Garden County Created The next high light in the history of Deuel

Court House. Chappeel

In 1900, occurred in Deuel county one of the unfortunate affairs of politics that had a violent climax in Scotts Bluff county, and its echoes still reverberate. E. S. Kennison was elected Sheriff in 1899, taking office the following January. At that time he was a likable man, but had a weakness for drink. His official capacity brought to his side all the lawless element who worked upon his weakness. He was frequently intoxicated and was said to be "a devil when under the influence of liquor." His friends and bondsmen tried to get him away from these evil influences, but to no avail. His bondsmen then asked to be released. The county commissioners met August 22, 1900, to require a new bond. Impeachcounty occurred when Charles Tomppert and five or six hundred petitioners asked on July 26, 1909, for an election to divide the county and of the northern portion create a new county of Garden. A protest was riled by John R. Wertz and Nicholas E. Zehr. "in behalf of ourselves and four hundred tax payers." Wilcox and Halligan of North Platte were present to argue the case for the protestants. The county board heard the matter and by unanimous action called an election to decide the question for November 2, 1909. The commissioners at the time were A. G. Newman, Albert S. Ross, and D. F. Fickes. The election carried and the history of Garden county completes the story. Fickes and Ross were both