Macken--Friday, Nov. 29, 1878, at his residence near Scully's bridge, John Macken, aged sixty years.
Mr. Macken came from Ireland to this country in 1871; he had earned the respect of all who knew him, and we suppose leaves no personal enemy in the world. We are informed that during the heated term of last summer he was prostrated by the heat, that since that he had a slight stroke of paralysis, and that about two months ago he was overcome by fighting prairie fire. His funeral, which took place last Sabbath, was attended by a large concourse of friends. [abt. Dec 1878]
Mrs. Mary Dineen Deceased.
It was a great and grevious surprise when the sudden death of Mrs. Mary Dineen, relict of the late Michael Dineen, of Shell Crrek [sic], was announced early last Sunday morning. She was in the 52d year of her age, and up to the hour of her death was enjoying very good health. Mrs. Dineen had moved to her new residence in Columbus in roder to be nearer her church. The evening of her death she had bantered her youngest daughter, Miss Nellie, who was residing there with her, for a race up stairs as they were about to retire. A few minutes after retiring she called to her daughter saying that she was unwell; that she thought she was about to die, and dispatched her for the priest, but when they returned a few minutes later she was speechless and expired within an hour after she was taken sick. Mrs. Dineen was a most highly esteemed lady by all who knew her. She leaves a very interesting family of children. Mrs. James Flynn, of Norfolk, Mrs. Dan Mackin, of the Center, Misses Nellie and Maggie and John F. and Wm. Dineen.
The funeral services were held in Columbus by Father Godfrey, and the remains laid to rest in St. Patrick's churchyard Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock. [1888]
Mrs. Margaret, Dee of Omaha, accompanied by her relative Daniel Dennihan were up to attend the funeral of Mrs. Mary Dineen, MOnday, and on Wednesday, the little son of Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Rossiter. While here she visited her nieces Mrs. John Hennessey and Mrs. Daniel Donnahue, Mrs. Dee was the first cousin of the late Mrs. Ma_ Dineen. [1888]
The Wedding Bells.
Supervisor J.F. Dineen of Shell Creek Township Weds One of Platte County's Fairest Daughters, Miss Ella Quinn.
The ceremony was preformed [sic] at the Franciscan church of Columbus, Neb., on Wednesday, April 30th, at 10 o'clock a.m. by Father Pacificus, assisted by the Rev. Father Godfrey and Father Laudeslaus by high pervitable mass.
On their arrival at the convent they were met by the Sodality girls, about sixty in number all dressed in uniforms, who accompanied them to the church.
When they arrived at the church the Sodality girls all formed in rank at each side of the church aisles and let the bride and groom pass up to the altar in respect to the bride who was one of their members. After the ceremony was performed the young couple retired to the home of the brides' parents, six miles northeast of Columbus, accompanied by the Sadality girls and a host of friends. A sumptuous dinner was served at 1 o'clock. The afternoon was spent in singing and playing and various other games of amusement.
At about six o'clock the guests and friends began to arrive at the wedding. The dance took place in an elegant enclosed bowery all draped in various colors and designs, elegantly lit up by Chinese lanterns. Music was served by the Schaad string and brass band. The dance began at 9 o'clock and continued until about four in the morning. An elegant supper was served from 10 until 2 o'clock, of which all partook and then joined in the merry dance again.
The following are the presents:
From the brides father, $50.00 in gold; from the brides mother, elegant lace curtains; from groom to bride, parlor set; from Miss Alice Quinn, elegant wreathe rocker; fine plush rocking chair from Columbus Sodality girls, of which the bride was a member; glass mirror, Pat Macken; pearl vases, Johnny and Martin Hayes; china tea set, P.F. Doody; dressing case, C.J. and Alice Lawless; parlor rocking chair, V.A. Macken; plus album, C.C. Carrig and Miss Katie Perkinson; plus picture frame, Nellie and Denny Sullivan; one dozen fancy glasses, Mr. and Mrs. D.C. Kavanaugh; glass cake stand, Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Sullivan; silver butter dish, Joseph Ryan; white cut glass fruit stand, Sarah Hogan; plush perfumr case, Sadie Perkinson; elegant Paris plush dressing case, J.J. Burke and Jerry E. Carrig; fine hanging lamp, Stephen Ryan; fancy glass painted picture, Miss Phoebe Phillips; large wash bow, Jodie Phillips and Roller Freeman; plush album, Henry Burke; eagle mounted automatic clock, H.C. Carrig, D.D. Lynch, T.H. Gleason and J.W. Lynch; fancy writing case, E.C. Halm; glass fruit dish, P.H. Hogan; silver napkin rings, Eugene and Jennie Macken; fancy glass set, Mary and Josie Dineen; oil painting, representing Our Eastern Home, Miss Mary and Maggie Hennessey; elegant full china tea set, Joseph Schaffer, A.J., Maggie, Kate and Michael Carrig; silver cake dish, MIss May Keogh and Ada Farrell; two crystal castors, D.P. Mahoney and T.J. McCarville; fancy glass set, Miss Ella Byrnes; set silver tea spoons, Miss Ella J. Dineen; one-half dozen fancy hand stitched handkerchiefs, Miss Mary Fitzpatrick; set cut-glass and fruit dish, Mr. and Mrs. J. Connely; double cake dish, Dr. T. Ernest; fruit dish, J.C. Byrnes; set cut glass, Mr. and Mrs. L. Byrnes; salt and pepper castor, Miss Fannie Merrill; silver pickle castor, Miss Maggie J. Dinneen; mounted ornaments, Miss Annie Wagner; pickle castor, Johny Curry and sister; salt and pepper castor, Willie and Vennir Macken; perfumed dressing case, Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan; set vases, M.J. Hogan; silver and crystal sugar bowl, Hannah and Maggie Naughton, Ohio, Illinois; set vases, Miss Ella Byrnes; Goldsmith's poems, Mollie Brady; crystal silver cake basket, P.J. Gleason and sister; carving knife and fork, Fred Stenger; silver pickle castor, Peter F. Gugerty, Ohio, Illinois; ornamental mounted dogs, Jay Merrill and wife; silver sugar bowl, F.F. Lynch and sister Nellie; plush album, W.T. Dineen; painted chopping bowl, Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Macken; plus album, Henry Noertker; smoking set, E.T. and J.H. Perkinson; toilet set, Mrs. D.H. Carrig; set china pie plates, Mr. and Mrs. John Hayes; vegetable dishes, three pieces, Mr. and Mrs. John Herring; pressed rug, Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Gentleman; linen table cloth, Mr. and Mrs. Pat McGuan; set table linen, Miss Minnie and Annie Dischner; glass water pitcher, Mr. and Mrs. James Russell; table linen, Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Flynn, Norfolk, Neb.; linen table cloth, A.W. Wood; plush case and clothes brush, J.M. Dineen; table castor, Ed Westcott; set silver tea spoons, Miss Kittie C. Carrig; parlor stand, D.V. Macken; elegant steel engraving representing marriage of J.F. Dineen and Ella Quinn, Adam Brady; elegant chair drapers, Miss Katie and Mollie Condon, Omaha; elegant statute, representing the Boys in the Orange Grove, Peter Carey; silver castor, Mr. and Mrs. Delsman; two large steel engravings, Mr. and Mrs. E.D. Fitzpatrick; chair draper, Emma Livey, Walnut, Ill.
The presents were so numerous that prehaps [sic] in taking down the names of some them that one or so was missed and not taken down but they are thanked for them just the same.
About 4 o'clock the guests began to depart for home wishing Mr. and Mrs. Dineen many joyful years.
One of the Guests. [abt May 1890]
Platte Center, Neb.
Tuesday morning, May 17, St. Joseph's church in Platte Center was the scene of one of the prettiest weddings of the season, the marriage of Mr. John Cooney and Miss Catherine Hennessey. The bride was attended by her youngest sister, Mis [sic] Gertrude, and the groom by his brother, Frank.
The bride looked beautiful in a lovely dress of cream messaline satin elaborately trimmed in pearls and golden embroidered chiffon. The bridesmaid appeared charming in a delicate blue silk foulard. The groom and groomsman wore black full dress suits. Rev. Father Angeles was the officiating priest, celebrating High Mass at eight o'clock. After the ceremony the bridal party returned to the bride's home, where a delicious breakfast was served to the family and immediate relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Cooney took the evening train for Denver, Salt Lake and other western points. After a few weeks they will return to Cheyenne, Wyo., where the groom has furnished a home. [May 1910]
At Rest.
In the presence of her only son, and surrounded by many other relatives, Mrs. Louisa Mackin died shortly after midnight, at St. Mary's hospital, in Columbus, Nebraska, December 2d, 1910. The immediate cause of her death was cancer of the liver. This malignant disease manifested itself about six weeks ago, and despite the best that science and good care could do, death was inevitable.
Deceased was born in Dixon, Illinois, May 8, 1854, her maiden name being Louisa Perkinson. With her parents and brothers and sisters she moved to Platte county in February, 1876 locating on the well-known Perkinson farm, southeast of Platte Center. On January 9, 1883, she was married to John J. Mackin, who preceded her in death February 17, 1892.
Mrs. Mackin is survived by her son Edward John, four brothers, James Perkinson, Larchwood, Iowa, Richard W. Perkinson, Denver, Colorado, Edward F. Perkinson, Platte Center, Neb., Joseph H. Perkinson, Milford, Neb., and four sisters, Mrs. D.H. Carrig, Platte Center, Neb., Mr. C.C. Carrig, Kearney, Neb., Mrs. Anna Fahey, Kingfisher, Oklahoma, and Mrs. J.G. Cunningham, Amarillo, Texas.
The largely attended funeral took place Sunday from the Catholic church, and she rests beside the remains of her husband in St. Joseph's cemetery.
Mrs. Louisa Mackin was a good woman, charitable and kindhearted, and her relatives and many friends have reason to regret her rather untimely demise. She was inclined to be domestic in her habits, spending practically all of her time at home. In the years following the death of her husband she struggled bravely and courageously to manage the modest amount of property left her, and to rear her only son, Edward, and the highest tribute which we can pay to Mrs. Louisa Mackin is that she reared that son to become a most useful, honorable and highly respected citizen of our community. [Dec 1910]Among those from out of town attending the obsequies of Mrs. Louisa Mackin were Mesdames C.C. Carrig, Kearney, Neb., Anna Fahey, Kingfisher, Okla., W.T. Ripp, Cedar Rapids, Neb., anna Byrnes, E.F. Moriarity, both of Omaha; E.C. Halm, Geo. Smith, Lena Edwards, John Steffes, all of Humphrey Mrs. J.F. Carrig, of Columbus, Misses Nellie Mackin, Omaha; Alice Quinn, Josie Burke, Agnes Dineen, Columbus, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Cunningham, Amarillo, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Mackin, Columbus; Messrs. Ed Rotherham and Ed Carrig, Lindsay; Blake Maher, Lincoln; Joe Perkinson, Milford, Neb.; R.W. Perkinson, Denver, Colo.; Frank Perkinson and P.F. Doody, Cheyenne, Wyoming; Earl Carrig, Kearney, Neb. [Dec 1910]
Platte Center, Neb.
Mrs. Denis Regan, one of the sturdy pioneers of the west and one of the most devout Catholics of St. Joseph's parish, passed away last Friday afternoon at her home northeast of town. Mrs. Regan had been ill for the past seven weeks with a severe attack of pneumonia, which, in spite of all the loving care and attention that medical science and loving friends did bestow, proved fatal. The end came peacefully as nature gave up the battle. Surrounded by her devoted husband and children and fortified by the ministrations of the Church, Mrs. Ryan [sic] sank to her last rest. Her dying moments gave evidence of the great faith that was in her.
Margaret Holland was born at Castletown Beare, Cork County, Ireland, December 5th, 1839. Her parents and grandfather O'Neill emigrated to America in 1849 and settled at Fall River, Massachusetts, where they lived until 1857, when they moved to Bureau County, Illinois. She was married to Denis Regan October 10, 1862, at Mendota, Illinois. In 1871 the family removed to Nebraska, settling on the present farm, where they have resided since. Her husband and eight children survive. They are: Richard C., Daniel Tessie, Dee and Margaret, who are at home; Thomas H., of Monroe, Neb.; Mrs. John C. Cahill of Longmont, Colorado, and John G. Regan of Adel, Iowa. One daughter died some years ago.
The funeral serives [sic] were held in St. Joseph's church Monday at 10 a.m. with the celebration of Requiem High Mass by Father Cyriac, after which the cortege wended its way to St. Patrick's cemetery, where, amid the sorrow of her husband and children, beneath the turf on the hillside, she was laid to rest almost in sight of the old home she had loved so dearly. The pall bearers were: Ed Higgins, D.H. Carrig, Thomas H. Lynch, D.P. Mahoney, T.J. Cronin and Eugene Mackin.
Sleep, dearest mother, in your narrow bed. Your heart went out in its munificence of love to us always.
May she rest in peace! [1911]
The people of this village were unpleasantly surprised and shocked last Friday when the news was spread around that Mrs. P.F. Doody had died at the home of her sister-in-law, Mrs. R.W. Perkinson. She had been in failing health a number of years and had come here from her home in Cheyenne just eleven days prior to her death in the hope that the change would be beneficial. Although she had been in poor health for years her death, which was caused from heart trouble, was unexpected. Her husband and two eldest sons were unable to reach here until the following day. Mrs. Doody, whose maiden name was Mary Whalen, was born in Ireland April 6, 1868. She imigrated to this country in 1883 and settled in Illinois, where she remained until 1885, when she came to Platte county. She was united in marriage to P.F. Doody June 17, 1889. They continued to make Platte county their home until 1897, when they moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where they have since resided. Her husband and four children are left to mourn the loss of a devoted wife and mother. William, Charles, Kittie and John are the children's names. The funeral occurred Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from St. Joseph's church, Rev. Cyriac conducting the services. The deceased bore her suffering for many weary weeks and months with christian patience. The best of medical aid was had and all that willing hands and hearts could do to lighten her burdens were done by her family and friends. Her life was filled with good deeds. The influense of her character upon her children and others with whom she came in contact was ever upligting and very helpful. Her life was one of unselfishness. She will ever live in the hearts of those who knew her. To those in bereavement The Signal offers sincere sympathy. [unknown date, but according to cemetery records, "Molly" Doody was born Apr 6, 1871 and died Aug 18, 1911]
Lindsay Locals.
Nine o'clock Tuesday morning at St. Joseph's church, in Platte Center, occurred the marriage of Miss Susan McCurdy to Mr. James J. Sweeney, Father Cyriac performing the ceremony. The bride and groom were attended at the altar by Miss Anna McCurdy, sister of the bride, and Mr. Dick Lee. The bride wore a gown of white chiffon over white silk and trimmed with pearls. The bridesmaid was gowned in blue mesaline. After the ceremony a wedding breakfast was served at the home of the bride's mother. Later in the day the young couple autoed to Lindsay where a six o'clock dinner was served in their honor at the home of Miss Ellen Sweeney. A dance was given in the evening to their many friends. Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney left Wednesday morning for Denver, and will be at home to their friends after July 12. [June 1912]
The marriage of Edward Clother, of Platte Center, and Miss Nellie Gleason, of Monroe, occurred at nine o'clock Wednesday morning, in St. Joseph's church, Rev. Father Cyriac officiating. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Katie Gleason, and the groom by Mr. Louis Wilk. Only relative[s] and a few close friends attended the reception at the bride's home. Ed. Clother is a native of Platte Center, being a son of Supervisor M.E. Clother, and is known as a straightforward, energetic young man. The bride is also a native of Platte county, and is a very estimable young lady. Every one of the friends and acquaintances of these young people wish them a full measure of happiness and prosperity. They will go to housekeeping at once on the Clother farm, two miles north of Platte Center. [Aug 1912]
--After lying in a deep stupor for more than a week, Mrs. Mark Burke passed away at the family residence, 215 West Tenth street, Friday evening, January 24, at 8:50 o'clock. Mrs. Burke had been in failing health for several years, but hopes were entertained for her recovery till a week ago last Friday when she dropped into unconsciousness. The following Wednesday she revived long enough to receive the last rites of the Catholic church and to speak to her relatives and friends, when she again lapsed into unconsciousness that ended in death. As Nellie J. Dineen she was born on the family homestead six miles north of Columbus, October 23, 1871. She was the youngest daughter of Michael Dineen, a member of one of the pioneer families of Platte county. She grew to young womanhood there, and then, in 1890, moved with her mother to Columbbus [sic], later making her home with her sister, Mrs. F.T. Walker. Her marriage to Mark Burke took place at St. Bonaventure's church January 21, 1902. Mrs. Burke was a woman possessed of a lovely disposition that even the ravages of physical suffering could not mar. She leaves her husband, Mark Burke, and one little son, Mark, jr.; one brother, J.F. Dineen, of Columbus; three sisters, Mrs. F.T. Walker, of Omaha; Mrs. J.T. Flynn, of Norfolk, and Mrs. D.V. Mackin, of Platte Center. Funeral services were held at St. Bonaventure's church Monday morning at 10:30 o'clock, where requiem high mass was offered. Floral offerings in great masses were received from friends and fraternal organizations. The St. Anne's society, of which she was a member, attended the services in a body. Interment was made in the Catholic cemetery. Among the relatives who came from a distance to attend the funeral were: Mrs. F.T. Walker, son, Francis, and daughters, Margaret and Mildred; Mr. Daniel and Jerry Lenahan, Mrs. T.E. Gerin, Mrs. Mary Clark and daughter, Margaret, and Mr. H.W. Kidder, of Omaha; Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Flynn, and daughter, Agnes, of Norfolk; Mr. and Mrs. D.V. Mackin and daughter, Bessie; Mr. William and Vincent Mackin, Mr. and Mrs. M.E. Cooney, of Platte Center; Mrs. Joseph Schaffer, of Alliance; Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Dineen, of Madison; Miss Katie and May Cavanaugh, of Dennison, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Martson, of Friend, and Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Burke, and daughter, Margaret, of Martland, Neb. [abt. Jan 1913]
The graduating exercises of St. Joseph's parochial school took place Tuesday evening. An elaborate and well-directed program was presented to the large and enthusiastic audience. A number of songs, drills, dialogues and one act plays, executed by the pupils, enlivened the evening's entertainment. Chaytor Ryan, the graduate, delivered his oration, Our Country, in an able and creditable manner. Mary Cooney was advanced as a sub-graduate. The bestowal of honors and conferring of diplomas was in charge of Rev. Marcellinus. [June 1913]
Louie Jones was taken to Columbus last Friday by Deputy Sheriff Burke and brought before the board of insanity, charged with being mentally unbalanced. For some time he has labored under the halucination that slow poison was being given him, and that other equally absurd things were being plotted against him. He had made many threats that he would "get even" with these imaginary persecutors. He carried a revolver much of the time and it was deemed best that he be looked after. When the board heard his story they did not require other evidence to satisfy them that he needed looking after, so they committed him to the asylum at Norfolk, where he was taken that evening by Deputy Sheriff Burke. [June 1913]
A pretty home wedding took place at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. H.E. Newton on Thursday morning, June 12th, at 8 o'clock when Miss R. Alice Newton became the bride of Mr. Arno A. Bald, M.D. of Platte Center, Nebr. The Rev. H.H. Price, D.D., pastor of the First Congregational church of Aurora, performed the ceremony.
Amid the happy congratulations of friends, and accompanied by Miss Nell Peterson and Harvey Bald, the bride and groom left in an automobile for Central City to take the train for Omaha on their way to Platte Center, where the groom has established himself as a practicing physician.
The bride, who is a well known and deservedly popular young lady, has lived here practically all her life. She has taught in the rural schools of the county and in the public schools of Lincoln and Aurora. She is a graduate of the city high school, a former student of the state university and, during the last year, was one of the teachers in the kindergarten of this city. The groom is a native of Aurora, and also well known here.--Aurora Republican.
These young people arrived here Friday morning and at once went to housekeeping in the Pugh cottage which the doctor had made ready. Congratulations and hearty wishes for happiness and prosperity is extended by all the people of Platte Center. [June 1913]
Platte Center.
Funeral services were held last Saturday morning for the late Mrs. Mary Fenton, who passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. T.J. Cronin, Thursday evening. The remains were laid to rest in St. Patrick's cemetery. Those who were here from out of town to attend the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Grady, of Richland; J.J. Sullivan and son; Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Carrig, Mrs. Hayes and daughter, Margaret, Mrs. Alice Sullivan, Miss Johanna Burke, of Columbus, and Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hayes of Lindsay. Mrs. Fenton leaves three daughters, Mrs. J.M. Maher, of Leigh; Mrs. T.J. Cronin and Miss Mamie Hayes; her aged parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Sullivan; two sisters and four brothers. [Nov 1913]
News was received here Thursday evening that Pete Moore was drowned at Pierce about four o'clock that afternoon. But few particulars are obtainable at this time. He was a miller and was employed in the mill at Pierce. He fell from a footbridge which crossed the dam. Mr. Moore was a brother of Mrs. J.E. Cossairt, of Platte Center, and was well known here, having lived here some time a few years ago. [May 1914]
Yesterday, in the bloom of perfect health, the pride of a city. Today, in her newly-made grave, the cause of a city's tears. In all the city there was none of more regal physical bearing and beauty--none of gentler, sweeter tone of mind. Such was a community's estimate of Eileen Kavanaugh, whose sudden summons to the unknown realm shocked and affrighted every home in Columbus last Tuesday morning. I am wishing that the mercy of God might inspire me to prepare some printed lines of helpfulness to the household of my stricken neighbors--some words of wisdom to make them understand that the crushing of their own beautiful earth-flower may be only a call to the bud of beauty to unfold in Padadise [sic] a full-blown Sharon rose, whose fragrance the angels may carry as incense to the throne of God. There is a cure for grief in the hypnotism of sleep. A sage has said that there is a balm for Sorrow in remembering happier things; but in the presence of that crushing Misery now companion to the hearts in that home from which the tiara of happiness has been exchanged for the cruel crown of Misery--well, I dare not enter there with my cold speech of sympathy, but only stand a respectful league in the distance, and there plead with the very God of Pity to have compassion upon and strengthen the faith of a stricken household--a faith which will ultimately lift despairing hearts from the foot of the altar of Death to an unending service at the altar of Life. [Oct 1914]--Stricken with diphtheria while in the midst of preparations for her approaching marriage, Miss Eileen Kavanaugh, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D.C. Kavanaugh, died at the family home on West Thirteenth street shortly after 1 o'clock Tuesday morning. Miss Kavanaugh was in perfect health until she felt a trace of tonsolitis at an early hour Sunday morning. The ailment became worse during the day and she was given medical attention. There was no indiaction [sic] of the presence of the dread diphtheria until late Monday afternoon. Every possible effort was made to check the run of the disease, but the patient failed rapidly. When news of her death spread Tuesday forenoon, the city was plunged into sorrow. Few there were even among her close friends who had known that she was ill, and her untimely death was a cruel shock to many Columbus homes. Eileen Patricia Kavanaugh was born in Columbus, March 17, 1888. She received her education in the Catholic parochial school, graduating from St. Frances academy. She was betrothed to Mr. W.F. Delaney, of David City, treasurer of Butler county, and November 5 had been fixed as the wedding day. The bride-to-be was happily engaged in perparing [sic] her trousseau when the angel of death interfered. Because of the contagious nature of diphtheria, no services were held at the home. Burial was made Tuesday afternoon at 4 o'clock, Rev. Fr. Cyriac conducting a brief service at the grave in the Catholic cemetery. Though the funeral was private, many friends of the family followed the remains to the burial place. Miss Kavanaugh is survived by her sorrowing parents, one brother, Ed Kavanaugh, and one sister, Miss Paule. Few young ladies enjoy the popularity that was hers. It was a deserved tribute to a beautiful character. Her friends and acquaintances, and they were legion, accorded her that respect which is ever due the pure at heart and the lovely nature that immortalizes womanly graces. [Oct 1914]
Card of Thanks.
We are deeply grateful to all our friends and neighbors who tendered to us in such full measure their help and sympathy during the death and burial of our lamented child and brother, Jerome. We also extend our most appreciative thanks for the many beautiful floral offerings.
Mr. and Mrs. D.V. Macken, and FamilyA Sad Tragedy.
Thursday evening, October 29, 1914, about 7:40 o'clock, our town was thrown into a panic by the frightful news that several boys and at least one grown person were buried under tons of dirt in a cave which the boys had built in the bank in the dry part of Elm creek, south of the business part of town. Instant help came to the rescue, and within a few moments Earl Burke, who was only slightly covered near the entrance, was extricated, and he escaped with painful but not serious injuries. Clarence Greisen, the second victim to be recovered, fared less fortunate. He was near the center of the cave and was covered with two or three feet of death-dealing dirt. Medical assistance failed to detect any life, or resusticate him. He was dead. His right leg was badly broken below the knee, and other evident injuries had caused instant death. Mr. E.H. Walters was next recovered near where Clarence Greisen was found. Hopeful signs of life soon appeared, and Mr. Walters escaped death, although badly injured. Jerome Macken was the last of the buried victims to be recovered. It was evident that his young life was extinct, because his neck was broken, and he probably had sustained other fatal injuries.
It seem[s] that a number of boys had been working on this cave some five days. They had hollowed out an underground room about seven feet wide, ten feet long and seven feet high, with the ceiling of the cave about four feet from the surface of the ground. On this fateful evening Mr. Walters was making suggestions to the boys about bracing and boarding up the cave, when several tons of earth came down in and near the center, dealing death and injury to the unfortunate victims. Clarence Englehorn who was in the very rear of the cave escaped uninjured, while Irvin Scheidel, who was near the entrance, was caught and partly buried, but rescued himself quickly. A number of boys were near the entrance on the outside and immediately screamed for help, which came at once. Among those who came first and began the heroic work of digging and rescuing the unfortunates from the still dangerous cave were Marshal Burrows, Art Wolf, Adolph Ludwig, Willie Greisen, Will Mylet, Jack O'Neill and Chris Martens.
Jerome Macken was the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. D.V. Macken. He was born in Platte Center October 16, 1899, and spent his entire young life in our village. Likewise, and by a strange coincidence Clarence Greisen was the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Hilger Greisen. He also was born in Platte Center, Oct 29, just 13 years ago on the day of his untimely death.
The funeral of Clarence Greisen was held Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, from St. Josedh's [sic] church, with burial in St. Anthony's cemetery, where he rests beside his departed two brothers and one sister. The remains of Jerome Macken were taken to St. Joseph's church Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, and burial was had in St. Joseph's cemetery.
This lamentable double tragedy was a blow, so sudden and crushing to the relatives in both families, that it seems almost unbearalbe [sic]. We know, in a measure, how to sympathize with the parents in their utter agony, and we extend that sympathy in its fullest measure. But none of us know what is for the best. These young lives were taken at an innocent age, and who of us, in years to come, would call back to earth, if we could, those loved ones who departed when their souls were young and unblemished. [Nov 1914]
Death of Frank Klebba.
Mr. Frank T. Klebba, 418 So. Twenty-sixth street, died Friday evening of last week at St. Joseph hospital, after being confined to his bed for a week with pneumonia. Mr. Klebba had lived in Omaha for eight years, and worked for the Union Pacific railroad. He is survived by his wife, three sons, Louis, Frank and Victor, and by a daughter, Mrs. George Shinkle.
The funeral was held from St. Mary Magdaline church, Nineteenth and Dodge streets, at 9:30 o'clock Monday morning.
His two sons, Frank and Victor, came from Chicago Saturday morning, but arrived after the death of their father. [Dec 1914]
McCormick-Flynn.
The wedding of Miss Agnes V. Flynn of Norfolk and Mr. Patrick Francis McCormick took place Thursday morning of last week at St. Bernard's church in Benson. Rev. J.C. Buckley performed the ceremony. A wedding breakfast was served at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.J. McCormick for the immediate relatives. Mr. and Mrs. McCormick will be at home after January 1 at Norfolk, Neb. [Dec 1914]
Mackin-Henggeler Wedding.
The following account of the wedding of Vincent Mackin, of Platte Center, and Miss Ella Henggeler, who, with her parents, formerly resided on a farm north of Columbus, appeared in "The Faber," published at Stockville, Neb., last Friday:
Vincent M. Mackin of Platte Center and Miss Ella Henggeler of Stockville were united in marriage Tuesday at 10 o'clock at St. James' church in Curtis, Rev. Father Joseph Blacha performing the ceremony.
Only a few relatives were present at the marriage ceremony. Miss Bessie Mackin, sister of the groom, was bridesmaid, and Fred Henggeler, brother of the bride, was groomsman. The wedding march was played by the bride's sister, Miss Augusta Henggeler.
The bride wore a gown of white silk crepe meteor, and carried a bouquet of bride's roses and wore a bride's veil. The groom wore a suit of blue serge. The bridesmaid wore a gown of blue silk crepe de chine.
Following the ceremony the wedding party returned to the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Henggeler, near Stockville, where an elegant wedding feast was served to the relatives and a few invited [missing text] and have the congratulations of a host of friends for a happy and prosperous journey through life. [1915]
Columbus, Neb.
A very pretty wedding took place at St. Joseph's church Thursday morning of last week, when the wedding of Mr. George Kruse of Humphrey and Miss Lillian Dress of Columbus took place. Rev. Father Laborius officiated at the ceremony and celebrated the nuptial High Mass. The attendants were the bride's sister, Margaret, and the groom's brother, Leo. After the ceremony a wedding reception was held at the bride's home at which a number of relatives and a few close friends were present. The happy couple left on a short wedding trip after which they will go to housekeeping in Humphrey.
A beautiful marriage ceremony with all its religious solemnity was that which united Mr. Frank Savage of Tarnov and Miss Mary Kiapast of this place on Wednesday morning, May 18. The marriage was performed and the nuptial High Mass celebrated by the pastor, Rev. Father Laborius. The attendants were the Misses Julia Kiapast and Katie Savage, Messrs. Joe Kiapast and Joe Savage. After the ceremony the happy couple proceeded to the home of the bride where the near relatives and close friends celebrated the event. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Kiapast. She is a young lady who is held in very high regard by her many friends in her home community. The groom is an industrious young man who has gained the respect of all who know him. [May 1915]
Higgins-Naylon.
Miss Frances Higgins and Mr. W.J. Naylon were married in Council Bluffs, at St. Peter's church, Wednesday, November 24, 1915, at 9 o'clock a.m. Father Herman officiating.
The wedding announcement came as an agreeable surprise to the many good friends of the bride, who is the third eldest daughter of the estimable Mr. and Mrs. Ed Higgins of this community. She was born and reared here and enjoys the friendship of all her acquaintances, who wish her well in married life. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Naylon of Omaha, and he is an energetic, progressive young man. He is in the contracting business, and for the past several years has operated as a successful grading contractor in the west with headquarters at Billings, Montana.
The newly wedded couple will make their home at Council Bluffs for the immediate future. The Signal extends sincere congratulations. [Nov 1915]
--Making an easy get-away from their friends who knew of the approaching event, but were kept strickly in the dark as to when and where it would take place, Mark Burke, the affable sheriff of Platte county, and Miss Mary Loretta Conley drove up to St. Bernard by auto early Tuesday morning and were married at the Catholic church there by Rev. Fr. Cyriac Stempel, former pastor of St. Bonaventure's chruch. The nuptial mass took place at 7 a.m. and Mr. and Mrs. Burke boarded an early morning train for the east at Humphrey. The sheriff and his bride-to-be were accompanied to St. Bernard by M.G. Fallon and Miss Julia Fox, who had been taken into their confidence and who served as best man and maid of honor at the wedding. A number of St. Bernard people attending early mass at the church were privileged to witness the nuptials. Though the happy couple escaped the embarrassing attentions of their friends temporarily, they were destined to find that their departure had not been entirely unheeded. Mr. and Mrs. M.E. Helms, with whom the bride has been making her home for some time, observed the preparations, so Monday evening Mrs. Helms obtained access to their baggage and sewed into their garments quantities of rice sufficent to feed a family of oval-eyed Celestials for a month. Mr. and Mrs. Burke are expected to return from their wedding trip some day next week, and already their friends are planning to accord them a reception that will eclipse anything of the kind in the annals of the city. The Knights of Columbus, the Foresters, the Hibernians, and the Spanish War Veterans will charivari them on four different evenings, and will take pains to make them understand that their success in slipping away last Tuesday morning without being subjected to a lively send-off, was only a temporary victory, after all. Mr. and Mrs. Burke will make their home in his residence on Tenth street. It is not often given to a couple to enjoy such a general popularity in a community as do Sheriff Burke and his bride, and the best wishes of the entire county are theirs at this time. [abt. Nov 1915]
Leg Nearly Cut Off.
James Dunn met with a terrible accident last Saturday morning while doing some repair work on a binder. He was standing in front of the sickle when the team suddenly started, cutting his right leg almost off just above the ankle. At first it was feared that the leg would have to be amputated, but the attending physicians now have hopes of saving it. He is suffering great pain, but his many friends hop for an early and complete recovery. Miss Mayberger, a trained nurse from Columbus, is helping the family in caring for him. His sisters, Mrs. Ben Betterton, of Columbus, and Miss Forence Dunn, who had been attending school at Kearney, were called here on account of the accident. [1916]
Platte Center.
Aged Pioneer Passes Away.
The venerable Edward Roberts, one of the pioneers of this community, died at his home in Platte Center Tuesday evening at 7:15 o'clock, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. He had been in failing health since last June, but had been bedfast only two weeks. Mr. Roberts was born in County Cork, Ireland. While still a resident of the Emerald Isle he was married to Nora Riordan in 1866, and the same year came to America. After a residence of three years in Omaha the family moved to a farm adjoining Platte Center. Three years ago Mr. Roberts moved to town. In the early days Mr. Roberts, in common with the early settlers, endured his share of hardship and privation of pioneering, and in common with those with whom he shared confidence in the future of the pioneer home he lived to reap the rewards which come to those who were willing to work and patiently wait. He was a man of firm faith, was ever ready to liberally give for religious and charitable purposes and was always prepared for the last event of his earthly career. He is survived by three daughters and four sons. They are Miss Anna Roberts, who faithfully cared for him since the death of his wife seven years ago; Mrs. Edward Scanlon, of Omaha; Mrs. Thomas Corrigan, of Covour, S.D.; Dennis and Patrick Roberts, of Platte Center; John and Daniel Roberts, South Omaha; Edward Roberts, Albuquerque, N.M. Arrangements for the funeral service had not been completed at the writing of this paragraph. [1916]
Platte Center.
Reads His First Mass.
Wednesday, July 19, was a red letter day to the people of St. Joseph's parish and to the people of Platte Center in general when Rev. William Patrick Maher celebrated his first Holy mass. God sprinkled his blessings bountifully on the occasion by sending a rain the preceding night which aided Mother Nature in assisting to celebrate the great event. At 8:30 a.m. the pealing of the bells sounded the joyous tidings. All places of business closed and an imposing and lengthy procession, composed of little children, several clergymen, St. Joseph's choir, the Platte Center band, men and women of the parish and non-Catholic friends, carrying the national colors and banners, marched to the home of Mrs. R.W. Wilson, a sister of Rev. Maher, and escorted the first-born priest of Platte Center, vested in white robes. Rev. Maher was followed by his little niece, Ramonius Maher, attired as a bride, and carrying a white satin cushion with a hand-painted chalice, and Master Daniel Wilson, a nephew, carrying a candle, and other members of the family to the church. There he ascended to the altar and offered up the Holy Sacrifice of the mass. Rev. Father Laborius, pastor of the parish, acted as special assistant; Fev. [sic] Father Kern, of Wayne, as sub-deacon, and Rev. Father Maurice, of St. Anthony's, acted as master of ceremonies. Places were reserved in the sanctuary for Rev. Father Florence, of Humphrey; Rev. Father Borer, of South Omaha; Rev. Father Fulman, of Minnesota, and Rev. Father Munich, of Madison. Rev. Father Hyacinth, who had charge of St. Joseph's parish ten years ago when the young priest departed to begin his clerical studies, delivered an appropriate sermon. The music of the mass was rendered by St. Joseph's choir, assisted by the Platte Center band under the leadership of Martin Schilz. After mass Rev. Maher offered an individual blessing to the members of the congregation. At the close of the service the clergy and members of the family gathered in the spacious dining hall of St. Joseph's school, where they partook of an elaborate banquet. In the evening a reception was given in St. Joseph's hall. A well prepared program, consisting of music by the band, vocal solos, a very pretty drill and several appropriate recitations was rendered after which Rev. Father Laborius, in behalf of the people of the parish, with a few well chosen remarks presented Rev. Father Maher with a very liberal purse as a token of esteem. Rev. Father Maher responded in a most pleasing manner. Thus closed the program of one of the happiest occasions our parish has ever known. A number from neighboring towns were in attendance. [July 1916]
Mrs. F.T. Walker, of Omaha, and Mrs. D.V. Mackin went to Norfolk last Friday to visit their sister, Mrs. John Flynn, who was seriously ill. Mrs. Mackin received the sad word Tuesday that her sister had passed away, and left to attend the funeral services which were held Thursday morning. [Jan 1917]Mrs. J.F. Flynn.
The funeral of Mrs. J.F. Flynn, 810 Prospect avenue, who died Monday evening at 9 o'clock, will be held at the Sacred Heart church Thursday morning at 9:45 o'clock. Rev. D.W. Moriarty will have charge of the services. Interment will be made in Prospect hill cemetery.
Mrs. Flynn was born at Omaha in 1858. When a small girl she moved with her parents to Columbus where she lived for a number of years. In 1876 she was married to J.F. Flynn, the two moving to Norfolk in 1880 and where they have lived since. Mr. and Mrs. Flynn were pioneers of Norfolk and have been identified with a large number of its activities. Eight children, John J. Flynn of Lincoln; Harry Flynn of Minnesota, Frank T. Flynn of Norfolk, E.W. Flynn of Valentine, Mrs. George Cooney of Omaha, Mrs. D. Maher of Chubwater, Wyo., Mrs. P.F. McCormick of Omaha, and Mrs. Ralph Dutcher of Spalding; her sisters, Mrs. F.T. Walker, of Omaha and Mrs. Dan Mackin of Platte Center; a brother J.F. Dineen of Columbus, and her husband survive. [Jan 1917]--Ill for several months with inflammatory rheumatism, Mrs. John Flynn, a former resident of Platte county, passed away Monday evening at 9:05 o'clock at her home in Norfolk. Mrs. Flynn was a sister of J.F. Dineen, of Columbus, Mrs. F.T. Walker, of Omaha, and Mrs. Dan Mackin, of Platte Center. She was born in Omaha in 1858. The family came to Platte county when she was a girl, her father being one of the pioneers of the Shell creek valley. After she and Mr. Flynn were married they lived for some years near the bluffs north of Columbus, Mr. Flynn operating a brick yard there. They moved to Norfolk more than twenty years ago. Mr. Dineen, his daughters, Misses Helen and Veronica, Mark Burke and son, Mark, jr., went to Norfolk Tuesday after receiving word of her death. Mrs. Walker, who had just returned to Omaha from Norfolk, joined them here and went to Norfolk with them. Mr. Burke and his son returned to Columbus Wednesday noon, but the others remained to attend the funeral which was held yesterday morning. Mrs. Flynn leaves four sons and four daughters. [Jan 1917]
Francis J. Gerin, a Creighton Student, Dies.
Death in its usual form, coming at the end of a long life, is sad, but when it comes to snatch a young man not yet in the prime of life it is doubly sad indeed. Such was the case last Thursday when, after six days' illness, death called Mr. Francis J. Gerin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Gerin, 3334 Webster street.
Mr. Francis Gerin was born March 5, 1900, and was at the time of his death just over 17 years of age. He attended St. John's parochial school and, graduating from the eighth grade, continued his studies in Creighton college and had just finished third year high. In his first and second years he received the gold medal for class work and had he lived a few days longer he would have received the gold medal this year also. The medal has been engraved and will be given to his parents.
His career as a student was one brilliant success after another, and a significant feature of these successes was that no one wished more earnestly that he would win than his own classmates, thus proving in what high esteem his mates held him. At the time of his death he was prefect of the sodality and a member of the Creighton Glee club and the Creighton orchestra. Nor did he seek those honors; they were thrust upon him. Any office that could be conferred upon him was given to him unanimously by the votes of his fellow students. Had he lived he intended to give his life to God in the holy priesthood.
His personal character was above reproach. Nobody ever heard a coarse or vulgar word fall from his lips. As regards his personal habits, he was particularly a home boy. His leisure hours, which were few indeed, he spent with his parents. To know him was to love him for his intrinsic worth, and when his illness became known hundreds and hundreds of people, young and old, besought Heaven that his young life might be spared to his parents and that he might have many more years to achieve the greatness foreshadowed by his past career. God's ways are not the ways of men; his career was closed; in the short span of seventeen years he had accomplished the work set him by his Creator, and God called him to enjoy the reward of a life brief in years but abundant in good deeds. His earthly career was over, and now he is enjoying the Beatific Vision where death and sorrow are no more. The funeral was held from St. John's church, where for years he constantly served early Mass. Rev. P.J. Moran was celebrant of the Requiem High Mass, assisted by Rev. Father Kaufmann, S.J., and Rev. Father Weisenhorn, S.J., as deason [sic] and sub-deacon, and Rev. Mr. Phee, S.J., was master of ceremonies. At the conclusion of the absolution, Rev. Father Cassilly, S.J., preached a touching sermon and one of great consolation to his bereaved parents. Six of his classmates, Messrs. Cornelius Heafey, Ben Guggenmos, Joseph Egan, Burke Shea, John Riley and John Cogan, acted as pallbearers.
Very Rev. F.X. McMenamy, S.J., president of Creighton university; Rev. P.C. Gannon, Rev. Hugh Gately, Rev. Robert Kelly, S.J., and several members of the college staff were present in the sanctuary. Rev. Father Kellinger, S.J., assisted in the choir and Miss Judge presided at the organ. The floral tributes were numerous, as were cards stating that the donors would have Masses celebrated for the happy repose of his soul. The church was packed with friends and relative during the services, the vast majority of whom accompanied his remains to Holy Sepulcher cemetery. Besides his parents, he is survived by one brother, Edward, and a sister, Miss Helen Gerin, both of whom will sadly miss their beloved brother, as well as several uncles, aunts and cousins. [1917]
Platte Center.
After a brief illness with pneumonia, William Mackin passed away early Tuesday morning at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. D.V. Mackin. William was born in Platte county twenty-nine years ago. He is survived by his parents, one sister, Miss Bessie, and two brother[s], Vincent and Raymond. The funeral was held Thursday morning from St. Joseph's church and burial made in St. Patrick's cemetery. The pallbearers were: Frank Fisher, Frank Bruckner, John Higgins, P.J. Riley, Denis Duggan and Leo Hennessey. [Mar 1917]--J.F. Dineen and daughters, Misses Helen and Veronica Dineen, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Burke and Will Shea were among the Columbus people who attended the funeral of the late William Mackin at Platte Center Thursday morning. Mr. and Mrs. Burke were accompanied by Francis Walker, of Omaha. The latter's mother, Mrs. F.T. Walker, of Omaha, was also there. William Mackin was a nephew of Mr. Dineen, Mr. Burke and Mrs. Walker. [Mar 1917]
Killed by Shot on Way to His Uncle's Death Bed
Shooting of Phil Greisen, Platte Center Youth, Is Still Shrouded in Baffling Mystery.
Less than three hours after Phillip Greisen dropped dead at his home in Columbus Monday evening, his namesake and favorite nephew, Phil Greisen of Platte Center, was shot through the head and almost instantly killed. The shooting took place on the White road half a mile west of Columbus shortly before 9 p.m. while the victim, in company with his father, Henry Greisen, and his younger brother, Hilger, was coming by auto to his uncle's death-bed.
The shooting is still shrouded in baffling mystery. Whether it was murder or accident and who fired the shot are questions which are not only unsolved, but for which no tangible theory has yet been advanced. A thorough investigation is under way.
Met Three Men on Road.
According to the story told by Mr. Greisen and Hilger to the county authorities, they met three men walking in the road soon after they had crossed the Norfolk line tracks. The men were walking westward. One of them carried a lantern. They appeared to be searching for something they had lost in the road. As the car passed them they stepped to the roadside. The occupants of the machine heard a shout, and a moment later the sound of a shot from a point behind. Phil Greisen, who was driving, straightened out. His foot struck the accelerator. The car jumped forward and swerved sharply. Hilger caught the steering wheel and kept the machine in the road. While the father supported Phil's still form in his arms, Hilger drove to Butts' drug store, where Dr. D.T. Martyn, jr., instructed that he be taken at once to St. Mary's hospital. There it was found that the boy was dead. The bullet had entered to the left of the back of his head, and death must have come within a few minutes.
Whether the three men attempted a holdup is doubtful. Mr. Greisen says the shout he heard apparently had no significance. He did not recognize it as a call to halt. "If we had thought they were trying to hold us up, we would surely have stopped at once, and given them all we had without trying to get away," he said. "If they wanted to hold us up why didn't they tell us, instead of shooting my poor boy from behind."
Dogs Follow a Trail.
Within half an hour after the shooting, Sheriff Mark Burke, Acting Chief of Police Stubblefield and a volunteer posse of more than twenty men armed with rifles, revolvers and shotguns were scouring roads and fields in the vicinity of the spot. County Attorney Otto F. Walter summoned the blood hounds from Albion, and at 3:30 a.m. they were put on a trail which Sheriff Burke had found along the road side. The dogs led the chase westward to the Norfolk line tracks, southward along the tracks, with an occasional slight detour, to the Union Pacific yards, through a patch of weeds to the Meridian crossing, south into the big barn on the Willard place, and then out along the Meridian to a tree just north of the Loup river wagon bridge where it was evident an automobile had picked up the authors of the tracks. The trail followed by the dogs was that of only two persons who had walked within two or three feet of each other the entire distance.
Find Empty Shell.
Reurning [sic] to the scene of the shooting after the dogs had made their run, the posse found an empty shell of .32 calibre. It was new.
Tuesday afternoon County Attorney Otto F. Walter had Dr. F.H. Morrow perform an autopsy on the body. The bullet was taken from the brain. It was apparently from a .32 calibre shell.
Others Saw Unknown Men.
Half a dozen auto parties are known to have passed the spot where the tragedy took place between 8:30 and 9:15 o'clock Monday evening and to have seen two or three men in the road who are supposed to have been those passed by the Greisen car.
M.G. Bower and W.I. Speice and their wives saw three men with a lantern acting in identically the same manner as Mr. Greisen says those did whom he passed, and on whom suspecion [sic] naturally falls. Mrs. Bower suggested the possibility of a holdup, but the men made no such demonstration, though they eyed the car closely.
Max Elias saw two men come out of the weeds along the road side. They seemed to be watching the cars from the west. He is positive he could identify them. Carl Miller passed two men near the same place. Mrs. John Randall and son, Eddie, saw two men walk westward in the road past their home. Other similar instances have been reported directly and indirectly to the county authorities.
Was to Have Been Married.
Phil Greisen was to have been married soon. His engagement had been announced, but arrangements for the marriage were still indefinite, friends say, because he was in the first quota of men called in Platte county for the new national army and had passed the physical examination. He was 24 years old. It is said that his uncle whose death occurred the same day, had left him a quarter-section farm.
The body was removed from the French morgue to the Greisen home, five miles northwest of Platte Center, Wednesday, and funeral services will be held in the Catholic church at St. Anthony this morning.
Report to County Attorney.
County Attorney Walter asks that every person who knows of his own knowledge any circumstances that might tend to aid the authorities in their efforts to clear up the mystery write it down and mail it to him.Get the Murderer.
Phillip Greisen, Jr. was murdered by a bandit last Monday night. The murderer must be apprehended. It will take money to chase and capture the author of this foul crime. The people of Platte county owe it to themselves and the household of the young victim to provide the officers with enough money to chase the muderer [sic] to the ends of the earth. The Telegram calls upon the governor of Nebraska, the mayor of Columbus and the board of county superivsors of Platte county to offer as large money reward for the capture and conviction of the murderer as the law will permit. We also call upon some citizen of prominence to volunteer to secure private pledges to a money reward which will attract the attention of the shrievality of the state and nation. The Telegram Company hereby subscribes One Hundred ($100.00) as a reward for the capture and conviction of the murderer of Phillip Greisen, Jr. [Aug 1917]
Beveridge-Clarke.
John V. Beveridge, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Beveridge, and Miss Blanche Clarke, daughter of Mrs. Mary Clarke, were quietly married Saturday morning at St. Peter's church, with only a few friends and relatives aware of the nuptials.
They motored down to Plattsmouth to the home of the bride's sister, Mrs. E.J. Ritchie, with whom the bride's mother is visiting. They came back to Omaha on Monday, and motored down again the same evening. Mrs. Ritchie gave a dinner party for them on Thursday evening.
Mr. Beveridge, who is a graduate of both the law department the college department of Creighton university, is a young lawyer in this city. For a time he was night editor of the Associated Press in this city. He recently received an appointment to the second officers' reserve training camp. His bride, who was a graduated from the Central High school, has been the secretary to Dr. Robert Gilmore. She will accompany her husband to Minneapolis. [Aug. 1917]
Platte Center
Bruckner-Finske Nuptials
Nine o'clock Tuesday morning at St. Joseph's church, Miss Agnes, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Max Bruckner, and Oscar E. Finske, of Sunol, Neb., were united in marriage by Rev. Father Laborius. They were attended by the groom's sister, Miss Alma Finske, of Nebraska City, and Felix Bruckner. The bride wore a blue traveling suit. After the ceremony a reception was held at the bride's home to relatives and a few friends. Mr. and Mrs. Finske left for a wedding trip to Chicago and Kansas City, and upon their return will reside in Sunol where the groom owns a lumber yard and hardware store. The out of town guests attending were Emil Finske, of Lodgepole, Neb., Mr. and Mrs. L.H. Hobein and Miss Alma Finske, of Nebraska City; Mrs. Jennie Morrison and daughter, Margaret, of Omaha; Frank Pavalot, of Sunol; Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Greisen and daughters, of Columbus; Dr. and Mrs. R.G. Maxwell and two children, of Cedar Rapids. [April 23, 1918]
In every American hamlet or city may be found a man or woman who is held by all the inhabitants as first among all others in point of cheerfulness, and with ability and desire to carry the sweet gospel of smiles to all hearts and all homes within that zone. And that person in each community wins and holds a place of respectful affection. And so it is this morning that all Columbus is in an attitude of respectful sorrow because of the sudden summons which has called Mrs. Jerry Carrig from the earth-life. Her mission in life was to radiate the sunshine of good cheer. In many homes that sunshine has dispelled the gloom of apprehension in hours when the lives of loved ones lingered in the balance, and in many other homes it has dispersed the black clouds of sorrow in the presence of death. One day I heard a woman say: "Everything goes wrong today. I cannot work, I cannot read, and when I go to the piano I fail to find the chords I long to hear." Another lady present said: "Come with me, and I will show you a cure for your trouble. I am going down to see Kate Carrig, and I will guarantee that five minutes in the presence of her smile and under the charm of her cheerful voice will make you forget that you ever had any trouble." All men and all women of moral mentality trend always toward one goal--the goal over the door of which will be written by loving hands some words proclaiming that he or she lived to be helpful to humanity. And so it seems to me that thousands of loving hands in Columbus and Platte county are this morning framing for honor tablets to the memory of Mrs. Carrig words which will convey the thought and the fact that she lived to bless with her smile and to cheer with the charm of her own helpful cheerfulness. [date unknown--information has been found that a Mrs. Jerry (Kate) Carrig died in 1918]
--Just two months and a day after the death of her husband Mrs. Michael Cronin, beloved in her home community as a pioneer woman of beautiful character, answered the final summons at Platte Center last Friday morning at 4 o'clock. She was taken ill about the time of her husband's death and was bedfast the last six weeks, her affliction being acute stomach trouble. As Catherine Hanrahan, she was born January 29, 1839, in County Kerry, Ireland. She came to America when she was 16 years of age and made her home for a while with her uncle in Indianapolis. Later she came west to Omaha, where on January 16, 1870, she was married to Michael Cronin. In 1873 they came to Platte county and homesteaded one mile west of Platte Center. Perhaps no other woman was ever held in higher esteem by the people of that community than was Mrs. Cronin. She leaves 6 daughters, Mrs. R.M. McGuane, Mrs. F.G. Reilly and Misses Mary, Angie and Stacia Cronin, all of Platte Center, and Sister Maura, of Memphis, Tenn. She was a life-long and faithful member of the Catholic church, and funeral services were held at St. Joseph's church at Platte Center Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. The attendance was unusually large, friends from Columbus and other parts of the county adjoining with those of the home neighborhood in paying their last respects to her memory. The bearers were Fred S. Lecron, R.C. Regan, Max Bruckner, Patrick Fuller, Martin Hamling and Edward Maher. [1918]
--Edmond Higgins, long a prominent resident of Lost Creek township, passed away at his home one mile southwest of Platte Center at 9:30 a.m. today. He had been ill with pneumonia about a week. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made. Mr. Higgins was numbered among the early settlers in the Platte Center vicinity, having located there forty years ago when railroad land was to be had almost for the asking. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, October 27, 1849, and came to the United States when he was twenty-one years old. His first years in this country were spent in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Illinois. In 1875 in Seneca, Ill., he married Miss Kate Conley, and a few months later they moved to Oskaloosa, Ia., where Mr. Higgins worked for the Rock Island railroad. In June, 1877, Mr. Higgins came to Columbus, with scarcely more than enough money to pay his railroad fare. He made his way to the home of his uncle, Michael Upton, from whom the Union Pacific company bought the land for the townsite of Platte Center. There Mr. Higgins worked a short time as a farm hand. Later he bought eighty acres of railroad land on which he built a small house, hewing the sidings and rafters himself. From that start, he developed through perseverance and hard work, until his farm comprised 240 acres of some of the best land in Platte county. For many years Mr. Higgins has taken a keen interest in the public affairs of his community. He has been one of the active democratic workers in the county, though he never sought political honors for himself. At times he served as assessor and on the school board in his home district. He was accounted one of the substantial farmers of the county. He leaves his wife, three sons and five daughters--Mrs. Tom Gleason of Monroe; Edward Higgins; Abbie, John, Grace and Loretta Higgins, at home; Mrs. T.D. Taylor, of Omaha, and Dr. W.P. Higgins, who is practicing dentistry temporarily at O'Neill while awaiting a call to military service. [1918]
Oscar Fenske Dies in Camp; His Wife Platte Center Girl
Platte Center, Oct. 10.--Word was received here Monday that Private Oscar E. Fenske had passed away Sunday evening at 6:40 o'clock at Camp Hancock, Augusta, Ga. The sad message came to his wife who was here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Max Bruckner. She had planned to join her husband as soon as he should be definitely assigned to a training camp. His death was caused by pneumonia following the influenza. The first intimation of his illness was received Sunday.
Private Fenske was born at Lodgepole, Nebr., in November, 1889. He was a university graduate and was employed for several years as a traveling salesman for the National Biscuit Co. About four years ago he went into the lumber, implement and grain business at Sunol, Nebr., and continued in that business until he was called to the colors about a month ago. He went first to Camp Grant, Ill., and about a week before his death was transferred to Camp Hancock.
On April 23, 1918, he married Miss Agnes Bruckner, a daughter of one of the prominent families of Platte Center. He leaves his bride, his father, Emil Fenske, of Lodgepole, Nebr., one brother, Albert Fenske, of Sunol, Nebr., and one sister, Miss Alma Fenske, of Nebraska City.
The body will be brought to Platte Center for burial, but up to this afternoon no word had been received as to the time of its arrival. The service will be in St. Joseph's church, and the burial will take place with full military honors in St. Patrick's cemetery. The home guards will participate in the service. [Oct. 1918]
Postville
A pall of sadness fell over our community last Saturday morning when a telegram was received that Sergeant Robert Owen Parry was killed in action October 15, in France. It was a year ago in September that Robert was called to serve his colors, and like a brave soldier he went, claiming no exemption.
Robert Owen Parry was born on the first day of August, 1893, in this neighborhood, and was reared and grew to manhood here. Besides his parents, he leaves to mourn his passing four brothers and five sisters, all of this place.
Let us, if possible, gather up the elements of the life of the departed one and weave of them a picture for our walls of memory. The Book of Life was opened and a new name was written therein by the hand of Love. Soon would the unfolding beauties of springtime have charmed his coming. Today the eternal springtime with its everlasting glories belongs to our brother. His life was a rare jewel, his spirit as gold refined in the fire ready for heaven. These flowers are emblems of our love, but God hath bidden him welcome to that mansion which He himself hath prepared where are sung the songs of the redeemed. He ran the journey of life in twenty-five years, and it is a path marked with deeds of kindness and good cheer. Flowers, not thorns, sunshine and not shadow, did he scatter everywhere. With these he was lavish. Truth was the inspiration of his life, and by kindness he exemplified its great worth. Was not his life full of God-likeness? And there was reason for this. When his childhood was blossoming into manhood he had sought the "pearl of great price" and made it chief among the jewels of his youthful hopes. The intervening years have been full of consistent plan and wise action. This was the fountain of maturity of his character, for upon the white canvass of his life he drew no uncertain lines which needed to be erased. With the hand of a master he delicately spread the colors of life and made them blend with promise. Therefor we mourn, but not without hope. Through this gloom there comes back a bright beam of sunshine which turns our tears to jewels of promise. Through the mists which gather we hear the tumult and roar as of the Niagara, but his God hath set the bow of His promise. He leaves us not alone in the presence of the unknown. For the Sabbaths of earth he now enjoys the neverending Sabbath of Heaven. He awaits our coming, and watches near the gate. Let us remember that the morning is not far distant when we may be bidden to enter in to share with his unending, unalloyed joy. By our limited vision we sorrow that a young life should be cut short at the stage when the allurements of the future seem to be the brightest and most promising, but in joining with many friends in condolence to the sorrowing family, we commend them to the care of the heavenly Father who has taken their loved one home to the perfect life to replenish the joy his youth has only seemingly missed in this vale of tears. [The Columbus Telegram, Nov 1918]