Submitted by Jerry Derby derbyjh@earthlink.net
Photo of Mr. and Mrs. Austin

"Hamilton County Pioneer Buried Here After Long Life of Usefulness."

   William Henry Austin was born in Vermont June 21, 1828 and passed from life at Julesburg, Colo, March 6, 1917, at the advanced age of 88 years, 8 months and 15 days. He was visiting a son and family when stricken.

    As a child with his parents he moved to Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood and on August 14, 1851, he was united in marriage to Miss Clarinda Hays of Crawford county, Pa. To this union five sons and four daughters were born, and all survive him except two sons who died at ages of 54 and 50 years of age.

   After his marriage as noted above he moved to Mercer county, Illinois and 33 years ago came to the north-eastern part of Hamilton county. He made his home in and around Marquette and Aurora. Funeral services were held from the Richland church with Elder C. C. Dobbs in charge.

Submitted by Jerry Derby derbyjh@earthlink.net

"Death Calls Mrs. S. C. Austin"

Aged Pioneer Passed Away at Home of Daughter Tuesday Afternoon. Funeral Thursday....

   Sally Clarinda Hays was born in New York state January 31, 1836 and passed away from life on February 8, 1921, at the age of 85 years and 7 days. Her parents died durung her early childhood and she went to Pennsylvania and made her home among relatives. While in Pennsylvania, on August 14, 1851, she was united in marriage to William Henry Austin. Her living children are: Mrs Amelia Garwood of Aurora; Mrs. Effie Calkins and Mrs. Belle Weaver of Marquette, Mrs. Vernie Garwood of Phillips, and Raymond, G. H. and Bert Austin of Julesburg, Colo. The husband passed from life three years ago.

   About the year 1858 she came with her husband and family to Illinois and in 1879 they moved to Hamilton County, Nebraska.

extract from The Oregonian, Portland, OR, Tuesday, March 24, 2009.

Barclay, Goldie D.
12/24/1920 - 03/17/2009

born: Aurora, Neb.
husband:Chet
daughters: JoAnne Stoddard, Dianne Schulte and Karen Smith
Arrangements by Crown Memorial Center

Submitted by Laura Mattingly matingly@kdsi.net
Source: Giltner Gazette, Nov. 6, 1928

Elderly Lady Passes Away

Mrs. Martha Bell passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. A. Alcorn Sunday morning. Mrs. Bell had reached the age of eighty-six years and one day, her birthday having been on Saturday.

She left to mourn her death three children, Mrs. C. A. Alcorn of Giltner, C. C. Bell of Giltner, and John Bell of Huntington, WV, many grandchildren and numerous other relatives and a host of friends.

The funeral was held at the Alcorn home on Monday afternoon at two o'clock. Rev. Arnold had charge and the singing was furnished by a quartette consisting of Mrs. P. O. Marvel, Marie Dieckmann, Lee Lair and Otto Hunnicutt.

Burial was made in the Giltner cemetery. Many beautiful flowers were sent.

Oren Bell and family of Norfolk were the only relatives from a distance attending the funeral."

Submitted by Rex Salmon exrayfish@cox.net

Obituary for Catherine Rollo Salmon Boag in January 1905 Aurora newspaper:

DEATH'S HARVEST

Wide Sweep of the Grim Reaper's Keen Sickle

     After an illness covering about four years, Catherine Rollo Salmon Boag departed this life at her home, four miles west of Stockham, at 12:15 a.m. Sunday, January 22, 1905.

     Although she has been gradually breaking down for the last 10 years, she refused to give up and with an iron will she has borne in silence her suffering all these years until compelled to take to her bed a week ago last Sunday, after catching a severe cold which hastened her death.

     Her problem from which she has been so long a sufferer is commonly called consumption. She grew rapidly worse until Friday night last and her friends began to realize the end was near. (Now in 2002 as this was entered in Family Tree, the disease is called pulmonary TB. But then as the body wasted away in health and substance, it was consumed, so the disease was called consumption.)

     Relatives and friends were soon notified, and all that loving hands could do was done to relieve her sufferings, but all in vain. She fell asleep about midnight Friday with complete exhaustion, from which no one thought she ever could awaken. The doctor was with her during the night but gave no hope and yet, on Saturday about 2 p.m. she opened her eyes with a start as if awakening from a sound sleep. She smiled and she looked around on those in attendance, and asked for husband and children, but was too weak to talk. From that time until the end, she seemed to suffer a great deal, but still she frequently smiled on those who came to see her and extended a hand of welcome.

     Present at her bedside were her husband, William Boag, her three surviving children, Ida and Walter Salmon and Nellie Boag. Also present were Mr. and Mrs. John Boag from near Trumbull.

     Catherine Rollo was born Feb. 25, 1844, at Jamesfield, Perthshire County, Scotland, where she passed a part of her happy girlhood. In the year 1859 when came with her parents to America, settling near Janesville, Wis. A few years later she, with her brother Walter, settle in Dane County and she was his housekeeper. In Verona, she met, was courted, and was married to John R. Salmon on Nov. 27, 1866.

     Two happy years soon passed away in which time a son Peter was born (died in 1897). Soon the Western Fever (and word about free land and prairie land without trees to clear as in Wisconsin) overcome all other obstacles and they, in company with her brother James Rollo and her husband's brother Alex Salmon, and others, started out overland by covered wagon to seek a home on the Western Plains, where other friends had preceded there.

     After many trials and hardships frought with many pleasures, they at last landed in Hamilton County, Nebraska, to the extreme west of any other settlers along the Blue River, where they first lived in a dugout, then made them a nice log cabin home and on land where the family still lives.

     Three more children were born to John and Catherine during their brief but happy pioneer days. Still at home are Katie (wife of deceased Isaiah Wells), Ida and Walter.

     Mrs. Boag bravely assumed the responsibility and the care of her little family and the management of their large farm of which 80 acres more were added during her administration, making a half section in all. After three years of widowhood, she became the wife of William Boag in 1885. Two children were born to this union, Nellie, the oldest, and the youngest, a boy having died in infancy.

     At an early age while yet quite young, she united with the Presbyterian Church, since which then she has ever been a faithful member. She was ever faithful to the duties imposed upon her, a conscientious worker in her Father's vineyard, ever seeking to do right. She had the honor of heading the list of names as charter member of the pioneer Verona Presbyterian Church formed Feb. 8, 1874, at the home of Probate Judge Robert Lamont, one and one half miles west of Stockham.

     The deceased leaves a husband and three children, also four grandchildren, besides a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn the loss of a loving wife and mother and a good neighbor.

     Funeral services were held in Stockham, where the remains are laid to rest in the Stockham Cemetery by the side of loved one who have gone before. (Written by a friend. An editorial note at the end of the obituary said: "The death of Mrs. Wm. Boag has saddened this community in a great measure, she being one of the pioneers of Hamilton County and all who knew her knew her as a good woman and earnest Christian worker, ever striving to do good. One who has known her well has contributed an article in memory of her to this paper."

Family name of Rollo became a tradition for the middle name for her son Walter Rollo Salmon, grandson Marion Rollo Salmon and great grandson James Rollo Salmon.

Submitted by Rex Salmon exrayfish@cox.net

Obituary from Hamilton County Register, 25 March 1910:

     John Detamore was born April 19, 1829, in Pennsylvania and passed away Monday evening, March 14th, 1910, at the home of his son Oscar at the age of 80 years, 10 months and 23 days.

     He was married to Nancy Huffman on March 20, 1851, and came to Giltner, Nebraska, in 1886, where he resided until his death. He leaves to mourn his loss seven children, all of whom were present in his last hours. His wife passed away a number of years ago, since which time he has resided with his son. Services were held at the home Wednesday Afternoon at 2 o'clock, and interment was made in Lerton Cemetery beside his wife.

     Mr. Detamore was an old and respected citizen, and his neighbors and friends all will sadly miss him. The services at the home were conducted by the Rev. Emanuel of Aurora, and by the A.F. & A. M. at the grave.

     His family moved from Butler County, Ohio, to Champaign County, Illinois, in September 1857. Daughter Amy stayed in Ohio with her family. From there, they moved to Giltner, Hamilton County, Nebraska, in 1886. John organized the Masonic Lodge at Giltner, and was granted a charter July 21, 1894. He was also an officer. He was a retired farmer and his son Oscar lived on the farm. His other children are Amy Huffman, Albert, Andrew, Hannah Carter, Isaac, and Ardella Brumley.

Card of Thanks: The Detamore family takes this method of thanking their many friends and neighbors, also the Masonic order, for the many acts of kindness performed in their bereavement and for the many beautiful floral offerings at the burial of their father.

Submitted by Rex Salmon exrayfish@cox.net

Obituary for Nancy Huffman Detamore from Aurora, Nebraska, newspaper dated March 30, 1901:

     Nancy Huffman was born Feb. 12, 1829, in Butler County, Ohio. She was married to John Detamore on March 20, 1857, and with her husband moved to Illinois in September 1857, and from there to Giltner, Nebraska, in 1886.

     She died March 22, 1901, at the age of 72 years, 1 month, and 10 days, with cause of death listed as kidney trouble. She was the mother of seven children -- four boys and three girls, all of whom are living and were present during her last sickness, except one daughter, Amy, who lives in Hamilton, Ohio -- where the family used to live.

     A large number of friends and neighbors gathered at the Giltner home of the deceased on last Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock when a short funeral service was conducted by Rev. C. L. Smith, and the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery (Lerton) near town. The aged husband and children have the sympathy of all in their bereavement.

___________

Following information on marriage license obtained by Dwayne Detamore in Butler County, Ohio, and written by Rex L. Salmon:

     Nancy Huffman met and married John Detamore while they were living in Ohio with their families. They obtained their marriage license on March 18, 1851, from the clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in Butler County, Ohio, and were married two days later in a ceremony performed by John Vogt Samuel, possibly a judge or justice.

     The honeymooning Detamores moved to Champaign County, Illinois, six months later, arriving Sept. 17, 1851, according to the obituary from the Hamilton County Register dated Mach 31, 1901. The couple's first two children, Amy and Albert, were born in Butler County, Ohio, so either the mother went back home for the two births, or else the Detamores arrived in Illinois in 1853. Her other five children were born in Sidney, Champaign County, Illinois. From there, they left for Giltner, Hamilton County, Nebraska, arriving on Feb 20, 1886, where some of their children had already settled on farms.

     John and Nancy Detamore celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on March 20, 1901, and she died two days later. All of their children were present except for daughter Amy's family in Ohio.

extract from The Oregonian, Portland, OR, Monday, June 11, 2007.

Saturday, June 09, 2007
The Oregonian

born Feb. 15, 1924, in Aurora, Neb.
died May 26, 2007 at age 83
memorial service Friday, June 15, 2007, in St. Luke Lutheran Church in Portland
graduated from Army Nursing School in Omaha
moved in 1946 to Portland
registered nurse for St. Vincent Hospital and the Veterans Administration Hospital
married Walter L. in 1948
survivors: husband, daughter, Dorothy; sons, David and Daniel; sisters, Betty Hungerford and Shirley Sorensen; brothers, Calvin Hansen and Gene Hansen; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren
Arrangement by Finley's

Submitted by Jerry Derby derbyjh@earthlink.net
Ferrell Family Photos

Thomas Jefferson Ferrell was born Feb. 14, 1851 in Union City Ohio and passed away at his home in Marquette on May 8, 1920. Thomas with his family resided in Marquette since Dec 1,1888 coming from Iowa by covered wagon. Thomas was a brickmason.

Submitted by Jerry Derby derbyjh@earthlink.net

Laura Nora McAlpin was born Dec 25, 1860 in Hawleyville, Iowa and passed away at the home of her daughter, Stella, on Nov 7, 1938. She lacked just a few days of living here for 50 years.

She married Thomas Jefferson Ferrell on Mar 14, 1875, just 15. She was a charter member of the R.N.A. lodge and of the Rebekah Lodge, being an honorary member at the time of her death.

Submitted by Kaylynn Loveland dloveland@charter.net

Grand Island Daily Independent, Tuesday, December 9, 1919

Lester Kittenring, born March 22, 1897 near Cawkee City, Kansas, died December 1, 1919, aged 22 years, 8 months, 9 days.

The deceased spent the early part of his life in Kansas, coming to Nebraska in July 1911. With the exception of the 2 years he was in the army, he spent the past 8 years of his life near Phillips, Neb., where he made his home with his sister, Mrs. O. C. Walker.

Lester enlisted for military service with Company H at Aurora, May 23, 1918 serving in the states with the 5th Nebraska infantry. He received his training at Camps Cody and Dix. On October 11, 1918, he sailed for France where he served as a first class private in the machine gun corps, until he received his discharge Aug. 4, 1919.

Before leaving France, Lester found an unexploded shell on one of the fields of battle, and questioning the danger that might be connected with handling the shell he employed a native of the country to remove the cap in order to make the shell safe to handle. It was the same shell that caused his death.

He had experimented with it repeatedly, and on one occasion had fired a rifle into the shell and from all appearances it was harmless. It was of that order known to military men as a timed explosive and on Monday afternoon about four o'clock, while seated in the parlor at the home of his sister, Mrs. O. C. Walker, the shell exploded in his hands, he doubtless having given the manipulating device unknowingly the exact turn necessary to cause the explosion. Death came instantly. While the entire construction of the explosive was only a small piece of metal the forces it let loose were almost unmeasurable. The large base burner in the home was moved on its base, and missiles from the miniature machine crashed through the walls, windows, doors, and even places on the stove. Fortunately, no one other than himself was in the room. Mrs. Walker was in an adjoining room. She hastened to her brother but life was gone in an instant.

Lester is survived by his mother, Mrs. Kettenring, of Cawkee, Kansas, three sisters, Mrs. O. C. Walker of Phillips, Mrs. Myrtle Smith of Giltner, and Mrs. Austin Price of Phillips, and one brother (a twin), of McCook; his father and one brother having preceded him into the life beyond.

The funeral services were conducted from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Owen Walker, Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock, Rev. R. B. E. Hill being in charge of the services. Rev. Hill delivered a beautiful message, full of consolation and sympathy. Following the home service five of Lester's comrades bore his body to conveyance in waiting and his remains were taken to Phillips, where arrangements were made for their transportation to Cawkee, Kansas, Mr. and Mrs. O. C. Walker and other relatives accompanying them.

The life of every one who knew Lester has been pained through his untimely death. He was a bright, happy fellow, kind at heart, a young man in fact that was full of promise.

The sympathy of the family's many friends is with them in this sad experience of life.

From "The Sun" [Aurora, Hamilton Co., NE], 5 Dec 1918:
Submitted by Carol Page Tilson bobcartilson@cox.net

ROY KLINE MEETS THE TEST

Gives Up Life On European Battlefield
November Sixth Official Report Says

Hamilton county is called upon to mourn the loss of another of its well known soldier lads. Here is the brief message received at nine o'clock Tuesday night bringing the word of sorrow:

"Deeply regret to inform you that private Roy C. Kline, infantry, is officially recognized as killed in action Nov. 6. Harris."

Roy was the son of Mrs. and Mrs. David Kline, of this city and the news was a terrible shock to the members of the family, who had been rejoicing in the knowledge that peace was coming. The news was telephoned to the parents and messages of sympathy have been going to them ever since. Roy is the twentieth Hamilton county boy to give up his life in the struggle against the autocrats of Europe. Further details of this latest war tragedy will be given as soon as definite information is available.

Roy C. Kline was one of five men who made up the first draft contingent from this county. He left Aurora for Camp Funston April 2, 1918 and was among the first to be sent overseas. He was a member of Company B, 355th infantry, 89th division, and had seen much active service. It is particularly hard for his loved ones, who for the past month have felt a constantly increasing confidence that he would be returned to them safely, to think that he fell in one of the last engagements of the war. He was engaged in railroad service as a locomotive fireman for a number of years but was temporarily incapacitated by an accident several months before he entered the army.

__________
Note: Roy Clifford Kline, b. 25 Jul 1891, prob. Orville Precinct, Hamilton Co., NE, d. 06 Nov 1918, was the son of David Lorenzo Kline and Adah Bell Nichols. Three years after his death, Roy's remains were returned and last to rest in Aurora Cemetery.
____________

extract from The Oregonian, Portland, OR, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004.

Marguerite Pauline Kusel
Died August 23, 2004
Born April 20, 1915, in Aurora, Neb.
Parents: Hans and Clara Rathman
Married Harold Neville 1933
Moved to Oregon in 1933
Harold died in 1953
Married (2) Erwin Kusel in 1958
Erwin died in 1977

extract from The Oregonian, Portland, OR, Friday, Aug. 19, 2005.

Helen Lee died Aug. 6, 2005, at age 90.

Helen McGuire was born April 16, 1915, in Giltner, Neb. A homemaker, she lived in Washougal, Wash., before moving to Gresham. In 1951, she married Howard W.; they divorced.

Survivors include her sons, Larry Lee and Donald Waterhouse; brother, Lowell McGuire; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Her son Frank Waterhouse died earlier.

Arrangements by Bateman Carroll.

Submitted by Michelle Moore Up1tree@earthlink.net or Up1tree@yahoo.com

"The Giltner Gazette" April 15, 1925
Transcribed by Carl Musselman
DEATH OF AGED WOMAN

   Mrs. Catherine McKenzie, a former resident of Giltner passed away at Hayes Center April 12 at the age of 98 years, 7 months and 9 days, death being due to transient paralysis and senility. Burial was made in Giltner cemetery Wednesday afternoon with Rev. Hamilton having charge of the services at the grave. Three sons and three daughters are among the surviving relatives: Levi Snider of Grand Island, Thomas Snider of Cairo, Samuel Snyder of Hayes Center, Mrs. George Wabel of Grand Island, Mrs. John Carl of Denver, and Mrs. John Stafford of Ashland, Montana.

"The Aurora Republican" April 22, 1926
Transcribed by Carl Musselman
FORMER GILTNER WOMAN, AGED 98, PASSES AWAY

   Mrs. Catherine McKenzie, former resident of Giltner, passed away at Hayes Center, April 12, at the age of 98 years, 7 months, and 9 days. Death was due to paralysis and senility.

   Burial was made in Giltner cemetery Wednesday afternoon, April 14, with Rev. Hamilton in charge at the grave. Three sons and three daughters survive. They are Levi Snider, Grand Island; Thomas Snider, Cairo; Samuel Snider, Hayes Center, Mrs. Geo. Wabel, Grand Island; Mrs. John Carl, Denver, Mrs. John Stafford, Ashland, Montana.

"Times Republican" Hayes County, NE April 22, 1926
(From Lois Grigsby Transcribed by Michelle Moore)
Obituary

   Catherine Penticoff was born in Ohio September 2nd, 1828, and passed away at the home of her daughter Mrs. McKenzie at Hayes Center, April 12th, 1926, at the age of 97 tears, 7 months and 10 days.

   When about fourteen years of age, she with her parents moved to Pennsylvania, where she met and married Levi Snyder, and shortly after their marriage the young couple moved to Freeport, Illinois.

   About 52 years ago Mrs. Snyder, with her husband, moved to Hamilton County, Nebraska, where they homesteaded not far from Aurora, later moving to Giltner where they resided for many years.

   17 children were born to this marriage, of whom 5 died in infancy. Twenty four years ago Mrs. Snyder was left a widow, and in 1910 she was united in marriage with William McKenzie, only to be left a widow again a few years later. For the past eight years Mrs. McKenzie has made her home with her daughter, Susan C. McKenzie, at Hayes Center. She was a woman who met the trials of life with fortitude and patience-a pioneer of sterling character. Catherine McKenzie leaves to mourn her departure 8 children and 5 grandchildren, As follows: Mrs. Susan McKenzie of Hayes Center, Mrs. Margaret Carl of Chicago; Mrs. Amanda Wabel of Hamlet; Thos. Snyder of Woodriver, Nebr., S.W. Snyder of Stratton., Mrs. Ellen Wabel of Hamlet., Mrs. Emma Stafford of Selway, Mont., Levi Snyder of Hayes Center., Orville and William Snyder of Hayes Center., Alonzo Snyder and Charles Rima of Grand Island, and Mrs. Sadie Espenzie of Rock Springs, Wyo., are the grandchildren.

   Mrs. McKenzie was laid to rest at Giltner, Ne.

Card of Thanks

   We wish to thank the many friends who so kindly assisted in every way to soften our bereavement upon the loss of our beloved mother and we especially wish to thank the pall bearers who so faithfully performed their trust.
Mrs. Susan C. McKenzie
Levi Snyder, and bereaved Relatives.

From "The Sun" [Aurora, Hamilton Co., NE], 28 Apr 1900
Submitted by Carol Page Tilson bobcartilson@cox.net

Died, at his home one mile south of Giltner, on Thursday, April 19, 1900, Mr. Joseph Newcomer, aged 51 years, 9 months and 11 days. Mr. Newcomer was born in Waine [sic] county, Ohio, in 1849. Came with his parents to Illinois when a small boy. In 1864 he enlisted in the Civil war as a member of Co. E., 38 regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers. Was married to Miss Mary Nichols May 1, 1873, at Monroe, Wis. To them were born four children, three daughters and one son, all remain to mourn with the bereaved mother the loss of a true and tender husband, a kind and indulgent father. The funeral services were held at the home on Friday, April 20. The Rev. Maze of the Evangelical church preached from the text found in Rev. 14, 13. The remains were laid to rest in Aurora cemetery, there to await the last trumpet call. Mr. Newcomer also leaves an aged mother, three sisters and one brother in Wisconsin. The bereaved family have the sympathy of all in their sorrow.

Note: Joseph Newcomer, b. 08 Jun 1849, Wayne Co., OH, was the son of George E. and Lucinda [Evans?] Newcomer.

Submitted by Carol Page Tilson bobcartilson@cox.net

From the "Aurora Republican" [Hamilton, Co, NE], 23 Oct 1918:

Mrs. Mary Newcomer, while visiting in Kansas, died after a sudden illness. The body was brought to Aurora Thursday and funeral services were held in Aurora Sunday forenoon.

___________

From the "Aurora Republican" [Hamilton Co., NE], 23 Oct 1918:

Mrs. Mary Nichols Newcomer was born December 14, 1854, in Winnebago County, Ill., and died at Concordia, Kansas, October 16, 1918, aged 61 years, 10 months and 2 days. She was married to Joseph Newcomer May 1, 1873. To this union were born 4 children: Retta Frazier, Edith Blizzard, Ezra Newcomer and Rilla Wright. She also leaves to mourn her loss 2 brothers and 2 sisters beside a host of friends. Mrs. Newcomer was a member of the Christian Church. Funeral services were conducted from the house by Pastor Clarence Weston. Interment was in the Aurora cemetery.

___________

From "The Sun" [Aurora, Hamilton Co., NE], 24 Oct 1918:

Mary Nichols Newcomer was born December 14, 1854, in Winnebago County, Illinois, and died at Concordia, Kan., October 16, 1918, aged 61 years, 10 months and 2 days. She was married to Joseph Newcomer May 1, 1873, and to this union four children were born: Retta Frazier, Edith R. Blizzard, Ezra Newcomer and Rilla Wright. She also leaves to mourn her loss two brothers and two sisters besides a host of friends. The sisters in Aurora are Mrs. T. H. Smith and Mrs. Dave Kline. Death came as the result of a surgical operation performed a few days before. The funeral service was conducted by pastor Clarence Weston. Mrs. J. H. Marvel sang several appropriate selections. Interment was made in the Aurora cemetery.

Notes: Mary Nichols Newcomer was the daughter of Asa Corbin Nichols and Rosella Niles. Higby Mortuary records state that her death was caused by swallowing glass while eating cherries.

Submitted by Carol Page Tilson bobcartilson@cox.net

From "The Sun," [Aurora, Hamilton Co., NE], 4 Feb 1893, p. 5, col. 3:

Asa Nichols

Mr. Asa Nichols, who resided near Hampton, died Jan. 27th ult., in the 88th year of his age. He was born in New York and emigrated to Illinois when he was forty years old. In 1841 [sic] he married Rosella Miles [sic] and was father of six children, one dying in infancy. The others, two sons and three daughters are left to mourn. He came to Nebraska ten years ago, since which time he has resided on his home place, where he died. His children were present with him in his last illness, except one daughter, Mrs. H. S. Smith, of David City, she being very sick and not expected to live, at the time of his death. Mr. Nichols was a sterling democrat and was much disappointed that he was unable to go to the polls last November and record his last vote for Grover Cleveland. The funeral services were held at Stockham last Sunday, and were largely attended.

Note: Asa Corbin Nichols b. 17 Sep 1804, Schodack, Rensselaer Co, NY, was the son of John Nichols and Sarah Corbin. He married Rosella Niles, 20 April 1852, in Stephenson Co., IL.

Submitted by Carol Page Tilson bobcartilson@cox.net

From "The Aurora Republican," [Aurora, Hamilton Co., NE], 22 March 1895:

Mrs. Asa Nichols, mother of [Mrs.] D. Kline, [Mrs.] Joseph Newcomer and Mrs. T. H. Smith, died at the home of her youngest son in Leavenworth, Kansas, Saturday night.

___________

From "The Sun" [Aurora, Hamilton Co., NE], 30 Mar 1895:

Mrs. Rosella Nichols [wife of Asa Nichols who died here two years ago] died at Leavenworth, Kansas, on the 16 of March and was brought here last Thursday for burial. She was 67 years old. Mrs. Thomas H. Smith, who lives south of Hamilton, is a daughter. Mrs. Joseph Newcomer, of Phillips, and Mrs. David Kline of Hampton and Mrs. Wm. Hoffman [Hawkins] of Bromfield are also daughters. She has two sons in Kansas.

___________

From the "Hamilton County Register" [Hamilton Co., NE], 30 Mar 1895:

Died March 16 '95, Rosella, wife of Asa Nichols, of Leavenworth, Kansas. Desease [sic], stomach trouble. Her remains were sent to Hampton to her daughter, Mrs. David Kline, from where the funeral services were held on Thursday last, conducted by the Rev. Hamilton and laid to rest in the Aurora cemetery. Mrs. Nichols was born in Ohio, and went to Illinois with her parents when a child. Married Asa Nichols and moved to Wisconsin and twelve years ago they moved to Nebraska, in Orville precinct on the home farm where she has lived until last fall, when she went to Kansas with her youngest son. She leaves five children to mourn a motherly loss, two sons in Kansas, and three daughters here, Mrs. Kline, Mrs. Newcomer and Mrs. Smith. Mrs. Nichols united with the United Brethren church about thirty years ago; lived and died in that faith. Age 68 years, 2 months and 16 days.

Note: Rosella Niles Nichols, b. 02 Nov 1828, Ashtabula Co., OH, was the daughter of David Niles, Jr., and Elizabeth "Betsy" Fox.

Submitted by Kaylynn Loveland dloveland@charter.net

Grand Island Daily Independent, Monday, April 12, 1920:

Miss Sarah Jane Price, a well known resident of Phillips, Neb., passed away suddenly at her home in Phillips, Neb., on Sunday morning, death resulting from heart failure. She was 78 years of age and had been a resident of that vicinity for many years. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Methodist church at Phillips.

Submitted by Judy Schoch (Need new email address)

Friday, March 22, 1878, edition of the Hamilton Co., News under "From Williamsport". "The old man Ratcliff was buried on Wednesday, in the Youst Cemetery. He was ill but a few days. Rev. Heath preached the funeral serman at the residence."

The old man Ratcliff was William Ratcliff who died March 12, 1878. William was my 2nd great grandfather.

Submitted by Rex Salmon exrayfish@cox.net

Obituary of Alexander Franklin Salmon in the May 8, 1903, issue of The Aurora Republican:

     The sudden death of A. F. Salmon, who passed to the great beyond at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29th, came as a shock and bereavement to his family and many friends.

     Mr. Salmon, or "Sandie" as he was familiarly and affectionately known, had been in failing health for several years. About 10 years ago he suffered a shock of paralysis, but he was not seriously disabled and as the years passed by he seemed to regain his accustomed vigor, and his friends were hopeful that he might be spared to live many years of usefulness.

     In November he took a severe cold, and then other complications and ailments developed and the long winter that has passed has been one of suffering and patient endurance. On Tuesday evening as he was seated in his chair the final stroke came, and he became unconscious and remained so to the end, which came Wednesday.

     A. F. Salmon was born Jan. 18th, 1840, in Dundee, Scotland. His father died when he was 7 years of age and he was taken into the family of his uncle, Peter Salmon, and at the age of 16 sailed to America and the family settled in Verona, Dane County, Wisconsin.

     In May 1869 Mr. Salmon came to Hamilton County, Nebraska, and re-empted a claim and afterwards took a 160-acre homestead in Orville Precinct. He built a log cabin and then returned to Wisconsin, where on February 22nd, 1870, he was married to Miss Jean Rutherford. With his young bride, they commenced life in the new home, in this new state, and they bravely labored together and endured all the hardships incident to life in those pioneer days. The beautiful new home his family now occupy, surrounded by broad acres of his well-tilled farm testify to their industry and good management.

     In his Christian profession, Mr. Salmon was a Presbyterian. He and his wife were charter members of the church which was organized in this part of the country by Synodical Missionary Robinson in 1874 known as the Verona Church.

     Mr. Salmon was possessed of a very cheerful disposition and his hearty greeting and his sunny smile ever made him a welcome guest in many homes, and he counted his friends by the number of his acquaintances.

     He leaves to mourn his wife and seven children. His sons are Thomas, James, John, William, and Jesse. His daughters are Mrs. Jane Cameron and Miss Annie, who is the youngest child. There is also a brother, William, in Scotland and a sister, Mrs. Christina Peel of Victoria, Australia.

     The funeral took place at the home on Friday, May 1st, at 11 o'clock, conducted by Dr. E. K. Bailey of Aurora, who preached a most excellent sermon from John, the 14th chapter. The beautiful hymns "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," "Nearer My God to Thee," and "I Am Going Home" were touchingly sung by the choir.

     The interment was in Aurora Cemetery and a long line of carriages followed his body to its last resting place. The pallbearers were A. J. Mc Conaughey, George Proud, Edgar Wilson, William Townsley, Warren White, and M. Worthington.

___________

From History of Hamilton County, Vol I, Editor George Burr, published in Chicago in 1921, Dates Corrected:

     About two decades have passed since Alexander Franklin Salmon (who was familiarly known as Sandie Salmon because of his reddish complexion and hair) departed this life, but he is yet remembered by those who knew him as a substantial citizen and representative business man who deserved and received the high regard of all who knew him.

     He was born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1840, and died in 1903. His parents were Thomas and Christina (Christian) Fettes Salmon, both of whom spent their entire lives in Scotland. The son was educated in that land and came to the United States with an uncle who reared him, for he was a youth of 16 years when he crossed the Atlantic Ocean.

     For a number of years, he lived in Dane County, Wisconsin, and in that state hired out to work as a farm hand and was also employed in the pinery during the winter months.

     In February 1870, Mr. Salmon was united in marriage to Miss Jean Rutherford, who was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, a daughter of John and Jean (Jane) Rutherford. They, too, were natives of Scotland and became residents of Wisconsin in pioneer times. There the father cleared away the forest and developed a tract of land, spending his remaining days upon the old home farm. They had a family of 6 children, three of whom are living, Mrs. Salmon being the eldest of the family. By her marriage, she has become the mother of 7 children: Thomas, who is located on his farm near Giltner; William, whose farm is 4 miles west of Stockham; John R., also engaged in agricultural pursuits in Hamilton County; James A., living on the old homestead farm; Jesse, who lives with his mother in Aurora; Jane, the wife of J. Ed Cameron, living on their farm west of Stockham; and Annie, the wife of Robert E. Williams, whose home is a ranch near Burwell, Nebraska.

     It was in May 1869 that Alexander Franklin Salmon came to Hamilton County, which was then a wild and undeveloped region. Few, indeed, were the settlements that had been made within its borders. He took up a preemption claim of 160 acres and later homesteaded another 80 acres.

     Upon his land he built a log house and the necessary buildings for shelter of grain and stock, and then brought his wife to the home that he had prepared, her arrival being in March 1870. They came with a yoke of oxen, a cow, and very little money. They were among the pioneer families in Hamilton County and on the farm which he developed Mr. Salmon lived to the time of his death.

     He had previously purchased property in Aurora and Mrs. Salmon took up her abode in the city in April 1903. He was the owner of 320 acres of land at the time of his demise and this property still belongs to his widow and children. After arriving in Nebraska, success came to him as the outcome of his earnest labor and unremitting toil. He worked hard and his persistency of purpose brought the success which ultimately crowned his labors.

     In politics he was a Republican and his religious faith was that of the Presbyterian Church. He is widely known throughout the county and well liked wherever known, for he possess attractive qualities that gained him the friendship, confidence, and goodwill of all.

     Mr. Salmon lived to witness much of the county's development and his widow is still a resident of Hamilton County, where she has now made her home for 51 years, spending the last 18 years of this period in Aurora.

___________

Source of this following clipping on the life of Alexander Franklin Salmon is unknown, but must be from one of several county newspapers of the early 1900s:

Loss of a Respected Citizen

     SALMON -- At his home in Orville Precinct, April 30th, 1903, Mr. A. F. Salmon, aged 63 years, 3 months, and 21 days, passed away and was laid to rest in Aurora Cemetery on May 1st, 1903.

     An old and highly respected citizen has passed into his eternal home, leaving a large and devoted circle of his friends and neighbors to mourn his departure.

     Mr. Salmon was a man of character and force in the neighborhood where he lived, and every person knew, loved him . . . for his honest and upright dealings in his business life. The impress of his character will always be felt and recognized in the neighborhood where he so long made his home and among the people with whom he loved to associate.

     A. F. Salmon was born in Dundee, Scotland, and by birth he inherited a noble manhood that has never handicapped its possessor in the race of life. His life bears ample evidence that he always made good use of his inheritance and has proved a worthy son of a noble race.

     We are unable to give much of his early training and struggles up into manhood, only that he left his native land for American at the age of 16 in company with an uncle. They settled in Verona, Dane County, near to Madison, Wisconsin, and here Mr. Salmon spent his early life as a young man. It was here that he became acquainted with Jean Rutherford, whose parents were also Scottish, and who also shared with him the necessitudes of a pioneer life in Nebraska.

     It was 34 years ago that Mr. Salmon homesteaded the place which he has ever since made his home and to which he brought his young bride, and together they commenced life in earnest in the new and sparsely settled community. To this home has been born five sons and two daughters, all of whom are still living, as also the wife.

     Mr. Salmon lived to see nearly all his children married and settled near him and the the ample means which he had accumulated through frugality and industry, was looking forward to a peaceful and quiet afternoon of his life.

     He had well earned such a rest and he was a man well qualified to make good use of his time in a retired and quiet way. But it was chosen for him also to proceed his family into the "Valley of the Shadow of Death," which to him was made light by the presence of his Master.

     In 1874, Mr. Salmon helped to organize the Verona Presbyterian Church and has always held his membership in that church ever since. He held strongly to the faith of his father's and his life was as constant as his faith was strong in the love of God, for the salvation that is in the Lord Jesus, the Christ. Thus faith made him what he was, a man loved not only in his family but by all who knew him.

     Every worthy cause found in him a generous and faithful supporter and universally he was looked upon as a leader. The world is richer that such men have lived and a decided loss is sustained when they depart.

     The pioneers of any community are the ones who map out the future destiny of that community and give it its name and character. Around those early settlers who come to dwell, in course of time, those of like faith and purpose, and so each community is known by the character of it first settlers. And so it was in the Orville Precinct where Mr. Salmon made his home. He very soon had for neighbors, not only those of Scottish descent, but those of any nationality, who adhered to the principles of John Knox, and who were glad to be where those principles were dominant.

     Mr. Salmon was always looked up to as a leader and a man of sound judgment and one easily to be trusted. We might very appropriately say very much more as a fitting tribute to the memory of one who lived so long in the community and to one who has added so much to the welfare of the community -- but a multitude of words could not add to the deeds that sum up the life of Mr. Salmon.

     He was ready to go, and while he loved life, home, and family, he loved God's will better and with a surrendered heart he could say:

My Jesus, as light wilt!
     All shall be well for me,
Each changing future scene
     I gladly trust with thee.

Straight to tay horse above
     I traveled calmly on,
And sing, in life or death,
     My Lord, thy will be done.

Submitted by Rex Salmon exrayfish@cox.net

From The Hamilton County Register, in Aurora, Friday, May 23, 1923:

"Death loves a Shining Mark"

     One by one the early settlers of Hamilton County are being called to the better country. They seem to be passing with much greater rapidity this year.

     We give below a brief history of the life of Mrs. Jean Salmon, who after a life of great usefulness died at her home in this city last week.

     She was the wife of Alexander Franklin "Sandy" Salmon, who came to Hamilton County as early as May 1869, which was 55 years ago this month. Not quite a year later he was married to the wife who outlived him 20 years.

     When Sandy and Jean began farming here it was with a yoke of oxen that brought them here by covered wagon and one cow. Money was almost unknown.

     The husband died in 1903 after which the widow resided in the Aurora home he has previously bought ($850 in October 1900), on the income from the 320 acres of land that he had left for her and the children.

     Jean Rutherford was universally respected wherever she had lived and have lived long and well, her work being done, she fell asleep surrounded by her children, her brother John and sister Agnes being with her during the trying hour which all must face.

___________

Obituary for Mrs. Jean Salmon

     Funeral services of Mrs. Jean Salmon were held at the Presbyterian Church Thursday afternoon, May 17, 1923, in charge of the Rev. Philip N. Shedd.

     Mrs. Jean Rutherford Salmon, daughter of John and Jane Allison Rutherford, was born in Verona, Dane County, Wisconsin, July 10, 1848. She was the eldest of a family of six and when only 13 years of age her mother passed away and she assumed the burden of caring for the home and rearing the other children. Her youngest sibling was William, a 1-year old.

     On February 22, 1870, she was joined in marriage to Alexander Franklin Salmon, formerly of Verona who had established a homestead in Hamilton County, Nebraska. The ceremony was solemnized at her parents' home in Verona, Wis., and immediately after the couple left to come to Nebraska, west of the town of Stockham, where Mr. Salmon had built a log cabin for his bride.

     For 33 years they made their home on that farm which he homesteaded and it was there that all of their 7 children were born. In April 1902 they moved for a short time to their house in Aurora at 11th and H streets, but after 9 months returned to the farm and there Mr. Salmon died on April 29, 1903. Mr Salmon had suffered a paralysis a few years earlier, so son James and his wife Grace who were living on the farm helped care for him and also farmed the property.

     Mrs. Salmon then removed to Aurora where she made her home until the time of her death, May 14, 1923, at the age of 74 years, 9 months, and 25 days. It was a great comfort to her to have her entire family at her bedside as she passed away, and also a brother and sister.

     She was preceded in death by her husband, by two sisters, and one brother. She is survived by 5 sons: Thomas of Giltner, William of Stockham, John R. of Sutton, James A. of Stockham, and Jesse of Aurora, and 2 daughters: Mrs. Jane Cameron of Stockham and Mrs. Annie Williams of Burwell, Nebr. There also remain one brother, John Rutherford, and one sister, Mrs. Agnes Thompson of Doniphan. Survivors also include 17 grandchildren, one step-grandchild, and 3 great grandchildren.

     One of Mrs. Salmon's greatest joys of her life was her church membership. It was the privilege of the Verona Presbyterian church to have her as a charter member when it was organized west of Stockham in 1874. When she moved permanently to Aurora, she transferred her membership to the Presbyterian Church here.

     Mrs. Salmon was one of the grand old settlers, one of the pioneers of this country. It is upon lives such as she and her husband lived that we are standing today. Her life was one of rich usefulness, having mothered two families, one in the home in Wisconsin at the death of her mother, and her own family of 7 children. Perhaps when we consider things from the other shore we will see the truest greatness of this life is to live a quiet, happy, useful, loving life, one lived in service to the Master and His children.

Card of Thanks

     We wish to thank the neighbors and friends who have so kindly helped up during the illness and death of our mother and sister. We also wish to take this opportunity to express our greatest appreciation for the beautiful floral offerings which were so generously bestowed.

Thomas Salmon
William Salmon
John R. Salmon
James A. Salmon
Jesse Salmon
Mrs. Jane Cameron
Mrs. Annie Williams
John Rutherford
Mrs. Agnes Thompson

Submitted by Jerry Derby derbyjh@earthlink.net
Photo of the Weaver Family

JESSE WEAVER was born on 18 Aug. 1859 in Aledo, Mercer Co., Illinois and died 30 Jun 1931 in Marquette, Nebraska. He came to Nebraska as a young man and in 1897 married Miss Edna Belle Austin. They resided in Marquette for about 30 years. Jesse was engaged in the elevator grains business and for a number of years the proprietor of the hotel and for a short time the Marshall.

Submitted by Jerry Derby derbyjh@earthlink.net

EDNA BELLE (AUSTIN) WEAVER was born Sep 9, 1869 in Mercer Co., Illinois and after a brief illness died Aug 10, 1937 at Marquette, Nebr. At age 9 she came with her parents to Arborville, Nebr where she grew to womanhood. Married in 1897 to Jesse Weaver and then established their home in Marquette.

She was baptized into the Arborville Baptist Church and throughout the years maintained an interest in the woman's society of the Marquette U. B. Church. Also an active member of Royal Neighbors for many years.

Extract from Los Angeles Times (CA), page B11, Fri 18 Jun 2004.
The LA Times has a website, but the obituaries are only archived for 30 days. Contact the newspaper for copies.

WYATT, Evelyn

Rev. Evelyn WYATT
Born 9 Dec 1912, Aurora, NE Died 11 Jun 2004, Montebello, CA
Attended Bible College (2 degrees)
Married Dr. Thomas Wyatt.
1942: They founded Wings of Healing Radio Ministry, Portland, OR.
Husband passed away in 1964, she continued the work. Grandson will continue as director.
Survived by 3 sisters and a brother.
Funeral: 18 June 2004 at Rose Hills Memorial Chapel.
Arrangements by Risher Montebello Mortuary.