SPECIAL NOTE There is yet another gap of newspaper articles with nothing being available except births, marriages and deaths for the years of 1882 thru 1888. Below are years 1882 thru 1884.  The Columbus Democrat, July 29, 1882 DIED SMITH--The heavy storm and the long peals of thunder on Thursday night awakened many of the people of our city, and as the vivid lightning and reverberating thunder were repeated time after time, many persons experienced fear for their personal safety. The storm at Columbus commenced about 1 o'clock, but an hour prior it had passed over Lost Creek with fearful results. The house of William Smith, a plasterer by trade, was struck by lightning, and his oldest daughter was killed outright, another daughter was so seriously injured that her life is despaired of and the other members of the family were more or less injured. It was telegraphed to Columbus, and a physician immediately went to the scene of the disaster, and everything possible was done for the stricken family. It is rumored that other persons in another section of the county were killed by lightning during the storm, but if so no facts have reached us to justify publication. We hope that the worst is known. The Columbus Journal, August 2, 1882 DIED SMITH--Thursday night last, the lightning was fearfully vivid in this region, and in one household played terrible havoc. William Smith, a plasterer, lives near the Loupe river, opposite Lost Creek station, and ten miles west of Columbus. On the night of the storm there were in the house, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, two daughters, Mary Ann and Harriett, two younger daughters, and two sons. The daughters slept up stairs, at the south end of the story and a half house, the two younger on the east side, the two older on the west side, a window being between the two beds. The storm coming up, the older daughter, Mary Ann, got up and closed the window and lay down again. In a very short time afterwards, the house was struck at the south end, shattering every studding but one and tearing off the plastering and siding. All the members of the family were more or less stunned and unconscious, Mrs. Smith being the first to recover consciousness, when it was found that Mary Ann was dead, and Harriet blind--a fearful black mark across the eyes. Harriet did not become conscious for an hour and a half. The other members of the family were not seriously injured. There were two tall trees near, branches of which hung over the house. One was struck, some of the leaves being scorched. The metal on a sewing machine and an accordeon was melted. A gun in one of the rooms was struck and the wood-work on it shattered, but the gun was not discharged. The remains of the daughter, Mary Ann (aged 18 years and 6 months), were followed to their resting place in the Columbus Cemetery Saturday last, by a large number of friends. The deceased was a pious young lady and highly respected in the neighborhood of her home, and by all of her acquaintances elsewhere. The Columbus Journal, August 16, 1882 MARRIED COOLIDGE-WHEELER--August 5th 1857, at Glenwood, Ia., by Rev. J.W. Daniels, Mr. H.P. Coolidge and Miss Theda M. Wheeler. On the evening of the 5th, the 25th anniversary of this happy event was celebrated at their residence in this city in the presence of a goodly number of relatives and friends. The ceremony took place in the parlor Rev. John Gray, officiating. The twenty-five year old husband was made to promise that on wash days he would eat cold beans for dinner, without grumbling; he refused, however, to contract to get up in the morning and build the fires, especially as he had boys old enough to do that. On asking the wife to promise to sew on the loose buttons of her consort, she replied that she would when she had time. Objections to the marriage, if any, being called for, Elder H.J. Hudson protested that there was no certificate authorizing this ceremony. The officiating clergyman promptly ruled him out of order, and proceeded with the ceremony, afterwards making out the certificate of marriage in much the usual form, adding that grandmother and grandchild were present, and giving their consent. The Columbus Journal, October 18, 1882 MARRIED MACKEN-FAGAN--October 17th, by Rev. Father English, at St. Philomenar Cathedral, Omaha, Mr. V.A. Macken of this city to Miss F. Fagan of Omaha. Vincent has been a little sly in his conduct of the courtship, but the open confession he made to his friends before the final consummation of the happy event, and the handsome manner in which he set out the cigars, etc., entitled him to forgiveness.  The Columbus Journal, January 17, 1883 DIED SCHARER--The wife of Mr. Mark Scharer of this city was buried on Monday last, having died in child birth, which occurred on Thursday last. The appearance of the body after life had apparently departed was so uncommon as to create a doubt in the minds of friends as to whether the woman was really dead or only in a trance, and the body was kept until unmistakable signs of decomposition had made their appearance. The Columbus Journal, January 24, 1883 DIED The death of three persons in one house in Butler Co., recently, which caused such excitement in the neighborhood, has not yet been fully explained; investigation is still going on. The Ulysses Dispatch, from which we quote, says it has good reason to believe that but little light will be shed upon the true facts in the case. "It seems that just before retiring for the night the husband and wife drank freely of hoarhound tea for a cold. But the son did not drink of the tea, but taking the brass spoon from the cup containing the tea, he ate three spoonfuls of sugar. Soon after all three were in the throes of death. This would lead one to suppose that the poison (which was strychnine) had been placed in the sugar. The general opinion, however, is that the poison was put in the tea and that enough adhered to the brass spoon, with which the young man ate sugar, to prove fatal. The son, it is said, upon being taken down, called lustily for mustard and vinegar, which is a strong antidote for poison. This, if true, is a pointer. How did he know so quickly that it was poison he had taken? It is a sad case, and every means is being brought to ferret out the mystery. The stomachs have been sent to a Lincoln chemist for analysis. The funeral occurred on last Wednesday and was largely attended. The sad sight of three coffins, one after another, on their way to the cemetery was a scene seldom witnessed, and one that will not quickly be erased from the memories of our people. The Columbus Journal, February 14, 1883 DIED NORTH--February 9th, Mary, wife of Hon. Frank North of this city, in the 38th year of her age. The deceased was born in 1845, at Bristol, Conn., and came to Nebraska with the family of her uncle, S.C. Smith, Esq., in the spring of 1865. On Christmas day of that year at the Cleveland House in this city, she was married to Major North, and they have lived happily together. For thirteen years past Mrs. North was an invalid, but through all, cheerful and patient. She was preparing to go to Lincoln Thursday morning when she was suddenly stricken down, and remained almost entirely unconscious until her death. Her husband was immediately notified of her serious illness, and was present with her when her gentle spirit took its departure. The funeral, which was very largely attended, took place Sunday from the Episcopal church, Rev. Goodale preaching the sermon. Mrs. North was of a very amiable disposition, and all her acquaintances were her friends. With her sorrowing husband and daughter Stella, she leaves a host of personal friends who will sincerely mourn her departure. The Columbus Democrat, February 17, 1883 DIED NORTH--Again we are called upon to chronicle the death of another of our devoted wives and loving mothers. This time death has chosen as its mark Mrs. North, wife of Major Frank North. Mrs. North retired, Wednesday night, in her usual health, which, however, has not been good for some thirteen years past, with the expectation of joining her husband in Lincoln on the following day. But early Thursday morning she was taken so seriously ill that Mr. North was telegraphed to come on immediately, which he did and was at his wife's bedside at the final dissolution on Friday. Mrs. North was born in Bristol, Conn., in the year 1845 and came to this state in 1865 with the family of her uncle, Samuel C. Smith. She was united in marriage with Major North on Christmas day of the same year. The funeral took place on Sunday from the Episcopal church, Rev. Goodale preaching the sermon, a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends followed her body to its last resting place, in the cemetery east of town. Mrs. North, notwithstanding the fact of her having been an invalid so many years, was a lady of sweet disposition and great kindness of heart and her many friends join the bereaved husband and daughter in sincere mourning for her untimely demise. The Columbus Democrat, March 31, 1883 MARRIED ROEN-GEORGE--Nature assumed a robe of pure, crystal white on Thursday morning, as if to show her approval of the union of Mr. O.T. Roen, the young and popular Cashier of the first National Bank, and Miss Marian George, daughter of F. George, Sr., of Clarks, and sister of Mrs. G.W. Hulst and Mrs. D.T. Martyn, of our city. The marriage ceremony was performed in the parlors of the residence of Mr. G.W. Hulst, by Rev. Samuel Goodale, according to the beautiful and impressive form prescribed by the Episcopal church, at a few minutes after 9 o'clock. The scene was a very brilliant one, beautiful flowers were lavishly arranged about the parlors, and under the soft glow of lamp light were assembled many fair ladies and brave men. The froom was attired in a fashionable morning suit, and the bride in a handsome travelling dress, color dregs of wine, matching which were bonnet, wrap and glove. After the ceremony were congratulations, an elegant repast, and an inspection of the bride's presents which were exceedingly handsome, rich and numerous. The newly married couple took the 11 o'clock train for an extended tour through the eastern cities, to last about three weeks, after which they will return to Columbus and settle down in domestic bliss beside their own fireside. The Columbus Journal, April 4, 1883 MARRIED LARSON-PETERSON--At Columbus on Tuesday March 13th, 1883, Olof Larson and Hannah Peterson were united in matrimony by Hon. John G. Higgins, County Judge of Platte county. And right well can we imagine the graceful manner in which the ceremony was performed, especially the closing scene, when then the bold and dauntless Judge clandestinely snatches the first kiss from the happy bride. We have seen him do it. Olof says the license, the ceremony and the certificate were all free, with cigars thrown in for the happy groom. Look out friend Higgins, on those terms, you will have a rush of custom.-- The Columbus Journal, April 23, 1883 DIED GAMBA--On Tuesday of last week a Polander by the name of Chris. Gamba, who was a renter of a few acres of land and a small house on G.G. Bowman's farm east of the city, committed suicide by hanging himself with a rope. A child had been born to one of the neighbors, and, as is customary among the Polanders, there was great rejoicing, the joy in the case of the now deceased Gamba, taking the direction of distilled "happiness." He became crazed with liquor, and, in the absence of his wife at Richland a few hours, he committed the deed that carried his spirit hence. She found him hanging dead, and cut the rope. No other cause than the above is known for the man's craziness, which was evidenced in various ways before he hanged himself. The Columbus Journal, May 2, 1883 DIED KELLER--Wm. Keller, trainer and driver of trotting horses, died at the Sisters' Hospital Sunday last of consumption. He had handled some of the best trotters in the State, among them being "Boston Dave," "Tib," "Gray Dan," "Wahoo Chief," and other good ones. He was his own worst enemy. The Columbus Journal, July 4, 1883 DIED ROBISON--Al. Robison living near Schuyler was bit by a rattlesnake Thursday while he was plowing corn barefooted. He rode to town, a doctor gave him whiskey and an addition of alcohol, so we are told, and the lad died on Saturday. The Columbus Democrat, July 21, 1883 BIRTHS WOODS--Fatty Woods announces the arrival of another "little shaver," Sunday a week ago, who is putting up with him, and Henry thinks of keeping him. The Columbus Journal, August 29, 1883 BIRTHS MARTIN--A little further down the creek [referring to the following Joseph article] a young visitor has made his or her appearance in the house of Mr. Christ Martin, but your correspondent not wishing to pry into family secrets, and the little one not yet showing him or herself in pants or petticoat, I can only speak in very general terms, assuring the readers of the Journal that it is either a boy or a girl. MARRIED DUESMAN-KNIPPING--On the morning of the 21st, most of the people were astir earlier than usual. What brought them out was the marriage of our furniture dealer, Mr. Wm. Duesman to Miss Annie Knipping; the ceremony was performed at the church in presence of a goodly number of friends, after which the happy couple accompanied by a brother of the groom, and sister of the bride and M.C. Bloedorn and Miss Carrie Eimers, as escorts, left on the morning train for Columbus, amid the firing of guns and best wishes of their many friends who looked forward for the evening, as the village people and friends of the newly married pair had been invited to a grand ball to take place at Herman Teiskotter's, a brother-in-law of the bride, in honor of the occasion. Evening bro't. the party back, and at an early hour the company commenced coming and kept it up until the large house was completely filled. While beer, cake and dancing was more free than water, all apparently fell into their own element, the lover of dancing tripped the fantastic toe, the hungry ate, and it is needless to say when they were dry they drank, as morning showed numerous empty beer kegs in that vicinity. Every thing passed off pleasantly, and all were well pleased with the manner in which they were entertained. The Columbus Journal, September 19, 1883 BIRTHS RUDAT--Word reaches us that on Thursday of last week the wife of Mr. Chas. Rudat, presented him with a bouncing girl baby, and that the whole town of Norfolk became very hilarious over the happy event. Charles, there are lots of your friends here who exult with you. We'll take one of Scheck's best! The Columbus Journal, October 31, 1883 DIED PHILLIPS--From J.A. Turner, who returned Monday from a short visit into Boone county, we learn that Spencer Phillips and his son Jay, perished in the snow storm of the 23d inst., which seems to have been very severe in that section of the country. The unfortunate men had been out hunting, and we judge, not apprehending any storm, had not provided themselves with sufficient covering for an emergency of this kind, and so were chilled to death. The first trace was the finding of their team, tied to the wagon--a considerable portion of the wagon bed having been eat by the horses, which were yet alive. The body of the father was found lying across that of the son as though he had been trying to shield him from the storm, and preserve within him the heat of life. The bodies were found near Hackberry Gulch, by parties who had been to the Neligh land office on business. The Columbus Democrat, November 3, 1883 BIRTHS LOCKNER--In this city on Oct. 29th to the wife of Gus. Lockner, a daughter. This is the first little lady that has put in an appearance in Mr. Lockner's family and the face of the happy father is twice its usual width and he deals out cigars like a county candidate. The Columbus Journal, December 26, 1883 There are a number of cases of diphtheria north and west of here; J.P. Reteroth has lost five children, and Mr. Dernel has lost three. There are no cases just in this immediate neighborhood.  The Columbus Democrat, January 5, 1884 MARRIED BURNS-SWORTSLEY--Mr. Burns has been rather sly in his courting but has gained the heart and hand of a fair young lady who is able to make her own clothes and cook a good meal, and it is useless to say that Miss Swortsly has a man upon whom she can rely on at all times, he being a sober, industrious, christian gentleman. The party from Columbus, who went to serenade, will find their bells at Ed. Fitzpatrick's. We would advise you, ladies and gentlemen not to forsake your musical instruments, another time for a few apples and cakes. The Columbus Democrat, January 12, 1884 MARRIED HOFFMAN-??--Last month John E. Hoffman bade his Columbus friends a temporary good by and wrongfully, falsely, wilfully and with malace prepense and aforethought and with the intent and purpose of gulling, beguiling, deluding deceiving and misleading the aforesaid friends declared and told them he was going east to visit his folks whom he had not seen for years. Imagine the surprise of these same friends when John stepped off the cars the other day bearing triumphantly on his left arm a fair bride. "T'was ever thus" &c. Well, John, we wish you and your estimable life-partner a long life and abundance of happiness. The Columbus Journal, January 30, 1884 DIED BOSCH--Anton Bosch of Colfax county, came to Schuyler, drank freely of beer and whisky. He started home with another young man. On the road they drank more whisky and diluted alcohol. Anton complained of being sick, laid down in the wagon, and his companion covered him with bedquilts, thinking there was nothing the matter except (?) that he was a little "full." The Herald adds: "When they arrived at Bosch's, about 10 o'clock, they put him to bed, and before 3 o'clock in the morning he was dead. Anton was about 18 years old, and was looked to as the support of the family, the father having died about two years ago." The Columbus Journal, March 5, 1884 BIRTHS ROEN--Mr. O.T. Roen is the happy father of a bouncing boy which was born to his wife on Feb. 29th, '84. Being born on the last day of February in leap year, the little one can have a birthday only once in four years. TURNER--To the wife of Hon. M.K. Turner, of the Journal, a daughter. Slow again, Turner, as usual, the Democrat one day ahead. The Columbus Democrat, March 15, 1884 BIRTHS REED--A few days ago John H. Reed, who lives three miles north of Duncan, this county, was presented by his wife with twin babies. No body but John will ever know the force of the mental cataceysm with which John was struck at this startling announcement, coupled with the further announcement that clothes had been provided for only one baby. WILKIN--Herman Wilkin is prouder than a girl with two lovers, cause a boy recently presented him by his wife. The Columbus Democrat, May 10, 1884 DIED BELFORD--The Cloud-burst which occurred on Shell Creek, in the vicinity of Lost Creek, on Monday last, was the severest that has ever been known in this county, the water falling in such quantity in the short space of two hours sufficient to flood the entire width of the valley to the depth of four feet. ...... Several bridges across Shell Creek were washed away, while as many smaller ones on Shaad Creek went out. Summing up the total loss, it will not exceed $40,000. The saddest feature of the flood, was the drowning of Mr. Belford's two children on Shaad Creek. The Columbus Democrat, August 9, 1884 MARRIED BURKE-RICKLY--In Columbus Neb. Aug. 6th, 1884. By Revd., J.Q.A. Fleharty, at the residence of the bride's father, Mr. George Burke, of North Platte Neb., to Miss. Rose C. Rickly, of Columbus, Platte County, Neb. We are informed that over fifty relatives of the two families were present at the ceremony and that there was a profusion of very elegant and costly wedding gifts. We have known the fair bride since her early girlhood and take pleasure in saying that she is a young lady of superior intelligence and endowed with all the higher and better qualities that go to adorn true womanhood. The groom is a manly, stalwart young business man of fine personal appearance who has a thousand friends and they all esteem and respect him. (and as recorded in the Columbus Journal) The Columbus Journal, August 13, 1884 MARRIED BURKE-RICKLY--Wednesday evening, Aug. 6th, '84, at the residence of the bride's father in this city, Mr. George Burke, of North Platte, and Miss Rose Rickly, of Columbus, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony, Rev. J.Q.A. Fleharty officiating and pronouncing the solemn words that for all future time, until death shall part them, merge two souls in one. It was intended that the wedding should be a quiet affair, the invitations comprising, aside from the relatives, but a few of the most intimate friends. But the family connections being extensive the wedding was by no means a diminutive affair, and when all were assembled the ample parlors were found to be comfortably filled; and in point of sociability and sumptuous feasting it was all that the most fastidious could crave. Miss Rickly has resided in this city since early childhood--her father being identified with the foundation of Columbus and in its subsequent history prominent and active in its interests. As a young lady she represented the best type of our western girls, and will be missed by many admiring friends who appreciated her for her modest womanly graces and innate sensibility. Mr. Burke, like the bride he has chosen, is a typical Nebraskan, having been raised at North Platte, where he has large cattle interests and is foremost among the progressive young business men of that locality. The Columbus Democrat, October 24, 1884 BIRTHS HENGLER--Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hengler on Oct. 11th, a daughter. Joe is replenishing the face of the earth in a masterly manner. Gentle reader, go thou and do likewise. The Columbus Journal, November 19, 1884 DIED MENTZER--From Mr. Dan. Condon, who was at Richland last week, we learn of the sad havoc which that dread disease diphtheria has lately made in the family of Chas. Mentzer of that locality. Two of his children have died and five more are down with the disease, two of whom it is thought will not live. In the same neighborhood Orlando Nelson's oldest son is very ill with typhoid fever. The Columbus Democrat, November 29, 1884 BIRTHS BRANDT--Col. Brandt is another uncle, for Carl Brandt informs us that a new boy baby came to his house just after election and his name is to be Cleveland Brandt. Had Cleveland been defeated we suppose that baby would have been only a girl. The Columbus Democrat, December 27, 1884 BIRTHS SPOONER--On December 16th 1884, to the wife of George T. Spooner, a large boy baby. Inasmuch as George has forgotten to set up the cigars the Democrat has been slow in making the announcement. (the above article is displayed as written, including all typing & spelling errors) |