Alva Leslie “Jack” Burkhead, the only son of Joseph W. Burkhead and Elnora Austin, was born June 28, 1891 on his parents' farm south of Oakdale. He and his two sisters, Ora and Elsie grew up in the Star community.
Jack married Alida Margaret Jensen on July 5, 1911 at Albion, Nebraska. Alida, born a Waterloo, Nebraska, was the daughter of Peter and Jensina Andersen Jensen of rural Oakdale. Tragedy struck the young couple early. At the farm home of Jack's parents, Alida delivered their first and only child on May 27, 1912. Alida died as a result of the birth on May 28, 1912. The surviving daughter was name Alida Leone. She was cared for and grew to womanhood in the home of her grandparents, Joseph and Elnora Burkhead. Alida attended school in Oakdale. On July 26, 1929 she married Conrad J Budde. Over the years, Jack farmed, took up barbering and worked at other trades in around Oakdale and Neligh. On June 28, 1930 he married Florence Daniel Marr at Gregory, South Dakota. Florene had a son from a previous marriage named Donald Marr. Jack and Florence had one son, Bob. In time, they made Neligh their permanent home.
Source Unknown: Originally submitted for this website in June 2007