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.

The first hotel opening was at P. B. Nel-

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Dawes County Court House, Chadron

Pine Ridge agency, under the efficient charge of Dr. V. T. McGillicuddy, was the center of civilization to the east of us in those days. Here we found houses, schools, and witnessed the issuance of rations, that made one see how much easier it was to be a ward of Uncle Sam than a citizen of the U. S., and a would-be settler, having to fight for a living in more ways than one, to obtain one hundred and sixty acres of land. We had to travel one hundred and fifty miles with a team to obtain provisions, as they were not allowed at the agency to sell us even the necessities of life.

Firsts of Many Things So far as I know, the first birth in what is now Dawes county, was a baby boy, at George Crawford's, on Chadron creek in July, 1884. The first wedding occurred at the residence

son's, in Bordeaux, in February, 1885, and they "didn't go home 'till morning." At this ranch the "gude wife" was known to everyone far and near."