The fanners are beginning to take a prominent part in the business of the town. They have organized two corporations, one of which handles the only grain business of tin- town, and is called the Farmers Elevator Company. In 1916 this company was chartered and bought out the elevator which had been run tor several years by the Oshkosh Lumber Company. The other farmers' corporation is the Garden Countv Supply Company which is doing a big gen-

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

eral merchandise business in the building formerly occupied in succession by H. A. Davis. Jacob H. Roudebush and L. H. Stroud, each of whom spent several years in the general store business.

George C. Duvall & Company ( Eugene Fish of Chappell was in the partnership) bought out the Corner Store on May 14, 1910; just sixteen years exactly after the A. Sudman Company went into the business. Duvall & Company stayed only three years selling to Floyd Jones and Mr. Empson in 1913. In two years time Mr. Jones bought Empson's interests ; but sold out entirely in May. 1917, to H. W. Potter. Will Gumaer, and Jack Martin. They at once enlarged the building, put in a largei stock and incorporated as the Oshkosh Mercantile Company. They have the largest building and carry by far the largest stock of goods in town.

Oshkosh had reached the stage where electric lights were needed. On September 11, 1915, a plant was put into operation by A. D. Riddile. It has been enlarged and improved and in 1919 it was sold to the village. It is now run under village management, as well as a water system being started. Bonds for the water and lights were voted June 5, 1919. Some defect was discovered in the proceedings so they voted on them again January 22, 1920.