The Leigh World publishes a weekly column entitled Looking Back at the World, which is comprised of articles taken from earlier Leigh World files. A special thank you to the Leigh World for allowing me to reprint those articles. The following are selections from that column:
January 4, 1935 - republished May 29, 2002Miles Husak, Jr., 9, son of Mr. and Mrs. Miles Husak, of Julesburg, Colorado, was buried in Schuyler, having passed away at a hospital in Julesburg. Four days prior to his death, Miles suffered an attack of tubercular meningitis, from which he did not rally. He is survived by his parents and one sister, seven years of age.
The body was brought to Schuyler. Funeral services were held from the C.S.P.S. Hall. Rev. B.A. Filipi of Clarkson was in charge. Burial was held in the Schuyler cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. Miles Husak were both formerly residents of Colfax County. Mr. Husak's parents were known residents north of Leigh.Fred Loptien, 74, died suddenly at his home where he was the victim of an acute heart attack.
Funeral services were held, at 1:30 at the family home, followed by rites at St. John's Lutheran Church, with the pastor, Rev. Henry Monnich, officiating. Burial will be made in the Schuyler Cemetery.
Mr. Loptien was born October 18, 1860, at Moline, Illinois, where his early youth was spent. His marriage to Miss Margaret Martins took place on December 23, 1883, at Wheatland, Iowa. In 1916 Mr. and Mrs. Loptien moved to Schuyler, where they have since made their home.
He was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church and had been active in St. John's Church since coming to Schuyler. Mr. Loptien had been employed as a clerk in various stores here and for a number of years was manager of the R.C. Moore store, retiring from the position two years ago.
Surviving are his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Dora Schindler and Mrs. Herman Linenburg, both of Schuyler. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, one great grandchild, two sisters and two brothers.Miss Irene Hake was complimented by friends, who gathered at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hake, to make her birthday a happy occasion. games were played with refreshments served at midnight.
The wedding of Miss Helen Dora Schroeder and Jos. A. Malasek was solemnized in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Council Bluffs, Iowa. Rev. Moeller, pastor of the church, read the services. Attendants were Miss Ann Schroeder, sister of the bride, and Victor Malasek, brother of the groom. The young couple returned to Leigh the same day and are making their home temporarily with his parents. They will establish their home on one of the Malasek farms six miles northwest of town.
Funeral rites for Golden B. Groff, Madison's last Civil War veteran and a pioneer of Nebraska in the late sixties, were to be held at the Methodist Episcopal Church under the auspices of the American Legion Post with the Rev. John R. Bucknell delivering the sermon. Burial was to be made in the Crownhill Cemetery.
Mr. Groff walked to the post office Saturday afternoon and did his usual Saturday shopping. He was born March 9, 1841, at Rockville, Maryland and was married to Catherine Elizabeth Schulz at that place, August 26, 1862.Relatives honored Mrs. Carl Hoveling on her birthday anniversary spending a social evening at the Hoveling home. Card games furnished amusement and refreshments, provided by the visitors, were served at midnight.
Cards received by relatives here announce the birth of a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hobel of LaMesa, California, on Christmas day. The baby weighed 9 1/2 pounds and has been named Virginia Carol.
Robert McMullin, student in the State School for the Blind at Nebraska City, has been at home for the holiday vacation with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold McMullin, and will return to school the later part of the week.
Edwin Ahrens was on the Omaha market, with a load of hogs that made the extreme top of $740. This was 10 cents above all other hogs that day. The porkers average 238 pounds and were sold through the great Western Commission Company. Hugo Loseke handled the shipment.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Osterthun, southwest of town, welcomed a daughter into their home.
A card from Mrs. L.P. Spuhler, North Platte, states that they recently drove to Lexington to make the acquaintance of a new granddaughter, a baby girl born to Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Spuhler.
Permanent waves, $2.25 including soft water shampoo hair cut, set. All complete and guaranteed. Hinck Beauty Shop, Columbus, Nebraska.
Word was received, Wednesday, of the death of Fred Settje, Jr., 10 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Settje of Corona, South Dakota. Until two years ago the family resided north of Creston. Funeral arrangements had not been completed.
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Herman Settje.
January 11, 1935 - republished June 19, 2002A bank charter for a new bank to be known as the Columbus Bank, Columbus, Nebraska, was approved today by Governor Charles Bryan and the Superintendent of Banks, E.H. Luikart, according to a United Press report.
Capital stock f the new institution is $50,000. Its surplus is $13,000. Officers of the bank are: L.B. Fenner, Burwell, president; R.V. Prokop, Clarkson, vice president; J.H. Moeller, Leigh, cashier.Richard Koch, young farmer of near Leigh, was placed under a peace bond following a hearing in the county court. Koch was alleged to have threatened Thomas Mortimer, of Leigh, with assault. The complaint was filed December 31 upon information furnished by Mortimer.
Koch was also made defendant in two other actions upon complaint by Mortimer, one for petty larceny in which Koch is alleged on October 9, to have taken 30 wooden posts valued at $15, the property of Mr. Mortimer, and converted the same to his own use. This hearing was continued until January 21. Another action of forcible entry and detention will be heard in county court January 15.Geraldine Egan, 16, daughter of Patrick Egan, of Monroe, passed away at her home. She had been ill with heart trouble for the past few years, and dropsical conditions which developed recently, hastened her death. Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Catholic church at Monroe and the remains were brought to Leigh for interment in St. Mary's Cemetery by the side of her mother, who passed away in 1928. Rev. Father Lehmen conducted the burial service.
Born on a farm southeast of Leigh on November 25, 1918, Geraldine Egan died at Monroe on January 7, 1935, at the age of 16 years, two months and 12 days. Her parents moved to the Monroe vicinity when she was one year old and she grew to young girlhood there. Despite the handicap of ill health, she continued with school work and was a student in the Monroe high school until a few months ago. She was held in high regard by teachers and fellow students and enjoyed a wide friendship.
Surviving are the father, Patrick Egan, six sisters, and three brothers, Mrs. Hazel Harper, Mrs. Frieda Mach and Lenora Egan, Omaha; Mrs. Esther Kingston, Stanton; Mrs. Arabella Leggat, Lucille, Edwin, Leonard, and Leo, Monroe.Marking the first separation of the Weichenthal triplets, who lived in Stanton county for the past 23 years, Hugo Weichenthal has gone to Dundee, New York, to engage in farming there.
His sisters, Mrs. Carl Blattert and Mrs. Herman Schwede, participated with him in a farewell celebration.Markets: Hogs, Omaha top, $8.00; Cattle, Omaha top, $11.30; Corn, $1.04; Wheat, $1.05; Oats, .63; Cream, .31; Eggs, .20; Hens,. 10; Springs, .10; Cox, .04; Ducks, .07; Geese, .06.
Funeral services for Fred Settje, Jr., of Corona, South Dakota, who passed away on January 1st, in a hospital at Milbank, South Dakota, were held in the Baptist Church at Creston. Rev. J.J. Renz conducted the service. Burial was in the Creston Cemetery. Members of the Settje family accompanied the remains to Creston.
Fred was born near Creston on May 5, 1924, and died at Milbank, South Dakota, on January 1, 1935, at the age of ten years, seven months, and 26 days. Death was caused by blood poisoning which developed from a minor leg injury, the illness lasting only four days. He was a bright lad, of sunny disposition, and his early passing is deeply mourned by members of his family and family friends.
January 18, 1935 - republished July 10, 2002A surpise party at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Prokop, Jr. was complimentary to Miss Avis Pimpara on her 16th birthday. The affair was planned by Miss Ruth Muhle. A social evening was spent at games with refreshments, furnished by the visitors, served at the close.
Mrs. Georgia Hetjmanek was complimented by a group of friends on her 17th birthday. The group met at the Vincent Urban home and preceeded in a body to the Hetjmanek home. Miss Georgia received many gifts. The evening was spent in playing bunco.
The jury in the civil action in which Mrs. Mary E. Barrett and daughter, as owners of a farm in Colfax County, sought judgment against a group of eight Platte County farmers for $225 for a quantity of corn removed from their farm on February 21, 1933 on behalf of a dispossessed tenant, returned a verdict in district court at 10:45 p.m., yesterday finding in favor of the plaintiffs in the sum of $100 and interest.
The verdict ran against all eight of the defendants, John H. Moeller, the dispossessed tenant; Henry E. Moeller, his father; Adolph Henke, his brother-in-law, Otto Wenk, George Michaelson, Henry Deyke, Henry Wurdeman and Fred Schwank. During the course of the hearing only John Moeller and Mr. Henke had admitted that they had actually participated in the removal of the corn from the farm, though the others had admitted being among the 100 or more farmers who gathered about the place at that time.
Plaintiff's and defendants' contentions as to how much corn was actually removed differed, the former placing the amount at 1,500 bushels or more, and the later at not to exceed 1,100 bushels.
In entering judgment after receiving the jury's verdict, Judge Lightner figures the interest at $11.40. The verdict automatically charges the costs, amounting to approximately $82, to the defendants. The case had been appealed by the plaintiffs to district court from county court where a jury had held in favor of the defendants.$465 and up. List price of New Standard Roadster at Flint, Michigan, $465. With bumpers, spare tire, and tire lock, the list price is $20.00 additional. Prices subject to change without notice.
$560 and up. List price of Master De Luxe Coupe at Flint, Michigan, $560. With bumpers, spare tire, and tire lock, the list price is $25.00 additional. Prices subject to change without notice.J.H. Hunt was united in marriage to Crissie A. Breninan, of Saratoga, Wyoming. The wedding took place in the court chambers at Fremont. County Judge Fred C. Leird performed the ceremony.
Mr. and Mrs. Hunt returned to Leigh and are making their home on the Hunt farm north of town.
January 18, 1935 - republished July 31, 2002Leonard and Lester Gerrard, brothers, were arrested, and charged with petty larceny, upon information furnished by Jim Jedlicka, who alleged the boys had stolen 11 bushels of corn valued at $9.00 from his place on January 12.
When arraigned in county court for preliminary hearing, the boys both entered pleas of not guilty. Judge Roether set their hearing for January 31 at 10:00 a.m. and released them on bonds of $200 each.Mr. and Mrs. John Wullschleger Jr. are the parents of a seven pound son.
The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Went Jr., south of Creston, is ill with pneumonia and under the care of Dr. P.W. Berney. Miss Frieda Sander, R.N. is caring for the baby.
Mrs. Phillip Goering, Sr., 71, passed away at the family home near Platte Center. She had been ill for a period of two years, death being caused by complication of diseases.
Funeral services were held Friday, at Zion Lutheran Church, Rev. W.J. Goemmel in charge. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
As Miss Katherina Kumpf, she was born on April 14, 1863, at Hallowayville, Illinois, where she grew to young womanhood, and where her marriage to Phillip Goering took place on March 17, 1881. Mr. Goering, a native of Germany, had come here with his parents when nine years of age.
They resided for a period of 10 years on a farm near Hallowayville and then decided to move westward, coming to Platte county, Nebraska in 1891.
They procured a homestead in Grand Prairie Township, and from the time of their arrival until her death, Mrs. Georing resided there. Throughout this period of years, she acquired a host of friends and held the high esteem of all who knew her.
Surrounded by her family and friends, Mr. and Mrs. Goering observed their golden wedding anniversary at their home March 17, 1931.
In her girlhood, Mrs. Goering had been confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and both she and Mr. Goering were charter members of Zion Lutheran Church, in the vicinity of their home in Grand Prairie Township.
Besides Mr. Goering, she is survived by seven sons, Henry G. of Cedar Rapids, Phillip Jr., of Humphrey, Henry G., John G., William, Herman, and Albert, all of Platte Center; two daughters, Mrs. Ray Miller of Shelby, and Mrs. Art Luetjens of Platte Center; three brothers Louis Kumpf of Princeton, Illinois, George Kumpf of Peru, Illinois, and Henry Kumpf of Shelby; five sisters, Mrs. Henry Lehn of Princeton, Illinois, Miss Mary Kumpf of Peru, Illinois, Mrs. Jacob Bachmann of Creston, Mrs. Fred Croisant of Osceola, and Mrs. James Dunning of Shelby; 28 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
January 25, 1935 - republished August 21, 2002Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Prokop Sr. were honored by relatives and friends on the occasion of their silver wedding anniversary. The group gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Coleman and took possession of the Prokop home in a body. They brought refreshments and presented a gift of cash to Mr. and Mrs. Prokop.
A hearing was held in county court in the case of Thos. Mortimer, Leigh, vs Richard Koch, forcible entry and detention action, wherein the plaintiff sought possession of a farm being occupied by the defendant as tenant.
After considering the evidence the court found for the plaintiff and ordered the restitution of the premises by the defendant.
Richard Koch, Leigh, farmer, was arraigned in county court, after a charge, the complaint being made by Thomas Mortimer, Leigh, who alleged that Koch, a tenant on the Mortimer farm, had taken and unlawfully converted to his own use 30 wood posts, valued at $15, the property of Mortimer.
After the hearing the evidence court found Koch guilty as charged and fined him $25 and costs amounting to a total of $60.27. Koch also required to make restitution of the posts to twice the value of same.Fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Husak, eight miles north of Leigh, around midnight. Mr. and Mrs. Husak and children were absent from home and the flames were discovered by Anton Kmoch as he was driving past the Husak farm. Mr. Kmoch was unsuccessful in rousing the Peterson household so was obliged to go on to the home of Lumir Husak to give the alarm. By that time the fire had gained such headway that it was impossible to check it and the house and all its contents were burned.
Mr. and Mrs. Husak were spending the evening with neighbors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chas Busch, a distance of three miles northeast from their farm. After the fire was discovered, neighbors tried to reach them by telephone but they had started for home. Seeing the fire from a distance, they realized that it was their house that was burning.
The house and its contents, furnishings, family clothing, and household supplies were totally destroyed. Included in the loss were a quantity of seed, mostly alfalfa, valued at $400 and a new Maytag wash machine which was standing on the porch.
There was some insurance.
The house, a nine-room structure, was built by Joseph Husak, now of Schuyler, father of Frank, some 30 years ago. Erected on a rise of ground in a somewhat elevated section, it commanded a wide view of the surrounding territory and was one of the sightly farm homes of the countryside.
January 25, 1935 - republished September 11, 2002A tip from a mechanic in Kansas to authorities finally located the Ford car stolen from Wm. Eller at Auburn. Mr. Eller and Ed Sander brought the car back, which was found in a garage at Linwood, Kansas, 35 miles southwest of Kansas City.
The car was taken from the streets of Auburn last October, while Mr. and Mrs. Eller attended a Luther League convention, allegedly by a man named Johnson. Papers that were in a brief case in the car were found partly burned near Kansas City and other articles in the car, such as a hat, coat, brief case, etc., were found in a pawn shop there.
While Sheriff J.C. Broady, of Pawnee County, and Kansas authorities were unable to locate the car because the wrong engine number had been given them on the Eller car when it was placed in a garage in Kansas. No assistance was given the Leigh men when they recovered the car, according to Ed Sander. The keys had been taken from the car and Mr. Sander had to work a switch around the ignition before the car could be moved.
Kansas authorities told of the car being used by three men who perpetrated a series of robberies from chain stores. One of the men, Johnson, was sent up for 50 years while Boyle, another man, was sent up for 40 years. The men were involved in a shooting scrape while they had the car in their possession. It was Boyle who divulged the information that the car was left near Linwood, although its recovery was delayed because the garage man had given out the wrong engine number. It was near Linwood that the car was left by the robbers and another car was taken in its stead.
The brief case in the car contained valuable records of the Nebraska Luther League as Mrs. Eller was secretary of the organization at the time of the theft of the car.
Out of a total of 16 cars reported stolen in Kansas last year, the officials recovered all but two, the authorities informed the Leigh men.At a very pretty service, January 15, at eight o'clock Miss Agnes German and Melvin M. Michaelson were united in marriage by Rev. Father David at St. Mary's Catholic Church southwest of Creston.
W.J. Ritter, Sr., was the victim of a holdup at his coal office in Kansas City, Kansas. Mr. Ritter who is 75 years of age, was alone in his office. Two young men entered and asked to wait awhile for another person. One of them asked the time, and, as Mr. Ritter looked at his watch, he was given a terrific blow on the side of his head with a piece of iron, following that a punch in his eye which blinded him and knocked him to the floor. As he called for help, the assailants took his watch and billfold and ran from the building. A coal dealer across the street saw the men leaving hurriedly to enter a car. Becoming suspicious, he turned in a police call.
Radio police cars responded in three minutes and six mintues later brought the men to the coal office for identification. The watch and money were recovered.
Mr. Ritter, who has visited Creston frequently with the family of his son, Dr. W.J. Ritter, is confined to his home and is under a doctors care.
February 1, 1935 - republished September 25, 2002Miss Blanche Mlnarik and Gustave Spanhake were united in marriage in Stanton County. Judge Louis Dern performed the ceremony in the court chambers. Attendants were Miss Lois Moran of Creston, and Edward Malena, brother of the bride.
Word was received by friends at this place, that Mrs. B.F. Redman, formerly a resident of Leigh, was ill in the Masonic home at Plattsmouth. Physicians held out no hope for her recovery.
The Redmans came to Leigh from Omaha in the early nineties, Mr. Redman being a carpenter in partnership with a man by the name of Al Hibbard. Mrs. Redman taught music in the village for many years and served as the organist in the Congregational Church. Their home was the house in the southwest part of town now belonging to Nick Widstrom.
Leaving here in 1908, Mr. and Mrs. Redman moved to Chadron to be near some land which they owned in South Dakota. After her husband's death, Mrs. Redman continued to make her home there, her mother and grandmother, each of whom reached the age of ninety years, living with her. She has spent the past few years in the Masonic Home at Plattsmouth.
Mrs. Redman was married twice, her first husband and son dying in Omaha.Cards received at this office, announce the birth of an eight pound daughter, Dorothy Nadine, to Mr. and Mrs. Jas. L. Hobel, of LaMesa, California, on January 17.
Dr. Kavan went to Schuyler to assist Dr. Kolouch with a major abdominal operation performed upon Joseph Mundil, Jr., of this city. Joe's many friends wish him a speedy recovery and an early return home.
Joe Prokopec and Miss Catherine Karman, popular young Stanton County people living north of Clarkson, were united in marriage. Both, bride and groom, came from respectable pioneer Stanton County families and have many friends. A wedding dance honoring the young couple was given in the evening at the Prokopec farm. We lack further information regarding this happy event.
County Judge William H. Roether had the unusual experience of officiating at the marriage of a mother and her son, in a double ceremony performed in court chambers.
Mrs. Mable Lauterbach, 42, married Willard Earl Hougland, 37, while her son, John Paul Lauterbach, 19, was married to Mrs. Albina Spense, 27.
Another unusual feature of the occasion was the presence in the wedding party of an infant child of the latter bride, a recent divorcee. The child had the unique privilege of witnessing its mother and fathers wedding, as well as its grandmothers marriage.Mr. and Mrs. Bohumil Boubin welcomed a daughter into their home.
Norma, eight-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Mullenhoff, Jr., is ill with pneumonia and under the care of Dr. P.W. Berney.
Harold Bausch celebrated his 11th birthday, with the aid of a group of schoolmates. There was a round of merry games topped off with a lunch centered with a birthday cake and candles.
Elsie Luedtke received cuts about the face when the car she was riding in hit the flagpole and her head was forced through the windshield.
The car was driven by Hilda Luedtke and her attention was attracted when a lad jumped onto the running board of the car and the driver swerved the car, striking the flagpole.
Elsie Luedtke received cuts about the eyelids and the face and was taken to Humphrey where Dr. Elston took care of the injuries.Funeral services for Marion White, 49, a resident of Stanton for 45 years, were conducted from the Congregational Church, with Rev. H.E. Lacy, pastor, in charge. Interment was made in the Stanton Cemetery.
Altho in failing health for several years, his condition was not considered serious until about two months ago when he was taken to the University Hospital, Omaha, for examination and treatment. He submitted to a major operation which was not successful, the end coming Friday, January 18.
Obituary: Marion White, son of William and Elizabeth White, was born at Leigh, December 5, 1885. He moved to Stanton County with his parents at the age of four, and has resided here since that time.
On December 7, 1910, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Eckert at West Point.
He was widely and favorably known in the Stanton vicinity, having engaged in the livery business for some 16 years after which time he entered the dairy business, continuing in this business until his health demanded he retire.
The past four months he had been in very poor health and bedfast for two months. All that the best of medical care could do was to no avail and he passed from this life on January 18, 1935, age 49 years, one month and 13 days.
He is survived by his wife, Emma; two brothers, Harry of Stanton, and Emmet of Vienna, Missouri; four sisters, Mrs. Ida Strong of Oakland, California, Mrs. Lena Carleton of Sidney, Mrs. Angie Selle of Crookston, and Mrs. Gladys Woepple of Martin, South Dakota. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters.
February 8, 1935 - republished October 16, 2002Rev. W.J. Kaiser, 82, Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away at his home, according to word received here by his son, Rev. J.C. Kaiser, at the close of services at Zion Lutheran Church. Rev. Kaiser had visited in his son's home at Leigh and had made the acquaintance of many people here. He had frequently filled the pulpit in Zion Lutheran Church.
Although he had been in failing health for many years, Rev. Kaiser's passing was something of a shock to his family. The immediate cause of death was angina pectoris. Funeral services were held in St. Paul's Church, Indianapolis, with interment in that city.
Born in Buffalo, New York, Rev. Kaiser had devoted his life to the Lutheran ministry and had pioneered in the introduction of English services in the Missouri Synod. He was graduated from Martin Luther College, New York City, and continued his education in Concordia Seminary, Springfield, New York. Called to a field in Ontario, Canada, he served 17 parishes for a period of five years, as minister, teacher, and missionary worker for which he received a salary of $50 per year.
Throughout the 40 years which he officiated as minister, Rev. Kaiser served churches in Indianapolis, Indiana, Buffalo, New York, Huntington, Indiana, Little Rock, Arkansas, Lincoln, Missouri, and Darmstadt, Illinois. He retired 10 years ago.
Rev. Kaiser possessed an unusual talent in music and throughout his life was a student of the organ. He played all music of the Lutheran church, pitching it in the keys to suit the needs, and it was his custom to spend the evening hours of each day at the organ, playing without light.
Following the death of his wife, 10 years ago, this venerable pastor retired from active service, making his home among his children, but in the intervening years he has occupied many pulpits.
Surviving are four sons, William, Indianapolis, Indiana; Rev. J.C. Kaiser, Leigh; Paul, Clarendon, Texas; and Hugo, New York City; and six daughters, Marie, Indianapolis; Mrs. Fred Finke, Palmer, Kansas; Esther, Indianapolis; Ottilie, Buffalo, New York; Mrs. L.T. Darraugh and Martha, Indianapolis.Miss Lillian Severa became the bride of William Udlinek in a ceremony solemnized in the Catholic Church in Clarkson. Nuptial mass was celebrated by Rev. Father C.Z. Petlach in the presence of relatives and close friends. Attendants were Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Tesnohlidek, brother-in-law and sister of the bride.
Kenneth Hobel was host to a group of boy friends, marking his 10th birthday anniversary. There was a round of merry games followed with a lunch centered with a decorated cake with 10 lighted candles.
Miss Emma M. Holmes is having the interior of her ready-to wear store remodeled and is placing a petition which will divide the front room into two sections.
Smart new yellow gold diamond and wedding ring sets, $12.50 up. Nelson Jewelry Store.
Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Eller, of Fremont, are the parents of a 7 1/2 pound daughter bron on Thursday. Mrs. Eller and the baby are at the Military Avenue Hospital.
Mr. and Mrs. John Herink were at Humphrey to see Mrs. Herink's brother, Joe Moser, who suffered a broken leg in a fall ten days ago. A son of Mr. and Mrs. Moser is ill with pneumonia.
The wedding of Miss Irene Claussen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Claussen, and Louis J. Severin, son of Mrs. Minnie Severin of Leigh, took place on Thursday afternoon, January 31st, in the parlor of the Presbyterian parsonage at Norfolk. Rev. D.A. Dickey officiated at the double ring ceremony.
February 15, 1935 - republished November 6, 2002Miss Mathilda Marie Malasek became the bride of Jos. F. Belohrad. The ceremony being read by Rev. Father Oborny in the parsonage at Heun. Attendants were Miss Edna Burger, maid of honor, Misses Blanche and Wilma Holoubek of Howells, bridesmaids, Valentine Belohrad and Victor Malasek, groomsmen. Norman Jean and Betty June Callies, nieces of the bride, were flower girls.
The case of Gerhard H. Buesing vs. Henry Neuhaus, et al. was heard in district court before Judge Lightner and was decided in favor of the defendant. In this case Buesing was endeavoring to establish homestead rights on the premises. Buesing had been confined in a state hospital and during this time a mortgage had been foreclosed.
Judge Lightner entered a decree for the plaintiff in the case of Luther C. Carleton vs. Jennie Vales, Anton Vales, et al., in district court, the defendants having defaulted. A judgement was given for the principal of $206.72 and interest at 12 percent and a tax lien and attorneys fees as a first lien.
Sheriff Roy Whalen left here for New Orleans to return Floyd Pugh, former city clerk here, who faces a charge of larceny by embezzlement. Pugh, who disappeared from here in September, was arrested about midnight last night in New Orleans, as a fugitive. Pugh is accused of withholding money collected on dog taxes and similar fees. The amount was set at nine hundred dollars, when a charge was filed here.
Arthur Maple, 26, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, was free today on parole by the district court here after telling a story of youthful folly and later years of upright living.
Maple, former Schuyler automobile dealer, fled after being arrested almost eight years ago when implicated in the theft of more than thirty automobiles. He was arrested at Kenosha last August when a police officer there, scanning pictures of wanted men, recognized Maple as a man living in Kenosha under the name of Roy Morgan. Judge Louis Lightner paroled Maple Saturday after consulting five other district judges in Nebraska. Maple admitted he became involved in car thefts after he began to lose money and his working capital was tied up in a failed bank. He pleaded guilty two weeks ago to car theft charges.
In Kenosha, Maple worked for a time as a mechanic and later bought an interest in an automobile repair business. Maple and his family plan to return to Kenosha. His wife and 17-month-old son have been living with relatives in Omaha.Ralph Moran purchased the Hahn Cafe and took immediate possession. Gustave Hahn, who has been in charge of the restaurant while his son, Harry, is working with the allotment committee at Schuyler, will remain with the Morans the rest of this month.
The Morans who have been farming, will move to the Fred Marty house and the Martys will move to the McMullin farm, which will be vacated by the Albert Nagengast family. The Nagengasts will move to the farm vacated by the Morans.
February 22, 1935 - republished November 27, 2002Rev. Father V. Havlicek, 45, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, died at his home here, the victim of an acute heart attack.
Father Havlicek had been in charge of St. Mary's Parish the past four years.
Funeral rites were held at St. Mary's Church at 10:00 a.m. with Bishop Joseph Rummel of Omaha officiating.Ten persons were injured, but none seriously, when automobiles driven by Dewey Johnson, 100 Philip Avenue, and Ed Malzohn, Pierce, collided on Highway No. 8 at the Darius Raasch corner just west of Norfolk.
Mrs. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Merton Wiebold and Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Skoda, all of Leigh, were riding Weibold's car and Malzohn was accompanied by his wife, baby and Mrs. Malzohn's brother.
Mrs. Johnson received severe cuts about her head which required six stitches to close.
Skoda was cut about the back of the head, and four stitches had to be taken to close the wound. Mrs. Wiebold suffered numerous bruises. Malzohn was cut and bruised about the hands, and suffered a scalp wound and neck injury. Johnson received minor cuts and bruises. Others in the two cars were injured slightly.
Mrs. Johnson was taken to the hospital, and after he injuries had been dressed, she returned to her home. Skoda and Mrs. Wiebold were taken to the sanitarium immediately after the accident.
Mr. and Mrs. Skoda, the latter a sister of Johnson, and Mr. and Mrs. Wiebold spent Saturday evening at the Johnson home. Just before they decided to start to Leigh, they invited the Johnsons to go with them for a short ride, as Johnson was acquainted with Norfolk streets, he was asked to drive the car.
They decided to take a short ride on No. 8. As they approached the Rassch corner, Malzohn approached the highway from the north. According to Johnson, the Pierce man failed to halt his car at the "stop" sign at the highway and drove directly in front of him.
Johnson applied the brakes and attempted to avoid the collision. When he saw the cars were going to crash he turned the ignition key and shut off the motor to prevent fire.
Impact of the collision whirled Johnson's car around and overturned it. Malzohn's car also turned around, but it did not overturn. Both cars were badly damaged.Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Kollmorgen welcomed a daughter into their home February 10. This is the third daughter born to Mr. and Mrs. Kollmorgen on this same date. Gaylia June was born on February 10, 1932 and Darlene Joy was born on February 10, 1934.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Watchorn are parents of a daughter born on Monday. The baby weighed 7 1/2 pounds.
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kmoch, north of town, on Saturday.
A daughter weighing 8 1/2 pounds was born to Mr. and Mrs. Geo Geier, living ont he Walter Loseke farm.
Rev. and Mrs. J.J. Renz of Creston, welcomed a daughter into their home. She has been named Marilyn Mae.
February 22, 1935 - republished December 18, 2002Three Colfax County farms were sold at sheriffs sale here.
Fritz Seehase purchased the John W. Jonas 120 acre farm, 2 1/2 miles north of Schuyler, the purchase price being $11,800.
The Joseph Bruhn farm of 80 acres, 2 1/2 miles south of Leigh, was purchased by Thomas Mortimer for $9,800.
Mrs. Sophie Ernst purchased the Fred Trofholz farm of 120 acres, 2 miles north of Richland for $14,000.
In each case the property was purchased by the mortgagee, there being no other bidders.Mrs. Anna Springer, 89, mother of Mrs. H.C. Hooker, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Geo. Cottrell in Fremont. She had been in failing health for several months. Funeral rites, conducted by Rev. Hal F. Schenk of the First Methodist Church of Fremont, were held at the Bader Funeral Home, with burial in Bethel Cemetery near Fremont. Sons of Union Veterans were pallbearers.
Mrs. Springer was Anna Endley before her marriage. She was born at Lisbon, Ohio, and grew to young womanhood there. In 1868 she was married to William Springer, a veteran of the Civil War and they came west to Nebrsaka, homesteading in Dodge County. Their home, for the first five years they lived here, was a frame structure which Mr. Springer built from cottonwood boards. Throughout her life Mrs. Springer was a devout member of the Methodist Church. She also held membership in the Pythian Sisters and served the Soman's Relief Corps, of Fremont, as president.
She was a mother of nine children. Three of them and her husband preceded her in death. The surviving sons and daughters are Mrs. Hooker, Leigh; Louis J. Springer, Kearney; George, Clarence and Harry Springer, Hooper; and Mrs. Cottrell, Fremont.The wedding of Miss Alma Rose Hobza, of Clarkson, and Anton Jelinek of Loma, took place in the Catholic Church at Clarkson. Rev. Father C.Z. Petlach officiated. The marches were played by Mrs. Clyde Karel. Relatives and close friends were present.
The Kollmorgen babies, of Leigh, are coming in for a share of publicity, not on so large a scale perhaps as that given the Dionne Quints, but in a very satisfactory amount for unsuspecting tots of three years and less who did nothing in particular to merit except to be born. The unusual feature about them which was figured in their notoriety, is their unanimcus choice of February 10 for their birthday anniversaries.
Gaylia June, the eldest was born on February 19, 1932. When Darlene Joy was born on February 10, 1934, the fact caused unusual interest but when a third daughter was born in the Killmorgen home on February 10, 1935, mere interest gave way to wonder and attention to the case was drawn from far and wide.
And February 10th is not entirely an incidental date for a birthday in the Kollmorgen family. Walter Killmorgen, uncle of the three babies, who is an assistant to Dr. Geo F. Condra, geographer, in the University of Nebraska, picked February 10th for his birthday back in 1907. And needless to say the babies will be favorites of their uncle as they grow up.
A photographer from one of our metropolitan dailies made a special trip to Leigh the day the baby was born to get a picture of the three babies and their parents. Congratulatory messages have come to Mr. and Mrs. Kollmorgen from friends and strangers in this and distant states.
The event in one family of three daughters of varying ages all having their birthday date on the same day of the year could occur in Nebraska once in every twenty years if the law of averages hold true - and it seldom does.
February 22, 1935 - republished January 8, 2003Floyd Pugh, formerly Stanton city clerk, waived preliminary hearing on charges of embezzling $774 of the city funds and was bound over to the district court for trial, according to dispatch from Stanton.
Pugh dropped out of sight last October. After an audit of his books kept over two consecutive terms had revealed an alleged shortage, a widespread search was instituted, resulting in his apprehension in New Orleans. He was ordered bound over by County Judge Louis Dern after charges had been preferred by County Attorney Fay Pollock.Jos. Sucha suffered a serious heart attack while attending to business down town, and has since been confined to his home. Dr. Will Sucha and Dr. Traynor were called from Omaha in consultation with Dr. Berney. Mrs. Adolph Kafka, R.N. is caring for Mr. Sucha.
Leonard Voelker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gus Voelker living north of town, severed an artery in his left arm while cutting twine on corn bundles with a jacknife. The knife slipped and plunged deeply into his arm. He was taken to the Norfolk hospital for care.
The 10-month-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Grotelueschen is ill with pneumonia and is under the care of Dr. P.W. Berney and Mrs. Urban Imholte, R.N.
Miss Alvena Brixius and George Collins were united in marriage in the Methodist parsonage at Madison with Rev. Buchnell officiating. They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Wm. King.
March 1, 1935 - republished January 8, 2003St. Matthew's Ev. Lutheran Church at Wisner was the scene of a prelenten wedding when Miss Marie Anna Hledik became the bride of Marvin Vahle. The ceremony was read by Rev. W.E. Harms, pastor of the church, relatives and close friends being present.
Mr. and Mrs. R.D. Moran observed their 15th wedding anniversary. Their guests on the day were mr. and Mrs. Jos. C. Weiser and family of Humphrey.
The marriage of Mrs. Louise Burger of this place to Godfrey E. Deuchler, of Omaha, which took place in West Point on February 2nd, was announced to friends. Their ceremony was performed by County Judge Homer E. McDonald.
In county court County Judge Wm. H. Roether assessed Ed Buntrock of Leigh a fine of $25 and 15 days in jail on the charge of passing a no fund check.
E.G. Price, pioneer merchant of Leigh, has had the interior of his store remodeled and will open it to the public this week end. The interior arrangement of the store has been changed to conform with modern merchandising lines. With the groceries placed in a horseshoe center customers can be waited on speedily and clerks can serve them with ease.
Mr. Price, who has been in business at Leigh for thirty-two years, recently conducted an auction sale of his stock of dry goods and under the present arrangement he will cater almost exclusively to the grocery trade.A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Richtig of the Clarkson neighborhood.
March 1, 1935 - republished January 29, 2003The Pat Lynch family, of Omaha, who drove up Sunday to spend the day at the Farnsley home, had enough blizzard experience to last for some time. Mr. Lynch and his daughter Ruth, are employed in the Douglas County Court House and felt they should be on duty on Monday. They left from Creston for their home inspite of the storm. They started 4:30 in the afternoon.
A few miles south of town the car broke down. Hailing a passing motorist they asked him to phone back to Creston for help. It later developed that because he was unfamiliar with the territory and was unable to locate a farm house from which he might phone, he waited until he reached Columbus, two hours later, to call Creston.
When an hour had elasped and no help arrived, one of the men in the Lynch party started out on foot for aid. He walked south to the John Beecher home and called E.H. Farnsley and then started north against the storm to the stalled car, a distance of a mile and a quarter. He said later that several times on the trip he doubted he could make it.
When he called, Mr. Farnsley and Dr. W.J. Ritter started after the party. With the storm at its height they traveled at less than 10 miles an hour. It was impossible to see through the windshield and driving had to be done by watching out the side and keeping a certain distance from the ridge of gravel along the side of the road.
They towed the Lynch car back to Creston without difficulty until they reached a drift across the road at the lumber yard. Here they were obliged to call help from the local garage. They reached the Farnsley home at 9:30 having been on the road five hours.
In the Lynch car, which had no heater, were seven people including two small children and Mrs. Anna Case, who is over 80 years of age.
On investigation they found the axle of the car had crystallized and broken. They remained in the Farnsley home until their car was repaired.Mrs. Bertha Holst and Charles Helm, of Arapahoe, were united in marriage at Columbus at the Immanuel Lutheran church at 5:00 p.m. Their attendants were Elsie Oeltjen and Cornelius Eslinger.
Following an illness of a week's duration, August C. Hamling, 73, who resided at 3503 Eighteenth street, with his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Smith, succumbed at 5:25 a.m. to pneumonia. He was taken ill one week ago.
Mr. Hamling was born on April 20, 1861 in Germany, and when he was 17 years of age, he came to the United States with his parents and they located on a farm near Creston.
He made his home there until his marriage to Miss Anna Ripp, which took place on September 27, 1897, after which they made their home on a farm in Burrows township. Six years later, he bought a farm five miles southeast of Humphrey, where they lived until five years ago, when they retired and moved to Columbus to be with their son-in-law and daughter.
He has been a lifelong member of the Catholic church, and attended services regularly. Since residing here he has attended St. Bonaventure's church.
Besides his widow, Mr. Hamling is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Smith of Columbus; and Mrs. John Ignerski and Mrs. Ferdinand Geiser, of Tarnov; four brothers, John Hamling of Columbus, Martin Hamling of Hugo, Colorado, George and Leo Hamling of Wichita, Kansas; one sister, Mrs. Mary Bodickheimer of Saskatchewan, Canada; and five grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 9:00 a.m. at St. Bonaventure's Church, with Rev. Fr. Salvator, pastor, officiating. Burial was made in the Catholic Cemetery. The body was taken to the Smith home from the McKown Funeral home.Samuel A. Gerber of Columbus has filed two suits in district court here asking $20,000 damages in the deaths of his daughters, Evelyn, 12, and Dolores, 8, electrocuted in the basement of the Gerber home during a storm on the afternoon of June 6, 1934.
Gerber asks $10,000 damages for the death of each daughter. The Northwestern Public Service Company is named defendant. The children were electrocuted when one or both of them contacted an electric washing machine to which a "hot" wire was attached. Indications were that Evelyn died trying to save Dolores.Miss Mildred Goering and Elmer Correll were united in marriage on February 20th at the Immanuel Lutheran Church at Columbus, the wedding uniting the two well known families of this community. The ceremony was performed at 1:00 p.m. The bridal party returned after the ceremony to the home of the bride's parents where a wedding dinner was served to immediate relatives.
March 8, 1935 - republished February 19, 2003Residents of Leigh felt the termors of an earthquake last Friday morning. The quake came in two distance [sic] shocks about four minutes apart and were plain enough to leave no doubt in the minds of those who felt them as to what they were experiencing.
Reports later in the day were to the effect that the shocks were felt in several parts of the state. Geologists explained the quakes as a resulting of the slipping of an underground vault of granite.Leonard Herde, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Herde of this vicinity, is in serious ocndition at the Kolouch Hospital here, as the result of injuries received in an auto accident. He is said to be suffering from internal injuries, fractured nose and severe lacerations about the head and face.
The accident occurred on Highway 30, about three miles east of Schuyler, as Mr. Herde was returning home from Fremont. He crashed into the rear of a heavy truck, owned by the Moist Transfer Company of Columbus. Blinding lights from an approaching machine are said to have been responsible for the crash. The Herde car was thrown into the ditch and was badly damaged. The truck was not damaged except for a broken rear light. Herde was picked up unconscious and brought to Schuyler by the driver of the truck.Aggravated by unseasonable dry weather, contagious and infectious diseases spread through the state during February, reaching new highs for a number of years according to a morbidity summary issued at Lincoln by the State Department of Health.
Measles, most prevalent of the contagious diseases, showed 1,827 cases compared with 305 cases in February 1934, bringing the total for the first two months of the year to 2,689 casees as compared with 482 for the corresponding period a year ago.
Scarlet Fever increased 154 cases during February to a total of 429 cases reported to date in 1935. There were 223 cases reported in the state during the first two months of 1934.
Smallpox also was on the increase with 312 cases on record for January and February, as compared with 25 a year ago.
There were 31 cases of meningitis on record, 21 being reported during February. Only one case of the dread affliction was reported in Nebraska during the first two months of 1934. Twelve of the meningitis cases reported during February were in Douglas County, eight in Cass County and one in Dodge County.
Contagious diseases seem to spread with greater rapidity and occur with greater frequency during dry winter weather Dr. P.H. Bartholomew said in commenting on the situation.Mrs. Bess Miller Baum, 51, well-known music instructor of Stanton, died at her home. She had been in failing health for some time, and inspite of several operations and medical aid, she passed away after a lingering illness.
She was a graduate of Stanton High School, following which she graduated in music from St. Mary's Academy in Omaha. Mrs. Baum was active in social and music activities in Stanton. She was vocal instructor in the Norfolk Junior College of Music, past president of the Order of Does and a member of Nancy Gary Chapter, D.A.R., all of Norfolk. She is survived by her husband; one son, Dan Harris, by a previous marriage; one brother, Harry Miller, prominent banker, and one sister, Mrs. Alfie Nixon, all of Stanton.
Funeral services will be conducted at the home of the Rev. H.E. Lacey, Stanton, assisted by the Rev. E. Merle Adams, minister of the First Congregational church of Norfolk.Announcement has been made of the marriage of Mrs. Elsie Svoboda and George Doll at Savannah, Missouri, last July. Rev. Mr. Loomis, Christian Church pastor, performed the ceremony.
March 8, 1935 - republished February 26, 2003Miss Esther Filipi of Clarkson, formerly a rural school teacher in this community, became the bride of Elmer Makousky in a ceremony read by Rev. Jos. Havlik in the Zion Presbyterian Church southeast of Clarkson. Dr. E.F. Filipi of Leigh, brother of the bride, and Leonard Makousky of Clarkson, brother of the groom, were the attendants.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bahns Jr.
Miss Nora Hoesly became the bride of John Hefti, of Renwick, Iowa, in a beautifully appointed service read by Rev. W. Strunk at St. Peter's Church.
A daughter was born to Dr. and Mrs. Robert Hook, of Lodgepole, on February 26. The baby was named Margaret Ann.
Three persons were bruised, none of them seriously, as result of drivers of two cars attempting, successfully, to avoid a collision at Fifteenth Street and Thirty-third Avenue.
Bruce Albert and LaVern Cashman, in the former's car, were going west on Fifteenth Street and Mr. and Mrs. John Jeldon and their small child were going north on the highway. Mr. Albert swerved his car to the right to avoid a crash and the car struck the curbing on the northwest corner of the intersection and then swerved across to the south side of the street and turned over twice, badly wrecking the car. Both occupatns received bruises about the face and head.
Mr. Jeldon stopped his car suddenly to avoid the crash and the sudden shock threw Mr. Jeldon forward, to she received a bruise on one arm. None of the injured required a physician.LaVern Cunningham, a former resident of Creston, died suddenly at his home at St. Edward. Funeral services were held at the Creston Presbyterian Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Walter were honored at a seven o'clock dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Art Scheffler. The occasion was the fortieth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Walter.
Places were laid for thirty-four guests. A large wedding cake decorated the table where the honored guests sat and ruby colored flowers, symbolic of the fortieth anniversary, were also used. The dinner was served in three courses.
Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Hoesly, parents of Mrs. Walter, were present and will soon celebrate their fifty-seventh anniversary.
Mrs. Hoesly gave a talk after dinner which included memories of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Walter, which took place in 1895 in the Lutheran Church in the Grand Prairie neighborhood.
Rev. Carl Gerathenvohl officiated.
The wedding ceremony attended by 150 guests was followed by a wedding dance at which all enjoyed themselves until nearly morning.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter farmed near Platte Center until 1908 when they moved to the farm north of Creston on which Mr. and Mrs. Fred Walter now live. In 1927 they moved to Creston.
They were presented with a lace tablecloth, the gift of relatives, and an electric toaster by Miss Grace Bysong.
The evening was spent in playing Pinochle.
March 15, 1935 - republished March 19, 2003Frank Sucha, 60, resident of Colfax County until 15 years ago, died according to a message received here by his brothers, Joe and John. Mr. Sucha underwent an operation on February 27 and his condition since that time had pointed toward recovery. On Wednesday, however, word came to his brothers that he was not so well and his death followed Thursday.
Funeral services will be held in Omaha at ten o'clock, Saturday morning with interment in one of the city's cemeteries.
Mr. Sucha was born in Illinois and came to Nebraska when a small boy with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sucha, now deceased. He grew to manhood on the Sucha farm, eight miles southeast of Leigh, now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. John Sucha. Following his marriage to Miss Julia Ternes, they established their home in Schuyler where they lived until 15 years ago when they located in Omaha.
Mr. Sucha leaves his wife; one son, Edwin; two daughters, Edna and Reba. He also is survived by three brothers, Joseph and John, of Leigh, and Dr. W.L. Sucha of Omaha; three sisters, Maggie, Mrs. J.E. Manning of Lead, South Dakota, Fannie, Mrs. Newton York of Lexington, and Josephine, Mrs. D.D. Warner of Orleans.What had appeared at first to be a fantastic story of a kidnapping of a 13-year-old boy by two Negroes was being accepted as a fact by Colfax County officers today as they pushed their investigation into a tale told them by Charles Ellis, Omaha school boy, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Aden Ellis, 848 South 23rd Street
Young Ellis, 13, and a newsboy, said he was kidnapped by two Negroes on 24th between Leavenworth and Mason while enroute to the Mason school, Tuesday afternoon, at about 12:40 o'clock. He said he had been driven around Omaha for several hours by the Negroes, and then had been taken to a point three miles west of Rogers, where the men slowed down the automobile and threw him from the car. He suffered bruises, but was not seriously hurt in falling from the car, he said.
Tells of Kidnapping
Questioned at length by the Colfax County officers, young Ellis hold how he was grabbed by one of the Negroes as he walked along the street, how he was placed in the rear seat of the car with the darkest of the two, and how he was driven around the city and into the country by the other Negro. The lad said they asked him his name, but did not talk at length to him.
Think Another Thought
Officers, unable to shake his story, were inclined to believe that the kidnappers might have intended to take another boy prisoner, and picked up the wrong boy. The youth's story seemed to tally in every respect, they said, except that the time from noon until 7 o'clock seemed a long period of time to drive around Omaha and to Rogers.
Ellis was taken from Rogers to Schuyler by Frank Haely, who found him in Rogers.
Colfax County officers notified the boy's parents and they said they would come to Schuyler after him. The boy's father is said to be an unemployed photographer.
The boy said he could identify the Negroes if he saw them again. The man who rode in the back seat had a prominent scar on his forehead, he said.Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Steiner are the parents of a daughter.
Miss Mathilda Wilke has been elected teacher in school district No. 66, Madison County, filing the unexpired term of Miss Mary Dean, resigned.
Special prices on permanent waves, $1.49 and $2.50. Norma Orchid Beauty Shop.
March 15, 1935 - republished April 9, 2003Ed Danker, of Hooper, has entered the employ of R.V. Froehlich at the blacksmith shop, taking the place made vacant by the removal of Wm. Rahtz.
With every cash purchase amounting to 25 cents, I will sell one pound of lard at 15 cents, Saturday, March 16, only.
Funeral services for LaVerne Cunningham, of St. Edward, were held at the Presbyterian Church. Burial was in the Creston Cemetery.
Mr. Cunningham was born at LeRoy, Illinois, in 1875, and passed away at St. Edward, Nebraska, on March 4, 1935, at the age of 59 years, 11 months and three days.
When four years of age, he came with his parents to Nebraska, spending the rest of his life in this state.
In 1895, he was united in marriage to Emma Jansen, of Creston, and to them four children were born, Lester, who passed away when two years of age, Melvin of Omaha, Mrs. Carl Fletcher of Creston, and Mrs. Bryan Orndorf of Cairo. Mrs. Cunningham died in 1920. Soon afterward, Mr. Cunningham moved from Creston to St. Edward. There he married Esther Hysell in 1924.
Until recently, he was engaged in the dry cleaning business. Ill health caused him to retire. He had been in poor health since December.
Mr. Cunningham was a member of the Presbyterian Church and contributed to community activities.
Besides his wife, son and two daughters, he is survived by four sisters, Mrs. Daniel McCarty of Ashland, Mrs. Francis Dotson of Omaha, Mrs. Charles Kirkpatrick of Spalding, and Mrs. Fred Shipley of Gretna; two brothers, Steve of Spalding and Frank of Gretna.
Pallbearers were G.D. Clark, Arthur and Frank Palmateer, Ernest Gigax, L.D. Phillips and Frank Leach.
Mrs. Elmer Graham, Mrs. W.J. Ritter, Frank Fleming and Arthur Anson furnished music.
March 22, 1935 - republished April 9, 2003Mrs. Washington Hardy, pioneer woman of this community, died at Stanton, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. May Perry. Mrs. Hardy had reached the advanced age of 92 years and six months and had been in failing health for some time.
Funeral services were held in the Congregational Church at Stanton, Rev. G.R. Birch, of Scribner, officiating. Three vocal solos were by Mrs. R.A. Frary. Pallbearers were John Nitz, WIll Hyland, John Hekl, Robert Grattan, David Ditman and Ervine pont. The remains were taken to Columbus for burial.
Mrs. Hardy was Sophia Culbertson before her marriage. She was born at Sonora, Ohio, in 1842, and was married to Washington Hardy on December 17, 1861. Mr. Hardy enlisted for the service in the Civil War in 1862 serving in the 160th U.S. infantry.
Mrs. Hardy was a native to Ohio and, with her husband, belonged to the group of early settlers who homesteaded in Colfax County following the Civil War. Mrs. Hardy was the last surviving member of this group of pioneers. The Hardy homestead is the farm four miles south of Leigh belonging to Thos. Coleman and tenanted by John C. Ehlers. Others in this group of pioneer settlers were the families of L.K. Walters, Jerry Hatcher, Frank Babcock, R.D. McKee, Rev. Babcock, Henry Bridges, Michael Sattler, Peter Botsch, Sr., Harrison Chamberlain, Henry Kloppel, Peter Zartman, J.D. Bowers, Joe Smith and James Sayers.
After the war, Mr. and Mrs. Hardy moved to Madrid, Iowa, where they lived until 1872 when they came to Nebraska and Colfax County homesteading the place four miles south of town.
Mrs. Hardy was preceded in death by her husband who passed away in 1919, two sons, Clarence and Elmer, and one daughter, Mrs. Lizzie Brisack. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Perry of Stanton, Mrs. J. Higgens of Seattle, Washington, and Mrs. E. Harper, of Tolt, Washington; two sons, Byron Hardy of Surrey, North Dakota, and A.H. Hardy of Beverly Hills, California. She leaves 27 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.Herman Woeppel, of Martin, South Dakota, formerly a resident of the neighborhood north of Clarkson, passed away in a hospital at Hot Springs, South Dakota, on March 6, word having been received here by his brother-in-law, L.C. Staab. Mr. Woeppel was 56 years of age and his death was caused by a gall bladder infection.
Funeral services were held at Chadron, March 10, at the home of a sister Mrs. Jessie Murphy, and burial was made at that place.
Mr. Woeppel leaves his wife, formerly Miss Gladys White of Leigh; one son, Leonard. He is also survived by four brothers, Gus, of Stanton, Paul and Ed of Liberty, Sask., Canada, and Richard, of Erickson; four sisters, Mrs. Anna Fisher of Norfolk, Mrs. Hulda Murphy of Chadron, Mrs. Lena Hopper of Stanton, and Mrs. Laura Bordner of Pilger.
March 22, 1935 - reprinted April 30, 2003Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Jenny will be honored on Sunday, by relatives and friends, who will gather at their home to observe with them their golden wedding anniversary. Preceding the gathering at the home, Mr. and Mrs. Jenny will be honored in a special service at St. John’s Church. Rev. E. Klotsche, of Maywood, Illinois, and Rev. F. A. Kunz, of Chicago, former pastors and close friends of Mr. and Mrs. Jenny, will be present and will assist Rev. G. Gieschen with the service which will start at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Klotsche will speak in the German language and Rev. Kunz will deliver the English sermon and will also furnish special music.
Mr. and Mrs. Jenny have spent the 50 years of their married life in this community. Both were born in the village of Ennenda, Canton Glarus, Switzerland. Their parents were neighbors and they attended the same village school. Being of the same age, they were classmates and were confirmed together in the historic, old stone church which was dedicated in the Swiss viilage in 1771.
At the age of 19 years, Mr. Jenny came to Amrica in March, 1883, his companion on the journey to the new world being an uncle six months his senior, Balthaser Jenny. They made their first stop with relatives at New Glarus, Wisconsin, where employment for the next six months was found in a cheese factory.
In November, Mr. Jenny came west to Nebraska and joined four uncles, his father’s brothers, Melchior, Rudolph, Kaspar and Daniel, who were farming in Platte County eight miles southwest of Leigh. At the same time he sent word to his parents in Switzerland to join him in his country. Accordingly, his father purchased a farm here, the place now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Jenny, but instead of coming themselves, they made arrangements for his boyhood sweetheart, Anna Marie Altmann, to make the trip and become his wife. Their marriage took place on her arrival at Columbus, on March 24, 1885. The ceremony was performed at the Reformed Church at Columbus and was read by Pastor Fleischer, who passed away in Omaha in 1930. Attendants were two uncles of the groom, Melchior and Balthaser Jenny. The celebration next Sunday will mark the fiftieth anniversary of that occasion.
Mr. and Mrs. Jenny settled on the farm which his father had purchased and that remained their home for 22 years. Their six sons were born there. One of them passed away in infancy. The others are Henry R., Rudolph B., Balthaser, Andrew and Ernest, all of whom live in this locality. In 1907 they traded with Jacob Held Sr., for the farm which has since been their home. There are seven grandchildren.
Throughout the years Mr. and Mrs. Jenny have been loyal supporters of St. Paul’s and St. John’s Churches. Honest in their dealings with fellow men, they have lived upright, exemplary lives and they are held in high regard by everyone. Their home is known far and wide for its generous hospitality. A student of civic and economic problems as well as of religious subjects, Mr. Jenny represents a high type of self made man and his opinion on matters of this sort carries considerable weight.Application has been made of the Board of Pardons by Geo. H. Gutru for a parole and a hearing will be held on April 10 by this body to consider same. Gutru is serving a three year sentence in the state penitentiary which began on March 23 of last year. He was convicted of receiving deposits in Newman Grove State Bank, of which he was president, when he knew his bank to be insolvent.
The litigation extended over several years and at the trial was one of the most sensational held in Madison County in recent years. His bank was closed by the banking department on July 16, 1929. Its affairs were only recently liquidated paying out 10 percent to the depositors of over $3,000,000 on deposit in the bank.Following a wild ride through the city, Thursday evening, March 14, Joseph Glasner, Jr. of Leigh was arrested near the corner of First and Clarkson by Officer James Briggs on a charge of intoxication and driving under the influence of liquor. He was sentenced to 30 days in Dodge County jail on the driving charge and fined $10 and costs on the intoxication charge when arraigned before Judge Donald Devries in police court, Friday morning. His driver’s license was ordered revoked for a year.
Glasner, driving a truck, was said to have collided with a car owned by Henry Peterson and parked between 16th and 17th streets on Broad. Glasner continued on, according to the reports of police, and in front of the Empress theater on main street collided with a car owned by Fred Suchland, in which Mrs. Suchland was sitting. Mrs. suchland was injured.
On First Street, between Main and D, the truck is alleged to have struck a car owned by Vernie Hansen of Ames, damaging a fender.
Police were very busy at the time. Both the police car and a car owned by Chief James E. Sylvis were answering calls to search for lost children. Officer Briggs, near the corner of First and Main, and Charles Nelson leaped in Vernie Hansen's carand sent in chase of Glasner’s truck.
Meanwhile H. R. Hemenway drove up to the station, notified Sylvis of the wild ride of the truck driver, and Sylvis went in chase in Hemenway’s car. Altogether, six cars were in use by police at the one time, two others being enlisted for calls.
Sylvis said further charges may be placed against Glasner. The officers were delaying the charges to ascertain what steps Glasner takes for making restitution for damages to the cars struck by his truck. His truck was held at the police station and the load transferred to another.--Fremont Tribune
March 22, 1935 - reprinted May 21, 2003Two robbers, following a gun battle with Marshal J. W. Senske, of Humphrey, about 5:00 a.m. in which apparently no one was hit, escaped in their automobile.
The battle took place when one of the robbers attempted to break into the garage owned by N. J. Dober, while Marshal Senske was seated in an automobile in the garage showroom. The two drove up to the garage, one of them got out, shattered the glass of the front door and reached inside to unlock the door. At that moment the marshal shouted at the intruders and started shooting.
The one man jumped back into the car and they sped away. Half a block from the garage the car stopped and the men shot twice at Marshal Senske. He fired several more bullets in their direction and the men then drove on, turning north on the Meridian highway.Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Eller are the parents of a daughter born on Tuesday. Mrs. Eller’s mother, Mrs. H. A. Kroeger, came up from Hastings, to remain at the Eller home for a few weeks.
Lester Wescott who was raised here, and who is a brother of Ross Wescott, and an uncle of Newell Wescott, was injured in a train wreck, Friday, according to a dispatch in Sunday’s World Herald, which follows:
Two Omahans were injured, one seriously, late Friday night, when the Omaha bound Milwaukee "Arrow" was derailed near Davis Junction, Illinois. One hundred and fifty others aboard the train escaped.
Lester P. Wescott, 5305 Izard Street, vice-president of the Eggers-O’Flying Company, was most seriously hurt, suffering internal injuries and a possible fracture of the spine, according the Associated Press. Mrs. Wescott left Omaha for his bedside in Rockport, Ilinois, hospital.
The other Omahan was F. G. Trompsett, aviator, living at Seventy-eighth and Maple Streets. He sustained a broken ankle.
Wescott Under Knife
Mr. Wescott underwent an emergency operation early Saturday for a punctured bladder. Associates in his office here communicated with the hospital and were told his condition is serious, but he has a "fair chance" for recovery.
The two Omahans were en route here from Chicago, Tompsett said, when the train left the rails. The wreck is ascribed unofficially to the breaking of a truck under one of the Pulmans. The wreck occurred in a deep cut, Tompsett said, and although the cars were thrown against the embankment they were not overturned.
The compartment in which he and Wescott were sitting almost filled with dirt Tompsett said. If it had not been for the embankment, he believed the wreck would have been much more serious.
Four other persons, all Negro dining car employees, were injured. One seriously. They were Walter Thomas and John Bartley, both cooks; Houston Spencer and Jack Rhodes. Spencer suffered a serious abdominal injury.
Federal Prisoners Aboard
The six injured persons were taken to the Rockford hospital, 15 miles from the scene of the wreck, by ambulance. One of the derailed ears contained 23 federal prisoners on route from Chicago to prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The "Arrow" left Chicago at 7:30 p.m. The wreck blocked traffic on all westbound tracks, the Associated Press said.
Fourteen guards and deputies were guarding the federal prisoners in the rear coach when the derailment occurred. Officials in charge said many of the prisoners might have escaped had the accident happened a few minutes later.
The prisoners had not gone to sleep, and were still handcuffed and shackled to each other, but regulations require that their irons be removed before they are placed in berths.
March 29, 1935 - reprinted June 11, 2003Tubby Mason and Miss Mabel Swartz, members of a Nebraska gypsy band encamped several miles south of Columbus, were married by County Judge Speice in his office in the court house. Though the groom is 22 and the bride 21, neither of them could write, so Miss Katherine Byrnes, the judge’s assistant, signed their names for them on the application for the marriage license, while each of them marked an “X” as an identification to make their signatures meet legal requirements.
The John A. Prokes farm, one and one-half miles east of Schuyler, was visited by a small twister about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. A large poultry house, a short distance east of the Prokes residence, was badly damaged. The tin roofing was torn from the frame structure in sections, a part of it being carried about two blocks. The east end of the building was completely torn away, the framework being carried to the north of the building, while the roof lay crushed some distance to the south. A hen and a brood of little chicks, housed in the demolished section of the building, were left unharmed, on the cement floor after the roof and sides had been carried away.
The twister was seen by Schuyler residents as it traveled in a southeasterly direction. It was described as a funnel shaped cloud, the tail of which dipped down over the Prokes farm.Four federal officers went to Leigh, Nebraska, Tuesday, loaded a farmer’s machinery, nine loads of them, then put them all back again.
The action was on a court order in replevin suit, brought by D. A. Becher, receiver of the closed First National Bank of Leigh. The bank held a note for more than three thousand dollars against J. C. Claussen, the farmer, secured by his goods, and sued when payment was not made.
But after the goods were loaded, a cash settlement was arranged, the officers reported.A day of significance, a day of social activity and a day that will long be remembered by themselves and their family and friends was Tuesday, March 19, for it was the golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Loseke, 1670 Twenty-fifth Avenue, who have been residents of Columbus for the last 15 years.
Assembled under the parental roof were their sons and daughters and their families and several intimate friends, who gathered for a delicious dinner served at high noon. The tables were decorated with large bouquets of talisman roses and yellow and bronze snapdragons. A prettily decorated wedding cake formed the centerpiece on the table. Gold leaves, in keeping with the theme of the affair, were placed around the base and decorated the top of the wedding cake, baked by their daughter, Mrs. Herman Schlueter.
Their sons and daughters are William Loseke of Creston; Arnold Loseke of Columbus; Otto Loseke of Leigh; David Loseke of Denver, Colorado; Walter Loseke of Leigh; Mrs. Julius Asche and Mrs. Gus Asche of Leigh; Mrs. Herman Schluete, of Meadow Grove; and Mrs. Alma Busse of Boone. All, with the exception of two sons, William and David, were present for the celebration. A number of their 2_ grandchildren were also present for the day’s festivi ties.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Loseke are unusually young in appearance for their years, and both are very active and enjoy the best of health. Mr. Loseke was 74 last month, and Mrs. Loseke was 70 on Monday, March 25.
Mr. Loseke was born in Oldenburg, Germany, on February 14, 1861, and came to the United States alone when he was 18 years of age. Imbued with the spirit of adventure and a desire to make his way in the “new world,” he left home and pioneered the trail for his parents, brothers, and sisters who followed him in a few years.
He had definitely decided to locate in Nebraska, even before leaving his fatherland, and when he arrived in New York his first words of greeting were filled with a tone of discouragement. The people with whom he came in contact during the few days he spent in New York City, all cautioned him, “Boy, don’t go there. There is nothing but grasshoppers and snakes in Nebraska, and the government has to feed the people.”
His youth and his keen desire to see the country he had so planned on seeing, would not let him be discouraged, and he came on, locating first in Colfax County, where he worked as a farm hand. After a year there, he went to Wash- ington County, and worked on a farm north of Arlington for a period of three years, and then returned to Colfax County and bought a farm.
After their marriage, they located on Mr. Loseke’s farm in Colfax County near Leigh, where they resided until 15 years ago, when they moved to Columbus. Their trails, hardships and disappointments, together with their happier experiences and well merited financial success, narrate an account like that of the other pioneers.
Mrs. Loseke has three brothers, George, John, and William Lusche, all of Columbus, and one sister, Mrs. Herman Muhle, also of Columbus. Mr. Loseke has four brothers, Carl Loseke of Creston; Bill and Gustav Loseke of Monroe; and Herman Loseke of Leigh; and three sisters, Mrs. Otto Heuer and Mrs. William Lusche of Columbus; and Mrs. Anna Weishaer of Los Angeles, California.
April 5, 1935 - reprinted July 2, 2003Announcement of the death of Mrs. Louis Hahn, which occured in an Omaha hospital late Friday afternoon, Mrach 29, caused a wave of sorrow over the entire community. Mrs. Hahn had entered the hospital early in the week for a major operation. She had spent the preceding three and one half weeks at Cedar Rapids, with the family of her daughter, Mrs. N. F. Lowe, and had returned to her home at Leigh on Friday, March 22. On the following Monday, she was taken to Omaha submitting to the operation on Tuesday.
The remains were brought home to Leigh, Friday evening, and funeral obsequies were held at St. John’s Church. Rev. G. Gieschen delivered the sermon, using for his text, John 16-33: In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
Dr. M. Koolen, of Lincoln, former pastor and friend, spoke briefly, taking his text from Ps.90-1 "Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations."
Musical numbers were, I Know That My Redeemer Lives, by the congregation; To Thee Lord Jesus Thanks Be Given, by the choir; and My Jesus, As Thou Wilt, by Mrs. Adolph Hobel and Mrs. C. J. Thorpe.
Loud speakers were installed for the accommodation of the large gathering of family, friends and old neighbors who were obliged to remain outside the church.
Pallbearers were Henry Hamann, Gustav Schlueter, Albert Busse, L. J. Sedlak, Fred Ahrens, John Metzger. Burial was in the Leigh Cemetery.
Louise Herling was born, December 5, 1872, in Hilchenbach, Westphalia, Germany, oldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Herling. She died in Omaha, Nebraska, on March 26, 1935, at the age of 62 years three months and 22 days. At the age of 11 years, she came with her parents to this country and after spending one year in Illinois, they came on west to Nebraska, settling on a homestead in the central part of Colfax County.
The hardships suffered by those who settled in this territory in that distant day, were not imposed on the parents alone, but children in every family carried a measure of the burden. The Herling family was like all others. Able to make arrangements for the oldest daughter, Louise, to prepare for confirmation at St. Paul's Church, the problem of transportation presented itself. St. Paul's Church was 14 miles distant from the Herling home. The proglem was solved by the Herlings, as it was by others, the young girl was obliged to walk each way. Frugal of time, lest any be wasted along the road, she allowed hereself three hours in which to cover 14 miles.
She became the wife of Louis Hahn on December 7, 1891, the ceremony being performed by John Gutelehen in Bethlehem Church, an early Lutheran church in Midland Precinct which was in later years discontinued. They made the hoje on a nearby farm for 14 years, moving to Leigh in 1905.
Throughout her life Mrs. Hahn was a devout member of the Lutheran church. She was a sincere Christian, the embodiment of all that is noble in womanhood, a loyal wife, a loving mother, a true friend. A charter member of St. John's Church, she was active in the Woman's Missionary Society and the Woman's Guild. Her memory will be kindly cherished.
Surviving are the husband, three sons, Walter of Leigh; George of Schuyler; and Roy of Columbus; and one daughter, Mrs. N. F. Lowe, of Cedar Rapids. There are nine grandchildren.
She leaves two brothers, William Herling of Schuyler; Henry Herling of Clarkson; five sisters, Mrs. Emma Held of Omaha, Mrs. P. G. Held of Griswald, Iowa; Mrs. Gustav Hahn of Leigh; Mrs Otto Hahn of Buhl, Idaho; and Mrs. John Hahn of Schuyler, all of whom were present at the funeral.W. S. Evans, prominent Platte County physican over a long period of years, died at St. Mary’s Hospital, Columbus, following a brief illness with pneumonia. He was a physician and surgeon of widely recognized ability. Funeral services were held with burial in the Columbus Cemetery.
Coming to Columbus from Pennsylvania in boyhood, he later went to Baltimore to study medicine and, after overcoming difficulties, succeeded in winning his degree from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1903. In the following year he returned to Columbus where he has since cared for a large medical practice. During the World War he volunteered for service in the medical corps. He was commissioned a captain in May, 1918, and was stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas, until February, 1919, when he received his honorable discharge. He was a member of Hartman Post, American Legion.
In 1890, Dr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss Imogene Williams, of Salt Lake City, who died in 1907 leaving three sons and one daughter.
In 1908 he married Miss Florence Whitmoyer, who suvives.
April 5, 1935 - reprinted July 23, 2003Judge Louis Lightner, of Columbus, was in Schuyler, and held a special session in district court. Several foreclosure actions and the following criminal cases were heard. State of Nebraska vs Victor Dworak, wherein Dworak pleaded guilty to the theft of $81 from the room of Leonard Herde. He was sentenced to the state penitentiary for one year.
In the case of Geroge [sic] Sule and Joseph Kovar, arrested two weeks ago for the theft of a car, the property of A. J. Guendel of Grand Island, both pleaded guilty. Sule was given a six months sentence in the county jail, while Kovar drew a three months sentence in the county jail. Each was fined $100.
Dworak was taken to Lincoln by Sheriff Little to begin serving his sentence.
Leon Muller, arrested by Sheriff George H. Little on a no-fund check charge, was arraigned in county court, and pleaded guilty to the charge. He was fined $5 and costs, making a total of $8.88. Being unable to pay the fine, he was remanded to the county jail.
John Spale, farmer residing near Clarkson, who was arrested by Sheriff George H. Little, appeared in county court and pleaded guilty to the charge of driving an automobile while intoxicated. He was given a 30 day suspended sentence and was required to pay the costs amounting to $7.80. His drivers license was also revoked for a period of one year.Ed Hall was given a surprise party at his home, the affair being planned by Mrs. Hall in honor of his birthday anniversary. The group took possession of the Hall home, unannounced, and a social evening, interspersed with card games and refeshments, was enjoyed.
St. John’s Church, south of Creston, was the scene of an early spring wedding, when Miss Elsie Becher became the bride of Arthur Franzen. The double ring ceremony was used, the service being read by Rev. Theodore Harms, pastor of the church. Prof. C. Merz played the marches. The women’s choir sang, "Thine Forever, God of Love."
Norma Wilke, 13, was the winner of the Platte County spelling contest for 1935. She was presented with a medal by Edgar Howard and will go to Omaha as an entrant in the state competition. She won the county contest by spelling the word "Occurrence."
Norma is a pupil in Christ Lutheran parochial school, a pupil of Prof. Emil Buchholz. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Wilke and a granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gottfried Marty, Sr.Relatives and friends gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Smrz, to help in celebrating the third birthday anniversary of their daughter, Joan. Games and music furnished entertainment and a candle-lighted cake, the gift of her aunt, Mrs. Stanley Sobota, of Heun.
Lester P. Wescott, 44, of Omaha, passed away suddenly at 2:45 p.m. Friday in Rockford, Illinois, hospital, two hours after contracting pneumonia. He had been in the hospital since March 16, when be was taken for treatment of injuries when the Omaha bound "Arrow," crack Milwaukee train, left the track near Davis Juncion llinois.
Mr. Wescott had been connected with Eggers-O'Flying company for 23 years and for the past two was vice-president. He was born at Creston, Nebraska, December 3, 1890.
Mrs. Wescott returned from Rockford this morning with the body.
Surviving besides his wife, Ann, are three children, Beverly Ann, 13; Lester Jr., 6; and Dolores Jean 5; three brothers, Ross, Delbert, and Fred, all of Omaha; and three sisters, Mrs. Mabel Debb, Columbus, Nebraska, Mrs. Mort Kemper, Newcastle, Nebraska, and Mrs. Ada Austin, Long Beach, California.
Burial was in the Omaha Cemetery.The state banking department today announced payment of a 5 percent dividend or $7,937, to depositors of the failed Citizens State Bank at Creston. This brought the total paid to date to 35 per cent or $55,565.
April 19, 1935 - reprinted August 13, 2003Fire of unknown origin completely destroyed the Clarkson Ballroom just after midnight Wednesday night. The alarm was sounded, calling the Clarkson fire fighters to the scene of the conflagration. Because of the distance from a fire hydrant it was impossible to use any water in the effort to save the structure which was burned to the foundation.
The ballroom had been recently renovated and improved by the installation of a new industrial tile dance floor and the interior newly decorated. The cost of the improvements just made was in the neighborhood of $2,000 and we are informed that the loss will reach between $5,000 and $6,000 with only a small amount of insurance. The building was the property of Odvarka Bros. of Clarkson.
Among the new improvements was a specially built loudspeaker system, which fortunately was not in the building at the time of the fire. The office, which was a small building adjacent to the ballroom, was saved by the use of chemicals. It was in this office building that the loudspeaker system was stored. A number of large trees which surrounded the ballroom were burned, thereby destroying the natural setting which made the ballroom such an attractive place in the summer.
In view of the fact that the repairs on the building had been completed some days ago, and no one was known to have been in or around the building just previous to the fire and the electric light had not been turned on, the owners are at a loss to know how the fire could have started. At this time it is not known whether the ballroom will be rebuilt.The Leigh Cooperative Credit Association moved this week into the H. Chris Nelson building, recently vacated by the Nelson Jewelry store. The association, which was organized in June, 1934, in the absence of banking facilities at Leigh, has been located in the Olson building, sharing room with the Mrstny meat market. To accommodate the increasing business, more spacious quarters were required. The concern now has 154 depositors. There are 110 such cooperative banks operating successfully throughout the state.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. F. Wm. Brock, of Creston.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schlueter are the parents of a son. He has been named Fred Francis.
Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Bakenhus are the parents of a daughter.
Urban, eight-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Urban Imholte, broke both bones in his arm, while playing at school. Dr. P. W. Berney cared for the injury.
Funeral services for Mrs. J. L. Brown were held, Thursday afternoon, at two o’clock, at the Presbyterian Church with Rev. S. N. Horton, officiating. Burial was in the Creston Cemetery.
Rev. Horton spoke briefly of Mrs. Brown’s favorite Bible verses, taking one of them, "In My Father’s House Are Many Mansions," as the text for his sermon.
Pallbearers were friends of long standing, Frank Belknap, Fred Craig, L. D. Phillips, Frank Leach, John Barrett, and G. D. Clark.
The many floral tributes showed the love in which the community held her.Three of the Creston teachers have, during the past week, requested the school board to release them from their contracts to teach here next year in order that they may accept positions offered them elsewhere.
C. Jones has been offered the superintendency at Wymore, Miss Nola Barrett has been elected to the primary department at Franklin and Miss Dorothy MoCandish has a position at Cowles.Phyllis Conway, 15-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Conway, passed away at the home of her parents after an illness of only four days. Death was caused by heart failure. A trained nurse had been in constant attendance since she became ill.
Funeral services were held at 1:30 at the home and 2:30 at the Methodist Church at Madison, Rev. Bucknell officiating.
Phyllis was a student in the Liberty Consolidated High School where she was a popular member of the Sophomore class. She was a good student and a loyal classmate. Her sudden passing is mourned by students and teachers alike.
Besides her parents, she is survived by two sisters, Delores and Irene, and one brother, Thomas.
April 26, 1935 - reprinted September 3, 2003A social gathering at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Wurdeman, north of town, marked their 25th wedding anniversary. Relatives and friends met to spend the day with the honored couple and to congratulate them and offer their best wishes.
The festivities began with a dinner at noon. The rooms were decorated with a scheme of yellow and white and the table appointments were of silver. A large wedding cake graced the center of the table. This was topped by a silver basket ornament with decorated silver leaves. White tall candles blazed the light for the happy occasion. The affair had been planned by Mrs. W. C. Deichmann and Mrs. Geo. C. Kumpf.
Mr. and Mrs. Wurdeman were united in marriage a quarter of a century ago at the Christ Lutheran Church where the Rev. Denninger tied the nuptial knot. Mr. and Mrs. W. Grotelueschen were the attendants. The couple made their home west of Leigh until three years ago when they moved to the former Henry Rabeler farm. They have four children, Elmer, Walter. Edna and LaVern.Funeral services for Graf R. Burch, 87. who passed away, Friday. April 19, were held here. Mr. Burch was born in Virginia in 1848. In 1859 he moved to Mississippi and in 1864 came to Nebraska. Mr. Burch was married in Omaha on St. Patrick’s Day in 1875. He and his wife observed their 60th wedding anniversary this spring.
Mr. Burch had been a resident of Stanton County for 50 years, having homesteaded here in the early days. He retired from active farming in 1916. He is survived by his widow.Funeral services for Henry R. Schaefer, 45, who passed away in Omaha on Saturday, were held at Howells on Tuesday and were conducted by Rev. Alberts at the SS. Peter and Paul’s Church.
Mr. Schaefer died on Saturday after a lingering illness lasting about two years. He had been taken to the University Hospital a few days before his death which was the immediate result of a hemorrhage.
The deceased was born at Gervais, Oregon, on March 1, 1890, and died in Omaha, Nebraska, on April 20, 1935, at the age of 45 years, one month and 19 days. He came with his parents, now deceased, to Nebraska when a mere child and the family located near Howells.
He was united in marriage to Miss Olga Froehlich, of Leigh, on June 16, 1914, and they made their home at Howells until 12 years ago when they moved to Omaha. He is survived by his widow, one son, Richard, 19, and one daughter, Lou Ann, 12.Miss Alice Pauline Asche and Ewald Frank Deichmann were united in marriage by the Rev. J. C. Kaiser at the Zion Lutheran Church, Wednesday afternoon, at 2:30 o’clock. The bridal party took the place before the altar to the Strains of Lohengrin’s Bridal Chorus played by Theo Kollmorgen. Rev. Kaiser used as his text, Genesis 2:18, “And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make a help mate for him.”
The young couple will make their home on a farm, four miles west of Leigh, belonging to the bride’s parents.Lightening struck the Zabka school house. The bolt of lightning struck a lightning rod and then jumped to the metal corners near the base of the building and knocked out a part of the foundation.
The lightning burned a small hole in the roof of the building but did not set the structure on fire. Lightning also struck the electric machine in the refrigerator at the Tomes Bros.’ soft drink parlor.
A large tree on the O. H. Wullschlcger farm, which stood near the barn, was struck by lightning.A son was horn to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Roberts.
The St. John's Church could only accommodate a small part of the sorrowing friends who came to attend the funeral services for Emil Muth, 21.
His death was caused by blood poisoning. The week previous to his death, he had been helping cut wood with a buzz saw. He stooped down to push away sawdust from under the saw and as he rose the saw caught the sleeve of his jacket. He received a deep gash in his arm that required 26 stitches to close. In spite of all the best medical care, infection developed and he passed away at the Columbus Hospital.
Emil was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Muth, prominent farmers of the St. John’s district. He was born on July 6, 1913, on the farm where the family still resides. He received his education in St. John’s Parochial School and was a member of the church. He was an active and popular member of the Walther League. He was a member of the ball team of St. John’s.
Since finishing school, he has been his father’s right hand man on the farm. He will be missed by the entire community.
He is survived by his parents, three brothers, Ewald, Walter, and Eugene, at home, and two sisters, Mrs. Art Korte, of Columbus, and Miss Vernetta, at home.
Funeral services were held at the St. John’s Lutheran Church at two o’clock, Monday afternoon.
May 3, 1935 - reprinted September 24, 2003Friends and neighbors surprised Mr. and Mrs. Otto Franzen, the occasion being their thirtieth wedding anniversary. The evening was spent in sociability and games and a lunch, provided by the intruders, was enjoyed at midnight.
Mr. and Mrs. Franzen were united in marriage at Zion Lutheran Church on April 25, 1905, by the Rev. Martin Winters. They have resided in this community since and have reared a family of five children. They are: Lydia, Mrs. R. W. Korte; Leona, Mrs. Edgar Becher; Arthur, Elaine and Melvin.
Mrs. Franzen, as Lena Daniels, was born at Gothenburg, Nebraska, and after a residence at Holyoke, Colorado, the family moved to Leigh.
Mr. Franzen was born in Germany and when his family came to America they first located in Illinois and then came to the territory south of Creston, later moving onto the Van Heufeln farm near Leigh. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Franzen established their home on the present farm where a beautiful home is now their domicile.A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Lad Kabes near Clarkson and he was named Donald Dean.
The marriage of Miss Blanche Miller and Joseph Kulisek was solemnized at Clarkson. The marriage lines were read by Rev. B. A. Fillipi. A wedding reception was given at the Clarkson Opera House.
The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. C. Miller and the groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kulisek.Kenneth Raymond, the five month old son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bahns, died as a result of pneumonia and other complications.
The lad was born on November 3rd, 1934, together with a twin sister, who passed away 14 hours after birth. The little form was laid to rest beside the remains of the twin sister in Mrazek Cemetery.A number from here attended the funeral services for Alvin Ambroz, 21-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Ambroz, west of Madison on Sunday. He is survived by his widow and infant son. Lester Pimpara and Adolph Belohrad were among the pallbearers.
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Leland Mattley at Creston.
The sudden death of Arthur Craig, 47, brought a wave of sorrow to the entire community. Mr. Craig complained of pleurisy pains in his chest, but was not confined to his home. That evening he became ill rapidly, developing double pneumonia. He passed away at his home.
Funeral services were held at one o’clock at the house and two o’clock at the Presbyterian Church, Rev. S. H. Horton officiating.
Pallbearers were Sam Hoesly, Pete Hoesly, Walter Botsch, Frank Ternus, Chet Ogan and Charles Knight.
His parents were prominent pioneers and he was born on October 14, 1887, on the Craig homestead north of Creston. Here he spent his youth. He received his education at Creston and excepting for five years, his entire life was spent in the community.
He was married on February 19, 1914, to Miss Theresa Budinger of Humphrey. They made their home north of Creston. To then were born two children, George and Henrietta. Since the death of their mother in 1923 these children have lived at Columbus at the Bernard Caffrey home.
On October 6, 1927, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Anna Nichols at Madison. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, the Modern Woodmen and the Presbyterian Church of Creston. Besides his widow, son and daughter, he is survived by two stepdaughters, Adele and Vey Nichols, and one stepson, John Nichols, two brothers, Fred and Everett Craig and one sister, Mrs. J. W, Larson.
A friend of everybody, honest and upright in all dealings, he leaves a place in the community that will be hard to fill.Hedwig Wiemer is opening a beauty shop, in front of the Wardenburg shop on the south side of Main Street. Since graduating from the Moler School of Cosmetology in Omaha, Miss Wiemer has been following her profession in Omaha and Clarkson. She is locating at Creston to be near her home.
May 10, 1935 - reprinted October 15, 2003Mr. and Mrs. John M. Arps. who celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary, have 14 children, 59 grandchildren and 72 great-grandchildren, all living.
Seven of their children, Peter and William Arps, and Mrs. Dorothea Brandt, all of Fremont; Hans E. Arps and Mrs. George Little (Elizabeth), both of Schuyler; Chris Arps, North Bend; and Mrs. Leo Davis (Anna) of Council Bluffs, were present at a quiet family dinner at the home of their parents. A daughter residing in Portland, Oregon, a daughter and son in Texas, two sons in Canada, a daughter at Belgrade and a son of North Bend were unable to be here for the occasion. The table was prettily decorated with tulips and lilies.
Wed in Germany
The couple was married at London, Northern Schleswig-Holstein, Denmarschen, Germany, May 4, 1871, and came to the United States the following year. They located on a farm in Dodge county a short time after their arrival in this country and remained here until 1903 when they moved from the farm and moved to Rogers. They have resided in Fremont since 1916 when they purchased their present residence. Mr. Arps was born in Schleswig-Holstein, February 15, 1847, and Mrs. Arps was born in Hinsteadt, Germany. Although the former celebrated his 88th birthday last February, he leads an active life and walks to the business district of the city and home again daily. Mrs. Arps, who is 85, does practically all her housework. Her hobby is fancy knitting at which she is unusually adept through daily practice for many years.Friends and relatives gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Fuhr to honor Mrs. Fuhr on her birthday. The time was spent in visiting and at cards. At midnight lunch was served.
Mr. and Mrs. John Barta were honored on their 40th wedding anniversary by members of their family and friends who gathered at their home to make the occasion a happy one. The affair was a surprise and was well planned and well executed. Meeting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Prokop, the crowd went to the Barta home in a body. Congratulations were offered and a lunch was served. Featuring the lunch was a decorated cake, the handiwork of Miss Sylvia Barta.
Mr. and Mrs. Barta were both born in Czechoslovakia. He came to America at the age of 17 years, Mrs. Barta was Miss Emma Stejskal before her marriage. Following their wedding at Dodge on May 5, 1895, they located on a farm near Beemer where they lived for six years. Retiring from the farm, they came to Leigh in 1913 and this has remained their home.
Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barta. Of the 12, two have passed away. One in infancy and a son, Edward, 18, dying on May 5th, 1928. The surviving children are James of Sioux City, Iowa; Mrs. John Miller of Albion; Mrs. Theo. Urbanek of Clarkson; Mrs. Geo. Rahtz of Chicago; John, Jr. of San Diego, California; Mrs. Vincent Prazak of Clarkson; Emil, Louis, Sylvia, and Delores, who are at home.Otto Littelman was held up in a secondhand car shop in Omaha and relieved of $250. He had shipped a truck load of cattle the day previous and was looking at used cars with the intention of making a purchase.
It was while Mr. Littelman was looking at some used cars that two men stepped out from behind a car and held him up at the point of a gun. They made him hand over his money, which amounted to about $250.
Instead of driving home a car, Mr. Littelman caught a ride with Harry Brixius.Mr. and Mrs. Harold Lee are the parents of a son.
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Leo Reichmuth. The baby has been named Paul Joseph.
June 14, 1935 - reprinted November 12, 2003The marriage of Miss Emma L. Karel and Emil J. Jonas took place at the Heun Catholic Church with Rev. Father Francis Oborny officiating.
The bride is the daughter of John Karel and Mr. Jonas is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Vaclav Jonas of Schuyler.
The couple will make their home at Auburn.Miss Ella Harms became the bride of Herbert L. Franzen at St. John's Lutheran Church, Seward.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Harms of Seward and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Heie Franzen.
The couple will make their home in Pomeroy, Iowa.Fred B. Thalken and Miss Dolores Rose Bruns, of New Underwood, South Dakota, were wed June 4th at St. John's Catholic Church with the Rev. Father Jos. O'Rourke officiating.
The couple will make their home on the Thalken farm.The sixteenth annual banquet of the Leigh Alumni Association was held at the school house. Glen Price was chosen the new president of the Alumni Society.
June 21, 1935 - reprinted November 12, 2003As spokesman for 120 or more people, farmers, and business men of Leigh, Charles R. Kuhle, editor of the Leigh World, appeared as floor leader of what might be termed a one-house legislature meeting in Representative Hall at the Capitol. Director Ben Saunders, of the state banking department, presided as speaker of the body, and heard what everyone had to say. F. C. Radke, attorney for the banking department, asked "leading" questions and brought out the fact that the delegation desires to establish a commercial bank at Leigh, a town which now has no banking facilities except limited ones furnished by a cooperative credit association.
The delegation is backing the application for a charter for a new bank with a capital stock of $25,000, and surplus and 5 percent raised for FDIC, which combines to make a total of $28,875 capital, all ready in cash in bank. It is alleged that the application for a charter was filed with the banking department February 12, that the acting governor had recently signed a charter and that Attorney General Wright was ready to give a legal opinion telling Director Saunders to issue it, but in the new act of the legislature, which appears to give cooperative credit associations first chance to start a bank in towns where there is now no bank and where the credit association is now doing a limited banking business.
Whether this applies only to commercial banks desiring to start with $10,000 capital or to banks desiring to start with more than that amount is facing the state banking department.
Saunders said no decision in the matter of the Leigh application for a commercial bank charter is to be passed upon now as he has promised to hold a hearing for officers of the cooperative credit association at Leigh. The law appears to give them sixty days time to decide whether the association desires to start a commercial bank.
Supporters of the proposed bank charter allege the state department ought to issue them a charter and let the cooperative association test the law by mandamus proceedings in court, if there is any doubt about its meaning.
Representative Weber, of Colfax, accompanied the Leigh delegation has stated that 200 people would have come had they been urged.
Officers of the proposed bank are: President, J. J. Delay, of Norfolk; vice president; Thomas Mortimer, of Leigh; cashier, Joe Hines, of Wisner. In addition, Louis Hahn, Charles Botsch, and A.A. Aukerman, of Leigh, are directors chosen.
Editor Kuhle told why Leigh desires a bank. He said it has no bank now but has cooperative credit association. It is twenty miles from a town of any size and is seven miles from Creston which is without a bank and about the same distance from Clarkson. Humphrey, he said, has a bank, but farmers in the Leigh territory go elsewhere to bank and also to trade and this has greatly injured mercantile business. He said Leigh has a 692 population, is in a good agricultural country and has been noted for livestock feeding.
When livestock moved by rail 100 cars a month left the town. He said the delegation came 100 miles thru rain to ask for a charter and that all those present will promise to support a bank at Leigh.
June 21, 1935 - reprinted November 26, 2003Miss Ada Speicher of Columbus and LaVern Wolken, of Leigh, were wed at St. Bonaventure's Church at Columbus, Nebraska, with Rev. Father Salvator officiating the double ring ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Speicher and the groom is the son of Ed Wolken.
He and his bride are making their home with his grandmother, Mrs. Ben Wolken Sr.
June 28, 1935 - reprinted November 26, 2003Miss Louise Nienaber, of Lindsay, became the bride of Lambert Lapour at Holy Family Church in Lindsay. The Rev. Father Zaplotnik officiated the ceremony. Louise Nienaber is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Nienaber. Lambert Lapour is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jas Lapour of Leigh.
The couple will make their home at Leigh with Lambert's parents.A grand opening celebration of the new community pavilion in Clarkson will take place on July 4th. Numerous attractions have been provided for the occasion. Patriotic and dedication exercises will take place at the pavilion promptly at 1:00 p.m. The new Clarkson pavilion is strictly modern in every respect, having a special glaze dance floor and many other novel features worth while seeing.
Otto Wullschleger is now using a unique hay sweep to get his hay out of the way in a hurry.
He has had an automobile motor and frame arranged with which he can push the hay in a sweep ahead of the power driving mechanism. With this contraption, he drives across his fields and the hay is gathered in a stack in a short time. The machine is equipped with a cushion seat and rubber tires.