During the years of 1889 & 1890, there were severe epidemics of influenza and diphtheria throughout our county. It would be very easy to fill this area with an overwhelming number of death notices, but I have chosen not to. All I will say is..."the death toll was extremely high"...


The Columbus Democrat, January 4, 1889
MARRIED
James F. Marrow and Miss Mary A. Peterson both of the county of Polk were tied together in the usual hard knot made by Judge Hudson. Nothing but death or the divorce mill can untie them.


The Columbus Journal, February 6, 1889
MARRIED
ARCHER-RICKLY--At the parsonage, by the Rev. Myron Reed, pastor of the First Congregational Church of this city, on January 22, 1889, Miss Anna Louisa Rickly, of Columbus, Nebraska, to Mr. O. H. Archer, of Wyoming Territory.
Mr. Archer, the groom, is a member of the craft, proficient in the business. He has been at work at the office of C. J. Kelley, in Denver, for the past few months. He is appreciated by his friends and acquaintances as a man of honor and most excellent judgment. The bride is a lady of culture and refinement. She stands well in social circles in our sister State, Nebraska, and is well calculated to be a suitable companion to an honorable man, who will know how to appreciate her merits and noble qualities of heart and mind.
We clip the above from the Denver Daily Times, and add our congratulations. Where two such join hands for life's journey together, all their acquaintances can freely bid them God speed, as with mutual affection and good judgment they deserve good and only good. The bride is daughter of Judge John Rickly of this city and well known to very many of our readers as a lady of intelligence and unusual amiability, while the groom, a former Nebraskan and some time resident of our city, is a man of excellent good judgment, not only, but a scholar, and a man of independent spirit.
The fair bride has the special thanks of the Journal force for a basket of dainties. The new firm evidently understand the printer's constitution.

Anna is yet another daughter of John Rickly, one of the founding fathers


The Columbus Journal, February 6, 1889
DIED
HAGERMAN--Feb. 5, 1889.--[Special to the Columbus Journal.]--At 3 o'clock this morning unknown parties forcibly entered the court house, broke the locks off the cell wherein George Hagerman (the man who stole John Craig's horses and set fire to his barn, which consumed same and contents, including 130 head of horses, cattle and hogs) was confined, forcibly dragged him from his bed, took him to a tree near by, and with a rope around his neck, tied him to an over-hanging branch so he could just stand on the ground. He was shot in the right temple and killed. This morning he presented a terrible sight, hanging there in his night clothes, (the same nearly torn off him). The coroner cut him down and will hold the inquest today. The facts are as above stated. The job was done up quietly and no one seen--no noise outside the one revolver shot being heard. This is the second lynching and hanging in our courthouse yard lately, the first being the man Lapour who killed the sheriff in January, 1885. The sentiment here is that Hagerman got what he deserved, but the lynching is denounced by all.


The Columbus Democrat, February 8, 1889
MARRIED
ARCHER-RICKLY--At the parsonage, by the Rev. Myron Reed, pastor of the First Congregational church of this city, on January 22, 1889, Miss Louisa Rickly, of Columbus, Nebraska, to Mr. C.H. Archer, of Wyoming Territory.
Mr. Archer, the groom, is a member of the craft, proficient in the business. He has been at work at the office of C.J. Kelley, in Denver, for the past few months. He is appreciated by his friends and acquaintances as a man of honor and most excellent judgment. The bride is a lady of culture and refinement. She stands well in social circles in our sister state, Nebraska, and is well calculated to be a suitable companion to an honorable man, who will know how to appreciate her merits and noble qualities of heart and mind.--Denver Daily Times, February 4.
The above article apprises us of the union of heart and hand of two esteemed friends of The Democrat.. The groom is well known in our city as he was ... who have known Archer, value his friendship. The bride, is too well known in this community to need en comiums from us, suffice it to say Mr. Archer is lucky in his choice of a partner. Nor will we forget to mention here that the brides father invaded our sanctum Wednesday and deposited before us a sumptuously laden basket, which, upon investigation, proved to be a generous supply of cakes, oranges etc., which was duly devoured by ye hungry printers.


The Columbus Democrat, March 22, 1889
DIED
RICKLY--Last Wednesday afternoon at about 2:30 the long and eventful life of John Rickly came to a close. His death was rather sudden, after an illness of about a week.
Mr. Rickly was born in Switzerland March 19, 1815, and was 74 years old the day before his death. He came to this country in 1843, and settled soon after at Columbus, Ohio. In 1856 he came to Nebraska and has led a remarkable life since. He was one of the founders of Columbus, and for years was one of the best known and noted men in the territory and state. He has been twice married, and was the father of 13 children, 10 of whom are now living. All except one will be at his funeral, which occurs at 3 o'clock to-day. Mayor North has issued a proclamation calling for a suspension of business during the funeral hours. Mr. Rickly's life and services were too valuable and notable to be passed with this slight mention, and we will devote more space in a later issue to the life and work of the honored citizen who has passed away.

[Additional write-up from the The Columbus Journal]

The Columbus Journal, March 27, 1889
DIED
RICKLY--At his residence in this city, Wednesday, March 22d, 2:30 p.m., of pleuro-pneumonia, John Rickly, aged 74 years and 1 day.
The funeral took place Friday afternoon from the residence, Rev. O. V. Rice preaching the sermon. The Congregational choir sang--"I would not live always," and Mr. Rickly's favorite, "Shall we gather at the river?" The Maennerchor rendered "The Bards' song" and "The resting place."
The mortal remains were viewed by the large number of old friends and acquaintances present, the features being full and distinct as in life. Nothing in all nature could have been found more fitting the occasion than the floral offerings of the children and other relatives, as suggestive of the Summer Land beyond the river, as well as the trials past here--a boquet [sic], a wreath, a cross, and a beautiful pillow, emblem of rest after the toils, trials and tribulations of earth.
The old friends who born the casket to the waiting hearse were J. P. Becker, Fred. Gottschalk, Charles Reinke, Dr. C. B. Stillman, Jacob Guter and Jacob Lewis, and the large concourse slowly and thoughtfully followed to the last resting place at the cemetery, the Cornet Band rendering very appropriate dirges, intoning in touching strains the trials and sorrows of this mortal life, the inconsolable grief of friends at the departure of their beloved, and the triumph of the departed soul, freed from cares here, and present with the loved ones beyond the river.
At the grave the last sad rites were closed with a "Good Evening Song" by the Maennerchor and appropriate prayer by Rev. Rice.
[...and...] John Rickly, the subject of this sketch, was born in Buetzberg, Canton Bern, Switzerland, March 19th, 1815, and was one of a family of eighteen children.
In 1834 he came to Franklin Co., Ohio, and in 1838 moved to Columbus marrying on the 22d of February that year, Miss Katharine Hendri, by whom he had five children, Mrs. Mary Becher, John J. Rickly, Mrs. Katharine Toncray, Mrs. Caroline Dale and Elizabeth Rickly, the latter and Mrs. Toncray now deceased. In 1856, with his family he removed to the then territory of Nebraska and settled in this city. His first wife having died, on the 1st of August, 1849, Mr. Rickly married Miss Caroline Bauer. Their children are W.T. Rickly, Mrs. O.H. Archer, Chas. Rickly, Mrs. G.W. Burke, Albert Rickly, Mrs. Jacob Wagner, Augustus Rickly and Samuel Rickly, all of whom except Augustus survive their father.
Mr. Rickly was president of the Columbus Town Co., organized August 30, 1856, and we believe kept it alive to the day of his death. During the earlier years of this young city, he was very active in everything that pertained to its welfare and withal very vigilant against the schemes of other communities to injure the future prospects of Columbus.
A strict partisan, politically, not alone in Ohio where at its capital city, he was prominent in the democratic councils, but here also he was time and again honored by his fellows as a leader. Time and again he had been elected to the City Council and had been its President, a representative-elect to the territorial legislature, a candidate for legislative honors several times, and in 1856 he was a delegate to the national convention at Cincinnati, which nominated Buchanan for the presidency. He was a democrat, without any reservations or concessions of any kind, and adhered strictly to party lines, not allowing them, however, to at all interfere with his personal friendships. He was very pronounced in his likes and dislikes, and unusually liberal in his estimate of his fellow-men. Plain and unassuming himself, he hated every species of cant and hypocrisy, but was a firm admirer of men of intellect and worth, whatever their beliefs, religious or political. He evidently wished to regard men in the light of their actual worth in character, and not in the light of their professions merely.
He had for years been troubled with asthma and rheumatism, and at times, notably in 1881, had been very seriously ill. His fatal sickness was contracted the Thursday night before his death and he suffered a great deal, being more or less unconscious, however. A few moments before his death he was walking around in his room, supported by two of his sons.
He had often expressed a wish to die before he should become helpless by old age or sickness, and during his last illness said he was ready to go.
No word can assuage the grief of the children at the departure to the spirit world of a loving and indulgent father, but they have the assurance of meeting father and mother in the Summer Land. Peace to his memory.


The Columbus Journal, May 8, 1889
DIED
KOHLER--Charles Kohler, one of the oldest settlers and residents of Richland precinct, Colfax county, died Tuesday of last week. There were reports here about his having come to life, while the body was being conveyed to the cemetery, but there was no foundation of truth for the report.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, May 10, 1889
DIED
Last Tuesday, Charles Kohler, a farmer residing near Benton, Colfax county, died at the residence of Fred Steinke on Shell Creek. He was taken home and preparations made for his funeral. The ceremonies were held at the Benton school house yesterday afternoon, after which his body was placed in a coffin, the coffin in a hearse, and the procession started for the cemetery. While driving along, the hearse driver imagined he heard an outcry from the coffin, and excitement ran high. The coffin was opened, a doctor sent for, and the body examined. It was useless, Charles Kohler was dead, and later the burial was completed.
The incident lead to a circulation of a cock and bull story which spread rapidly, to the effect that Kohler had come to life while on the way to the cemetery, had made the fact patent by halloring, and had scared the natives out of their wits. Upon investigation The Telegram finds the facts as above stated.


The Columbus Journal, May 15, 1889
DIED
KOHLER--The Schuyler Sun, after giving the account of the death of Charles Kohler substantially as was given in The Journal, adds: "From one who was there we are told a different story from the above in regard to Mr. Kohler's death. It seems that he got dead drunk while at Steinke's place and lay outside all night with no coat on and in the morning was found dead. Just why Mr. Steinke's folks whom it is claimed knew he was there and in that condition, should let him remain lying there all night we do not know but it is evident that such is the case. It was at the church during the services that some present thought he did not look like a dead man and had the doctors sent for. We are told that Mr. Kohler cannot give up the idea but that there was foul play of some kind and the thing may not be allowed to rest here."
[...and...]
From what we hear, the circumstances of Charles Kohler's death should be more narrowly looked into. It is reported that he lay out doors all night and that the two doctors called, said that a bone in his neck had been broken. We got these items with some others from old acquaintances of Mr. Kohler.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, May 24, 1889
MARRIED
DIFFENBAUGH-WISE--A young man of Platte county made arrangements to be married last Saturday evening. His affianced lives in the county and he came to the city to get an officer to tie the knot, telling the j.p. that he would have one of his friends call for him with a rig. It rained and the friend not understanding that the j.p. depended on him to furnish his transportation did not go out. The j.p. did not go either, and at this writing it is not known whether his place was supplied or whether it was a case of "hope deferred." The Telegram has sent a special reporter to investigate the matter, and will publish full particulars.
Later--The young man referred to above is Byron Diffenbaugh, a Platte county pedagogue, and his intended, Miss Susan Wise, daughter of John Wise. The couple were seen at Platte Center this morning enroute to Byron's home and he was introducing the lady as his wife, so it is certain that they got married, but when and how is as yet unknown to us. However, we wish the couple all the connubial joys that they can wish for.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, June 7, 1889
DIED
WILSON--Dr. C.D. Evans of this city received a telegram this afternoon, informing him that his oldest sister and her husband, Dr. Wilson, and two children, nieces of Mrs. Wilson and the doctor, residents of Johnstown, had been drowned during the floods at that place. Their bodies have all been recovered. The flood is thus far reaching in its effects, afflicting people who have friends and relatives in the ill-fated community.

NOTE: Dr. Evans is married to Rose North, daughter of James


The Columbus Journal, July 17, 1889
DIED
WORKLEY--C.P. Rinehart's brother-in-law, Jacob Workley, died at Cuylerville, N.Y., July 1st, of paralysis. For many years he had been unable to work hard, and had suffered from heart failure. A post-mortem examination was made and a conical ball in two parts, but lying close together, was found in his lungs, each piece being perfectly encysted. He was a Union soldier during the Rebellion and received part of the time since a pension of $8 a month and part of the time $9 a month. The case has excited considerable interest among physicians, because it has been seriously questioned whether a man could be thus wounded in the lungs and survive.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, September 13, 1889
BIRTHS
SEIBERNSON--The Telegram reporter was confronted with a choice box of havanas this morning as he invaded the sanctity of the county treasurer's office on his daily round-up of the city for news. His first impression was that some new candidate had sprung into existence, but upon inquiry he was informed that a new boy baby had come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. I. Seibernson and that the efficient deputy treasurer was laying off to celebrate the event in an appropriate manner. This is Mr. Seibernson's first experience as a parent and he can be excused for feeling a trifle elated.

TASKER--Our failure to mention the arrival of a new baby at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Tasker yesterday is due to the fact that J.E. neglected to call ____ with the cigars and a ___ his good fortune. However, it is better for our readers to get the news a few hours late than not to get it at all.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, November 29, 1889
DIED
CASTOLINDA--Mrs. Sophia Castolinda was asphixiated at her home in the Polander quarters on the bottom last night.
Her husband, John Castolinda, had just completed a small residence which was plastered last Saturday. He and his wife moved in immediately. The room in which the woman met her death was a small 10x12, unventilated place. She and her husband retired to bed on Sunday night and left a blazing fire in a cook stove which was in the room. The heat from the stove caused the fresh plastering to give forth steam, which was the cause of the woman's death. Sometime during the night, Castolinda the husband, presumably while tossing about, caused by the strangling sensation produced by the poisonous vapor, fell out of bed to the floor. He awoke, and realizing that something was wrong crawled to the door and attempted to open it. He was so exhausted that he could not get the door open, and in a little bit become unconscious again. When he next regained consciousness at about 7:30 this morning, he was lying on the floor near the door. He succeeded in opening the door then and gave the alarm to his neighbors. When they arrived they found that the woman had also fallen about of bed, but too late to save her from deadly effect of the poisonous vapor, as she was dead. Drs. Martyn & Shug were called, but their services were unnecessary as the woman had passed beyond the need of earthly aid, and the exposure to fresh air had completely restored the man. Falling to the floor in time and getting down below the vapor where the air was pure, is all that saved Castolinda's life.
The deceased woman was about 24 years of age, and had been married about two years. She leaves no children.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, December 13, 1889
BIRTHS
ROEN--As The Telegram force smoked fragrant Havannas this morning and watched the smoke curling and winding heavenward, they dreamed of babyland, where all is pure and sweet--where all hearts are pure and where the instincts are those of nature and of love. The calm and solace afforded the perturbed spirit of the newspaper slaves was drawn from elegant cigars furnished them by G.T. Roen, and their thoughts were in accord with the auspicious occasion as Mr. Roen is rejoicing over the advent of a son at his home, who arrived at an early breakfast hour this morning--6 a.m.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, December 20, 1889
DIED
CLOTHER--George W. Clother is dead. This is the news that was heralded around the city last night, and many were the expressions of sorrow heard when the sad truth was told. Although Mr. Clother's death had been anticipated for several days before, yet when it occurred in all of its stern reality, it was nevertheless a shock to the people of this city who have been well acquainted with the deceased for the past thirty years.
The deceased has been a great sufferer during the past eighteen months, the incipient cause being a tumor on his right leg. The tumor was removed March 5 last, but the limb kept growing worse and on July 13 it was found necessary to amputate it above the knee. This for a time gave the patient some relief, but only for a short time. He was taken ill again about six weeks ago and has been gradually but surely failing ever since. His last illness was the outgrowth or continuation of the first trouble, the medical term for which is mylities, the culmination of which was paralysis of the bowels and death.
The cause of the tumor on Mr. Clother's leg was an injury received while he was with Buffalo Bill's show, with which he was engaged in the first season. While out with the street parade in Troy, N.Y., Mr. Clother's horse fell with him on a paved street and his leg was caught under the animal and an injury to the bone was the result.
The vital spark of the deceased--the slender thread between life and eternity was broken at 5:30 p.m. yesterday evening. During his last hours, he was surrounded by his family, brother and other relatives.
The funeral will be held tomorrow (Sunday) at 2 p.m., services being held at the Opera house, Rev. J.V. Griswold preaching the sermon. The funeral ceremonies will be under the management of the Columbus Fire department, of which Mr. Clother was a member. He was a charter member of the Pioneer hook and ladder company, and was chief of the department in 1880.
The fire department held a meeting last night and arranged to attend the funeral and selected the following gentlemen to act as pall bearers: J.E. North, William Schilz, Louis Schwarz, James Pearsall, W.A. McAllister, and Richard Jenkinson.
The deceased leaves a wife and two children to mourn the loss of an affectionate and kind husband and father. The children are a boy and a girl--Enor Blanch, about 14 years of age and George W., about 10 years old.

BIOGRAPHICAL

George W. Clother was born at Saratoga Springs, N.Y., July 19, 1838; was married in London, Canada, October 16, 1871 to Miss Hannah Mathews. In the year 1859 he went to Pike's Peak with his father, C.D. Clother. Returning the same year he located on a farm, south of the Loup river, known as the North farm and now the property of Mrs. E.H. Chambers of his city, daughter of the late lamented Major Frank North. In the spring of 1868, he and his father erected the Clother house, which they conducted under the firm name of C.D. & G.W. Clother until 1877, when George retired from the hotel and engaged in the lumber business. He remained in the lumber business about a year when he sold out and again engaged in the hotel business with his father, with whom he remained until the latter's death, which occurred August 27, 1886. Since his father's death and up to last spring, he conducted the hotel business alone. Besides his hotel business Mr. Clother carried on an extensive traffic in furs, trading with the Indians. He could speak their language and was a great favorite among the Red men, who called him "Buckscuddy", the interpretation of which is curly head. He belonged to no civil societies, or lodges, except the fire department.

[...and...]

The funeral of the late George W. Clother occurred Sunday afternoon, the services being held at the opera house in order to accommodate the vast concourse of people who desired to pay their respects to the memory of the deceased. Rev. J.V. Griswold was the officiating minister. The turn out was as large probably as was ever witnessed on a like occasion in this city. About twenty Omaha Indians who were camped near the city attended the funeral. The procession was headed by the Columbus band and the fire department in uniform.




The Columbus Journal, January 8, 1890
MARRIED
POOLE-WOODS--George W. Poole and Miss Lydia Belle Woods, residing near Richland were, on the 26th of December, 89, married by mistake, intentional on the part of Poole. Both are school teachers, but the lady is indignant and will doubtless sue for divorce.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, January 10, 1890
DIED
??--Some days ago, your attention was not only called through the columns of The Telegram, but Mr. John Eisenman of Loup township informed the sheriff and county attorney of the suspicious death and burial of an unknown man in Loup township. The matter calls for a thorough and searching invetigation and it not only should be made, but should be made at once.
Gentlemen, do not procrastinate. Investigate this case at once. The circumstances surrounding it are very suspicious, and should there be found anything wrong, the longer the investigation is postponed, the harder it will be to bring guilty parties to justice if any there be.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, January 17, 1890
MARRIED
MARLAR-LUTHER--A man walked into the county judge's office yesterday morning, leading a young lady by the hand. He asked Judge Hensley if he was the county judge. Upon being answered in the affirmative, he informed the judge that they came to get "hitched." The judge consented, and "hitched" them on the spot, for $3.50. He was Elkana Marlar and came all the way from Dakota to "hitch" up to Nettie Luther of Bellwood. May traveling in double harness prove pleasant for them.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, January 29, 1890
DIED
WAGNER--Yesterday afternoon Augusta A., wife of Jacob Wagner, breathed her last. She had been sick and confined to her bed since August 28, 1889. Her long sickness and suffering has been a severe trial to her and her relatives and friends, and in her case must have been a great relief. Her illness dates from the birth of a child, after which she became a victim of quick consumption, to the ravages of which she has at last succumbed.
Augusta A. Rickly was the daughter of John Rickly, a pioneer settler in Columbus. She was born June 2d, 1860, consequently was not yet 30 years of age. March 30, 1887 she was married to Jacob Wagner, who survives her. Her parents are both dead, but she leaves, besides a husband and infant child, four brothers and four sisters. Her sisters are Mrs. Mary E. Becher, Mrs. W.B. Dale and Mrs. George Burke of Omaha and Mrs. O.H. Archer of Carbon, Wyo. Her brothers are W.T. and S.S. Rickly of this city and A.E. and C.E. Rickly of Rushville, Neb.
Mrs. Wagner was a beautiful type of womanhood, devoted to home, family and friends. Her early death is mourned by all the people of Columbus among whom she has lived and grown from childhood, and the sympathy of the entire community goes out to her bereaved husband and family.
Her funeral will be announced in The Telegram Tuesday morning, as it will not occur before that date.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, February 6, 1890
DIED
COOK--The body of E.H. Cook, the Omaha suicide, has not yet been claimed by any Columbus people. A Schuyler lady has asked the authorities for a description of the feet and hands of the deceased. It is now in order for someone to inquire as to the length of his ears.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, February 20, 1890
MARRIED
GEISER-WEISENFLUH--The Telegram of yesterday morning had an account of the arrest of Fred Geiser at the instance of Albertina Weisenfluh, who claimed that he was the father of her unborn child. The matter was happily settled yesterday by the marriage of this erring couple. Justice Spoerry performed the ceremony and after it was over, John Geiser, Fred's father, took Albertina to his heart and acknowledged her as his daughter. This was a wrong righted, for the best of all concerned.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, May 15, 1890
DIED
BROWNER--Mrs. Browner, wife of John Browner, a pioneer settler of Platte county, died at her home a few miles northeast of this city, yesterday afternoon. Mrs. Browner was pretty well along on the pathway of life before the sickle of the Grim Reaper caught her. She leaves a husband and several grown children to mourn her demise.

[...and...]

BROWNER--May 13th at 1:30 p.m., of tumor of the liver, after an illness of seven months, Margaret, wife of John Browner, aged 47 years, 5 months and 1 day.
Margaret Connor was born at Charleville, county Limerick, Ireland, Dec. 12, 1842; came to America in 1857. At Boston she was married to Samuel Curry in 1861; to them were born Samuel and John, who survive them. Mr. Curry died at Fort Phil Kearney, Wyo., Sept. 10, 1866. In Sept. 1868 Mrs. Curry came to Columbus and on Feb. 6th, 1869, was married to John Browner; their children who survive their mother are Kate, Willie, Nellie and James, the youngest being twelve years old. The funeral took place, three o'clock Friday afternoon, from the church of St. Bona Ventura, Rev. Father Pacificus preaching the sermon to a large congregation, and Rev. Father Anastasia assisting in the impressive ceremonies. The body was laid to its final rest in the Catholic cemetery, the bright sun shining, but all hearts touched by the deep sorrow of the husband and elder children, and the inconsolable grief of the young children at the departure into the spirit world of their beloved wife and mother. Mrs. Browner had very many warm friends wherever she was known. Always cheerful, she communicated her happiness to those about her, and was beloved by all who knew her.

The funeral services over the remains of Mrs. John Browner, who died Tuesday, will be held at St. Bonaventura Catholic church in this city at 2 o'clock this afternoon.


The Columbus Journal, July 23, 1890
DIED
HALL--Henry Hall, a desperate character in Council Bluffs, shot his wife in the head Wednesday and then cut his own throat. She lived until night and she will recover. They have two young children and three married. The oldest was married to a darkey a few years ago whom she does not live with now; she has been employed for some time as dining room girl at the Judkins hotel here, and when she read the fearful story she remarked that if she had not had such a father she would not have had so hard a time all her life.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, August 14, 1890

HANNAHAN--Some two or three years ago the wife of Joseph Hannahan, a school teacher of this county, decamped for parts unknown, taking with her their only child a little girl. Sometime ago, Mrs. Hannahan died. All efforts of her deserted husband to find his daughter proved unavailing until a few days ago. Mr. Hannahan while visiting in Kansas happened to get trace of his little daughter. He got the child, now a little lass of six years of age, and brought her home with him.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, September 4, 1890
DIED
SCHAFFROTH--Breaks her Neck. - An Infant Girl Falls Out of a Buggy and Breaks Her Neck. [From Wednesday's Daily.] Annie, the little daughter of J. F. Schaffroth, who resides in the eastern part of the city, fell from a buggy, about 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon and was instantly killed, her neck being broken. The little one was but one year and seven months old. There was a buggy standing in the yard, and while playing around, child-like, little Annie managed to climb into it. Her father saw her fall out of the vehicle and rushed to the spot to pick her up, and was horrified to find that his prattling, baby darling was dead. The funeral will occur tomorrow but at what hour has not yet been determined. An announcement will be made in The Telegram in the morning.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, October 2, 1890
BIRTH
ALBERT--A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. I.L. Albert Sunday night. Farmer Albert has bought a copy of a book entitled "How to Keep the Boys On the Farm," and is now diligently pouring over it and burning the midnight oil trying to familiarize himself with the subject.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, October 9, 1890
WEDDING INVITATION
SHAFF-NAYLOR--The esteemed Journal says: "Invitations are out for the marriage of Mr. H.D. Shaff and Miss Anna Naylor." The girl's father says it is untrue.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, November 6, 1890
DIED
TURNER--It comes to the young and to the old, to the just and the unjust. No power can stay its hand--it is a fixed and irrevocable law. Each year thousands pass from the present to the great hereafter, leaving only their earthly frames and their memories to mark the spot which they were wont to inhabit.
At 4:00 o'clock Monday morning the spirit of Abner Turner left its earthly habitation and fled to its maker. Loving kindred and sorrowing friends watched the lamp of life as it expired, and quietly wiped away their tears, having parted with one near and dear. In his death the world lost one of its noblest men, whose life has been upright and honest, who counted his friends by the number of people who knew him.
As a citizen of Columbus for many long years, he was well known and well loved. The esteem in which he was held, has been manifested by the many anxious after his condition during the long weeks he has laid at his hotel in this city. Abner Turner was born at Owego, New York, January 18, 1838. In 1864 he removed to Chicago, where he resided for three years. In 1867 he came to Omaha and engaged in the lumber business, moving from there to Columbus in 1869. Here he formed a partnership with George Hulst under the firm name of Turner & Hulst and engaged in the lumber business. In 1874 they sold this out and Turner & Hulst went into the banking business, erecting the building now occupied by the Columbus State bank.
In 1875 the State bank was organized and Mr. Turner became its cashier, remaining in that position until 1884, when he resigned. In 1886 he engaged in the lumber business in Rapid City, Dakota, with his old partner and Mr. V.T. Price. Since that time he has spent part of his time up there looking after his business interests, although he has always made Columbus his home. On account of his health he sold out his Rapid City business in July last and returned to Columbus, suffering severely with what is generally called mountain fever. For a while his health seemed to improve, but only temporarily, and for the past three weeks his condition has been considered critical, and his life ended yesterday morning. He was never married. His brother George, of Vancouver's Island and one sister, Mrs. F.L. welles of Chicago, were with him for several days before and at the time of his death. He has another sister and his mother is still alive, both residing at Ocean Grove, New Jersey. Short funeral services were held at the Thurston hotel at 4 o'clock last evening, conducted by Rev. J.V. Griswold of the Presbyterian church, and Rev. W.S. Hunt of the Congregational church, both of those churches having found him a warm friend during his life.


The Columbus Journal, November 19, 1890
DIED
FIOLA--A Schuyler special says: Last night about 10 o'clock Louise Fiola, wife of Joseph Fiola, drank a potion that in thirty minutes caused her death. Yesterday afternoon about 4 o'clock she went to Sefarek & Kubiscek's and ordered a bottle full of strychnine, telling the druggist, upon being asked for what she desired it:
"Oh, there are lots of rats and mice about the house." He went to his register and jokingly asked, "Are you white or black?" She replied, "Oh, you don't have to put that down, do you? Do you think I want to commit suicide?"
He replied, "People do strange things sometimes." During all the conversation Mrs. Fiola acted gaily and light hearted. The druggist gave her sixty grains of the drug. She spent the evening about home as usual, nothing seeming at all wrong till shortly after 10 o'clock, when she was taken suddenly ill. Soon she was in violent convulsions. Upon inquiry as to the probable cause, she said: "I have taken poison." Medical aid was hastily summoned, but before it was at hand the drug had done its work. In awful agony a spirit had departed into the great unknown. She was a woman of 21 and married about two years ago. A 7 months old babe is left motherless. No cause is ascribed, as none knew of any family differences. No word of reason for her act was spoken by her or left in writing. Measurements of what was left in the bottle and cup, from which she drank show that five grains were taken.

[ and...]

FIOLA--A sad tragedy was inacted at Schuyler last Saturday in the suiciding of Mrs. Joseph Fiala. She was apparently in her right mind and the cause that promoted the act is supposed to be domestic trouble.


The Columbus Journal, December 31, 1890
DIED
MATTHEWS--December 25th, at 11:15 a.m., of paralysis of the heart, Frederick Matthews. Fred. Matthews was born at Lobo, Canada, Jan. 4th, 1831, and the years of his earthly pilgrimage were therefore within a few days of sixty, when his spirit returned to Got, who gave it, and his body to the earth, whence it came. In 1857 he left his home, and for a number of years was engaged in driving stage in Iowa. He visited home a short time, and then came to Nebraska, since which time he has made Columbus his home. He was engaged here in driving the overland stage, before the railroad was completed. He was always very fond of horses, and the team that diden't shine and flourish under his manipulation was indeed a feeble one and good for little. Many a story is related of his skill in handling the lines over coach teams.
With the famous Pawnee scouts, he did excellent service as captain under Major Frank North. When W.F. Cody started his now celebrated Wild West Show, Matthews was selected to drive the mule team attached to the stage coach which wa driven in the arean, and the attack upon which by Indians makes one of the most exciting and realistic scenes of the Wild West, and ever since, except the winter passed in the south, he has been with the Wild West, holding the lines firmly and safely for hundreds of passengers, among them many royal visitors, who for amusement and edification, coveted a ride in the old coach.

Hon. W.F. Cody, in a letter from North Platte, under date of the 26th, wrote to a friend: "Yours of yesterday bringing me the sad news of the death of my old friend, Fred. Matthews, has just reached me. I cannot express the sorrow that I feel. It seems as though all my old friends are passing away, and that soon I must follow their trail. In Columbus alone three of my good friends have passed away.
I would certainly attend his funeral, but am quite ill, not able to be out. He was a brave, honest, loyal friend and man, and as such our Father in Heaven will receive him."
Mr. Matthews was taken ill at Barcelona, Spain, but gave way later, at Brunswick, Germany, and started for the United States, passing some time with friends in Canada, then returning to his home here, in August last. Seemingly he had been gaining in strength, but on Christmas day, while writing a letter to John C. Howard of Cadiz, O., who had been with Cody's band, he rose from the table, walked into another room, spoke about a pain in the chest, said he would lie down a little while, and passed to his room; in a short time his sister, Mrs. Clother, hearing a groan, went to his bedside, spoke to him, and seeing his condition, began to weep, when he said: "Never mind; I will soon be better," and thus passed away, within a half hour from the time he lay down, but conscious to the last, and only anxious, not for himself, but for those around him.
The funeral took place from the Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon at two, Rev. Griswold preaching the sermon. A large number of friends and acquaintances of the deceased were present.
The pall-bearers were C.A. Speice, J._. North, Gus. G. Becher, R.L. Rossiter, George Lehman and S.O. Raymond. The fire department of the city were present in uniform to pay their last tribute of respect to their departed comrade, who was a charter member of Engine Co. No. 1; the Cornet Band led the large procession to the cemetery to the mournful strains of asolemn dirge, and beneath the bright-shining sun, loving hearts, with gentle hands laid the remains to rest.
The deceased was the oldest child of John and Enor Matthews; his father, 83 years of age, survives him, and was present at the funeral. The brothers and sisters who survive him are: Joshua of Sarnia, Canada, Edwin of Port Huron, Mich., Charles of this city, Mrs. James Bowers of Port Huron, Mrs. G.W. Clother and Mrs. W.T. Rickly of this city.
Fred. Matthews was every man's friend; he was humble, unassuming, retiring, not given to boasting of what he had done or would do, but many a deed remembered by friends and comrades proves that he had the true Christian spirit which enables men to bear each other's burdens--this he did literally, on the field of service, for one of his comrades who was disabled, doing double duty for many days, and from no other motive, evidently, but that of thoughtful and loving consideration for his weaker comrade.
The world of human spirits blessed with immorality is surely peopled with such gentle, loving, self-sacrificing souls. Peace to his memory.


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