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Republished in 1904 |
PLATTE COUNTY, NEBRASKA 1870 NEWS
Republished in 1904
Published in The Journal, June 15, 1904 - "Many Years Ago":
(From files of Journal July 27, 1870.)
F.G. Becher on Saturday last sold his 80 acre farm near Columbus to M.S. Kennedy of Cadiz, Ohio.
Merchants are paying 25 cents a pound for butter.
The "Shoo Flys" of Columbus and "Dirty Stockings" of Grand Island played ball here yesterday, resulting in victory for Columbus of 44 to 33.
We ate our first mess of roasting ears on Sunday, from Mr. Stearn's corn patch.
We have received the first number of the Omaha Daily Tribune. The subscription price is $8 a year, payable in advance.
Corn is doing well. Wheat is good in quality but not so good in quantity as last year. Farmers estimate twelve bushels to the acre as the average yield of the present crop.
The "Shoo Fly's" of this city went to Schuyler Saturday and played ball with the "Prairies." The game lasted two hours and forty minutes and resulted in a score of 58 to 21 in favor of the "Prairies."
Died, at the residence of his parents in Reading, Penn., on July 13, Edward F. Salade, in the twenty-third year of his age. He will long be remembered by his many friends in Columbus and in the Union Creek Settlements.
We are indebted to our assistant marshall, Gus G. Becher, for the following items: In Platte county we have 405 dwelling houses, 384 families, 1,151 white men and 3 colored men, 744 white women and 1 colored woman. Foreign born men, 556; foreign born women, 367. Number of deaths during the past year, 29. Number of farms in the county, 277. Madison county has 273 dwelling houses, 244 families, with a total population of 1,133. Men of foreign birth 224. Women of foreign birth, 133.(From files of Journal August 3, 1870).
We clip the following from the Omaha Herald: The aggregate sale of Union Pacific lands from July 28, 1869 to July 27, 1870 inclusive, reaches the sum total of $945,531. The price of these lands averages about $4.00 per acre. The sales are rapidly increasing. They were upwards of $20,000 yesterday.
The Journal begins this week publishing the county treasurer's official notice of tax sales. (The list was printed in less than two columns of the present space of the Journal, V. Kummer was treasurer of the county.)
Jno. W. Bloomfield of Shell Creek, familiarly known as Johnny Smoker, was in town Saturday. He has constructed a cattle crossing near his house and intends keeping it in repair for the accommodation of drovers who pass that way to the Reserves north, with cattle. He is about six miles from the head of Shell Creek.
On Saturday last, a primary meeting of republicans was held in Columbus. A.J. Stephens was chairman of the meeting and the following named gentlemen were selected delegates to the county convention to be held on the 5th. A.J. Arnold, Leander Gerrard, A.J. Stephens and Hugh Compton. A call for the republican county convention to meet in Columbus, August 5, is published over the name Samuel C. Smith, chairman pro tem. The different precincts will be entitled to the following number of delegates to the convention: Columbus, 4; Butler, 2; Monroe, 2; Lost Creek, 2.
Published in The Journal, June 22, 1904 - "Many Years Ago":
(From files of the Journal of August 10, 1870.)
Timbers for the Shell Creek bridges are being unloaded here.
Major North has returned from the Rocky Mountain expedition and has authority from General Augur to recruit two companies of Pawnees for service.
We are gratified at the present prospect of a speedy completion of the Platte river bridge at this place. Sub-contracts have been let to Tiffany and Beebe for driving the piles. John Congdon has the hauling of the materials from the depot to the river and F.G. Becher has contracted for 35,000 feet of cottonwood planking for the roadway of the bridge.
The republican county convention was called to order last Friday by the chairman, A.J. Stevens, L. Gerrard acted as secretary. The following named persons appeared as delegates from the different precincts: Lost Creek, J.W. Early; Columbus, A.J. Arnold, A.J. Stevens, Hugh Compton and L. Gerrard. Those chosen to attend the state convention were J.N. Taylor, Hugh Compton and J.B. Wells.
The commissioners of Platte and Colfax counties have ratified the action of the committees from each of these counties to settle the boundary line. Messrs. Leander Gerrard, V. Kummer, David Anderson, and W. Marlow of Platte county, and F. Frye in behalf of Colfax county have been instrumental in bringing about this desirable result.
On Saturday the "Prairies" of Schuyler came to Columbus to play their second game with the Shoo Fly's, and were defeated by a score of 37 to 25. The visitors were entertained by the Columbus boys at the American hotel and in the evening a dance was given in their honor.
Among others we find the following transfers of property on record at the county clerk's office: L. Gerrard to Eben Pierce part of lot 2 block 132 Columbus; George Clother to Frank North, 80 acres; J.D. Clother and wife to Frank North 80 acres; J.B. Beebe and wife to Alonzo Haight, 159 acres; United States to Charles Morse, 160 acres; J.N. Taylor to E.A. Gerrard 76; J.E. North and wife to Samuel Marmoy lots 5 to 6 in block 191 Columbus.
J.B. Wells has made a valuable addition to his residence.(From files of Journal August 17, 1870.)
J.W. Brown has in his nursery on the bluffs, north of town, locust saplings 4 feet high, from seed planted this spring.
Married, at the Episcopal church, Sunday August 14, at 4 o'clock by Rev. Shaw, W.B. Doddridge and Miss Frances Barnum.
The want of good roads to the counties north of Columbus has long been a serious drawback to the growth of this town and the commissioners have determined opening roads to Stanton and Cuming counties. J.N. Taylor has been appointed to locate two roads running to the north line of Platte county intersecting Stanton county in the southwest corner. A contract has been awarded to Wm. Gerhold to construct three truss bridges of 70 feet span each, across the creek roads to faciliate communication to our Madison and Stanton county farmers, thereby enabling them to reach Columbus and the Union Pacific railroad at this point within a distance of twenty-five miles instead of fifty-four miles by the old circuitous route without bridges.
Published in The Journal, June 29, 1904 - "Many Years Ago":
(From files of the Journal, August 24, 1870.)
Charles Bremer is making an addition to his brewery on Seventh street.
It is thought that the census will show a population of 15,000 for Omaha and 10,000 for Council Bluffs.
Squire Shannon is authority for the following: Five persons fished last Friday afternoon at McAllister's Lake ten miles east of town, returning home at 8 o'clock with a splendid lot of fish, two thirds of which they sold cheap at eight dollars. Most of the fish were got on two draws of the seine and consisted of carp, buffalo and cat, some of which weighed seventeen pounds each.
The Fremont Tribune publishes an account of a big fire in that city Wednesday, which destroyed property to the amount of over $20,000.
(In the republican state platform, the following resolutions appear:) That we heartily endorse the administration of President Grant, and commend it to the approval of the people of the state and nation, for its rigid economy displayed in every department of the Government; and above all, for its consistent and unfaltering adherence to the great principles of freedom and equality. That in the struggle now in progress in Europe we heartily sympathize with the people of Germany in their efforts to preserve intact the territory which rightfully belongs to them and that we cherish the hope that its termination will witness the defeat of the Emperor of the French, who in the sacred name of liberty is endeavoring to extend the domination of the hateful despotism over the soil of an unoffending people.
F.F. Anoy, the traveling reporter for the Omaha Tribune, writes a letter for his paper from Columbus, from which we quote: "The town contains six hundred inhabitants, and is situated on the Loup fork, a branch of the Platte river. . . . . . Columbus was first laid out in 1857 by a colony from Columbus, Ohio; hence the name. It was "the last jumping off place" on the old stage road for emigrants bound for Pike's Peak and the far west. When the railroad was built here in the summer of '67 it left the town about three-fourths of a mile southeast of the depot, since which a new town has sprung up on both sides of the track around the railway station. The liveliest opposition has been manifested ever since between the two sections, much to their mutual disadvantage. . . . Columbus contains ten or twelve stores, four saloons, three regular land offices, a newspaper, brewery, five hotels, etc. W.C. Sutton is one of the prominent merchants of the city and an estimable man. . . . A.J. Stevens, land agent, states that the alternate sections owned by the railway company are sold from two and a half to ten dollars per acre. The best lots range from one hundred to three hundred dollars. . . . . Columbus seems to be situated in about the center of the agricultural part of Nebraska, but leaving the United States Capital and our future President Train to take care of themselves, we must say it seems to us the best possible point for the capital of the state."(From the files dated August 31, 1870.)
At the democratic convention Saturday, the following named gentlemen were selected delegates to the state convention: John Rickly, G.C. Barnum, Chas. A. Speice and H.J. Hudson.
J.H. Watts of Lost Creek, thirteen miles north of Columbus, while boring for water on his farm, struck a cedar log lying seventy-five feet below the surface. The grain was in perfect preservation and the wood has retained through all the years of its burial, the peculiar odor of the cedar.
From the farm of P.J. Becker, O.E. Stearns threshed 80 bushes of oats from a four-acre patch.
A very enthusiastic meeting was held at the Clother house Saturday evening for the purpose of conferring with Major Lore, president of the Nemaha Valley. Lincoln and Loup Fork railroad, in regard to the speedy completion of the projected road. . . . The road begins at Rulo and passes northwest to Butler and Platte counties and on to the Niobrara, Black Hills and Big Horn mountains. Ten miles of the road from Rulo has already been built. At the meeting Saturday, resolutions were passed for favoring the donation from Platte for $200,000 in county bonds, and the commissioners will be requested to submit the question to a vote at the county election in October. J.N. Taylor, James North, J.P. Becker and S.L. Holman were appointed a committee to canvass the subject with the people of Platte and Butler counties.
Published in The Journal, July 6, 1904 - "Many Years Ago":
(From files of the Journal, September 7, 1870.)
We learn from David Anderson that the cattle trade at Schuyler has been about closed for the season. All the cattle driven to that place, and there has been some 20,000 of them, have been sold, except 400 or 500 head belonging to Mr. Miller. Captain Puckett told Mr. Anderson that he thought there would be at least 50,000 heard [sic] of Texas cattle drives to Schuyler next season.
A new town called Richland has just been commenced eight miles east of Columbus in the west part of Colfax county. We learn that it begins its career under favorable auspices. One or two large buildings are under way and nearly completed. Our friend David Anderson has been appointed postmaster and Richland is to have a daily mail service.
J.W. Watts saw the waterspout of Wednesday last and supposed it to have been several miles from his residence. It remained stationary for more than half an hour. During the storm of wind, hail and rain that followed, hailstones an inch and a half in diameter fell in abundance.
Hon C.A. Speice presented us with some of the nicest fruit we have ever tasted, in the shape of the wild Nebraska plum. These had been gathered green and laid away until ripened.
We chronicle the removal of Dr. Stillman's drug store to the block west of J.P. Becker's store.
The Omaha Herald publishes an account of the cattle industry at Schuyler in which is stated the following: The ruling prices at Schuyler at this time are: Yearlings $8; two-year-olds $12 to $14; three-year-olds $18 to $20; cows $17 to $18.(From files of Journal, September 14, 1870.)
The Sioux City Journal says: "The Dakota City and Columbus railroad has become a necessary outlet to the roads centering in Sioux City. Particularly the St. Paul and Sioux City road demands a connecting line with the Union Pacific, and the road from this city to Columbus is the most feasible connection.
During last week the Omahas passed this way home from their buffalo hunt south of the Platte. Many of their ponies were heavily ladened with buffalo skins and the Indians seemed to be in good condition.
At the senatorial convention which met at Lone Tree Friday, Leander Gerrard of this city was nominated the republican candidate for state senator from this district. Mr. Gerrard is a young attorney of Columbus, well known as a man of ability. We may safely say that if elected, very few districts in the state will be more ably represented. At the democratic senatorial convention held at Grand Island the 10th J.E. North of this city was the temporary chairman of the meeting. . . Union motion, the Omaha Herald, Platte Valley Independent, Lincoln County Advertiser and Platte Journal were requested to publish the proceedings of the convention.
The republican county convention was held in this place September 8, when the following named gentlemen were chosen to represent the party: J.B. Wells, S.L. Holman and J.N. Taylor, delegates to senatorial convention; J.W. Early, candidate for county commissioner; Eben Pierce, for justice of the peace; and Wm Gerhold, road supervisor. W.C. Sutton, chairman of the convention, appointed Leander Gerrard, S.L. Holman and S.A. Bonesteel as county central committee for the ensuing year. S.L. Holman was secretary of the convention.
The report of the secretary of the interior gives the following in regard to Nebraska: In 1866 the yield of Indian corn was 2,095,000 bushels; wheat 258,000 bushels; oats 450,000 bushels, potatoes 120,000 bushels; tobacco 15,000 pounds; hay 29,700 tons. The estimate of live stock in the state was: horses 13,000, valued at $1,173,000; mules 1,300, valued at $150,000; sheep 20,800 value $75,200; cows 23,400, value $806,000; hogs 47,000, value $386,000.
Published in The Journal, July 20, 1904 - "Many Years Ago":
(From files of Journal, September 21, 1870.)
School is in full blast under the management of Mrs. Fifield. Following are the names of the pupils who have been perfect in attendance during the past week: Mary Weaver, Sarah Rice, Phebe Senicle, Elsie Allen, Lizzie Baker, Hugh Compton, Eva Coffee, Johnie Coffee, Mary Marmoy, Sarah Marmoy, George Mathews, Minnie Phillips, Louise Phillips, Gussie Rickley, Samuel Rickley, Albert Rickley, Mary Regan, Berty Reagan, Fredie Speice, Gussie Speice, Johnnie Switzer, Poley Switzer, Jennie Weaver, Valentine Weaver.
Our enterprising butcher, S.J. Marmoy, has purchased thirty head of fat beef cattle for home consumption.
The "Shoo Flys" won their second game from the "Gray Stockings" of Grand Island last Saturday afternoon, with a score of 39 to 19. They have only to win another game from the "Gray Stockings" when they can claim the championship of the state. The Columbus players are: Marling, p.; Clother, c.; Turner, ss.; Richey, fb.; Brown, 2nd. b.; Coolidge, 3d. b.; Wake, lf.; Mitchel, cf.
Columbus needs a town council.
The following is the list of registered voters for Columbus precinct. Official notice is given by N.G. Bonesteel, register of Columbus precinct, that all persons who are entitled to vote whose names do not appear below, are requested to call and have same corrected: A.J. Arnold, S.A. Bonesteel, Wm. Becker, Chas. Bremer, G.F. Becher, A.J. Baker, John Browner, G.G. Becher, John Bowman, P.B. Bonesteel, John Bennett, John Barrows, N.G. Bonesteel, L.M. Beebe, Andrew Bell, C.D. Clother, Hugh Compton, J.G. Compton, W.T. Callway, Wm. Coruth, W.A. Corsom, Wm. Cartright, Neil Cartright, Chas. H. Davis, James Dego, W.A. Davis, Jacob Ernst, Wm. Egun, Dan Faucette, L. Gerrard, Thomas Galley, Samuel Galley, Phillip Goodwin, J.H. Galley, G.W. Galley, Grant,. Gerold Wm, Fred Gottschalk E.A. Gerrard, Thos. Grant, Jas. Hudson, H.J. Hudson, John Heed, S. Lolman [sic], Cornelius Havens, John Haney, Frank Henggeler, James Hallows, Frank Heenan, Thos. Held, E.D.W. Hohen, Vincent Kummer, John Kelley, Geo. Lehman, Patrick Lyons, J.J. Lewis, H.N. Latourp, John Litg, Hury Loushe, Edward Lyons, _ury Loseke, Herman Loseke, Wm. Lennehan, S.J. Marmoy, Augustas Miller, John Miller, W.E. Mason, John McNeely, George Murie, Fred Mathews, Andrew Matthias, Patrick Murray, Peter Murie, Jerome McGinnis, Chas. E. Morse, F.J. North, T.C. Needham, J.H. Needham, J.E. North, L.H. North, Chas. W. Perry, Thos Phillips, John Powell, John Presto, A.H. Ryan, John Rickley, J.J. Rickley, Orlando Rose, Martin Ragan, O.P. Reed, J.R. Rickley, W.W. Rice, Samuel Reinke, Charles Reinke, A. Scott, W.C. Suttton [sic], C.A. Speice, G.W. Stevens, C.B. Stillman, Wm. Speice, J.B. Senecal, J.O. Shannon, A.J. Stevesen, I.N. Taylor, J.L. Tracy, E.W. Toncray, Daniel Thomas, M.K. Turner, J.B. Well, Michael Waever, Michael Welch, J.C. Wolfel, James Warner, J.H. White, Henry Welch, Thos. Welch, Jas. E. White, J.M. Wilson, CharlW [appears to be "aka as" upside down] James Wilson.(From files of Journal, September 28, 1870.)
H.J. Hudson has ordered a car load of coal for use in the public offices, which will cost $10 a ton. It has been ordered through Mr. Dodridge, the Union Pacific agent.
A meeting of the citizens of Platte county irrespective of political parties was held in the town hall the 24th. P.H. Kelley was chosen chairman and Henry Welch secretary. John Rickly stated the object of the meeting being the purpose of nominating a candidate for county commissioner for the third district, upon whom all voters could place reliance. M. Maher and W. Ripp were voted upon, Mr. Maher received 11 votes and Mr. Ripp 6, whereupon Mr. Maher was declared the choice of the meting [sic].
Published in The Journal, July 27, 1904 - "Many Years Ago":
(From files of Journal, Oct. 5, 1870.)
Mrs. Michael Smith has erected a very neat dwelling on Seventh Street, east of the Cross Keys.
O.E. Stearns brought in a stalk of broom corn thirteen and a half feet high.
Charles Bremer's brewery at the Cross Keys is in full blast. We understand from Mr. Bremer that he intends to establish a vinegar factory next spring.
Friday night last, a surveying party which has been under the charge of John R. Livingston, stopped in Columbus on their return to Plattsmouth. They have been for some time past engaged in surveying in the country west of the sixth principal meridian, and had just completed the survey of town 2, range 10, west on Cedar River, about one hundred ten miles from Columbus, when one of the number who was at the time separated from his companions, was surrounded by twenty-five Indians. Breaking through their line, the brave fellow, John Rogers, rejoined his party after a chase of four or five miles during which he was slighly wounded in the left arm and right knee. The Sioux gentlemen at sight of the men of the compass and chain concluded that discretion was the better part of valor and so departed.
The undersigned gentlemen desire to see a town government organized and suggest October 8, as a suitable time to hold a public meeting of the citizens for that purpose: C.B. Stillman, W.C. Sutton, Eben Pierce, J. Rickly, Geo. W. Clother, A. Arnold, A.J. Stevens, H. Compton, W.H. Winterbotham, S.A. Bonesteel, V. Kummer, J.L. Gerrard, H.P. Coolidge, M.K. Turner.
Clark Cooncey has invented a potato digger which he claims will dig and separate 500 bushels a day.
Jacob Ernst, residing at the foot of the bluffs north of Columbus threshed this fall 910 bushels of grain from 40 acres. Barley 32 bushels to the acre, oats, 29, and wheat 20 bushels.(From files of Oct. 12, 1870.)
Antelope are said to be abounding in Butler county. J.D. Brewer went to the Reserve this week to superintend improvements on the Pawnee mill which is to be refitted for water power.
On Sunday morning several of our citizens residing on Shell Creek who have been greatly annoyed of late by the depredations of a mountain lion, gave chase to the ravenous beast, running him for fourteen or fifteen miles but doing no injury other than putting two shots inconveniently close to his side. Mr. Meyer, our informant, says the lion has killed a number of calves and other young animals along Shell Creek. He appears to be about six feet long, one foot wide and is about as tall as a large dog.
Last Thursday, Lewis Warren came lugging into our office, squashes, potatoes and corn that beat anything we have seen in their line. Mr. Warren lives on Shell Creek, about thirty five miles from Columbus where there is plenty of land, well watered and timbered for $1.25 an acre, besides homesteads a free gift, and such land as it must be, is worth having. Just listen: on the twenty-fifth of May last this land was raw prairie; he broke it, planted it in potatoes, corn, etc., running a heavy roller over it after the seed was planted and now he shows us these specimens. Potatoes weighing from one to three pounds, turnips 24 to 26 inches in circumference, squaw corn and common yellow corn, ears twelve inches in length, squash, 30 inches long. Mr. Warren says that his breaking and planting cost him $4 an acre and that he has realized $10 an acre from his land.
Married, October 6, at the residence of the bride's father, by J.O. Shannon, Mr. A. Friedline to Miss Sarah Smith.
Thursday morning at about seven o'clock a party of some 150 or 200 Sioux murdered and scalped three Pawnee women who were at the time gathering wood, a mile from the Indian village on the reserve.
The following is a partial list of the election returns: L. Gerrard, state senator, has in Platte county 220 majority, in Colfax 35. Platte county gives Hudson a majority of 138 over Hoxie. Indiana goes 3,000 to 5,000 republican and Ohio goes the same way to the tune of 15,000. Only eight votes were cast in this county against the railroad bond, and those were from Monroe precinct.
Published in The Journal, August 3, 1904 - "Many Years Ago":
(From files of Journal, Oct. 19, 1870.)
President Grant has issued a proclamation dated October 13, against military expeditions or enroute enterprises to be carried on against the territories or dominions of powers with whom the United States are at peace.
If the old town council act hereafter, we shall have three B's--Baker, Becker and Browner, which bodes business, beauty and benefit.
Esq. Shannon says that chunks of coal have been found in Skull Creek, south of Columbus and a company has been formed for the purpose of mining. They have begun to sink a shaft so that they will know before long whether coal may be had in more paying quantities.
The mountain lion we wrote about two weeks ago was seen again Sunday last. It killed two calves for Dooly and two for Mr. Hays, took a mouthful of flesh out of Mr. Maher's dog, and has stripped the Creek of chickens and turkeys.
The editor of the Chicago Republican says that nothing has ever been done by any one for Christopher Columbus the discoverer of America, except by Queen Isabella who "spouted" her jewels to start him out, and George Francis Train who named for him a town out on the U.P.R.R. in Nebraska. The Journal might add that the town of Columbus Nebraska, was in existence long before George Francis Train thought of it as the prospective capital of the United States.
On next Sunday, October 23, the new pews in St. John's Catholic church will be rented or sold at auction. All those who are anxious to procure pews for the next year should be at church door at 9 a.m.
The Eldora precinct, Colfax county officials chosen at the late election were as follows: assessor, Daniel Condon; road supervisor, Jacob Smith; judge of election, George Lawrence, James McAllister and O.B. Skinner; clerks election, Joseph F. Woods and Wm. McAllister; justice of the peace Henry Smith; constables, Daniel Kane and Stephen McAllister.
Elsewhere we give the letter of the act of congress granting to soldiers the right to settle upon 160 acres of R.R. land and make for themselves a home.(From the Journal files of October 26, 1870.)
Died, on Saturday, October 15, 1870, at his residence in Monroe, Mr. Joseph Gerrard aged seventy-one years. Messrs Higgins and Carry are about to establish a branch law office at Norfolk, the county seat of Madison county.
The Fremont Tribune says: at the residence of Wm. G. Bowman in this city, the 19th, occurred the marriage of John Bowman and Miss Mary F. Griggs, Rev. Dake officiating.
We learn of an altercation taking place yesterday between S.C. Smith and a Pawnee Indian, on Mr. Smith's farm near the reserve. It seems that some Pawnee ponies had committed trespass upon one of Mr. Smith's corn fields and the brave objected to paying damages and receiving their ponies but desired very strongly to ride off on the aforesaid ponies without paying for feed. Pistols and strong language helped to make one of those exciting incidents of pioneer life.
At a meeting of the citizens on Saturday evening, at which H.P. Coolidge presided, the following report was received and adopted as expressive of the sentiments of those present, to incorporate Columbus, after giving the boundaries of the place, uses this exact language. The only question which remains for consideration is this: has the town council of Columbus, that is, those who acted as such, prior to the spring election of 1870, by its failure to act as such, ceased to be the town council? None of them has resigned; none of them has been impeached; none of them has been superseded by a successor and therefore, in our opinion, the town council of 1869 is the legal, regularly constituted authority. Signed by the committee appointed to investigate the legal situation of the place in which we live. S.L. Holman, J.P. Becker and M.K. Turner.
Published in The Journal, August 10, 1904 - "Many Years Ago":
(From files of Journal, November 2, 1870.)
Horace Greely favors the removal of the capital to New York.
Major North went to Butler county yesterday to attend the trial of the Indians.
Yesterday the editor called at Col. John Rickly's old stand. We believe this is the oldest store west of Omaha. There is enough energy in him and his boys to do the work of a score or more of ordinary men.
Those who have bought land in Polk county will be interested to know that a county organization has been effected and that county officers for the transaction of legal business will be ready shortly. We learn also that a vote is to be taken on bridging the south channel of the Platte to connect with the Columbus free bridge across that stream.
The following are the names of those pupils in the city schools, who have been perfect in attendance and conduct during the week ending October 21: Josephine Bremer, Sarah Rice, Phebe Senical, Mary Weaver, Anna Bremer, Elenora Bremer, Hugh Compton, Eva Coffey, Johnny Coffey, Louise Hudson, Anna Kelley, Eddie Kelley, Mary A. Ludwig, Marry Mullen, Mary Marmoy, Sarah Marmoy, Mary Mathews, George Mathews, Samuel Rickly, Albert Rickly, Bertie Reagon, Freddie Speice, Gussie Speice, Jennie Weaver, Valentine Weaver, Susan Wake.
The town council met last evening and appointed Charles Brindley street commissioner.
Handy & Thummel, civil engineers, have given to publishers an account of the bridges being built along the Platte river, in which they give Columbus credit for starting the enterprise. We quote the following from the article: "The pioneer bridge at Columbus was begun August, 15 and will be open for travel about November. Cost when complete, $20,000. This structure is an arch-beam truss of 65 feet spans, 26 in number, or a total length of 1,716 feet. Piers of Norway pine piling, square, driven from 18 to 22 feet in the sand, with solid oak ice-breakers capped with railroad iron, and will sustain a load of sixty tons without over strain. Grand Island, has just begun building, plans are being completed for the Fremont structure, North Platte made contract a few days ago, subject to certain conditions relative to bonds, to build across the river identical to that of the Columbus bridge. In all of these Wells, & French Co., of Chicago have the contract for the construction and L.M. Beebe & Bros., of Columbus the sub-contract.
Following is the correct copy of the census of Platte and near-by counties: Platte, 1,925; Maidson [sic], 1,168; Polk, 872; Colfax, 1,430; Douglas, outside of Omaha, 3,889; Omaha city, 16,147.(From files of Journal November 9, 1870.)
M. Post has established a cigar factory on 7th street.
The new fence around the Clothier House adds greatly to the appearance of the property and will prove a good wind-break.
Hon. Guy C. Barnum, accompanied by his son George, started to Omaha the first of the week with a large drove of cattle. The U.P. charges $30 a car to Omaha.
J.G. Higgins has purchased of Dr. Stillman two acres of land south of Mr. Kummer's ten acre lot, and he intends erecting a residence there.
It has been said repeatedly that the Platte could not be bridged; that the force of the ice in the spring was too great for any bridge to withstand; that the quicksand would slip way with the foundation, but Platte county men have not been afraid to undertake the task, and were the first to risk it, and now the bridge has been reared and is a grand success. We all feel proud of it and wish to celebrate in a suitable manner.
A reader sends in an interesting description of a prairie fire which raged in Butler county. Over 15000 tons of hay were consumed. Following is the closing paragraph of the letter: "I reached the Platte valley on Wednesday and found some twenty men near in consultation as to the best method to be adopted to secure some thousand tons of hay which was scattered over five or six sections of land. The dark column of smoke just visible over the bluffs warned them to take immediate action. "They chose Mr. Willson to act as leader, who at once took charge of the men assembled. There then commenced a race against wind and fire, which resulted in the men coming out just one minute ahead, with the loss of two stacks of hay containing some ten tons. This wild, rushing fire was a fearfully grand sight."
Published in The Journal, August 17, 1904 - "Many Years Ago":
(From files of Journal, November 16, 1870.)
The heaviest frost of the season fell last Saturday night.
The regular meeting of the county board of commissioners was held last week. George W. Galley, president H.J. Hudson, clerk, S.C. Smith, J.W. Early and G.C. Barnum comprising the membership, were all present. On motion of Mr. Galley, the sheriff hereafter will receive all benefits arising from care of prisoners from other counties.
Commissioners reported having viewed the road as asked for by H. Carrig and Clerk Coonce, located the same and appointed I.N. Taylor to stake it off. Mr. Taylor reported that he found the road to be the same as located and surveyed by commissioner Becker on June 6, 1870. On motion Mr. Galley, Lost Creek precinct is changed to Shell Creek precinct. The following bills were audited and allowed: J.E. North $80 for blankets for use of injail John Haney, judge of election, two years $4; C.A. Speice for defending prisioner [sic] A.L. Stowe, $30; J.O. Shannon services as school superintendent, $30; J.W. Early service as register Lost Creek precinct $21; W.T. Strother services as register $23.80; G.E. Willard judge of election $2; Dr. Polly services as physician to prisioner [sic] $2; A.J. Arnold sheriff for boarding and guarding Thes Russell $105.70. Isaac Shivers Jr., was appointed justice of the peace for Monroe prceinct [sic] and T.H. Welch constable. T.T. Taylor was allowed $75 per annum, salary as probate judge. The county road running east from Columbus to the boundary line of the county, was ordered opened to the public.
Three weeks ago Cornelius Haven left Columbus with Major North's team of mules and wagon to go to the lower Elkhorn south of Fremont for maple, box-elder, walnut and ash trees. Upon arriving at his destination he took ill with pleurisy and ague and was unable to be out of the house for over one week. In the meantime the Major, supposing that Cornelius had run off with his outfit, which was worth $550, telegraphed in every direction, and sent a man on horseback to hunt up the supposed runaway. However after recovering from his illness Cornelius proceeded to fill his wagon and returning home, arriving here last Friday with his load.(From files of Journal November 22, 1870.)
Father Ryan has returned from the west. He reports large herds of buffalo between Ogalla and Big Springs. He remarked that one of them weighed forty hundred pounds and was as big as a house.
The first bridge across the Platte river was completed yesterday and is now open to travel, free of charge.
Platte county enterprise has done what no other county would before attempt; the determination of Columbus business men has accomplished what even Omaha and Fremont had not before succeeded in effecting; Columbus courage took hold of the quicksand bugbear and exploded it. The liberality of our citizens has been shown in the fact that the bridge has been built by Platte county alone at an expense of $25,000. . . The commissioners of the county advertised for plans and from several which were presented they selected that of H.P. Handy of Grand Island. This was done by the board consiting of Guy C. Barnum, Samuel C. Smith and George W. Galley at their session in April last.
"The first days work was done on September 5, and the bridge was completed November 22. . . . L.M. Beebe with a hammer weighing 180 pounds and having a fall of twenty-four feet, drove piles. He was assisted by Charles Berry, Patrick Crea, Mr. Briney, Anton Haerterick, Jared Bennett, Wm. H. Harshman, Chas. Beyo, Charles Stean, M. Coborn and Thos. Ham. Frank G. Becher furnished the cottonwood plank for the roadway. John L. Means assisted by the following named mechanics and laborers erected the superstructure: James McMannis and Peter Harity of Chicago, Henry Keer, James Allen, Gilbert Brane, Jacob Hoppen, E.R. Dean, J.N. Wilson, John H. Marvr, D. Williams, Alonzo Shepherd, Rudolph Martin, Augustus Cox, E.O. Blodgett, Ole Olson, L.M. Magnison, Nicholas Blasser, Rhoderic McDonald, Chas. Perry, Wm. Horigan, Jerry Keller, Daniel McDonald, Frederick Blasser, Truman Freeland, Frank Snick, Wm. Cruth and Benj. Collinsworth all of Columbus. . . . The abolition of the "Mason and Dixon line" of Nebraska north Platte and south Platte, will work together as one man for the general interest of the state hereafter.
The following is from the Fremont Tribune: "Leonard Sweet, who resides on Cedar Creek, about 3 miles from Norfolk, sends us some pieces of burnt clay found under the soil on his farm. The space covered by this deposit of clay is about two rods square. Mixed with the earth are pieces of pottery handles of jugs, etc., showing the nicest workmanship. The strangest part of all is the fact that nowhere in that region is clay of a similar character to be found. From all indications the place has been a pottery, used by some racce [sic] of people far in advance of our Indians, and the deposit of soil on top of the clay and pieces of earthen ware would indicate that vegetation has sprung up and decayed for centuries on the ground where the potters ceased their labors. By whom, and when this pottery was used, must be a matter of conjecture, but from the description we received of the remains of earthen ware, concluded that the same race that made the mounds found in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, and which left ruins of cities in Utah, California and Mexico, also ranged over this section."
Published in The Journal, August 24, 1904 - "Many Years Ago":
(From files of Journal, November 29, 1870.)
From twenty to thirty wagons a day have crossed the Platte since the bridge was opened. Lands in Butler and Polk counties are being rapidly taken up since the opening of the Pioneer bridge.
The town council has authorized a survey of the fractional town lots, preparatory to selling them to raise money for street improvements.
We learn that on last Saturday the prairie fires which were raging south of the Loup destroyed for James E. North 1200 cedar posts and 50 cords of wood.
We helped to celebrate the tin wedding of Rev. Elliott and wife by partaking of their wedding cake which was baked ten years ago and retains its original flavor.
Gerrard, and Messrs. Taylor and Smith are erecting a fine two story business house near the depot. Kelley & Wilson are doing the carpenter work.
From our advertising columns it will be seen that the partnership heretofore existing between Leander Gerrard and I.N. Taylor has been dissolved. Mr. Gerrard continues in the law business for which he has proven himself well adapted and which he has acquired an enviable reputation. Mr. Taylor has taken as a partner in the land business, S.C. Smith, Platte county commissioner a gentleman well and favorably known to most readers of the Journal.
Roll of honor of Columbus public school: Josephine Bremer, Orlando Shanon, Hiram Rice, May Weaver, Anna Bremer, Elenora Bremer, Sarah Hudson, George Mathews, Gussie Rickly, Freddie Speice, Gussie Speice, Valentine Weaver, Charles Wake, William Earnst, Horace Hudson, Serena Olson.
The Chicago Tribune in an article which we print on the first page of this issue, recommends that the future capital of the United States should be chosen with reference to the centers of area, population and wealth, and places the center of wealth at Cincinati [sic], of population near Indianapolis and of area a hundred miles west of Omaha or at Columbus, Nebraska.
Rev. L. Olmstead of the M.E. church was a caller at this office Friday. He tells us that he officiates regularly once a month at Union Creek, and once every two weeks at Schuyler, Skull Creek, Bone Creek and Columbus.
The Columbus debating society is organized and the question for discussion on next Friday evening is "Would it be expedient to dissolve the marriage relation?" At the meeting of the citizens Friday which was held at the office of J.O. Shannon, Hon. H.J. Hudson was called to the chair and Guy C. Barnum, jr., was chosen secretary. A committee composed of J.O. Shannon, J.G. Higgins and Guy C. Barnum, jr., was appointed to draw up a constitution and by-laws for the society, and report at the next meeting which will be held Friday in the court house.
Lowell, Mass., which may be regarded as without a rival in the United States for the extent and variety of its manufactures, derives its almost unrivalled advantages from a descent of 30 feet in the Merrimack, which, by the aid of canals and locks, furnishes an immense hydraulic power. Columbus could be made a great manufacturing center. Our power would of course be derived from the fall in the waters of the Loupe. It is a rapid stream and is a never failing stream.(From the files of Journal December 7, 1870.)
It is expected that one hundred and fifty families will be at Columbus early next spring to organize an expedition to the Upper Loup for the purpose of effecting a settlement there. A Union Sunday school was organized last Sunday and the following named officers elected to serve six months: Mr. Bell, superintendent; Mrs. Elliott, assistant superintendent; George Hulst, librarian and Miss Rice, treasurer.
The county bridge contracted to be built across Shell Creek in section 13, township 18, range 2 w., in Shell Creek precinct, was completed Saturday by Wm. Gerhold. Mr. Ripp, road supervisor for Shell Creek precinct, was on hand on Monday with a force of men and teams and had both ends of the bridge graded and fit for travel by 4 p.m., of the same day.
A petition to the proper authorities has been extensively signed here calling for the opening of a mail route from Columbus via Loree to Lincoln. Loree is a place lately laid out by the energetic president of the Lincoln & Columbus railroad, and is situated near the center of Butler county.
Our fellow townsman, O.P. Reed, handed us the other day a copy of the Blue Valley Recorder published at Irving, Marshall county, Kansas, containing an able editorial on the projection of a railroad up the Blue to Columbus. This is a revival of the road talked of long ago, beginning at Yankton and running nearly due south through Columbus, down the Blue and on through Kansas to the Gulf. The valley of the Blue is said to be rich in timber, cement, building stone and coal.
Published in The Journal, August 31, 1904 - "Many Years Ago":
(From files of Journal, December 7, 1870.) [Note, I question whether the date on this should be December 14, since December 7th appeared the prior week.]
P. Becker our clever and enterprising townsman has commenced work on his brick yard. This will give employment to a goodly number of hands and will be a paying investment to our worthy citizens.
Coon Darling is said to have the best pair of horses in all this region.
Somebody hereabouts is hunting the buffalo; a very large and shaggy head of the pride of the plains was thrown on the platform at the depot the other day.
We learn from E.R. Dean that a blacksmith shop has been opened near his farm in Butler county by Captain Miles Warren of Illinois.
We hear from a reliable source that at the French settlement on the Elkhorn about forty miles above Norfolk, a party of Sioux came down for the purpose of fishing and hunting along the stream, and Indian like, insisted upon being fed by the settlers and when denied this privilege, helped themselves. Therefore the settlers armed themselves, selecting Squire Ames as captain, and gave the Indians battle, killing three and wounding several of the Sioux, with only one white man wounded. The Indians are now scarce on the Elkhorn.
The question for the next Friday evening debating society will be "Is intemperance a source of greater evil than war famine and pestilence."
What do our eastern folks who have been told that Nebraska was a cold, bleak, hyperborean region, think of farmers plowing right along until December first; or mosquitoes buzzing around of nights up to that date? Such are facts.
Messrs Kelley & Wilson are erecting a residence for Mr. Marmoy near the Congregational church. They will begin soon to build a business house for Wm. Speice.
We publish the following, which is made up from the list of those who advertise in the Platte Journal: Attorneys, Leander Gerrard, C.A. Speice, Higgins & Conroy, S.L. Holm; banking, A.J. Stevens; blacksmiths, L.M. Cook, Wm. Hoefelman; boots and shoes, James Hannan, Louis Phillip, Bonesteel Bro.; billiards, John H. Bowman; brewery, Charles Bremer; carpenters, Chas. H. Davis, H.C. Hughes, Kelly & Wilson; clothing and gent's furnishing goods, B. Bubach, Wm. Speice, Bonesteel Bros.; crockery and glassware, C.B. Stillman, Sutton & Winterbotham, Jno Rickly; dry goods, Eben Pierce, Bonesteel Bros.; drugs and medicines, C.B. Stillman; furniture, Sutton Winterbotham; fruit and confectionery, J.A. Baker; groceries etc. John Rickly, P.B. Becker; hardware, H.P. Coolidge, Jno Rickly; harness, Dan Faucett; horses and stock, E.A. Gerrard Co.; hotels, Clother, Pacific R.R. House; insurance, S.L. Holman, Leander Gerrard; wholesale liquors and tobacco, Adler & Heller; lumber, Turner & Hulst; meat and vegetables, S.J. Marmoy, Thos. Flynn; millinery, Mrs. J.A. Arthur; professional nurse, Mrs. Mathilda Smith; physicians, J.C. Stillman, C.A. Bonesteel; painting, Jerome McGinnis, Smith & Henderson; Pawnee goods, L.W. Platte; ranching stock, J.B. Beebe; real estate, A.J. Stevens, Speice & North, Taylor Smith; stoves, tin etc., H.P. Coolidge, Sutton Winterbotham; veterinary surgeon, A. Heintz; watches, A.J. Arnold; Wells, Lehman, Lawerence Co.(From files of Journal December 21, 1870.)
On last Friday a horrible sight met our eyes. Lying on a board in the office of our coroner, Dr. Bonesteel, was the mangled corpse of a negro man, probably about thirty-five years old, who to all appearances had been well to do. There was no means of identification. It is thought that he had been stealing a ride on the east bound train, standing between too [sic] cars. One of his feet was found a half mile from the body and the body was horribly mutilated.
Polk county, having voted bridge bonds, now advertises for plans and specifications. The south channel is always fordable but of course bridge across it similar to the Pioneer bridge will be a great improvement worthy the citizens of Polk county. The bridge is to cross the channel two miles west of the eastern boundary of the county, and the probable length of it will be 600 feet.
Jno. Rickly shipped two large hogs to Bryan station last Friday. One weighed 366 and the other 404 pounds.
Published in The Journal, September 7, 1904 - "Many Years Ago":
(From files of Journal December 28, 1870.)
We learn from J.W. Early that a new and commodious school house is nearly completed in district eleven, Lost Creek, and that a tax of two-tenths per cent, or two mills to the dollar is to be levied for the purpose of raising funds to erect a high-school building.
M. Maher has given us from his well kept book the following statement for the year '69 and '70. In the spring of '69, $500 were invested in cows, ten in number, and buttermaking began in March and ended in November. During the season 1004 pounds of butter were sold at an average of thirty cents per pound realizing $300. Ten calves from the cows were worth $160. The result of the summer of '70 are equally encouraging. With a few changes, the most of the milch cows kept over. Starting in the spring with twelve cows whose value was $600, the amount of butter sold was 1441 pounds, at an average value of 27 1-2 cents per pound, $360.25; there were twelve calves, two of which are not counted, one dying by disease, the other being destroyed by a mountain lion, whose value was $150 at least. The past season was very unfavorable, being the dryest we have had for several years.
From the Lincoln Journal we clip the following: "Columbus sends greetings to her sister towns and notifies them that she has gone and done it. The greatest nuisance in Nebraska has been abated, the barrier that separated the two divisions of the state in the spring and fall as effectually as though the Atlantic rolled between them, has been overcome--the Platte has been bridged. We hail with delight this achievement of the plucky little city, and congratulate her upon the life and prosperity that it justly entitles and enables her to enjoy. Columbus has emerged from the cloud that has so long settled over her prospects, and is bound to become one of the busiest towns in the state. Let it be remembered that in addition to this enterprise the people of Platte county have voted $100,000 to another bridge for the Nemaha Valley, Lincoln & Loup Fork railroad, and $100,000 more to the railroad itself. Blood will tell, and a city that shows this kind of energy and public spirit cannot fail."