Fred Putney weighed six hundred and sixty pounds, by far the largest resident of the North Platte valley. He had had made for him a specially constructed motor car with the steering wheel in the center, and before his death which he saw approaching he had measurements taken and a coffin made -- the largest ever made by the Denver casket makers. A part of the side walls of the house had to be removed to carry the casket through. Fred Putney was an old cowpuncher, and rode the range until he grew too heavy for a horse. He was a man of true western courage, and with a heart in proportion to the splendid size of his physique.
Another pioneer that has recently gone on to the new country, is Henry Niehus. Niehus was born in Germany sixty-five years ago, and came to America about a half century since. Nebraska became a state and Niehus an American about the same time, and each has done the part allotted to make the colors of the flag shine brighter. As related elsewhere, he settled on Lawrence Fork in 1889. He was a man of unabating energy and industry, and left a comfortable estate. His widow, one son and three daughters succeed him, each of which is doing duty in the various walks of life. Joe Niehus lives on the home place at Redington, Mrs. Theodore Scoville lives at Bushnell in Kimball county. Mrs. Will Borden resides at Bayard, and the other daughter, Mrs. R. H. Willis lives at Bridgeport.