The Columbus Journal, January 7, 1891
DIED
FIEDLER--County Coroner A. Heintz was informed Friday that Ernest Fiedler, a farmer of Lost Creek township near Platte Center had committed suicide. By request, Sheriff Caldwell took the coroner's place and held the inquest, calling in the following jurymen: Wm. Arndt, Ed. Higgins, Wm. Kent, A.E. Campbell, Thos. Millet and G.A. Camp. Fiedler was about forty-seven years old, leaves a family, and no reason can be given for his rash deed. No weapon could be found, but his throat was cut and the body had been mutilated by hogs, before found.

[...and...]
Mrs. Ernest Fiedler, widow of the man who killed himself last week, was brought to the city yesterday, a raving maniac. She has been uncontrollable since her husband's death. It is truly heart-rending to hear the cries of her little boy and girl for their mother.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, January 29, 1891
BIRTH
HEGEMANN--Charles Hegemann of Schuyler arrived in Columbus Saturday evening just in time to welcome a new daughter at his home in the southern part of the city. All are doing well and the only thing that mars Charlie's happiness is "to think it was not a boy."


The Columbus Journal, March 4, 1891
DIED
YOB--Some few facts are to be added to the account given in last week's Journal to make the history of the terrible tragedy complete. Frank Yob, the hired man was about twenty-two years old, his parents residing in Santa Rosa, Cal., formerly living at North Bend, so says the Schuyler Quill. The husband was a man of good habits, highly respected by all who knew him and very fond of his wife and family. The wife was a woman of thirty years, good looking, and had no doubt been guilty of criminal relations with Yob. Several months ago the husband discharged Yob because he suspected him and his wife of improper actions, but was compelled to keep him or his wife would go, too. It is said that at the time of the murder an elopement was planned. The deed of McCubbins was premediated. McCubbins was a good man, but the actions of his wife had driven him to desperation. He brooded over his sorrow till he was insane upon the subject. He had acted strangely the week preceding the tragedy. He made his will; he notified his mother, Mrs. Irine Garris, of Indiana, saying that on Friday he expected to commit an awful deed. This notice she received on that day. She knew at once the cause, for the wife's conduct was an old story.


The Columbus Journal, March 18, 1891
DIED
HOWARD; WHITMORE--Since our last mention of diphtheria at Schuyler there have been two deaths--one, the daughter of editor Howard, the other a son of Charles Whitmore of Benton, who had been visiting at Schuyler. It will be well for parents of this city to be unusually vigilant of their children, because, although the sanitary condition of Columbus is very good, and the drinking water (especially that from the water-works) is all right, yet there is danger when the disease has such a foothold in a neighboring community.


The Columbus Journal, April 1, 1891
DIED
CYPHERS--J.L. Cyphers, an old settler, died Thursday at Rising, of a complication of diseases. Seventy-five cases of the grippe are reported at Rising.


The Columbus Journal, April 22, 1891
MARRIED
PENNEY-FREEMAN--Last Wednesday's Journal mentioned as to take place that evening the marriage of Miss Minnie Freeman to E.D. Penney. The marriage was solemnized at Hotel Dellone, Omaha, at 8 o'clock, Rev. George Ferguson of Lincoln officiating. F.H. Penney of Fullerton acted as best man and Miss Phonnie Cushing of this city as bridesmaid. A splendid bridal supper was served at 10 o'clock. There were many beautiful presents. The World-Herald says of Mr. Penney: "He owns half a dozen general stores in as many towns in the state, and is one of the best known of the younger class of politicians in Nebraska. He is a handsome and polished gentleman, and is possessed of a large amount of this world's goods." The name of the bride will remain as one of the brightest in all Nebraska's history, and the story of her courage in rescuing the children of her school in the blizzard of January 12, 1888, will be familiar to our school children in the ages to comes; so long as good brave hearts and cool heads shall constitute nature's nobility, Minnie Freeman will hold a place in memory.


The Columbus Journal, April 29, 1891
MARRIED
HAGER-BARNUM--Mr. Bert. Hager and Miss Lona Barnum crossed hands in wedlock Monday forenoon. The bride and groom, accompanied by their bridesmaid and groomsman, went up to David City by buggy and had the ceremony performed by the M.E. preacher of that place while all were seated in the vehicle opposite the preacher's residence. The scene was somewhat romantic in the eyes of the divine; but nevertheless he tied them just as tight as he knew how. The party afterwards returned to Bellwood where Mrs. Barnum, mother of the bride, had a banquet awaiting them and where they enjoyed themselves for a few hours. In the evening they took supper at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Hager, to which place the band proceeded and tendered the happy couple a fine serenade. After the serenade the band boys were invited inside, where they did themselves justice at a bountiful spread of good things. The boys on their way home also tendered Mr. and Mrs. Miller a serenade and were again treated.--


The Columbus Journal, May 20, 1891
DIED
McKNIGHT--The child of Mr. McKnight's afflicted with diphtheria was buried yesterday. It is but just to say that the family moved to where they now are without the knowledge of Mayor Ragatz at all, and of course, without his direction. No others of them are sick; the funeral was private, and the family returned at once to the house, which has been thoroughly disinfected since the death. Everything has been done that can be to prevent the spread of the disease, since the knowledge of its presence came to the mayor, and for this he is entitled to the hearty thanks of all citizens.


The Columbus Journal, July 8, 1891

LITTON--Last Wednesday morning Schuyler was all excitement over a bit of sensational news that proved to be all too true. The Quill furnishes this account of the matter:
Mr. Wilson Litton had been away, near Duncan, breaking prairie. He expected to be home on Thursday, but returned on Tuesday night about 10 o'clock. He put up his horses and went to the back window of the house to waken his wife. He heard voices and at once suspicioned something wrong. He then went to the rear door, rapped loudly, then hurried to the front door, broke it open and there discovered U.P. Degman with his clothes on his arm, just ready to go out. He stopped him and had him dress and permitted him to go. In the meantime his wife had gone out the back door to the barn. Mr. Litton called his neighbor, A.P. Hughes, and when Mr. Hughes came out, the wife called him and said there were burglars in the house and she had run out there to escape. She said she thought it was Jake Thomas. However, the situation occurred to her and she determined to kill herself. She was prevented at first, but later succeeded in taking some Paris green. It was too much of a dose and she vomited most of it up. Dr. Schafer was called and now she is getting along quite well. It is rather a sad case. They have three small children. Mr. Litton will commence legal proceedings against. Mr. Degman.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, August 20, 1891
DIED
VESEY--Fullerton, Neb., Aug. 15, [Special to The Telegram]--This morning Frank Vesey, a well and favorably known young farmer of Nance county, living but a few miles from Fullerton, was found dead in his bed. Vesey was a stout, healthy young man, and no natural cause of his demise can be assigned.
He was married a few minutes after midnight, less than a year ago, in this town, to a young German girl by the name of Mary Peterson, after a very brief courtship. That morning they went to Columbus and stayed there three or four days. Mrs. Vesey then started for the old country alone, her husband furnishing the money, and he returned to his farm. In June last she returned from her European trip and went home. Since that they have quarrelled severely. These circumstances give rise to the suspicion that the wife has poisoned her husband. The matter will be investigated.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, August 27, 1891
BIRTH
POST--Judge A.M. Post is the happiest man in the Sixth judicial district. A second judge was born into his family yesterday morning and his decision in this case is that it is the finest boy in Platte county. It will undoubtedly be taken as a correct decision as we have heard of no appeal being made to the supreme court.


The Columbus Weekly Telegram, September 3, 1891
MARRIED
TETEN-WILL--Judge Hensley married a young couple yesterday and thereby dangles a romantic tale. The couple were Thomas Teten, aged 21 years, and Martha Will, about six years younger. Some time ago they came to him and wanted him to "tie the knot that binds," but he declined and told the would-be bride that she must bring her parents consent. They were disappointed in having to wait but went home and the next day returned with Miss Martha's parents. By this time our sober and thoughtful judge had given the subject much thought and study, and after consulting several law books decided that he could not marry them on account of the girl's youth. Thus the nearly married couple wended their way homeward disappointed a second time. Saturday they made the third and last and more successful. They were accompanied by both their parents and upon their urgent requests his honor granted the anxious couple a license and pronounced the ceremony that united them in the bonds that are not to be severed until cold, grim death issues his license as a passport into the great beyond.

The Columbus Journal, January 6, 1892
DIED
MURRAY--Jan. 3d, at twelve o'clock midnight, Bridget, wife of Patrick Murray, after a year's illness. Her illness became serious about a year ago. Within this time she had three strokes of paralysis.
She was married to Patrick Murray, July 4th, 1856, and has been, through all these years, his steadfast, faithful and untiring helpmate, on their large farm west of this city. Her life has truly been a busy one, full of toil and care, and not without danger also. In 1865, Mr. Murray had a contract to put up hay for the government, and during his absence at Omaha on business, Indians attacked his wife and the hands in the field, after having professed friendship and eaten supper with them. They killed Mr. Murray's brother and wounded several others, among whom was Mrs. Murray.
The funeral will take place today at 2 o'clock, the remains to be laid at rest in the cemetery near H.M. Winslow's farm.


The Columbus Journal, January 20, 1892
DIED
BECKER--At his home in this city, Wednesday, January 13, at 12 p.m., after a lingering and painful illness, J.P. Becker, aged 58 years.
John Peter Becker was born in Warsaw, Germany, May 29, 1833; came to America with his parents, when only 5 years of age, they locating at Columbus, Ohio.
He came to Nebraska in 1855, locating first at Omaha; came to Platte county in the winter of 1856. In 1857 he was appointed U.S. Indian agent on the Pawnee reservation at Genoa, succeeding D.H. Wheeler. He served in this capacity only about seven months, when he was relieved by Judge Whaley.
Mr. Becker was the first register of deeds in Platte county--his writing appearing on the first official documents recorded.
He was a member of the state legislature, representing Platte county, the term of 1865-'66. He was also a member of the state constitutional convention in 1875.
He built the flouring mills on Shell creek in 1869, and, with Jonas Welch as a partner, continued to operate them until a few years ago.
Mr. Becker has long been prominently identified with all moves of general interest for Columbus or Platte county. He had an extensive acquaintance not only in this county but throughout central Nebraska. At the time of his death he was a director and one of the heaviest stockholders in the Commercial bank in this city; he was also the largest stockholder of the Thurston hotel. He was president of the Columbus Land, Loan and Improvement Co. Only last season he built the Becker block, corner Twelfth and North street.
Mr. Becker had suffered several years from a cancer which appeared on the foot. January 12, 1891, he submitted to an operation and the leg was amputated below the knee. He quickly rallied and was soon able to be out on crutches, and seemed in better health than for many years. The cancer appeared again, however, and some time last August another operation was performed, this time taking off the leg above the knee.
It was soon found that Mr. Becker could not recover, and he, realizing this fact, arranged all his business affairs, and patiently awaited the end.
Mr. Becker's life for many years past was very closely identified with the history of Platte county, and his many acts of unobtrusive generosity to the poor, destitute and suffering will be cherished by the recipients as among the beautiful evidences of a charity which was genuine, free and hearty.
The funeral which took place Sunday from the late residence, was attended by a large number of neighbors and acquaintances, the spacious dwelling-house being filled, notwithstanding the very severe weather. Rev. Elliott offered a prayer and read the scripture lessons, the choir intoning several hymns and Elder H.J. Hudson, an old friend and neighbor, delivering an address which will be reproduced in The Journal next week, being received too late for this. Mr. Becker's brethren of the Masonic order here, in a body followed the remains to their final resting place, in the Columbus cemetery.
The afflicted relatives cannot be comforted by the sympathy of acquaintances in their sore bereavement, for their loss is irreparable, and those who knew best the inner life of our friend, know how much of courage he inspired in the contests of life, and how his place among us can never be filled. Peace to his memory.


The Columbus Journal, July 6, 1892
DIED
TURK--A Mrs. Turk near Shelby was struck and killed by lightning Sunday week; the city authorities are solicited to get rid of the females of doubtful character, who have been infesting the city. David City should not be made the dumping ground of the other towns around, and they should not be harbored in saloons. The News winds up with a pretty good mottoe: "The town, the people and the society have no earthly use for them."


The Columbus Journal, October 26, 1892
DIED
CONGER--The neighborhood of Clarkson in Colfax county is having a very serious time with diphtheria, and it seems to be different from the ordinary. One of Frank Wolf's children has been attacked in the same form as Mr. Conger's children. One of the latter died Saturday week, and while they were burying the corpse the next day, his last child, a girl eleven years of age died, this being the seventh that died within two weeks. The Schuyler Sun states that he will burn up all the bed clothing, beds and house wherein the children have been lying.


The Columbus Journal, December 14, 1892
ELOPED
ZOREMBA-??--We are informed that John Zoremba and a girl, whose name we did not learn, both of whom lived near Duncan, have eloped together. Zoremba has a wife and two children.

[...and...]

A married Polander and a young virgin of this place have eloped, so it is reported, leaving a wife in destitute circumstances. [Duncan.]


The Columbus Journal, December 28, 1892
DIED
ZUROSKI--The Osceola Record says: ... The Record sayd that Martin Zuroski came home drunk and was looking for something to annihilate. Nothing better appearing he began on the stove in which was a roaring fire. He kicked it over and began kicking the pieces around and soon had the house on fire. His wife succeeded in getting the feather bed out and left Martin to fight it out with the stove. He was too drunk to get out and his wife could do nothing with him, and in a very short time the house had gone up in smoke and Martin with it. The house was a small thatch roofed "shack." Its owner spent too much time and money on his carousals to get a better one. Nothing was saved but the feather bed.


The Columbus Journal, February 8, 1893
DIED
KRATOCHVIL--Last Sunday morning John Kratochvil, who lived three miles southwest of here, left home saying that he was coming to town to get some ammunition and that he would return and kill the entire family. After he left home his wife came to town and swore out a warrant for his arrest before Justice Walker. He must have suspicioned what was going on as he left at once for home. Constable Kucera went out to serve the warrant and found Kratochvil in bed with a loaded gun standing near by, but Joe had hold of him before he could use the gun. On the way to town he told Kucera that he had taken poison and that he had intended to kill his wife. Upon arriving in town he was placed in jail and Dr. Wilber sent for. Everything was done to counteract the effects of the poison that he had taken, and at first it was thought that he would recover, but between 9 and 10 o'clock on Monday morning he breathed his last. The deceased has been in almost a continuous state of intoxication for several years and has often threatened to kill his wife and himself. On Tuesday the remains were laid to rest in the Clarkson cemetery. The deceased leaves a wife and eight children. The woman had a farm left her by her first husband and that seems to have been the cause of much of their family trouble.


The Columbus Journal, May 24, 1893
DIED
GALLEY--Never in the history of Columbus had there anything occurred that caused such a cloud of gloom and sorrow over the younger portion of our community as when, on Wednesday evening last, a telegram was received from Omaha announcing the sad intelligence of the accidental death of Vincent Galley, son of our highly esteemed citizen, James H. Galley. The news passed with wonderful rapidity from lip to lip, but no particulars were learned until the Omaha papers were received next day. The facts are as follows:
Vincent Galley was night porter at the Murray hotel, Omaha, and his hour of commencing work was 7 o'clock p.m. He had a load of trunks to deliver to the basement, and Guy Venable, who was the passenger elevator operator, let him down. After unloading the baggage, it is said Galley gave the usual signal, "all right," to start the elevator. Venable started the elevator, and after ascending a few feet noticed something unusual, wrong about its action and heard a cry of distress from below. The elevator was brought to a stand-still and an investigation made, revealing the lifeless form of Mr. Galley lying at the bottom of the shaft. An examination of the body showed that his neck was broken, right arm shattered and his chest and shoulders crushed in. It is the current belief that young Galley, after giving the signal, either in attempting to get on or after he was on, slipped in such manner as to throw him on the platform of the elevator, as the lower part of his body received no injury. As far as we can learn, he was alone at the time, and the exact facts will never be known. It was particularly gratifying to his relatives and friends that his face was not disfigured, as the corpse presented a natural and lifelike appearance, and was viewed by many friends and acquaintances.
Sheriff Bennett, acting as coroner in the absence of Coroner Maul, and Deputy Coroner Welch inspected the scene of the accident and held an inquest at 9 o'clock Thursday morning, rendering a verdict in accordance with the above facts. Mr. J.H. Galley and C.E. Pollock were present at the inquest, and at its conclusion returned to Columbus with the remains.
After the holidays Vincent Galley, who was nearing his twenty-first birthday, and was of an ambitious, self-reliant and industrious turn, took upon himself the idea of going forth into the world and doing for himself, not that his father was unable or unwilling to support him, but solely on account of that manly, independent disposition which governed his every action. A situation of trust was offered him by a Columbus bank, and his father and uncle were willing to assist him to any position he might desire here, but he chose to go to Omaha, where he secured a position with the Omaha Transfer Co. It was but a short time until the manager perceived that the work was too heavy for one of Vincent's light build, and persuaded him to give it up, securing for him the position in which he lost his life.
It was not the sad circumstances under which this young man lost his life alone, which caused so much sorrow in the community, but the fact that death could have selected no more shining mark or pierced the hearts of a more loving or worthy family.
Vincent Galley was really an exceptional young man; loved and respected by all; in the lead in social events and ever ready to join in sport of any kind. His advice was taken by those much older than himself, and it always proved for the benefit of his associates. That he was loved by those whom he labored with in the hotel, was attested by the pillow of choice flowers upon which rested his head in death.
Vincent had written a letter to his brother Bert the day before the accident, stating that he would be home to attend the graduating exercises of the high school, and would probably remain here. The bereaved family have the sympathy of the entire community in their sad affliction. This is the first death that has occurred in this household.


The Columbus Journal, June 14, 1893

SARGENT--Fred Sargent, a man about 50 years of age, who killed his wife at Battle Creek, Madison county, on the morning of June 2d, and afterwards tried to take his own life, passed through the city Sunday in charge of Sheriff Losey of Madison county, who will land him in the state penitentiary at Lincoln for safe keeping until November, at which time he will be given a hearing in the courts. The cause of the killing was in part jealousy and because Mrs. Sargent refused to live with her husband.


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