Scharf, J. Thomas, ed. History of Westchester County, New York, including Morrisania, Kings Bridge, and West Farms, which have been annexed to New York City, Vol. II. Philadelphia: L.E. Preston & Co., 1886.

The love of freedom that brought into the open of western Nebraska the people who here reside would not brook the threat against the liberty of the world. Those militarists that would build out of the war a war machine for the United States had better pause and take count. The world loves those who leave the plow and the marts of I trade in time of stress but no affection is …

He was not alone in the art for Wyatt Heard, Will Ashford, and others, could rattle the clogs. Down the valley there was an old lady named Mrs. Mclntyre who could dance like a devotee of the footlights. I would like to have the old crowd back again, to celebrate the Fourth in Wright's Gap, as we did in 1887; or to dance at Abbott's, or Wright's, or Livingston's, or Ashford or …

However, it is known that a few trappers had plied their vocation within its borders for short periods in earlier years, probably as early as 1873. A few Frenchmen had been adopted into the Sioux tribes, had married Indian women and were accustomed to camp on the various streams in summer and were units of the community camps established by the Indians in winter at various …

They were merely temporary residents of a military camp and did not class themselves as citizens of the county. Prior to the state legislative session of 1883, the territory which is often called the panhandle of Nebraska, and comprising eleven counties at this date, was known as Cheyenne and Sioux counties. That part now comprising the counties of Sioux, Dawes, Box Butte, and …

The county received its name at the hands of the legislature as an honor conferred upon the then governor, James W. Dawes. The name of Sioux county was very dear to the few inhabitants, and as the territory comprising the county was at that date the real heart of all the territory cut up, and we prided ourselves on having more semblance of settlement and civilization than …

Custom became in practice the unwritten law of the land that the first to establish a ranch on a certain creek or in a certain locality was entitled to sufficient range for his needs ; the metes and bounds of each "range" were fairly well defined and no one encroached upon the rights of his neighbor -- at least it was so in Dawes county, as there were no disputes over range …

It was almost the universal custom for each cowboy to have his "string" of six or eight saddle horses selected by himself or assigned to him by the owner for his individual use. It was a gross breach of etiquette for one rider to handle or use the horse of another except in a case of emergency or stressful need. When it is understood that a goodly portion of the cowboy's work …

to his nature and so firmly to his love of adventure that he came to Cheyenne and worked for a time as a common "puncher." Afterwards he purchased a small herd of his own and moved them to White river valley. At first he ranged from the head of White river to Fort Robinson and later moved over the divide to Running Water. It was known as the Three Crow Ranch, and was sold in …

In a short time it carried mails. The stage travelled what was called the Deadwood trail entering the county at a point a little southeast of the present town of Marsland. thence over the divide and down Breakneck hill to White Clay creek crossing White river at the old Red Cloud agency about midway between Fort Robinson and Crawford. The schedule time from Sidney to Red …

In winter and in spring as it so transpired not more than one mail a week was delivered and month after month the contractor was obliged to report his story to Uncle Sam by affidavit of himself and the carrier or other witnesses conversant with the facts of no bridges, no forage, and no travel to help break the trail. This was in order to escape fines for failure to deliver …

The line was a practical failure east of the Pine Ridge agency during the whole period of its existence for the reason that between Pine Ridge and Rosebud there were many Indian camps and telegraph poles furnished dry and convenient firewood. The Indian agents as often as opportunity presented explained to the Indians the importance of keeping the wire off the ground that …

When the Union Pacific railroad was built these Indians were scattered over eastern Wyoming, parts of the Dakotas and western Dakotas. The government from time to time sent its officials to visit and confer with them first in one place and then in another. When regular or permanent agents were appointed they established themselves at the camps or headquarters which Spotted …

Neither the cowmen or the early settlers were ever molested by the Indians except that occasionally a few horses were stolen from the ranches. Red Cloud and the lesser chiefs frowned upon such acts which were in the most instances committed by young men who wanted the excitement and adventure to break the monotony of camp life. After the establishment by the Indian agent, Dr …

It was next to impossible for anyone to inform themselves as to what was really transpiring on the reservation or the causes which brought a considerable number of troops to the agency and when it was known that an engagement had taken place between the Indians and the troops, it was only natural that much excitement should prevail among settlers. Most of those residing east …

Immediately there was a revolutionary spirit manifested and plans were discussed how the "plow chasers" could be stopped. Looking back over the period of years how puny and childlike were the protests of the brave fellows who then comprised the citizenship; yet it was natural that their feelings should be stirred to the depths by the prospect of others coming to dispossess …

Cow time in this country will soon be over ; the grangers are already hyar; thar's two of 'em aholden down Squaw crick this mawnin.' I jest come by and talked to 'em and seed their government paper writin's fer the land ; and you shore can't beat the game. So my advice to you-all to hurry up and git some corn-fed gal to adopt ye and then turn in and hep her make a livin' jest …

It was maintained just over the line of the reservation near the present site of the city of Crawford. Here were frequent fracases between the cowboys and the soldiers. John Cotton was an ex-cow-puncher. One days in the justice court at Fort Robinson where Cotton was an trial for some misdemeanor Jack Talbott, the foreman of the Oxyoke ranch, was asked to state his opinion as …

The Niobrara river drains about 450 square miles of the county on the south and the White river drains all the remainder, except about 35 square miles in the northwest corner, which drains north into the Cheyenne river. The White river rises in Sioux county, about 30 miles west of the Dawes county line, and flows in a northeasterly direction, crossing into South Dakota about …

Here they have deep channels, which are being rapidly intrenched. How County Was Formed Dawes county was formed from a part of Sioux' county in 1885. Settlement had begun a few years before, and by 1886 nearly all the land had been filed upon under the public- land laws. The lowlands along the White river and Bordeaux creek were first taken up and later settlement spread over …

This town is a division point on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, and the shops operated here furnish employment for quite a large number of men. Crawford is situated at the junction of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad and the Chicago & Northwestern railroad, about four miles from the western county line. This town is noted for its horse markets. It owes its …

Winter losses were very heavy at times, but usually the profits on the HISTORY < )F WESTERN NEBRASKA animals that survived were large. Grain farming began to replace open-range ranching about 1884, when settlers began to take up the alluvial lands along Bordeaux creek and White river. A little later homeseekers from the vicinity of Sidney, to the south, settled upon the table …

The most extensively grown crop is corn, which occupied 16,532 acres. In 1910 wheat One H or Dawes County Spuds and oats both ranked above corn in acreage, but the latter crop has been increasing. A few farmers raise more corn than they require and sell the surplus in the community. Corn is used for feeding hogs, cattle and horses. The demand is greater than the supply, and …

The feeding value of the western wheat grass which grows in the Pierre clay region is very good, and the hay always brings a premium on the market. The other grasses cut are the bluestem and grama. Alfalfa is the principal cultivated hay crop, occupying over 10,000 or more acres. Much of the hay produced is fed to stock, but a large tonnage is shipped to both eastern and …

Very little barley or spelt is marketed. Fruits, including apples, cherries, and plums, are grown to a small extent. Few orchards receive proper care. Strawberries do well, but are not produced commercially. Nearly every farm has as much pasture land as cultivated land, and most farms have more. In the region occupied by the Pierre clay, and in the area lying south of the …

Irrigation is carried on quite generally along /he Niobrara and White rivers and their tributaries. There are no public ditches, but farmers have co-operated in the construction of systems to supply water to small areas of firstbottom and terrace land. In some years, as in the summer of 1915, there is sufficient rainfall to make irrigation unnecessary. A large project for …

Coffee made a statement which is reproduced here relative to stock-raising, there being no better authority on the subject. It is full of interesting facts on other matters also: Fifteen years ago most of the land north and west of White river was government land and free range through to Cheyenne river. In those days most ranchmen in northern Dawes county ran their herds on …

Years ago many two year old steers were shipped in from Texas and New Mexico, these were kept until three or four years old then shipped to South Omaha and compared favorably wtih the grain fed cattle of like age. But few cattle are shipped in except registered stock as most ranchmen aim to produce their own cattle and also to raise and husband enough feed to carry their stock …

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA to see the home of our choice, the most prosperous part of the grandest state in the union. We know whereof we speak and are still in the business and have no desire to change our occupation. The cow has been and is the Queen of Nebraska. Raise good stock and you are sure of good results. It costs less to produce good stock than scrubs and oh what a …

It is true that the time of saddle farming is past but the time of real farming is in its embryotic state in Dawes county. Dawes county, the only county in the western half of the state without a sandhill, has more running creeks, more timber, more irrigated acres of alfalfa and excepting Cherry, more miles of railroad than any of the twentyfive western counties in Nebraska …

Seventeen hundred bushels of carrots to the acre seems almost impossible, but such a crop was raised by J. W. Good on his farm six miles east of Chadron. He raises every year from five hundred to six hundred bushels of onions to the acre and from thirty to thirtyfive tons of stock beets to the acre. Last year, one of the driest years of record, his corn went fifty bushels; his …

Schwabe brothers last year netted over $60 per acre from one hundred and twenty acres of alfalfa six miles north of Chadron. They cut the first crop for hay which averaged about a ton and a half to the acre. The next crop was left for seed and averaged from five to eight bushels per acre. Dr. Wes Grantham is author of the statement that his alfalfa land three miles south of …

Dawes county won the state championship on potatoes and garden produce. Frank Chaulk, 17 years old, raised two hundred bushels of marketable potatoes on one acre, doing all the work himself, and beat all the other counties in the state with his yield. The garden truck prize went to Myrtle Mann who netted $71.20 from one tenth of an acre of ground five miles south of Chadron …

With good winter pasturage, two hundred tons of hay will easily winter five hundred head of cattle in Dawes county. The eastern part of the state would require several times that much hay to carry the same number of cattle through the winter, because the grass is of little value after frost hits it. Horses usually run out all winter without hay and work in the summer without …

Grazing land is cheap and the cost of raising livestock of all kinds is very low as compared to the cost to the eastern farmer on his high priced land, who has to feed corn winter and summer to fatten his cattle. The eastern feeders are casting envious eyes in this direction and it won't be long before a good many of them will have a Dawes county ranch to supply their feed …

The cattle business offers one of the greatest opportunities open to capital at the present Dawes county has the natural resources to time. Prices may fluctuate, but they will have a steady upward trend to meet the ever increasing demand from both home and abroad. Statistics show that there were in the United States, in 1907, over 72,533,000 head of cattle, as compared to …

With a State Normal School, an annual pay roll of nearly a million dollars from the railroad, and a rich agricultural community, Chadron bids fair to become a city of ten thousand people. HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA SETTLEMENT AND INDIAN DAYS IN DAWES COUNTY Quite a few made their filings on land without having seen it. relying upon statements made by locators residing at …

The new arrivals were mostly young, and eager to quickly build up new homes and convert the prairie into garden patches and grain fields, and the activity displayed on every hand was convincing proof to the few old timers that a new era for Dawes county was an accomplished fact. By the fall of 1885 the population of the country districts was larger than at the present day, for …

In the spring of 1885 a stream of settlers came to settle upon lands previously entered ai the land office. eastern investors by mortgaging to secure funds to pay the government $1.25 per acre on pre-emption claims, and the crop failure of that year, combined with land prices, made payment of interest impossible, and the value of the lands depreciated to almost nothing. Many …

Sales of farm lands of this kind forced by the county, and numerous foreclosures of tax liens by individuals, was the opportune time for the formation of ranches and putting together tracts of 1,000 and 2,000 acres by those who "hung on" to the country, and the laying of foundations for many fortunes amassed by ranchmen in later years. The season of 1885 was good, and although …

No single epic in the history of Dawes county holds so much of human interest as the story of the pioneer homebuilders who faced the drouth, the panic and the low prices of the '90's. The pathos of those drouth stricken days, when stout hearts yielded to disheartening conditions; those days "when all the west went broke," was an experience never to be forgotten by those who …

Mention of the conditions prevailing which molded the lives of our people at that time would be incomplete unless tribute was paid to the courage and resourcefulness of the women. Men may excel in physical courage, but the moral courage displayed by the women generally in those sombre days was fully sufficient to warrant any student of human nature in concluding that in time …

Among other things, those pioneer settlers did demonstrate for us that ordinary farming methods as carried on in eastern Nebraska and Iowa were largely impractical in Dawes county in the average season; that the breeding and raising of horses, cattle and hogs, and the growing of alfalfa were more essential to the success and prosperity of the agriculturist than the raising of …

It requires time for people to assimilate the fact that the sombre terrain of brown grass standing on the ground in the winter season was a crop that could be depended upon ; that the short grass was not withered and worthless, but cured and ripened and equivalent to cured hay as fodder. As they came to understand the value of the grass for winter ranging, there came also a …

The abundant rainfall in spring and the fertility of the soil gives assurance of a crop equal to that of eastern Nebraska or Iowa up to the latter part of June, after which the rainfall is more uncertain, and then if drouth sets in to threaten the small grain or corn crop experience seems to have taught the grower not to gamble. A good fodder crop will repay the expense of …

Among the numerous buttes of this section of the country, none has a more interesting history than "Crow Butte." Located five miles east of Crawford, it can be seen for miles in every direction, standing like a sentinel guarding the pine-clad hills on the south and the beautiful White river valley, which winds across the country at its feet on the north. Its battle-scarred …

This was disputed territory between the Sioux and Crow Indians, who were ever bitter enemies, and the entrance of one tribe or the other into this valley meant hostilities, which only ended with the extermination of one band or the other. It was in the early sixties -- no one can ascertain the exact date, but as the Indian will tell you, "many moons ago," long before Red Cloud …

The old men were stationed on the side of the butte where they would be in plain view of the Sioux guard and instructed to chant their weird songs, so that the Sioux might not suspicion their undertaking. The rest of the band were, meanwhile, busily engaged in tearing in twain their blankets, which they tied together and subsequently used as a means of escape over the north …

In the evening tide, as the autumnal sun sank slowly behind distant western hills, the mist was lighted in a blaze of glory and the guards beheld three beautiful Indian maidens floating in the distance, and finally the maidens, bearing the old men who had been left on the butte, and surrounded by a strange light -- according to the legends of the Indians -- floated into the …

These braves were killed in one of the sharpest conflicts that ever took place between soldiers and Indians. It was in the summer of 1878 that a band of Indians, who had been removed from Pine Ridge agency to the Indian Territory, came wandering back up the Platte and crossed over into the Running Water, where they divided into two divisions. One division continued up Running …

The fate of General Custer and the famous Seventh cavalry was still fresh in the minds of General Larrabee and his soldiers. It was late in the fall of that year, 1878, when the scouts reported that a band of Indians were in camp at the head of Chadron creek. A detachment of soldiers were sent out to inquire their purpose and destination. It was soon learned that they belonged …

When day dawned the next morning the Indians, who had camped on a lower piece of ground than the soldiers, looked up into the mouth of several pieces of field artdlery. Under this persuasive argument the Indians peaceably accompanied the soldiers to the Fort. Once here, they were confined in the old barracks, which were later replaced by new ones for the soldiers. Here they …

Hastily they dressed, and without waiting for orders, grabbed their guns and fiercely attacked the belligerent Indians. The dawn of morning showed that twenty-eight Indians and a number of soldiers were lying dead on the commons east of the barracks. The remaining Indians fled up White River. The women and children were induced to return to the fort, where their wounds were …

No one seemed to know how he died, while the man who killed him -- William Gentles, of the Fourteenth United States infantry -- died with the secret locked in his bosom. There were only two witnesses to the act, and only one of them is now living. His name is Sergeant William F. Kelly, formerly of the Fourteenth infantry, in recent years a resident of E street, in Washington …

The agent, whom the Indians thoroughly despised for very good reasons, had deserted at the outbreak of the Sioux war, and at the time I speak of the agency was being conducted by Lieutenant Johnson, of the Fourteenth infantry, which regiment, together with several others, was stationed at Fort Robinson under General McKenzie. The fort lay a short distance from the agency, and …

The entire tribe, bucks and squaws alike, mounted on ponies, would congregate about the corral in which the government cattle were kept, and as fast as the cattle were driven out would hold a regular buffalo hunt, whooping and yelling and riding, chasing the cattle until the poor animals were almost ready to drop, then shooting and leaving them to the squaws to skin and …

It was not his nature to remain peaceful and quiet, and reports seemed lo indicate that he was preparing for the war path. Among other things, he circulated the story that General McKenzie and his entire command were preparing to descend on the camp some night and massacre the entire outfit. By means of this and similar stories he managed to start a reign of terror, both in …

The Ogalallas were bitter enemies of the Northern Sioux under Crazy Horse, despising the latter from the bottom of their hearts. A very considerable number of these Indians were at that time enlisted and serving in several companies at Fort Robinson, and inasmuch as Crazy Horse was a domineering tyrant, holding his people in subjection more through fear than he did through …

Crazy Horse concluded that it would be well to obey, and sent word back that he would be up the following morning. When a person hears a great deal of some famous personage, it is no more than natural that he should form a somewhat exalted notion of the personality and appearance of the distinguished individual ; and such was the state of my mind with regard to Crazy Horse. I …

This made him furious, and a few weeks after this powwow reports began starting that Crazy Horse was preparing to take the warpath. In the meantime, however, General McKenzie was relieved, General L. P. Bradley arriving as his successor! General Bradley had been at the fort only a few days when another alarming report came in, the result of which was that the entire command …

It appears that Crazy Horse had spies just as well as ourselves, and that he had gotten wind of this intended move some five hours beforehand. What happened in the Indian camp, I am not able to say, but at all events his band picked up in a body before davlight the following morning, and moved into Red Cloud agency, mixed among the Ogallalas in such a manner that they were not …

The Indians at Red Cloud agency having heard of his coming, had congregated about the fort, and when we arrived with Crazy Horse, the pendemonium and excitement that followed I shall never forget. To begin with the followers of Crazy Horse grew excited over the exultation of the Ogallalas, Brules and members of Little Bad Man's party and prepared for battle. This was the …

As he did so he drew a long butcher knife from up his sleeves and attacked Little Bad Man, cutting him on the wrist. The latter was game, and, grasping Crazy Horse by the arms, the two struggled for the mastery out through the door and into the alleyway between the prison and the office. The guard formed a circle around the two men as they struggled while Kinnington was trying …

Crazy Horse died at midnight. He was conscious all the while and never uttered a word. Red Cloud's Plea For Justice Red Cloud went to Washington some years ago, accompanied by American Horse, his principal lieutenant, for the purpose of calling the attention of congress to certain grievances. Rev. Dr. Eastman, a well educated half-breed, went along as interpreter, and did his …

My people still live there, but the treaties which have been made with them have been violated by the white men. I made a treaty with the great soldier who was president for eight years (Grant), and he assured me that my reservation should never be interfered with. Now white men want to divide the reservation into eighty-acre lots for my people to starve on. The lands are bad …

They are made of cow's hair, dipped in ink, and in the rain or moisture the ink runs off of them. Besides, they fall to pieces. When we are compelled to take such goods and blankets we are charged big prices for them, and we trade them away for other clothing, and have to give money in addition in order to get decent things to wear. "We want the lands left as they are. We want …

Nevertheless, it is pitiful to see him now, shambling along, led by others and going to Washington to make an honest and heroic effort to secure for his people the rights which ought to be spontaneously conceded by the government. His days of savagery are gone and he is now an old man, wise and attempting in his untutored way, to do right and to induce the intelligent …

Our return to what is now known as Dakota Junction required over a day's time, owing to the fact that our team mired in Dead Horse creek. Soon after dark we were helped out by a passing cowboy, and escorted to the Price & Jenkins ranch on Chadron creek. Here we were given a warm welcome and a good supper. A young fawn, skinned and dressed, was added to our supplies, and …

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 …

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 …

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 …

The assessment for Dawes county for 1885 was made by Cheyenne county assessors and was as follows : Horses 1,828; valued at $ 35,460 Cattle 25,575; " " 222,126 HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA Mules 153; Sheep 640 ; Hogs 2; Carriages and wagons 143 ; Merchandise .... Land, 800 acres . . 4,590 5,114 8,500 1,600 Total value of all property $280,000 Which with a tax levy of nine mills …

Dotted here and there with shady groves, the gentle breezes moving their leaf-burdened branches to and fro, and the thousands of tiny songsters which inhabit them, warbling their notes to nature ; the purling stream of the Niobrara, winding its way in a zigzag course through the entire valley; herds of cattle and horses moving about feeding on the nutritious grasses of the …

More than three-quarters of a mile in width in some places, and a mile and more in other places ; it reaches a distance of more than ten miles up and down the Niobrara valley. Every inch is fertile and productive and grows almost every conceivable vegetable. Capt. Cook has an irrigation system in operation that is absolutely complete. The flow of water in the Niobrara fills …

On a convenient elevation a six hundred barrel reservoir is erected and close at hand is an inexhaustible well. The water is brought to the surface and into the reservoir by means of an immense windmill. Pipes lead out to the corrals and barns and into the home, which, by a system of plumbing, is carried to all parts of the building. In case of fire a stream of water can be …

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA elderly lady of delightful entertaining qualities. A visitor to Mr. Cook's ranch is so royally entertained that the event is long cherished. Beginning of Crawford Crawford was incorporated August 2, 1886. There is an amusing incident connected with the story of incorporating the place. Crawford was a very tiny infant then and not enough legal …

On presenting the petition to the board. Von Harris, the chairman, instantly noticed the unlawful signaures. "How- is it, Mr. Edgar," quickly interrogated Von Harris, "you overlooked getting the signature of the commanding officer, Col. Fletcher?" Mr. Edgar, quick to grasp the import of Von Harris' remark, answered, saying: "Why, certainly, Mr. Von Harris; the colonel would …

The territory embraced in Dawes county was first settled in 1884, by a band of as hardy and determined pioneers as ever crossed the plains to seek homes in the great west. In the spring of 1885 the county was organized, on a petition of some of our first settlers and foremost citizens, among whom were Cyrus Fairchild, B. S. Paddock, E. S. Nesbitt, E. Egan, B. F. Carley, F. M …

Carley ; Sheriff, George W. Clark ; Coroner, R. K. Burns ; Surveyor, R. W. Calvin. The location of the county seat was hotly contested between Chadron and Dawes City, the latter town now known as Whitney, which terminated in favor of Chadron by a majority of two hundred and fifteen votes. The number of votes cast was nine hundred and forty-nine. Chadron received five hundred …

The Nebraska division of the Chicago and Northwestern and the Burlington railroads tap the county from east to west and north to south, with a branch at Chadron running into the Black Hills. The fuel question is of but little importance to the farmer, for he can go to the timber at any time and get wood -- yet free for chopping and hauling. The great Wyoming coal fields are …

Surrounded on three sides by beautiful ridges of the famous Pine Ridge hills, on the north side by a magnificent range of cliffs, known to the Sioux Indians as "Dancing Buttes," and on the west and south sides lie a succession of towering peaks, relieved by beautiful undulating swells and receding knobs. These are covered by superb growth of stately pines and nutritious …

That winter, we are told, the very deep snow made it almost impossible for herds to move, and fully twohundred and fifty thousand of these noble, harmless beasts were mercilessly slaughtered. The humanitarian will deplore this chapter of our history; the fatalist will argue that in the development of the west the buffalo was fast becoming an obstacle and their removal was …

Ballard; Clerk District Court, A. G. Shears ; Attorney, W. G. Pardoe ; Commissioner, B. S. Cooley ; Superintendent, R. H. Blanchard; Coroner, G. E. Myers. County Commissioner, A. M. Bartlett; Attorney, I. N. Harbaugh. County Clerk, J. G. Maher; Sheriff, J. C. Dahlman ; Treasurer, W. H. Reynolds ; Judge, S. A. Ballard ; Clerk of District Court, A. G. Shears ; Coroner, D. C …

Wardland ; Sheriff, C. F. Dargan ; Judge, S. G. Canfield ; Superintendent, H. L. Fisher; Clerk District Court, F. B. Carley ; Surveyor, R. M. Stanton ; Coroner, J. F. Sampson ; Commissioner, Samuel T. Mote. Countv Attorney, Albert W. Crites. Countv Treasurer, J. Kass ; Clerk, R. G. Smith ; Sheriff, W. A. Birdsall ; Judge, C. D. Sayrs ; Superintendent, H. L. Fisher ; Coroner …

Countv Clerk, Chas. Navlor ; Treasurer, Thos. S.' Smith ; Sheriff, A. W. Birdsall ; Judge, C. D. Sayrs ; Superintendent, Carrie L. Munkres ; Commissioner, Martin J. Weber ; Coroner, H. C. Gibson. County Clerk, Chas. Naylor; Treasurer, Harry Adams ; Clerk District Court. L. T. F. Iaeger; Judge, E. M. Slattery; Sheriff, W. A. Birdsall ; Superintendent, Carrie L. Munkres. County …

State Officers From Dawes Dawes county has never had a state-wide officer elected from its borders. It has had candidates of its citizens and its former citizens. Jim Dahlman was once a candidate for governor; John Maher once aspired in the primaries ; W. H. Reynolds was once a candidate in the primaries for state treasurer. A. W. Crites was once district judge of the …

Sheldon in 1897 and at present the secretary of the state historical society and of the legislative reference bureau. Next was Allen G. Fisher, a splendid intelligence who has handicapped his own efficiency by indulging in antagonisms with his fellowmen: Col. Chas. F. Coffee, whose name is not limited to western Nebraska, was a member in 1901. It is likely there is no man with …

He served in 1915 and 1917 with an efficiency and integrity that made him a state wide character. Recently his splendid and intelligent wife has been called Beyond. Both Mr. and Mrs. Naylor were holding two of the highest offices in the gift of the Rebekahs of the state at the time of Mrs. Naylor's departing from the field of activity. Geo. C. Snow was representative in the …

It could only be guessed that "Chadron" was somewhere in the vicinity of the creek bearing that name, for the town still "lay a bornin" in the mind of Egan. The Journal, week after week, told of the wonderful White river valley, "the garden spot of the western Nebraska, beyond the sand hills ;" of the fertility of the soil ; the ideal climate ; the pure atmosphere, and the …

I can I guess." followed by a nasal snort which cannot be described in words, but which conveyed the impression that he was ready and willing to prove the assertion, but Hank was a bluffer through and through. child when he "homesteaded" on Chadron creek, and is deserving of grateful remembrance for the large part he played in the establishment and upbuilding of the town of …

Fannie O'Linn obtained the establishment of a postofhce and the appointment of herself as postmistress, naming the office in honor of her son who was accidentally killed and maintained it in a claim "shack" on her homestead on White river just east of the present Dakota Junction. The shack was half "dug out" and half sod. that is, an excavation in the ground was dug about four …

The Shelton store building and the O'Linn and Judge Wood shacks became the nucleus of the "old town" of Chadron. Later in the fall of 1884 Milo M. Harrah came from Iowa with a stock of hardware, and early in January, 1885, W. A. and G. A. Birdsall cast their lot with the town and established a livery stable and feed supply store. With the coming of spring of 1885 other …

The O'Linn homestead and adjoining lands were generally believed to be the natural and most desirable site for the new town. The matter of location was entirely in the hands of the railroad company, and why the present site was determined upon has always remained a mystery. In those days the higher railroad officials were often quite arrogant, and many of the first settlers …

The matter was strongly contested, the decision of the local land office being in favor of the townsite company. On appeal to the Commissioner of the General Land Office at Washington the decision was reversed, and the townsite company thereon appealed to the Secretary of the Interior, but before a hearing of the case was had by the Secretary a compromise was affected, the …

Before the town could be officially platted, the special election was coming on for the organization of the county government, the election of county officers and the location of the county seat. At this time the friends of Chadron were in a quandary as to possible misunderstanding and legal entanglements which might arise over the location of the county seat. While the …

J4 of Section 17, Township 33, Range 48." After the election in June, the county clerk transacted business at the old town, and packed up his records in a suitcase and moved to the new town on August first with the other inhabitants. Prior to removal the sheriff let it be known that his office was any place in the county where he happened to be. The county judge issued …

In writing the history of our beautiful city, one begins by casting for facts, like an expert with the rod, casting for bass, and the reel of time sings a pleasing tune as the lure goes out, and almost the first cast is rewarded with trophies of old timers upon the brows of whom age in her annual round-up has placed her brand. Age may conquer the flesh but the spirit of the …

Give Johnnie Stetter a good cigar and a half Nelson on your time and he will keep you interested for many hours, telling you how Corporal MacDonald, a regular soldier, skewered Crazy Horse to the wall with a bayonet at the old Red Cloud agency and held him there until he was dead, and how the incident came near causing an outbreak, which only for Antoine Janis, whose wife was …

The ranch buildings were intact as late as- 1887. The creek was called after a French trapper and squawman named Chadron (pronounced with a long O and accent on the last syllable) who came to the country with Janis and Bordeaux in 1847. The Frenchman, Chadron, had squatted on a tract of land on the west side of Chadron creek near its junction with White river. In 1880 a …

The last battle between Indians and soldiers in the vicinity of Chadron, was fought a few rods north and west of the old ranch building, on the land now owned by A. N. Jackson, which was the homestead of George Dorrington, and the rifle pits have remained to this day. The location of the ranch was ideal, on the banks of beautiful Chadron Creek which winds through thick foliage …

But the location had so long been intimately associated with the name of Chadron, the creek and French trapper pioneer and the former postoffice of Chadron, that the new settlers desiring to preserve, as far as possible, the history and traditions collected and handed down by those who for ages had traveled the ancient Indian trails, protested against the name of O'Linn and …

His remains were interred near their new home, but later were moved to Blair, Nebraska, and now rest in the family lot in the cemetery of that place. The autumn of 1884 found a few families and business houses at the old town on White river near what is now Dakota Junction. These people existed there through the most severe winter that the oldest settlers have experienced in …

There was no outside communication for weeks and weeks until a purse was made up and a man engaged to walk to Fort Robinson and bring up the mail. The journey was made, so we are informed, on snow shoes, and the mail bag brought to Old Chadron packed on the back of the carrier. Four days were required to make the trip. Exsheriff Wendall A. Birdsall, was one of the number who …

There were many narrow escapes from death by blizzards that memorable winter, but it passed with only a minimum of fatalities, and spring, with its thousand perfumes of bursting buds borne upon every fragrant breeze from the south, its raucous serenade by hundreds of beautiful song birds, the far off cry of hungry coyotes, came and found this little community with its brave …

After wrecking his place, the boys procured a stove and other furniture from the Tv A. N. ranch, then located on Horsehead creek ' near where Oelrichs, S. D., now stands, and otherwise assisted Angel to start in business again. Soon after, Angel secured a bartender from some distant point, and gave it out that he had hired a man with whiskers that was some gun man himself, and …

The building now stands on Egan street in the present town, and is owned by J. W. Owens. Soon after this the boys made some demand upon Mr. Shelton which was refused, and they shot up the store badly, damaging the contents, terrorizing and menacing Mr. and Mrs. Shelton, who were living in the rear of the store. Later these same fellows, having learned that Mr. Shelton was in …

He erected the frame building now on the corner just south of the Blaine hotel, on the corner of Second and Bordeaux avenue, which was used for a saloon ; later he built a dance hall, which was moved over and is now merged into one of the finest homes in Chadron on Egan street. About the first of April, 1885, tents began to come. The first was that of M. M. Harrah, who put in …

Among them the Lockler & Harrison Red Front saloon with Mickey O'Brien in charge ; Carter & Dixon, wholesale and retail liquors ; Canfield & Garner, groceries and hotel. Ed. Egan moved his Journal plant in from his shack out on Chadron creek ; Glover & Brower put in the Dawes county bank ; Ballou & Cassady, real estate ; H. O. Martin, jewelry ; Anton Weber, groceries ; Lamb & …

Once when making a trip on a Mississippi steamboat, she fell violently in love with the captain of the boat, deserted her husband and went to live with the captain without the formality of a marriage ceremony. A few years of the life caused her beauty to wane and the captain tiring of her, discarded her for some woman who appealed more to his taste, and she drifted with the …

There are people living in Chadron at .this date who are said to have gazed into the barrel of her six shooter. Her claim was swallowed up new town was named after the old. Whether or not the new town was launched into existence by the bursting of a bottle of champagne, we are unable to enlighten the reader. But knowing the particular thirst that gnawed at the throats of many …

For some reason the lands upon which the Western Town Lot company expected to locate the town near White river were not available for that purpose. But the town lot company had quietly secured a tract of sufficient dimensions for a good sized town, platted the same and selected "Bordeaux" as a suitable name for the infant metropolis. This christening was not satisfactory to …

We are informed that the first draft issued from this bank was for the sum of $17,000. Glover HISTORY OF WESTERN' NEBRASKA & Brower came over with the Dawes County Bank, and W. E. Higman with the Chadron Banking company. After selecting their lots on August 1, 1885, the business men returned to the old town and began preparations to remove to the new, and when the pink sun …

Not a dwelling had been completed, but many were in course of construction. Builders labored week days, nights and Sundays. The noise of hammer and saw ceased not day or night. Saloon and restaurants were open at all hours. There were many places to eat. but few to sleep. Great numbers slept in tents and many in the open air. The railroad company established headquarters in a …

No time would be lost in breaking and there was no doubt of his going. He had to go. Sometimes he would rear and plunge, throw himself and get dragged a few hundred yards, but it was only a matter of an hour or two until he would be thoroughly subdued. The railroad company put a large force to work upon buildings and only a few weeks elapsed before a depot, hotel and …

An effort was made to provide a suitable place resulted in the erection of the frame building on West Second street, now occupied by Schwabe Brothers as a feed store. This too soon became crowded and a carriage house on the Bartlett Richards residence property was made into a school room and used for that purpose until the high school building was ready for occupancy. This …

In 1911, it was found necessary to provide more school accommodation and a new building was erected in the west part of the city, at a cost of $20,000. There is a school population of 885 and the two large buildings are scarcely adequate to accommodate this large number. Up to 1887 there were no brick buildings in the town, but in the spring of that year, all the buildings on …

People could only stand idly by and see their buildings go up in smoke. This was a severe blow to the town. But out of ashes and debris grew the splendid brick and stone buildings now occupying the same sites on Main avenue. Later an effort was made to provide some means of fire protection for the city. Two large cisterns were made. One at the corner of Main avenue and Second …

This caused great excitement for a time as it was known that the state had, and has a large reward for coal in paying quantities in Nebraska. Finally the drilling company represented that they were down 1,100 feet, collected for the first thousand, managed to lose their drill beyond recovery and abandoned the whole thing. The manager was afterwards killed in Wyoming by one of …

The matter was taken up by the council and that year another bond election voted $80,000 more bonds and the pipe line was extended up Chadron creek to the designated point. The proceeds of the bonds, however, failed to cover the expense of the new project and interest bearing warrants were issued to the amount of $10,000, which were purchased by Chadron citizens, the plant …

Dawes City ( now Whitney) and Chadron were contestants for the honor. Every method of securing votes was employed. The election was under the old law and in many instances the voter was led to the polls and cast his vote as directed. It was a warm time and no mistake. John Berry, an advance scout of the railroad company, and a Chadron booster, was in evidence everywhere …

It is well known that the soil of western Nebraska is adapted to the growing of sugar beets and an analysis has disclosed that beets grown in Dawes county and northwest Nebraska contain a greater per cent of Saccharine matter than those grown in other parts of the same state. This suggested that if we could secure a facory, the county would at once come into its own, as the …

All the baron required was the title to about 16,000 or 20,000 acres of land and a good chunk of stock in the concern and his "Open Sesame" would unbar the door that held Dawes county wealth captive. Land was cheap here and any 160 acres in the county could be bought for a song, so we all commenced singing the song and succeeded in securing the title to several sections. The …

A meeting was held on the street at the corner of Second and Egan to denounce Mr. McFadon. A prominent citizen and sometime spellbinder was to be the chief orator. But before beginning his speech he required a stimulant. Someone, in a spirit of mischief, doped the stimulant. The speaker began his flight of oratory, raised one hand toward heaven, and collapsed, fell into the …

People drifted away until half the houses seemed empty and property depreciated in value and in many instances sold for less than half the first cost. In these days it was a wide open town. Saloons, gambling houses and restaurants were open at all hours. At first money seemed plentiful. It was stacked in heaps on the gambling tables, but finally their business began to wane …

then a peaceable law abiding citizen of Chadron, residing on Shelton street in a neat cottage which he had erected, and now owned by Willis Schenek ; John Berry, the C. & N. W. advance scout ; Joe Gillespie, cowboy and horse wrangler ; Emmet t Albright, a sure thing man, and Charles W. Smith, all of Nebraska; David Douglas, Spearfish, South Dakota ; George Jones, Whitewood …

Although a frontier town, the people were generally law abiding. Of course gambling and dance halls with their attendant resorts were tolerated in those days, but there was no great amount of what is usually termed tough element. Occasionally a cowboy who had imbibed too freely would ride his horse into a saloon and shoot things up, and on one occasion Renfro's Circus, a …

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA wrecked the beautiful city of San Francisco, Chadron contributed nearly a thousand dollars to assist in relieving distress. These were only few of the many instances. No appeal for help was passed unheeded. When distress cried out, the wild scramble for money was for a time forgotten. No community ever loosed its purse strings more generously. Many …

Cake and fruit were brought and set before her which she seemed to appreciate and "just a sip of wine could do no harm." The good woman fearing that to refuse might undo all her good work took one taste, then another, and found it so pleasant that she could not resist and was soon under the influence to such an extent that she lost consciousness. She was laid on the bed …

It is certain, however, that he engaged in many a tussle with, but never yet succeeded in winning a fight with old Johnnie Booze. When not drinking he was quiet and unassuming, but given two or three drinks, he would start down the street with a wild whoop, declaring that he was a fighter and could lick any man in Chadron. He was indeed a fierce looker, with long hooked nose …

Opportunity stepped in front of a big husky fellow, squared himself off, 'and with a wicked leer in his bleared eyes said, "I'm a fighter I am, I can lick any man in Chadron." The stranger looking into those fierce blood shot eyes evidently thought it was now or never with him and struck out with all his might. The blow caught Hank on the jaw and the stranger made a quick get …

He informed the gathering multitude that he could "lick any wildcat God ever made," and plunged his bare hand between the bars of the cage in an attempt to grasp the enemy. The cats were s~me fighters themselves and tore his hands almost to rags. Opportunity withdrew his torn and bleeding hands, looked at the crowd with apparently injured feelings, and remarked that "I guess I …

Shortly after as he was walking down the street he saw John Henry approach him from the opposite direction. He commanded him to stop on penalty of death but John had nerve and kept advancing till .the man with the gun fired. His aim was bad and before he could fire again the marshal nabbed him. He was taken before the justice of the peace and arraigned on the charge of …

He then turned his gaze upon the prisoner. There sat John Henry in all his kingly dignity smoking the judge's cigar. The man who shot with intent to kill was fined $5.00 which he paid and was discharged. John Henry was fined $15.00 and sent to jail for being shot at. Whether or not the purloining of the judge's cigar had anything to do with John Henry's fine and sentence is …

privations, who had lost their property and money and had seen the slender bridge of human life break under the heavy burden, saved the day, and dragged together the remnants of the almost bankrupt municipality. Inch by inch, step by step, the business men who were stayers recovered from the strain incident to the long drought and paralyzing panic. City improvements began and …

As competitors Alliance, Crawford, Valentine and Scottsbluff entered the race. After a spirited fight Chadron was selected as the location and its citizens raised over $13,000.00 by popular subscription to make good her offer. So generously did they respond that a surplus donation remained and was refunded to the subscribers. In a few years the Chadron school had attained an …

Lots have been purchased on the corner of Main avenue and Third street and money appropriated for a government building to cost HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA $110,000.00 and the structure will without doubt be completed soon. In 1912 the magnificent Masonic Temple was erected on Main avenue. The entire building and equipment cost $18,000.00, and the same year the Mildred Block …

As the industries, so has the population and area of the town increased. G. A. Birdsall platted several blocks on the west side, the greater par of which have been improved by elegant and substantial homes. Normal Heights, a beautiful tract, was platted as an addition on the south side and many residence lots sold. Kenwood addition and Houghton's sub-division on the north side …

The Chadron Commercial Club has a membership of two hundred active business men, who are untiring in their efforts to make Chadron truly the metropolis of the west. A great number of Chadron citizens occupy high places in the councils of men. Among these are two college presidents, two district judges, James C. Dahlman, many times mayor of greater Omaha, the late Hon. A. W …

M. (Tug) Wilson, A. W. Crites, deceased ; Charles Rust, deceased, A. M. Wright, E. D. Satterlee, Robert Hood. Allen G. Fisher, W. F. Hayward, deceased, W. H. Donahue, Duncan Mc- Millan, J. W. Finnegan and Ben Loewenthal, twenty in all. During this period there have been but six city clerks : Robert Dorr, served three and one-half terms; I. W. Smith, two; L. T- F. (Billy the …

Strangers coming to our town through the misty miles of a thousand sand hills, first note the green slopes and dark foliage of the pines, the broad streets bordered with beautiful trees, inviting lawns and long, shady walks, but when they motor into the country through deep canyons over sunny slopes and billowy pastures they first realize the possibilities of this practically …

Owens, H. F. Maika, C. L. Hilbert, O. U. Lerrington and T. H. Smith served as councilmen. In 1914, Smith, Larison, Owens and Lerrington held over while W. E. Mote and J. W. Good were members ; Smith and Larison were still members in 1915 with the following colleagues: P. H. Hyde, E. O. Dugan, E. G. Shamp and J. Wood. Larison was still upon the board in 1916, Dugan, Hyde and …

Larison remained upon the board in 1917 with Floyd and Andrews hold-overs. C. A. Berg, W. Weaver and W. A. Danley were the new members. In 1918 we find Floyd, Weaver, Danley and Berg remained and W. S. Satterlee and M. H. Nichols new members. With the coming of a city of the first class in 1919 the council was increased to eight. Berg, Weaver, Danley, Floyd, Satterlee and …

Harking back to 1887, when Chadron was quite young and rather small, one cannot without interest view the establishment in November, and issuance upon November 17, 1887, of No. 1 of the Northwestern Temperance Advocate, with the subheading, "Malice Toward None, Charity For All. The Welfare of Our People is Greater Than Party Interests," with A. E. and J. D. Sheldon …

Among the business institutions of the town were, The Pioneer Store, P. B. Nelson, Chicago Clothing Store, I. Silverstein, Blue Front Grocery store. L. Butler, offering free delivery at that early date ; Chadron Meat Co., William Wilson, wholesale and retail furniture and queensware ; Wm. Belanger, groceries and other lines ; Second Hand Store, Dahlman & Simmons' Chadron Meat …

Caffee in charge of Chadron Dairy; Stetter Bros., then in charge of Chadron Market ; Robinson & Smith, confectionery ; Bowers & Demmon, livery stable at Birdsall's old stand; Adamson & Imel, west side livery stable, proprietors of the Chadron and Nonpareil Stage line; Weber Brothers, new stock of groceries; W. Christensen's hardware stock open alike for trade of democrats and …

Illustrative that the day of effort on the part of commercial institutions of a larger city to secure the trade of smaller places, even some distance away, is the fact that in a September, 1890, edition of the Chadron Democrat can be found the following directory of Omaha, Nebraska, business houses soliciting the trade of Dawes county and western Nebraska patrons ; Mrs. J …

Koons, dentist, were practicing in Chadron ; Keyes & Soder, fruits ; A. Anderson, manager of Chadron Boot Store ; D. S. Cockrill, blacksmith shop; Glover & Brower, in charge of Dawes County Bank; Simon Feldenheimer, clothing; Cater & Dickson, liquor dealers ; C. H. King, The Chicago Store; Waller & Lyman's, druggists ; E. E. Thornburg, druggist ; Wm. Highey, City Drug Store …

Smith's, groceries ; Sampson & Hall, millinery ; H. D. Mead, succeeding D. Y. Mears, harness dealer; Weber Bros. Grocery; Stetter Bros., meats ; and J. L. Paul & Co., were all still operating. The Chadron Banking Co., with A. C. Putman, president, and F. B. Carley, cashier, was in operation. D. A. Strong, lumber. J. H. Larkin, Broghamer & Weyland, and J. W. Owens were in the …

Sloan became cashier of Chadron Banking Co. An addition to the press roster of Chadron and Dawes County in 1893 was the Chadron Recorder, of which Claude T. Taylor was an early publisher. In 1895, Henry Ormesher had taken over the old Stetter's Central Meat Market; Drug stores in 1895 were conducted by Davis Bros. Windsor Drug Store; and J. M. Robinson; The Chadron Cage, E …

Washburn, railroad jeweler; Reynolds & Eastman, abstracts, insurance and real estate ; the big brick Blaine Hotel; Chas. Parks' Ideal Lunch Room; Chapin House; Nellie Woodard, dry goods and notions. Professional Roster of the Nineties The lawyers practicing here during this decade included C. H. Bane, E. S. Richer, I. N. Harbaugh, Mrs. Fannie O'Linn, G. A. Eckles, P. E. Baird …

Good and Loewenthal Brothers were still actively engaged in their lines ; L. W. Gorton had a jewelry stock ; F. B. Woodruff's novelty store ; Wm. Chisholm; First National Bank in 1905 was under management of C. F. Coffee, president, F. W. Clarke, vice-president, B. L. Scovel, cashier and H. E. Reische, asst. cashier. The Citizens State Bank was officered by A. W. Reikman …