
M. (Tug) Wilson, A. W. Crites, deceased ; Charles Rust, deceased, A. M. Wright, E. D. Satterlee, Robert Hood. Allen G. Fisher, W. F. Hayward, deceased, W. H. Donahue, Duncan Mc- Millan, J. W. Finnegan and Ben Loewenthal, twenty in all. During this period there have been but six city clerks : Robert Dorr, served three and one-half terms; I. W. Smith, two; L. T- F. (Billy the Bear) Iaeger, ten and onehalf ; B. F. Pitman, a half ; F. J. Houghton, seven and G. E. Marriott, eight terms. A voluntary fire company with a splendid equipment has been very successful in extinguishing fires and no considerable conflagrations have occur-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
red since it was organized. Two newspapers watch over the destinies of the city and county : The Chadron Journal and Chadron Chronicle. The Journal was established at the old town by E. E. Egan. There have been many papers published in the city most of which came to a tragic end, but the Journal has survived them all.
Strangers coming to our town through the misty miles of a thousand sand hills, first note the green slopes and dark foliage of the pines, the broad streets bordered with beautiful trees, inviting lawns and long, shady walks, but when they motor into the country through deep canyons over sunny slopes and billowy pastures they first realize the possibilities of this practically new country. Then returning when the night comes drooping purple and soft with golden stars in ber robe and the silver moon hanging low over the northwest prairie they cease to wonder why we love this beauty spot. Yet these are not all that make life pleasant
2088
Strangers coming to our town through the misty miles of a thousand sand hills, first note the green slopes and dark foliage of the pines, the broad streets bordered with beautiful trees, inviting lawns and long, shady walks, but when they motor into the country through deep canyons over sunny slopes and billowy pastures they first realize the possibilities of this practically new country. Then returning when the night comes drooping purple and soft with golden stars in ber robe and the silver moon hanging low over the northwest prairie they cease to wonder why we love this beauty spot. Yet these are not all that make life pleasant
served the city during the seven or eight year periods well and good. Two years ago the city decided it would embark upon the new experience and experiment of a City Manager. Mr. Rayburn formerly of Kansas City and later the secretary of the Chamber of Commerce at Scottsbluff was employed. The regular city officials found that the system was at fault or that the individual selected did not meet with favor or success and Mr. Rayburn has journeyed on for new fields to conquer. In 1913, T. P. Larison, J. W. Owens, H. F. Maika, C. L. Hilbert, O. U. Lerrington and T. H. Smith served as councilmen. In 1914, Smith, Larison, Owens and Lerrington held over while W. E. Mote and J. W. Good were members ; Smith and Larison were still members in 1915 with the following colleagues: P. H. Hyde, E. O. Dugan, E. G. Shamp and J. Wood. Larison was still upon the board in 1916, Dugan, Hyde and Shamp holding over
2089
Owens, H. F. Maika, C. L. Hilbert, O. U. Lerrington and T. H. Smith served as councilmen. In 1914, Smith, Larison, Owens and Lerrington held over while W. E. Mote and J. W. Good were members ; Smith and Larison were still members in 1915 with the following colleagues: P. H. Hyde, E. O. Dugan, E. G. Shamp and J. Wood. Larison was still upon the board in 1916, Dugan, Hyde and Shamp holding over
here. You must enter the homes, commodious and hospitable, and feel the thrill of welcome enjoyed by every stranger. People like these are not found in every land.
There is more sunshine in Nebraska than in most states, and it isn't all from heaven either, but in the smiling countenance and sympathetic heart, and those who do not know this beautiful city with its splendid people have missed the best part of their life.
Recent City Officers
Since 1913 Allen G. Fisher has served four years as mayor; W. A. Donahue, two years; W. H. Reynolds, two years (starting the city off as one of the first class) ; and E. C. Byerly is the present mayor.
During the entire period G. E. Marriott has been city clerk.
The councilmen in the order given have
and with A. L. Andrews and F. L. Floyd new members.
Larison remained upon the board in 1917 with Floyd and Andrews hold-overs. C. A. Berg, W. Weaver and W. A. Danley were the new members. In 1918 we find Floyd, Weaver, Danley and Berg remained and W. S. Satterlee and M. H. Nichols new members. With the coming of a city of the first class in 1919 the council was increased to eight. Berg, Weaver, Danley, Floyd, Satterlee and Nichols remained members, the new councilmen being W. L. Randall, and O.
2090
Larison remained upon the board in 1917 with Floyd and Andrews hold-overs. C. A. Berg, W. Weaver and W. A. Danley were the new members. In 1918 we find Floyd, Weaver, Danley and Berg remained and W. S. Satterlee and M. H. Nichols new members. With the coming of a city of the first class in 1919 the council was increased to eight. Berg, Weaver, Danley, Floyd, Satterlee and Nichols remained members, the new councilmen being W. L. Randall, and O. J. Putnam. In 1920 Satterlee, Weaver, Danley. and Randall held over, T. P. Larison was returned to the board and E. C. Eyerly, C. A. Hanna and W. S. Bostder were new members. At the present time Hanna, Danley, Weaver, Larison and Satterlee are still members, their associates being E. M. Birdsall, Chas. Loewenthal and W. Wr. Pascal.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS
The beginnings of almost ever}- line of business and professional activity, as well as financial, social and fraternal, has been somewhat covered in the preceding chapter.
Harking back to 1887, when Chadron was quite young and rather small, one cannot without interest view the establishment in November, and issuance upon November 17, 1887, of No. 1 of the Northwestern Temperance Advocate, with the subheading, "Malice Toward None, Charity For All. The Welfare of Our People is Greater Than Party Interests," with A. E. and J. D. Sheldon, publishers.
A brief review of the news and advertising columns of that earlier pioneer of the press of Dawes county shows the churches then actively working were the Baptist, G. W. Read, pastor; Methodist, Rev. R. J. Davenport, pastor; Congregational, G. J. Powell, pastor ; and Grace Episcopal, Rev. J. N. Chestnutt, pastor.
2091
Harking back to 1887, when Chadron was quite young and rather small, one cannot without interest view the establishment in November, and issuance upon November 17, 1887, of No. 1 of the Northwestern Temperance Advocate, with the subheading, "Malice Toward None, Charity For All. The Welfare of Our People is Greater Than Party Interests," with A. E. and J. D. Sheldon, publishers.
A brief review of the news and advertising columns of that earlier pioneer of the press of Dawes county shows the churches then actively working were the Baptist, G. W. Read, pastor; Methodist, Rev. R. J. Davenport, pastor; Congregational, G. J. Powell, pastor ; and Grace Episcopal, Rev. J. N. Chestnutt, pastor.
The professional directory showed services rendered to the community by G. A. Eckles, attorney ; Spargur, Fisher & McCann, attorneys, with abstractor in the office; Mrs. Fannie O'Linn, attorney-at-law and abstractor of titles ; W. W. Byington, attorney ; Ricker & Houghton, (E. S. Ricker and F. J. Houghton) attorneys ; O. H. Wilson and L. J. F. Iaeger, justices of the peace and notary publics ; I. N. Harbaugh, attorney ; F. P. Wagenner, real estate ; Levi G. Sweat, real estate ; M. Ballard, county attorney ; P. E. Baird, attorney at law ; F. M. Dorrington & Sons, attorneys, and real estate.
Among the business institutions of the town were, The Pioneer Store, P. B. Nelson, Chicago Clothing Store, I. Silverstein, Blue Front Grocery store. L. Butler, offering free delivery at that early date ; Chadron Meat Co., William Wilson, wholesale and retail furniture and queensware ; Wm. Belanger, groceries and other lines ; Second Hand Store, Dahlman & Simmons' Chadron Meat Market; R. Busse, photographer, Culp & Long, successors to Flock Brothers in Chadron and Yreka bakeries ; W. A. Danley's Chadron Dairy; R.
2092
Among the business institutions of the town were, The Pioneer Store, P. B. Nelson, Chicago Clothing Store, I. Silverstein, Blue Front Grocery store. L. Butler, offering free delivery at that early date ; Chadron Meat Co., William Wilson, wholesale and retail furniture and queensware ; Wm. Belanger, groceries and other lines ; Second Hand Store, Dahlman & Simmons' Chadron Meat Market; R. Busse, photographer, Culp & Long, successors to Flock Brothers in Chadron and Yreka bakeries ; W. A. Danley's Chadron Dairy; R. Mc- Leod's Boston Store ; Smith's ladies' furnishings.
The Northwestern Prohibition Publishing Company was incorporated to handle the Advocate and do other printing, with George D. Read, Levi G. Sweat, B. F. Van Lehn, Arthur Chase, T. L. Jeffers, R. M. Stanton, William Roberts and F. P. Waggenner as incorporators.
Taking the time about the year 1890, as another mark from which to survey the business interests of Chadron, and register such change or growth as was then evident, we find, Chadron Roller Mills in operation. Concerns not mentioned in the preceding paragraph, in business about this time, included : Rosa & Thompson, groceries ; J. Kass & Co., wagons and implements, hardware and plumbing; J. W. Scofield, cigar factory; E. Mead's Chadron Grocery ; J. W. Way's furniture stock ; E. D. Caffee in charge of Chadron Dairy; Stetter Bros., then in charge of Chadron Market ; Robinson & Smith, confectionery ; Bowers & Demmon, livery stable at Birdsall's old stand; Adamson & Imel, west side livery stable, proprietors of the Chadron and Nonpareil Stage line; Weber Brothers, new stock of groceries; W. Christensen's hardware stock open alike for trade of democrats and republicans, prohibitionists, union labor men, mugwumps and all other classes of people; Myers & Boone ; and Loewenthal Bros., Palace Clothing House, since 1885.
2093
Caffee in charge of Chadron Dairy; Stetter Bros., then in charge of Chadron Market ; Robinson & Smith, confectionery ; Bowers & Demmon, livery stable at Birdsall's old stand; Adamson & Imel, west side livery stable, proprietors of the Chadron and Nonpareil Stage line; Weber Brothers, new stock of groceries; W. Christensen's hardware stock open alike for trade of democrats and republicans, prohibitionists, union labor men, mugwumps and all other classes of people; Myers & Boone ; and Loewenthal Bros., Palace Clothing House, since 1885.
Fraternal life in Chadron was not neglected in 1890 and the following lodges were actively engaged in their respective missions : Damascus Lodge No. 53, Knights of Pythias, Chadron Lodge No. 72, A. O. U. W., Occidental Chapter No. 48, R. A. M., Samaritan Lodge No. 158, A. F. & A. M., Pine Ridge Camp No. 745, Modern Woodmen of America, Lexington Relief Corps No. 108. and Lexington G. A. R. Post.
F. B. Carley was postmaster then. The Democrat, with C. W. Allen as editor was a competing journal to the Advocate, and the Dawes County Journal.
Illustrative that the day of effort on the part of commercial institutions of a larger city to secure the trade of smaller places, even some distance away, is the fact that in a September, 1890, edition of the Chadron Democrat can be found the following directory of Omaha, Nebraska, business houses soliciting the trade of Dawes county and western Nebraska patrons ; Mrs. J. Benson, ladies and children's furnishings; John S. Caulfield, wholesale bookseller, United States National Bank, A. H. Perrigo & Co., bicycles ; Browning, King & Co., clothing; A. L. Deane & Co., bank vaults, locks ; Dean, Armstrong & Co., wholesale cigars ; Star Land and Loan Company.
2094
Illustrative that the day of effort on the part of commercial institutions of a larger city to secure the trade of smaller places, even some distance away, is the fact that in a September, 1890, edition of the Chadron Democrat can be found the following directory of Omaha, Nebraska, business houses soliciting the trade of Dawes county and western Nebraska patrons ; Mrs. J. Benson, ladies and children's furnishings; John S. Caulfield, wholesale bookseller, United States National Bank, A. H. Perrigo & Co., bicycles ; Browning, King & Co., clothing; A. L. Deane & Co., bank vaults, locks ; Dean, Armstrong & Co., wholesale cigars ; Star Land and Loan Company.
Further business houses noted as in exist-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
ence about this time were Klingaman Bros., meats ; Lambert's Grocery ; Chadron's Bottling Works and J. H. Larkin, liquors and cigars ; Geo. T. H. Babcock, farm loans; Trager & Kuh, photo gallery ; Butler's Blue Front Store continuing; J. L. Paul & Co., grocers; M. O'Hanlon, proprietor of Hotel Chadron ; Glover & Brower's O. K. Store ; Lucas & Allen were conducting the Democrat late in 1890; Dr. O. V. Harris, M. D., and Dr. E. C. Koons, dentist, were practicing in Chadron ; Keyes & Soder, fruits ; A. Anderson, manager of Chadron Boot Store ; D. S. Cockrill, blacksmith shop; Glover & Brower, in charge of Dawes County Bank; Simon Feldenheimer, clothing; Cater & Dickson, liquor dealers ; C. H. King, The Chicago Store; Waller & Lyman's, druggists ; E. E. Thornburg, druggist ; Wm. Highey, City Drug Store; J. A. Cummings, general merchandise ; Dr. Alfred Lewis, drug store ; C. H. King & Co., general store.
2095
Koons, dentist, were practicing in Chadron ; Keyes & Soder, fruits ; A. Anderson, manager of Chadron Boot Store ; D. S. Cockrill, blacksmith shop; Glover & Brower, in charge of Dawes County Bank; Simon Feldenheimer, clothing; Cater & Dickson, liquor dealers ; C. H. King, The Chicago Store; Waller & Lyman's, druggists ; E. E. Thornburg, druggist ; Wm. Highey, City Drug Store; J. A. Cummings, general merchandise ; Dr. Alfred Lewis, drug store ; C. H. King & Co., general store.
During the Nineties
A brief review of the business institutions that flourished in Chadron during the nineties will disclose many new ones, some faithful and solid concerns staying on, and, as always in this particular phase of the business world, many have dropped by the wayside.
M. E. Smith & Co.; Lowenthal Bros., Palace Clothing House; J. M. Young & Co., in back part of O. K. Store ; J. V. Way & Co., furniture ; Chadron Dray Line ; Bank of Chadron, successor to Lake & Halley, bankers; Klingaman & O'Brien, meats ; John F. Tenzer, successor to Excelsior Lumber Co. First National Bank had started up, with Bartlett Richards, president, DeForest Richards, vicepresident, Chas. C. Jameson, cashier, Robert Hood, J. E. Ainsworth, A. W. Crites, J. L. Paul, as other directors. S. F. Smith's, groceries ; Sampson & Hall, millinery ; H. D. Mead, succeeding D. Y. Mears, harness dealer; Weber Bros. Grocery; Stetter Bros., meats ; and J. L. Paul & Co., were all still operating. The Chadron Banking Co., with A. C. Putman, president, and F. B. Carley, cashier, was in operation. D. A. Strong, lumber. J. H. Larkin, Broghamer & Weyland, and J. W. Owens were in the liquor business. J. W. Good had a clothing stock ; A. Winburger, tailor.
2096
Smith's, groceries ; Sampson & Hall, millinery ; H. D. Mead, succeeding D. Y. Mears, harness dealer; Weber Bros. Grocery; Stetter Bros., meats ; and J. L. Paul & Co., were all still operating. The Chadron Banking Co., with A. C. Putman, president, and F. B. Carley, cashier, was in operation. D. A. Strong, lumber. J. H. Larkin, Broghamer & Weyland, and J. W. Owens were in the liquor business. J. W. Good had a clothing stock ; A. Winburger, tailor.
By 1894 the Bank of Chadron was running, with Richard C. Lake, president ; Albert W. Crites, vice-president; A. A. Record, cashier; and C. W. Dresser, L. A. Brower, Tom Moore, and Geo. P. Waller, other directors. It will be noted that both the financial, and professional roster also, and the business roster of Dawes county displays in the record of these early days many a name which has become a byword of the state and stands for statewide achievement in some line of endeavor in the years since intervening.
Other business houses of the period of the middle nineties, were : Butler & Palmers, groceries ; W. F. Hartman & Co., fresh meats ; Randall's market; A. M. Wright, west end furniture store ; J. Cerny, tailor ; J. Broghamer's Blue Ribbon Beer and other old time liquid stimulants. In 1894, A. P. Sloan became cashier of Chadron Banking Co.
An addition to the press roster of Chadron and Dawes County in 1893 was the Chadron Recorder, of which Claude T. Taylor was an early publisher. In 1895, Henry Ormesher had taken over the old Stetter's Central Meat Market; Drug stores in 1895 were conducted by Davis Bros. Windsor Drug Store; and J. M. Robinson; The Chadron Cage, E. Upstill, prop. ; John Bros., shoe dealers ; A.
2097
Sloan became cashier of Chadron Banking Co.
An addition to the press roster of Chadron and Dawes County in 1893 was the Chadron Recorder, of which Claude T. Taylor was an early publisher. In 1895, Henry Ormesher had taken over the old Stetter's Central Meat Market; Drug stores in 1895 were conducted by Davis Bros. Windsor Drug Store; and J. M. Robinson; The Chadron Cage, E. Upstill, prop. ; John Bros., shoe dealers ; A. G. Johnson, musical instruments ; Chadron Roller Mill ; and Hayes & Bargelt, jewelers, were concerns running at that time. The next bank to enter the lists in Chadron was the Citizens State Bank with W. L. May, president, J. T. May, vice president and A. A. McFadon, cashier. Other business houses of that time were Wayne Wilson, confectionery and manufacturer of fresh candies; Eason Bros., photographers ; Baldy's Place for fine wines ; K. A. Hinote's Chadron Steam Laundry ; Stevens Hotel ; Kasper Furst, shoe store ; G. P. Washburn, railroad jeweler; Reynolds & Eastman, abstracts, insurance and real estate ; the big brick Blaine Hotel; Chas. Parks' Ideal Lunch Room; Chapin House; Nellie Woodard, dry goods and notions.
Professional Roster of the Nineties The lawyers practicing here during this
decade included C. H. Bane, E. S. Richer, I.
N. Harbaugh, Mrs. Fannie O'Linn, G. A.
Eckles, P. E. Baird, Spargur & Fisher, Geo. T.
H. Babcock, Alfred Bartow, F. I. Houghton
and J. R. McDonald.
Of the medical fraternity there were Dr.
2098
Washburn, railroad jeweler; Reynolds & Eastman, abstracts, insurance and real estate ; the big brick Blaine Hotel; Chas. Parks' Ideal Lunch Room; Chapin House; Nellie Woodard, dry goods and notions.
Professional Roster of the Nineties The lawyers practicing here during this
decade included C. H. Bane, E. S. Richer, I.
N. Harbaugh, Mrs. Fannie O'Linn, G. A.
Eckles, P. E. Baird, Spargur & Fisher, Geo. T.
H. Babcock, Alfred Bartow, F. I. Houghton
and J. R. McDonald.
Of the medical fraternity there were Dr.
Flock, Dr. J. I. Leas, Dr. E. C. Koons, dentist ; Dr. J. E. Warrick, M. D.
The fraternal order included the continued
activity of those mentioned before and a few
new ones. Masons, R. A. M., Lenington Post
G. A. R. and W. R. C, I. O. O. F.. A. O. U.
W., K. of P., Commandery K. of P., M. W. A.
Chadron Alliance No. 1100, Sons of Veterans
were new lodges.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
In the 1900-1910 Decade
M. Iv Smith & Co., were still in business at Chadron ; Chadron Mercantile Co. ; J. W. Good and Loewenthal Brothers were still actively engaged in their lines ; L. W. Gorton had a jewelry stock ; F. B. Woodruff's novelty store ; Wm. Chisholm; First National Bank in 1905 was under management of C. F. Coffee, president, F. W. Clarke, vice-president, B. L. Scovel, cashier and H. E. Reische, asst. cashier. The Citizens State Bank was officered by A. W. Reikman, president, J. T. May, vice-president, and F. B. Carley, cashier.
2099
Good and Loewenthal Brothers were still actively engaged in their lines ; L. W. Gorton had a jewelry stock ; F. B. Woodruff's novelty store ; Wm. Chisholm; First National Bank in 1905 was under management of C. F. Coffee, president, F. W. Clarke, vice-president, B. L. Scovel, cashier and H. E. Reische, asst. cashier. The Citizens State Bank was officered by A. W. Reikman, president, J. T. May, vice-president, and F. B. Carley, cashier.
C. R. Payton and L. Roy Bower were dentists.
Physicians then practicing here included Dr. B. C. Elms.
G. T. H. Babcock and L. Card were attornevs practicing here then.
Long Pine Lodge No. 173 O. R. C. and Ingraham Lodge No. 303, B. of L. E., Pine Ridge Lodge No. 17, B. of L- F. and Black
Hills Lodge No. 139, B. of R. T. represented the Conductors, Engineers, Locomotive Firemen and Brakemen or Trainmen respectively and along with F. O. Eagles, Chadron Aerie No. 542, Degree of Honor, Chadron Lodge No. 182 had been added to the roster of fraternal organizations.
In 1905 seven churches were actively engaged in the religious activities of the Community ; Grace Episcopal, J. Rockwood Jenkins, minister: St. Patrick's church, Father J. F. Barry, pastor; Congregational church, J. H. Andreas, pastor; First Baptist church, E. F. Eberly, pastor; Christian church. M. E. church, E. F. Hunt, pastor; and First Church of Christ Scientist.
Chadron Academy, started in 1898, was beginning its 18th year of successful operation in fall of 1906. This school, conducted as a prifate institution, and not a sectarian school, was a pioneer educational institution of northwestern Nebraska and played an important part in
2100
Patrick's church, Father J. F. Barry, pastor; Congregational church, J. H. Andreas, pastor; First Baptist church, E. F. Eberly, pastor; Christian church. M. E. church, E. F. Hunt, pastor; and First Church of Christ Scientist.
Chadron Academy, started in 1898, was beginning its 18th year of successful operation in fall of 1906. This school, conducted as a prifate institution, and not a sectarian school, was a pioneer educational institution of northwestern Nebraska and played an important part in
giving Chadron a precedence in more recent years for selection as a state educational center. The Chadron Conservatory of Music, running at these times teaching piano, vocal, theory, history of music, gave the community an added prestige as a cultural center.
In the commercial world, F. H. DeRhodes & Co.'s double store took an important place. McMillan Bros.. O. C. Erlewine, undertaker and Robert McNair, store; M. W. Farr, furniture.
Decade 1911 to 1921
A directory of the members of the bar in 1910, shows those then practicing, with the year of their admission to practice were G. T. H. Babcock, 1891; Lee Card, 1902; A. W. Crites, 1872; E. D. Crites, 1908; Allen G. Fisher, 1886; F. H. Houghton. 1892; D. B. Tenckes, 1882; C. D. Sayrs, 1872; and E. M. Slattery, 1898. At Crawford, also were B. P. McKelvey, 1905. and J. E. Porter, 1890, and W. P. Rooney, moved to Chadron. Business changes during the next decade brought into the circle, O. J. Schweiger & Co., Burns Bros, meat market ; F. J. Seabury, implements ; Stanton Shoe Co.; First National Bank retained as officers, C. F. Coffee, president, F. W. Clarke, vice president, B. L. Scovel, cashier and H. E. Reische, assistant cashier. The Citizens State Bank was managed by W. A. Carmean, president, J. T. May, vice president, E.
2101
P. Rooney, moved to Chadron. Business changes during the next decade brought into the circle, O. J. Schweiger & Co., Burns Bros, meat market ; F. J. Seabury, implements ; Stanton Shoe Co.; First National Bank retained as officers, C. F. Coffee, president, F. W. Clarke, vice president, B. L. Scovel, cashier and H. E. Reische, assistant cashier. The Citizens State Bank was managed by W. A. Carmean, president, J. T. May, vice president, E. K. Reikman, cashier and C. W. Mitchell, assistant cashier.
Chadron Hardware Co., Nichols & Fisher, West End Market ; A. E. Phillips opened a new flour and feed store in 1912; Lenington Bros., groceries. New concerns that showed up in the next few years numbered Andrews & McNees, Red Cross Drug Store; Ed. E. Morey, jewelry; Walsh Grocery Co.; Grantham Bros., Chadron Mercantile Co., Thos. Staarup. jeweler ; Ormeher Bros., meats.
Business Interests in Craweord
At the end of the decade of the Nineties, business interests flourishing in Crawford, showed among others, Commercial State Bank, with Leroy Hall, president, O. K. Eastman, cashier, and H. O. Eastman, assistant cashier. Bank of Crawford with Harry S. Clarke, president and C. A. Minick, cashier. Palace Saloon, James L. Hogle, prop., G. H. Dietrich, saloon ; H. C. Rineker. meat market. Red Light Saloon, Cleland & Co., furniture ; Crawford Mercantile Co., John Bruer's saloon ; Reade & Shorey, saloon ; In a short time B. F. Johnson became president of the Bank of Crawford.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
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Eastman, cashier, and H. O. Eastman, assistant cashier. Bank of Crawford with Harry S. Clarke, president and C. A. Minick, cashier. Palace Saloon, James L. Hogle, prop., G. H. Dietrich, saloon ; H. C. Rineker. meat market. Red Light Saloon, Cleland & Co., furniture ; Crawford Mercantile Co., John Bruer's saloon ; Reade & Shorey, saloon ; In a short time B. F. Johnson became president of the Bank of Crawford.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
1905-1910
Jumping up some five years brings a few changes in the business roster of Crawford. Crawford Mercantile Co. still holds forth. First National Bank has added Clyde J. Hornsby as assistant cashier ; The Commercial State Bank still has Leroy Hall as president, Andrew Vetter, vice president, Frank L. Hall, cashier and Norris E. Hartwell, assistant cashier. Robert McNair, furniture and hardware ; Scott, the jeweler; M. J. Williams, lumber dealer; Forbes Bros, clothing; S. M. Knapp & Co., C. H. Chase & Co., George M. Adams, general merchandise and lumber; Jas. A. Hughes, Star saloon; Diehl & Eversull, were familiar business names.
The Crawford Tribune, successor to the old Cra'cjford Clipper, was still running with Wm. H. Ketchum at the helm, and Con. Lindeman. assisting.
Crawford Chamber of Commerce In common with all western cities or new towns the city of Crawford in 1911 organized a commercial body called the "Crawford's Business Men's Organization" says Geo. E. Gorton, the present secretary of the Crawford Chamber of Commerce. It was principally to look after credits, there being many transient people at the time. The re-organization took
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The Crawford Tribune, successor to the old Cra'cjford Clipper, was still running with Wm. H. Ketchum at the helm, and Con. Lindeman. assisting.
Crawford Chamber of Commerce In common with all western cities or new towns the city of Crawford in 1911 organized a commercial body called the "Crawford's Business Men's Organization" says Geo. E. Gorton, the present secretary of the Crawford Chamber of Commerce. It was principally to look after credits, there being many transient people at the time. The re-organization took
place two years later to include in the work of the institution the broader needs of the town. Chas. A. Minick was chairman and H. L. Wilson was secretary of the meeting. The following officers were, chosen: W. B. Morrison, president; J. E. Porter, first vice president; A. L. Hungerford, second vice president ; Chas. H. Chase, third vice president and Cyrus O. Wertz as secretary. S. A. Oliver was treasurer. The Chamber has affiliated with the state and national organizations and did an immense amount of work in its various lines, the most important of which is perhaps the highway work and marking through the beautiful parkland of northwest Nebraska.
Present City Officers
The city of Crawford at the present time is efficiently managed by the following officers : H. B. Foerster, mayor; W. L. Elswick, clerk; C. J. Hornsby, treasurer; J. J. Rasmussen, engineer; O. W. Percy, attorney; I. L. Yearns, chief of police; L. Horton, night police ; R. W. McHoes, water commissioner, and Dr. B. F. Richards, city physician.
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The Chamber has affiliated with the state and national organizations and did an immense amount of work in its various lines, the most important of which is perhaps the highway work and marking through the beautiful parkland of northwest Nebraska.
Present City Officers
The city of Crawford at the present time is efficiently managed by the following officers : H. B. Foerster, mayor; W. L. Elswick, clerk; C. J. Hornsby, treasurer; J. J. Rasmussen, engineer; O. W. Percy, attorney; I. L. Yearns, chief of police; L. Horton, night police ; R. W. McHoes, water commissioner, and Dr. B. F. Richards, city physician.
The councilmen are Geo. W. Rief, C. W. Fritts, S. R. Morey and H. Broadhurst.
The park board consists of C. W. Fritts. chairman, and W. O. Barnes, secretary and C. L. Leithoff, member.
CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS-- BANKS-- IN THE WORLD WAR
The First Baptist church of Chadron is now thirty-four years old. It was organized February 13, 1887, with sixteen constituent members, and Rev. G. W. Reed became its first pastor. A recognition service and council was called for March 27, 1887, in which Rev. J. J. Keeler, district missionary, Rev. J. A. Osborne, general missionary, and Rev. E. A. Russell; State Sunday School secretary, participated ; (the latter still living at Ord, Nebraska) and the church was duly recognized as a regular Baptist church.
A part of the present church building, with the parsonage was constructed in the spring of 1888, and the building dedicated June 24, of that year. The total membership since its organization
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A recognition service and council was called for March 27, 1887, in which Rev. J. J. Keeler, district missionary, Rev. J. A. Osborne, general missionary, and Rev. E. A. Russell; State Sunday School secretary, participated ; (the latter still living at Ord, Nebraska) and the church was duly recognized as a regular Baptist church.
A part of the present church building, with the parsonage was constructed in the spring of 1888, and the building dedicated June 24, of that year. The total membership since its organization
reaches 488, its present membership being one hundred forty-three. There have been fourteen pastors during this time. During the pastorate of Rev. F. L. Roselle. March, 1899, to January, 1890, the church edifice was enlarged to its present size. The next pastor, F. M. Sturdevant, came to the church December 28, 1913, and during the year 1912 the church building was remodeled on the inside, and improvements made costing about $500.00. C. E. Hamilton followed him.
Thi
Congregational Church vas the first religious organization
formed in the city of Chadron, and was effected September 13. 1885, with Rev. H. Bross, then general missionary, as the acting pastor.
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
A church building was erected on the present site at a total cost of $1,775, and dedicated December 21, 1885. For the first year this building was occupied in common with the Methodist organization. The church received considerable help from the missionary societies of the church of the East in the support of the pastor during the early years of its existence. In the thirty-six years of its history the church has had the following pastors: Revs. Bross, Crane, Powell, Power, Ferguson, Ricker, Andress, Mitchell, Dungan, and then Rev. J. H. Stough and lastly A. T. Davi-es. These men have built well, and they have left the impress of their work and spirit on the church both here and elsewhere, in this west.
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The church received considerable help from the missionary societies of the church of the East in the support of the pastor during the early years of its existence. In the thirty-six years of its history the church has had the following pastors: Revs. Bross, Crane, Powell, Power, Ferguson, Ricker, Andress, Mitchell, Dungan, and then Rev. J. H. Stough and lastly A. T. Davi-es. These men have built well, and they have left the impress of their work and spirit on the church both here and elsewhere, in this west. Under the pastorate of Rev. Powell, the parsonage was erected, and an addition to the church building. The building itself was raised and a basement made under the whole structure, equipped with a furnace, a toilet room, kitchen and kitchen utensils, and the whole basement so finished that it could be used for the primary department of the Sunday School and for prayer meetings, as well as for social meetings of the church and young people, a new carpet covered the floor of the auditorium and the new paper on the walls, a renovation costing about $1,800 in all, all of which was provided for and the debt is being liquidated year by year.
Grace Church
The first service of the Episcopal church in Chadron was held in the old court house hall in the Chadron Banking Company's building on Sunday, January 30, 1887, by the Rev. T. C. Eldred. The same clergyman continued to hold two services each Sunday until March 6, 1887. On Tuesday, February 1, of this same year, a parish meeting was held at the home of Mr. Arthur C. Putman, at which time it was decided to name the parish Grace church. On Sunday evening, February 6, after evening prayer, the following officers of the parish were nominated: Burr Shelton, warden; Alfred Bartow, clerk ; Gideon E.
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T. C. Eldred. The same clergyman continued to hold two services each Sunday until March 6, 1887. On Tuesday, February 1, of this same year, a parish meeting was held at the home of Mr. Arthur C. Putman, at which time it was decided to name the parish Grace church. On Sunday evening, February 6, after evening prayer, the following officers of the parish were nominated: Burr Shelton, warden; Alfred Bartow, clerk ; Gideon E. Myers, treasurer. The Bishop (Worthington) made his first visitation on Sunday, March 7.
On July 16, 1887, the Rev. J. N. Chestnut assumed charge. Very soon after an unoccupied building on Main street, near Second avenue, was rented and fitted up for service. A five-room house on King street was bought for a rectory on September 1. In the same month a fund for a church building was started in January, 1888. A lot was purchased in May, and in October the cornerstone was laid. The first services in the present church building
were held on Sunday, January 6, 1889. Rev. J. J. Crawford was pastor in 1921.
Methodist Church
The history and growth of the Methodist church of this city, like that of the Methodist church in this county, is a story full of interest to all who have helped in building up this section of the country and county.
The first conference of representatives of this church, looking forward to establishing a Methodist class and church in this community was held in the log cabin which was the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. M. B. O'Linn, out near Dakota Junction. This was the germ of our church organization in this city. The charge was called "The White River O'Linn Charge," Niobrara Valley District, West Nebraska Conference. This was in 1884. The first pastor was Rev.
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The first conference of representatives of this church, looking forward to establishing a Methodist class and church in this community was held in the log cabin which was the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. M. B. O'Linn, out near Dakota Junction. This was the germ of our church organization in this city. The charge was called "The White River O'Linn Charge," Niobrara Valley District, West Nebraska Conference. This was in 1884. The first pastor was Rev. J. B. Gray and the first presiding elder was Rev. G. W. Martin. Services were held in private homes and school houses and then our people were allowed to use the court room which is the room now occupied by Reynolds & Hood as their law office. Later we were permitted to hold services in the Congregational church alternating with their services.
In 1886, at the Fourth Quarterly, Conference, July 10, Rev. G. W. Martin, presiding elder, in the chair, and Rev. J. A. Scamahorn, (whose widow now lives at Gordon, Nebraska), pastor in charge, the following report was made by the trustees : Rev. T. W. Wilson, secretary ; J. B. Boone, S. H. Glover, Burr Shelton and L. Butler : "To the members of the Quarterly Conference of the Chadron Methodist Episcopal church. Dear Brethren: The Trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church of Chadron would beg leave to make this their first annual report. During the year ending with this report we have had under consideration the erection of a suitable house of worship and have procured plans that call for a building 32x28 feet with a lecture room 14x28 feet, to be built of brick. We have in the further prosecution of this work bought and paid for lots one and two in block nineteen in the city of Chadron, for which we paid the sum of one hundred twenty-five dollars.
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During the year ending with this report we have had under consideration the erection of a suitable house of worship and have procured plans that call for a building 32x28 feet with a lecture room 14x28 feet, to be built of brick. We have in the further prosecution of this work bought and paid for lots one and two in block nineteen in the city of Chadron, for which we paid the sum of one hundred twenty-five dollars. We have also secured on subscription for the purpose of erecting this building $700.00. Having made application to our church extension board for aid and they have granted us (as soon as conditions are complied with) a donation of $250.00 and a loan of $500.00. We have now advertised for bids for the erection of building and material and hope in the near future to be able to advance rapidly in the erection and completion of said
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
structure. But to do so and to complete the building without a heavy debt requires an increased exertion and sacrifice in subscriptions. "For Board,
"J. W. Wilson, Sec."
From this report we conclude that the present Methodist church was built in 1887. Although in later years it was remodeled at a neavy expense.
In making inuqiry of J. W. Good and other members we learn that he was the man who furnished and hauled the sand which was used in the construction of the present building and that was in 1887. It was remodeled in 1910 at a cost of $5,000.00 and only part of this paid at that time. The pastor who undertook the rebuilding was Rev. Whitman and he being removed by conference left a part of this debt
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In making inuqiry of J. W. Good and other members we learn that he was the man who furnished and hauled the sand which was used in the construction of the present building and that was in 1887. It was remodeled in 1910 at a cost of $5,000.00 and only part of this paid at that time. The pastor who undertook the rebuilding was Rev. Whitman and he being removed by conference left a part of this debt
O. R. Beebe, R. Elrod, S. E. Grant, J. C. Dillon, Clinton Senneff, pastor in 1921.
The Public Schools
In 1889 a little booklet gotten out by enterprising people of Dawes county and called, "The Great Northwest" is interesting, containing the following:
"In nearly all Nebraska towns a visitor will find that educational matters are regarded as of first and higbest importance. It is pre-eminently so with Cbadron. Other enterprises have in nowise interfered with the city's public school interests. One of the finest school buildings in the state is found in this city. It is a massive two-story and basement building, 72x 79 feet in dimensions, constructed wholly of brick and stone. In the front is a commanding
Methoiust Church. Chadron
unpaid. Rev. Beebe followed him but did nothing towards raising it, feeling it was not his debt. He stayed a year and a half and suddenly took his departure to another conference. A supply in the person of Rev. Elrod finished out the conference year of Rev. Beebe. At the 1912 conference, held at Atkinson, Bishop McConnell appointed Rev. S. E. Grant to this charge and he served one year and was removed by the conference and the present pastor was appointed by Bishop Bristol at the Valentine conference, 1913.
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Beebe followed him but did nothing towards raising it, feeling it was not his debt. He stayed a year and a half and suddenly took his departure to another conference. A supply in the person of Rev. Elrod finished out the conference year of Rev. Beebe. At the 1912 conference, held at Atkinson, Bishop McConnell appointed Rev. S. E. Grant to this charge and he served one year and was removed by the conference and the present pastor was appointed by Bishop Bristol at the Valentine conference, 1913.
The following pastors have served this charge: Revs. J. B. Gray, J. A. Scamahom, Asbury Collins, J. P. Suedaker, R. T- Davenport, A. R. Julian. W. M. Whitsitt, A. J. Sheesman, E. E. E. Rorick, O. S. Baker, R. G. Easley, D. J. Clark, A. E. DuBois, E. E. Hunt, S. A. Chappell, E. E. Shafer, W. W. Whitman,
tower, ten feet square, which rises from the foundation to a height of eighty-five feet and constitutes the main entrance to the building. Besides the recitation rooms and wardrobes, there are eleven large school rooms supplied with all modern school facilities and advantages, and these rooms are heated by basement furnaces and ventilated to perfection. The cost of completing and furnishing this beautiful temple of learning, which was erected in 1887 and is illustrated in these columns, was $30,000. Its halls are occupied by four hundred and thirty-four pupils, and presided over by a principal and five capable assistants.
"The citizens of Chadron are also making strenous efforts to secure a state normal school and a collegiate institution. They are pretty certain to succeed in both aims. The college which will be conducted under the auspices
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The cost of completing and furnishing this beautiful temple of learning, which was erected in 1887 and is illustrated in these columns, was $30,000. Its halls are occupied by four hundred and thirty-four pupils, and presided over by a principal and five capable assistants.
"The citizens of Chadron are also making strenous efforts to secure a state normal school and a collegiate institution. They are pretty certain to succeed in both aims. The college which will be conducted under the auspices
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
of the Congregational denomination, and the founding of which is practically assured, is to cost, when completed, around $100,000.00. Successful in all past enterprises, there is every reason to believe that these citizens will be likewise successful in their ambition to make Chadron an educational center."
The above extract shows that from its very beginning Chadron has been an educational center of the fertile region lying beyond the Nebraska sand hills and extending into South Dakota and Wyoming. The hoped-for Congregational school came, served its purpose well and gave way to the Chadron State Normal school. The growth of the public schools has been steady. The original school building is still in good condition and at slight expense could be made as good as new. It is used for the high school and for the grade children of
built about four years ago. It is of pressed brick and stone. Owing to lack of funds, some of the rooms have never been finished. The school board has called a special election for the 22nd of June for the purpose of raising the necessary funds to complete these rooms and to make repairs in the high school building. When this building is completed it will be one of the finest ward buildings in the state.
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built about four years ago. It is of pressed brick and stone. Owing to lack of funds, some of the rooms have never been finished. The school board has called a special election for the 22nd of June for the purpose of raising the necessary funds to complete these rooms and to make repairs in the high school building. When this building is completed it will be one of the finest ward buildings in the state.
At the time the West Ward building was erected it was believed that it would be years before all of the building would be needed. Last year five teachers were added and in order to relieve the crowded condition in some of the rooms more will be needed this vear. Every room can be used as soon as completed and the large number of new homes being built on the north side of the tracks will call for a new
the East Ward as far as the seventh grade. The eight grade children go to the beautiful new West Ward building and the room once occupied by them in the high school building has been converted into a fine chemical and physics laboratory. Within the past year normal training, which has proved so popular in Nebraska because of the excellent training it gives. *o the high school graduate who is going out t teach in the country schools, has been a regular feature of the high school course. Almost all of the class of 1915 received certificates the night they graduated.
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The eight grade children go to the beautiful new West Ward building and the room once occupied by them in the high school building has been converted into a fine chemical and physics laboratory. Within the past year normal training, which has proved so popular in Nebraska because of the excellent training it gives. *o the high school graduate who is going out t teach in the country schools, has been a regular feature of the high school course. Almost all of the class of 1915 received certificates the night they graduated.
The Chadron high school offers as strong a four year high school course as is offered by any high school. It is fully accredited by the University of Nebraska and by all other colleges and universities of the state.
The beautiful "West Ward" building was
building in that of the city. The determination of the citizens of Chadron to make this city the educational center may be counted upon to see that the necessary funds are provided and that no selfish motives will be allowed to check the growth and development of a system of city schools second to none in Nebraska.
The State Normal The faculty and emplovees of the State Normal School at Chadron' in 1919-1920 were as follows : Robert I. Elliott, President ; Effie D. Hulbert, Registrar ; Amanda B. Osnes, Secretary ; W. T. Stockdale, Dean, Department of Education ; Edna E. Work, Dean of Women, Preceptress of the Dormitory; Lucy M. Clark, English Language and Literature ; C. H. Bright, Mathematics and Rural Schools ; Chas. W. Philpott, Physics; Mrs. Chas. W. Phil-
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The State Normal The faculty and emplovees of the State Normal School at Chadron' in 1919-1920 were as follows : Robert I. Elliott, President ; Effie D. Hulbert, Registrar ; Amanda B. Osnes, Secretary ; W. T. Stockdale, Dean, Department of Education ; Edna E. Work, Dean of Women, Preceptress of the Dormitory; Lucy M. Clark, English Language and Literature ; C. H. Bright, Mathematics and Rural Schools ; Chas. W. Philpott, Physics; Mrs. Chas. W. Phil-
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
pott, Chemistry, and Laboratory Assistant; E. P. Wilson, History and Civics ; Roy B. Clark, Latin and Assistant in English ; Susie E. Boyer, Principal Model High School ; Susan R. Frazier. Primary Director, First and Second Grades ; Bertha Wilson, Commercial Director ; Ethel L. Delzell, Home Economics ; R. E. Holch, Manual Training; H. H. Camburn, Agriculture and Botany; Mabel Harris, Librarian; Elmira Scovel, Public School Music; Richard E. Yarndley, Voice, Cello, Glee Club, Orchestra and Choruses ; Roy A. Peterson, Violin ; Jessie G. Cowan, Expression, Physical Training; Emma Steckelberg, French, Spanish, Latin. Employees, J. R. Bolin, Engineer ; J. E. Hackler, Agriculturist; H. G. Hagler, Janitor.
Financial Institutions
The "Dawes County Bank" was the first established in the county, Thomas H. Glover was president and Lyman A. Brower, cashier. It went into voluntary liquidation and quit business in '91 or '92.
Chadron has three banks. The First National has survived all the years and has capital and surplus of $1'50,000 as shown in the "blue book." Its president is Col. Chas. F. Coffee. C. F. Coffee, junior, is vice president ; W. E. Mote, cashier and Grace Miller, assistant cashier.
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The "Dawes County Bank" was the first established in the county, Thomas H. Glover was president and Lyman A. Brower, cashier. It went into voluntary liquidation and quit business in '91 or '92.
Chadron has three banks. The First National has survived all the years and has capital and surplus of $1'50,000 as shown in the "blue book." Its president is Col. Chas. F. Coffee. C. F. Coffee, junior, is vice president ; W. E. Mote, cashier and Grace Miller, assistant cashier.
The Citizens State Bank which was established in 1889 by Andrew McFadon with a capital of $20,000 has been re-organized and enlarged until today its capital, surplus and undivided profit exceed $100,000. O. J. Schweiger is president ; T. T. May, vice president ; C. W. Mitchell, cashier and E. M. Birdsail and K. R. Klingaman, assistant cashiers. Schweiger was formerly a commercial salesman and is one of the most progressive of the younger men in business in Chadron.
The Chadron State Bank has a capital and surplus of over $130,000 according to a recent statement. B. L. Scovil is president ; J. H. White, vice president : W. P. Rooney, cashier. Other directors are Robert Hood and W. H. Donahue.
Crawford has three distinctive financial institutions. The oldest bank is the Commercial State established in 1886. It has a capital surplus and profit of $100,000. Leroy Hall is president ; Andrew Vetter and Frank L. Hall, vice presidents ; M. G. Eastman, cashier and Besse E. Chapman, assistant.
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The Chadron State Bank has a capital and surplus of over $130,000 according to a recent statement. B. L. Scovil is president ; J. H. White, vice president : W. P. Rooney, cashier. Other directors are Robert Hood and W. H. Donahue.
Crawford has three distinctive financial institutions. The oldest bank is the Commercial State established in 1886. It has a capital surplus and profit of $100,000. Leroy Hall is president ; Andrew Vetter and Frank L. Hall, vice presidents ; M. G. Eastman, cashier and Besse E. Chapman, assistant.
The First National Bank (formerly the Bank of Crawford) was organized August 1, 1899 with a capital of $15,000. Bartlett Richards was president ; Andrew McGinley, vice
president; and C. A. Minick, cashier. It was re-organized in 1903, made a national bank, its capital increased and has since been again increased. It now has $50,000 capital and the same amount of surplus and undivided profits. Its present officers are O. R. Ivans, president ; F. McGiverin, vice president ; C. A. Minick, cashier ; Clyde J. Hornsby, assistant. J. E. Porter and George Swanson are directors. B. F. Tohnson was the president of this bank from 1901 to 1918 inclusive.
The Farmers' Bank was chartered under the state laws in 1919. T. F. Golden is president; W. H. Sutherland, vice president; James H. Nestor, vice president; and F. M. Stapleton as cashier.
The principal organizers of these older banks have passed away. The solid foundation on which the banks were started is still reflected in their gradual growth, and also speaks well for their continued management ; they have been practically owned by home capital. During all the hard times of the past they both have enjoyed the entire confidence of their customers and the community at large, and this in a great measure may be attributed to the fact that they have always done a strictly banking business and have never used any of the bank funds for outside schemes and promotion of outside business.
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The solid foundation on which the banks were started is still reflected in their gradual growth, and also speaks well for their continued management ; they have been practically owned by home capital. During all the hard times of the past they both have enjoyed the entire confidence of their customers and the community at large, and this in a great measure may be attributed to the fact that they have always done a strictly banking business and have never used any of the bank funds for outside schemes and promotion of outside business. They have always taken care of the financial needs of their customers at all times and at satisfactory rates. The gradual increase of their business is a good indication of the condition of the country. The various interests are such that the farmer always has something to turn into money ; if the grain crops are light he has some stock to sell, and also the increasing growth of alfalfa in this section is giving to it a business that is a winner and will be a growing industry in the future. The alfalfa seed grown in Dawes county is second to none grown in the United States and very few sections can compete with it as to quality in every way and as it always makes good in planting, any one who comes here for it once will come whenever they need alfalfa for seeding.
The editor is indebted to B. L. Scovil for parts of the above information.
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The various interests are such that the farmer always has something to turn into money ; if the grain crops are light he has some stock to sell, and also the increasing growth of alfalfa in this section is giving to it a business that is a winner and will be a growing industry in the future. The alfalfa seed grown in Dawes county is second to none grown in the United States and very few sections can compete with it as to quality in every way and as it always makes good in planting, any one who comes here for it once will come whenever they need alfalfa for seeding.
The editor is indebted to B. L. Scovil for parts of the above information.
The World War
In closing the local history of Dawes county the last great chapter of its experience shall have brief mention. It is a star that will shine in the firmament of Nebraska's splendid constellation.
Every drive of the war stands out conspicuous in that every one went over the top without hesitation and in record time. Every
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
war auxiliary was up on its toes to excel the record of similar organizations elsewhere. Not merely with the idea that it wanted to excel although that has a wonderful merit but because keen intelligence and patriotism of the freedom loving people of the county made everything move forward like the Yanks went forward when General Bundy told General Foch "we are going to counter-attack."
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Every drive of the war stands out conspicuous in that every one went over the top without hesitation and in record time. Every
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
war auxiliary was up on its toes to excel the record of similar organizations elsewhere. Not merely with the idea that it wanted to excel although that has a wonderful merit but because keen intelligence and patriotism of the freedom loving people of the county made everything move forward like the Yanks went forward when General Bundy told General Foch "we are going to counter-attack."
Eight hundred twenty three men registered on June 5, 1917. the first registration day. They were distributed over the county as follows : Evergreen, 35; Table, 23; Craig, 21; West Chadron, 197; East Chadron, 196; Antelope, 32; Wayside, 12; Whitney, 39; Leonard, 41 ; Orange, 22 ; and Crawford, 295.
This was Dawes county's first contingent that said to the world militarism must perish from the face of the earth. It was time when in the retrospect we can observe what the German ambition and experiment cost the world in blood and treasure. Even the few benefits that we of America might have had from the war the politicians at Washington destroyed. Even to this day -- approaching three years after the close of the war in fact nrrogant European countries that owe us vast sum and do not pay us the interest thereon will refuse to admit into their lands the products of America in American . ships on the same base that they will admit American products in the ship? of their own country. Some of them have an embargo on American meats and livestock. America's participation in the war, beautiful and heroic sacrifice of the boys in action and service, the purpose and endeavor ot the people at home all magnificent and glorious as they will ever be have been annulled by the inefficient statescnft of those that were in and those whom we have put into the high places of the land.
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Even to this day -- approaching three years after the close of the war in fact nrrogant European countries that owe us vast sum and do not pay us the interest thereon will refuse to admit into their lands the products of America in American . ships on the same base that they will admit American products in the ship? of their own country. Some of them have an embargo on American meats and livestock. America's participation in the war, beautiful and heroic sacrifice of the boys in action and service, the purpose and endeavor ot the people at home all magnificent and glorious as they will ever be have been annulled by the inefficient statescnft of those that were in and those whom we have put into the high places of the land.
This lack of statescraft has not been the fault of the people of Dawes. This county stands high in its civil and military attributes. A review of the facts set forth elsewhere in this history will emphasize the high class of Dawes county official, educational civic standing in the galaxy of splendid community worthiness. Dawes County Chapter, Chadron, Nebraska. HEADQUARTERS Chadron Club, 241 Main Street
The Dawes County Chapter, American Red Cross of Chadron, Nebraska was organized May 29, 1917, by the Rev. Reuben Pickett, Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, with a charter membership of thirtysix.
The chapter was formed under the direction
of the Mountain Division Red Cross of Denver, Colorado, and had as its territory, Dawes county, Nebraska.
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A review of the facts set forth elsewhere in this history will emphasize the high class of Dawes county official, educational civic standing in the galaxy of splendid community worthiness. Dawes County Chapter, Chadron, Nebraska. HEADQUARTERS Chadron Club, 241 Main Street
The Dawes County Chapter, American Red Cross of Chadron, Nebraska was organized May 29, 1917, by the Rev. Reuben Pickett, Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, with a charter membership of thirtysix.
The chapter was formed under the direction
of the Mountain Division Red Cross of Denver, Colorado, and had as its territory, Dawes county, Nebraska.
Officers elected for one year were as follows : Mrs. Elizabeth O'Einn Smith, chairman ; Mrs. Minnie Crites and Mrs. Sara Heyward Barrett, vice chairmen; Mrs. Robert Eliott, secretary; William Mclntyre, treasurer.
Chairmen of the following committees were also elected at this time : Ray Tierney, executive ; Miss Blanche Sperling, finance ; Mrs. H. B. Sands, membership ; L. J. F. Ieager, war council fund ; Mrs. J. Leppla, supplies ; H. B. McDowell, M. D., instruction ; Mrs. E. L. Godsail, comfort; Mrs. Maude Cleghorn, canteen; O. S. Renf ro, civilian relief ; Mrs. Sturdevant Bartlett. junior red cross.
Mrs. Elizabeth O'Linn Smith was State Recording Secretary of Daughters of the American Revolution, Chairman, Library Extension Department State Federation Women's Clubs, and Librarian of Chadron Public Library at the time of her election as Chairman of the Red Cross. She had lived in Chadron many years and had been an officer and helpful member of many state and district club organizations and community interests.
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Renf ro, civilian relief ; Mrs. Sturdevant Bartlett. junior red cross.
Mrs. Elizabeth O'Linn Smith was State Recording Secretary of Daughters of the American Revolution, Chairman, Library Extension Department State Federation Women's Clubs, and Librarian of Chadron Public Library at the time of her election as Chairman of the Red Cross. She had lived in Chadron many years and had been an officer and helpful member of many state and district club organizations and community interests.
Mrs. Minnie Crites, Vice-Regent, had been Grand Matron of the Eastern Star of Nebraska and was an old resident of Chadron.
Mrs. Sara Heyward Barrett was Secretary and Treasurer of the Heyward Cattle Company and an active member of many clubs of the city.
Airs. Robert Elliott, Secretary, was the wife of the President of the State Normal School of Chadron, and a worker in many clubs.
William Mclntyre, Treasurer, was Assistant Cashier of the First National Bank, Chadron. Owing to illness of the Secretary, Mrs. Elliott was obliged to resign in September, the 17th, and Miss Mildred Baker, teacher in the Chadron High School, was elected to fill the vacancy.
Five branches were organized in the county with chairmen as follows : Marsland, Bert Furnam ; Craig, Mrs. Harry Bartlett ; Wayside. Mrs. F. S. Baird ; Antelope, Harry Clark ; Esther, Mrs. Frank Wolvington.
During the first war drive a large sum was raised by the chapter ; in charge of J. Kass and others.
At the second War drive, $13033.65; in charge of Wm. P. Rooney and others.
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Elliott was obliged to resign in September, the 17th, and Miss Mildred Baker, teacher in the Chadron High School, was elected to fill the vacancy.
Five branches were organized in the county with chairmen as follows : Marsland, Bert Furnam ; Craig, Mrs. Harry Bartlett ; Wayside. Mrs. F. S. Baird ; Antelope, Harry Clark ; Esther, Mrs. Frank Wolvington.
During the first war drive a large sum was raised by the chapter ; in charge of J. Kass and others.
At the second War drive, $13033.65; in charge of Wm. P. Rooney and others.
March 26. 1918, five boxes, gross weight 882 lbs., of clothing much of it new, and supplies were sent from the Dawes County Chapter at Chadron to the Commission for Relief in Belgium.
The following is the first annual report of
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
supplies sent for year ending June 1, 1918: Abdominal bandages, 145; Soultetus, 38; Gauze dressings, 18242 ; Gauze compresses (8x4), 101 ; Muslin bandages, 542; Bed shirts, 145; Helpless case shirts, 38; Bed socks, 101; Undershirts, 35; Handkerchiefs, 190; Pajamas (winter), 345. Refugee Garments: Drawers (girls), 35; Layettes, 1; Petticoats, 30; Pinafores, 50; Underdrawers (boys), 6; Undershirts, 6; Quilts, 2; Crib quilts, 42. For Soldiers: Comfort bags, 84; Helmets, 168; Mufflers. 73; Pairs socks, 303; Sweaters, 389; Pairs wristlets, 175.
For 1917, Christmas, 180 packages were made and sent to the Omaha headquarters. Mrs. Vet Canfield was chairman of the committee that prepared these packages.
Mrs. Sands having moved to Iowa, Mrs. O. J. Schweiger was appointed chairman of the Membership Committee.
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Refugee Garments: Drawers (girls), 35; Layettes, 1; Petticoats, 30; Pinafores, 50; Underdrawers (boys), 6; Undershirts, 6; Quilts, 2; Crib quilts, 42. For Soldiers: Comfort bags, 84; Helmets, 168; Mufflers. 73; Pairs socks, 303; Sweaters, 389; Pairs wristlets, 175.
For 1917, Christmas, 180 packages were made and sent to the Omaha headquarters. Mrs. Vet Canfield was chairman of the committee that prepared these packages.
Mrs. Sands having moved to Iowa, Mrs. O. J. Schweiger was appointed chairman of the Membership Committee.
Dr. McDowell gave First Aid courses in Red Cross instruction to classes during the fall and winter. Forty women have received National Red Cross Certificates for having completed the course.
The Canteen Committee, under the leadership of Mrs. Cleghorn, gave to every soldier passing through Chadron, on the troop trains, hot coffee, sandwiches, gingerbread, doughnuts, etc.
Magazines and books were distributed on all troop trains by Mrs. Elizabeth O'Linn Smith, War Service Librarian, and her committee.
On request from the Omaha headquarters, a committee of instructors from the surgical dressing department (consisting of Mrs. O. L. Eason, Mrs. Bert Richert, Mrs. Elizabeth O'Linn Smith and Mrs. Ward Mclntyre) went to Gordon, Sheridan County, Nebraska, and gave instructions to classes there.
Work rooms in the Masonic Temple were open six days a week, during the fall and winter days, and two evenings in the week, for those who could not attend during the days ; all during the time quotas to the chapter' were large.
The first year the Dawes County Chapter held one regular business meeting each month and six special meetings, all of which were duly announced in the county papers and all members invited to be present.
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Work rooms in the Masonic Temple were open six days a week, during the fall and winter days, and two evenings in the week, for those who could not attend during the days ; all during the time quotas to the chapter' were large.
The first year the Dawes County Chapter held one regular business meeting each month and six special meetings, all of which were duly announced in the county papers and all members invited to be present.
At the close of the first year's work, Chadron had an enrollment of 2036, a large number being obtained at the Christmas, 1917, drive in charge of E. E. Hays, Principal Chadron High School, and with the members added of the branches, gave 4040, being 75 per cent of the adult population of Dawes county.
The Junior Red Cross was organized in every school district in the county under the direction of Mrs. Bartlett, chairman, and Miss Edna Rincker, County Superintendent of Schools.
At neither of the drives was a request made for the 25 per cent which might have been returned for home use, as the Finance Committee always had the cash provided ahead for use. All of the departments went "Over the Top" for every request from National and State headquarters. Many letters of thanks were received for the same and also letters from the state inspectors of work, as to the quality sent and all accepted.
Officers elected for second year, beginning June 1, 1918, were: O. S. Renfro, chairman; Mrs. J. Leppla, vice-chairman; Mrs. Edward Birdsall, secretary ; Wm. Mclntyre, treasurer.
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At neither of the drives was a request made for the 25 per cent which might have been returned for home use, as the Finance Committee always had the cash provided ahead for use. All of the departments went "Over the Top" for every request from National and State headquarters. Many letters of thanks were received for the same and also letters from the state inspectors of work, as to the quality sent and all accepted.
Officers elected for second year, beginning June 1, 1918, were: O. S. Renfro, chairman; Mrs. J. Leppla, vice-chairman; Mrs. Edward Birdsall, secretary ; Wm. Mclntyre, treasurer.
O. S. Renfro resigned and R. G. Easley was appointed in his place. Mr. J. Leppla moved from Chadron soon after election and Mrs. C. L. Eason appointed vice chairman. Wm. Mclntyre moved from Chadron and Edward Birdsall was given his office.
The above and foregoing report approved by me, this 10th day of May, 1919.
( Signed) Robert G. Easley, Chairman Dawes County Chapter.
No report has yet been made on the second year's work of Chadron Chapter.
On June 14, 1918, a new Dawes County Chapter was organized at the County Court House at Chadron, by representatives from various branches of the county and the original Dawes County Chapter was renamed the Chadron Branch of Dawes County Chapter.
Officers were elected as follows: William Mclntyre, Chadron, chairman; Thomas L. Holding, Whitney, vice-chairman; Gertrude Girman, Chadron, secretary; M. G. Eastman, Crawford, treasurer.
William Mclntyre left Dawes county and no record has been made of any action taken by this chapter.
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On June 14, 1918, a new Dawes County Chapter was organized at the County Court House at Chadron, by representatives from various branches of the county and the original Dawes County Chapter was renamed the Chadron Branch of Dawes County Chapter.
Officers were elected as follows: William Mclntyre, Chadron, chairman; Thomas L. Holding, Whitney, vice-chairman; Gertrude Girman, Chadron, secretary; M. G. Eastman, Crawford, treasurer.
William Mclntyre left Dawes county and no record has been made of any action taken by this chapter.
Crawford, Dawes Countv, Nebraska.
The books were audited April 29, 1918, and a Chapter of the American Red Cross was formed, with the following officers : Chairman, W. O. Barnes; Vice-Chairman, Mrs. L. A. Howe: Treasurer, Clyde Hornsby; Secretary, Edith Houston. Said local Chapter liecame a branch of the Dawes Countv Chapter, June 14, 1918.
The Whitney and Belmont Chapters which had been working with us, then became subordinate to the county.
The following chairmen were elected : Surgical dressings, Mrs. R. L Irwin; Hospital
HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA
garments, Mrs. L. Lease ; Membership, Mrs. C. F. Triplett; Knitted garments. Mrs. M. L. Birney ; Refugee clothing, Mrs. Flora Abbott, under whose management the work advanced rapidlv with the following shipments : April 30, 1918, 1025 surgical Wipes, 4x4 ; 675 compresses, 8x4; 330 compresses, 9x9. June 5, 1918, newly knitted 27 sweaters ; 1 helmet ; 32 pairs socks; 5 pairs wristlets. October 11, 1918, 14 helmets ; 7 pairs wristlets. August 26, 1918, 35 pairs pajamas ; 70 bed shirts ; 30 sweaters ; 20 pairs socks.
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Birney ; Refugee clothing, Mrs. Flora Abbott, under whose management the work advanced rapidlv with the following shipments : April 30, 1918, 1025 surgical Wipes, 4x4 ; 675 compresses, 8x4; 330 compresses, 9x9. June 5, 1918, newly knitted 27 sweaters ; 1 helmet ; 32 pairs socks; 5 pairs wristlets. October 11, 1918, 14 helmets ; 7 pairs wristlets. August 26, 1918, 35 pairs pajamas ; 70 bed shirts ; 30 sweaters ; 20 pairs socks.
September 30, 1918, 14 cases Belgian garments were sent, consisting of ladies winter suits and coats, men and boys clothes, women and girls clothes, box new shoes, infants and children's clothes, 20 new suits for ladies and children, fur scarfs, ladies and children clothes, shoes and caps.
October 26, 1918, surgical dressings. 300 large sponges.
October 30. 1918. 200 absorbent pads, 8x12.
November 21, 1918, surgical dressings, 675 small sponges, 200 sponges, 4x4, 14 triangular bandages, 18 gauze rolls (5 yds.), 475 sterile dressing pads, 8x4, 220 compresses, 9x9. 229 gauze strips folded, 170 triangular bandages, 65 abdominal bandages.
November 26, 1918, 48 sweaters.
November 1, 1918, 30 filled comfort bags.
January 8, 1919, 30 chemise, 52 pinafores, 64 undershirts.
March 7, 1919, Belgian relief garment box: shoes, babies' clothing, ladies' waists, underwear, boys' overcoats, men's trousers, men's new suits. In first box children's coats, fur cap, ladies' coats, skirts, dresses, sweaters, socks, scarfs, vests, men's new suits.
Second box, January 15, 1919: 100 handkerchiefs, 30 pinafores, 400 outing flannel petticoats.
February 27, 1919, refugee garments. 50 black pinafores.
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November 1, 1918, 30 filled comfort bags.
January 8, 1919, 30 chemise, 52 pinafores, 64 undershirts.
March 7, 1919, Belgian relief garment box: shoes, babies' clothing, ladies' waists, underwear, boys' overcoats, men's trousers, men's new suits. In first box children's coats, fur cap, ladies' coats, skirts, dresses, sweaters, socks, scarfs, vests, men's new suits.
Second box, January 15, 1919: 100 handkerchiefs, 30 pinafores, 400 outing flannel petticoats.
February 27, 1919, refugee garments. 50 black pinafores.
The annual election took place October 8, 1918, with the following results :
Chairman, E. B. Fritts ; Secretary, Mrs. C. G. Abbott ; Treasurer, Mrs. Clyde Hornsby.
Committee of Directors : Mesdames W. B. Munson, Bess Chapman, S. M. Knapp and Messrs. W. O. Barnes, W. F. Starnes. R. N. Henry, W. O'Weefe.
Committee Chairmen : Surgical dressing. Mrs. Wm. Smeak; Hospital garments, Mrs. B. F. Richards ; Civilian relief, Miss Henry ; Membership, Mrs. W. B. Morrison; Supply, Mrs. Homer Sherrill ; Refugee garments. Mrs. Flora Abbott ; Finance, Mrs. H. Linderman ; Nut shell, Mrs. W. B. Morrison ; Spanish "Flu", Mrs. R. N. Henry; Nurserv activities, Mrs. W. T. Forbes; Brassards. Mrs. A. G. Jones.
The continual success of the work was due to the zeal of the chairmen and the response by the public of Crawford and vicinity.
January 13, 1919, the local chapter remitted $500.00 to the National organization.
Drives August 2, 1917 $2,709.49
2nd May, 1918 3,317.00
January, 1918, remittance for Christmas drive membership $1,205.00
January, 1918, Christmas roll call
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Morrison ; Spanish "Flu", Mrs. R. N. Henry; Nurserv activities, Mrs. W. T. Forbes; Brassards. Mrs. A. G. Jones.
The continual success of the work was due to the zeal of the chairmen and the response by the public of Crawford and vicinity.
January 13, 1919, the local chapter remitted $500.00 to the National organization.
Drives August 2, 1917 $2,709.49
2nd May, 1918 3,317.00
January, 1918, remittance for Christmas drive membership $1,205.00
January, 1918, Christmas roll call
drive 500.00
December, 1917, Christmas packages
-- 60 75.00
November 26, 1918, for state base
hospital 50.00
The Annual Roll Call for Membership is being conducted in this county the same as the other local communities, under the directions sent out from Central Division.
This Dawes County Red Cross Chapter is being continued under the direction of :
C. W. Mitchell, chairman, Chadron, Neb. ; E. B. Fritts, vice-chairman, Crawford, Neb. ; Cecil W. Lyon, treasurer, Crawford, Neb. ; Mrs. M. E. Gordon, secretary, Chadron, Neb. ; Miss fulia E. Rucker, executive secretarv, Chadron, Neb.
m
The Annual Roll Call for Membership is being conducted in this county the same as the other local communities, under the directions sent out from Central Division. This Dawes County Red Cross Chapter is being continued under the direction of : C. W. Mitchell, chairman, Chadron, Neb. ; E. B. Fritts, vice-chairman, Crawford, Neb. ; Cecil W. Lyon, treasurer, Crawford, Neb. ; Mrs. M. E. Gordon, secretary, Chadron, Neb. ; Miss fulia E. Rucker, executive secretarv, Chadron, Neb. m