FAMILY STORIES

   My grandparents, Frank and Anna (Cidlik) Wais and Edward and Mary (Laper) Horky, likewise came to this county from Czechoslovakia and located in this area. What I cherish the most as a girl, spending my summer vacation at one of my grandparents, was sleeping on a straw mattress and helping strip goose feathers for down in the evenings.

   The Horky grandparents lived to be in the nineties and my other grandparents died before I was born.

   I married during the Second World War in 1942. After living in Omaha 20 years, I have returned to this county where I have lived ever since. I have my roots here. My husband, Kenneth Faaborg, was a native of Iowa and died in 1980.

   My parents, Jim F. and Mary Wais, observed their 60th wedding anniversary in 1962. They were charter members in St Vitus Church in Touhy and were also charter members of St. Mary's in Valparaiso.

   The saddest tragedy in our family occurred when Marie, my youngest sister, received a lifetime handicap as a result of a fall when she was two years old. The fall resulted in a brain injury. She died in 1969 at the age of 49.

   But there were happier events, such as get-togethers with relatives and friends, birthday parties, ice cream socials, silent movies, wearing of our best clothes to church, and platform dances held outdoors in the summer.

   My oldest sister, Justine, lives in Minnesota. Louis lives in California, Florian in Omaha, and Jim Jr., in Norfolk. I, for one, have remained here in Saunders County. Submitted by Agnes (Wais) Faaborg

   The Walla family consists of George, Blanche, Susan Rediger, Gregory, Mark, and Jeffrey. George, the fourth child of Ludvik and Mary (Chapek) Walla, was born at Touhy in April, 1928. His family includes brothers: William, Raymond, and Ludvik, all of Valparaiso, and a sister, Mrs. Joe A. (Dorothy) Masek, also of Valparaiso. Blanche's family includes sisters: Mrs. Tony (Marie) Cuda of Plattsmouth, Mrs. Bessie Voboril of Wahoo, and Mrs. Raymond (Rose) Walla of Valparaiso, and a brother, Andrew Steyer, of Lincoln.

George and Blanche Walla Family. Front Row, L to R: Susan Rediger, Mr. and Mrs. Walla; Back Row, L to R: Jeff, Mark, Greg.

   George attended District 111 at Touhy and graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1946. He entered military service and served from Feb., 1951 to Nov., 1952, 9 months of which was in the combat zone of Korea. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge and a Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge. He was married to Blanche Steyer at St. Vitus Catholic Church in Touhy in 1953. They began farming 1 mile west of Touhy.

   Blanche attended District 116 near Valparaiso and District 111 at Touhy and graduated valedictorian of her class from Valparaiso High School in 1948. She taught in Class 1 school districts #90, 111, 63, 112, 115, and 17, before taking time off to raise her children. She returned to teaching in 1970. She graduated from the University of Nebraska in July, 1982, after attending summer school for many years. She is presently teaching in District 111 in Touhy.

   The family purchased a house at Brainard in 1967, which they had moved to a site ¼ mile west of Touhy where they reside at the present time.

   Their children are all graduates of District 111 Elementary School and Bishop Neumann Central Catholic High School in Wahoo. Susan Rediger of Lincoln is employed by the State in the Wheat Division. Greg is a recent graduate of Electronic Computer Programming Institute in Omaha. Mark attended Southeast Community College at Milford, graduated in 1980, and is presently employed as a computer programmer at Farmers Mutual Insurance Company in Lincoln. Jeff is a student at Southeast Community College in Lincoln studying Electronic Technology. By George Walla

   Among the early settlers of Saunders County was the late Phillip Walla Sr. who came to this country with his parents in 1872. He lived on a farm five miles west of Morse Bluff, which was acquired by his father, until he retired to Morse Bluff in 1916.

The Phillip Walla Sr. Family, about 1930. Front Row: Louis, Barbara, Phillip Sr. and Edward; Back Row: Josephine, James, Emily, Phillip Jr., Julia, William, and Barbara.

   Phillip Walla Sr. was born in 1858 in Samikovice, Moravia and came to this country with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Walla, and three brothers: John Jr., Frank, and Anton. He, Phillip, was fourteen years of age. They landed in North Bend and crossed the Platte River by boat and thus settled in Saunders County.

   Phillip's father was regarded as well-to-do. He brought $6,333 in currency with him from Czechoslovakia. The money was divided in four amounts and carried in flannel bags tied to their undergarments. The father carried the larger amount; his wife, the oldest son, and Mrs. Walla's sister, who came with them, each carried one of the bags.

   With this money the elder Walla bought three eighties of railroad land paying $1.77 for each 80 acre tract. With the balance he bought stock and equipment for his farm. (Mrs. Walla remembered they bought a fine team of horses in Omaha for $250, also a harness for $35, a stove for $40, some cows for $30 each.) Implements didn't amount to much in those days.

   In addition to the three eighties, the senior Walla took a homestead, mostly timber and bluffs, but good pasture land.

   There wasn't much market for hogs, Mr. Walla remembered, and they couldn't sell them at all unless they were dressed. So they butchered them and sold them to the depot agent in North Bend who shipped them to Omaha and other places.

   In 1881, Phillip Walla Sr. was married to Barbara Kunes. Barbara came to this country from Ouboci, Czechoslovakia in 1870; with her parents, Vaclav and Anna Kunes, and sister, Mary. Mrs. Walla reported that they arrived in Fremont in December and traveled in a covered wagon to the home of John Shavlik where they spent their first winter preparatory to taking up their own homestead west of Morse Bluff in the spring. The earlier settlers were friendly and helpful, especially to newcomers as many were lifelong friends while still in Europe.

   In the spring of 1871, Mrs. Kunes and daughters began farming by hand while Mr. Kunes went to Omaha to earn money enough to buy a team of oxen and a plow (cost $15). Their first corn crop was 20 bushels.

   Phillip and Barbara Walla, who died in 1935 and 1934, respectively, were parents of ten children. At this writing four survive, namely: Julia (Mrs. Emil Teply) of Clarkson; Barbara (Mrs. Charles Vlach) of Leigh; Emily (Mrs. Fred Bockemuehl) of San Diego, California; and Dr. William M. Walla Sr. of Fremont. Deceased members are James Walla of North Bend; Phillip Jr. and Edward (former merchants of Morse Bluff); Louis Walla of Linwood; and Josephine (Mrs. William Vech) of Cedar Bluffs. Submitted by Hattie M. Walla

   Ray was born April 7, 1924 on a farm near Touhy, Nebraska to Ludvik and Mary (Chapek) Walla where he spent his childhood, attended Touhy School all eight years, and went on to Valparaiso High. The first year he rode to high school with his cousin, Adolph Jansa. The second and third year, he and his sister drove a buggy pulled by Nellie, their horse, who stayed in a barn all day about 4 blocks from the school. During his senior year, he rode with his friend Matt Benes. After high school, he worked on the Section Gang for the Union Pacific Railroad. During that time he bought his first new car, a 1941 Ford for $775.

Raymond and Rose Walla

   In 1942, he entered the U.S. Navy and spent most of his time overseas in the Pacific theater, as a motor machinist. After his discharge in 1946, he worked at the Mead Ordnance Plant in the storage department, running a fork lift. He started farming in 1947 on the Dr. J.R. and R.C. Swanson farm near Touhy. He bought his first new 1947 Farmall M tractor for $1660 that year.

   I, Rose M. (Steyer) Walla, was born February 8, 1929, during a blizzard on a farm 2 miles east of Valparaiso, to Frank and Josephine (Furasek) Steyer. I attended rural school District #116 along with my sisters and brother through the 7th grade. I remember walking the two miles to school and getting so cold that when we got to school we'd take off our shoes and Miss Wood, our teacher, would rub my toes until I'd begin to feel them again.

   I moved with my family to Touhy in 1941 and attended Touhy School for eighth grade with Mr. Joe Sisel as my teacher. I went on to Valparaiso High. In my sophomore year, I walked along the railroad track from Touhy with my sister who taught Dist. #18, and I'd go on to Valparaiso. She'd wait for me to stop again on my way home and we'd walk together. During my senior year, I worked before and after school at the Kratochvil Meat Market for my room and board. After high school, I attended University of Nebraska -- Lincoln for 12 weeks during the summer, and taught School Dis-

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trict #18 in the fall of that same year for $80 a month.

   Ray and I were married on April 19, 1948 at St. Vitus Catholic Church in Touhy by Rev. Wenceslaus Beranek. We moved into Ray's grandmother's house in Touhy where we still live. We've remodeled it somewhat but the frame is still what she had built. Ray worked at Havelock Shops from 1955-59, and since then for Anderson Construction in Lincoln, along with farming. I've taught school in Districts #116, #111, #49, #112, and #115, where I am teaching now. By Rose M. Walla

   I came to Wahoo with my wife, Loretta, and our first two children, Patrick and Ann, on July 2nd, 1952. Our first home was located at 1711 North Linden, a very friendly and welcoming neighborhood.

Dr. Stephen E. Wallace and Wife, Loretta

   Some asked, "Why did you come to Wahoo?" and our answer was, "We were looking for a small town in which to rear our children; where there were good schools, churches, a hospital and good people. This we found in Wahoo."

   I was born near Mitchell, South Dakota and later lived in the western part of the state where I graduated from high school. I moved with my parents to O'Neill, Nebraska where I lived several years prior to my four years service in World War II. After my tour of duty in the Air Force I finished my college and Medical School education at Creighton University in Omaha. This was followed by a rotating internship at St. Catherine's Hospital in Omaha. It was at Creighton I met Loretta. She is a native of Wisconsin and lived in Rochester, Minn. prior to moving to Bellevue, Nebr. Loretta graduated from St. Catherine's School of Nursing, an affiliate of Creighton University. When not fully occupied rearing our children she enjoyed working as an R.N. at the Saunders County Hospital. She has remained active in nursing academics and at the present time is employed as an obstetrical recovery nurse at Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas.

   I joined Dr. Lathrop and Dr. French in the practice of family medicine in July, 1952. In October, 1956, Dr. French and I moved to the present site of the Wahoo Clinic and were later joined by Dr. John E. Hansen, Jr. During those many years we had the pleasure of serving as preceptors to the senior medical students of the University of Nebraska School of Medicine. I have continued my affiliation with the American Academy of Family Physicians and I am a diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice which mandates continued postgraduate study. At the present time I am employed by the Austin Regional Clinic, Prucare, in Austin, Texas on a semi-retired status.

   Our three other children, Kevin, Mary and Margaret Jean, were born in Wahoo. Margaret Jean died at birth and is buried there. Patrick is a district manager for the Prudential Insurance Company in Omaha. He and his wife, Michele, have a daughter, Meghan. Ann also lives in Omaha and is assistant manager for a medical group. Kevin teaches math and sciences in the Yutan Public School system. Mary is employed as an R.N. at the Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha. She and her husband have a daughter, Laura. So, you see, we have six good reasons to return to Nebraska periodically.

   As for myself, I can say the 29 years I practiced in Wahoo was a most gratifying experience, thanks to the good people of Saunders County. Some of the brightest times were those of bringing new life into the world, and, I might add, some of the most surprising too, especially unannounced. Kenny Dailey nearly had a heart attack when Tom and Tim arrived!!

   Thanks, Saunders County, for letting us be a part of your history. By Dr. and Mrs. Stephen E. Wallace

   With full faith in the promise of future growth of Wahoo and Saunders County, Frank E. Way, M.D. of Springfield, Vermont, opened an office for the general practice of medicine on Nov. 7, 1890. He and his wife, Nellie, became a popular couple in the community and were ardent church workers. They were instrumental in the building of a new Methodist Episcopal Church in 1923. Dr. and Mrs. Way had two sons: James Laurence and Charles Willard.

"Dr. Charles W. Way" The greatest honor paid to him lives in the many young men who have followed him into fields of service through the medical profession.

   Charles joined his father in his private medical practice following his separation from active duty as a Captain in the Army Medical Corps in 1919. Dr. F.E., as he was familiarly called, passed away in 1938 and Dr. Charles continued in the practice of medicine with Dr. Lathrop as his partner until 1949. Then Dr. Charles became associated with the staff of the Omaha Veterans Hospital as Chief of the Outpatient Service. He retired for health reasons in 1965. In 1966 he became the third Nebraskan to receive the American Legion National Rehabilitation Commission's Certificate of Appreciation for services rendered to veterans.

   Dr. Way was active in many professional and civic activities and, prior to his death in 1968, had distinguished himself through his work with such organizations as the Red Cross, Tuberculosis Association, Lions Club, Masons, Board of Education, American Legion, and the Methodist Church. He was a charter member and served as the first commander of the Wahoo American Legion Post 82. In 1936, he was elected President of the Alumni Association of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine.

   Any cause for the good of others deserved and received his concern. He willingly gave of himself, his time, and his possessions in their support.

   Dr. Way and his wife, the former Louise Mapes of Schuyler, had two daughters, Virginia and Ruth. Virginia is Mrs. Sidney Held of Lakewood, Colorado. Her family consists of Mrs. Harriet Kloud, Dr. Charles Held, and Mr. Craig Held. For the several years she has traveled throughout the United States, teaching on behalf of the Methodist Church.

   Ruth is Mrs. Daryl Anderson of Wahoo. Daryl and Ruth have a son, Todd, and a daughter, Christie, Mrs. Gerry Tyler. Ruth has been active in the field of music education and entertainment. As of this writing she is completing her 25th year as Methodist Church organist. Submitted by Ruth Way Anderson

   Laura Mae McGuire, granddaughter of Samuel and Lucinda Bumgardner, the first white couple married in Saunders County on Nov. 27, 1866, and Roy Elsworth Webb were married at St. Paul, Nebr., July 4, 1933 by the family minister, Rev. Primrose. They lived in Burwell, Nebraska where Mr. Webb was affiliated with his brothers in Webb Bros. Transfer and Trucking.

Roy and Laura Webb

   The Webb's four children were born in Burwell: Roy Dean, Aug. 9, 1934; Sibyl Yvonne, Sept. 4, 1936; Patricia Lee, Sept. 12, 1941; and Dennis McGuire, Aug. 29, 1944.

   In 1946 they purchased the Webb Garage at Ericson. In 1948, Mrs. Webb attended Summer School at Kearney and started teaching. In 1954 Dean entered the army after graduation. Sibyl graduated from Erickson High School also. The family moved to Ashland, Nebraska. Roy (Slim) worked as a mechanic at Calumet Garage for Lyman Richey, and also for Thomas Sand and Gravel. Mrs. Webb and Sibyl attended college at Lincoln (UNL). Mrs. Webb received her B.S. degree in El. Ed. in June, 1966 by attending summer school and evening classes.

   Roy Dean married Velma Cox Hofmeister July 3, 1958 in Hernando, Mississippi. Velma is the daughter of Lily Ward and Corbin Cox of Greenwood, formerly of Ashland. Roy is in construction and Velma works at the Frosty Treat in Ashland. Their children, all graduates of Ashland-Greenwood High School, are Bryce Elmer, David, and Clint Edward Hofmeister and Jacqueline Ann (Tim Greene) and Patrick Eugene Webb. They have five grandchildren.

   Daughter Sibyl married Dewey L. Pleake at Ashland Methodist Church Jan. 18, 1955. They moved to Lincoln where Dewey graduated with distinction from UNL in June 1960. His work took him to Kansas City, Nairobi, Kenya, and Denver. They were divorced. Sibyl has a Master's Degree in Education, teaching in Little El. School at Arvada, Colorado. The children are Dewey Lawrence, Billy Roy, Brett Allen, and Kelly Nicole who attends Doane College, Crete, Nebr.

   Patricia Lea married Ralph Martin Snell at the Ashland Methodist Church June 18, 1960. A graduate of Ashland-Greenwood High she operates a day care center in Lincoln where they reside. Their sons, Scott Martin and Tommy Dean attend Lincoln High. Marty is employed at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co and is an Air Force Reservist.

   Son Dennis McGuire entered the Navy and received his CED accreditation. He married Cindy Bachman and they had one daughter, Stacy Den-

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