The Columbus Telegram, January 12, 1912
DIED
VENOLA--A telegram was received this morning by Mrs. E. P. Hill notifying her that her father, Henry Venola, died yesterday at his home in Menter, Minn. Mrs. Hill left today noon to attend the funeral. [Silver Creek.]HILL--Angenora Dean Hill was born September 19, 1843, at Newark, New Jersey. When she was 12 years old she went west and settled in Licking County, Ohio, and was united in marriage to Tilton Hill at Johnstown, Ohio, August 6, 1862. They emigrated to Columbus, Neb., in 1882, then in 1896 they moved to Silver Creek, where her husband died, January 23, 1906; in April, 1910, she moved to Briggsdale, Colorado, where she was a resident at the time of her death. After an illness of six months she died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Pope, at 10:30 the morning of January 3, 1912, being 68 years, 3 months and 14 days old.
Creston Statesman, January 12, 1912
DIED
ENGEL--Anna Mari Jensen was born in Schleisweig, Holstein, Germany, Sept. 4, 1831. Died at her home in Creston, Nebr. Jan. 5, 1912, at the age of 80 yrs., 4 mo., 1 day.
She was married to Nicolas N. Engel, in the land of her berth Oct. 20, 1850. And came with her family to America in the year 1859, and located at Rushville, Ills. Moved to Iowa in the year 1882, and from thence, came on to Nebraska in the year 1890, locating in Creston, where they have lived to the time of her death.
To this union were born, ten children; three boys and seven girls. The three oldest of which, preceded the mother in death.
Of the remaining children, Antonia, Julius, and one daughter, Mrs. Chas. Hook, still live in this community. Of the others, Mrs. Chris Engel and Mrs. Geo. Wacker, live near Plainview, Nebraska. Mrs. Henry Wacker lives at Lakin, Kansas, and Mrs. Christina A. Friday lives at Elden, Iowa. All of which were present at the funeral, with the one exception of the last named, who is unavoidably detained.
Mrs. Engel was baptized in infancy, and at the age of fourteen, was confirmed in the Old Lutheran Church, in her native land, and in this connection lived her life, and died in the faith of Christ. Always a faithful follower of the Lord, and striving to carry out the teachings of the Great Book from which she gleaned her comfort, and upon which she based her hope of immortality beyond the grave.
Mrs. Engel was always a lover of the beauties of nature, and even at this time, when the season will not permit of the growth of outdoor flowers, yet a glance around the premises, reveals the many traces of the abundance of flowers that bloomed around the home in the summer that is past. But alas! never again shall flowers bloom so sweetly about this home, for the hands that so loved to plant, and train them, now lies cold, and nerveless in death.
It will be noted that for more than 60 years, 61 yrs., 2 mo. and 15 days, to be exact, this pair have lived together, in the holy bonds of wedlock. Together have they rejoiced over the blessings, that have come to them. Together they have wept, because of the sorrows that have come at times to darken their home, and hearts. Together they have labored, and together they have entered into the fruits of their labors. But now, the body, enfeebled by the weight of many years of labor, has fallen to the earth. The spirit, the candle of the body, has been removed from the candlestick. The body is consigned to the grave and the aged husband is left to strive on alone, for just a little while longer, before being gathered to the reunion above.
The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, at 2: o'clock, at the M. E. Church. the pastor, J. H. Smith, preaching the sermon from Isaiah 46:4.
A large company of people were in attendance, of the friends and relatives. After the services at the church, the body was taken to the Creston cemetery for interment. --[Submitted by Katie Kratovil]
The Columbus Telegram, January 19, 1912
DIED
MURPHY--Mrs. Jane Murphy, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years, died last Monday evening at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Wm. O'Brien, in this city. Ailments incident to old age are ascribed as the cause of death. Mrs. Murphy began to suffer ill health more than a year ago, and for several weeks had been bed-ridden. During the past four years she had made her home with Mrs. O'Brien. She was born in Ireland, and came to America as a young woman. For many years she resided at Peoria, Illinois, to which city the body was taken for burial. She is survived by two daughters and one son. One daughter, Mrs. Charles Sherman, resides in Peoria, and the son, Frank Murphy, is superintendent of the linotype composing room in one of the large daily newspaper offices in Chicago. Mr. Murphy has been in the city since before the holidays, and with Mrs. O'Brien accompanied the body to Peoria, leaving Tuesday afternoon.HARLOW--Falling victim to an attack of quick consumption, Joseph Harlow, a young man who had been employed for two seasons past at the rubber works of Wm. Lewijohann, died last Tuesday at a hospital in Council Bluffs. In recent weeks he was apparently recovering from the attack, but he suffered a pronounced relapse a day or two preceding his death. Clarence Umland, who had been a close companion of the deceased, left Wednesday for Brooks, Iowa, to attend the funeral.
ENGEL--Anna Mari Jensen was born in Schleisweig, Holstein, Germany, September 4, 1831. Died at her home in Creston, Nebraska, January 5, 1912, at the age of 80 years, 4 months and 1 day. She was married to Nicolas N. Engel in the land of her birth, October 20, 1850. And came with her family to America in the year 1859, and located at Rushville, Illinois. Moved to Iowa in the year 1882, and from thence came on to Nebraska in the year 1890, locating in Creston, where they have lived to the time of her death.
BAHLBERG--Mrs. Peter Bahlberg, after an illness with pneumonia, died last Tuesday evening at the family home in the Boheet neighborhood. She was past 70 years old. The Bahlbergs have resided in Platte county since pioneer days. Mrs. Dick Siefken, of Columbus, is a daughter of the deceased. [Rural Route 3.]
OLSON--Died, Friday, January 5, 1912, Mathias Olson, at the age of 79 years, 9 months and 23 days. Deceased came from Sweden in 1870, and made his first home in this country in Pennsylvania. Moved to Nebraska in 1874 and located in Saunders county, where he and his family resided for thirty years. He farmed part of the time and part lived in the town of Malmo. His wife died twelve years ago and he came to this county in 1904 and made his home with his son, O.C. Olson, until his death. He was troubled with asthma and suffered much towards the last.
The Columbus Telegram, January 26, 1912
DIED
SWANSON--Mrs. Harry Swanson died last week in the Methodist hospital, Omaha, death following an operation for appendicitis. Deceased was 32 years old. She was highly esteemed in her home neighborhood, where she was regarded as a model wife and mother. She is survived by a husband and one daughter. Funeral services were conducted last Sunday at the M.E. church on the Looking Glass, and the attendance ____ [Walker Township.]WINKLEMAN and PHERSON--Two reports of death from cold and exposure are shown the past week, one occuring near David City, and the other near O'Neill. John Winkleman, an inmate of the Butler county poor farm, wandered away and was so badly frozen when found that he died later. John Pherson, an old settler of Holt county was found dead in his "dugout" home, dead from exposure.
STILLMAN--Charles L. Stillman.
With the solemn and impressive rites of Freemasonry, the body of the late Charles L. Stillman, who died last Sunday morning at Lead, South Dakota, was committed to a grave in the Stillman family lot in Columbus cemetery last Wednesday morning at 9:30 o'clock. The burial was conducted by the brethren of Lebanon lodge by request of the Masonic lodge at Lead, and owing to inclement weather the ceremonies were observed at Grace Episcopal church, following a prayer service conducted by the Rev. Father Xanders.
Columbus friends were first apprised of the tragedy which terminated the life of Mr. Stillman by a paragraph appearing in the daily newspapers last Saturday morning. He came to his death by a bullet wound inflicted by his own hand. He fired the bullet last Friday afternoon just before six o'clock. He lived until ten o'clock Sunday morning, but was unconscious to the time of his death. He left no written or spoken word to explain the motive for his rash deed, but his immediate friends ascribe it to a fit of despondency due to drink.
The press dispatches say that Mr. Stillman shot himself soon following a conversation with a physician friend, who admonished him to quit the use of intoxicating drinks. That story is corroborated in part by Mr. Charles Coolidge, formerly of Columbus, who accompanied the body here from Lead. He says the doctor had been talking to Stillman during the afternoon, but not immediately prior to the shooting.
"It was about a quarter to six o'clock when the tragedy occurred," said Mr. Coolidge, "and the men in his store say that up to that time Charley was jovial as usual. He made no preparation, more than to write in a note book the address of his relatives in California. He had retired to a sleeping room at the rear of his store. Lying on the bed he muffled the sound of the revolver under the bed clothing. The clerk in the store heard no report of the shot, but was attracted to the room by the groans and heavy breathing of the unfortunate man. The revolver was one which had been about the store since the miners' strike in Lead a few months ago. It was a 32-calibre automatic revolver. Stillman placed the revolver at his right temple and fired a bullet into his brain. His friends in Lead can explain the shooting only as the act of an impulse during a despondent moment. Charley had a fine business, and was a popular man in Lead. He was by no means a hard drinker, but some of his friends thought he should be more temperate. He was a man who looked always on the sunny side of life, and who habitually showed the sunny side of himself. That is why it is hard for us to understand the motive behind his tragic death."
Charles L. Stillman was born in Columbus October 5, 1873. He was the eldest son of Dr. and Mrs. C. B. Stillman. His father was a pioneer physician of Columbus, and also established a drug store, which was conducted by the estate, under management of the deceased, until January 1, 1902. The store then became the property of Chas. H. Dack, and the Stillmans invested in a drug store at Lead, Charles Stillman holding the larger interests and being in charge. Since his death the business has been in charge of the First National bank of Lead, and will remain so until the appointment of an administrator by the court.
During his residence in Nebraska Mr. Stillman was more than locally prominent as a druggist. For several years he was a member of the state board of pharmacy, and he was also an executive officer of the state association of druggists. He was a member of several Masonic bodies, and a member of the Elks' lodge at Lead.
In 1897 Mr. Stillman was married in Columbus to Miss Maud Naylor. They were divorced about one year ago, and in recent months Mrs. Stillman and her little daughter, Helen, have resided in Omaha.
Mr. Stillman is also survived by his mother, one sister, Miss Lela Stillman, and one brother, Albert E. Stillman, who reside at San Diego, California. His former wife and his little daughter, but none other of the surviving relatives were present at the funeral obsequies.
The Columbus Telegram, February 2, 1912
DIED
SCHEMEL--Following a brief burial service conducted by Rev. R. Neumarker, the body of the late Dr. H.K. Schemel, who committed suicide at his home in Hoskins last Tuesday by drinking carbolic acid, was laid at rest in Columbus cemetery yesterday afternoon. The body, accompanied by relatives, arrived on the train from Norfolk at one o'clock. The train was met by members of Columbus lodge, Sons of Hermann, who served as pall bearers, and the funeral cortege proceeded direct to the cemetery. Doctor Schemel left no message explaining his motive for ending his life, but friends whom he visited in Columbus a few weeks ago believe he was thoroughly discouraged and despondent because of ill health and financial distress. He was quite well known here, his wife being formerly Miss Emma Hoehen, eldest daughter of the late Dr. E. Hoehen, one of the pioneer physicians of the city. He was married to Miss Hoehen in 1888, and since then had resided in several Nebraska towns and cities. The widow and five children survive. Mrs. Schemel is now in the city as guest of her sister, Mrs. L.F. Gottschalk. Doctor Shemel [sic] was born fifty-five years ago at Herford, westphalia, Germany. He studied in the universities of Heidelberg and Keil, graduating from the latter institution, and first came to America at the time of the Centennial exposition in Philadelphia, in 1876. He was formerly located at Fremont.NICHOLAS--Joe, the 14-year-old son of Jos. Nicholas, living between Humphrey and Creston on the Job Hook place, died very suddenly at about 7:30 o'clock yesterday morning, the cause of which The Democrat understands was some sort of acute bowel trouble. Wednesday the young man worked about the place, and apparently he was well as usual. About midnight Wednesday, he complained of pains in his stomach, and a doctor was called, and the pains seemed to yield readily to the medicine administered. A few hours later, however, the pains re-appeared and the doctor was again called, but before he was able to reach the bedside of the sick boy he had passed to the great beyond.
GOODWIN--F.D. Goodwin received a letter Monday conveying the sad news that his mother had passed away at the home of his sister, Mrs. Lottie Ward, in Portland, Oregon, on the 19th. Mr. Goodwin's parent was born in Indiana in 1834, and was in her 78th year at the time of her death. She had been in poor health for several years and news of her death was not unexpected.
ALEXANDER--Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Van Buskirk of Silver Creek received word Thursday that their daughter, Susan Jane Alexander, had died at her home at Madras, Ore., at six o'clock that morning. Mrs. Alexander spent several months here, leaving for Oregon about a year ago. Susan Jane Alexander was 27 years of age and leaves to mourn her loss, her husband and four small children of Madras, Ore., and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Van Buskirk, two brothers, Robert and Charles, and one sister Anna May, all of Silver Creek.
NICKEL--Rosa, the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Nickel, died Monday as a result of eating pork infected with trichina germs several weeks ago. The remaining members of the family, including Mr. and Mrs. Nickel and the five children, are still in a serious condition, but Dr. E.E. Boyd, the attending physician, has strong hopes of their recovery. The funeral of the daughter was unusally sad for the reason that none of the members of the faimly [sic] were able to attend. The family ate some sausage that had been insufficiently cooked early in the week of December 28 and since that time have been in a precorious [sic] condition. Two of the boys have about recovered, but the rest are still very ill, Mrs. Nickel's condition being the most serious. In cases of this kind the trichina worm or germ enters the muscles of the body during the third or fourth week and their burrowing through the flesh sets up an inflammation that is not only very painful, but that frequently results fatally. No medicine has yet been discovered that will kill the germs and the treatment is limited to keeping the body in good condition for overcoming them. The members of the Nickel family were rugged and it is to be hoped that they will recover. They certainly are passing through a trying experience.
McKINNEY--James McKinney, an aged man who had made his home with the household of John Grossnicklaus during the past year or two, was found unconscious on the streets of South Omaha last Friday night. He was removed to the police station, where he died within a few minutes. McKinney was a native of Ireland, and about seventy-five years old. He left the Grossnicklaus home Wednesday of last week, with the intention of visiting two sisters in Omaha. Mr. Grossnicklaus says he paid the old gentleman back wages to the amount of $195 all of which, with a small sum he had drawn on a time certificate in one of the Platte Center banks, McKinney took with him. When found he had less than $10 in his pockets, and the supposition is that he fell in with bad companions, who either robbed or encouraged him to dissipate his savings.
KIPP--John Kipp, town marshal at Platte Center, was accidentally killed last Saturday, falling into the engine pit at the village waterworks station--a distance of ten to twelve feet--and breaking his neck. He was a man weighing more than two hundred pounds, and fell with such force upon the cement floor of the pit that six vertebrae of his spine were literally crushed. Mr. Kipp was last seen alive about 8:30 o'clock Saturday evneing. At half-past twelve o'clock the body was found by Joseph Witte and Frank Brudney, who surmised that something had gone wrong with Kipp, because of the fact that the street lights still were burning, when it was the duty and custom of the town marshal to turn them out at ten o'clock. In addition to his duties as town marshal, Kipp was also in charge of the water works station. It is presumed that he called at the station to start the pumps and increase the pressure in the underground tank, which supplies the city water. The engine and pump room is in the basement of a building used for storing the apparatus of the village fire department. It is reached by means of a very steep stairway leading down from the floor of the building. Kipp's body was found at the foot of the stairway. The fact that one hand of the dead man was clutching a revolver in his overcoat pocket, and the circulation of a report that certain men of the village whom he had arrested had sworn vengence against him, were at first accepted as evidence that he had been assaulted. Accordingly Coroner Gass was called to conduct an inquest, and County Physician Neumarker performed an autopsy upon the body. The result of these investigations, however, dispelled the early suspicions of an attack upon Kipp. The jury returned a verdict of accident death. The theory is that Kipp made a misstep, or stumbled at the top of the stairway and fell the entire distance to the stone floor. Mr. Kipp was born in Germany thirty-eight years ago. He was unmarried, and his only relative residing in this country is a sister, Mrs. Fried. Boettcher, of this city. The funeral service was conducted at her home Tuesday afternoon by Rev. R. Neumarker, of the German Reformed church. The service at the grave in Columbus cemetery was in charge of the Columbus camp of Spanish-American war veterans, Mr. Kipp having served in the Philippine campaign with many members of the camp. He was a member of company K, which was enlisted in Columbus under command of Capt. J.N. Kilian. Members of the Platte Center fire department also attended the funeral in a body.
EAHEART--Cornelius Eaheart, at the advanced aged [sic] of seventy-five years, died last Tuesday at his home on West Thirteenth street. For many months his health had been failing, due to a complication of diseases. Mr. Eaheart was born March 28, 1837, at LaPorte, Indiana. He came to Nebraska in 1884, locating in Polk county, and had resided in Columbus since 1895. His wife and three sons survive him. The latter are Ellis Eaheart, Phillipsburg, and John M. Eaheart, Missoula, Montana; William E. Eaheart, Columbus. The funeral of Mr. Eaheart will be held Sunday afternoon, at two o'clock, at his late residence. The service will be conducted by Rev. C.W. Ray. Interment will be in Columbus cemetery.
The Columbus Telegram, February 9, 1912
DIED
DONOVAN--John B. Donovan, editor of the Madison Star-Mail, and well known in Columbus in personal and political capacities, died last Saturday at the home of a sister, Mrs. John McKale, in South Omaha. Death followed an attack of heart failure, with which Mr. Donovan had been troubled more or less in recent years. Mr. Donovan became a newspaper man by following his natural tendencies. Even before he had completed his studies in the public school he started a small newspaper in Madison, and eventually it became one of the leading newspapers of Madison county. He possessed unusual traits of personality fitting him as a country publisher, and his ability as a rustler assurred him success on the business side. At one time he was president of the Nebraska Press association, and during the administration of Governor Shallenberger he was a deputy game warden. He was forty-four years old. One son, Archie K., and one daughter, Miss Lydia Donovan, survive him.GROSSNICKLAUS--As a result of injuries resulting from his saddle horse falling upon him, George Grossnicklaus, twelve-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Grossnicklaus, residing south of Columbus, in Polk county, died last Monday morning. Since early childhood the boy had been living at the home of his uncle, Albert Grossnicklaus, but at the time of the accident, which happened the day before his death, he had gone home for a short visit with his parents. His horse fell while he was in a field driving cattle. He lived twenty hours after the accident. He was a nephew of John Grossnicklaus, residing near Platte Center, and of Mrs. J.E. Drawbaugh, of this city. The Platte county relatives of the bereaved family attended the funeral, which was held in Polk county Wednesday.
The Columbus Telegram, February 16, 1912
DIED
DAWSON--Sudden Death of Wm. Dawson.
Some time between twelve and one o'clock yesterday afternoon Wm. Dawson suffered an attack of heart failure, or trouble of like nature, and passed away. For less than a day he had been visiting his brother, John C. Dawson, near Oconee. At noon of the day of his death he ate heartily, and appeared in excellent health. An hour later his body, cold in death, was discovered in a small outhouse on the place. In recent years Mr. Dawson had been subject to fainting spells, and it is now believed they were symptoms of the trouble which caused his death.
Mr. Dawson had resided in Columbus since 1892, the family home being on West Fifteenth street. He came here from Washington, but previously resided in Iowa and Kansas. He was a highly educated man, at one time being rated one of the best architects in the west, but in late years he had followed the trade of carpenter.
He was born in Jones county, Iowa, about seventy years ago. In 1884, at Monticello, Iowa, he was married to Mrs. Laura Ransom. The widow, one son and one daughter survive him. The son, Wm. Dawson, jr., is a linotype operator in the office of the Norfolk News. The daughter, Blanche, resides at home. The other surviving relatives are four brothers and two sisters--Frank and Miss Jennie Dawson, residing in Los Angeles; Boyd Dawson, San Diego; Joseph Dawson, Kansas City; Mrs. C.H. Buschman, Columbus; John Dawson, Oconee.
This morning, awaiting advice from the relatives in California, no arrangements have been made for the burial service.HANEY--JAMES HANEY.
Early Pioneer Succumbs to First Illness in a Long Lifetime.
The venerable James Haney, a resident of this vicinity for fifty-five years, died Monday afternoon at the home of his son, James S. Haney, Tenth and Fulton streets. Without premonition of impending illness, Mr. Haney suffered a hemorrhage of the brain while visiting in the city last Thursday, and his condition was such that he could not be removed to his own home in the country. No hope for recovery was entertained at any time during his illness.
Since 1857, three years after his arrival in America, Mr. Haney had resided on a farm seven miles east of Columbus, on which he located as a homesteader. Although a resident of Colfax county, Mr. Haney had always regarded Columbus as his home town. He was always intersted [sic] in the growth and development of the city, and did his part to aid in the march of progress. He was one of the founders of the old St. John's Catholic church, and the last survivor of the pioneers who participated in the organization of the parish.
In the early days, before the coming of the railroads, Mr. Haney engaged in feighting [sic], driving an ox team over the old trail between Omaha and Kearney. His first home on the old homestead was a sod house. Later this was supplanted by a log house, which is still standing, but the present home is of the type characteristic of the prosperous Nebraska farmer.
By the present generations Mr. Haney will be remembered as an Irish gentleman of the old school. He was a wholesome, generous and charitable man, who looked upon the sunny, rather than the sombre side of life, and, for the good, rather than the frail traits of his fellow man.
Mr. Haney was born March 17, 1836, in Londonderry, Ireland. He came to America in 1854, first locating in the east. In 1865 he was married in Columbus to Miss Johanna Meany, a member of one of the pioneer families. The widow, five sons and two daughters survive, the latter being Patrick, Frank and James S. Haney, and Misses Elizabeth and Agnes Haney. All reside in this vicinity. James S. Haney is a deputy in the office of County Treasurer Heuer.
The funeral of Mr. Haney was held at St. Bonaventura Catholic church yesterday forenoon at 10:30 o'clock, with interment in the parish cemetery.SPOTTED HORSE--Spotted Horse was an Indian chief of the Skidoo band of Pawnees, and was with the Pawnees when they left Genoa for the Indian territory. While camped near Bunker Hill, Kansas, in the fall of 1874, Spotted Horse was stricken with pneumonia. He lived only a short time after the attack, but before he died requested that he be given a white man's burial and a monument placed over his grave. The remains were taken to Bunker Hill the day following his demise, where the body was placed in a rude pine coffin made by the village carpenter, and taken to the cemetery, where a Methodist minister conducted services at the grave. Recently a movement was inaugurated among the Pawnees residing in Oklahoma to raise the necessary funds for the promised monument. The grave has been located in the Bunker Hill cemetery by a banker, who was a boy at the time and attended the funeral.
SEAMAN--Dispatches were received at this office Saturday evening announcing the death of Mrs. Emma Seaman at her home at Omaha. Many of our citizens will remember Mrs. Seaman as having been an employee at the Indian school several years ago. She was the mother of Walter Seaman, and was insured in the Knights and Ladies of Security, belonging to the Genoa lodge.
The Columbus Telegram, February 23, 1912
DIED
SPOERRY--The lifeless body of Mrs. Rosina Spoerry was found last Sunday morning in a small bedroom at the Spoerry home, Seventh and Washington streets. A neighbor woman calling at the home quite late in the forenoon was led to investigate, by reason of a lamp still burning. The body of Mrs. Spoerry, cold in death, lay prone on the floor of a spare bedroom. It was evident that life had been extinct for several hours. Heart failure is ascribed as the cause of death. Mrs. Spoerry was a pioneer woman of Columbus, coming to this city in 1868 direct from Switzerland, where she was born in 1846. A few months after her arrival she was married to Vincent Kummer, the first treasurer of Platte county. Mr. Kummer died in 1880, and ten years later his widow became the wife of Henry T. Spoerry, a well-to-do farmer of the county. Mr. Spoerry died in 1903. The only surviving close relative of the deceased residing in this county is a sister, Mrs. E.W. Gossman, now residing in California. One brother and two sisters reside in Switzerland. Fred Gerber, of this city, is a nephew. The funeral of Mrs. Spoerry was conducted yesterday afternoon by Rev. Wm. Hackman, pastor of the German M.E. church, of which the deceased had long been an active member and supporter.JETT--The body of T. Jett, a transient barber, who had been working at Columbus and Monroe, was ground to pieces under the wheels of the west-bound passenger last Saturday night between Petersburg and Elgin. The man was stealing a ride and nothing was known of the accident until the car inspector at Oakdale Sunday morning found blood on the car wheels. The remains were gathered up in a bushel basket Sunday afternoon and taken to Petersburg. A card and letters found with the mangled body indicate that the stranger was T. Jett, of Eades, Colorado, where two brothers reside.
ROTHERHAM--Edward Rotherham, sr., one of Lindsay's pioneer residents, died suddenly at his home at this place Monday evening. The news of his death comes as a shock to his relatives and many friends, as he had conversed with a number of them about two hours before his death. When he went to supper he told his wife that he felt very sick. The doctor was called at once, but medical aid was of no avail. He leaves a wife, three daughters, Mrs. Wm. McCauliff and Mrs. Edward Carrig, of this place; Mrs. Philip Getsfred, of Fremont, and two sons, Edward and Arthur. He was one of Lindsay's respected citizens. The bereaved family has the sympathy of the entire community. Funeral was held Thursday morning.
The Columbus Telegram, March 1, 1912
DIED
GORES--Mrs. Frank Gores, for many years a resident of Columbus, died last Tuesday in the state hospital at Norfolk, where she had been receiving treatment for several months past. The funeral service was conducted at St. Bonaventure church Wednesday afternoon, with interment of the body in the parish cemetery. Mrs. Gores was sixty years old. She was born in Switzerland, and came to America as a young woman. Her husband, two sons and four daughters survive her. One of the sons, William, is a building contractor residing at Madison, and the other, Adolph, moved recently to Florida. Three of the daughters now reside in Omaha.PICKETT--William Pickett died at his home at O'Kay at about 1 p.m. on Thursday of last week, after an illness of several weeks. He was a little past 33 years of age. He became converted in 1907, and lived a quiet, christian life, beloved and respected by all who knew him. Deceased leaves to mourn his demise a wife and infant daughter, an adopted son, a mother, a step-father and four brothers, besides a host of friends. Funeral services, conducted by Rev. G.H. Philips of Monroe, were held at the Congregational church Sunday afternoon, and the body was laid to rest in New Hope cemetery. Those from a distance who attended the funeral were two brothers and a number of old friends from Central City, and the father and a brother-in-law of Mrs. Pickett.
The Columbus Telegram, March 8, 1912
DIED
PARTRIDGE--Minnie Bell Partridge died at her home in St. Edward Wednesday, February 28, 1912, at the age of 35 years, 5 months and 28 days. The deceased was ill but a few hours prior to her death and the gravity of her condition was not realized until too late for medical assistance to avail anything. Besides a husband, A.D. Partridge, the deceased leaves four small children, the oldest being 8 years of age and the youngest an infant born but a few hours before its mother's death.HASSELBALCH--Stein Wilhelm Hasselbach was born in Denmark, Sept. 25, 1845. He came to the United States in July, 1887, settling first at Columbus, Neb., where he remained until the spring of 1889, when he settled in Polk county, 8 miles northwest of Shelby following the occupation of farming. In March 1904 he moved to Dawson county, remaining there for six years. He then moved to Omaha where he lived. After an illness of five weeks he passed away to the world beyond at 12:45 a.m. on the 24th of February, 1912, aged 66 years, 4 months and 29 days. In the year 1873 he was married to Emma Caroline Mork. To this union eleven children were born, of which eight are living. Those living are Elizabeth, Fredericka, Helena, Mary, William, Gerda, Nels and Ella, of which 7 were present at the funeral.
The Columbus Telegram, March 15, 1912
DIED
SIMPSON--The many St. Edward friends of Mrs. Peter Simpson were shocked this week to learn of her death at Curtis, Neb., on March 3, 1912. Lillian Jane Bessey was born July 24, 1859, in New York state. She moved to Nebraska with her parents when six years of age, locating at Elk City. She was married to Peter Simpson February 17, 1878. To this union thirteen children were born, two dying in infancy, and Esther Ellen, who died at the age of 22 years. The deceased is survived by her husband and ten children, seven brothers, one sister and eight grandchildren. The family lived in Omaha until April 1892, where they resided until the spring of 1905, then movig to Genoa and from there to Curtis.McGEE--Word was received here this week of the death of F.M. McGee at St. Petersburg, Florida, on Friday, March 8, where Mr. and Mrs. McGee were spending the winter. Mr. and Mrs. A. Powell, old friends of the McGee family, were summoned to Chicago Thursday by a telgram [sic] announcing that the remains had been taken there for burial and funeral services would be had Saturday at 11 o'clock at the home of a sister to Mrs. McGee. Mr. McGee was among the pioneers of St. Edward and was interested financially in many business enterprises here. He was about 70 years of age. He had been in poor health for a great many years prior to his death. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of St. Edward and a member of the Masonic lodge here.
STACHURA--George Stachura, for several years a farmer residing south of Duncan, died at his home last Friday afternoon, after a long illness with a complication of diseases. He was born in Austria March 18, 1841. The funeral was held at the Catholic church here last Monday forenoon, the service being conducted by Rev. Fr. Cyril.
FURMAN and STACHURA--Double funerals in a small parish like Duncan are unusual, unless for people of the same family, or when two persons have met death at the same time in a tragic manner. Such a funeral, however, was held in the Catholic church here last Monday. At the same hour Father Theobald said mass for the late Michael Furman, and Father Cyril said mass for the late George Stachura.
The Columbus Telegram, March 22, 1912
DIED
McNURLIN--On Thursday morning Mrs. Robert McNurlin departed this life after suffering for several years with a cancer. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock and will be conducted by Rev. H.F. Horton. Interment will be made in the Leigh cemetery. Mrs. Barbara McNurlin was born in Virginia and was about sixty years of age at the time of her demise. She was first united in marriage to Alexander McFarlane and six children were the issue of this union of whom there are four living, viz: Victoria, Wheelan McFarlane, of this place, and Molly Bader, of Columbus, and Mrs. Millie Holden, of Battle Creek. After the demise of her husband she was united in marriage to Chas. F. Holden and later came to Leigh and has made this place her home ever since. About eight years ago her second husband, Chas. F. Holden, passed to the Great Beyond and about three years ago she again united in married, and this time to Robert McNurlin, who is left to mourn her death.
The Columbus Telegram, March 29, 1912
DIED
HAMER--For the second time during the past year Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hamer are grieving the death of a member of their family circle. Last Saturday they received a message announcing the death of their daughter-in-law, Mrs. E.J. Hamer, at Toledo, Ohio. Mrs. Hamer died that morning in a Toledo hospital, which she had entered the previous Monday for a surgical operation. Mrs. Hamer was not known in Columbus, but her relatives here had learned to love her for her devotion to home, and her name as a good Christian woman. Her husband, her aged parents and two brothers survive her. Not long ago Mr. and Mrs. Hamer lost their daughter, who resided in Montana. They are quite feeble, and announcement of the death of their daughter-in-law has been a sad blow to them.FYFE--Mrs. Wm. Fyfe.
The funeral of Mrs. William Fyfe was held at the home twelve miles south of Columbus, at 10:30 a.m., March 26, and interment was made in the afternoon at Shelby, Rev. G.A. Monro officiating. A large concourse of friends and neighbors met to do honor to this worthy woman, and to express their sympathy for the bereaved husband and children.
Mary Brown was born November 12, 1847, in Kirriemuir, Scotland, and died March 24, 1912, at the farm residence which has been the family home for upwards of thirty-nine years. In 1869 she was married to Wm. Fyfe, coming with him to America the same year, and settling first in Illinois. Ten years later they moved to Nebraska, settling on the farm which has been their home ever since.
Mrs. Fyfe leaves a husband, six children and seventeen grandchildren to mourn her loss. Her sons and daughters are Mrs. Thomas Branigan, Columbus; Charles, Benjamin and Miss Julia Fyfe, residing at home; Wm. Fyfe, Brule, Nebraska; Mrs. James Lowe, Algonquin, Illinois. She also leaves two brothers and two sisters--John and Thomas Brown and Mrs. Mann, residing in Scotland, and Mrs. James Finlay, Manitoba, Canada.
Mrs. Fyfe was held in the highest esteem by all who knew her, for hers was an unselfish life devoted to doing good. Her charity, which was never-failing, was of the unostentatious sort, and she never advertised her good deeds. Before leaving Scotland she had united with the old established Presbyterian church of Scotland, and she maintained her membership in that church until the time of her death.
The Columbus Tribune-Journal, April 17, 1912
DIED
WESTCOTT--The remains of the late Marrian B. Westcott were brought to this city Sunday afternoon for burial. The funeral services were held Monday afternoon at two o'clock, from the residence of her daughter, Mrs. A.W. Clark. Rev. C.W. Ray, pastor of the Methodist church, assisted by Rev. G.A. Munro, pastor of the Congregational church, conducted the services. For one of her advanced age Mrs. Westcott was seemingly enjoying good health until a short time before her death, which occurred at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J.E. Nichols, of Omaha, on Friday, April 12, and was due to ailments peculiar to old age. Mrs. Westcott's maiden name was Marrian B. Palmer. She was born in Fulton, New York, in 1820, and was at the time of her death ninety-two years, one month and twenty-seven days old. She lived in New York state until 1879, when, with her husband, George W. Westcott, she came to Nebraska and settled on a farm two miles north of Columbus, where they lived until 1893 when they came to this city to reside. Mr. Westcott has been deceased for the past nineteen years and since his death Mrs. Westcott made her home with relatives, living most of the time with Mrs. Nichols, in Omaha. Mrs. Westcott was a life long christian and a member of the Methodist church. Mrs. Westcott is survived by eighty-eight decendants--eight children, thirty grand children, forty-nine great grand children and one great-great grand child, who is a year and a half old. The children are Lowell Westcott, of Creston; Mrs. Elizabeth Clark, of Columbus; Mrs. Anna Samon, of Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Eva Nichols, of Omaha; George E. Westcott, of Sidney Montana; and Mrs. Ada Joslyn, of Prescott, Arizona. The out of town relatives who attended the funeral were, Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Nichols and son and Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Westcott, of Omaha; Mr. and Mrs. D.L. Clark and Mr. and Mrs. L. Westcott, of Creston; and Chas Westcott, of Grand Island.
The Columbus Telegram, April 19, 1912
DIED
WESTCOTT--At the advanced age of ninety-two years, Mrs. Marriam Westcott, at intervals a resident of Columbus during the past quarter century, passed away last Friday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. J.E. Nichols, in South Omaha. Death was due, the physician said, purely to a breaking down of vital forces as a result of old age. Mrs. Westcott was ninety-two years old February 15, last. At that time she was honor guest at a birthday celebration in Omaha, at which five generations of her household were represented. She had one great-great-grandchild, and forty-nine great-grand children. Mrs. Westcott was born at Fulton, New York. She was married to G.W. Westcott, and came to Nebraska in 1879, locating on a farm two miles north of Columbus. Mr. Westcott died twenty years ago, and since that time Mrs. Westcott had made her home in the city and with her children residing at distant points. Surviving her are three sons and five daughters, namely: Mrs. A.W. Clark, Columbus; Lewelland Westcott and Mrs. Frances Clark, Creston; Mrs. Eva Nicholl and George E. Westcott, Omaha; Mrs. Anna Salmon, Portland, Oregon; Ed T. Westcott, Sidney, Montana; Mrs. Ada Joslyn, Prestcott, Arizona. There are eighty-eight living descendents of her household. Mrs. Westcott was a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her body was given burial in Columbus cemetery Monday afternoon, following a service conducted at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clark, by Rev. Chas. W. Ray, pastor of the M.E. church, asssisted by Rev. G.A. Munro, of the Congregational church.LEWIS--The venerable Robert Lewis, a resident of Platte county for more than forty years, passed away Tuesday evening at his home on West Seventeenth street, in this city, following the second stroke of paralysis which he had suffered during the week. After the second attack he lived but a few minutes. Although he had resided in Columbus for a dozen years, Mr. Lewis was best known in Joliet township of Platte county, where he located on a homestead in 1870. The fruits of his energies in earlier life yielded a valuable estate which enabled him to pass his declining years in peace and comfort. Mr. Lewis was a native of South Wales. He was born February 10, 1839. In early life he came to America, locating in Omaha, where he was married in 1861 to Miss Ann Joseph. The union resulted in sixteen children. The widow, six sons and three daughters survive him, the latter being: Mrs. Henry Albers, Columbus; John, William and Lorenzo Lewis, and Mrs. James Leggatt, Monroe; Robert Lewis, Humphrey; Francis Lewis, Pierce; David Lewis, Spencer; Mrs. John Fitzsimmons, Plainview. The funeral of Mr. Lewis was held at the home yesterday afternoon, Rev. G.A. Munro conducting the service.
WEISER--Michael Weiser, one of the early settlers of Grand Prairie township, died suddenly last Tuesday morning. The previous day Mr. Weiser worked hard in the fields until six o'clock. He was taken ill at nine o'clock, and died before daybreak the following morning. His untimely death has been a very serious blow to Mrs. Weiser, who had just returned home from the hospital in Columbus, quite enfeebled as the result of a surgical operation. Mr. Weiser was known throughout the county as a progressive farmer and as a man who took active interest in public affairs. He had many good friends in Columbus. His body was laid in the grave this forenoon, following a service in St. Mary's church, near the home where he had lived and labored during the years.
NANSEL--From the Republican: The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Nansel died last Wednesday and was buried Thursday, services being held at St. John's church, Father Leo conducting the services, and burial was in the parish cemetery.
HORNBOSTEL--Tuesday of this week Mrs. D.W. Ziegler received a message from Pasadena, Cal., telling her of the death of her brother, Henry Hornbostel, at that place. Mr. Hornbostel was formerly a resident of this locality, but left years ago, first going to Chicago, and last year to California for his health. He will be taken east for burial.
HINKLE--The funeral of Mrs. H.M. Hinkle, who died at her home in this city the last of the week, was held at the Methodist church on Monday last and the remains taken to the West Hill cemetery for interment. Roena Virginia Langdon was born at Buffalo, New York, July 7, 1847; moved with her parents to Fredrick, Iowa, in 1865, and was married to Hamilton M. Hinkle July 4, 1867. To the union were born three sons and three daughters: The Rev. E.H. Hinkle, pastor of the M.E. church at Nemaha, Nebraska, S.M. Hinkle and D.F. Hinkle of Genoa, the Mesdames Lydia Dickenson, Mary Hazelett and Sarah Pharman all of St. Edward. She united with the Presbyterian church when a mere child, in 1870 her husband built a Methodist church near Blackesburg, Iowa, where she united, and in 1879 moved to Sarpy county, Nebraska, where her husband built another Methodist church with which she united. They moved to Genoa in 1898, where she became a member of the Methodist church.
The Columbus Tribune-Journal, April 24, 1912
DIED
SCHAFFROTH--Peter Schaffroth, a well known Columbus citizen, passed away very suddenly Monday evening about six o'clock, death resulting from an attack of heart failure. A few minutes before his death he left the house to go to the barn to preform his evening chores, and being absent long than thought necessary one of the members of the household went to call him, and receiving no answer went in sesarch of him. A few minutes later he was found cold in death in the barn. For some time Mr. Schaffroth had not been enjoying the best of health but his condition was not considered dangerous. The news of Mr. Schaffroth's death was not only a shock to his immediate household but to all who knew him. Mr. Schaffroth followed the occupation of a farmer and for over fifty years resided on a farm nine miles north of this city. He retired from active farm life about three years ago and came to Columbus to reside, at which time he purchased a residence in the east part of the city where he lived with his only daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Krueger and children. Mr. Schaffroth was born in Germany, May 29, 1830, and had he lived until the twenty-ninth of next month would have attained the age of eighty-three years. When but a young man he came to America and came to this state settling on a homestead where he resided until he became a resident of this city. Mr. Schaffroth had lived long and had known much of the hardships and pleasure of pioneer life. It was one of his pleasures to watch this city grow from but a little village to a city of the first class. He was a kind and conscientious man and enjoyed the confidence of all how knew him. Mrs. Schaffroth has been deceased many years, and since her death he has made his home with his daughter and family. He was the father of ten children, seven of whom died in infancy, and one son passed away about five years ago. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Krueger of this city, and one son, Fred Schaffroth, of Montana. The funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at two o'clock, from the German Reformed church. Rev. R. Neumarker will conduct the services, and interment will be made in the Columbus cemetery.
The Columbus Telegram, April 26, 1912
DIED
SCHAFFROTH--Heart failure caused the sudden death last Monday of Peter Schaffroth, for more than forty years a resident of Columbus and vicinity. For a number of years Mr. Schaffroth had been subject to heart trouble, and at the time he suffered the fatal attack he was doing the evening chores about the barn at his home at Twelfth and Grover streets. At the spot where he had fallen the body was found a few minutes later by a member of the family. Mr. Schaffroth was nearly seventy-three years old. He was born May 29, 1829, in Canton Berne, Switzerland. He came to America in 1870, and a year or so later located on a homestead in Platte county, ten miles north of Columbus. There he resided until two years ago, when he moved to the city. His wife died fifteen years ago, and he had since made his home with his daughter. Mrs. Julius Krueger. The only other surviving member of his family is one son, Ernest G. Schaffroth, who is proprietor of a large machine shop at Kalispelt, Montana. The funeral of Mr. Schaffroth was held yesterday afternoon at the German Reformed church, the service being conducted by Pastor Neumarker. Interment was in Columbus cemetery.CHRISTENSEN--Very sudden and mysterious was the death of Jorgen Christensen last Sunday morning. He had gone to the Danish Lutheran church to perform his usual duties as janitor. When the minister arrived he found Mr. Jorgenson [sic] lying on the grass near the church, where he had evidently fallen under an attack of apoplexy or a stroke of paralysis. The man was still alive, but expired soon after the arrival of assistance. Mr. Christensen was one of the early settlers on the Looking Glass. He leaves a widow and large family of grown children. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon, with interment in the Danish church cemetery.
The Columbus Telegram, May 3, 1912
DIED
MASON?--With both his legs in a frightfully mangled condition, both arms broken, and suffering from other injuries, a stranger named Mason was picked up along the right-of-way near Gardiner last Monday afternoon and brought to Columbus by eastbound passenger train No. 2. The man died at eleven o'clock that night at St. Mary's hospital. He gave the name of Mason, and said he came from Ohio, but refused to give any other information about himself. There was nothing about his person affording a clew to his identification, except a post card bearing the name of somebody at Carleton, Iowa. Coroner Gass wired the party for information, but has received no reply. Mason was unable to talk intelligibly regarding the manner in which he had been hurt, but it is believed that while under the influence of liquor attempted to steal a ride on a freight train and fell under the cars. He had spent Sunday night in the Columbus jail. He was about fifty years old.WEATHERSTONE--Angered Man Kills.
A very unfortunate affair occured Saturday evening when James Weatherstone, a farmer living southeast of town was hit on the head with a scale weight. A number of men including Frank Main, John Hack, Jim Weatherstone and John Main were gathered at Hayford's ice cream station using the scales to weigh each other. Hack (not John Hack, the carpenter) had one leg of his overalls slightly torn and just for devilment Frank Main reached over and tore them a little more and continued tearing them, a little each time until Hack got mad, picked up a scale weight and threw it at Main. The weight missed its mark and caught Weatherstone on the head causing the blood to flow and leaving him in a dazed condition for several days.--Belgrade Herald.
Later--Weatherstone died from the effects of the blow and was buried at Fullerton, Tuesday. Hack is in custody at the county jail awaiting further developments.--Fullerton News-Journal.OSBORNE--From the Times: Mrs. Osborne, mother of Frank and James Osborne, died at her home in this city last Tuesday night. Although she had been in poor health for several months, it was not until recently that her condition was regarded as dangerous.
The Columbus Telegram, May 17, 1912
DIED
BRENNING--Another of the early pioneers of this community has answered the final roll call. On Monday evening at about ten o'clock Henry Brenning departed this life at his home four miles southwest of Leigh. The deceased had been ailing for some time and was bedfast for about ten days; his death being caused by that dred [sic] disease, tuberculosis. The funeral was held on Thursday afternoon from the German Lutheran church at this place and the remains were laid to rest in the Leigh cemetery. Rev. Erck conducted the funeral rites. Henry Peter Brenning was born December 15, 1845, in Hannover, Germany. In 1881 he joined the pioneer immigration to this country and came directly to this community. In 1883 he was united in marriage here to Miss Mary Wiechman, who together with one daughter, Mrs. Fred Inselman, are left to mourn his loss. He is also survived by two sisters and one brother, who reside in the fatherland.
The Columbus Telegram, May 24, 1912
DIED
ELSTON--George W. Elston, an old soldier, and a resident of Columbus for thirty-five years, died last Saturday night at 11 o'clock at his home on west fourteenth street. For a nearly a year he had suffered poor health, resulting from a complication of ailments, but he had not been bed-ridden. Soon after retiring Saturday night he suffered an attack of paralysis, followed a few minutes later by a second attack, and he died before the arrival of a physician.
Mr. Elston was born October 28, 1838, in Lucerne county, Pennsylvania. He came to Nebraska in 1877, first locating on a farm south of the Loup river, in this county. He few years later he moved to Columbus. For thirteen years he was a business associate of Harry Newman in the feeding of live stock and dealing in horses. Following a dissolution of the partnership, he continued in the same line of business, and successfully.
About ten months before the close of the Civil war, Mr. Elston enlisted with the 38th Wisconsin infantry. He was under General Grant's command, and was present at the surrender of Richmond. He suffered no wounds on the battlefield, but his army experience included a seige of serious illness in the hospital at Washington.
Speaking of Mr. Elston a friend says of him: "He was an effective man. He grappled with hard conditions, and overcame them. The head of a numerous family, he never forgot or neglected them, but provided for them well until the time came in life of all when they were able to take care of themselves. His acquaintanceship was wide, and his friends were many."
January 1, 1857, at Scio, New York, Mr. Elston was married to Miss Cordelia Flint. Mrs. Elston and eight children survive, the latter being John W., of Boone, Iowa; Edward, Marvin, William, Marion and Samuel, of this city; Mrs. George Kohler, Columbus; Mrs. Alice Bradley, Monterey, California.
The funeral of Mr. Elston was conducted at his late home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock by Rev. G. A. Munro, of the Congregation church. Interment was in Columbus cemetery.ROSSITER--Richard L. Rossiter.
One of the real pioneers, a man who lived and labored in Platte county for nearly forty years--Richard L. Rossiter--died at five o'clock yesterday morning at his late home in Omaha. For a year or more Mr. Rossiter had suffered failing health, but he had been bed-ridden only since last Saturday. He was afflicted with an anaemic trouble.
Exact data regarding the life and work of Mr. Rossiter has been difficult to obtain, owing to the absence from the city of his relatives residing here, but old comrades of the years say he came to this county in the early 70's. In the early day he was associated with Hon. J.E. North in government survey work, and he was a member of the surveying party which ran the west and southern boundaries of the state of Wyoming. For a few years he resided on the Rossiter homestead, near Oconee. Then he moved to Platte Center and engaged in the buying of grain and live stock, in the latter enterprise being associated with Mr. North. He was also postmaster at Platte Center during the first administration of President Cleveland.
For more than twenty years he resided in Columbus. He served several terms as county surveyor, and while engaged in that capacity won wide acquaintance throughout the country. Indeed, there are few men of prominence in the county who are not familiar with "Uncle Dick," his wholesome and big-hearted personality and his quaint philosophy. He moved to Omaha about three years ago.
By instinct and profession Mr. Rossiter was a patriot of the true type. During the civil war he served with the 41st Ohio regiment, and his comrades say he made the memorable march with Sherman to the sea. He was an active member of Baker post, Grand Army of the Republic, often serving the post in official capacity.
Mr. Rossiter was born in Ireland June 24, 1844. He lived his early life at Cleveland, Ohio, where he was a boy companion of the late E.D. Fitzpatrick, with whom he later enlisted for army duty.
In 1881 Mr. Rossiter was married to Miss Alice McCaffrey, who, with seven children, survive him. The latter are Misses Mae, Esther, Anna, Mona and Florence, and Charles and Richard Rossiter all residing in Omaha. Edward Rossiter, of this city, is a brother, and P.J. McCaffrey, a brother-in-law.EARLY--John W. Early was the youngest son of Mrs. Mary Early, of Columbus. He was born in this city July 20, 1884, and resided here until less than two years ago, when he moved to Denver in search of relief from consumption--the result of an illness with pneumonia. No later than Tuesday last came letters from his home expressing hope for a decided improvement in his condition. His mother accompanied by a trained nurse, Mrs. Anna Asche, left for Denver last Friday, and was with him in the last hour. He died suddenly, early in the morning.
CHALLIS--Editor Challis Dead.
C.H. Challis, for over thirty-two years editor and publisher of the Ulysses Dispatch, which he established in the early part of the year 1880, died at his home in Ulysses this (Thursday) morning at 7:45 o'clock with erysipelas. He had been sick ten days. His illness prevented publication of the Dispatch last week and this week.
The funeral services will be held on next Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in the Christian church and will be conducted by Rev. Cleveland Kleihauer, formerly of David City, now of Lincoln, supply pastor of the Ulysses Christian church.
Surviving Mr. Challis are Mrs. Challis and a daughter, Mrs. L.C. Jackson, whose home is in Scotts Bluff, and who came to be with her father several days before he died. A son preceded Mr. Challis to the other world.
Mr. Challis, who was the oldest editor in point of service in Butler county, was a man of much force of character and of much more than ordinary ability, and one of undaunted courage in advocacy and defense of principles of the right as he saw the right. He had reputation over the state as a capable and courageous editor. He had a large circle of warm friends and admirers. He was active in church work, a member of the Christian church for many years.--Butler County Press.
The Columbus Telegram, June 7, 1912
DIED
JOHNSON--Mrs. J.M. Johnson died very suddenly at her home in this city on Saturday morning last. The deceased had been in poor health for many months, and was taken to the Columbus hospital a few weeks ago, where she improved in health, and on her return home was able to be out and around, but a failure of heart action caused her sudden demise on Saturday last. The deceased leaves besides her husband four children, Frank T. and Emma of this city, Mrs. Umstead of Wahoo and Mrs. O.E. Adams of South Dakota, who have the sympathy of all in their hour of affliction. The funeral was held on Monday.CONKLING--Tuesday morning, June 28 [sic], A.F. Conkling of Silver Creek was apparently a well and hearty man. At 6 o'clock in the evening he closed his eyes in the endless sleep on earth. He had taken his team and started on his route collecting cream in Polk county, as usual. At 9 o'clock he was at John Carson's place, talking with Mr. Carson. From there he drove to All [sic] Grossnicklaus' farm, got out of his wagon, tied his team and then sank to the ground. He was discovered by Harvey Miller, who was passing, and told Miller that he was sick. Mr. Grossnicklaus was not at home, but a phone message son [sic] brought Mike Horst to the place. Mike sent for his boy, and Mr. Conkling's son, George. Mr. Conkling was taken into the house and a doctor from Osceola reached there at about 11:20. The dying man recognized his son, but could hold no conversation. At six o'clock death relieved him, the cause being a paralytic stroke. His father died in about the same manner as did also a brother, all at about the same age. The body was brought to his home Tuesday night and will lie there until the funeral. Relatives from a distance were notified and a number of them are expected to attend the funeral. Allen F. Conkling was born near LaMoile, Ill., May 19, 1848 and was 64 years and 9 days old. He was married at Afton, Ia., to Miss Kathleen Vanderlinder, in 1871, and settled on a farm near Shelby, in Polk county, Nebraska, in October, 1871, moving from there to a farm southeast of Silver Creek sixteen years ago, residing there and at Osceola until this spring when he came to Silver Creek to live. Of a family of eleven children he is the last but one to go, a sister, Mrs. Clara Hall of St. Paul, Minn., surviving him. His wife is living, as are three of his children, two having died.
The Columbus Telegram, June 14, 1912
DIED
ALLEN--Columbus friends of Mr. and Mrs. W.I. Allen, residing at Schuyler, have been grieved to learn of the death last Tuesday of a daughter in the Allen household, a girl fifteen years old. Earlier in the week, it is reported, the little girl at luncheon, being very fond of pineapple and cheese, ate more than was good for her. She was attacked with acute indigestion, from which the family physician could give her no relief. At the time of her illness and death her father, who is a Schuyler attorney, had just been placed on the operating table of a Kansas City hospital.
The Columbus Tribune-Journal, June 19, 1912
DIED
RICKERT--Death claimed another of Columbus' most highly respected citizens last Saturday morning at 8:15 and took from our midst our friend and neighbor Henry Rickert. Mr. Rickert had been in ill health for some time, but his condition was not considered dangerous until a short time before his death, which was caused by cancer of the stomach. Mr. Rickert was born in Germany, June 11, 1850, and when but a boy eight years of age, came with his parents to America, settling on a farm in the Shell creek valley, eleven miles north east of this city. Here he spent his boyhood days and later purchased a farm in this neighborhood, where he resided for many years. In 1870 he was united to Miss Katherine Marie Wilke, who passed away four years ago. To this union eight children were born, four of whom are still living. Mr. Rickert was very devoted to his children and since the death of his aged wife, has made his home with his two daughters. He had been a resident of this city for the past five years, coming to Columbus so that he and his wife might spend their declining years in peace and comfort. Before the family came to this city they had erected a beautiful modern residence on east Eleventh street, which had since been the family home. Mr. Rickert was a prosperous farmer and had, by hard labor and thrift obtained a competence. His was a life of peace and happiness and it can well be said that the world was made better by his having lived. The children who are left to mourn his loss are: William Rickert, who lives on the home farm on the Shell creek valley; Mrs. Louis Grotlueschen, and Misses Lizzie and Ida Rickert, all of whom reside in this city. The funeral services were conducted at the late home of the deceased at 10:30 o'clock Tuesday morning. Rev. G. F. Miller, pastor the Shell Creek German Lutheran church, conducted the services and burial was made in the Shell Creek valley cemetery. The A.O.U.W. and Modern Woodmen lodges, of which he was a member, were represented at the funeral.
The Columbus Telegram, June 21, 1912
DIED
??--Mrs. Gillispie received word from New York on Sunday that her mother had died quite suddenly and on Monday she started in company with her children to go to attend the funeral. Mr. and Mrs. Gillispie had been planning to go east during the summer and within a short time on a visit to their old home.LACHNIT--Joseph Lachnit, for several years a prominent business man at Humphrey, died last evening at eleven o'clock. During the past three months his health had been failing. He was a brother of Henry C., Louis A., Tony and Miss Mary Lachnit, and Mrs. Louis Schroeder, all residing in Columbus. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lachnit, now deceased, who resided in this city for a number of years. The funeral of Mr. Lachnit will be held at the Catholic church in Humphrey next Monday morning at nine o'clock.
RICKERT--Henry Rickert, a resident of Platte county since 1858, died last Saturday morning at his home at Eleventh and Henry streets, Columbus. He was afflicted with a cancer of the stomach, but had been ailing seriously and bed-ridden for only a few days. The funeral service was held at the Rickert home at 10:30 Tuesday forenoon, and at the Shell Creek Lutheran church at 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon, Rev. G. Mueller being in charge. Interment was in the Shell Creek cemetery. Mr. Rickert came to Platte county as a boy eight years old. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Henry Rickert, long since deceased, were among the first pioneers who located in Shell Creek neighborhood, northeast of this city. Mr. Rickert himself acquired extensive land holdings in the fertile valley. During his residence of more than a half-century in Nebraska it was his privilege to witness and profit by every step in the development of the prairie state into one of the richest agricultural districts of the world. He was a hard-working man, frugal and careful in investments, and he left a valuable estate. His chief personal attributes were a generous heart and a cheerful disposition. Mr. Rickert was born in Oldenburg, Germany, June 11, 1850. In company with his parents he came to Platte county direct from Eurpoe in 1858. He was married in April, 1870, to Miss Catherine Wilke, daughter of a pioneer family. Mrs. Rickert died in November, 1910. The surviving members of the family are one son, Wm. Rickert, and three daughters, Mrs. Louis Groteluschen and Misses Elizabeth and Ida Rickert, all of whom reside in or near Columbus.
[...and...]
Henry Rickert, who died last Saturday at his home in Columbus, is kindly remembered by all the old-time residents of this neighborhood, where Mr. Rickert lived and labored for many years. Many of his former neighbors attended the funeral, held at the German Lutheran church in Columbus Tuesday afternoon.
The Columbus Tribune-Journal, June 26, 1912
DIED
LACHNIT--Word was received in this city last Friday morning stating that Joseph Lachnit, a prominent business man of Humphrey, passed away at home Thursday evening at eleven o'clock. Death was due to tuberculosis. Mr. Lachnit had been in ill health for several years, but his condition was not considered alarming until three months ago, when relatives were advised that he could not long survive. For the past two weeks he had been very low and several days ago his relatives were summoned to his bedside. Mr. Lachnit was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lachnit, now deceased, but who resided in this city many years. He was a brother of Mrs. Louis Schroeder, Miss Mary Lachnit, Tony Lachnit, Henry C. Lachnit, and Louis A. Lachnit all of whom reside in this city. Mr. Lachnit was a married gentleman and leaves beside those mentioned a wife and five children, the oldest eighteen years of age and the youngest a child of four years. The funeral was held at the Catholic church in Humphrey Monday morning at nine o'clock. Mr. Lachnit was well known in this city and a number of our citizens went to Humphrey to attend the obsuquies.
The Columbus Telegram, June 28, 1912
DIED
ELLIOTT--All Columbus is benumbed this morning by announcement of the sudden and wholly unexpected death of Mr. H.S. Elliott, senior member of the house of Elliott-Speice-Echols company. He died at two o'clock this morning in an Omaha hospital, where he had been for two weeks. He went to the hospital to receive treatment for an injured eye. The eye was injured by his little granddaughter while at play with her on the lawn, some twenty days ago. At first not much attention was given to the wound, but when Mr. Elliott consulted a specialist, an operation was advised, and he immediately went to the hospital. Daily reports from the hospital gave no cause for alarm on part of his family and friends. Yesterday he was reported very restless, and at midnight the home people were advised that his condition was critical. Two hours later came announcement of his death. For more than a quarter century Hans Elliott had been a man of prominence in Platte county. He was a farmer in Joliet township until in the nineties, when he was elected to the office of county treasurer, filling that office two terms. Following his official service he organized with Mr. G.B. Speice the real estate and insurance business which now is styled Elliott-Speice-Echols company, Mr. J.C. Echols having been admitted to membership. Next week The Telegram will contain more detailed data with reference to the life and works of Mr. Elliott. Announcment definite cannot be made as to the date of the funeral service until advices can be received from Mr. Elliott's son, J.W., who is now with a party of mining experts some where in the heart of the Rocky mountains, in Idaho. If it be possible for the son to reach here by Sunday, most likely the funeral will be conducted Sunday afternoon, but in any event the wide circle of friends over the county will be given notice by telephone.LACHNIT--
Joseph Lachnit Laid at Rest.
Nearly one hundred Columbus members of the order of Sons of Hermann and other fraternal bodies with which the late Joseph Lachnit was affiliated, attended the burial service in his honor at the Catholic church in Humphrey last Monday. The delegation representing the Hermann's Sons was particularly large. The service was held at nine o'clock in the forenoon, and the large church at Humphrey was filled to overflowing with friends and neighbors who had come to know and highly respect Mr. Lachnit during his long residence in Platte county.
Mr. Lachnit had resided here since the latter '70s. In 1874 he came with his parents from the old home in Austria. The family first located in Butler county, near Bellwood, but later moved to a farm near Humphrey. During the past thirty years Mr. Lachnit had been actively engaged in business at Humphrey.
Mr. Lachnit died at the age of fifty years. He was born February 17, 1862, at Bernick, Austria, but was only a boy of twelve years when his people came to America. He was married November 3, 1891, to Mary Hollatz. As a result of the union eight children were born. The eldest son, Oscar died at the age of eleven years, and two children died in infancy. The surviving members of the family are the widow and five children, the latter being Leo, Arnold, Hilda, Amanda and Cyril. He also leaves six brothers and five sisters, namely: Mrs. Louis Schroeder, sr., Louis, Henry, Mary and Anton Lachnit, Columbus; Fred. Lachnit, Humphrey; John Lachnit, Mrs. Jos. Kleve, Mrs. Peter J. Schmitz and Mrs. Peter Korth, Cedar Rapids, Frank Lachnit, South Dakota.
Mr. Lachnit was a member of the Order of Hermann's Sons, the Catholic Order of Forresters and the St. Joseph's Men's society.JARETSKI--Mrs. Frances Jaretski, at the advanced age of eighty-six years, died last Sunday morning at the home of her son, Matthew, six miles west of Columbus. Gradually her health had been failing in recent months, due more to her advanced years than to a pronounced ailment. Mrs. Jaretski was born in Germany. She came to America with her husband in 1860, and had resided on a Platte county homestead for more than thirty years. Her husband died six year [sic] ago. The funeral was held in the Catholic church at Duncan last Tuesday.
The Columbus Telegram, July 5, 1912
DIED
STROTHER--Adeline Elizabeth, wife of Wm. P. Srother, died yesterday morning at 6:30 o'clock at the family home in Monroe. For several years she had been in poor health, and since a serious illness May 20, last, her decline had been rapid. She was afflicted with a malady known as hardening of the arteries, which is quite common among aged people. Mrs. Strother had resided in Platte county more than fifty years, coming here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gerrard, in 1859. She resided in Columbus from 1870 to 1873, then moving to Fairmont, Nebraska, for a residence of fifteen years, but with those exceptions she had resided continuously in Monroe and vicinity. The Gerrard family came to Platte county from Rock Island, Illinois, making the trip to Omaha by steamboat down the Mississippi and up the Missouri rivers, and driving overland from Omaha. Mrs. Strother was born in Manchester, England, March 11, 1831. She was married to Mr. Strother November 27, 1867 at Monroe. Her husband, two sons and one daughter survive her. The latter are R.G. Strother, Columbus; F.K. Strother, Omaha; Mrs. A.E. Matson, Monroe. She was a sister of Leander Gerrard, Columbus; E.A. Gerrard, Monroe; F.H. Gerrard, Calamus. The funeral of Mrs. Strother will be held tomorrow (Saturday) forenoon at 9:30 o'clock in the Presbyterian church at Monroe, the service being conducted by Rev. J.W. Larkin, pastor of the church. Interment was be in the Gerrard family lot in Columbus cemetery, immediately following arrival of the noon train from Monroe.WHITNEY--Explosion of a box of fireworks at Bellwood may cost the life of Miss Julia Whitney, a young lady of that village. Miss Whitney was in charge of a stand at which fireworks were offered for sale. Somebody threw a lighted firecracker into the box of fireworks and caused them to ignite. Before she was aware of her danger she was enveloped in flame. Her presence there was not known until she staggered from the stand, and fell unconscious nearby. A young man, under cover of a large umbrella, as a means of protection from the exploding fireworks and the intense heat, went to the aid of the young woman and carried her to a place of safety. Ed Branigan, of this city, assisted in removing her to the office of a physician. He says the injuries of the girl are regarded fatal. Her hair and her clothing were burned off, and she had frightful burns about the face and body. Miss Whitney is a niece of John Abts, of this city, and frequently has visited in the city as a guest of Miss Georgia Boone.
MILLER--On Thursday evening the remains of Mrs. Anna Miller arrived here from Mansfield, Ohio, where she passed away on Tuesday afternoon, and were accompanied by her sister, Mrs. Sarah Bollman and her daughter, Mrs. Mate Sullivan and son, Elmer. The body was taken to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. R. Kuhle, and the funeral was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Congregational church, where Rev. Horton conducted the services. The remains were laid to rest in the Leigh cemetery beside those of her husband. The immediate cause of the death of Mrs. Miller was lockjaw. On June 18th she fell from the lower step at the rear of her sister's home, breaking her left arm and cutting a gash in her wrist. Monday of this week blood poisoning set in which developed into lockjaw and convulsions and she passed away on Tuesday afternoon.
The Columbus Telegram, July 19, 1912
DIED
HOELSCHER--People of this vicinity were greatly shocked by the report of the death of Mrs. Frank Hoelscher, who died in the hospital at Columbus Monday of last week, following an operation. The funeral was held Friday morning, and was largely attended. Interment was in the cemetery just south of St. Bernard. Mrs. Hoelscher was fifty-five years old. She is survived by her husband, two sons and six daughters. The latter are Nick Fasbinder, of Texas, Mrs. Anna Yilk and Mrs. Kate Yilk, Cedar rapids; Frank, Gertrude, Margaret, Lizzie and Clara, at home. She also leaves her aged mother, two sisters and four brothers, the latter being Mrs. Nich. Dohmer, St. Bernard; Mrs. Gerber, Oklahoma; Michael Schafer, St. Bernard; Nicholas Schafer, Hoven, Minnesota; Matthew and Peter Schafer, Okarchie, Oklahoma, all of whom were here to attend the funeral. Mrs. Hoelscher was an active member of the Christian Mothers' society of the St. Bernard Catholic church, and during her entire life she displayed a truly Christian spirit, always exemplifying her professions of Christianity by deeds of sisterly love. [From the Boone County Advance.]DOUGHERTY--
Drowned in the Loup River.
John Dougherty employed as a foreman in the construction of the new wagon bridge across the Loup river at Monroe, was drowned last Sunday evening while attempting to cross the river in a boat. Oscar Tennyson, a bridge worker who was in the boat with him, also came near losing his life, but was rescued by companions on the shore who witnessed the accident.
In the late dusk Dougherty's hat floating on the surface of the stream resembled a man swimming, and since he did not call for help no aid was offered Dougherty. A few minutes later his body floated upon a submerged sandbar down stream. The usual methods of restoration were applied, but without results.
Accidental death by drowning, while intoxicated, was the verdict of the jury empanelled by Coroner Gass to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy. The inquest was held Monday afternoon on the river bank near the scene of the drowning, Messrs. Louis Schwartz, Earl Galley, Ed Kavanaugh, Alex Gottberg, Will Ragatz and W.J. Gregorius serving as jurymen. Louis Lightner, in the absence of County Attorney McElfresh, assisted Coroner Gass in conducting the inquest.
Although not appearing as part of the verdict, the investigation seriously involved Anton Pinkos, a Loup township farmer, as responsible for Dougherty being intoxicated. Many witnesses testified that Pinkos had established a beer stand in a tent, secluded in a grove of trees on the south bank of the river, and during the day had dispensed liquors to the bridge men and others who called upon him. Pinkos admitted that he had sold beer, and had operated without having obtained either a government or a local license.
Whether or not Pinkos will be prosecuted will depend upon the attitude of Attorney McElfresh upon his return from Kansas, where he has been called this week. Attorney Lightner has a transcript of the evidence, and will refer it to the county attorney. Pinkos is a tenant, the head of a large family, and on that account is receiving more or less sympathy.
Witnesses of the drowning say that Dougherty and other bridge men spent the entire afternoon at the Pinkos bar. They started home about 7:30 in the evening. Tennyson was in the prow of the boat, and Dougherty was in the stern operating a paddle. Dougherty was unsteady in his seat and the boat shipped water. Suddenly it went down like a chunk of lead. The river was ten feet deep at that point. Dougherty was a good swimmer, but in his intoxicated condition was unable to take care of himself.
Doughery was a resident of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. For thirty-five years he had been a bridge-builder, and since last June had been in the employ of the company which is building the Monroe bridge. He was fifty-four years old. His wife and a family of seven children survive him. Accompanied by a brother of the deceased, Martin Dougherty, the body was shipped to Mt. Pleasant for burial.GARDINER--W.S. Gardiner, a familiar figure in Columbus and vicinity for the past fifty years, died Wednesday morning at the home of relatives in Linwood, Nebraska, to which place he recently returned from a short sojourn in the Pacific coast country for the benefit of his health. He was afflicted with a cancer of the stomach. The body of Mr. Gardiner was brought to Columbus that evening, and will be given burial this afternoon, following a service at the home of Julius Winkleman, a step-son of the deceased, conducted by Rev. H. Hackman, pastor of the German M.E. church. Mr. Gardiner was born November 4, 1847, in Pickaway county, Ohio. He came west as a boy, and after becoming of age located on a homestead in Merrick county. Thirty-five years ago he moved to Columbus, and until recent years conducted a dray and livery service. He was first married to Mrs. Mary Winkleman, who died five years ago. Later he married Mrs. Lena Spicer, who survives him. Among the bereaved relatives are three stepsons--John Winkleman, Garrison; Wm. Winkleman, Rising City; Julius Winkleman, Columbus. Mr. Gardiner was a member of Columbus camp, Modern Woodmen of America and was affiliated with other beneficiary societies. He was known as an honest, hard-working, conscientious man.
The Democrat, July 19, 1912
DIED
WEIDNER--After several months of the most intense suffering caused from a cancer on his right arm, John P. Weidner died on Thursday morning of this week at 7:30 o'clock at his home in the south part of town. His condition had been such for several weeks that his relatives and friends have almost momentarily looked for him to pass away.
The Columbus Telegram, August 2, 1912
DIED
BEECROFT--Will Beecroft was called to Omaha last week by the death of his eldest sister, Miss Clara Beecroft, who had been suffering for several weeks with consumption. Miss Beecroft is kindly remembered by many friends in Columbus, whose acquaintance she formed during a residence in the city a few years ago.
The Columbus Telegram, August 16, 1912
DIED
SCHWANK--Jacob Shwank was called to Madison a week ago last Sunday be a message announcing the death of his brother, Christian Schwank, who passed away August 1, following a stroke of paralysis. The deceased was sixty-three years old, and came to America from Germany at the age of nineteen years. In 1878 he homesteaded in Green Garden precinct, south of Madison, and then moved to town and conducted a butcher shop for twenty years. Among the relatives from a distance attending the funeral was a brother, Fred Schwank, of Springfield, Mo, who has been visiting Jacob Schwank during the past week.HEIEMEYER--Very tragic was the death at Osceola Wednesday night of Mrs. Wm. Heinemeyer, a sister-in-law of Wm. Lohr, of this city. Last Friday, returning from a town celebration at Polk, Mrs. Heinemeyer was a passenger in an automobile driven by her husband. Obstructions along the right-of-way of the Union Pacific line through Polk county prevented Mr. Heinemeyer from seeing the approach of the railroad motor car, and also prevented the engineer of the motor from seeing the auto. As a result Heinemeyer drove his machine squarely into the railroad vehicle. Mrs. Heinemeyer was the only member of the party who suffered serious injury. Her skull was fractured, and she sustained a broken arm. The babe in her arms received no injuries. Mrs. Heinemeyer was unconscious for several hours following the accident, and died Wednesday evening. Her body will be given burial this morning, following a service in the Presbyterian church at Osceola. Mrs. Wm. Lohr and Mrs. Ernest Dussell, of this city, will attend the funeral.
The Columbus Telegram, September 20, 1912
DIED
WEINELT--Joseph Weinelt, after a brief illness, died at one o'clock this morning at his home on Ninth street one block east of the First ward school buiding. About three weeks ago, while driving a mowing machine for his son at the Weinelt home place in the Shell creek valley, Mr. Weinelt suffered an attack of paralysis. He had been bedridden since that experience. He was very aged, being between seventy-five and eighty years old. One son, Joseph, and one daughter, Miss Louise Weinelt, survive him. Mrs. Weinelt died in 1907. This morning no arrangements had been made for the funeral service.
The Columbus Telegram, September 27, 1912
DIED
PLATH--Stricken with appendicitis while visiting her sister at the latter's home in Norfolk, Miss Hulda Plath, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leopold Plath, passed away there last Sunday. The body was brought to Columbus Monday and the funeral services were held at the family residence at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Rev. Munro officiating. Miss Plath was taken ill two weeks ago last Thursday and the attending physicians declared an operation necessary. She was too ill to be brought to Columbus and the operation was performed at Norfolk. Her condition seemed to grow gradually better until the day she was to have been permitted to sit up. Then she was stricken with acute dilation of the stomach. A second attack was fatal. Miss Plath was born in Columbus October 22, 1887, and made her home here with her parents throughout her life. She was educated in the Columbus schools. Possessed of a winsome disposition and a Christian character, she formed many warm friendships among Columbus people. She leaves besides her father and mother, one brother, Fred Plath, of Columbus, and one sister, Mrs. J.R. Carter, of Norfolk. Among those who were here to attend the funeral were a cousin, Louis Phillips, of Burwell, Neb., and an aunt, Mrs. J.J. Dodds, of Cambridge.BLOEDORN--Will Bloedorn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Boedorn [sic], died at St. Mary's hospital Wednesday evening, following an operation for appendicitis. Never was death more unexpected. Will entered the hospital last week, apparently in good health, to submit to an operation for appendicitis before the ailment should have reached a dangerous stage. The operation wsa [sic] performed last Saturday. The cause of his death is given as a hemorrhage. Will was fifteen years of age and was a student in the Columbus public schools. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the family residence.
The Columbus Telegram, November 1, 1912
DIED
HEBERLING--Suffocation, due to a piece of nutshell lodging in his windpipe, caused the death last Sunday of Arthur, eighteen-months-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Heberling, who reside at St. Edward. Local physicians had performed the operation of opening the child's windpipe and inserting a tube for the purpose of restoring respiration, and the little one then was brought to Columbus for removal of the obstruction. The child died within a few minutes after being placed in the hospital, and before a second operation had been performed.ERB--
Harry Erb, Victim of Alleged Hold-Up Near Genoa, Expires Wednesday Night.
Following a short period of semi-consciousness, Harry Erb, the young man who claims he was held up and shot by two highwaymen on a public road near Genoa last Sunday after dusk, died at 9 o'clock Wednesday night at the home of a Genoa doctor where he had been receiving treatment for his wounds.
Rumors reaching Columbus to effect that before he died Erb confessed that he shot himself are denied by Miss Marie Zinnecker, of this city, who had been the attendant nurse. Quite to the contrary, she says that Erb maintained to the last that he was the victim of a hold-up, and that he received his injuries in the manner he first described. Miss Zinnecker says that until a few minutes before he died, when his mother told him the end was near, Erb did not believe his wounds serious. Apparently his mind was stupefied by effects of his injuries, and he appeared wholly indifferent as to his recovery or death.
With the story that he had been shot by two highwaymen who had waylaid him on the road a mile and a half north of Genoa in the belief that he was someone else, Erb drove into Genoa Sunday evening, bleeding from two bullet wounds in his body. An examination at the doctor's office revealed that one of the little leaden pellets had torn its way through the liver. The other had penetrated the left shoulder.
While Erb clung tenaciously to his story of the highwaymen, the case is mysterious enough to warrant claiming the attention of a Sherlock Holmes. Sheriff Peterson, of Nance county, is working hard to clear it up--and has made progress.
According to Erb, two men appeared in the road ahead of him as he was driving north of Genoa. When his team reached them one of the strangers grasped the bridles and brought his horses to a standstill. The other walked up to the buggy, mounted the step and fired his revolver point-blank at Erb who hadn't grasped the situation in time to put up a fight. The gun man peered into his face and then called to the other, "We've shot the wrong man." With that they both disappeared in the darkness. That was about 7:20 in the evening. Mr. Erb drove at once to the doctor's office.
After hearing Erb's story, Sheriff Peterson went to the scene of the shooting. He could find no trace of the two men, but in the weeds by the roadside near the spot he picked up the gun with which the shooting had evidently been done. It was a .38 calibre revolver of a popular make that can be bought at almost any hardware store. Four chambers contained empty shells.
Sheriff Peterson did not consider it likely that two men as desperate as those pictured by Erb would throw their revolver away at the scene of the shooting. Its discovery led the sheriff to launch an investigation along radically different lines and some developments of a rather sensational nature, it is said, may possibly ensue in the next few days. Sheriff Peterson is working on the theory that Erb did not tell all he knew about the shooting.
In response to a request by Sheriff Peterson, H.A. Phillips, proprietor, and Herman Johannes, clerk in a Columbus gun store, drove to Genoa Wednesday evening in an effort to identify Erb as the purchaser of the revolver which had been found by the roadside. Phillipps could not make positive identification. He said that Erb resembled a man who called at his store last Saturday and bought the same kind of gun and cartridges as those recovered. His testimony threw no light upon the possible mystery in the case.
While Erb's wounds were at once pronounced serious by the physicians they were so located as to indicate the intention of the man who fired the shot may have been only to inflict minor injuries.
One bullet entered the left shoulder near the top. The other was fired from the right side, entering the right front of the abdomen and coming out through the left side. It dropped from Erb's clothes when he was undressed at the doctor's office.
Erb is about 28 years of age and is single. He has been residing with his mother on a farm two miles north of Genoa.
Leigh World, Abt. November 21, 1912
DIED
GROTELUESCHEN--Sudden Death of Early Pioneer -- Henry Grotelueschen Dies After an Illness of Only Two Days
Only last Saturday we saw his smiling countenance and heard his pleasant voice and today Henry Grotelueschen is laid away to his rest in the grave. Such is the uncertainty of life. He had not felt well for two days and on Tuesday morning Dr. Lowery was called out to see him. On entering the room the patient said "Doctor I believe I'm dying" and in the next few seconds he breathed his last. Heart failure had ended his earthly career. Thus passed the spirit of a most noble man, a man with a heart so large that all who knew him knew his depth of generosity and kindness. Everyone loved him and his congenial ways made friends for him wherever he went. He was one of the early settlers of eastern Platte county and therefore was identified with the pioneer struggles, the development and later the prosperity which these pioneers so richly deserved; in fact Mr. Grotelueschen was counted one of the wealthiest men in that community.
The deceased was born in Oldenburg, Germany, March 13, 1853. When a lad of sixteen he came to this country and settled in the community ten miles southwest of Leigh. In 1877 he was united in marriage to Miss Louise Kumpf and three sons were born to this union, viz: William, who resides on a farm west of Leigh and Charles and Henry who are still at home. Besides his widow, one brother, Gerhard Grotelueschen of this place and a sister and a brother who still remain in the fatherland are called to mourn his death.
The funeral was held this noon from the home and the remains were laid to rest in the cemtery at the Loseke Creek church, Rev. E. Denninger conducting the services.
The WORLD offers condolences.--Submitted by William A. Ehlers
The Columbus Telegram, November 29, 1912
DIED
KRUGER--—Mrs. Henry Kruger, a former resident of Columbus, died recently at her home four miles west of Arcola, Ill., after an illness of more than one year. Her sisters, Mrs. Fred Luckey, Jr., and Mrs. Anna Anderson, both of Columbus, and Mrs. F. C. Gatz, of O’Neill, who had been at her bedside when her condition was critical, received word of her death soon after their return to their Nebraska homes, and found it impossible to go back for the funeral. Mrs. Kruger will be remembered by many Columbus people, having resided here for many years, prior to twelve years ago when she moved with her husband to Arcola. As Malinda Engle she was born in Hamilton, O., March 5, 1866. When a child, she came with her parents to Platte county. In 1881 she was married to Henry Kruger. She was a member of the Lutheran church, and six years ago she joined the United Brethren church at Chesterville, Ill. She leaves her husband and seven children, one of whom is Mrs. Anna Rickert, of Columbus. Her mother, Mrs. Kate Engle, of Columbus; three sisters, Mrs. Fred Luckey, Jr., of Columbus; Mrs. Anna Anderson, of Columbus, and Mrs. F. C. Gatz, of O’Neill, Neb.; and three brothers, Henry Engle of Columbus; William Engle, of Columbus, and Geo. Engle of Clarks, Neb., also survive her.
Columbus Tribune-Journal, December 18, 1912
DIED
MOSTEK--Frank Mostek, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Mostek, died Thursday at the state institute for the feeble minded, at Beatrice, as a result of an epileptic fit, into which he had fallen. He has been a patient at the institute for the past five years. The remains were shipped home Friday, and interment was made in the Catholic cemetery Saturday morning. He is survived by his parents, six brothers and five sisters.
The Columbus Telegram, December 27, 1912
MARRIED
DOXEY--Mrs. Dorah F. Doxey, who was arrested with her husband in Columbus three years ago on a charge of having murdered William J. Erder, has been married to Fred Whitney, of Arofino, Idaho, according to press dispatches. After their arrest here, Dr. and Mrs. Doxey were taken to St. Louis where the trial resulted in acquittal. The trial of Mrs. Doxey on a charge of having committed bigamy in marrying Erder has been continued eight times at Clayton, Mo, because it was reported that she was seriously ill. Dr. Loren B. Doxey's body was taken from a river near Clifton, Tenn., last June.DIED
BORDY--Mrs. Simon Bordy passed away Thursday morning at the St. Mary's hospital in this city, a victim of heart trouble. She had suffered with the affliction for some months, and that it shoud be fatal was not a surprise to her relatives and friends. The body was shipped to Omaha Thursday afternoon where burial services were held at a Jewish church in accorance with the Jewish rites.