The text chosen was, "Then Simon Peter answered and said, To whom shall we go. Thou hast the words of eternal life." Great earnestness and zeal marked the words of Reverend Scamahorn, and they made their impress upon the lives of pioneers of thirtyseven years ago, in that vicinity. Following the service the class was organized ; there were thirteen members.

Just thirty years thereafter, the tine new church edifice of Gordon was built at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars.

As the railroad buikled on into the west in the years following, Reverend Scamahorn went to the forefront, and preached the gospel with great fervor. Fie served Valentine. Chadron, Crawford and Gordon as pastor, and was for six years the presiding elder of the district. In this capacity, he was at 1 tarrison and other. extreme points in the Panhandle of Nebraska. He

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

passed to his reward some years ago, at the age of seventy-eight years.

A very useful man in the story of Sheridan county, the pioneer pilot that led the Hoosier colony beyond the great sand hills into the high plains region -- the fertile, healthful land in which we abide.

The original town of Gordon was a mile east of the present fair grounds. The first general store in Gordon was established by Tom Glover. He started in a small shanty in the old town, and later built the frame store at the comer of Alain and Second streets, in new Gordon. This building still stands, and is the property of Mr. Joyce.