The Colfax County Press publishes a weekly column entitled Peeking into the Past, which is comprised of articles taken from earlier Colfax County Press files, written by Helen C. Evans. A special thank you to the Colfax County Press for allowing me to reprint those articles! The following are selections from that column:
April 18, 1905 - reprinted August 15, 2001This neighborhood was shocked to learn of the death of Anton Trojan, a prominent farmer of Stanton precinct, living four miles west and one south of this place. The particulars of his sad death as we gather them are as follows:
Mr. Trojan went into the barn yard to water some stock. The water was to be taken from a spring well, about twelve feet in depth. The original well was dug two feet square, but had been boarded up leaving the well in the clear not to exceed eighteen inches. The water came up to within a short distance of the top and could be dipped out with pails. It was while engaged in doing this that Mr. Trojan lost his balance and fell into the well head first.
In falling, one of his pantlegs caught on a nail in the top of the curbing, and thus hanging in the water he was found by members of the family. When found life had been extinct for some hours. Being caught as he was there was not the least chance for the deceased to save himself.Frank Suchan, a friend of Frank Bos, arrived her[e] direct from Bohemia, coming for the purpose of making this country his future home.
The Pioneer Townsite Co. is disposing of a great many lots of late. They recently sold two lots each to Emil and Adolf Tomes and four to John Mestl, all situated in the south part of town. As to how soon the boys will put up homes on the lots we are not informed.
Gard Anderson, who is serving in the United States Navy, arrived here from San Francisco on a short visit to his mother and other relatives. His first term of enlistment is about to expire, but he is so pleased with life in the Navy that he will re-enlist. He has had several promotions since entering the service, which shows that he is doing well.
Folda & Mundil report the sale of another quarter secction of the Bilby ranch lands. This time Chris Wulf, of near Blair, is the lucky man. This makes the second quarter of the Bilby lands he has purchased. Mr. Wulf is the fortunate owner of 380 acres of Washington County land worht at this time $80 per acre, and he understands the fact that Nebraska land is the best investment a man can make.
Material to be used in the construction of the Clarkson telephone system has commenced to arrive, and work on the same is to commence within the next few days.
Adolf Fiala went to Omaha and will return accompanied by his mother and his three children who will make Clarkson their home. They will occupy rooms in the Jadrny building.
Charles Kamensky, Jr., left for O'Neill, where he has been given a job as operator in the employ of the North-Western. Charles is a young man whom we expect to see make his mark in the railroad world.
Invitations are out for the marriage of Joseph Marik of Howells and Miss Anna Pekny, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pekny, of this neighborhood, which is to take place at the Catholic Church in Clarkson on May 2nd.
Dr. Allen has purchased a hundred and sixty acre farm, a few miles north of Creston. He paid forty-five dollars per acre for the place, and no doubt it will prove a good investment. A man who puts his money into Nebraska land can hardly make a mistake.
When not otherwise engaged Anton Kopac puts in his time entertaining his friends with music furnished by an Edison grafaphone. He has a number-one machine, with some three hundred records, including all of the latest music. His pump shop has won the title of "Music Hall."
Joseph Hanel made a large delivery of fruit and forest trees at this point for the Arlington nursery, for which he has been agent for a number of years. No nursery in the west sends out better stock than this one and it is becoming deservingly popular with the people of eastern Nebraska.
Shoveling snow on the 15th day of April! You don't do it often in Nebraska, but that is what many of our people were engaged in doing, about five inches having fallen the day before. Not since 1873 do we remember seeing such a fall of snow in Nebraska during the month of April.
John Tideswell and Joseph Vavra dug out and killed an old wolf and seven young ones in the Vavra meadow. The boys have beaten Roosevelt's wolf-killing record with ease.
April 18, 1905 - reprinted August 22, 2001Henry Herling is visiting at his folks at present. He is not able to be around without the aid of crutches yet. The bones in his leg have grown together all right and he has no pain in the limb, but is not able to use it owing to lack of strength.
Joseph Krikac has commenced work on a good sized residence on the three-acre tract owned by him just north of the Dusatko home. He has also set out a lot of trees and will otherwise improve the property.
Quite a leak was sprung in the Clarkson water main at a point a few feet from where it leaves the engine house. An Omaha plumber was sent for but before his arrival Anton Kopac was called to the scene and had the necessary repairs made. When it comes to that line of work Anton has few equals anywhere.
Ed Shuster of Martin, South Dakota, is spending a part of the week with is parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Shuster of Schuyler. Mr. Shuster had been in Omaha with a consignment of stock and stopped in this city, and will also visit relatives and old friends in the north part of the country before his return home.
Frank Pinker, 19, was sentenced to jail for a period of fifteen days because of a theft of a bicycle from Harold Dworak. The young man confessed the theft, returned the bicycle, and Judge Roether decided it best to give him a short term in jail, rather than impose a fine that he would be unable to pay.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Vomocil, his daughter, Mrs. Anton Prazak, and her son, Vincent, of Clarkson, motored to York, to spend a part of the day with Frank Vomocil Jr., who is employed at the KGBZ studio, as staff entertainer, and general assistant about the place, at times being employed in the clothing department. Frank is well pleased with his position, and is regaining much of his lost health.
Miss Adela Svec was the honored guest at a miscellaneous shower given by neighborhood friends at the home of Mrs. Arthur E. Wolfe at Schuyler. A pleasant afternoon was spent at bunco. Miss Svec's friends generously showered her with many beautiful and useful gifts for her new home. A two-course luncheon was served. Miss Svec's marriage to Frank Jedlicka will take place Tuesday of next week.
Mrs. Helen Hashberger was granted a decree of absolute divorce by District Judge Louis Lightner of Columbus, from her husband, Cecil E. Hashberger. Mrs. Hashberger was granted the custody of the minor daughter, Miss Luella Hashberger. The divorce action was not contested and the divorce was granted in the default of the defendant who is now in Lincoln.
Harry B. Chronister received his commission as postmaster for Schuyler, succeeding Otto Zuelow who had served for the past six and half years. Mr. Chronister took possession of the office on February 1. Mr. Chronister has been for the past fifteen years bookkeeper and salesman for the Kopac Brothers in Schuyler, and is a young man worthy of the promotion, and every way competent to give the patrons of Schuyler that service which is required, of a postmaster and his assistants. Mr. Zuelow, who resigned several weeks ago, and later attempted to recall the resignation, has been in poor health for the past several months, will take a much needed rest and has not [sic] immediate plans for the future.
The farm home of F.W. Dobry, nine miles north and one mile east of Schuyler, was discovered on fire by Wm. McIntosh, who stopped at the farm to deliver gasoline. Mr. Dobry was away from home at the time, at the home of Jos. Brichacek assisting in the work of shelling corn. Fortunately, when Mr. McIntosh arrived he saw smoke escaping from the home, and entered, and found the flames burning in front of the stove. He gave the alarm at once to the Schuyler fire department, and also called neighbors, and the fire had been extinguished before the arrival of the department with the chemical truck. The damage, however, is considerable because of the smoke.
A truck said to belong to the Rupert Transfer Co. of Lindsay, was destroyed by fire near the Schuyler air landing field, west of the city. The truck traveling west with a man and lady occupying the cab, caught fire in the front and the driver immediately began unloading his cargo of feed. The alarm was given and the fire department responded, but the truck was entirely consumed before their arrival. The remains were carted away and the name of the driver was not learned. A mass of broken glass, crooked nails and bolts was left on the pavement, however, to harass motorists. It is also probable that a section of the paving was damaged.
Miss Kathryn Timmerman, the oldest daughter of Mrs. Barbara Timmerman, north of Dodge, and Mr. Frank A. Renner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Renner of Aloys, were united in holy matrimony on January 28.
Mrs. Bessie Hrabak accompanied some relatives from Schuyler to Walthill where they attended the funeral of Mrs. Hrabak's cousin, Mr. Charles Herton. The Herton family were former residents of Dodge. It was a very sad and unusual case, Mrs. Herton having died on Tuesday, an uncle, Mr. George Sanders, who was visiting the Herton's died on Wednesday and Mr. Herton on Thursday. All succumbed to the ravages of an extremely infectious disease. Mr. and Mrs. Herton leave a daughter, age two, and a son, age thirteen.
April 18, 1905 - reprinted August 29, 2001Mr. and Mrs. Steve Janecek of Dodge, invited a large number of friends and relatives to honor Mr. and Mrs. F.J. Lacina on their 30th wedding anniversary. Over a hundred and fifty attended the reception which was held at the St. Wenceslaus Parish hall. At cards, Mrs. F.J. Lacina and Irvin Lacina won first prize and Mrs. Paul Smeal and Lambert Urbanek of Clarkson were consoled.
Lunch was served following the card games after which all enjoyed an hour of old time dancing after which the guests departed wishing Mr. and Mrs. Lacina many more happy annivesaries.
Those present from a distance were: Messrs. and Mesdames James Pospishil and daughter, Helen, of West Point, James Lopour and son, Lambert and Rudy of Leigh, John Urbanek and sons, Lambert and Rolland, Ted Urbanek and duaghter, Lavaine, Anton Urbanek and son, Leonard all of Clarkson, and Mrs. Frank Urbanek of Howells.Miss Alyce Zabka left for Omaha where she entered the nurses' training school of Clarkson Memorial Hospital. Miss Alyce was accompanied to the city by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Zabka, and sister, Mrs. George Humlicek, of Dodge. Relatives and neighbors tendered Miss Alyce a farewell party.
The Tel. Jed. Sokol society held a special meeting for the purpose of renewing their turning activities which for some time has been neglected. The meeting was called by Mr. W.J. Bartosh, on the request of Mr. Frank Novacek Sokol instructor of Omaha. At the present time, Mr. Novacek is active in Clarkson preparing for the district Sokol Festival which will be held at Clarkson in June this year.
A delegation of Clarkson Sokols were present at the meeting. They were: Joseph Bukacek, J.A. Kucera, Joseph Vodehnal, Bohumil Beran, Thomas Drapela and Leon Drapela.
The lady members were Mrs. Jos. Vodehnal, Mrs. Stepanka Ferenc, Helen Kacin, Libbie Bukacek, Mercedes Beran, Anna Svoboda and Rose Sup.
These delegates entertained the meeting with drills and songs. Mr. Joe Navratil and Miss Libbie Pospichal will attend an instructor's course in Omaha. After their return activities will begin in Dodge.Several tracts of land changed hands in the Leigh vicinity when Harry Philson negotiated a deal which disposed of an unimproved quarter section of land owned by Mrs. Oliver Olson to Harold McMullin and Wm. McMullin. Harold McMullin acquired 120 acres of the tract and Wm. McMullin purchased 40 acres. The deal further involved the sale of 80 acres of land owned by Harold McMullin, which was purchased by Chas. Grotelueschen.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Prokop were hosts to friends at a feather party when their guests were Mrs. Emil Pavlis, Mrs. W.F. Hobel, Mrs. Jos. Pavel and daughters, Mrs. James Havel, Misses Velda Pimpara and Margaret Bausch, and the families of Emil Hledik, Joe Swoboda, Peter Dufek, J.J. Hinchik, John Barta, Adolf Teply, Frank Nebola, John Tesar, James Lapour, Mr. and Mrs. George Machalek and family of Clarkson were present. Mrs. Prokop and MIss Mary served refreshments.
At high noon Rev. J.J. Klopp read the marriage vows which united in wedlock Miss Olga Dubsky and Mr. Edward Nissen. The ceremony was performed at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dubsky, with only the families and immediate friends present.
Miss Vlasta Dubsky, sister of the bride, and Mr. Chas. Nissen, brother of the bridegroom, attended the bridal pair. After an elaborate wedding dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Nissen left on a western honeymoon trip. Upon their return home, they will be at home on a farm northeast of Stanton.
The bride, a graduate of our city schools, has taken nurse's training in the Lutheran Hospital in Norfolk. In both her high school and hospital work she was a favorite with her associates.
The young bridegroom, a progressive young farmer, has been associated with his father for several years so is well qualified to operate the farm he has rented.Cases where automobile owners have obtained licenses in other counties than those in which they reside, came to the attention of county officials. There is a penalty attached to such actions. If a person takes out a license in a county other than the one he actually resides in, he may be fined from $5.00 to $25.00. We have several cases in Clarkson, where owners are residing here and drive cars with licenses from other counties, and they are subject to a fine.
Mrs. Marie Toman of this city was invited out to the August Vsetecka home, on the old Holan farm west of town, where she was tendered with a surprise party in honor of her 73rd birthday. The event was spent in a very sociable manner, at the conclusion of which a delicious lunch was served.
The guest list included the following: Mr. and Mrs. Milo Herink and daughters; Mr. and Mrs. Jos. B. Novotny and family; Mr. and Mrs. Anton Malena and daughter; Mr. and Mrs. James Bartes; Mrs. Josie Bartes; Mrs. Marie Toman and the Vsetecka family.John Poledna, who had been connected with the Peoples' Variety Store since it was established in Clarkson several years ago, resigned from his position. John has several business propositions offered him, but thus far, he has not revealed his future plans.
The professional training girls are doing practice teaching in the lower grades:
The schedule for this week is as follows: Evelyn Moore, third arithmetic; Alma Hobza, third reading; Wylma Dudycha, eighth history; Viola Gloser, fifth grammar; Marjorie Fajman, seventh history.
April 18, 1905 [sic--J.B. Sindelar, whose obituary appears below, died in 1931]- reprinted September 5, 2001One hundred friends, neighbors and relatives gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Novak, honoring Miss Lillian Novak with a surprise pre-nuptial shower. A mock wedding, which proved to be very amusing, was one of the chief features of the evening's merriment.
John Widhelm played the part of the blushing bride and Emil E. Brodecky that of the groom. Frank Podany served as bridesmaid, accompanied by Ed Dvorak as best man. Miss Ann Rupprecht took the part of the cute little flower girl having carried the rings, which were iron washers, in a market basket. Mrs. Frank Podany acted as the bride's father while Adella Pekarek assumed the role of the weeping mother. Pete Rupprecht officiated in tieing the knot. Gifts were showered upon the alleged couple including many handfuls of rice.
Card playing, games and visiting furnished amusement until midnight when Miss Novak, assisted by the mock-wedding bride, opened the numerous and useful gifts she received. A tempting luncheon was served at the close of the evening.Slowly have the sands of life been flowing in the hour-glass of time for J.B. Sindelar, who, after many years of invalidism, passed to eternal rest at his home in Howells. The past ten years he has been in very poor health and the last three years, he had been bedfast and death comes to him as a great relief.
The deceased was born on November 11, 1853, in the Village of Iskovice, County of Tabor, Czechoslovakia. When a lad of fourteen years, he and his parents, brother John J., and sister, Josephine, migrated to this new world to share in its opportunities. Their first destination was in Chicago. His parents did not stay there long and proceeded further west, locating in Colfax County. After a residence in Chicago, the deceased arrived on Christmas Day at the little sod house of his parents a short distance from where the Tabor church is now located in Lincoln precinct, six miles southeast of Howells. He continued to make his home there, assisting his parents and taking other jobs.
On November 11th, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Kaspar, and this was the first marriage to have been consummated in the first church built at Olean. These records are still in possession of the church. Seven children were born to their union, namely, Joseph, Anton, Emma, William, Emil, Frank and Lambert. Only three children survive their father, Joseph E., Anton and Emma, wife of Robert Studnicka, all of this city. William and Emil died in 1889; Frank, on January 22, 1928, and Lambert, on July 1, 1930.
The deceased and his family made their home on a farm until the fall of 1887, when they moved to town and in company with Jos. Prusa, F.K. Sindelar, Caha Bros. and J.C. Chudomelka, now of Dodge, opened a creamery and general merchandise business on the site where now stands the Bohemian National Hall. The deceased disposed of his interest in this enterprise in 1892, and on May 1, 1893, he purchased the Hubert Becker general store, now the site of Suchan Bros. This he continued until the year of 1901, when he turned the business over to his eldest son, Joseph E.
His first wife died nearly thirty years ago, July 8, 1901, and on November 11, 1902, he married Mrs. Barbara Stover of Omaha. During his younger days, the deceased served for 19 years as local assessor and was the first county assessor of Colfax County, having served one term. For eight years he was state representative of Colfax County. He was one of the founders of the Tabor church and laid the first brick in its foundation and is the last to survive all the other charter members. In the early days of our city, he also served as member of the village and school board and at all times took considerable interest in its welfare.
Mr. Sindelar was a successful business man, honest and upright in his dealings with his fellowmen. Like all the pioneers of our county he had faced the hardships with determination to succeed and he was able to acquire a sufficiency of this world's good to insure him and his wife a comfortable old age. A notable coincidence in Mr. Sindelar's life is the date of February [November??] 11th. He was born on this day, twice married on this day and his funeral also took place on the same date.
The funeral rites were held with brief services at the family home and Holy Mass at St. John's Church, conducted by Rev. J. Drbal and Rev. C.Z. Petlach, the latter of Clarkson and a close friend of the deceased. The remains were then escorted to the Tabor Cemetery where they were laid to peaceful [sic] besides his first wife. Services at the cemetery were conducted by Rev. A. Folta. The large attendance at the funeral rites was evidence of the high esteem in which the deceased was held. Besides his wife, two sons, Jos. E. and Anton, one daughter, Mrs. Robert Studnicka, and one step-daughter, Mrs. Fr. Dostal, he is survived by one sister, Mrs. John Poledna, and a brother, John J. Sindelar, both highly respected citizens of our city.The J.J. Sindelar, Jr. home, which has been under quarantine for scarlet fever, will be released from the same by the end of this week. Their son, John, who is the patient has nearly recovered from the illness.