July 3, 1924 - reprinted October 22, 1997Frank Swoboda spent the early part of the week in Omaha, having been called by the sudden death of his niece, Mrs. Emma Semerad, wife of Frank Semerad, who came to her death through a most pitiful accident.
Mrs. Semerad was returning with her husband from a visit with her parents and while crossing one of the more important streets in the city, Mr. Semerad's car ran over a traffic wart, the jar throwing Mrs. Semerad out of the car against the pavement. In the fall the ill fortunate woman suffered a severe scalp wound and succumbed to her injury the following day.
She was a woman of about thirty-five years. The funeral was held and besides Mr. Swoboda was also attended by Frank Houfek, Jr. of near Clarkson, who happens to be a distant relative of the Semerad family.
July 3, 1924 - reprinted October 29, 1997Dr. Kavan was a very busy man the past few days. Besides answering numerous minor calls to the sick he presented three families of this neighborhood with baby girls. The lucky parents are Mr. and Mrs. Wm. A. Karel of this city; Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Novotny, living southeast of town and Mr. and Mrs. John S. Podany of Stanton County. Mrs. Novotny will be better remembered as Miss Emma Vitek, formerly of our city.
Anton Kratochvil had the misfortune of having a fine cow killed by lightning in the storm. The cow was insured.
Mr. and Mrs. Emil Hoff and daughter, Elaine, were enjoyable visitors at the Rosenbery-Moeller home.
Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Shuster, Mr. and Mrs. John Shuster and son, Edward, and Ben Bayers spent Sunday visiting at the Frank Trojan home.
Jerry Cerv and family visited at the Jos. Lauda home.
Mr. and Mrs. O.H. Moeller and son, Allen Duane, visited at the A.J. Kratochvil home.
The marriage of Lumir Pokorny and Miss Anna Cakl was consummated at the Heun church on early Tuesday morning. Both principals of the nuptial contract are life-long residents of Colfax County and are popular young people.
Mr. Pokorny is a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Pokorny, prosperous farmers of Midland precinct. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Cakl, residing east of Clarkson, and a sister of our esteemed townsman, Jos. Cakl.
The wedding jubilee was a quiet affair and was attended only by the very nearest relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Pokorny will reside on a farm in the vicinity of Heun.Three automobile accidents occurred on the main highway leading east of Clarkson within a few hours. While returning from a patient in the country at a late hour of the night, Dr. W.J. Kavan had the misfortune of colliding with a Ford car driven by several boys, son of Joe Dubsky of Schuyler, who were headed eastward. The accident happened near the A.C. Fajman farm one and a half mile east of town. The doctor's car, a new Dodge coupe, was damaged to the extent of about $75.00. One of the front wheels was rendered useless by the shock and besides this the front fender and frame were absent in. The other car was reduced to a heap of junk.
The second wreck took place near the railroad crossing a mile east of town only a short distance from where the preceding accident happened. Two young men from near West Point were returning home late in the night and having poor lights on their Ford they ran into the signal in the middle of the road east of track. They smashed the front of their car and after getting the necessary repairs in town were able to proceed homeward.
The day wound up with a third accident when Rudolph Nemec and Frank Zdenek came together with theirs cars on the crossing near the Frank Wolf residence on the extreme east of the town. Luckily, both were driving slow and the damage done to the cars does not amount to much. No serious injury was done to the occupants of the cars in either of the three accidents.CLARKSON MARKET; Wheat, $1.00; Corn, .82; Oats, .48; Hogs, 6.30; Rye, .60; Butter, .25; Eggs, .20.
V.J. Bosh and family of Marion, Kansas arrived here for a two weeks' visit with Clarkson relatives and old-time friends. Mr. Bosh is a former Colfax County resident, having moved from here to Kansas a good many years ago. Mr. Bosh has met with exceptional success in Kansas and today is the owner of several fine farms in the vicinity of Marion. His land holdings adjoin rich oil fields and producing wells may be found within a few rods of his land. Mr. Bosh and his family made the trip to Clarkson by automobile, covering the distance in nine hours.
Dr. Kavan removed adenoids for Vernon, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Anton F. Teply.
Frank J. Svik sold the residence property he owned in the northwest part of town for several years to Edward Panek, the consideration being $3150. Mr. Panek and his wife are making arrangements to leave the farm and will move to town. The property is now being occupied by the Frank Polacek family.
Victor Wacha, who had been employed at the Fajman Motor Co.'s garage resigned his position and departed for Chicago where he has taken up employment with an undertaking firm. Victor decided this to be his future vocation and will at once also take up embalming.
After a lingering illness of many months, the past four months helpless and bedridden, Joseph Liekhus, Sr., a pioneer and early settler of Dodge, laid down the burdens of life and went to his reward to the glories of the Great Beyond.
The deceased, so well known to almost everybody in these parts, was ever a man right with himself, with his fellow beings and with God. A true honest man of sterling qualities and highest aims. Ever helpful, kind and obliging, and although his trials and tribulations were many, he bore all with fortitude and forbearance of true and ever trusting and obeying the supreme powers above. Of him it can be said that his earthly sojourn was one of love and devotion and all loved ones surviving mourn a departed parent to whom respect and reverence is due.
Joseph Liekhus was born in the year 1843 in Germany, on July 25, having attained the age of almost 81 years. He was united in marriage as yet in his native land to Miss Mary Wieneke and they immigrated to the United States in 1875 and located in this section which had been the home of the family ever since. To the union were born, Mrs. Mary Wick of Texas, Henry of Lincoln, Bernard of South Dakota, Anna of Constance, Kansas, Joseph, Jr., Martin, August and Elizabeth, all living near Dodge.
The funeral was conducted with requiem mass and services at the Sacred heart Church at Olean and Internment made in the burial adjoining.
July 3, 1924 - reprinted November 5, 1997Dominik Markytan, a prudent young farmer residing northeast of Howells, died at his home Saturday morning. Mr. Markytan arose that morning at his usual hour and went after his chores. His first work was to feed the horses and after this was done he harnessed one of the teams and was preparing to go out into the field. As he was not returning from the stable to get his breakfast, Mrs. Markytan went to the barn to see what was detaining him and to her surprise found his lifeless body.
The deceased was a man of thirty-five years of age, having been born in Bohemia on the 2nd day of August 1889. He came to America about sixteen years ago and for several years made his home on a farm in the vicinity of Heun. Four years ago he moved onto the Gus Bazata farm in Cuming County, northeast of Howells, and lived here up to this time.
The deceased is a brother of John Markytan of Clarkson and Mrs. M. J. Benes of near Howells. Besides his widow he is survived by three sons, Stanley, Ladislav and Frank, and one daughter, Alice. He also leaves an aged mother, one sister, and one brother in the old country.
The funeral was held with internment in the Bohemian National Cemetery west of Howells.C.M. Phillips, Schuyler, who was so severely injured while in the employ of the Fremont Construction Co., on the new bridge crossing Shell Creek, south of the Ernest farm, in Shell Creek precinct, has so far recovered that he is now able to be about. His many friends are pleased to learn of his fast recovery, and that he will so completely recover his former good health.
Rev. Bergt is now qualified to give this admonition, " Look out for the cars while the bell rings and the whistle sounds," having a clear understanding of how a motor driver sees danger approaching, and he says it is the next thing to the "nightmare"
Monday, while crossing the Higgins & Coufal crossing, Mr. Bergt had a narrow escape from being hurled into eternity or of being al mussed up at least. He noticed the freight switching in the yards, and also the approach of No. 12. At that instant he was thinking of stopping about 15 paces from the crossing until the trains had cleared. Instead, his mind went blank and before he awakened he was in the middle of the main tracks, and the fast Colorado Special bearing down upon him but a few feet. His engine was giving evidence of halting and with presence of mind sufficient to realize imminent danger, he pressed his foot against the Ford starting clutch and cleared the track just as the monster of steel passed by.
Mr. Bergt fancies his mind became confused because he has been driving two cars, one a Buick and the other a Ford, and momentarily he lost all sense of car control. Many motor operators would shrink from confessing this story, but Rev. Bergt believes it should be given full publicity, feeling that perhaps this may be a warning to many who approach a railway crossing with mind focused upon some other topic.Jos. Noh and wife arrived here from Newark, N.J., for an extended visit at the F.W. Noh home. They made the trip by automobile and made stops at numerous places along the route.
Fred Sixta and family who visited here, returned to their home in Gregory, S.D.
Adolph Tomes, member of the Hastings ball team, was here for a few hours visiting at home and calling on friends. The Hastings team is at Norfolk. Quite a few Clarkson people were at Norfolk taking in the games and rooting for the Hastings.
Mrs. Jos. Orel of Howells was here visiting at the home of her sister, Mrs. Frank Benes.
Mrs. Mary Psota was a passenger to Dodge for a few days' visit.
Jos. Janecek and family spent time with friends at Pierce. Mr. Janecek is of the opinion that the crops in that part of the state are much better than those right around here..
A.J. Fayman took his wife and little daughter over to Norfolk, where Mrs. Fayman and the child boarded a train for Verdigre to spend a week's visit with the lady's parents.
Frank Suchy and Albin Gloser of Omaha were attending the administrator's sale of the Suchy estate property.
Vaclav Klimes was on the sick list but is now on the mend after having had the attention of Dr. Kavan for several days.
F. J. Miller and son, Frankie, and Frank Houfek, Jr., were Omaha visitors. At Scribner the party was joined by Jos S. Severa of Beemer and Frank Brazda of West Point.
Frank Vlach and family spent Sunday with Clarkson relatives. We are informed that Frank is moving his family to Omaha this week from Leigh with the intention of making the city their permanent home Mr. Vlach is connected with the Security State bank at South Omaha.
Two lots belonging to the estate of Frances Suchy, deceased, situated on the corner east of the Presbyterian church, were sold in public sale this afternoon to J.M. Mundil for $1925.00. The intention of Mr. Mundil as to what he intends to do with the lost has not been learned at this late hour.
There were twelve carloads of livestock shipped to Omaha through the Farmers Shipping association of Clarkson. The shippers were: Frank Lacina, car of cattle; John Lange and Emil A. Nykodem, car of hogs; Frank Malena and Anton Kucera, car of hogs; Herman Schaffer and Jos. Indra, car of hogs; Frank J. Brabec and F.J. Novotny, car of hogs; Jos Jilek and John Kassal, car of hogs; John Benes and Jerry Pacas, car of cattle; Smejkal Bros. and Albert Travnicek, car of cattle; J.J. Dvorak and Jos. Jura, car of hogs; Jos. W. Pospichal, car of hogs; Mrs. Mary Brabec and Frank Bartak, car of hogs. One car was made up of individual consignments.
Howells is to have another new brick business structure before long, the same to be erected by Dr. H.D. Myers in a very short time. The doctor has just purchased the two lots south of the Kovar harness shop and as soon as he can get to it he will have a strictly modern office building built on the site. The price paid for the lots is reported at $1100.
July 10, 1924 - reprinted November 19, 1997Providing the plans turn out the way they are being promulgated, Clarkson will have a public park within the period of a very short time. City authorities have entered into bargain for the two lots until lately belonging to the Frances Suchy estate, adjoining the opera house building on the rear, with were bid if for the city at the administrator's sale by J.M. Mundil at a price of $1925.
We understand that the property is also to serve as a site for the proposed soldiers' memorial. Although there is a much better site in town available for the purpose than the one decided on, we are lead to believe that the action of those at the head of the movement will be favored by the public as the town is in serious need of an institution of this kind.The steam threshing outfit offered in public sale by the Clarkson Huber Co, was purchased by Messrs. Frank Houfek, Jr., Frank Makovsky and Alois Kudrna, who will operate the outfit jointly. The purchasers were members of the old company and the price paid for the outfit is $450. The shed used for storing the outfit was bought for $185, bringing the total price to $635.00.
The compilation of the program for the big dedication of Colfax County's magnificent court house and soldiers" memorial to be held at Schuyler is about completed. A summarized outline of which may be found in the double-page spread devoted to the cause in this week's issue of The Press.
The new courthouse is a building originated on a simple Grecian order, built of light cream faced brick trimmed with light terra cotta The building faces the north, occupying the north half of the block, being 91 feet from east to west and 71 feet from north to south and 52 feet high. There is no basement in the building-there being a ground floor, some four feet above the walk level and three floors above. An electrical self-operating elevator located in the west part of the building runs to all floors.
On the ground floor there is only one office, that of the county surveyor and engineer. There are, however, restrooms for men and women, two large storage vaults, a G. A. R. and American Legion room and a large auditorium.
This auditorium is 56 feet by 42 feet and easily accommodates 500 people. This room is very desirable for holding conventions, public gatherings and meetings. The main offices of the county are on the first floor-the county judge, clerk, treasurer, commissioners and assessor and superintendent of schools having their offices in this part of the building. The commissioners' office is located between that of the county treasurer and county clerk, this being a very desirable arrangement.
On the second floor may be found the office of the sheriff, county attorney , clerk of the district court and the district court chambers, with separate offices for the district judge, the reporter and cloak and smoking room for the lawyers. The court room is the last word in convenience.
On the third or top floor we find the jail. Separate cells for men and women, a juvenile room, a jailor's and bailiff's room and two separate jury rooms. The equipment for this floor provides a sick bed or hospital equipment for emergency cases.
All of the stairways and wainscotting is finished in marble, the corridor floors and toilets in tile. All the office floors are finished in the best grade battleship linoleum. All the main offices are furnished with private toilets and on the second floor, the district court floor, there is a separate toilet and rest rooms for the men and women.
The structure is modern in every respect and was erected at a cost of $250,000.00.Shortly after the sun had displayed its rays in the eastern skies, the blast of the fire whistle called out the citizens of Clarkson from their cozy slumber places, denoting that a damaging fire had been discovered in the confines of the town. All attention was directed to a good-sized barn belonging to John Janda, Sr. on the south main street, which was being rapidly consumed by fire.
The fire department appeared on the scene in record time and after playing two streams of water on the wicked conflagration the fire was soon brought under control but not until after the blaze had eaten its way through the top of the roof and one side of the structure.
The alarm was turned in by Mrs. Wm. A. Karel who was sleeping near an open window through which the smoke from the fire fanned by a southeasterly wind worked its way into the room. Mr. Janda estimates his damage at about $100.00 and carried no insurance on the building. The origin of the fire remains a mystery.Below is the list of livestock shippers through the Farmers Shipping Association in Clarkson:
Jos. W. Pospichal, car of hogs; Mrs. Mary Brabec and Frank Bartak, car of hogs; Jos Zoubek and Anton Prosek, car of hogs; Jos. Houfek and Jos Juva Jr., car of hogs; Jos Kral and Theo. Indra, car of hogs; Edward Cinfel, car of cattle; J. Holoubek, car of cattle; Jos. Stoklasa and Frank Jelinek, car of cattle; Jos. Belohrad, car of cattle; Frank Hamsa and Jos. Kucera, car of hogs; Jos. Lauda and Frank Hledik, car of hogs. One carload was comprised of individual loads.
July 10, 1924 - reprinted November 26, 1997History of Colfax County
Compiled from the History of Nebraska, published in year of 1882.
Contributed to the Dedication of the Colfax County Court House and Soldiers' Monument, at Schuyler, Monday July 21, 1924
Location and Natural Features
Colfax County is one of those rich, prosperous eastern counties of Nebraska situated in the great Valley of the Platte. Dodge County lies to the east, Platte to the west, Stanton to the north and Butler to the south. The county is 41'30' north latitude, and is located in almost the exact geographical center of the United States.
About 1,000 feet above the level of the sea, the atmosphere is, as a rule, pure, dry and invigorating. The general surface of the county consists of undulating prairie highlands not broken or abrupt, but stretching out in long reaches.
What timber land is left consists of cotton wood, box-elder, ash, walnut, and soft maple, found principally along the streams, About a million forest trees are still standing.
The valleys are well drained by the Platte River and its tributaries, and as the soil therein is a rich loam, plentifully intermixed with sand, immense and fine quantities of hay are raised.
Springs abound throughout the county. Shell Creek, which joins the Platte in the southeastern part of the county, and flows northwest, contains good water powers. In 1868 the first grist mill was erected by J.P. Becker on that stream in the western part of Colfax County. It has now four run of stone.
In 1870 Wells & Nieman erected their mill on Shell Creek. In 1874, W. Dvorak built a grist mill five miles northwest of Schuyler. Messrs. Hansel and Nowak also northeast of town. The grist built a fourth mill tow miles northeast of town. The grist mill of Wells & Nieman has been discontinued, the firm having just built a fine steam mill at Schuyler. The Big Maple and the Little Maple creeks also water the county to the north and northeast, but have no improved water powers.
The farming lands which lie principally outside the valley flourish. Unimproved land sales are prolific in the yield of corn, but wheat does not greatly flourish. Unimproved land sales are prolific in the yield of corn, but wheat does not greatly flourish. Unimproved land sells usually at about $7 per acre, while improved land will range all the way from $10 to $30 according to location. The railroad lands are now about all taken up; only about 30,000 acres laying outside the ten-mile limit being in the market.
Traces of coal have been discovered both in Colfax and Butler Counties, but little has been accomplished towards developing the deposits.
As to livestock, Colfax County is well adapted to the carrying on of this business---especially as it has been noted above, in the Valley of the Platte which abounds as the fine quality of grasses. The best varieties of horse principally raised are the Norman and Clydesdale, of cattle the Shorthorn and of sheep the Merino and Cotswold.
Colfax County contains 276,480 acres of land, and according to the last return made by the assessors, 7,040 acres of this is improved, and 158,346 unimproved-the total valuation $820,146. It is but fair to remark that on account of the great proportion of foreign population the returns do not represent the actual condition of the county. In most cases the figures have bee received from but six out of the eleven assessors, and those who have made returns say that in many cases they found it almost impossible to make their mission plainly understood. With this explanation, the figures, which are in some cases estimates, are given as being the only data, though somewhat unreliable, that could be obtained. The personal property is assessed at $505,048; improved village or city lots $81, 950; unimproved $104,730. This makes the total valuation of property throughout the county, over $1,500,000. This estimate is far below the actual value of such property.
Of the 60,559 acres under cultivation, 26,628 have been sown to wheat, and 28, 189 to corn. There are only a thousand acres of cultivated timber in the country. The livestock exhibit is as follows, the returns being made for 1881: Cattle in the county, 9,058; sheep, 10, 763; horses, 2,802.
According to the last settlement made with the County Treasurer, Jan 20, 1882 there was a balance in the treasury of$19,326.97, The estimated expenses for 1882 are $42,800; the bonded debt of the county, principally on account of bridges and courthouse, is $121,500. At the time the county was organized in 1869, it contained a population of but 200. Within the next years this figure had increased to nearly 1,500. In 1875 the population was 3,651; in 1882, 7,264. In 1869 the property of the county was assessed at $613,615; in 1870, $800;, 950; 1874, $1,322,610; 1882, $1,512, 739.
Until the summer of 1866 the increase in population and property valuation was very slight. There were, generally speaking no houses in the county which were not along the old military road, until the iron horse bounded over this worn trail when not only did new settlers locate, but properly advanced in value and the new civilization came into life. The military road followed quite faithfully the Platte River, while the railroad passed several miles to the north of it. It passed through the entire southern part of Colfax County, there being eighteen miles of road within in bounds. As early as 1860, The Western Union Telegraph Company put up one wire along the military road, but in 1869 this was taken down and a new set of poles and three wires placed in position. Two years later the U.P.R.R. put up a new set of poles and two wires. So that now Colfax County is bound by "all the modern improvements" to the outside world, and its means of communication are complete.
July 10, 1924 - reprinted December 3, 1997Early History of Colfax County
In April, 1856, a company was formed in Omaha for the purpose of founding a city at some point on the Platte River beyond North Bend. Gen. Eastbrook, Col. Miller, Isaac Albertson and E. W. Toncray, were among the prominent members thereof, and the latter two were sent out to fix upon a site. In crossing the Elkhorn, Mr. Albertson met with a mishap, which might have cooled the ardor of one less persevering, but not his.
At the date mentioned there was no bridge west of Omaha, and when that stream was reached he prepared to transfer his team and other impedimenta the best way he could. After swimming over his animals he placed his wagon on a raft and started.
The Elkhorn had other than peaceful designs upon himself and companion, however, and turned over every thing human into its raging bosom. The raft and wagon sped down the stream and stuck fast in the mud and thick brush, and the wet, tired and hungry survivors had to carry on a long process of tunneling and chopping before they reached their wagon.
The two men finally halted on the east bank of Shell Creek a little above where it enters the Platte, Range 4 east, and proceeded to found the town of Buchanan. The locality was a few miles east of Schuyler, and the date April 27, 1956. Isaac Albertson and E.W. Toncray afterward held many offices of local trust, being among the foremost citizens of the county.
Mr. Albertson was the first Probate Judge of Platte County, and Mr. Toncray the second. Mr. Albertson lives at present in Fremont, E.W. Toncray at Buffalo. A month later the founders of Columbus passed through Buchanan. Soon afterward the erection of a log "town house" was commenced, but that was about the extent of Buchanan's growth.
According to the latest returns from the census enumerators the population of Colfax county is 6,588.
But Columbus to the west and North Bend and Fremont to the east sapped its "life" away, and Buchanan went down finally as hundreds of other paper towns, of the West done. The next permanent settler after the arrival of Mr. Albertson was Daniel Hashberger, who arrived in October, 1856, and still resides upon a portion of the claim he then selected. At the time of his settlement, there were but twenty-five people in Platte County; among those were the families of Albertson and Toncray at Buchanan. These people were among the unfortunates who were obliged to suffer the hardships of the hard winter of 1856-57. Mr. Hashberger was one who braved the storm to Omaha and return.
In February, 1957, his provisions being almost exhausted, he started to make the trip on foot, for the purpose of buying flour, etc. He was unable to return for over a week on account of the terrible weather. At length hearing that the road was opened to the Elkhorn River he hired a team and managed in the course of two days to transfer himself and provisions to that locality where he rested long enough to "dump" his goods. Mr. Hashberger then continued the way afoot.
The biting weather, however, soon enabled him to start back to the Elkhorn with two yoke of oxen and bring the precious freight to its destination. Its journey occupied sixteen days. Fuel was also very scarce that winter, and so difficult to be hauled when obtained, that most of the families in the county were obliged to resort to hand sheds.
To Fort Calhoun, Washington County, for flour and to Omaha for provisions, were the trips which had to be taken, rain or shine, frost of fire, in order to keep body and soul together. It was a fortunate circumstance for the early settlers, however, that game was so abundant. Mr. Albertson, for instance, during the first winter of his stay, shot thirty-three deer and eight elk.
Among the settlers best known who came during the next year, were R.W. Corson, who was the second Justice of the peace of the county of Platte, Henry Kemp and Joseph Skinner in the fall. It soon became somewhat evident that Buchanan would never be a metropolis, and an attempt was made by parties from Council Bluffs to establish a town, the city of Neenah, five miles west of the present Schuyler. Another log shanty was erected, called the "town house," but the city was even shorter lived than Buchanan. This "city" was located near Shinn's Ferry. The schemes of speculators evidently did not flourish, and those who settled with the design of tilling the ground fared little better when they had to pay $3 a bushel for miserable soft, seed corn; which they obtained from the Pawnees.
David Anderson, who was an early settler of Colfax County, writes the following, in the nature of a reminiscence: "When I first located in what is now Colfax County, in 1960, I found Judge Albertson and family on the homestead they now occupy; William Davis living on the farm he still owns, two miles east of Schuyler; R. W. Corson moved on to his present farm the same spring; and Daniel Hashberger was engaged raising corn and entertaining pilgrims, where he now resides. William Gillson owned a farm adjoining Hashberger's that now embraces a portion of what is known as Clarkson's Addition to Schuyler.
Mr. Rolfer, an old Hollander lived and kept ranche at the slough bridge on the farm now owned by Mr. Hall. James Jeffries owned and lived on the Hurford farm, three miles west of Schuyler. Bushnell, late of Butler county, lived on the adjoining place west; and next to this farm was the famous "Russell's Ranche", well known to everybody, owned and run by Joseph Russell, an eccentric old Englishman, who notwithstanding his many eccentricities and bluff manners, was a good neighbor, and valuable citizen.
July 10, 1924 - reprinted December 10, 1997Early History of Colfax County
I have known more than one hundred emigrants to be comfortably entertained at Russell's during one night, old California, Colorado miners, Oregon families, ranchmen from off the plains and freighters to the mountains. Russell's House, in fact, became famous as a place of hospitality and fun. Nothing remains today to mark the spot that once was so full of life and animation, but a few locust and cottonwood trees set out by Mr. Russell, whose body is now encased beneath the sod somewhere in the State of Missouri.
Directly south of Russell's Ranche the well-known Shinn's rope ferry crossed the Platte River. Moses Shinn, afterward one of the wealthiest citizens of Omaha, preached the gospel in those days to emigrants who passed through that city enroute for the great West. When the Pike's Peak excitement was on the "rampage", he is said to have reaped many sly dollars by interspersing among his sermons well-turned advertisements holding up the advantages of Shinn's ferry over the Columbus institution.
Previous to the building of the Union Pacific road, there were not, in fact, more than a dozen families, who could be called actual settlers in what is now Colfax County. There were the Albertsons, the Toncrays, Michael Erb, Jonas Welch, William Wetherer, Abram Beaman, Joseph Russell, Joseph Skinner, William Davis, Messrs. H. Bushnell, George Spaulding, S. H. Fowler, the Quinns, A. Dunlap, and a few others along the line of the military road, from east to west. Soon after Buchanan was appointed Postmaster, who continues to be oppressed with his honor for some time.
When the road was built the trains, at first, ran very irregularly. It happened, moreover, that they generally passed Buchanan at night, the mail bag being thrown at random, if the train was anywhere in the vicinity of the "post office". The postmaster's duties, there fore, as an anxious office holder in continual search of his official documents, were quite arduous. Mr. Davis, the incumbent , at this time, felt that sufficient safeguards were not thrown around the sanctity of the United States mail, upon being informed, once upon a time, that a squad of Indians were coming up the track trying to sell the contents of the bag to all the section whom they passed. P. M. David, therefore, sent in his resignation, and Mr. Albertson again assumed the duties of his position.
A petition was circulated for the appointed of Daniel Hashberger at "Shell Creek". It was granted by the Government and the new appointee marched over to Buchanan; Mr. Albertson reached overhead and unfastened from the rafters a pine box about three feet in length and two in width, passed the office and its honors over to Postmaster Hashberger, who took both with him to the future Schuyler..First Murder in Colfax County
Five or six years previous to the time when these occurrences were taking place, a tragedy had stirred the monotony of these early days. It was the first within the present limits of Colfax County. The facts are stated by the one conversant therewith, to be as follows:
"The tragedy occurred about three quarters of a mile east of Folda & Lawrence's stock ranche. High waters occasioned a delay in the crossing of two or three weeks, and during that short period about one thousand wagons gathered on the north bank of the treacherous quicksand hole, called the Great Platte River. As the trains and teams arrived they were numbered so that there would be no quarrelling about crossing first.
At the close of the first day's ferrying, Hill was killed. His teams and loose stock were the last that were crossed that evening. The last boat were cows; one young calf jumped overboard and came to this shore. As soon as the boat landed the cow came back also. Hill came back with the boat to look after them. He got the cow tied up, they went to the camp of the Brady brothers. As it was their turn first in the morning, Hill asked the privilege of taking his cow over in one of their wagons One of the boys said something about his keeping the cow on the other side when he had her there. Hill became enraged, and as he was under the influence of whiskey, became very abusive. One of the Brady boys knocked him down with a wagon wrench, the blow breaking his left cheek bone. Hill raised himself to a sitting posture, and drawing a pistol, shot Brady in the arm. The other brother knocked him over, took the pistol from him and shot him through the head, killing him instantly. The murderer was arrested and taken before Justice Kemp, whose place was two miles above.
After spitting all over the stove several times, in order to get time to "reflect" , he announced as his decision-"No cause for action." So that, "legally " speaking, the shooting was no murder, although the man was killed instantly.
July 10, 1924 - reprinted December 17, 1997Early History of Colfax County Other Pioneer Events
The first deed of land recorded for Colfax County was that by which Abram P. Beeman, then of Platte, transferred the fractional lot 6, section 27, Township 17, east of the Sixth Principal Meridian, being part of the island in the Platte River, to James Hashberger. The land consisted of 33.80 acres, and the date was August 18, 1860
The first homestead entry made in what is now Colfax County, as by Samuel H. Fowler, January 9, 1863, in Section 13, Township 17, Range 2. After the county was organized, Joseph Marshall made the first entry-March 2, 1869. then came D.W. Egbert, Joseph Papez, John Steible, J.W. F. Williams and E.D. Ralston. The latter date was March 24, and at the same time five of the Edgars and the two Tennants entered land. After this the number was legion.
Of the early marriages which took place before Justice Corson are these: James Beaman and Eliza M. Hazen, August 22, 1863; William Warren and Evaline Baldwin, April 10, 1865; Frank McCormick and Agnes Clough, May 27, 1868; Nathan Woods and Angeline Hashberger, August 22, 1868.
In 1867, P.P. Landon, G. M. Toung and James Case settled in what was then Colfax precinct. Among the other early settlers of Colfax County was Mr. Kirk, who came from Omaha in April, 1868, and stopped at "Buchanan". The town then contained two families-Isaac Albertson, (one) J.M. Paine, F.E. Frye and Mrs. Perige (two). Mr. Kirk finally settled on the southwest quarter, Section 32, Township 18, which was ten miles from Schuyler via Buchanan.
At this time north of Shell Creek and east of the ten mile limit were Messrs. Albertson, Paine and others, Levi Kimball, one mile east of Albertson's, F. Dunn, P.P. Landon, G.M.Young, on Maple Creek. He commenced a house as soon as he could haul lumber from Fremont, that being the nearest point from which it could be brought. Levi Kimball commenced to build on his pre-emption about this time also. This was afterwards the farm of Neil R. Bellong. He completed his house first. Mr. Kirk had partially finished his, and moved into it May 20. Before the last trunk was taken into the house there commenced one of the hardest blows and thunder storms ever experienced. The door not being hung, threatened to sail off on the wings of the wind. No wonder the women of the house tremblingly asked, "Will we blow away?' But the wind passed and with it their fears.
Della West, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. I.M. West, was the first child born in Schuyler, the date being November 30, 1869. When Mr. West first came to Schuyler, in October of that year, the place contained but twenty buildings. He at once contacted with J.D. Marlin and H.P. Upton, and had erected a building just back of the grange corner, using the front as a provision store and the back part as a dwelling house. Here it was the first child in Schuyler was born.Directors of Stanton County Schools, 1924-1925
1.J.D. Reid, Pilger
2.F.F. Koch, Stanton
3.R.J. Drewelow, Stanton
4. Herman Raabe, Stanton
5. Ed Chilcoat, Stanton
6. Louis Pohlman, Stanton
7. D.J. Wolverton, Pilger
8. Maurice Barr, Stanton
9. Arthur Moritz, Stanton
10. J.F. Perrin, Norfolk
11. Ed Fuhrman, Norfolk
12. A.V. Johnson, Stanton
14. O.M. Scherer, Pilger
15. Mrs. Alf Childrey, Stanton
17. Emil Reichow, Stanton
18. Fred Koehlmoos, Pilger
19. H.F. Voelker, Stanton
20. John Oeltjen, Madison
21. Ernest Sporn, Norfolk
22. Henry Brehmer, Stanton
23. Alvin Barr, Stanton
24. Chas. Dubksy, Stanton
25. Herman Ritze, Pilger
26. Fred Lundquist, Stanton
27. Louis Busch, Howells
28. Otto Fechner Stanton
29. Joseph Pospichal, Clarkson
30. Jos. W. Luxa, Stanton
31. Peter H. Claussen, Leigh
32. Rudolph Shanle, Howells
33. Mrs. Ned Burnham, Pilger
34. Wm. Buckendahl, Stanton
35. Walter Barr, Stanton
36. Leo Ertzner, Norfolk
37. Hilmer Peterson, Creston
38. Louis Tomka, Clarkson
39. Wm Steckelberg, Madison
40. James Walla, Clarkson
41. Fred Baumert, Howells
42. Jerry Cerv, Leigh
43. W.T. Burris, Pilger
44. Elmer Loe, Stanton
45. Wm Harsch, Clarkson
46. Paul Tiedtke, Pilger
47. Ed Tiedtke, Pilger
48. Alois Luxa, Leigh
49. Frank Drapela, Clarkson
50. Otto Eckert, Stanton
51. Emil H. Koza, Stanton
52. Peter Petersen, Stanton
53. Joseph Vesely Clarkson
54. A.A. Hekrdle, Stanton
55. M. L. Black , Madison
56. Otto Brabec, Clarkson
81. Alex Bleyhl NorfolkMayor Ed. Zerzan of Schuyler and his brother Chas. J. Zerzan, an attorney of Portland, Oregon, were in Howells visiting at the Lambert J. Sindelar and L.R. Coufal homes.
Mrs. Wm. Parr and son, Billy, of Omaha, are in Howells visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Hader and other relatives and friends.
Lemer, Thomas and Adaline Tichacek of Linwood were in Howells visiting at the home of their aunt, Mrs. L. R. Coufal and family. Lemer and Adaline returning home the same day while Master Thomas remained for an extended visit.
Frank R. Moore, the efficient and accommodating clerk of the district court of Schuyler, was mingling among the Fourth of July crowd renewing acquaintances and making new friends in Howells. It is needless to say that his many friends were pleased to see him. Mr. Moore is again seeking re-election and, no doubt, that the service he has been rendering will have much to do with his re-election next fall.
July 10, 1924 - reprinted December 24, 1997Gus Harnack, a former resident of Howells, now an inspector for the U.P. railroad in Omaha, was in Howells shaking hands with his many oldtime friends. He has been visiting at the home of his wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jacobs north of Howells, where he and his small son arrived. The young man remained at the farm for the summer while Mr. Harnack returned.
Naturalization Examiner Bode of Omaha was in Schuyler in the official capacity of filing petitions for naturalization. Petitions were filed for the following applicants: Mr. and Mrs. Josephine Kramar of Schuyler; Mrs. Rose Mary Havlik of near Clarkson; Rev. Joseph Havlik of near Clarkson; Frank Steffel of near Dodge. This now makes twelve petitions pending in the district court of Colfax County. Said petitions will be heard on November 12, 1924.--Schuyler Sun
Appropriation Ordinance for 1924
An ordinance making the annual appropriation for the fiscal year a beginning May 1, 1924 and ending April 30, 1925.
Be it ordained by the Chairman and Board of Trustees of the Village of Clarkson, Nebr.
Section 1. that there be and hereby is appropriated for the fiscal year, beginning May 1, 1924 and ending April 30, 1925, for the Village of Clarkson, Nebr., the sum of Twenty-One Thousand Six Hundred Dollars (21,600.00) to be appropriated as follows:
Salaries, $2000.00; Light and water, 9000.00; Interest & bonds, 5000.00; Streets and alleys, 1000.00; Attorney fees, 100.00; General expenses, 2500.00; Park fund, 2000.00; Total, 21,600.00
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage, approval and publication as provided by law.
Passed and approved this 1st day of July 1925.
A. J. Valch, Chairman
Jos. Minarik, ClerkFrank Horak a farmer residing near West Point, and well-known in this section, was arrested by the sheriff of Cuming County on a charge of operating a still. One hundred and fifty gallons of mash and seven gallons of liquor were seized. Horak was fined $200 and costs
Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Brunswick of Leigh plan to leave for a motor trip of several weeks to Montana where they will visit the family of a brother of Mrs. Brunswick. Mrs. Brunswick and her brother have not met for twenty-three years. They will be accompanied by Mrs. Anton Kunhart and daughter, Vlasta, of Howells, who will visit relatives at Lewiston, Montana, enroute the party will tour Yellowstone Park.
Gasoline prices took a tumble in Leigh from 22 to 17 cents per gallon. This step was taken by the local independent oil company. It is stated that they were forced to it by competition from neighboring towns where a gasoline war price is in progress. One local station which handles both the Standard gas and the independent gas, and which operates two gas line pumps, had up large signs quoting the price of 17 cents on the independent pump and 22 cents on the Standard pump
F.L. Vlach and family of Leigh moved to Omaha where they will reside. Their many friends here will regret their departure, but will wish them well in their new home. They were tendered a farewell party at the Joe Vlach home near Clarkson where all their relatives gathered to bid them Godspeed.
An effort was made to revive the Leigh Commercial Club. A meeting was held at the town hall at which about a dozen business men were present. Officers were elected as follows: President, R. H. Goodge; vice-president, John Brock; sec.-treas., Gordon McNary. Members of the board of directors are Louis Hahn and Wm. Hespe. It was decided to have a band stand erected that can be used for the fort-nightly band concerts as well as other public gatherings. A committee, consisting of Wm. Hespe, Louis Hahn, John Brock and Joe Tesar, was appointed to have charge of the matter. It was also decided to have signs at various places along the roads leading into Leigh, with the name of the town and the distance on them. This matter was left to Messrs. Wm Hespe. Thos Mortimer and F.J. Smrz.
We are told that the John F. Pimper family of Howells is making arrangements to move to Scribner where Mr. Pimper will take charge of the Clifton hostelry. John has had some experience along this line and from the way the proposition looms up he will have a good thing. The Pimper residence here is to be occupied by the Frank Pimper family who will move here from Howells in a few days. Mr. Pimper is employed as meat carver at the Ference butcher shop.
Mr. and Mrs. Jaroslav Holas, who expect to move in a short time to Czechslovakia, will dispose of their household furnishings and other personal property at public sale, Saturday, July 19.
Suit has been filed in Dodge county district court by the state of Nebraska through Attorney General O.S. Spillman requesting that the first state bank of Nickerson be declared insolvent and turned into the hands of the receiver.
The state asks that Emil Folda of Clarkson be appointed receiver. A report to show that the capital has been impaired is attached to the petition. The institution recently figured in the news with the indictment of C.E. Negus, and Wm. Anderson, former officials of the bank, on embezzlement charges. Last fall the bank was reported to have been robbed of nearly $26,000 when the time lock safe was found open on a Monday morning.Fred Kucera, one of the prominent farmers and breeders of this locality, has just received a fine accordion from Czechoslovakia. It is an elegant instrument and has cost Mr. Kucera a good sum of money. We understand that several other parties from this neighborhood have placed orders for the same king of instruments and are expecting their arrival most any day. Mr. Kucera is a fond lover of music and is an expert manipulator when it comes to handling an accordion.
July 10, 1924 - reprinted December 31, 1997F.C. Kratochvil severely injured the thumb on his left hand while cutting ice. The big ice saw he was using fell forcibly on his thumb, severing a blood vessel near the second joint.
A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Louis Brester of Howells. Dr. Myers reporting both mother and babe doing fine.
Emil Hanzel and family of Oakley, Idaho, were guests at the Jos. J. Hanzel home. Mr. Hanzel came down by auto and visited with relatives at Platte Center and Dodge.
Mrs. John Stracek of Howells was taken seriously sick and was at once ordered to the hospital at Schuyler where she underwent an operation for gall stones. At this writing she is getting along very nicely.
Anton Elbracht, Sr., an old resident of Howells, is seriously ill at his home with infirmities incident to old age. He is receiving medical attention at the hand of Dr. Myers.
Frank Bazata and his wife of Howells returned from Omaha where Mr. Bazata spent several weeks in a hospital. Although he feels greatly improved in health, it will require several more weeks before he will be able to be around.
Jos. A. Novak and family of Howells motored to Omaha for a short visit.
Pytlik Bros. have just installed a large new ice box in their meat market in Howells. It is a good deal larger than the old one and is equipped with a modern cooling system.
Jerry and Edward Telecky of Howells each shipped two carloads of prime cattle to the Omaha market and as always has been the case they received the top price of the day for the class of cattle they had. They were a fine bunch and their condition disclosed that they were handled by competent feeders. The Telecky Bros., four of them in number, are extensive cattle feeders as was their father, Frank Telecky, in years gone by. It is seldom that they ship stock and do not set the pace for the day at the Omaha market.
F. W. Noh, Anton Dusatko and Ernest Hamsa returned to Omaha to resume their duties as jurymen in federal court after spending several days at home. The gentlemen have been serving for several weeks and from the appearance of the long list of cases on the docket, they may be needed for a few more. Judge McGee of Minneapolis, the presiding officer, has meted several stiff fines and sentences to a number of bootleggers and is trying his best to clean up the list as rapidly as possible.
William Noh, an ex-Clarkson resident and his son, Harry, of Twin Falls, Idaho, arrived in Clarkson for a short visit with relatives and a renewal of friendship with our old-timers. They stopped off on their return trip from Chicago where they marketed a six double-decked carloads of sheep for which they received a fancy price.
Messers. Noh and Noh are engaged extensively in the sheep business operating on a large scale. From our conversation with Mr. Noh, Sr., we have learned that the sheep business out west is a very profitable proposition and many sheep raisers have realized handsome profits on their flocks. Farmers who devoted their time exclusively to the sheep business are in splendid financial shape and generally know nothing of the hard times so frequently heard of among the cattle raisers of the country. Mr. Noh is of the opinion that he is living in as good a community as can be found anywhere in the United States. The climate is more stabilized and anything from vegetables to the very choicest grade of fruit can be raised in Idaho profitably.CLARKSON MARKET Wheat, .95; Corn, .87; Oats, .48; Rye, .60; Hogs, 6.45; Butter, .25; Eggs, .20.
Large addition will be added to all three of the hog barns at the Colfax County Fair grounds and work on the same will be started in the near future. The committee in charge of this work has had the matter under consideration and has decided to add an addition of 30 feet to each of the three barns. Some other needed improvements will also be made.
P.J. Engel and Chas. R. Kuhle, who have made a recent survey of the county in the interest of the fair, report that they find much interest in the coming fair everywhere. Many orders for hog pens have already been received and from the present indications the hog, horse and cattle barns, as well as the poultry barn, will be filled to overflowing.
Filbert Wacha is a receipt of a letter from his brother, Victor, wherein he is told that the young man arrived safely at his destination, Chicago, and has immediately taken up employment with the undertaking firm of Cermak & Kostecek, known as one of the leading Bohemian concern of this kind in Chicago. So far Victor is greatly pleased with his new avocation and speaks in praise of the windy city.
Louis Jurka went to Fremont for a visit with his brother, John, and also to look after property interests in that city.
Mr. and Mrs. F.J. Richtig and Mrs. F. J. Miller and children motored to Omaha this morning.
Rev. B.A. Filipi was at Prague delivering an oration at the fourth of July celebration held in that city.
Miss Rosie Manak returned to her position at Omaha after spending a few days with her brothers north of town.
Through his carelessness in handling fire crackers, Frank Herout, seventeen-year-old son of Anton Herout, came near losing his right eye. A large cracker exploded near his eye, severely injuring it and causing an internal hemorrhage. Dr. Myers dressed the injury and from present indications he will be able to save the eye.
July 10, 1924 - reprinted January 1, 1998Wm. Rozmarin and family of Omaha spent the weekend with relatives and friends at Howells, Clarkson, and Leigh. They arrived at Howells for the 4th and remained in this locality until Sunday. Will is still in the employ of the Universal Motor Co. of Omaha as Ford salesman. Although many are complaining about slack business he has made a large number of sales. William tells us that his brother, Leonard, left college and has taken up city salesmanship for a Polish manufacturing firm. His nephew, Louis Simunek, who is also making his home in Omaha, has just recently entered a clerical position with the Pax-Gallagher people.
This week, Mestl Bros. of Howells, delivered a Wood Bros., threshing machine to Jerry and Frank E. Beran of Maple Creek precinct.
James Fiala of Howells, is at Rogers assisting at the Rogers State bank during the absence of the cashier, Frank Dudek, who is taking his annual vacation.
John Pickhinke of Howells was at Grand Island where he underwent an operation for nostril trouble.
The three-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Smejkal, northeast of Clarkson was seriously sick for a few days but is now improving after having had medical attention from Dr. Kavan
Dr. Kavan presented Mr. and Mrs. Louis Sup with a fine baby girl.
Mr. and Mrs. Albin Misek motored over to Broken Bow where they visited. Albin tells us that this section of the state has the best looking corn he had occasion to view while on his trip and none along the entire route can compare to local crops as far as the stand is concerned. Over at Broken Bow there were visited with a severe hail storm, doing heavy damage to crops..
Frank Hudec and Ignac Powolny left for Valley to join the Clarkson crew working on the construction of a large school under the supervision of E.J. Kriz.
Mrs. Anton Dusatko left for Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a few weeks visit at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Jos. Pekar.
We have word at hand from Prof. and Mrs. R. B. Hohn stating they left Brighton, Illinois, for New York City where Mr. Hohn will attend the Columbia University. Enroute they stopped off at Washington, D.C. for a few days and other important places. They speak of a most enjoyable trip.
Jos. Mundil, J.V. Makovsky and Adolph Vitek motored to Omaha where they spent the Fourth. They returned after having witnesses several ball games of the western league. While at the city they were met by Blix Novotny who accompanied the boys on their homeward trip.
Dr. and Mrs. V.L. Odvarka of Omaha came down by auto and remained here visiting relatives and friends.
Miss Marie Vlach returned to her duties at Omaha after spending several days at home. Miss Vlach is employed with one of the wholesale millinery stores in the city and is pleased with her work.
Alton Kastanek and Jos. A. Hanel left for a several days motor trip, intending to go as far as Winner and Gregory, South Dakota. They plan to stay out about a week or so.
July 17, 1924 - reprinted January 7, 1998Reorganization of the school board was perfected at a meeting of the school trustees. John M. Zrust has taken his place on the board as a newly elected member and Emil Peter has been appointed to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Fred Jelinek who moved recently to Pilger. The officers of the school will be classified as follows: V.J. Chleboun president; J.R. Vitek, vice president; Emil Petr, treasurer, A.J. Vlach, secretary. The other two members comprising the board of education are Emil E. Dudek and John M. Zrust.
Albin Misek has caused quite a surprise among his numerous friends by giving out the information that he has resigned as local manager of the Nye Schneider Jenks yards which position he has held for a number of years. The resignation takes immediate effect and was placed in by Mr. Misek because of a promised promotion in another field.
We are told by Alvin that he will take up permanent employment with Albert Svoboda, proprietor of the Clarkson Monument Works, for whom he will act as traveling salesman. He expects to learn the trade and will adopt it as her permanent profession. Mr. Misek's place at the station is to be taken up by Louis J. Evert of Howells who will take over the manager ship in a few days. Mr. Evert like Mr. Misek is a fine young man and we trust he will be pleased with the job and the people of our town.W. J. Moore is complaining about the loss of a pair of glasses the other day in the west part of town somewhere between his home and the schoolhouse. Mr. Moore finds it very hard to get along without the glasses and has for that reason decided to give a liberal reward to the person finding them and returning them to him. The glasses were in a black case.
Equipped with complete camping outfits, Anton Odvarka, Jr. and John Schaffer and their families left by auto for a four weeks' outing in the gorgeous scenic country of the west. Their destination is the Yellowstone National Park. Enroute they expect to make a several day stop in the Black Hill region from where they will proceed further west. On their return trip they aim to stop off at Denver and other points in Colorado. The party is also accompanied by Mrs. Mary V. Novotny, mother of Mrs. Schaffer.
July 17, 1924 - reprinted January 14, 1998Mr. and Mrs. Albin Misek entertained Mr. and Mrs. Harry Palmater of Creston at their home, , the couple having been married at Council Bluffs, Iowa, before their arrival in Clarkson. Some of the town boys got together and gave the newlyweds a rousing charivari. Mrs. Palmateer is a sister of Mrs. Misek and a daughter of E. Triplett o Ravenna. The pair departed for an extended wedding trip and upon their return will locate in Creston.
Emil Folda, holding the reputation as the most traveled man in Clarkson, left for a month's trip which is to take him through portions of Canada and the north-western states. His mission is one of business and recreation. Upon leaving Canada, he will visit with relatives and friends at Washington and Oregon, expecting to be gone until the latter part of August.
Very few of our youngsters and older folks as well, had the opportunity to taste roasted buffalo meat. The opportunity came to Jerome Petr who received a piece of buffalo roast from Emil Splichal of Valentine where a big barbecue was held on the Fourth.
Several from here were at Heun attending a dance given in honor of the recent marriage of Lumir Pokorny and Lillian Cakl.
Fr. J.H. Lowery accompanied Mrs. Jerry Kudera of Leigh to Omaha where the lady will receive treatment for a nervous ailment. Alois Hauk also went down with and had a mole removed from his face.
Gus Kloppel and Ben Callies, Leigh, have purchased the soft drink parlor and pool hall formerly conducted by Wm. Deitz and are preparing to open the place. Mr. Kloppel has also purchased the building and a new stock of goods is being put in.
Mrs. John Glandt, Leigh, drove to Schuyler to meet her sister, Mrs. Ed Cakl and little daughter of Fairbury. Mr. and Mrs. Glandt and Mrs. Cakl plan to leave for a trip by motor to Rice Lake, Wisconsin for a visit with the ladies' parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anton Zabka.
During the pre-July 4th fireworks exhibition, a Roman candle, shot from the opposite side of a street struck Joe Safarik of Schuyler below the right eye, and for many hours thereafter were entertained that the sight of the eye would be lost. While the pupil of the eye has been injured, attending physicians now entertain hope that sight may be restored. This, however, can not be definitely determined for several days. The member is showing considerable improvement.
Joe has been unfortunate in handling explosives. Last year a cannon cracker exploded injuring his hand so that he was unable to use it for several days Because of the numerous injuries, there is a growing disposition to have the sale and use of fireworks and crackers greatly curtailed another year. This should be settled dearly in the year, so that the merchants may regulate purchases accordingly.
The loss of an eye, or a death from tetanus resulting from powder burns are not uncommon and usually call for more strict regulation covering the sale of celebration fireworks.Because of an overload of hootch, Henning Larsen and Maggie Doe of Polk County were taken into the fold by Schuyler Chief McKenzie, and they were assessed a fine of $10 and costs for intoxication, and permitted to go their way, which they reported was Council Bluffs.
The visitors experienced car trouble near Schuyler, and stopped at a local garage for repairs. While Mrs. Doe was alighting from the car, the chief realized that she had been imbibing and when she became rather noisy placed the two under arrest, and held court in the office of the city attorney to determine how badly the laws had been fractured.
The fine was paid and they started for their destination, but rather too soon, for they were unfit to operate a motor car on the highway , and they came near encountering further trouble before they were beyond city limits.Ernest Adams, son of Levi Adams, sage and old resident of Maple Creek precinct, fell from a hay stack breaking his leg just above the ankle. The affliction comes upon Mr. Adams at a very unfortunate time, as farmers have about all they can perform at this period of the year.
Elmer Pokorny, while operating the Schuyler Oil Co. station, No. 2, had an unpleasant experience with a band of tourists, who were enroute from Iowa west. Finding that the lad was alone in the station, the occupants of the car, claimed the lad was giving them wrong change, and were in fact making an effort to reach the cash register, when unannounced, John Zana came out of the office, and demanded to know "what is the trouble?"
The quartet at once made their exit and without controversy, left the city post haste. Elmer and Mr. Zana feel satisfied that it was the intention of the visitors, to make an attempt to hold up the station.Joe Sinkula, Schuyler, suffered a broken arm while at work at the Gilbert gravel pit. A belt slipped off the clutch, striking him between the elbow and wrist, breaking one bone in the left arm. He was otherwise uninjured.
Frank A. Dutter passed away at the Kolouch Hospital in Schuyler, his death being due to a stroke of paralysis he suffered about eight months ago.
Mr. Dutter was born at Peru, Bureau County, Illinois, on September 13, 1865. He was at the time of his death. Mr. Dutter came to Colfax County in 1877 and has made his home here since that time.
The surviving relatives are the following brothers and sisters, Mrs. N.B. Moore, Mrs. A.R. Gutschow, both of York; Sam Dutter and Edward Dutter, both of Colfax County; and a nephew, Nathan R. Gutschow, of York.Joy Craig and J.J. McElheny, giving their address as Grand Island, were each fined one hundred dollars and costs in county court having pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal possession of intoxicating liquor. The men were arrested by Sheriff Arps near Rogers when they were about to crowd the sheriff off the road. Two pints of hootch were found in the car. The men were accompanied by two women. - Schuyler Sun
July 17, 1924 - reprinted January 21, 1998Dr. Vosika has made several calls to the Frank Bazata home in Howells since Mr. Bazata's return from the hospital. The report is that Mr. Bazata is slowly regaining his former health and hopes are entertained for an early recovery.
Word reached here from Lindsay informing local relatives of the serious illness of Fred Walters, former resident of this community. Mr. Walters is down with typhoid fever and is said to be in very critical condition. His brother-in-law, Jos. Wiese, left for Lindsay.
Miss Agnes Kutin, the obliging saleslady at the Stransky drug store, was an Omaha visitor the first two days of the week, having drove down there with Jos. Tomes who was here for several days in the interest of the Inter-State Live Stock Commission Co. and paying his folks a visit.
Jos. F. Kadlec, his daughter, Miss Helen, and son, Anton, Mr. and Mrs. James Mayer and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Vrb, Jr., motored to Omaha to spend the day with Mrs. Joseph Kadlec who is still confined at the St. Joseph Hospital.
Miss Laura Folda is assisting with he clerical work at the Clarkson State Bank during the absence of Frank Vidlak who is enjoying his annual vacation.
Jos. A. Hanel and Alton Kastanek returned from Holt County from a several day fishing trip. They report having had a fine time camping and fishing.
Adolph Lukl and is brother-in-law, Anton Teply, had business at the county seat.
Frank J. Miller took his mother-in-law, Mrs. John Chleboun, Sr., and her daughter, Mrs. Jos. Pechanec, of Mampa, Idaho, who is visiting here, to Dodge from where the ladies proceeded to Beemer for a several days' visit with the Jos. S. Severa family. Mr. Severa having met them at Dodge.
Jos. F. Jirovec and Frank Kratochvil were at Norfolk in regard to personal matters.
Messrs. F.W. Noh and Ernest Hamsa and Anton Dusatko, who served as jurymen on the federal jury at Omaha, returned home the latter part of the past week.
Mrs. F. J. Miller and son, Frankie, returned home from a several days' visit at the state metropolis, Omaha. They motored to the city with Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Rychtig who returned the same day.
James Hamsa is to leave for a six weeks' outing in the Colorado mountains. James is in the habit of taking annual trips to the various scenic places and resorts of the country and finds his outings not only inspirational but highly invigorating.
Mrs. Jos. Novotny was under the weather with a mild complaint but is now feeling well, having had the medical attention of Dr. Knight.
Messers. Prof. C.S. Jones and Dr. Schultz have undertaken a little sporting escapade by spending a few days fishing in the vicinity of Lake Andes, South Dakota. They speak of a most enjoyable time and to substantiate their claim they brought home with them a goodly number of fish. They found the roads rather rough in parts of Nebraska owing to the recent rains, however, the highways further up were in excellent condition.
Wm. Svoboda and family and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Vnuk were visitors at the seat of county government.
Jos. Srb, who until a short time ago made his home in Clarkson, departed on what was the beginning of an extended tour through the west. He intends to be gone for several weeks and will spend most of his sojourn in Wyoming and Colorado.
Jos. Knipping and Henry Lhotak and wives returned home from their trip through the western states. They visited all important places in Colorado from where they went to the Yellowstone park where the delight of their tour reached its climax. They report a most pleasant outing and return greatly recreated after their long trip, a distance of 2700 miles. Mr. and Mrs. Knipping are now established in the Travnicek home north of the Presbyterian parsonage.
Egon Stangel, the right-hand man and assistant manager at the Farmers' Lumber & Grain Co., met with a misfortune which might have proved very serious. While unloading a carload of corn, a heavy timber which was used in the process gave away and struck Mr. Stangel with such force as to enable him unconscious.
He was at once taken to a doctor by his fellow helpers for medical attention and after regaining his consciousness several stitches were required in bringing the wound on his forehead together. He was then taken to his home where he is at this time resting well.
It was a close call for Egon and his endless number of friends are thankful that he got away as easy as he did. It will probably be a matter of two or three weeks before he will be able to be back at work.Anton Prazak of the Prazak Auto Co., left for Omaha to consult an ear specialist. Anton has been suffering with ear trouble for some time and is now seeking relief.
Mrs. E. Folda and her daughter, Olga, and their guest, Mrs. Jos. Sholin of San Diego, California, left for Wilber for a few days" visit. They were accompanied on the journey by Miss Lilly Knapp.
July 24, 1924 - reprinted January 28, 1998From the cards before us received from the A. Odvarka and John Schaffer families, we glean the information that they are enjoying a very pleasant outing in the Black Hill region. They speak of encountering very bad roads through South Dakota, due to the recent heavy rains. The party will leave after a few days sight seeing in the Black Hill country for the Yellowstone Park and other points in the northwest.
They also speak of escaping a very destructive hail storm which passed over the vicinity of Rapid City, causing heavy property damage. They camped at Rapid City the night before, leaving the city only a few hours before the approach of the storm.
Mention is made that the court house at Rapid City was damaged by the hailstones to an extent of over $3000, according to reports of the dailies.
We received a card from Deadwood telling us that the party met Mr. and Mrs. Brownell of Schuyler on their way to Crystal Cave. They then enjoyed a camp fire together.Mail brought us greetings from our friend, James Hamsa, who writes that he is enjoying the time of his life at Columbia Lodge, Estes Park, Colorado. He speaks of fine weather which adds to the pleasure of his trip.
The Press staff is in receipt of a picture card from Emil Folda, sent from Canada and bearing the following information: "On train, we will have traveled about 100 miles in Canada so far, but have not seen anything yet to compare to our Nebraska. Our people have nothing to complain of even this year. If they would see some of this country and methods of farming they sure would be satisfied in Nebraska.
Very few fields of wheat that I have seen here amounted to anything. Rye is good but very little of it is sown here. The people in general do not look near as prosperous as they do in the U.S. , especially in Nebraska. You can't beat Nebraska for looks. Even the people are better looking in Nebraska than here and especially in Clarkson. It is nice and cool here. With best wishes, Emil Folda"Because of muddy roads and the inability of the people from the north end of the county to arrive in Schuyler in time for the dedication services of Colfax County's $200,000 court house and soldiers' monument, it was decided to postpone the notable event. View is expressed that the busy season will be over and all, rural and city folks, will be able to attend the celebration. This is the fifth time that the celebration was put off to a later date for various reasons.
The roads owing to the heavy rain were left in a very poor condition for car travel and it is reported that only two cars from the north end were seen at Schuyler. However, many who did not know of the postponement motored to the county seat towards evening only to find that nothing was going on. Their disappointment was lessened to a certain degree when the committee in charge of the celebration decided to give a free dance for the visitors which amply paid all for making the trip.The city treasury has been enriched by $10.00, the amount having been in fine by Frank Kunc of Leigh for the violation of the city speed ordinance. Mr. Kunc and his friend F.J. Smrz, were passing through town at a lively gait, headed for the Krofta picnic grounds. The young men unaware of the violation drove on to the picnic grounds where they were informed of the offense by some of their friends.
They lost no time in returning to town to place themselves into the hands of the village marshal, Jos. Lodl, and after pleading with the officer for awhile the matter was settled by the payment of $10.00.
According to the information given us, Marshal Lodl will hereafter be on the lookout for all speeding autoists and in all cases the rigid rule of the law shall be enforced. He also states that cutouts on automobiles positively must be closed while within the city limits. Failure to comply with this order will result in the arrest of the driver. This is a fair warning to all automobilists and it is hoped that no further violations will have to be reported.The sorrowful intelligence was received here from Ulen, Minnesota, informing local relatives of the death of Anton Molacek, Sr., formerly a resident of this county. Mr. Molacek's age is given around the 80 mark, his demise having occurred after an extended illness.
The deceased is a brother of the late Vinc Molacek who died about a month ago and besides his immediate family is survived by four brothers, Louis of Clarkson; Joseph of Howells; Frank of Ulen, Minnesota; Thomas of Oklahoma; and one sister, Mrs. Jos. J. Sedlacek, Sr., residing south of Clarkson.
The Molacek family is identified with the very earliest settlers of Colfax County, having arrived here when the county was in its cradle days.Miss Tillie Dudycha of this city and Edward Moeller of Scribner autoed to Council Bluffs where they were united in the bonds of happy wedlock. The couple was escorted to the city by Miss Anna Karel of Howells, a cousin of the bride, and Merton Schoeneck of Scribner, who witnessed the marital rites.
The bride is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Dudycha of Clarkson and is one of the popular young ladies of this community. The groom is a resident of Scribner where he is employed at the butcher trade.
The wedding ceremony was a timid affair. Upon their return from a brief wedding trip, the newlyweds will locate in Scribner.Jos. F. Pojar has filed suit in the district court of Dodge County against August J. Miller, Dodge banker and Charles M. Daly, Holt county real estate man, asking $50,000 as the amount of damages he claims he lost in a real estate deal of which he alleges he was made a party by intimidation.
Pojar alleges that Miller acted as his confidential advisor and urged that he purchase the land in Holt county. He bought this of Daly, he claims. He believed it was good land but afterward found that its value was not as great as he believed, according to his allegations. He claims he lost about $35,000 on the deal.
He also claims he received some poor second mortgages on land which resulted in a loss of money and asked that he be allowed to recover the difference in the value of these.
July 24, 1924 - reprinted February 4, 1998The numberless friends and acquaintances of Miss Vlasta Telecky, formerly of Clarkson and a graduate of the local high school, who has been making her home with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Vaclav Telecky, at Cedar Raids, Iowa, since moving from Clarkson, will doubtless be glad to learn of Miss Vlasta's marriage to Joseph Hradek, a progressive young mason contractor of Cedar Rapids.
The following appeared in a Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, newspaper:
One of the prettiest weddings, that of Miss Lottie Telecky and Joseph Hradek, took place at 8 o'clock a.m. at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. V. Telecky.
The living room, where the ceremony was held, was artistically arranged with garden flowers and was illuminated by candles. An improvised arch served as a wedding bower. The Rev. L. Kvetensky, pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Walker, and brother-in-law of the bride, and the Rev. Joseph Bren of the Hus Memorial Church, were the officiating ministers.
The bride was gowned in tan georgette and all-over lace with a hat gloves and shoes to match. He only ornament was a strand of pearls, the gift of the bridegroom. She carried a shower bouquet of lilies of the valley and roses.
The flower girl, Luella Kventensky, niece of the bride, wore a frock of pink georgette and carried a basket of roses.
The bridesmaid, Miss Drenna McDowell, wore Nile green georgette, and her bouquet was of pink roses. The best man was Rex W. Weber.
The bride was born in Clarkson, Nebraska, and was graduated from the high school of that place. She also attended the teachers college in Nebraska and for several years was a teacher in Nebraska and Iowa. For some time she has been in the art needlework department of the Boston store. The bridegroom is a mason contractor.
Following the breakfast, the bridal couple left by motor for points in Iowa and Nebraska and on their return will make their home on the southside where the bridegroom has their home in complete readiness.Jos. Muckendorfer is laid up at his home east of Howells the past several days, the result of an injury he sustained while cultivating corn. Mr. Muckendorfer was assisted in the field by his wife, each having out a team of their own. For some unknown reason the team that Mrs. Muckendorfer was driving became unruly and started to run away, ejecting the driver from her seat.
Mr. Muckendorfer, who happened to be cultivating nearby, left his team standing unattended and proceeded to stop the frenzied horses and while in the act his team became frightened and took it on a lively run through the cornfield.
Bringing his wife's team to a stop, his next attempt was to halt his horses and in the turmoil, he was thrown down by the team and tramped upon. The disc cultivator passed over his body, producing several bad gashes and otherwise bruising him. The injured man was taken home where medical attention was given him by Dr. Myers.
Mr. Muckendorfer's injury is not considered to be very serious, however, he will be force to remain from the field for several days. Mrs. Muckendorfer, who is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Jonas of Clarkson was lucky to have escaped with only a few minor bruises.Postmaster G.A.Koza has just been clothed with various information from the postal department concerning the delivery of mail via the air route. He is now in position to give any information you may wish to know in regard to the fast delivery of mail by airplanes. Air mail service is available for use by all sections of the United States to and from which it may expedite the deliver of the mail. The airplane postage charged includes the transportation to or from the air mail route as well as the transportation by plane.
Any mail able matter will be carried by airplane, including sealed parcels not exceeding 50 pounds in weight and not exceeding 84 inches in length and girth combined, with postage at the rate of 8 cents an ounce or fraction thereof for each zone or part of zone in which mail is carried by plane. Special airplane stamps are issued, but any stamps good for postage may be used, provided the envelope is plainly marked "Via air mail."
The New York-San Francisco route is the only one operated by the Post Office Department and for rating of postage, is divided into three zones: (1)New York to Chicago, 8 cents, (2)Chicago to Cheyenne 16 cents: and New York to San Francisco;, 24 cents.
It will also be of interest to know that several letters have already been delivered to Clarkson people over the air route since the inauguration of the system. The most recent delivery was made to Mrs. W. D. Greenlee, one of the ladies visiting at the A.J. Fajamn home who received a letter over the air line from her husband postmarked at Los Angeles, California.Jerry Teply and his mother were down from Leigh. While here Jerry remembered The Press with the renewal of his subscription for another year. Since leaving the farm he is employed at the Breuning hardware store at Leigh and speaks well of his job.
Jos. F. Kadlec returned form Omaha where he spent several days with his wife who is still confined at the St. Joseph Hospital. Mrs. Kadlec's condition is showing some improvement, however, several more weeks will be required before she will be able to leave the hospital.
Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Mundil and son, Joe, made a trip to Linwood and while there witnessed the threshing of some of the best wheat they ever saw. The quality of the grain is very good and the yield is on the average of from 35 to 45 bushels to the acre.
July 24, 1924 - reprinted February 11, 1998Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Hradek and Mrs. Vaclav Telecky arrived here from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for a few days' visit with Clarkson relatives.
Frank G. Wolf and wife are spending the week with friends and relatives at Creston, Iowa. Frank is taking a week's vacation from the store.
While performing some work at his farm south of town, Frank R. Dvorak had the mishap of running a pitchfork into his left foot which is now causing him considerable agony. Dr. Kavan is giving the necessary medical attention.
Mrs. Frank Totusek, residing in the extreme east part of town, is on the sick list and in the care of Dr. Kavan.
Marcella Slama accompanied her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Bukacek of Valparaiso, who stopped off here, to Neligh for a few days' visit. We are told that B.J. and his better half are headed for Minnesota on a fishing expedition.
W. J. Moore informs us that he has taken agency for the Puritan flour products of the Schuyler mill. Read the ad elsewhere in this issue and watch for a special contest to be announced next week.
Dr. and Mrs. V.L. Odvarka of Omaha put in a part of the day in Clarkson making preliminary arrangements for their locating here. Dr. Odvarka has sold out his practice at Omaha to Adolph Dostal, formerly of Howells, and will now open a new modern dental office in the upstairs quarters of The Press building. He expects to have his office in readiness for business soon.
He is no stranger here and needs no special introduction, having been born and reared to boyhood in Clarkson. He is a graduate of the Creighton Dental College of Omaha and the State University of Colorado and is holding both Nebraska and Colorado certificates. Upon returning to Nebraska from Denver where he completed his studies, Dr. Odvarka has practiced in Omaha for almost two years and during that time has acclaimed a worthy reputation for himself besides gaining much practical experience.
He aims to have his office equipped with the very latest dental appliances with all possible comfort for his patients. With his wide knowledge of the most up-to-date methods in dentistry he will be deserving of his full share of the work.
After getting established, Dr. Odvarka will also make regular weekly trips to Creston. The rear portion of the flat to be used by the dental office will be taken up for housekeeping.Frank Tomes is taking a forced vacation having arrived home from Valley with a badly injured hand. Besides severely cutting his thumb with a circular saw he had the misfortune of having two fingers badly smashed between two heavy planks. The mishap occurred while working for E.J. Kriz in the construction of a school at Valley.
While coming east from Pilger to Stanton on the state highway, a traveling salesman whose name we were unable to obtain had a little more than his share of hard luck. It was a terribly hot day, the dust was blowing, and driving was far from being pleasant. He tried driving with the wind shield closed to keep the dust out but he finally decided the dust was better than the terrific heat.
So while driving along at a medium speed thinking that it was about the worst day ever to travel, he was suddenly surrounded by a mass of buzzing brown insects, honey bees. A swarm of honey bees were passing the road as he came by and were swept right through the wind shield into his face.
Bewildered and not knowing what had happened he started fighting the bees. They retaliated and he lost control of the car which ran into the ditch. The car was considerably damaged, the traveling man was badly bruised up, to say nothing of the lasting impressions which many of the bees left with him. He is certain that the honey bees made it even hotter than did old Sol.
We presume the next thing in order will be a bee net for drivers.Jos. Wiese spent a few hours in Lindsay paying a brief visit to the Fred Walters family. Mr. Walters being down with typhoid fever. We understand that Mr. Walters' condition is greatly improved by this time.
While returning home from town at a lively pace in order to evade the approaching rain storm, Richard Hrabak had the misfortune of tripping and breaking the little finger on his right hand. The young man was caressing a large melon at the time of the accident. His injury was given medical attention by Dr. Myers.
Alois A. Pimper, proprietor of the Howells Battery Station had a good-sized cement platform erected in the rear of his building to be used as a basin for washing cars.
Ever blessed with the best of health during a lifetime extending over a period of more than 77 years, after an ailment of but 36 hours, Mrs. Magdalene Reznicek laid down her burdens of life at a late hour and passed quietly and peacefully to her reward in the glories of that Great Beyond.
Magdalene Morstein was born in Birkov, Bohemia, in the year 1847,. While still in her native land she was united in wedlock to Mr. Vaclav Reznicek who survives her.
They emigrated to the U.S. in September 1886 and after a brief stay in Chicago, journeyed to North Bend, and also in the Morse Bluffs vicinity until later in life she lived in this vicinity until her demise. To the union were born five children, one daughter having died four years ago at Morse Bluffs at the age 50 , and surviving, Vaclav of Chicago, Joseph F. and Andrew of Dodge and John of Madison.
The last sad rites were conducted with services at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and the mortal remains laid n the Bohemian Catholic Cemetery where a large cortege of sorrowing friends and relatives followed her to her last resting place.
July 24, 1924 - reprinted February 18, 1998Emil Kotan and his sisters, Misses Rose and Mary, of Scio, Oregon, arrived in Clarkson and will visit there and in Howells for several weeks. While here, Emil will look after the erection of a new modern home on the farm he owns adjoining Howells. He will also repair and improve the other buildings on the place. We are certain that both the visitors and their many friends here will enjoy the visit very much, the Kotan family having lived here before moving to Oregon.
Pytlik Bros. of Howells, installed one of the best and most modern meat coolers made. Not only is it very convenient for the owners but also provides a more uniform temperature for the meats. It is also much more sanitary than the old-fashioned ice box.
The referee sale of the Hledik 80-acre farm went off as scheduled. The land was bid in by Frank Hledik at $160 per acre which at this time seems to be a much better price than has been existing for similar land at such sales. It is a good eighty and will make Mr. Hledik and his son, Frank J., a very valuable addition to their land holdings in that neighborhood.
Miss Lillian Barta and her friend, Miss Rose Bosanek of Omaha, are in Howells visiting at the Barta home and with other relatives and friends.
Miss Margaret Bart is nursing a badly infected foot, the result of sustaining a bad cut while swimming. Blood poisoning has set in and it was necessary to seek medical aid which was promptly tendered by Dr. Myers.
Alois A. Pimper, his father, Jos. Pimper, and several Dodge friends were at the Elkhorn river and succeeded in catching 50 pounds of fish..
If inclement weather doesn't intercept, Mr. and Mrs. Filbert Wacha will leave for a week's outing which they will spend in northeast Nebraska and southern Dakota.
Louis J. Evert arrived here from Howells to take over the management of the Nye Schneider Jenks station, succeeding Albin Misek who resigned. Mr. Evert will move his family in from Howells as soon as he will be able to find suitable living quarters.
Dr. Kavan has presented the homes of Anton Vrbicky and Theodore Urbanek, northeast of town, with fine baby girls.
Clarkson merchants are expecting the arrival of a full carload of fine Elberta peaches direct from California. Housewives wanting peaches for canning purposes are requested to leave their orders at their favorite store at once.
Mr. and Mrs. Jos. L. Vacin and Miss Mary Slama left for a week's visit with Joe's parents residing near Colby, Kansas. Enroute they aim to make brief stops at various points, the trip being made by auto. Joe has vested in a fine camping outfit which they are taking along in order to make the outing so much more interesting.
Rev. B.A. Fillipi, who is giving instruction in the Bohemian language during the summer period to a goodly number of Clarkson children, is making arrangements to give a program with the assistance of his pupils at the opera house.
Messrs. J.L. Stransky and F.B. Schultz left in company of the latter's son, Archie, and Harold Chleboun, for a few weeks' fishing excursion in Minnesota. The trip is being made in Mr. Stransky's new Buick and besides their fishing equipment the party is outfitted with all appurtenances necessary for camping. They plan to be gone for an indefinite time, possibly a month. Mr. Stransky's place at the drug store for time being is filled by Jos. Makovsky.
For the first time in a good many years Clarkson people witnessed the overflowing of Maple Creek which went over its banks in a number of places and threatened to flood nearby properties By noon the water slowly receded and the impending danger passed away. This community had a big rain which was the third or fourth rain.
A new floor is being put in at the Schaffer & Beran emporium by the Storz people, owners of the property.
July 31, 1924 - reprinted February 18, 1998Mrs. Frank Kacin, a respectable resident of Clarkson, suffered a stroke of paralysis at her home in the extreme west part of town and is since resting in a very serious condition. Mrs. Kacin and her sister who arrived here for a few days' visit from Beemer, had just returned to the house from an inspection of flowers in the garden and while the ladies were seating themselves down to take a cup of coffee, Mrs. Kacin suddenly complained of not feeling well and in a few moments collapsed.
AS a result of the shock, Mrs. Kacin has lost her power of speech and has not been able to utter a word since. Dr. Kavan who is making frequent trips to the home reports the patient in very dangerous condition.Another traffic law violator was drawn into Marshal Lodl's net, the offense having been committed by Edward Brock, a young Stanton County farmer. The officer made an attempt to stop the speeding car while passing Main Street but was unsuccessful in making the arrest.
He took down the license number and sent word to the owner of the car that he was wanted here on a charge of violating the city speed ordinance. Upon appearance of the young man, a fine of $15.00 was assessed against him which was paid and the accused man permitted to return home.
Marshal Lodl has declared war on all speeders regardless of who they are and all will be given the full penalty prescribed by law. He furthermore informs us that all drivers of cars having but one headlight or with out a tail light will also be arrested and subjected to a fine. He is determined to strictly enforce the law and it will be much cheaper to provide for the lawful illumination of the cars than to pay the fine.
July 31, 1924 - reprinted February 25, 1998We have before us the fourth edition of the Colfax County Fair premium list received. The list is in book form and presents a very neat specimen of artistic printing, being a product of Chas. R. Kuhle of Leigh.
Mr. and Mrs. Jaroslav Holas and little daughter, who made Clarkson their home the past four years, bid their friends good-bye and left for Czechoslovakia where Mr. Holas intends to engage in the blacksmith business.
The Colfax County Old Settlers Picnic is set for August 20. The members of the committee on refreshments are: Messrs. V.J. Chleboun, John Jurik, Frank Hobza and Frank Miller and Mesdames Emil Folda, W.J. Moore, F.J. Jirovec and J.R. Vitek.
The platform committee is composed of Messers. J.R. Vitek, Ed Zelenda and Julius Wacha. Messrs. J. D. Wolf, Jos. M. Bukacek and Anton Dusatko constitute the program committee.While at Fremont, John Poledna made arrangements to buy cream for the Farmers" Cooperative Creamery of the city at the People's Variety Store in Clarkson. John has had considerable experience in this line of work and ought to have his full share of the dream business.
Frank Seidek, 69, for many years a painter at Dodge, died at the Dodge County Poor Farm following a lengthy illness caused from neuralgia. He has been an inmate of the home for the past two years.
Seidek was born in Bohemia and was also well known in Howells and Clarkson.The residents of Howells are sharing their sympathy with our esteemed townsmen, Lodie Coufal, who is mourning the death of his mother, Mrs. Kodera, whose demise occurred at the Schuyler hospital. Mrs. Kodera was an old settler of this county, and had been ill for some time. Burial was made in the Heun cemetery in the presence of a large gathering of relatives and friends We lack further particulars.
James Laird, well-known livestock man of South Omaha, participated in a serious automobile accident which befell him on the highway east of Howells. The report is that he was crowded off the road by a reckless automobilist and sent into the ditch, his car having been considerable damaged. The wrecked auto was then towed to Howells and placed into the hands of Alois A. Pimper of the battery station where the necessary repair work was performed. Luckily, no one was hurt in the accident. The identity of the driver of the speeding auto was not established.
Frankie, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mejstrik of Howells, is laid up with several large boils which are causing him much unease. The youngster is having the medical attention of Dr. Myers.
W. C. Stangel, Pete Bogner, Henry Baumert and Jos. Laux were at Snyder witnessing Rudy Suchan pitch a stellar game for Snyder against the Scribner Independents. The game was a one-sided affair, Snyder having won the contest by a score of 13 to 0.
The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Kucera operated for strangulated rupture is showing wonderful improvement.
Edward Dusatko, one of the Omaha turners who took part in the Sokol exhibition at Howells, had the bad luck of breaking the second toe on his right foot while performing on the horizontal bars. The injured man was given medical attention by Dr. Myers and was able to return home with his associates that same day. We are told that this is the second time that the young man has broken his toe while in the act of turning.
The sale of two tracts of land near Brainard recently show an increase in land values. Jacob Bongers bought 160 acres of land from Anton Cermak for $220 an acres, and Joseph Kozisek purchased eighty acres of land near Brainard for $220 an acre.
Wm A.Karel , member of the A.J.Karel & Sons mercantile firm, left on a several day's buying trip, being headed for Chicago. William expects to be home with a supply of new merchandise for the store. While in the city he will also attend the convention and style show of the N.J.C. retailers' association of which he is a member.
V.J. Chleboun left on his annual buying trip to Chicago and other eastern cities. He was accompanied by his family and Mrs. Vaclav Hanel to Schuyler where he entrained for the east. His intention is to be gone buying fall and winter merchandise for the Chleboun corner store.
Mestl Bros., Howells, have put into operation the threshing rigs they sold recently to Theofil Cech and Jerry Beran.
Dr. Myers of Howells, presented the Jos. Vicek family with a baby girl and the Jerry Beran family with a boy.
Vernon Forbes arrived here from Omaha for a three or four weeks' vacation. During his stay here the young man will help out with the rush of work at the Neilson Auto Co.'s garage.
Jos. Laux, who was a visitor at the W. C. Stangel home since July 4th, left for his home in Omaha.
Herman Busch's son had the mishap of running a rusty pin into his heel while playing about the yard at Howells. Fearful of possible infection, Dr. Vosika was called to give the youngster necessary attention.
E. Quesner, wife and daughter, Dorothy, Howells, left for Seattle, Washington. They went to Lincoln by auto, Harold Quesner having taken them down, and from there they proceeded on one of the fastest and most modern Burlington trains for Washington. They expect to spend about two months in the northwest and will then return to Howells again.
Mr. Quesner has regained his former good health sufficiently to make the trip. We understand that Mr. Quesner's medical adviser-specialist who had his case in charge recommended the making of the trip, surmising that it would be highly beneficial to him in the complete restoration of his former health.
July 31, 1924 - reprinted March 4, 1998Dr. Vosika was called to Benner, Nebraska, to attend a patient but was forced to abandon the trip on account of impassable roads after reaching Fremont. He then proceeded over the pavement to Omaha.
Fayman-Vacin Auto Co. reports the following car and tractor sales since their last report:
Fordson tractor with plows, Joseph V. Novotny, Clarkson.
Ford truck, Anton J. Jedlicka, Schuyler.
Ford touring cars, Joseph Hanzal, Stanton; Frank M. Kopietz, Jerry Sedlacek, Anton Malina, Joseph Kral, Clarkson.
Ford coupes, Joseph Blech, Edward Wolf, Adolph Kudrna, Clarkson.
Ford runabout, B. L. Novotny, Clarkson.
Used Ford touring cars, Frank Lapecek, Jerry Krofta, Clarkson.
Used Ford coupe, Libbie A. Fayman, Clarkson.J.A.Kucera arrived here from Howells with the intention of making Clarkson his permanent home. Mr. Kucera has been employed at the Howells State Bank for several years which position he has severed and will enter upon the same duties at the Clarkson State Bank where he is to succeed Fred Jelinek who move recently to Pilger.
Frank Svec, a farmer north of Schuyler, received minor injuries when his team hitched to his binder ran away. Mr. Svec was cutting grain when a part of the harness broke, frightening the team and they began to run. Mr. Svec jumped from the binder and lighted in a barb wire fence. He was bruised about the face and body. The team ran a short distance and stopped. No damage was done to the binder.
Attorney W. C. Hronek of Schuyler was in Clarkson conducting a foreclosure sale of various articles left her by F.C. Swartz who moved away from Clarkson. The property offered for sale consisted of a Ford sedan and various plumbing equipment and sold for all it was worth. The sedan was sold to Gus Modrow for $96.00 while the other supplies went to Zelenda Bros. and Anton Prazak who held a lien against the chattels.
Misses Vlasta Humlicek and Hedvika Koci and the latter's sister, Helen, were passengers to Omaha for a few days' visit.
Emil Karasek arrived here from Omaha for a week's visit with his parents residing south of town. The young man is taking a forced vacation on account of an injury to his right hand.
John Sousek arrived home from Wayne where he took a short course at the teacher's normal.
Jos. Kucera, who is working for one of the Totusek boys east of town, is nursing an injured foot which was tramped upon by a horse. Dr. Knight was summoned to reduce the pain.
CLARKSON MARKET Wheat, $1.07; Corn, .90; Oats .43; Hogs, 8.50; butter. 25; eggs, .20;.
Fajman Motor Co. sold and delivered a new Red Special separator to Walter Hahn, the outfit having been put into operation.
The Press is in receipt of a card from Messrs. Frank Humlicek and Charles Marinec informing us of their safe arrival in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They speak of having no car trouble and found the roads in excellent condition for travel. In conclusion they are enjoying the good time among their friends.
Frank Humlicek and his helper, Charles Marinec, and their sons, left for a week's visit with friends and relatives in Iowa. The trip is being made in the latter's car and the vacationers intend to be back home by the week-end.
Jos. F. Jirovec and family were at Wayne from where they brought Miss Louise Jirovec home from the college, the young lady having completed a short summer course at the Wayne normal.
Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Noh and children, Gilbert and Vivian, motored over to Sioux City, Iowa, to visit with the Swanson family and their son and brother, Joe before he returns to his eastern home. Joe left for the east while his wife will remain for a few more weeks at Sioux City before leaving for Newark.
A surprise party was given on Jim Lauda at his home in honor of his birthday. The evening was whiled away by playing various out-door games and at midnight a delicious lunch was served. Those present besides the Laudas were: Mrs. Podany and son, Joe, A. M. Kratochvil and family, Joe A.J. Kratochvil and family, Joe Albert and Libbie Cerv, James C. Malena, Joe and Jim Dytrych, Miss Roucek, Peter Walla, Anna Bures, O.H. Moeller and family and Calvin Rosenbery.
A marriage license was issued to Adolph D. Kudrna, 25, Clarkson and Miss Blanche M. Mestl, 19, Dodge.
Herman Koemann, an old resident farmer of Cuming County, about nine miles west of town, was struck by a mad bull, suffering such severe injuries that he died several hours later. The bulls were fighting in the cattle yard and in attempting to separate them, one became enraged and rushed for the helpless man, throwing him high into the air. His ribs and collar bone were broken and there were several deep gashes on his head. His wife quickly summoned medical aid from Howells but t very little could be done do to relieve the stricken man, who was conscious a short time before his death. Mr. Koemann was an old man, being 76 years of age.
Stepping on a nail, which caused tetanus and eventually lock-jaw caused the death of Miss Freida Abels. Miss Abels had stepped on the nail ten days previous to her death and while she did not consider the matter of much import at first, tetanus set in followed by lock-jaw, which brought about her demise though everything that medical skill could do had been done for her.