Published in The Journal, June 15, 1904
From files of Journal July 27, 1870

The "Shoo Flys" of Columbus and "Dirty Stockings" of Grand Island played ball here yesterday, resulting in victory for Columbus of 44 to 33.

We are indebted to our assistant marshall, Gus G. Becher, for the following items: In Platte county we have 405 dwelling houses, 384 families, 1,151 white men and 3 colored men, 744 white women and 1 colored woman. Foreign born men, 556; foreign born women, 367. Number of deaths during the past year, 29. Number of farms in the county, 277.


Published in The Journal, June 22, 1904
From files of Journal August 10, 1870

Timbers for the Shell Creek bridges are being unloaded here.

Major North has returned from the Rocky Mountain expedition and has authority from General Augur to recruit two companies of Pawnees for service.

The commissioners of Platte and Colfax counties have ratified the action of the committees from each of these counties to settle the boundary line. Messrs. Leander Gerrard, V. Kummer, David Anderson, and W. Marlow of Platte county, and F. Frye in behalf of Colfax county have been instrumental in bringing about this desirable result.

On Saturday the "Prairies" of Schuyler came to Columbus to play their second game with the Shoo Fly's, and were defeated by a score of 37 to 25. The visitors were entertained by the Columbus boys at the American hotel and in the evening a dance was given in their honor.


Published in The Journal, July 6, 1904
From files of Journal September 7, 1870

A new town called Richland has just been commenced eight miles east of Columbus in the west part of Colfax county. We learn that it begins its career under favorable auspices. One or two large buildings are under way and nearly completed. Our friend David Anderson has been appointed postmaster and Richland is to have a daily mail service.

J.W. Watts saw the waterspout of Wednesday last and supposed it to have been several miles from his residence. It remained stationary for more than half an hour. During the storm of wind, hail and rain that followed, hailstones an inch and a half in diameter fell in abundance.


Published in The Journal, July 27, 1904
From files of Journal Oct. 5, 1870

O.E. Stearns brought in a stalk of broom corn thirteen and a half feet high

Friday night last, a surveying party which has been under the charge of John R. Livingston, stopped in Columbus on their return to Plattsmouth. They have been for some time past engaged in surveying in the country west of the sixth principal meridian, and had just completed the survey of town 2, range 10, west on Cedar River, about one hundred ten miles from Columbus, when one of the number who was at the time separated from his companions, was surrounded by twenty-five Indians. Breaking through their line, the brave fellow, John Rogers, rejoined his party after a chase of four or five miles during which he was slighly wounded in the left arm and right knee. The Sioux gentlemen at sight of the men of the compass and chain concluded that discretion was the better part of valor and so departed.


Published in The Journal, August 3, 1904
From files of Journal Oct. 19, 1870

The editor of the Chicago Republican says that nothing has ever been done by any one for Christopher Columbus the discoverer of America, except by Queen Isabella who "spouted" her jewels to start him out, and George Francis Train who named for him a town out on the U.P.R.R. in Nebraska. The Journal might add that the town of Columbus Nebraska, was in existence long before George Francis Train thought of it as the prospective capital of the United States.

On next Sunday, October 23, the new pews in St. John's Catholic church will be rented or sold at auction. All those who are anxious to procure pews for the next year should be at church door at 9 a.m.


From files of Journal October 26, 1870

We learn of an altercation taking place yesterday between S.C. Smith and a Pawnee Indian, on Mr. Smith's farm near the reserve. It seems that some Pawnee ponies had committed trespass upon one of Mr. Smith's corn fields and the brave objected to paying damages and receiving their ponies but desired very strongly to ride off on the aforesaid ponies without paying for feed. Pistols and strong language helped to make one of those exciting incidents of pioneer life.


From files of Journal November 9, 1870

The new fence around the Clothier House adds greatly to the appearance of the property and will prove a good wind-break.

It has been said repeatedly that the Platte could not be bridged; that the force of the ice in the spring was too great for any bridge to withstand; that the quicksand would slip way with the foundation, but Platte county men have not been afraid to undertake the task, and were the first to risk it, and now the bridge has been reared and is a grand success. We all feel proud of it and wish to celebrate in a suitable manner.

A reader sends in an interesting description of a prairie fire which raged in Butler county. Over 15000 tons of hay were consumed. Following is the closing paragraph of the letter: "I reached the Platte valley on Wednesday and found some twenty men near in consultation as to the best method to be adopted to secure some thousand tons of hay which was scattered over five or six sections of land. The dark column of smoke just visible over the bluffs warned them to take immediate action. "They chose Mr. Willson to act as leader, who at once took charge of the men assembled. There then commenced a race against wind and fire, which resulted in the men coming out just one minute ahead, with the loss of two stacks of hay containing some ten tons. This wild, rushing fire was a fearfully grand sight."


Published in The Journal, August 17, 1904
From files of Journal November 16, 1870

The heaviest frost of the season fell last Saturday night

Three weeks ago Cornelius Haven left Columbus with Major North's team of mules and wagon to go to the lower Elkhorn south of Fremont for maple, box-elder, walnut and ash trees. Upon arriving at his destination he took ill with pleurisy and ague and was unable to be out of the house for over one week. In the meantime the Major, supposing that Cornelius had run off with his outfit, which was worth $550, telegraphed in every direction, and sent a man on horseback to hunt up the supposed runaway. However after recovering from his illness Cornelius proceeded to fill his wagon and returning home, arriving here last Friday with his load.


From files of Journal November 22, 1870

Father Ryan has returned from the west. He reports large herds of buffalo between Ogalla and Big Springs. He remarked that one of them weighed forty hundred pounds and was as big as a house.

The first bridge across the Platte river was completed yesterday and is now open to travel, free of charge.


Published in The Journal, August 24, 1904
From files of Journal November 29, 1870

We learn that on last Saturday the prairie fires which were raging south of the Loup destroyed for James E. North 1200 cedar posts and 50 cords of wood.

We helped to celebrate the tin wedding of Rev. Elliott and wife by partaking of their wedding cake which was baked ten years ago and retains its original flavor.

The Chicago Tribune in an article which we print on the first page of this issue, recommends that the future capital of the United States should be chosen with reference to the centers of area, population and wealth, and places the center of wealth at Cincinati, of population near Indianapolis and of area a hundred miles west of Omaha or at Columbus, Nebraska.


Published in The Journal, August 31, 1904
From files of Journal December 14, 1870

Coon Darling is said to have the best pair of horses in all this region.

Somebody hereabouts is hunting the buffalo; a very large and shaggy head of the pride of the plains was thrown on the platform at the depot the other day.

We hear from a reliable source that at the French settlement on the Elkhorn about forty miles above Norfolk, a party of Sioux came down for the purpose of fishing and hunting along the stream, and Indian like, insisted upon being fed by the settlers and when denied this privilege, helped themselves. Therefore the settlers armed themselves, selecting Squire Ames as captain, and gave the Indians battle, killing three and wounding several of the Sioux, with only one white man wounded. The Indians are now scarce on the Elkhorn.

What do our eastern folks who have been told that Nebraska was a cold, bleak, hyperborean region, think of farmers plowing right along until December first; or mosquitoes buzzing around of nights up to that date? Such are facts.


From files of Journal December 21, 1870

On last Friday a horrible sight met our eyes. Lying on a board in the office of our coroner, Dr. Bonesteel, was the mangled corpse of a negro man, probably about thirty-five years old, who to all appearances had been well to do. There was no means of identification. It is thought that he had been stealing a ride on the east bound train, standing between too cars. One of his feet was found a half mile from the body and the body was horribly mutilated.

Published in The Journal, September 14, 1904
From files of Journal January 18, 1871

The county commissioners have been called to hold a special meeting for the purpose of providing fuel for the court house. It has been suggested to us to remind the commissionery that by close investigations they may find several fires running at the court house that the county has no business to provide for. The county finances are not in the best of shape, owing in part to the non-payment of railraod tax; under these circumstances it becomes the commissioners not to try to "draw blood from a turnip."

Published in The Journal, September 28, 1904
From files of Journal March 1, 1871

The Loupe broke up one night last week and made a detour toward Barnum's carrying away the bridge near his dwelling.

The Journal will from time to time publish such items of local interest as gather in the way of news history and business. We will begin with good hearted, clever and jovial friend, J.A. Baker: Joe came to Nebraska in 1860, settling twenty eight miles from Columbus on the road Kearney. His nearest neighbors lived seven miles away. Mr. Baker came to Columbus in 1864 and has resided here ever since. During the summer of 1864 occurred the great Indian excitement we have all heard so much about. The Indians first attacked a train of eleven wagons at Plum Creek, killing all the men, burning the wagons, taking away the stock, with two women and a little girl, prisoners. The raid sems [sic] to have been a concerted measure among the Indians for simultaneous attacks were made by them at different points in the Valley, two hundred and fifty miles apart. All was excitement. General Mitchell who was in command of this district telegraphed to Gov. Saunders to send troops to Columbus for we were in danger of an immediate attack from the Yonankton Sioux who, it was supposed, were only some seven miles from here. In the grahic words of Mr. Baker, "the whole country west of us got up and skedaddled". Columbus was inclosed with a picket fence of cedar posts, and all the stock from Shell Creek to the South channel of the Platte was corraled there at night, and a guard set to give alarm in case of danger. The Indians, however, never made any demonstration upon Columbus, but they did attack a party of hay makers who had camped near the Pawnee Reservation and were making hay for the government. An old man of the party was killed by the Yankton Sioux. Adam Smith was shot in five different places, and died next morning. Grins, wounded by an arrow in the back, died within two weeks after great suffering. Isaac Morran had an arrow shot into his hip, and Mrs. Murray was severely wounded.


From files of Journal March 15, 1871

Dr. S.A. Bonesteel was called at daylight yesterday morning to administer to the wants of Mahlon Butcher, who was shot Monday night. Mr. McNeely, who is watchman at the bridge, was up in the night and seeing something on the track that he supposed was a large dog prowling about, fir into it, when he learned from the cries that he had shot a man and not a beast. After seeing who it was and that he was badly injured, he went for help, but the man in the meantime, crawled to Mr. Coffey's, then to Henry Spence's, where the physician found him later. His wounds are severe for Mr. McNeely was within twenty feet of Butcher when he shot him.


From files of Journal March 29, 1871

Phil Bonesteel returned from the east on Friday. He says that dry goods are going to be so cheap that folks can not help but buy when they see them. The best of prints will be 12 1/2 cents, and eveything else just as cheap as can be bought at retail in Chicago.


From files of Journal April 12, 1871

E. Pierce advertises as follows: In white goods I have plain, checked and striped Jaconets, French Cambrick, checked and striped cambrick, plain, dotted and striped Victoria lawn, striped and figured Pigne. Prints, 7 cents per yard; delaine, 16 cents; sheeting, 10 cents; denims, 12 1/2 cents, jeans, 20 cents crash, 10 cents; ladies white hose 10 cents per pair; hats and caps for men, 10 cents to $4.


Published in The Journal, April 12, 1905
From files of Journal April 19, 1871

Cyrus Lee jr., of Clarksville gives us the following incidents of the late snow storm near that town: Two Englishmen, who were traveling in a wagon, and who were seeking homesteads, were caught out in the storm and thinking that they must perish if they could not find shelter, unhitched their horses, determining to follow them to a place of safety. In the storm they were separated, who easily those who have experienced a western storm can readily know, the one who kept track of the horses arriving safe at the river and at last in the afternoon found his way to Mr. Jesse Turner's. The other man was not found alive. He perished in the pitiless storm alone exhausted unprotected in a strange land and within a few rods of a dwelling whose inmates would have gladly rescued him had they known. Mr. Lee tells us that when the storm came on there were seven Pawnee squaws near the depot and that the oldest of them was wrapped in robes and placed by the others in what was regarded as the most protected spot while the other crawled beneath the station house and waited till the storm was over. When they came to dig for their aged companion they found her beneath six feet of snow but the liveliest one of the party.


Published in The Journal, April 19, 1905
From files of Journal April 26, 1871

We had several days heavy blowing last week, but no damage done that we have heard about. Hold your hat on. You strangers to the west--you have come in a good time to know how to build, what to provide for, and what to expect. It is very much better for us that the rafters of our houses tremble a little in the wind than that the bones of our bodies shake with the ague.


Published in The Journal, November 30, 1905
From files of Journal May 10, 1871

Last Wednesday night Thomas Shea, was shot in the face by Mrs. Arthur, while he was attempting to enter the house. The man was intoxicated and supposed he had gone to the home of a friend who had invited him to remain with him during the night, at least that is what he testified to in court. Mrs. Arthur heard the man at the door and demanded that he leave, and after a refusal, she fired, the ball entering at the right of the nose and obliquely downward and lodged under the right jaw bone where it yet remains.


From files of Journal July 5, 1871

The Fremont Tribune says: "A venerable squaw, dressed in a buffalo robe and a pappoose on her back, created quite a sensation Saturday by appearing on the streets with a silk parasol, which she carried on her shoulder, a la stevedore, and managed now and then to sade her heels."


From files of Journal August 23, 1871

This note is written with a pen made from a quill taken from a wild goose by J.G. Higgins and by him presented to us.

A man went to Mr. Horace Greeley the other day and told him he was destitute, he didn't even have a cent, and wanted to know what he should do. Horace scratched his head and thought a minute, and then said: "I'll tell you what to do. You buy a ten-cylinder Hoe press and go out to some station on the Pacific railroad away from civilization, and start an eight page morning paper, and grow up with the country."

MARRIED
STILLMAN-EDWARDS--On Tuesday evening, Aug. 16th, at Grace Church, by the Rev. H.C. Shaw, Dr. Charles B. Stillman, to Miss Celia Edwards.
The Doctor was one of the earliest settlers of this community and almost the last of the old stock of Bachelors who have braved, single-handed, comfortless and companionless the trials of frontier life; and it is with pride that we here announce that he has taken upon himself those responsibilities which it is the duty of all men to assume, and that he has entered upon that sphere of earthly existence which is generally believed to be productive of the highest human happiness or woe according as one's star of destiny is good or evil.
The wedding was intended to be made a quiet matter-of-fact affair, without any display or excitement, except that the marriage ceremony itself was to be public. Accordingly, the church was thrown open at eight o'clock, and the monotonous old bell was made to sound to a merrier measure than was ever heard from it before. In a few minutes the seats were all filled by spectators full of the impatience and expectancy peculiar to such occasions. After a few minutes, the attendants entered the church, and passed to their places, followed, after an unexpected delay, by the principals themselves.
Miss Josephine Bremer, who presided at the organ, played the Wedding March as they advanced up the aisle, Miss Edwards, leaning upon the arm of her father, and Dr. Stillman with Mrs. Edwards. In a moment and with the few words of the impressive, Episcopalian ceremony the matrimonial tie was made fast. We heard the responses of the bridal pair in low, but firm voices; no one could fail to notice that the Bride was beautiful and richly dressed, and that the Bridegroom was calm and dignified as is usual with him anywhere. Being unused to such a task as this we will attempt no further description of the ceremony, the decorations of the church and the appearance of the bridal party, but will dismiss them while Miss Bremer plays the last of that march and they pass out, and, with their attendants, repair to the residence of Mrs. Whaley.
As was expected, the quiet social chat and supper with which the small party at Mrs. Whaley's intended to pass away the evening, was ere long disturbed by the inevitable charivari, which has been the dread of every newly-wedded pair since the first marriage was solemnized in this country. The Doctor had been taking his own time so comfortably, had been so slow that they had to "hoop it up" for him lively, when the time did come at last. The leader of that band deserves the choicest compliments for the precision with which he directed the music. Indeed all the members of the troupe exhibited unusual native talent for music (except the two who manipulated the horse fiddle--their forte was cow bells,) and no doubt their parents both on this side of the grave and in eternity, will ever mourn that they did not provide them better instruments and opportunities with which to immortalize themselves in "that line." It was somewhat annoying to the old folks sitting at the table, but a source of infinite amusement to the younger members of the company.
On Thursday morning the Doctor and his wife started east on their tour. Our good wishes go with them and we are ready to welcome them, the romance of life being all over, to the sober realities of the world.


The Platte Journal, November 15, 1871

DIED
BRUBAKER--Last Monday the daughter of Mr. Brubaker, of Elk Point, died from the effects of arsenic administered by her own hand. The girl is described as a cheery natured child of sixteen, and the only apparent cause for the unfortunate act, was a simple difficulty between herself and brother, which was decided unfavorably to her by the father.


The Platte Journal, December 27, 1871

?DIED?
DAVIDSON--Mr. William Davidson, living on Shellcreek, met with a fearful, and probably fatal accident on last Thursday. He was about finishing his well and sending up the last bucket of dirt, and it is supposed that the fastenings of the bucket being unsound they gave way at the top of the well, falling sixty-six feet, striking Mr. Davidson on the head and producing several fractures. Dr. Hohen of Columbus was called and dressed his wounds. Mr. Davidson was living when last heard from, but his recovery is regarded as impossible.


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