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 1885 and 1886.  The Columbus Democrat, February 7, 1885 MARRIED WALKER-CONDON--On Tuesday Feb., 3d, at the Franciscan church by Rev. Rather Seraphine. Mr. William T. Walker and Miss Jennie M. Condon. Mr. Walker is well known to the residents of Platte County having resided here from boyhood. He is one of our most respected and gentlemanly young men. The bride is the eldest daughter of Mr. Daniel Condon, our widely known and respected fellow townsman, and one of the most charming and vivacious young ladies of our city. Since her arrival in our midst she has won the admiration of all who have seen and met her. We wish Mr. Walker and his fair young bride all the happiness that can fall to the lot of married mortals--which is far more than falls to the lot of unmarried ones-- The Columbus Journal, March 18, 1885 DIED NORTH--March 14th, at his residence in this city, of congestion of the lungs, Major Frank J. North. Mr. North started from New Orleans March 5th, for home. At St. Louis he encountered a snow storm, when he was taken sick. At Omaha, he was met by his brother, James E., with whom he returned home on Wednesday last. On Saturday, at 4 p.m., his brave, generous spirit left the body. The funeral services took place yesterday forenoon, the Mayor's request by proclamation having been complied with, and business houses closed. The Opera House was crowded to its utmost capacity, and many remained outside. Rev. Dougherty of Brownell Hall, Omaha, read the impressive service of the Episcopal church, and delivered a well-merited and touching tribute to the memory of the deceased. A select choir sang "He Giveth His Beloved Sleep," and the Maennerchor, "He Rests in Peace." Acquaintances were then privileged to cast a last look upon the remains, and the procession reformed for the cemetery. And there, after the burial service and hymns, the mortal remains of Frank J. North were consigned to mother earth. The following, from the Omaha Bee of Monday, written by the associate editor of that paper, a personal friend and admirer of the deceased, will be recognized by our readers as a fitting tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased: "Frank J. North was born March 10, 1840, in Tompkins county, N.Y. His father, Thomas J. North, was a general merchant. Early in life deceased moved with his family to Richland county, Ohio, and in 1856 the family moved to Omaha, Neb. The father was engaged as a surveyor under contract with the government, and on March 12th, 1857, while so employed near Papillion river, he was caught in a terrific storm and perished. Thus, at the age of 17, Mr. Frank J. North by the sad death of his father, was left with his mother to superintend the extensive business in which his father had become engaged whereby forty men were employed in clearing a large tract of timber land, on which a part of the city of Omaha now stands. Frank took charge and kept this work moving until its completion. In 1857 the deceased moved to Florence, just above this city, where he resided in the winter of 1857-58, and went in the following summer to Columbus, Neb., while the family returned to Ohio, and after about one year's residence there returned to Nebraska. At Columbus Frank J. North began to break prairie with teams taken with him there, and did some farming. In the fall of 1858 he joined a trapping party, who established a camp 125 miles west of Columbus, and remained there until the spring of 1859, returning to Columbus and farming during the summer, after which he began freighting from Omaha to Cottonwood Springs. In the spring of 1860 he went to Denver, shortly returned to Columbus, continued freighting for some time, and finally went to the Pawnee reservation with a team to work for the agent there. Having previously become proficient in the Pawnee language, Mr. North soon secured a good position at the agency as clerk, in which position he remained until August, 1864, when he began the organization of a company of Pawnee scouts, to be enrolled for ninety days. This organization completed, he went with three scouts with General Samuel Curtis, serving until his time expired as first lieutenant. Before bidding adieu to Lieut. North and his Scouts, so favorably thought was Gen. Curtis of them and their control by Lieut. North, that without solicitation he promised a captain's commission to North, which he received October 15, 1864. He immediately recruited to a full quota a separate, independent company of Pawnee scouts, which he led to Julesburg and joined Gen. Connor, going out on the Powder river campaign. Besides a great deal of scouting during the season, this company killed more than 200 Indian enemies without the loss of a man from the ranks of the scouts, who attributed this wonderful escape to the Great Spirit. In 1865 Capt. North commanded Camp Genoa, twenty-two miles west of Columbus, remaining there until the spring of 1866, when all volunteers were mustered out of service. Returning to Columbus, Capt. North in the fall of 1866 was appointed post-trader for the Pawnee agency, where he remained until the spring of 1867. In March, 1867, he again entered the service as major of a battalion, he organizing it and appointing its officers. These troops served along the U.P. line until 1871 when they were mustered out. In the summer of 1871 Major North was made post guide and interpreter for Camp Munson. In 1872 he was transferred to Sidney Barracks where he remained until August 5th, 1876, when he was called to Chicago to report to Gen. Sheridan and ordered to proceed to the Indian Territory and enlist one hundred Pawnee Indians as scouts for service in the department of the Platte. This was done, and he brought his Pawnee scouts by rail to Sidney Barracks, where they were equipped for service. They were ordered to Red Cloud Agency, where they participated in the capture of Chief Red Cloud and his entire tribe of warriors. They then went with General Crook and served during the entire campaign of 1876-77; returned to Sidney barracks until May 1st, 1877, where they were disbanded and returned to the Indian Territory. Soon after Major North came to Omaha, formed a co-partnerhsip with Hon. W.F. Cody, (Buffalo Bill), under the firm name of Cody & North and embarked in the stock business, having accumulated 4,500 head of cattle which grazed on five ranches, embracing an area of country twenty-five miles in breadth by thirty in length, situated in the Dismal river section, sixty-five miles north of North Platte City, in western Nebraska. On December 25, 1865, Major North married Miss Mary L. Smith, in Columbus. She was born in Hartford county, Connecticut, June 3, 1845. They have one daughter, Stella G.,--a lovely girl--now attending Brownell Hall school, in Omaha, born April 16, 1869. The tidings that flashed along the wires Saturday fell upon the ears of his legions of friends all over this great western country, aye, and away on the Atlantic border, like a mourning, melancholy wail! It was difficult to realize that he was dead, whom we all have known for twenty-five years as the conspicuous chief and leader of an Indian tribe, in their savage battles with their inveterate foes, the equally savage Sioux; as the pioneer white man, who left the path of the husbandman, cultivating the ways of peace, to ride at the head of feathered Indians and mark in red war a pathway for a thousand white men's homes; as the cool, cautious, trusty adviser of Sheridan, Conner, Curtis, Crook and others to whose keeping the safety of the border was entrusted, when the fiery breath of Indian rifles was constantly blown so near that one could almost feel it upon the outstreatched hand; as the 'white chief,' whose courage, truth, wisdom, precaution and prudence had won their savage hearts and made him chief and ruler of the barbarous red men; as the real pioneer, whose energy, pluck and faith in Nebraska kept him day after day breaking her virgin soil to receive its first kiss from the generous sunlight; as the law-abiding citizen; the dutiful son; the affectionate husband and father; the true friend, and amist all the trying scenes of a most eventful life, the noble, brave, generous and honest man. It was meet that a life of romance, hardship, danger and heroism, should be ended amidst the scenes of its exploits that stand alone in their simplicity of grandeur and greater because unboasted and undisplayed. This truly good and useful man has gone! We all knew him and we loved him; and while the young girl, now an orphan, her mother having died about two years ago, is left midst the hosts of his friends to be respected and beloved, green by 'Frank's' memory as the grass upon his grave!" The Columbus Journal, April 22, 1885 MARRIED McALLISTER-COALTER--At the Presbyterian church in this city, at 12 M. April 20th, by Rev. J.W. Little, Hon. Wm. A. McAllister and Miss Mary E. Coalter, all of this city. Senator McAllister is known to the great body of our readers, and respected for his many manly attributes. He is a most active and energetic lawyer and a fit representative. The bride is one of our most cultivated and accomplished young ladies and holds high position in our society, on account of her many graces and rare worth. The Columbus Democrat, June 5, 1885 DIED KELLER--Anthony Keller died last week in this city aged about 65 years. Anthony had lived for the past fifteen years with the family of the late Major Frank North to whom he was very much attached. Since the death of Major North the old man seemed to pine away. He repeatedly stated that he wanted to die and go to Frank and Mary, meaning Mr. and Mrs. Frank North. It seems he virtually died of grief. The Columbus Democrat, July 10, 1885 BIRTH DELSMAN--Born, On June 29, 1885, to the wife of J.B. Delsman, a girl. They say it took three men to hold Barney on this joyous occasion. The Columbus Journal, July 15, 1885 DIED DAVIS--The Journal's mention of Mr. Gomer Davis's death was altogether too short. He died after a lingering illness, of consumption, on the 25th of June. At his funeral a great number of sympathizing neighbors and friends assembled, over forty vehicles accompanying the remains to the grave. Several distressing little accidents happened at the funeral. Gomer's sister Maggy fainted away and so did Miss Annie Williams. More serious was what happened to Miss Erma Cotton, the school teacher of district 31. While descending from a wagon, her dress caught somehow and she was thrown to the ground and broke her breast bone. Youth and a sound constitution however, got the victory and she is all right again. The Columbus Democrat, July 17, 1885 BIRTH BRUGGER--On July 9th, to the wife of M. Brugger, a son. The Democrat congratulates the young parents on this joyous occasion and trusts that the young gentleman may wax strong and hearty and ultimately vote the democratic ticket. The Columbus Democrat, August 28, 1885 DIED CLOTHER--On yesterday morning about 2 o'clock, C.D. Clother, one of our oldest and best known citizens died at the Clother House in this city. Mr. Clother was a native of York state, and came west in 1855. In 1859 he removed to Platte county locating on a farm south of the Loup. In 1867 he was elected sheriff of the county, holding the office one term. In 1869, he, with his son George, erected the Clother Hotel, of which he had continued to be one of the proprietors. Mr. Clother had many good qualities--he was very tender-hearted and generous-minded; he was very strong in his friendships, and had a bluff, hearty way that always ingratiated him with the guests of the house. The funeral took place Saturday last from his residence, and his remains were followed to their long home by a very large concourse of friends and acquaintances. Peace to his memory. The Columbus Journal, September 9, 1885 MARRIED KUMMER-ALLEN--Married at the residence of the bride's parents, Polk county, Nebraska, Sept. 2d, 1885, Mr. Rudolph B. Kummer to Miss Ella M. Allen. At about 6 o'clock, carriages, wagons and horsemen began to gather about the Allen mansion to witness the marriage. Judge T.H. Saunders was on hand to perform the ceremony, which was to take place at 8 o'clock, but was delayed an hour on account of all not being ready, but as the clock ticked 9 in came the father with the bride, followed by Mrs. Kummer and groom, then came three bride's maids and grooms. They were all properly arranged and Judge Saunders performed the ceremony and kissed the bride as did scores of others; but few of the ladies ventured to kiss the groom. After the kissing was over, then came supper and never before did I see such a supper. After the presents were given the party adjourned to meet at Mr. Kummer's, and there they tipped the light fantastic toe until the sun began to put up in the east.  The Columbus Journal, January 13, 1886 DIED DEGEMAN--News was received here yesterday morning that the sheriff of Colfax county had been killed that morning by one of the inmates of the prison to whom the sheriff was taking his breakfast. The prisoner was an insane man, returned from the asylum at Lincoln as incurable. The sheriff, Mr. Degeman, had but just entered on his term of office. (additional write-up reported in the Columbus Democrat) The Columbus Democrat, January 15, 1886 DIED DEGMAN; LAPOUR--News of a fearful tragedy at Schuyler on Tuesday morning came over the telephone, and was followed in the night by a report that the people had taken the matter in their own hands, and quietly dealt out a large chunk of justice to the murderer. The facts as near as we can procure them are as follows: Some time ago one Wenzel Lapour of Schuyler was considered insane and sent to the asylum at Lincoln. He was shortly returned, however, with the report from the authorities of that institution that said Lapour was a more fit subject for the penetentiary than the insane asylum. One of his first exploits on returning home was to commit some crime for which he was confined in the county jail. On Tuesday morning the newly qualified sheriff, John Degman, entered the cell with the prisoners' breakfast. As he turned to leave the room the fiendish inmate seized a scantling and struck him on the head, causing his death in a short time. The people were greatly excited, and in the evening, being augmented in number by 40 men from North Bend, about 200 citizens quietly marched to the jail took the assassin from thence, and at 10:45 P.M. hung him to a tree in front of the jail until he was dead. An inquest was held over the remains of LaPour, and a verdict of death at the hands of unknown parties was rendered. Degman lived one hour after the fatal blow, but did not become conscious. His skull was fractured in two placed. He was 35 years of age, and unmarried. He had served as deputy sheriff for two years, and was elected sheriff at the last election, having qualified and been sworn in Thursday of last week. He was a worthy young man, and highly esteemed by the people of Colfax county. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and appropriate ceremonies were held by that society Wednesday. Lapour was a Bohemian, 50 years of age. He was malicious in the extreme, and has often been arrested for abusing his family. No very copious amount of tears will be wasted on him. Although the case was an aggravated one, and Lapour undoubtedly deserved his fate, it is to be regretted that in a community where there are no causes to prevent the sure and speedy working of the law, the people should allow themselves to so far forget their civilization as to resort to mob law. Colfax county will long feel the effects of this precipitate conduct. The dignity and efficiency of the law should be sustained at all times and at all hazards. (yet another write-up about this case) The Columbus Journal, January 20, 1886 LAPOUR; DEGMAN--Schuyler had a double tragedy last week. A man named Lapour was confined in jail because he had not been able to furnish bonds to keep the peace. Sheriff John S. Degman had given the man his breakfast and was leaving the prison when he was struck down and beat upon the skull by Lapour,--a piece of scantling being the bludgeon used. Lapour's punishment swiftly followed, and is described by the Herald of the 13th, as follows: "The last act in this terrible tragedy occurred at 10:45 last night. A large body of citizens marched to the Court House in which the jail is situated, and demanded admittance. There seemed to be no preconcerted arrangements, but the woods were full of men who came from all directions. The sheriff, U.P. Degman, just appointed, Jos. Rudersdorf and Frank Frazier were on guard. The mob demanded admittance, which was refused. They then went to the rear door and commenced to batter it down with sledges with which they were provided. The guards then opened the door, and tried to reason with the mob. They were immediately covered with revolvers and ordered to hold up their hands. The sheriff was then seized and the keys taken from him. At the first approach of the mob, Lapour began to bellow, probably realizing what was coming. He was in the cell with both hands and feet manacled. The mob seized him, placed a rope around his neck, and snaked him out doors, and to a tree near the fence in front of the Court House, where he was drawn up. Soon after death ensued, he was cut down and placed in the sheriff's office. He did not struggle after being drawn up, as the treatment before had probably stunned him. The mob then dispersed, having been but a few minutes at their work. It is estimated that 200 men were on the ground, and but little attempt at concealment was made, although it would be hard to identify the participators. Many citizens justify the action of the mob, while others deprecate it. Not a word of sympathy can be heard for the hanged man." Doubtless Lapour was a brutal man and deserved his fate, but it is best for communities that they enforce the laws in every particular, and it is a sound proposition that if the laws bearing upon minor offences were more strictly enforced there would be fewer grave offences and less seeming necessity for citizens to "take the law into their own hands." The Columbus Democrat, January 29, 1886 BIRTHS ANDERSON--On Friday, January 22nd, 1886, to Mr. and Mrs. A. Anderson a son. o a stranger the above may appear to contain no uncommon or startling announcement, but to the gentlemanly president of the First National it appears far different. A box of cigars has been on tap at the above institution all week, and in default of the appearance of ye local p.e., Mr. Anderson brought around a whole pocketful of fragrant Havanas. He appears to feel better than if a bill demonatizing silver had passed both houses and received Grover's sig. The Columbus Democrat, February 12, 1886 MARRIED HOLLINGSHEAD-BAKER--Your correspondent does not wish to claim any prerogative as a prophet, but he made a little prediction through your colums a few weeks ago, that will be verified before this is in type or he's a goat. Mr. J.H. Hollingshead and Miss Stella Baker will be married at the residence of the brides parents, on Thursday evening, February 4th. We are going to be there, and will tell you about it, if some one doesn't execute summary (shotgun) vengeance on us before we get a new quill hunted up and whittled out. You know this newspaper correspondence is dangerous business sometimes, and we have heard of some direful threats being uttered against Iacog. The Columbus Democrat, April 16, 1886 BIRTHS MILLER--It is said of Lon and Charlie Miller, that when their mother died some years ago she left her trunk to the boys, and among other things it contained, were a lot of baby clothes worn by them when they were somewhat younger. The trunk has been carefully handled, and preserved by the boys, in all the years since. Whether they were in the mountains, or on the plains, the trunk was left in a safe place. The wisdom of this care is now to be seen. Lon Miller is a father, and his young hopeful is clothed in the very same clothes formerly worn by himself and Charlie. The Columbus Democrat, April 30, 1886 MARRIED KERR-NEWTON--Mr. Owen Kerr and Miss Grace Newton, two young members of O'Kay society, drove up to Albion a few days since and came back matrimonially spliced. Nobody was expecting anything of the kind so suddenly, so of course we were all much surprised. The Columbus Democrat, May 28, 1886 MARRIED EVANS-NORTH--The greatest social event of the season occurred last night at 8 o'clock, at the residence of Hon. J.E. North, being the marriage of his beautiful and charming daughter, L. Rose and Dr. C.D. Evans. The bride is a favorite in society circles here and is highly accomplished and beautiful. Dr. Evans is a prominent business man and stands on the top round in his profession. He has been a resident of this city for some years and is well and favorably known as a genial gentleman of sterling worth. Rev. E. Theodore Hamel of Omaha was the officiating clergyman on this happy occasion. The bride was beautifully attired in a lovely creme surah and brocaded velvet dress trimmed with pearls. With it she wore diamond ear rings and pin, a magnificient set, given to her from the groom. Wreaths of natural flowers were added to complete her toilet. The groom wore the conventional attire of black, and appeared at his best The residence was tastefully decorated with flowers and the lawn was illuminated and amply provided with seats for the accommodation of guests. After the ceremony congratulations were extended by the many friends and acquaintances of the happy couple after which the party repaired to the dining room and partook of a bountiful repast which embraced all of the delicacies known to the culinary art. The cornet band was out and serenaded the happy pair. The bride and groom took the night train for the west and will visit many points of interest in Colorado. The The Columbus Democrat, November 19, 1886 MARRIED HURLBUT-STAFFORD--Wm. E. Hurlbut, for some time night yard master for the U.P. at this point, was arrested at Schuyler the other day, and taken to Omaha to answer to a charge of bastardy prefured by Lizzie Stafford. He promised to marry the woman, and procured a license, but she wouldn't and he was sent to jail in default of $700 bonds. They were married Thursday. The The Columbus Democrat, December 3, 1886 BIRTHS HEUER--Otto Heuer bounded up the stairway of our office about four steps at a jump on Tuesday morning, and reported to The Democrat the arrival of a twelve pound heir at his home. The young gentleman arrived on Monday evening the 29th. Otto says his lungs are good and he expects to train him for a stump speaker, and he will naturally be imbued with democracy, simon pure, which comes from the old man. The reporter said, "So you think he is a daisy, Otto?" "Well I should smile." Ans we went forthwith and smiled. The Columbus Journal, December 8, 1886 MARRIED WATERHOUSE-STEVENS--We are informed that Frank Waterhouse and Mrs. Ida B. Stevens went to Council Bluffs yesterday and were united in the bonds of holy matrimony. Mrs. Stevens was only divorced from her husband at the last term of the district court and according to the law of Nebraska she would have to remain single six months, but Iowa was near where the law was different, hence the marriage abroad. The Columbus Democrat, December 31, 1886 MARRIED STILES-??; HANKS-??; LOBDELL-??--F.W. Stiles and bride and J.N. Hanks and bride of Ulysses, and M.H. Lobdell and bride of Friend, all newly married, came in from the south Wednesday evening and were guests at the Grand Pacific until this morning. The presence of so many blushing brides affected George, the clerk at this popular hostelry, so much that he had to be put on light diet for a day or two to enable him to recover. (the above article is displayed as written, including all typing & spelling errors) |