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About The frontier. (O'Neill City, Holt County, Neb.) 1880-1965 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 7, 1937)
Over the County SOUTHWEST BREEZES By Romaine Saunders Snow and wind can do a lot to the roads in a few hours. The piling snow New Years day held no happiness for the one forty miles from home. It was a popular New Year resolution once to swear off. Some specimens the first day of ’37 in dicated reversal of a time honored custom. Society once looked to its women as the moral balance wheel but since she stepped down from that high estate moral values have reached the vanishing point. There was spent last year over thirty-three millions of Uplift funds in Nebraska—a goodly slice of the More Abundant Life. Prosperity by this modus operandi may not be exactly “sound” but it has put a lot of money into the state. Maybe we can forget for the present about our share of the debt to be paid. There seems some relief in sight for the motorist by switching the gas tax to cigarettes. You can drive without a cigarette but the gasoline seems to be necessary. I asked the governor, two years ago to recommend the tax be put on cigarettes in place of gas. Now there is a shift of sentiment to that same view. Sitting by the steam radiator in an office down in far distant Mas sachusetts and drawing an allur ing word picture of great material prosperity scheduled for Nebraska farmers in 1937 makes something pleasant to read. The family out on the rented farm whose barren, denuded acres haven't produced a crop in ten years may indulge a dream of reposing in the lap of luxury by reading such stuff but they know too well there is nothing for them until the soil responds in bountious yield, and this no man can tell at the beginning of winter. Whatever may have transpired to “strain the relations” of some with the president, our former cit izen Arthur F. Mullen is still wel come at the White House. Arthur early was fascinated by the politic al great. At the height of W. J. Bryan’s popularity and during his visits to O'Neill he was a guest at Mr. Mullen’s home, then living here on north First street. Mr. Bryan did not get to be president though mak ing three attempts but Mr. Mullen continued the early tendency until he can walk up, lay a large and efficient hand on the shoulder of the country’s great with a familiar “How are you, F. D.?” And Art has always been loyal to his friends “back home.” V. Frequently friends in various parts of the county tell me of the pleasure they derive from the humble efforts in this column, par ticularly of the incidents of long ago. I am reminded today of an unusual bank holdup. In this in stance it was the banker who held up a customer. It was one of those affairs that was kept from the public, but at this late date there is no harm in telling the story. Names are not important to the drama, that might have been trag edy, so they are omitted. It was in what some are pleased to call the gay nineties, though I recall no more gaiety then than now. An O’Neill citizen was buying and selling cattle on an arrangement with one of the banks of the town. The buyer was allowed to check on the bank and the proceeds from his shipments were forwarded by draft to the bank. This relatioship was terminated after a time by the banker informing the buyer he could check out for one more car load and that would be all. Here the drama begins. This last load was shipped to market, the buyer went along, got the money for the sale of the cattle and stowed it away in an inside coat pocket. Get ting back to O’Neill and walking past the bank he was motioned in and asked about the shipment. He coolly told the banker he had the money, was going to keep it to buy more cattle and walked out. A day or two passes. Going by the bank again he is summoned in. He steps inside and the banker locks the door. “Do you still have that money?” The buyer says “Yes, right here,” indicating a pocket in his coat. “Look here, you-! This bank furnished you money to do business with when you were in desperate need and now you are trying to pull a trick like this.” With his right hand gripping some thing suspicious bulging his coat pocket,the banker continued: “That money was not mine; it belongs to the bank. If you don’t turn it over you will never leave this room alive!”' Trembling, the buyer gasp ed, “Y’ou wouldn’t kill me, would you?” “Don’t think I wouldn’t,” with an inexorable finality. Out came the roll of currency which he tossed on a table. The banker counted out what was due the bank and handed the balance to the nerve-shattered cattle buyer. MEEK AND VICINITY Mrs. Eric Borg and Marvel have both been quite ill, but are better at this writing. Mr. Borg isn’t so well either. We hope for their im mediate recovery. A New Year’s eve party was held at the Puckett home. Several in vited were unable to attend but those there had an enjoyable time. Mr. and Mrs. Howard Rouse and sons and Arthur Rouse were dinner guests New Year’s day at the P. H. Griffith home. Leroy Spindler is taking lessons in roller skating. He has made several trips to Inman recently to participate in this^ activity. Fay Puckett has been on the sick list for the past week, but was re ported to be better early this week. Mrs. Ray Kurtz, who has been sick for the past week is better at this writing. Mr. and Mrs. Orville Harrison and Mary, Mr.and Mrs. Ed Thomas and family and Mr. and Mrs. Or ville Peterson and children were dinner guests at the Elmer Devall home New Year’s day. Mrs. Albert Kaczor left Tuesday for a visit at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ben Freeburg and family at Mead, Nebr. She will also visit with other relatives in that locality. The Ed Henifin family were din ner guests at the Dan Hansen home New Year’s. Mrs. Retta Woodland, teacher of Meek school who spent her vacation at Madison, returned Friday. Mrs. Carson came with her for a visit at her daughter’s home, Mrs. Linn. Mr. and Mrs. Will Langan and children and Mrs. E. H. Rouse werd dinner guests at the Arden Johnson home New Year’s day. The Fred Lindberg family, who have been quite ill, are on the road to recovery. The two children of Adolph Sid away have been visiting relatives at Spencer the past week. The George Conard boys slid into a ditch last week, upsetting the car and doing quite a lot of damage to it. The boys received bruises and scratches. Allen Spindler and Robert Gunn who were visiting at the R. D. Spindler home returned to O’Neill last week. Bill Fosberg and Helen Spindler caller at the Roy Spindler home Thursday. We received word Monday telling of the injury of Mrs. Gust Johnson at her home in Oakland, Calif. On Christmas night she fell and broke her hip and an arm. She was taken to a hospital there. Her friends in this vicinity are hoping for her early and complete recovery. INMAN NEWS The year 1937 was ushered in with a big snow storm in this vicin ity, accompanied by a high wind which blocked all roads. No trains came from either direction Satur day night. There were no church services in either church Sunday and no school Monday owing to the fact that some of the faculty were unable to get back to Inman. How ever roads are open and. everything is running along at a normal pace again. Mrs. Etta Geary is quite ill at her farm home six miles south of Inman. Laurence, 6-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Young, is very ill with pneumonia at the home of his grandparents, Mr, and Mrs. Wil liam Young. Mr. and Mrs. William Thompson were here from Norfolk over the week-end visiting at the J. T. Thompson home. Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Hutton and children spent New Year’s day near Atkinson at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Beryl Conger. Misses Lelia Rouse and. Lucille Stevens have returned to Wayne to resume their studies at the Wayne state normal school. Mr. and Mrs. Joyce Maxcy and two sons have moved here from Lincoln and will make their home with Rev. E. B. Maxcy at the M. E. parsonage. Mr. and Mrs. Hardin Anspach and children have gone to Los Angeles, Calif., to spend the bal ance of the winter. County Superintendent C. J. Mc Clurg of O’Neill, was visiting among relatives in Inman Monday. While there has been consider able sickness among the children in Inman and vicinity there have been no cases of contagion of any kind l reported. Rumors of contagious diseases in Inman are without fact. Borers Destroying Trees As interest in spring tree plant ing quickened this week and farm ers made application for Clarke McNary seedlings and transplants, the Holt county farm bureau called attention to the damage done trees this year and in past years by in sects and other pests. Tree borers have been the most numerous and consequently the most destructive than in a great many years. Weather conditions and the weakening of trees by intense heat and lack of soil moisture have made them very susceptible to the attack of tree borers. During 1935 there was an unusually heavy infesta tion of red, spider and they weak ened the trees also. Foresters believe that many Am erican Elms which died in such large numbers would have survived had it not been for the presence of the flat-headed apple tree borer. Methods of controlling the borer and a description of its life history, appearance and habits are describ ed in Extension circular 1510 which is available at the farm bureau office. Farmers are thinking about such control measures as they make ap plication for the Clarke-McNary trees thru the same office. Last year a total of 34,400 trees were distributed locally for farm wind breaks and woodlots. Thus far this year application has been made for 7,200 trees. Former O’Neill Man Dies In Wisconsin Alexander Athey a former resid ent of this city in thg early eighties and a lawyer, died at his home at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin Dec. 18, last. Many of the old timers in this city and vicinity have a pleasant recollection of Mr. Athey who was a fine appearing and a very polished gentleman. Follow ing is an account of his death from the Crawford County (Wis.) Press of Dec. 24: “Alexander Athey, 79, veteran Prairie du Chien jurist and attorney and at present Crawford county divorce counsel, died of an acute heart attack at his home at 408 South Beaumont Road last Friday evening. Mr. Athey had fallen and cut his arm on the preceding Tues day and had suffered a considerable loss of blood. He was under a doctor’s care but overexertion is believed to have brought on the attack. “Alexander Athey was born on Oct. 28, 1857 on a farm in south eastern Iowa, the son of James Washington Athey and Sarah Brown Athey. He took the classical and engineering courses at Cornell college and then entered the Iowa State law school at Des Moines, la., (now Drake uni.) graduating in 1880 at the head of his class of 57 members. “After serving his term as law clerk in Des Moines he went to New Mexico and there surveyed land for the United States govern ment for one year. He was married to Minnie Cummings, the daughter of a Chippewa Falls lumberman and contractor in 1888 and shortly afterward located in Superior, Wis. “In 1901 he came to Prairie du Chien and was so much attracted to this city that he settled here, re fusing offers which later came to him and would have required his removal to other cities. “His first case in the Wisconsin Supreme Court was in 1891 follow ing which he had many cases there and was successful in the greater share of them. The first successful case against the Chicago “beef com bine” was fought out in Wisconsin by Mr. Athey alone against a large number of the best attorneys in the circuitand superior courts of Doug las county, Wisconsin. “To a profound understanding of the philosophy of the law, which won him the respect of his fellow attorneys he added a taste for Latin and Greek and logic and philosophy. He was a direct de scendant of John Athey who enlist ed in Captain Lee’s company, Third Virginia Regiment Contin ental Line Feb. 0, 1776 and served thruout the revolutionary war be ing cited for his soldierly conduct at Valley Forge for which he was made an officer. “District Attorney James P. Cullen, a close friend, his doctor, and the Rev. Joseph Weis were with him at the time of his death. “He is survived by his wife, Min nie C. Athey, a daughter, Katherine and two sons, Robert D. and Mat thew J. all of New York. “Burial was made in St. Gabriel’s cemetery Tuesday morning follow ing a high mass at St. Gabriel’s church at nine o’clock conducted by Father Weiss, Fathers Schutte and Hunlyth of Campion Academy as sisting. Members of the bar acted as honorary pall bearers.” Mrs. Matilda R. Dailey Mrs. Matlida R. Dailey, born Feb. 12, 1876 in Neniuha county, Nebraska, died at her home Wed-, nesday, Dec. 30, 1936, at the age of 60 years, 10 months and 18 days. She lived in Nebraska all her life, coming to Holt county when seven years old. Matlida Goodwin and Jno B. Dailey were married at Boone, la., Jan. 2, 1894. To this union twelve children were born, five of whom preceded their mother in death. Mr. Dailey died June 13, 1924. She leaves to mourn her passing, James, William, Jack and Bernie of O’Neill, Roy of Kaycee, Wyo., Mrs. Mary Alder of Kelso, Wash., Mrs. Bernice Barnes of Valentine, and Donald Dailey, her grandson, who has made his home with her. One sister, Mrs. Wm. Dailey of Bristow, Nebr., and sixteen grand children, also are among the be reaved. Mrs. Dailey’s interests were largely with her home and children. She renewed her covenant with God a few months ago and held her faith in Him until the end. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church at 2 p. m. last Thursday and were conducted by Rev. LeRoy M. Zook of Page. The songs, “Abide with Me,” “Home of the Soul.” and “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” were sung by a double duet, Mesdames LeRoy M. Zook and Davis Williams, sopranos and Woward Harris and Will Dur kee altos. Burinl was in the Inman cemetery. xxx. Accident Record During the week ending Dec. 19, 193G, there were 2G1 accidents in the state, in which 15 people were killed and one disabled, and 170 injured. An unusual thing about the accident list is that automobile accidents did not head the list as has been the custom for several months. Ln this particular week other public accidents headed the list with a total of 85, in which 40 were injured, one disabled and 3 deaths. Automobile accidents were second on the list with 84, in which 71 were injured and three deaths. In agriculture employment there were 33 accidents in which sixteen people were injured and two deaths. In industry employment there were 18 accidents in .which seven were injured and two deaths. There were 41 home accidents in which 30 people were injured and five deaths. These accident statistics are com piled by the Nebraska Press assoc iation and the state superintendent of public instruction. During the week ending Dec. 26, 1936, there were 297 accidents in the state in which 185 people were injured, 4 disabled and 14 deaths. For the second successive week other public accidents exceeded the automobile accidents, although the number of injured and the number of death as a result of the accidents were less than half of that in auto mobiles. There were 108 motor vehicle accidents in which 103 were injured and nine deaths during the week. Other public accidents were 127 in which 43 were injured, three disabled and four deaths. In agri culture employment there were 18 accidents in which 12 people were injured and one disabled. There were 17 accidents in industry em ployment in which 11 people were injured. There were 27 home ac cidents during the week in which 16 people were injured and one death, METHODIST CHURCH NOTES A. J. May, Pastor Sunday School at 10 a. m. Morning Worship at 11 a. m.— Communion Service assisted by the choir. Brief sermon, "The Benefits of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Sup per.” Special music by the choir. Choir rehesrsal Saturday evening at 7:30. Epworth League at 6:30. Special evening service at 7:30. —Candle Light Instalation service for the Epworth League officers, and the public is invited and asked to participate. We ask everybody to bring a small candle. The State Convocation of Minis ters convenes at Lincoln Monday to Wednesday, Jan. 11 to 13. The regular meeting of the of ficial board was held last Monday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Reece. The next meet ing is first Monday in February at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Yarnall. Original Spanish Main Greatly Narrowed Down Mamed in the heyday of conquis tadores and pirates, the old Siuin lsh Main originally comprised that part of the Atlantic ocean plied by Spanish treasure ships, says the National Geographic society. The name later embraced theshoresof the Caribbean islands and udjucent cousts of South and Central Amer ica, but finally narrowed until it de notes specifically the northern coast of South America between the Isth mus of Panama and delta of the Orinoco—the coastal zones of Ven ezuela, Colombia and Panama. Columbus sighted Hie palm-fringed shores of the Spanish Main In 1498. lted-palnted Indians sucking brews from gourds watched the subsequent arrivals of Balboa and others who carried back to Europe amazing tales of pearls, gold, and Indians suitable for slaves. Men swarmed the coast to erect fortified settle ments and to ship wealth back to Europe. Seeking the fabulous riches reputed to be In the Interior, they pushed through almost impenetrable jungles. Before them fled harassed Indians, discharging poisoned nr rows, futile against armor. Settlers lived largely on a plenti ful supply of Immense tortoises and wild boars. Some, settling near what Is Santo Domingo, hunted and smoked buffalo. They became known as buccaneers from the French word boucaner, to smoke meat. Others became fanners, cultivat ing tobacco with the aid of numer ous white and negro slaves. Many of the slaves ran away and Joined the buccntieers, who, having become bored with buffalo hunting, took up pirating, preying on Spanish gnlle ons and coastal settlements. The Spanish Main offered numerous nat ural advantages to these seafaring bandits: luxurious forests out of which to build their barks, lakes of pitch for calking the new craft, and hidden harbors from which to surprise their prey. Tundra Tundra Is the cold, desert, tree less plains which form the Arctic lowlands of Europe and Asia. The name is also generally applied to a similar srea in North America. The word Is of Russian origin and means a marshy plain. The pre vailing low temperatures are con sequent on high latitude and prox imity to the frozen northern ocean and result in very scanty vegetation. A BIG 2 DAY AUCTION ATKINSON. NEBRASKA Monday, Jan. 11 200 Head of Horses All good aged native horses weighing 1,200 to 1,500 pounds, including mares, geldings, yearlings and 2-year-old colts. Also a number of well matched spans. Tuesday, January 12 CATTLE & HOG AUCTION Roads and weather permitting, we will have one of the largest offerings of cattle and hogs that we have sold in a long time. If you are interested in buying or selling livestock, do not miss these two important auctions. ATKINSON LIVESTOCK MARKET ATKINSON,NEBRASKA ARE You Planning a Farm or Ranch Auction? I am now booking dates for the winter and spring season. If you are planning a farm or ranch sale and would like my services as auctioneer, please arrange early for a suitable date, as I will be able to accommodate only a limited number. Terms:—No higher than anybody else. Phone, Atkinson 89-R2—Day or Night. ERNIE WELLER, The Auctioneer ATKINSON, NEBRASKA Even his bitterest enemies will have to admit that in joining a molasses company Professor Tug well picked himself out a sweet job. Who can remember when a youth ful Spaniard was just a pleasant young fellow who strummed a guitar and sang romantic songs un der the summer moon? We asked n disillusioned bride the other day how it came that she decided to get married and she said she guessed it must have been her great love for dumb brutes. " ■■■ ... A current magazine gives an interesting photograph of the Christmas turkey of 1825. It shows that the bird was up-to-date then, being as streamlined as the 1927 automobile. TIRED The unemployed man called on a business acquaintance and said he was lookin gfor a position. “But you always refused jobs be fore,” asserted his business friend. “Why do you want one now?” “Well, I’ve been loafing steadily for two years,” explained the man, “and now I need a vacation!”— Boston Transcript. Who weeps with you when you are sad, and laughs when you are glad, and smiles with you when you are mad—the editor. Who has to be both kind and wise and never ! (hardly ever) lies, and when he docs creates surprise—the editor. Who owns a heart as well as cheek, possessed of a spirit proud but weak, and lives on forty cents a week—the editor.—Clipped. HELPFUL Dining in a restaurant with her husband the other day, a lady miss ed her gloves when she was on her way out. Murmuring something to her husband, she hurried back to the table to look for them. Not seeing them on the table, she lifted the cloth and began to peer about on the floor. Just then a waiter came up. “Pardon me, madam,’* he said, “but the gentleman is over thereby the door.” $100 CAR TO MAKE 10 MILES ON ONE GALLON OF GASLOINE Dealers are being estab lished now to handle sales of the Airomobile, the full-sized, streamlined, aircooled auto mobile being built in Syra cuse, New York, by the en gineers who built Franklins. Honesty and some capital re quired. Wire or write com pany representative for par ticulars. It. It. Pierce, 916 Terminal Rildg., Lincoln, Ne braska. THE FULLER THE 1 ™HK WE <-E« WINTER GR,EF 1 why This helpful idea means extra protection against a freeze-up in your car’s gasoline system. First have your carburetor drained, a quick, simple operation—also emptying the little glass filter bowl, or “trap.” To be real careful, have a cer tain amount drained from the bottom of the gas tank. Thus you get rid of any water that might freeze on the first cold day. This water was not in the gasoline originally, if you are careful where you buy. But you know that the air contains moisture, which can grad ually form water in your gasoline system. There is less chance of this when you keep out too much air by filling your tank close to the top. It is still just as important as ever to get a gasoline that always fires away lickety-split in any cold . . . not dripping and flooding wastefully . . . not draining your battery by a lot of “false starts” . . . not thinning your oil by needless choking. The most helpful thing you can do for yourself right there is to keep your tank full of sure-firing Special Winter Blend Conoco Bronze gasoline. Continental Oil Company SPECIAL WINTER BLEND GASOLINE Fill Your Tank With CONOCO BRONZE at ARBUTHNOT & REKA SERVICE STATION Across the Street from the Public Library O’Neill, Nebraska