This board met May 9, 1885, and divided the county into voting precincts and called an election for June 27, to elect county and precinct officers, and to locate the county seat permanently.

July 3, 1885, when the official vote was counted. Chadron was declared the county seat of Dawes county, over Dawes City (now Whitney), its only opponent in the race. It was said that every Indian, every traveler, every boy, in fact, every person that could be found

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

inside the limits of the county that did not wear dresses, was allowed to vote. The total vote cast was 949.

In 1SS4, we found at Ft. Robinson Major Louis H. Carpenter of the 5th cavalry, commanding officer. He had three troops under him and one company, "C" of the 4th infantry. The kindest hospitality was shown us here, and every attention possible paid, which was most highly appreciated, after six months of "roughing it." All supplies for the fort were' hauled from Sidney, a distance of one hundred and twenty miles.

of H. J. Ingersoll on Chadron creek, October 26, 1884. Dr. Alfred Lewis, of Valentine, was then married to Jennie H. Ingersoll, by Rev. Jones.

The first church services of the M. E. church were held in the house of Mrs. O'Linn, on White river, in December, 1884, being conducted by Rev. Joseph Gray of the Sidney district.

The first thea'trical performance took place at the house of John Settles, on Bordeaux creek, in February, 1885.