January 2, 1919 - reprinted March 10, 1982John Bader, prominent hog breeder living near Scribner, sold Great Orion Sensation, a boar, for $5,000 to Ed. Kern of Stanton.
Charles Janda, who for two years was janitor at Clarkson public schools has resigned, therefore a special meeting of the school board was called. Joe Veltrusky has accepted the position until a replacement can be found.
Mike Rychtig, a well-to-do farmer of Wilson precinct, residing 10 miles southwest of Clarkson, committed suicide Monday morning by taking poison. Rumor is current that the man had closed a deal recently, having sold a bunch of cattle to a private party at an exceptionally low price. This assimilated with the death of his daughter, Mrs. Jerry Pacas, a week ago, is given as the motive for his deed. He went to the home of his son- in-law, Jerry Pacas and told him of his intentions, however, before concluding his story, he fell to the ground and died. He is survived by his aged parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wencil Rychtig, wife and five children ranging in age from two to 18 years. Mr. Rychtig. who was 44 years old, is also survived by four brothers and five sisters.
At a meeting of the Clarkson State Bank, Frank Vidlak was appointed assistant cashier of the institution to succeed Albin Folda, who left the flattering position to help make the world safe for democracy.
The Royal Neighbors of America elected the following officers for the ensuing year: Oracle, Julia Lukl; Past Oracle, Sylvia Sobeslavsky; Vice Oracle, Kate Kopietz; Chancellor, Alby Vitek; Recorder, Eva Hobza; Receiver, Philomena Pimper; Inner Sentinel. Josephine Moore; Outer Sentinel, Anna Sobeslavsky: Marshal, Bessie Roether; Manager, Wesley Moore; Auditor, Antonia Folda.
Joseph Wolf, local real estate hustler, was instrumental in selling the Louis Novotny farm, now owned by P. E. McKillip of Humphrey, to Vaclav Podany, Sr. of this city. The place consists of 120 acres and is situated 4 miles due south of Clarkson. Price paid is being held confidential. Mr. Novotny just recently traded the place for some land in Nance county. In the deal Mr. Podany turned in 80 acres of unimproved land which he retained from his former Stanton county farm of 320 acres a part of which Mr. Podany sold to Edward Zvacek last spring.
Mrs. R. V. Froehlich, whose husband is engaged in the blacksmith business in Leigh, died in Rochester, Minn., following surgery, performed by the famous Mayo doctors. Her death was caused by pneumonia. Her remains were brought to Leigh and laid to rest in the cemetery south of the city.
John Mrsny, an old time resident of this neighborhood, and now living north of Leigh, received word from the War Department, bearing the information that his son, Frank J., had died in France on Oct. 23, of wounds inflicted on the battle front during the closing days of the world war. He was drafted from Stanton county Oct. 7, 1917 and detailed for overseas duty about July 1, 1918.
Boys and girls completing Junior Club Work under the direction of the University Farm in Lincoln, during the last year, and who are entitled to school credit subject to county regulations are: Chicken Raising; Verna Clark of Clarkson and Otto Risch of Howells. Canning: Elizabeth Polansky of Clarkson and Lillian Benes, also of Clarkson. Garden: Joseph Urban, Jr., Clarkson; Pig Club: Frederick Risch of Howells. War Bread: Barbara Hannappel of Schuyler and Bertha Strudl and Annie Uhlik of Howells. Prize winner in Chicken Club in Colfax county: Otto Risch of Howells and Verna Clark of Clarkson. Winner of the County Garden Project for the Year 1918: Joseph Urban, Jr. of Clarkson.
Frank Kolar, a prominent Stanton county farmer, was found by Albert Busse and son and brought to the Eby hospital in Leigh after he had been hurt and found laying over 16 hours in the cold weather. For some reason Mr. Kolar got out of the wagon and one of the horses became freightened and started to run away. He grabbed the reins, but had his hand on only one rein, this caused the horses to run and upset the wagon. Either a barrel of oil or salt that he had in the wagon, fell on him. As the wagon upset, the lap robes that were in the wagon, fell near him and he rolled himself up in them. He had broken ribs, a head wound and frozen elbows. He is making a remarkable recovery.
Mrs. Dan Conant, 38, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hyland, died of influenza at her home near Cedar Rapids. She is survived by her husband. Dan, whom she married Febr. 16, 1903, two sons, John, aged nine and Thomas, aged seven; father, Thomas Hyland of Albion; two sisters, Mrs. J. H. Pieper and Mrs. D. W. McCurdy of Albion: and five brothers, Thomas and Edward Hyland of Albion. W. H. Hyland of Stanton, John P. Hyland of Leigh and Dr. E. H. Hyland of Schuyler.
Mrs. John Risch, 64, died at her home in Leigh. Heart failure being the cause of her death. She was born in Germany and was married Nov. 5, 1875 to Jphn Risch. She leaves to mourn her husband and one son, William, who resides on a farm 3 miles northwest of Howells.
Carl Reinnecius, 21, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. William Reinnecius, living northwest of Leigh, died after a brief illness with Spanish influenza. He was preceded in death by his father and survivors are his mother, two brothers and six sisters, all of whom are at home.
January 9, 1919 - reprinted April 14, 1982Dr. H. D. Myers placed the following homes under quarantine, the families being afflicted with influenza: Louis Vrtatko, Louis Vondruska, Anton Kucera and Lada Prazak. These all live in the northward section and that section has not yet had a visitation of the disease.
Mark Moore, who was born 4 miles southwest of Howells on Oct. 7, 1876, died of pneumonia a few days after becoming ill with influenza. He is survived by two brothers, Wesley J. of Clarkson and Arthur, living in Howells and three sisters: Lillian, wife of J. C. schultz of Plainview, Mae, married to Walter Durham of Pueblo, Colo., and 8essie, the youngest of the family, living on the old home place and married to Floyd Ayers. Mark made his permanent home with the Ayers family. He was laid to rest in the Midland cemetery, two miles south of Howells.
Mrs. Peter Knecht died a week after she attempted to take her life, afflicting a serious wound in her right breast caused by a projectile from a 32-cal. revolver. She is survived by her husband Peter, whom she married April 10, 1917; her, parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. J. Sumption, residing at Leigh. one brother, Chester, and four sisters, Mrs. Fred Kroeger, Mrs. Wm. Specht, Pearl and Edith, still at home. The remains were laid to rest in the Leigh cemetery.
Emil Splichal sold 19 head of steers at the Omaha market for which he received the neat sum of $4,372. The steers brought an average of $231. At the Janda sale last week, 100 head of hogs netted approximately $3,000. The record price for hogs in this community, however, were realized at the Paul Hoffman sale, where auctioneer Roether secured $60 to $70 for brood sows weighing less than 300 pounds. Can the prosperity of the farmer be questioned?
The senior class received their 1919 class rings. They are magnificent.
A new janitor has been obtained at the public school. When Supt. Marchek came to school Saturday, he noticed that the daily program was erased. This worried him very much and he asked Miss Hult what become of it. He found out later that the new janitor cleaned the blackboards once in a while.
Emil Konicek, Jr., John Podany, Jr. and Josef Podany, Jr., returned from Omaha, where they represented the local Catholic organization at a statewide convention.
Clarkson friends will be sorry to learn of the death of Sadie Young of Harlan, Iowa, who was a frequent visitor at the home of Dr. and Mrs. S. G. Allen. Miss Sadie died of pneumonia while writing a letter to the Omaha World-Herald Children’s page. Her last words were: “I have been very sick with influenza. My temperature 103...” She died before finishing the letter.
Henry Janda returned home from Omaha, where he was in attendance of the marriage of his sister, Lilly, to Amos Lacina, both of this place. The groom is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lacina, and his chosen companion is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Janda of this city. They will make their home in Omaha.
Jos. M. Bos, residing 4 miles north of Clarkson, will sell 47 thoroughbred Duroc Jersey sows on Jan. 22.
Joseph Hamernik, residing 3 1/2 miles south of Clarkson, sold his farm consisting of 160 acres to Frank J. Zrust, his neighbor, for the price of $205 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Hamernik will move to Clarkson before too long.
Jos. P. Lopour purchased the old Jos. Cernin farm of 120 acres, now in the possession of A. J. Miller and Frank Vnuk of Dodge for the consideration of $185 per acre. This place is located in Midland precinct and is known as Mrs. Frank Jedlicka place.
Wm. A. Karel, Jos. Kopietz and Albert O’Brien dispatched telegrams this week to home folks announcing their arrival at Newport News, Va., on their homeward lap from France. We also learn that Gus Fayman who for several months was in company with Mr. O’Brien, had been transferred to a reconstruction division and will undoubtedly be detained in France for some time to come.
About 4 o'clock in the afternoon, the James Marik family, residing northeast of Howells, suffered a great loss by fire, caused by a faulty chimney. The house and all their possessions were burned to the ground.
Emil R. Dudek. who was born in Clarkson, Jan. 23, 1886, and was married June 5, 1907 to Anna Bukacek, died in Neligh after being ill a few days with influenza.
Mr. and Mrs. Jaroslav Folda were called to Omaha because of the serious illness of Miss Martha Folda, who is a patient at the Birchmont hospital. Miss Folda is very ill with pernicious anemia and little hopes for her recovery are entertained. She is vice president of the Banking House of F. Folda of this city.
Word has been received here that Frank Vitek, formerly of Clarkson,and now of Buhl, Idaho, was taken ill with the "flu" and his condition became so severe that he was taken to a hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Seven-year-oLd Lenora, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Schultz, residing 14 miles north of Howells, died of influenza, after suffering from whooping cough seven weeks ago. She was born Oct. 17, 1911. Funeral services were held at the home by Rev. P. Waldsmidt of Howells and burial was made in the grave lot adjoining the Schwarting German Lutheran Church.
January 16, 1919 - reprinted April 28, 1982Dr. Kalal reports the birth of a fine boy to Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Lopour, residing southeast of here.
At a recent meeting of the school board, Jos. Brdicko was hired as janitor of the school to replace Chas. Janda, who resigned. He was allowed the same salary as his predecessor had, which is $75 a month.
Jerry J. Lodl is spending a 17 day furlough at home, after 12 months in the Navy. Charles Lukl, a brother of Jerry, arrived for a visit from Camp Funston.
Wm. Hahn returned from Wessington. S.D., where he was accompanied by his son, Walter. While there a deal was negotiated whereby Mr. Hahn became owner of a half section of land owned by Walter, near Wessington, and in turn Walter acquired posssion of the old Minarik farm of 120 acrs, two miles west of town recently purchased by Mr. Hahn Sr. Walter will move on to the place this spring.
The stockholders of the Farmers Union Co-operative Supply Company have decided to build a new grain elevator in the very near future.
Dr. Knight is sporting around in a fine new Buick roadster, having purchased the same from Fajman Motor Co. The Ford "town car" will be used only in case of emergency, asserts the doctor who now has two cars in his possession.
Adolph Vasek will be auctioneer for the Louis H. Heitmann sale January 23. Mr. Heitmann is holding the sale so that he can move to South Dakota to make his home.
Mrs. F. J. Miller. Frankie and Lauretta visited a few days at the home of Jos. S. Severa in Beemer.
After but a week’s illness with influenza, Meinert Husimann passed away at the family home southeast of Leigh.
Death has again entered the Bade home in Leigh and this week removed from this life the wife and mother and also a son, William. This makes a total of five deaths in this family in the past 3 weeks. The father, Frank Bade, one daughter, Dorothy, and one son, Oscar, having passed on before. She was married to Frank Bade in 1888. She was the mother of 11 children, one daughter passing away several years ago and three children in the past 3 weeks. She is survived by her aged father, Herman Lueschen and 7 children. William was born August 13, 1905 and died at the Eby hospital at the age of 13. The funeral for mother and son was held Saturday forenoon. All the other children are still down with the epidemic of typhoid that has infested this once happy home.
A Junior class party was held Friday evening. The evening was joyously spent playing games, listening to the Victrola and singing. Refreshments consisted of cocoa, cake, jello and candy.
An epidemic of hog cholera was reported in hogs in Colfax and adjoining counties, as well as infectious pneumonia in hogs.
Harry J. Schultz has opened a new undertaking and embalming parlor in Stanton in the office rooms formerly occupied by Dr. Richardson, and is in Omaha purchasing supplies and a new auto hearse.
Dr. Kolouch has arrived in Schuyler and resumed the practice of his profession. The doctor has re-opened his office in the Folda bank building and is ready to answer calls as usual. Mrs. Kolouch and little son, Fred, will return from Crete in about a month and the family will then occupy their residence in south Schuyler.
Auctioneer Phil Roether has announced the farm sale of Adolph Zvacek which will be held January 30. Sale items include 8 horses, 7 head of cattle, 13 dozen chickens and the following machinery: McCormick 6 ft. binder. McCormick mower, Janseville corn planter with 160 rods of wire, Janesville disc harrow, Janesville disc cultivator, Rock Island sulky plow, Janesville broadcast seeder, walking cultivator, 3-section harrow, hay rake, 3 wagons. Great Western manure spreader, Top buggy, 4 sets of harness, single harness.
The marriage of Frank Smrz and Miss Olga Hamsa of the Mrazek neighborhood, was performed in the local Catholic church by Rev. Bata. Only the immediate relatives were present. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hamsa and the groom’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Smrz.
J. F. Skarka. who resides on the Rudolph Lodl farm, 1 1/2 miles south of Heun, will hold a farm sale January 23. Mr. Skarka and family will move to Cheyenne county to make their home.
The 18-year-old daughter of August Koopman, the name we were unable to procure, is down with influenza at her home in Howells. Dr. Alger is caring for her.
Dr. Myers answered a professional call late Sunday night to the home of John Lapacek, residing several miles from Cedar Rapids in Boone county. Upon arrival he found the patient, Mrs. John Lapacek, formerly Miss Emma Cech, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Theo. Cech, near Howells residents, dead from complications of the influenza. The distance to cover was great, being 67 miles, and considering road conditions a rapid time was made going down.
The Louis Voss sale last week was well attended. One of the farms, a 200-acre tract was purchased by four Leigh people: Adolph Vasek, Harry Philson, Chas. Botsch and John Asche. Price was $120 per acre.
Dr. E. H. Hyland came near losing his Ford roadster when it caught afire out near the Grandview church. He had put kerosene in the radiator to keep it from freezing, but it froze nevertheless, because of the amount of water in the kerosene. The engine got hot and caused the kerosene to ignite. The car was damaged to the extent of $100. A new radiator was put on and some repairs to the top were made which was burned. A new tire just purchased the previous day at Leigh also had to be replaced.
The remains of Frank Opatril arrived by American express in Schuyler, from Hawley, Minnesota, for burial there. Mr. Opatril died January 3 from ailments incident to old age. The relatives at Hawley, believing his son, Julius lived in Schuyler, telegraphed him regarding his father’s death and informing him of sending the body. The Western Union was unable to deliver the message as the son is now in Colorado for the winter. Consequently there was no one to take charge. The body was taken to the O'Callaghan & Son undertaking parlors. Mr. O’Callaghan has been busy ever since endeavoring to locate relatives, who will arrange for the burial. Mr. Opatril who was 74, was a former Schuyler resident.
Albert Svik will dispose of his household goods at public auction January 18 and he is making arrangements to move to Chicago with his family to make their future home. Mrs. Svik preceded the family to Chicago a few days ago.
Mrs. Otto Odvarka and Miss Libbie Slama were Fremont bound passengers Friday.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nemec took their son to Omaha to see a specialist regarding his health. They were accompanied to the city by Frank Jonas.
The heirs of Barbara Svehla, deceased, will sell to the highest bidder on January 29, the following: 7 acres of land, more or less, sec. 5. twp. 20, with good four-room house, good well all bricked to the top, good water, an extra good cave and other necessary buildings.
January 23, 1919 - reprinted April 21, 1982The marriage of Miss Hermina Totusek and Edward Jonas occurred at the Zion church, five miles southeast of Clarkson. The Rev. F. B. Paroulek performed the ceremony. The bridal pair was escorted to the church only by the very closest relatives and most intimate friends. Concluding the wedding formalities, the wedding party proceeded to the home of the bride’s mother, southeast of here, where a sumptious wedding repast consummated. Mr. and Mrs. Jonas, who hail from pioneer families, will reside on the farm the groom owns.
Adolph Bukacek was in charge of the undertaking work for Anton Kander, a young farmer of the Haymow locality, who died at his farm home, 12 miles northeast of Clarkson of pneumonia, a contraction following the Spanish influenza. He was 35 years of age and besides the grief stricken wife, is survived by four small children and several brothers and sisters. The deceased was the son of A. M. Kander, a pioneer Stanton county resident, who died two years ago.
Spanish influenza and complications caused the unexpected death of Mrs. Aaron Henry of Leigh. The young lady always enjoyed good health and is well known in Clarkson. Her father, the late John Glandt, Sr., died only a few weeks ago.
The Jos. M. Bos sale of Duroc Jersey sows brought $6,091.00 and Mr. Bos is very well satisfied with the sale. Names of purchasers were: Joe Stanek and Anton Srb of Madison; Thos. Nadrchal, Emil Prusa, Bohumil Kucera, Jos. R. Molacek, Anton Vlasek, John Dostal, Howells; A. G. Wellman, W. J. Litchenberg, Frank Koci, Dodge; George Daniels, John Holoubek, Jos. M. Lopour, Frank R. Molacek, Joe Rayman, Joe Urban, Louis Tomka, Vaclav Novak, Clarkson.
Three more households will be enlightened when it was learned that Wm. A. Karel, Leonard Noh and Joseph Kopietz will return home from overseas duty. Albert O’Brien arrived home after a few months stay in France.
The Press has printed sale bills for the following: Jan. 25, Lada Prazak; Jan. 27, Joseph Cakl; Jan. 28, Anton Morfeld; Jan. 29, Theo. Wolff; Jan. 30, Adolph Zvacek; Jan. 31, Bob Peltzer; Febr. 1, household goods of Barbara Hejhal.
Herman Reichs rented the farm he recently purchased of Herman Schwarting, to John Schlautman, son of Edward Schlautman. Mr. Reichs is unable to move onto the place he owns, until after the lease runs out.
Clarkson and Howells markets: Wheat $2.05, corn $1.25, oats 52c, rye $1.25, hogs $16.50. butter 35c, eggs 37c.
Bukacek & Zrust had a large ad in The Press advertising “Letz”,the predominating feed mill of America. The 12 star points of Letz supremacy were: Fine grinding, Light running, Most durable, Self sharpening plates, Silent in operation, Self aligning plate holders, Jiffy plate changes, Matchless capacity, Efficient end thrust, Simple in operation and no heating of grain.
Mr. Edward Chudomelka, a son of Thomas Chudomelka of Monterey township, and Miss Emma Vosacek, daughter of Joseph Vosacek of Dodge, were united in marriage by Judge Dewald at his office Jan. 21 in the presence of Mr. Frank Chudomelka and Miss Helen Vosacek, relatives of the bridal couple.
Condensed statements of the five Folda Banks included the Banking House of F. Folda, Schuyler; Colfax County Bank, Howells; Clarkson State Bank, Clarkson; Farmers and Merchants Bank, Linwood and Bank of Rogers, Rogers.
M. L. Albert of Leigh met with a painful accident as he was hauling a load of ice to his ice house. As he was passing on the west side of the cattle shed which is on a hill, he walked on the lower side of the wagon and tried to keep the wagon from sliding. The load upset and smashed him against the cattle shed. It broke a bone in one of his knees and also inflicted many other painful injuries.
The First National Bank of Schuyler received word from E. E. Ruzicka, stating that he has arrived in the U. S. and was in a hospital in Virginia with an attack of diphtheria.
Miss Martha A. Divis and Joseph V. Kudera were married at St. Mary’s church in Schuyler by Father Krajicek. The bride’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Matej Divis, who reside north of Schuyler. The couple will make their home on farm located near Wells.
Rudolph Bazata took the night freight to Omaha, accompanying a combination carload of cattle belonging to him and Thos. Nadrchal.
Mrs. Vrbicky, Sr., making her home with her son-in-law, Charles Poledna, residing northwest, went to Omaha to remain at the bedside of her daughter, Mrs. Henry Diesterhaupt, who at this writing is in a critical state at the Clarkson hospital.
In the Howells news department in The Press appeared this article: James Karvat, Thos. Broz, Anton J. Janata, James Fiala, Wm. Molacek, Emil, John and Julius Bart, Paul and Rudolph Nagengast, Edwin J. Kriz, Waldmir Kunhart, August Mohnson and Ben Liekus are the young men known to us who traveled on Saturday evening to Schuyler to take in a dance given at the Janecek opera house. Many we know went down who live south of town. While we believe it was for the best to keep the ban on the public dance in respect to the influenza, still home boys going elsewhere really making the matter worse. They are exposed in towns where there are as yet numerous cases and heated dance hall and a closely congested multitude brings out the transmission of disease. It’s a case of ex-heaven if you do, and the same if you don’t.
Charles Drabe, a pioneer of Stanton county and once a wealthy land owner of that county, was found dead in a house which he occupied alone in the east part of town. It is believed that he died of complications of influenza, from which he suffered some weeks ago.
The John Smith estate sale at Richland brought over $45,000, the 200 acre farm selling for $170 per acre. Considering that the land lies within two miles of the Platte, the price is considered a fair one. Hoppe Bros. were the purchasers. Saalfield and Hypal bought the implement stock. The Bun Babcock farm lying adjacent to the Platte brought $101.00 per acre or a little over $20,000 for the farm which is a very good price for river land.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Pospisil of Lindsay stopped in Clarkson enroute home from a visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James V. Kucera at Howells. While here Mr. Pospisil renewed his subscription to The Press and ordered one to be mailed for a year to Joseph Spulak of Meadow Grove, Nebraska.
Doc Stock has been very busy the last few days, according to his assistant Dr. Knight. He reports the birth of boys at the F. J. Podany and Frank Powolny homes, and girls at the F. J. Kucera home of near Howells, and Joseph Hartl, east of town.
Jos. Hamernik, residing 3˝ miles south of town, will hold a public sale February 11.
Prazak Motor Co. sold a two-ton Traffic truck to R. F. Podany of Stanton county.
The Angel of Death entered the home of Fred Luedtke at Leigh and claimed the wife and mother of the home. Mr. Luedtke came down with the Spanish influenza about three weeks ago, and Mrs. Luedtke and little son were moved immediately to the home of Mrs. Herman Luedtke at Creston, thinking they might possibly avoid the disease, but they were already exposed and in a few days they both became ill. All went well until Mrs. Luedtke contracted pneumonia.