The Frontier VOL. LIII. O'NEILL, NEBRASKA, THURSDAY, JUNE 30,1932. No. 6 AN EDITOR S DREAM OF O’NEILL FIFTY YEARS AGO OL1) FILES TELL OF PROSPERITY The following article, headed O’ Neill, Its Past, Its Present, Its Future, is taken from the files of the Holt County Banner and from the issue of January 2, 1883. Our readers will note that two of the men, who were in business in this city at that time, H. M. Uttley and Charles C. Millard, are still residents of this city.—Editor. “It it interestingto note the progress of our thriving village and casting an eye back to its commencement, to re call to mind the order in which the buildings on the business streets have been erected and number them as we go: The first building was erected by John Mayberry, in the fall of 1878, and was afterwards enlarged into the store now occupied by Patrick Hag erty. On this spot Mr. Hagerty hasl been doing a thriving business forj several years, and has, by his strict attention to business, honest dealing and accommodating manner, built up an extensive and lucrative business. He was for several years the only merchant here; but during that time, and even to the present day, has never sold intoxicating drinks—which shows that he held the good of the commun ity above his own desire to make money. He now carries a large stock of goods, buys everything the farmers have to sell, and is doing a very ex tensive business. The next building was the old Catholice church, which has since been converted into a school house and moved to the west side of town, where Professor O’Sullivan is now conducting a large school, which is progresing finely under his charge. The third building was the one now owned by Jyhn O’Donnell, and known as the Valley House, where Mr. O’Don nell and his wife are prepared to fur nish food and lodging for boarders and travelers. The fourth building was the blacksmith shop of Michael Tier ney, which is still occupied by him, and where all can get work in his line done in good style, and with dis patch. Fifth, we come to the City Hotel. This building has been en larged and improved in various ways, until now, under the management of Mr. and Mrs. Sparks, it presents the appearance, both inside and out, of a first class hotel, and is doing a good business. The fifth building in order of time was the store now occupied by J. J. McCafferty, and where Brennan & McCafferty carried on the hardware business so successfully for several years. The next building erected in our town was that which has since been remodeled and fixed up into the fine office of the Wilcox Lumber Com pany, occupied by our esteemed friend John McBride. It was in this build-; ing that the first whisky was sold in O’Neill by Dr. Daggett, who did more to create a race of drunkards in this vicinity than any other man who has dealt out the stuff in our midst; for when he could not sell it he would give it away, so that drunkenness was very prevalent in and about his den. Hag erty’s residence was the next building, John McCann’s next, and Brennan’s building, since occupied as a court house, nt :t. This building is wholly inadequate for the use to which it is put, and it is a disgrace to a county like Holt tha’, a better building is not provided. The building is now' occupied by Sanford Parker,county clerk, David L. Darr, treasurer, and M. D. Long, deputy clerk. C. H. Wixson, county superintendent of schools, also makes it his headquarters while in town. The next building erected was the Dan | Kelly building, first occupied by Dag-| gett Brothers’ drug store, next by the; Frontier, next by J. G. Fritz, and now by Mrs. N. Martin’s dress making and millinery shop. Here you can have work done in good style in that line. The next building erected was that now known as the Red Front, occupied by C. B. Herman. Mr. Herman is an old and experienced merchant, having done business for several years in; Blair, this state, and he keeps a well filled store neat and orderly, which is a credit to our town. The next is the old Capwell store, now occupied by J. G. Fritz & Co. This is one of the best kept and best filled stores in town, and under the present manage ment is doing a good trade and in a lively business tow'n like O’Neill is sure to build up an extensive and profitable business. This store, like the others we have already mentioned, is a credit to our town. We next come to the law office of Rice & Uttley, which was the next building in order of time, and now occupied by the a bove mentioned trustworthy law firm, which is doing a good business and is a credit to our county. The fifteenth building was the one now occupied by Del Akin, and next to the present I Frontier building, occupied by the O’ Neill postoffice and the Frontier, a weekly newspaper which probably has the largest circulation of any paper in Northern Nebraska outside of O’ ; Neill. Its circulation is probably near ! ly equal to the Banner, which now j stands at the head. We nowr come to i the Commercial Hotel, which has, since | its first establishment, been enlarged 1 and improved in many ways, until it I is now' the largest hotel in town and has the largest run of custom. The | propritor, Ed. E. Evans, is always on ; hand to attend to the wants of his j guests, and constantly exerts himself to accommodate the traveling public. The next building erected was the store of M. M. Sullivan, who also keeps a large general stock in as nice order and as tastefully arranged as any store in town. Though not the largest this is one of our best stores, and helps greatly to make up that large and fine assortment of goods for which our town is noted. The next building was that now owned and occupied by O. J. Ellis’s meat market; and the next the well stocked harness shop of J. F. Pfunder, adjoining. Next in order was the shop now occupied by J. C. Smoot, our good natured barber, who is ever ready for business; and there are few more diligent in busi ness than he, and we are glad to see that he is prosperous. Wilcox’s well kept hotel and boarding house was the next to make its appearance. And then came our bank building; and we flatter ourselves there is not a better bank building in the state—certainly there is none more accommodating. J. P. Purcell’s store was next in order, where is now kept a full line of gen eral merchandise. This makes the fifth general store, and, like the bal ance, it is well filled, neatly arranged, and an ornament to our town. We have every reason to believe that all of our five general stores are doing a profitable and constantly increasing business. The next was Kinkaid’s fine law office—which is temporarily va cated, while its owner and former oc cupant, Hon. M. P. Kinkaid, has gone to the state senate, having been elected to that office by a large majority. The next was Toohill’s new shop; then O’Neill’s law office, now occupied by Frank Campbell; and following that the new fine drug store of Ed. Hersh iser, which is hai’d to beat. Well filled and well kept, it makes our town just what it could not be without a first class drug store. “Then we discovered one fine morn ing a small but cozy little building springing up just north of the post office, which is now’ occupied by two young ladies of our town as a dress making and millinery shop. Miss Bessie Wisegraver and Miss Sarah Cannenburg will be found here, ever ready to do for their friends and cus tomers anything in their line. These twro young ladies possess the energy and industry which is sure to bring success. “The next building was our own com modious office, and the new Catholic church, which is now nearly completed, was commenced about the same time. This church is very large, nicely fin ished, and will cost about five thous and dollars. It is built in a sightly place and is a fine ornament to our town. The office now occupied by Carlon & Gearon came next. This law firm is doing an extensive real estate business in addition to their legal practice, which is also quite extensive. “Among the earliest buildings erected in our town was the shanty-like livery barn of Charles Millard. It was sur prising to see the amount of business done in that little shell; but the wis dom of its proprietor was made man fest when during last summer a large new livery barn took the place of the old structure, and Charlie is now as well fixed for business as he could i resonably desire. “The boot and shoe shop of John , Mann was next built, and here, as also at the boot and shoe shop of James Sulivan, which was erected soon after ward, everything in the line of new work and repairs can be had on appli cation. The next was Ward’s fine | livery barn, which is also doing a thriving business. The next was the new building of Patrick Fahy, occupied by Bennet Martin; and last the new harware store of J. J. McCafferty, which is not yet completed, but which, when done and filled with goods, will be second to no store in townj We have now finished the tour of our two principal business streets. We have not time or space to make men 1 tion of our many beautiful residences. Suffice it to say, in conclusion, that we have stores and various business houses equal to all demands, pood hotels, fine livery stables, an excellent school, healthful climate, pure water, and everything needful to make a fine town except a prist mill and grain buyer. Our town affords a fine open ing for the two last mentioned voca tions. We are proud of our thrifty, enterprising village.” BRIEFLY STATED Born to Mr. and Mrs. John Hynes, ! Friday, June 24, a baby girl. Mildred and Helen Rhode had their tonsils removed Wednesday morning. Attorney J. C. Alexander, of Orch ard, was transacting business in this j city Tuesday. — Luther Shaner, of Page, was in O’Neill Monday, and called at The j Frontier office. Mr. and Mrs. Dean Streeter drove | to Brunswick Sunday to visit with Mr. ' Streeter’s parents. — Judge M. L. Leamy, of Pierce, came I over last Friday afternoon to attend j the Harrington funeral. _ Miss Grace Kilmurray, of Atkinson, is in the city the guest of the Misses j Genevieve and Dorethea Grady. Pat Stanton was up from Tilden last Saturday, having come to attend the funeral of his old friend, M. F. Har rington. Attorney W. A. Meserve, of Creigh ton, was in the city last Saturday attending the funeral of M. F. Har rington. Senator Christ Anderson was over from Bristow last Saturday, having come over to attend the Harrington funeral. - - - V v Mrs. P. B. Harty entertained the Martez Club at her home last Satur day evening. Mrs. F. J. Biglin won the guest prize. B. E. Sturdevant and Ed. Kilmurry, of Atkinson, were in the city Saturday last, having come down to attend the Harrington funeral. Attorneys W. M. Ely and A. W. Scattergood, of Ainsworth, came down last Saturday morning to attend the Harrington funeral. Former Attorney General and Mrs. O. S. Spellman came up from Nor folk last Saturday to attend the funer al of M. F. Harrington. Frank Heenan and Attorney Mur ray, of Spencer, were in the city last | Saturday, having come over to attend I the Harrington funeral. William Hough left this morning for Norfolk where he will spend a few | days visiting at the home of his son, Merlin Hough and family. Dr. W. F. Finley left Sunday mom | ing for Chicago, where he expected to | be an interested spectator at the demo cratic national convention. I Miss Margaret Ryan, who has been : visiting friends here the past ten days, ; returned to her home at Creighton the latter part of last week. Attorneys Ralph Kreiger, S. D. Thornton and Joe Spirk, of Neligh. came up last Saturday morning to attend the funeral of M. F. Harrington. Mr. and Mrs. William Gatz left last | Sunday morning for Omaha and east ern Iowa, where they will spend ten days visiting with relatives and friends. E. A. Steskal, of Atkinson, was an j O’Neill visitor last week and while in ; the city made this office a pleasant call, extending his subscription for | another year. Cecil Conklin came up from Lincoln j last Friday afternoon for a few days | visit with the home folks and to at I tend the Harrington funeral. He re ! turned home Sunday. Sister Maxine, who has been the painting teacher in St. Mary’s Acad emy for the past ten years, and Sister Mary Anna left last Sunday for Lex | ington, Ohio, where they will make | their future home. Howard Ashton, of Hartington, and Miss Violet Olga Knapp, of Clear water, were united in marriage at the Presbyterian Manse last Wednesday afternoon, Rev. H. D. Johnson officiat ing. Mr. and Mrs. George Agnes and children left last Saturday morning for Akron, Iowa, where they visited over the week end with relatives and friends, returning home Tuesday even ing. Mrs. R. M. Sauers and daughter, Lolee, went down to Omaha Monday morning, Mrs. Sauers returning Tues day evening. Lolee will spend the week in Omaha and attend the Belle vue Summer Conference for Presby terian youth. Mr. and Mrs. Webb Rice, of Norfolk, drove up last Saturday morning to attend the Harrington funeral. Mr. Rice is one of Norfolk’s leading at-1 torneys and a few years ago the demo- J cratic nominee for congress from the Third Congressional district. Miss Anne Harty entertained about twenty-two of her young friends with a birthday party at her home last Tuesday afternoon. Miss Anne was the receipient of many birthday pre sents and the young guests were royal ly entertained and all hud a very happy time. | T. P. Mullen came up from Albion last Thursday night to attend the funeral of his old friend, M. F. Har rington. Mr. Mullen was a resident of this city for many years, leaving here about twenty-six years ago for Boone county, where he has since made his home. Since the afternoon passenger train has been taken off the O’Neill-Norfolk bus picks up the mail every afternoon at Oakdale and brings it on to O’Neill, arriving here at 4:30 in the afternoon, 0^ only about a half hour after the train used to arrive. This service is appreciated by O’Neill business men. Mr. and Mrs. Ira Moss left last Sat urday morning for the Minnesota lakes, where they will spend ten days angling in some of that states noted fishing lakes. Before returning home they will make a short visit in Canada. Local anglers are looking forward to some good fishing stories when Ira J returns. Judge A. M. Morrisey, former Chief Justice of the state supreme court, and Frank Hopkins came up from Omaha last Friday evening to attend the! Harrington funeral. Judge Morrisey | returned home Sunday while Mr. Hop-1 kins remained in the city for a few days visiting friends and looking after business affairs. Mrs. Mary Spindler, of Blair, who has been visiting friends here for the past few weeks, was a pleasant caller at this office last Monday and ex tended her subscription to this house hold neessity. Mrs. Spindler says that it would be almost impossible to keep the house without the weekly visits of The Frontier. About thirty of the friends and neighbors of Clyde Kellar gathered at his home last Sunday evening and treated him to a surprise party, it being his birthday anniversary. The neighbors came, bringing with them well filled baskets, and proceeded to have a very enjoyable evening with cards and games until the small hours of the morning, when all departed for home, but wishing that such birthday parties were celebrated oftener. Ode Vernable, a colored man who has been employed at odd jobs around the city for the past six months, and a white man named Dave, took on a good sized load of corn, or pehaps it was rye, one evening the first of the week and scared several of the in habitants of the western and southern part of the city last Tuesday evening, shortly after dark. They were wand ering around, evidently hunting for some place where their appetite could be appeased, when officers were called and they were both taken into custody. While denying that they had been imbibing of the cup that cheers, but inebriates, they were placed in dur ance vile' and were told that they would have to leave town and stay out. The white man has departed and the colored man has promised to bid good bye to this city by the end of the ; week. HUGH J.McKENNA PASSES AWAY Hugh J. McKenn died at a hospital at Norfolk last Monday afternoon at 1:55 p. m., after an illness of several months, of kidney trouble, at the age of fifty years, eight months and wenty-three days. The body was brought to O'Neill Monday afternoon and the funeral was held Wednesday morning at 9 o’clock from St. Pat rick’s church, interment in Calvary cemetery. Hugh J. McKenna was born at In dependence, Iowa, on October 4, 1881. In the spring of 1881 his parents moved to this county and settled on a homestead about five miles south west of this city where the family made their home for many years, finally moving to this city where the deceased made his home up to the time of his death. He had always en joyed good health until last winter when he suffered a severe attack of the flu, from which he never fully re covered although he has been able to be around town for the past three months until about two weeks ago when he suffered a relapse and went to a hospital at Norfolk for treatment, but his vitality was so sapped by his long illness and the desease had gained such a foothold that it could not be checked and he passed away peace fully Monday afternoon. Deceased was united in marriage at Sac City, Iowa, to Miss Annie Neary on November 11, 1910, who, with two brothers and one sister a? well as several nieces and nephews are left to mourn the death of a kind and loving husband, brother and uncle. The brothers are: C. F. McKenna, of this city and James of Saskatcheson, Canada and one sister Mrs. J. P. Mc Manus of this city. As a young man Hugh became in terested in horses and he spent about twenty years of his life as a trainer/ owner and drive of trotting horses and i he owned and handled some good ones; in his day. He attended practically all the racing meets held in Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri for several years and won some good purses. He was recognized as a good, shrewd driver and had the respect and esteem of all the horsemen, owners as well as drivers. An old-time race driver and owner, who is still in the horse game, ] but not as a driver, told the writer not many months ago, when discussing the old time race meets, that twenty years ago were so popular in this and ad joining states, that “Hugh was a j crackerjack as a driver, always willing i to take a chance and his fearlessness [ as a pilot won for him many races.” j Hugh’s many friends throughout the state, among the old-time horsemen, will regret to learn that he has “scored” his last race. Deceased had many friends in this city and county. He was a likeable man and possessed a charming and pleasing personality, and his passing, while still in the prime of life, is a severe blow to his many friends and relatives. The Frontier joins the many friends of Mr. McKenna in ex tending to the relatives its condolence in their hour of sorrow. FI NERAL OF M. F. HARRINGTON The funeral of M. F. Harrington was held from St. Patrick’s church last Saturday morning at 9 o’clock and was one of the largest funerals seen; in this city for a good many years, ] Monsiegnor M. K. Cassidy officiating, interment in Calvary cemetery. Father Cassidy delivered a splendid tribute to the deceased, who was a life long friend. He said that the de ceased had been very liberal in his gifts to charity, that he had gone to him for assistance to help some of the needy and that he had never applied in vain. He called attention to the uncertainty of life and cautioned his congregation to be always prepared to render a final account of our stew ardship, as we knew not at what moment we would be called. The church was well filled by people from all walks of life. Judges from this section of the state and lawyers from all over western Nebraska, farm ers and business men from not only this county but from several of the adjoining counties, were present to pay a final tribute to their departed friend and fellow citizen. T. F. Birmingham and C. E. Stout left last Sunday morning, by auto mobile, for Galena. 111., where they ' expected to spend the evening and Mr. Birmingham would spend a few hours with old friends there. On Monday they were to go on into Chicago where they hoped to be able to witness the big show on there this week, the j democratic national convention. SEVERAL NEW CASES FILED IN DISTRICT COURT INCLUDE TWO CRIMINAL CASES O ... ..Q T. H. Courtney Sr., has filed suit in i the district court to foreclose a mort gage given by Edwin D. Korab and 1 Myrtle Korab on June 15, 1928, for $1,750.00 on the northeast quarter of section thirty-four, in township thirty three, range twelve, in Holt county, Nebraska. Plaintiff alleges that the ! defendant Edwin Korab is now de ! ceased and suit is brought againt Myrtle Korab, impleaded with others. ! He further alleges that the defend ! ants agreed to pajy insurance and ! taxes on the land, during the life of the mortgage, but that they failed to pay the taxes for 1931, amounting to $02.80, which the plaintiff was com j polled to pay to protect his interest, and that the interest due on June 15, 1932 amounting to $122.50 was not paid. Plaintiff elects to declare the entire principal now due which, with interest and taxes, amounts to $1, 939.34 for which he asks a decree of foreclosure and sale and such other relief as may ho equitable. Anna L. Johnson has filed suit in the district court against John C. Johnson and all persons having or claiming any interest in the southwest quarter of section nineteen and the northwest quarter of section thirty, township twenty-six, range thirteen and the east half of the east half of section twenty-three, south west quart er of twenty-four and the northeast quarter of section twenty-five, in township twenty-six, north, range fourteen west, in Holt county, Ne braska. She alleges in her petition that she is now and has been for more than ten I years last past in actual, open, notor i ious and peaceful possession of this land. That on June 14, 1914, the plaintiff and her husband gave the defendant a warranty deed for the above described premises. That while | a deed was given it was given as I security for a loan by said John C. Johnson to the plaintiff. That on or about January 22, 1918, the plaintiff paid said indebtedness and said John | O. Johnson made and delivered a re lease of the mortgage on said land, hut did not deliver a deed reconvey ing said land to the plaintiff. She asks that she may he adjudged to be the owner in fee simple of said real estate and that defendants be ad judged and decreed to have no inter est in said real estate and for such other relief as may he equitable. The ease of the State of Nebraska vs. Patrick Gallagher has been filsd in district court. This is a charge of non support, brought on complaint of hi3 wife, Eileen Gallagher. Lee E. Downey has filed suit in the district court against the heirs, dev isees and personal representatives of Moses L. Bright, deceased to quiet title to the following real estate: Be ginning at a point 1.25 chains north of the southeast corner of section twelve, township twenty-nine, north, range nine, thence north 2.25 chains, thence west 3.82 chains, thence south 2.75 chains, thence east to the place of be ginning. He alleges that he is the owner and in possession of the fol ' lowing: Beginning at the routheast Corner of section twelve, township ! twenty-nine, north, range nine, west ! of the Sixth p. m., thence west 3.82 chains,thence couth 1.83 chains, thence east 8.82 chains to place of beginning. That on February 12.1910, John H. Eberly and Mary Eberly, his wife, delivered to Raymond V. Beagson a ! deed to above property. Bengson died in September, 1929, and plaintiff has deeds from his legal representatives for the property, under date'of April 12, 1932. He prays for a decree find ! ing him to be the owner and that any others claiming to have any right, in i tercst or lien on the premises be forever barred and that title be quited : in him and for such other relief as may be just arid equitable. The Travelers Insurance Company has filed suit in the dis*rict court a gainst Ellen Martin, et al. to foreclose a mortgage for $12,000.00 on the fol lowing Holt county real estate. The I south half of section twenty-two; i southwest quarter and the north half of section twenty-seven; and the east half of section thirty-three, all in township thirty-one, north, of range eleven west of the Sixth P. M., in Holt county, Nebraska. The mortgage was given on May 5, 1919, and was due March 1, 1925. A further extension was given and plaintiff alleges that defendant failed to pay the principal Continued on page' 8