History of Custer County, Nebraska; a narrative of the past, with special emphasis upon the pioneer period of the county's history, its social, commercial, educational, religous, and civic developement from the early days to the present time, Part 43

Author: Gaston, William Levi, 1865- [from old catalog]; Humphrey, Augustin R., 1859- [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1919
Publisher: Lincoln, Neb., Western publishing and engraving company
Number of Pages: 1180

USA > Nebraska > Custer County > History of Custer County, Nebraska; a narrative of the past, with special emphasis upon the pioneer period of the county's history, its social, commercial, educational, religous, and civic developement from the early days to the present time > Part 43

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

THE POST AT SARGENT

G. W. Sweet Post, No. 195, Grand Army of the Republic, was chartered and organized, in the village of West Union, on the 27th day of August, 1884, where it met in the schoolhouse for awhile. Later it was removed to the town of Sargent. The charter shows there were eigh- teen members at the muster of the post. J. H. Russell was the first commander. A. W. Squires the first adjutant, and Louis Sutton the quartermaster.

We are unable to state how many members have joined this post since, or what has be- come of those that were in the first meeting. However, there are a host of true men and women in and around the splendid little town of Sargent who are the offspring of such men as George and William Sherman. F. S. Mor-

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HISTORY OF CUSTER COUNTY, NEBRASKA

ris, I. C. Tobias, L. W. F. Cole, Dr. Wams- ley, R. W. Fulton, R. W. Nutter, James L. Twigg. H. C. Orvis, and others, who proved their loyalty by their courage and fidelity to duty, not only as soldiers, when their country was threatened by dissolution, but also when they faced the task of subduing the wild and virgin soil, braving the elements and dangers incident to the early settlement of that part of our great commonwealth, combining with duties and virtues the spirit of morality, Christianity, and good citizenship, thus leav- ing to their posterity a noble heritage.

December 30, 1917, the annual report of this post to the department showed only four mem- bers, with David McGugan as commander, and R. W. Fulton, adjutant. Three of this rem- nant have recently made the trip to Portland, Oregon, to attend the fifty-second national encampment of the Grand Army of the Repub- lic, which met August 19, 1918.

POST AT COMSTOCK

Crittenden Post, No. 274, was originally mustered at the village of Wescott, July 19, 1888. Who the charter members or the first officers were, we do not know. However, from the annual report made December 31, 1888, we have W. H. Comstock commander for the year 1889, but no other officers or names of members. The annual report made in 1894 gives fifteen members, with I. M. Beck, com- mander: F. Shanks, adjutant; and W. H. Comstock, quartermaster. The post met the second Saturday in each month. The post is still in existence, meeting on call, as shown by last report to department headquarters. W. P. Hamond is commander ; G. W. Shiphard is adjutant ; and only four members are left.

This post was one of the largest in the county. The first place settled in the county was in the neighborhood of Wescott and Com- stock. The years 1874-7 saw a colony or, if not exactly a colony, a number, of Wiscon- sin soldiers come to this section, where they were among the first to make settlement.

The Indian uprising among the Sioux in the Niobrara country caused alarm, and Cap- tain Comstock was among the number to raise

a company of these men who had known war, to arm for protection of their families. This part of the history is recorded in another place, however.

Of the many comrades who have helped to make this a community of loyal and progres- sive people, many have passed on, having an- swered to the Great Commander at the last roll call. We mention W. H. Comstock, J. L. Peter, E. Bartholomew, Captain Wescott, WV. D. Hall, and Mr. Beck, and while others have gone and are missed by families and comrades, their influence is with us yet, as evidenced by the many boys who have donned the "khaki," and offered their lives for freedom and justice, so unselfishly as to astonish the Old World and, by this spirit of freedom, emulate the "Man of Galilee."

POST AT CALLAWAY

William Hayes Post, No. 264, Grand Army of the Republic, was mustered the 31st day of March, 1888. As no descriptive list is on file with the department adjutant in the state house, we cannot give names of charter mem- bers or officers installed at that time. The an- nual report made December 31st of that year shows that J. H. Evans was elected commander for 1889, with J. B. Farrell as adjutant and C. W. H. Lubert as quartermaster. No report of membership. The annual report of De- cember 31, 1890, gave a membership of thirty- four.

In December, 1894, there were twenty-one members, and December 31, 1916, were re- ported thirty-one members. December 31, 1917, the annual report showed the number to be only six, with W. W. Sallins as commander and J. B. Farrell as adjutant.

This is the only Grand Army post in the county that ever owned a hall of their own. In fact, this hall was the only place for public gathering, and the secret orders of the village for a number of years used the G. A. R. hall. Perhaps the one factor in keeping up the mem- bership, as shown above, was that the post had a place of their own in which to keep their paraphernalia, records, etc. Also they contin- ned to meet twice a month.

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However, in recent years we realize that our step is tottering and halt, sight and hear- ing have failed us. so that many cannot attend these meetings longer. With the many whom kindly hands have lain away in the soldier's last resting place, the ranks have thinned until just a remnant are left. It has been my pleas- ure to know many of the "boys" of this post. who in the drama of life played such a noble part in preserving and developing for their posterity this great commonwealth.

Among the names that I recall are those of J. D. Thurman. Uncle Joe Dickson. two of the Whipples, John Douglass, Graves, Henry Striers, Dunn. N. M. Morgan. R. R. Dickson, and Jim Webster. Webster. with his old fife. played in a way that made the "old boys" straighten up, and step quicker, until they were dreaming they were again engaged in that great struggle which made America a free nation and developed a spirit that to-day is thrilling the world by the heroic acts of the boys "over there" in "khaki." The greatest number of those volunteering from this county were from the Callaway community.

POST AT MERNA

Samuel Rice Post. No. 256, was organized in the village of Merna, October 22, 1887, the descriptive list showing fourteen names on the charter. From the comrades of the post we have tried to get the names of the first mem- bers, but are disappointed. However, they are sure that J. J. Joyner was the commander and A. Sommer the adjutant. December 30. 1917, the annual report to department headquarters gave J. B. Smith, commander ; A. Sommer, ad- jutant, and only seven members. The post meets on call. at the home of some member. It is claimed for Adjutant Sommer that he is the only adjutant the post has had in thirty- one consecutive years. The "boys" are hang- ing together by the observance of. Memorial Day, and by urging that "Old Glory" be kept floating over every schoolhouse, that by this means they may impart to the young the spirit of patriotism and freedom. Following are the names of some that have in the past contrib- uted to the success of the post but who have

dropped one by one when the call came for each : J. J. Joyner. S. H. Read. Adam Hanna- wald, Madison Brown. Wells, N. Jacquot. J. M. Lucas. Lewis and H. H. Myers. Although their lives have been humble, their virtues have left upon the community an impress that stamps loyalty : patriotism that has shown it- self in the eagerness of the boys of this day to help to overthrow autocracy, tyranny, and oppression.

The following were the charter members. only four of whom are now living: J. J. Joyner (post commander ). Andy Sommer (adjutant ). Abner C. Towle (quartermaster), Charles Foote. I. A. Coleman. Nicholas Jacqnot. S. H. Read, Charles Fessenden, Madi- son Brown, J. B. Smith, Francis Graham, Adam Hannawald. Joseph Thomas.

In closing this somewhat lengthy history of our Grand Army, I have taken pains to obtain in all cases, a true and correct account of every statement made, either from the post records, from someone in possession of same, or, fail- ing in that, by writing to persons known to have been connected with them : from personal conversation with those who have belonged : and, last, I have applied to the department adjutant general's records, at the state capi- tol and to Comrade H. Bross, department ad- jutant. I am thus greatly indebted for much that is authentic. To the post adjutant and to the other comrades who have aided me in this, I wish to extend my thanks.

IN THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR

And now we record the organization of Custer county's first war unit, and the service it rendered.

Company M. First Nebraska National Guard, was organized at Broken Bow, on June 2, 1896, and was called the Holcomb Guards. in honor of the contemporary governor of Nebraska. IIon. Silas A. Holcomb, who was elected from Broken Bow. The company's first offiecrs were: Captain. John G. Painter ; first lieutenant. V. Claris Talbot : second lieu- tenant. S. M. Doris. When the call was made for volunteers on the 25th day of April, 1898. by President Mckinley, for the Spanish-

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American war, the company was immediately mobilized with the regiment, at Lincoln, Ne- braska, and nearly every member volunteered. The company of eighty-two enlisted men and three officers was mustered into the United States service on May 10, 1898. with John G. Painter, V. Claris Talbot, and Charles T. Orr as officers in the order named. On Monday, May 16th, the company, with the regiment, started for California, preparatory to embar- kation for Manila. Philippine Islands. The command arrived at San Francisco May 20th, and went into camp on an old race-track. af- terward named Camp Merritt, near the Golden Gate Park. At two o'clock on June 14th, the company, with the regiment. the First Nebras- ka Infantry, went aboard the steamship "Senator," in charge of Lieutenant V. C. Talbot ; on account of sickness Captain Painter had previously resigned.

At one o'clock on June 15th the "Senator" steamed out of the harbor, bound for Manila, Philippine Islands, with the Custer county company aboard - every member in fine fettle and all bent upon rendering the country a mil- itary service in western style. After approx- imately a thirty-day voyage, they landed in Manila Bay on July 17. 1898. The next day the work of disembarking commenced, and in connection with the regiment the company established themselves at Camp Dewey, a few miles out of the city of Manila. From this time forth the movements of the company in connection with the regiment are of record in other volumes that have been written and in military reports on file in the war department at Washington, D. C.

While Custer county is proud of her sol- diers and the record they made, their activities in the Manila campaign are not germane to the historical task in hand. other than to record their principal achievements. They partici- pated in the capture of Manila and later helped to put down the Filipino insurrection or re- volt. They participated in the battles of Ca- loocan, Calumpit. San Fernando, Quingua, Malolos. Santa Mesa, and Novaliches, and many others.

After a campaign consisting of eleven

months and two weeks, the company shipped for the home land on the transport. "Han- cock," and landed in San Francisco. August 1, 1899. It immediately went into encampment at the Presidio, San Francisco's famous mili- tary reserve. The company was mustered out of service. at the Presidio. August 23rd of the same year. After being mustered out of gen- eral service the company did not disband but. under the charge of Lieutenant Horace F. Kennedy, was brought to Custer county. When the boys reached Broken Bow. a magnificent reception was tendered them by Broken Bow and Custer county in general. The program consisted of addresses by prominent citizens, band music, all kinds of gala-day stunts, and the genuine Custer county "feed." The com- pany was held together for two or three days. during which time they were entertained in the homes of Broken Bow citizens, and later they were given another reception, by the people of Ansley.

THE MISSING

Two of the boys, Guy C. Livingston and Nat E. Simms, were not with the boys when the company returned. They were killed in bat- tle at Santa Mesa and Novaliches road, re- spectively. The following were severely wounded : Lieutenant Horace F. Kennedy, Corporal Arden R. Chapman, Corporal Hugh Kenover, Corporal Mero C. Shippard, Perle L. Busic, Orson O. Humphreys, Howard L. Kerr. Jack L. Beach, and George L. Sears.

Drs. C. L. Mullins and Willis E. Talbot were with the company and served in a medical capacity, both in the hospital and on the firing line. Both were given commissions as cap- tains in the medical corps.

THE COMPANY PERSONNEL

Captain, Lincoln Wilson ; first lieutenant, Burton Fisher; second lieutenant, Horace F. Kennedy: first sergeant, George R. Frey; quartermaster sergeant, Carey W. Layton; sergeants. Walter S. Flick, John Wood, Mon- roe W. Spence. Hugh Kenoyer ; corporals, Ray Skelton. S. N. Criss, Frank H. Johnson, Ed- ward A. Miller, Arden R. Chapman ; cook,

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HISTORY OF CUSTER COUNTY, NEBRASKA

Seymour Burton; musicians, John S. Benja- min, Clinton E. Gandy; artifieer, Charles E. Green : wagoner. Lemuel M. Clay : general roster - Luther J. Abbott, Jacob G. Albright, Rasmus Anderson, Millard Auxier, Jack L. Beach, Frank G. Bedford, Thomas Birtwell, George E. Boggs. Stephen D. Bolles, Oliver Il. Browning, Henry N. Burke. Perle L. Busic, Oscar S. Carpenter, James Coakley, Charles C. Cooper, John S. Cover, Earl Da- harsh, Charles O. Dahisted, Charles Densmore, Al De Voe. James A. Fishburn. James F. Fitz- gerald, John J. Flanagan, John W. Forsythe, Charles Frye. Elisha Hall, Orson E. Hum- phrey, George D. Johnston, Howard L. Kerr, George F. Kinghorn, Hardy B. Klump, Stew- art E. Lanterman, William L. Lawson. Joseph Mabey. George E. Marquis, Elsworth H. Mun- ford. Emil Oberst, Lilliburn F. Oxford. Will- iam G. Parker. Claude Perkins, Fred W. Peters, Clyde V. Pinkley, Fred II. Reeder, Paul A. Reyner, Francis G. Ryan, Guy A. Salsbury, Arthur H. Shultz, Charles H. Searle, George L. Sears, Maro E. Shipherd, Bennett B. Sloan, John C. Smith. Joseph Smith, Harry C. Steers, Henry O. Thompson. Thomas J. Williams, Roy M. Wiltamuth, Alden S. Winch, George W. Work, Arthur H. Youmans, J. G. Painter (captain), C. T. Orr ( second lieuten- ant ), John 1. Perrin ( sergeant), W. L. Ruck- er (corporal), Brent C. Hatton (artificer ). Nel- son N. Barber. J. A. Bebb. Elwood H. Bomar, Jacob Bierbower. Charles S. Busey, Charles J. Coons, Alvin A. Coxson, B. Cecil Jack. Amos P. Kellogg. Philip S. Kennedy, Alvin Long, Henry G. Martin, Aba M. McCoy, Per- ry G. Metcalf, Frank A. Mitchell. W. W. Potts, John W. Sonthard. William F. Stultz, Joseph 1 .. Tiff. Robert E. Waters. James C. Wood- ward. William D. Grant. Stephen D. Bolles.

THE WORLD WAR

We are not at liberty to go beyond the con- fines of Custer county and attempt to write the history of any other portion of the globe. It is, however, germane to the conditions in Cus- ter county to state that in August, 1914, Germany and Austria-Ilungary declared war on Servia and Russia, that almost before the

world knew it the German army crossed the Belgian border and, before a twenty-four hour ultimatum to France had expired. their army was headed for Paris. England came to the rescue of Belgium and a world-wide war was precipitated -very far-reaching in its conse- quences. Complications continually arose in- volving the neutrality and rights of the United States of America. One event led to another. until April, 1917, when we found ourselves in war with Germany, and on the 6th day of April of the year mentioned, congress declared that a state of war existed between the United States and the central powers of Europe, which at that time had come to embrace Germany. Austria-Hungary. Bulgaria, and Turkey, al- though literally and technically, war was not declared against Turkey or Bulgaria. They were actually drawn into the embroilment, and conditions of war prevailed. regardless of declaration.

It is here that the war touched Custer coun- ty. The raising of an army in the United States presaged the draft bill, and the draft bill levied a quota upon every county in every state of the Union. Up to date, Custer coun- ty has been called upon to furnish more than five hundred soldiers, and probably one-half the number are at this date in France.

Throughout the county the response was patriotic and indicative of a spirit of loyalty very commendable to any people. While this chapter is being written, two millions of men, composing the army of the United States of America, are in France and Belgium. Many Custer county boys are among them. Several of them have given their lives, and we regret that at this time there is no public record from which can be ascertained the full number of Custer boys who have made the supreme sacri- fiee and paid in blood for the redemption of the weaker nations of the world.

Recorded here are the names and the obit- uary notices that appeared in the local papers of the county at the time the boys of our contingent succumbed to death, either by dis- ease in the camp or on the battle-field of a foreign land. It is known to all that Custer county has given its share of men, lite, and

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blood, and the entire county does homage to those whose names here follow.

CLYDE G. SEIVER

The first Custer county boy to give his life for his country, so far as we are able to learn, is the one named above, concerning whom the Custer County Chief of December 27. 1917, gives the following :

This community was deeply shocked on last Sunday by a dispatch from Fort Worden, Washington, announcing the death of Clyde G. Seiver. Clyde enlisted in his country's ser-

CLYDE G. SEIVER

vice November 10. 1917, and chose the wire- less-telegraphy branch. He was sent to Fort Logan, Colorado, and made the trip there with Roy Holcomb and Harold Predmore. Later on, the boys became separated and Clyde was sent to Fort Worden, Washington. His father. Guy Seiver, knew nothing of his seri- ous illness until the death telegram came and the shock was therefore a severe one. Just what was the cause of his death is not definite- ly known, owing to the fact that mail advices now on the way had not reached Broken Bow

up to to-day. But pneumonia is thought to be the cause. Later telegrams announce that the body will arrive here Saturday morning and the funeral will be held on Sunday at 2:30 P. M., at the Methodist church.

Clyde G. Seiver was born December 21, 1895, at Geneva, Nebraska, and was twenty- two years and two days old at the time of his death. He came to Custer county with his parents when he was two years old. His mother died in July, 1902. Clyde grew to manhood in this city. Ile graduated from the Broken Bow high school in 1913, after which he taught one year and then took a course in shorthand and typewriting, in the high school.

RAYMOND ROSS KILLED

An official report from the adjutant general's headquarters at Washington carly Saturday morning announced that Private Raymond L. Ross, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ross, of New Helena, had been killed in action July 21. Private Ross was nearly twenty-four years old. He was purely a Custer county product, having been born at New Helena, October 16, 1894. He was called to service October 5, 1917, and left here, with the second contingent, for Camp Funston, where he was assigned to Company D, Three Hundred and Fifty-fifth Infantry. On February 26, 1918. Private Ross was called for overseas duty, and three weeks later sailed from Camp Stewart, Newport News, Virginia, with Company F. Fourth Infantry.

Private Ross was the only boy in a family of three children, and up to the time of enter- ing the United States service had always re- mained at home with his parents. Generally liked by all who knew him, the news of his death was received with genuine regret. Dur- ing last Christmas he was home on furlough. and spent the time with his parents, at New Helena. This was his last visit home, and he left two months later for France. The de- parted soldier is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ross, of New Helena, and two sisters. Mrs. Thelma Sargent, of Wal- worth, and Miss Leona Ross, who is employed by the Dierks Company in Broken Bow.

Memorial services were held Sunday after- noon of this week at Anselmo, Rev. George P. Trites, of the Broken Bow Methodist church, preaching the sermon. The services were held in the new community building, which was hardly large enough to accommo- date the great crowd present. Both the audi- torium and balcony were filled to capacity and many had to stand. People from all over the

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county were there, and it is estimated that no less than one thousand did honor to the dead boy's memory. A mixed quartette from Bro- ken Bow, comprising Mrs. A. E. Anderson, Mrs. Ralph Thompson, Karl Abbott, and Roy Thompson, with Mrs. E. P. Walter, accom- panist, rendered the music for the occasion.

The stage was beautifully decorated with flowers and the national colors, the community service-flag occupying the center position. Editor R. Il. Miller, of the Enterprise, made an appropriate introductory talk, in which he extolled the merits of the deceased soldier and feelingly referred to the blue star that had now turned to gold.

JOSEPH ELWOOD PALMER

The first Custer county boy to be killed in battle was Joseph Elwood Palmer, a modest, unassuming youth who possessed all the quali- ties of heroism and sacrifice. He was in the second quota of the Custer county draft, and with the local contingent entrained at Broken

JOSEPH ELWOOD PALMER

Bow, September 2, 1917. He was born in Custer county October 29, 1891. His parents, at that time, were residing on a homestead in the vicinity of Broken Bow. His home had always been on the homestead, with the excep-

tion of four years spent in Broken Bow, while pursuing his studies at the Broken Bow high school. He was a graduate of the class of 1912. He landed overseas in April, 1918, was wounded by shrapnel June 15th, while on a night raid, and died June 16, 1918. CUT 516

But little data concerning the raid in which he met his death can be obtained. His brother was with him in the same excursion, but it seems that they became separated, and the brother did not know until later that Elwood had been hurt.

PAUL COFFMAN

Paul Coffman lies dead in France. Out on the front line with the American troops in France, Paul Coffman, a Mason City boy, a soldier of America, lost his life in the line of duty.

Paul Coffman was born on his home farm north of Mason City. September 21. 1886, youngest son of H. T. and Beatrice Coffman. He came to his death while on the front battle lines with the American forces in France, on September 8, 1918. His body was tenderly laid away in a village churchyard near where he died, by his comrades in arms, some of whom were Custer county boys.

This paper has never been called upon to chronicle a death where its announcement has caused more expressions of grief than this. When the telegram from the war department brought the sad news to the widowed mother of the death of her son, a feeling of sadness never before experienced by the people of this community swept over it; it was as if each one had met with the loss of a loved member of the family. All felt a personal bereave- ment. Paul Coffman was born and reared here : everybody knew and liked him. Genial and agreeable among his associates, honorable in his dealings, upright in conduct, a clean lovable young man has gone from us, never to return.

Paul Coffman did not have to go to war. Avenues for refusing to accept service in the army, honorable and legitimate, were open to him. He donned the uniform of the soldier and sought to perform, willingly, gladly, that exalted duty he felt he owed to his country. There was no hesitancy, no holding back on his part : when his country called he was ready. He went with a smile on his face, and there is not the least doubt in the mind of any one who knew this splendid young man but that he performed his duties as a soldier with that same spirit of willingness which characterized his actions in home affairs.

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HISTORY OF CUSTER COUNTY, NEBRASKA

Entombed on a foreign soil, in a far-distant land, it is probable that the eyes of a relative or a friend, other than his comrades in arms, will never see his burial place, but so long as France lives and the deeds of valor of the American soldiers who fought for liberty and freedom on that foreign shore are sung, against the hordes of hell, Paul Coffman's memory will never perish. He made the supreme sacrifice ; no man could do more.

To attempt to beguile the widowed mother of this brave soldier son from the 'poignant grief of such an overwhelming loss, would in- deed be vain and futile, did she not have the sweet consolation that may be found in the gratitude of the people of that country he died to save and the plaudits of honor which our grateful people shower on real heroes. She, too, has made a great sacrifice. The widow of an honored soldier of the Civil war for freedom, and the mother of a slain soldier in the great war for freedom and liberty to the crushed people across the seas, the hearts of our people go out to her in the anguish of her bereavement.

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History of Custer County, Nebraska; a narrative of the past, with special emphasis upon the pioneer period of the county's history, its social, commercial, educational, religous, and civic developement from the early days to the present time, Part 43

Author: Gaston, William Levi, 1865- [from old catalog]; Humphrey, Augustin R., 1859- [from old catalog] Publication date: 1919 Publisher: Lincoln, Neb., Western publishing and engraving company Number of Pages: 1180

Author: Gaston, William Levi, 1865- [from old catalog]; Humphrey, Augustin R., 1859- [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1919
Publisher: Lincoln, Neb., Western publishing and engraving company
Number of Pages: 1180