USA > Nebraska > York County > York County, Nebraska and its people : together with a condensed history of the state, Vol. II > Part 18
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"After all the arrangements were completed with the girl's father and the young man and the time set for the ceremony, everybody in the case was happy except the girl. Here is where the trouble began with these parties. The girl objected ; she thought that she was the one who should be consulted, and refused to carry out her father's contract with the young man, and her father could not per- suade her. The matter was reported to the chief; the chief with his select warriors were called together as a council of war. After they had heard the evidence of the father and the young man they listened to the girl. The girl's objections were that there was another young man she preferred. Still the verdict of the chief and his counselors of war was that the girl should carry out the contract and accept the young man as her bridegroom. The girl still refused and was forced to be married to the former young man.
"The young man, the father and the mother could not persuade her to accept,
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and the next morning the matter was referred back to the chief. Their mode of punishment for what they considered a crime was to be whipped; so the chief ordered the young girl whipped. She was taken by two young men of her own tribe, a rope was put around her neck, her back was bared, and she was then bound to a tree. The chief had ordered one of the young men to give her ten lashes with the whip that had been presented to her husband at their marriage ceremony.
"Her cries and screams, so severe was her punishment, were heard half a mile away. They were then camped on the south side of the Blue, and Heller's folks were on the north side. Heller's folks, hearing the eries and screams, supposed that one of their neighbors was sick and had started across the river to the neighbor's house to find ont the cause. After they had crossed the river they saw this young girl coming, crying and hallooing. Not understanding their language, they could not make out what it was, but they saw the welts that were upon the girl's body, and motioned her to go to the house on the other side of the river.
"The girl went to the house, ran through the house into the bedroom and jumped on the bed, still crying and hallooing. Heller's women folks, not knowing what it meant, ran out of the house and waited until the men came home. Not understanding what the case was, we went to the chief's wigwam and there, through the interpreter. found out what is stated above. In talking to the interpreter, and he talking to the chief, we were given to understand that that was their law and their custom of punishment for all crimes. Through us and the interpreter, the chief sent the father to the house and brought the young girl back to camp. Father, mother, and her intended persuaded the young girl to carry out her father's contract. We watched the couple through the winter, and they seemed. after knowing one another, to enjoy one another's company, and in the spring left their camping ground for Omaha, their old home."
YORK COUNTY BAR
York County's bar began to attain eminence in judicial circles very early in its career, and George W. Post started this habit by a very early election to the Dis- trict Bench, a post of honor to which numerous York County lawyers later attained.
George Wallace Post was born at Cumberland, Guernsey County, Ohio, Febru- ary 20, 1848, the son of Rev. William E. and Sarah S. Post, both of Scotch lineage.
When George was about three years old the family removed to Hibbardsville, Ohio, where they resided until about the year 1859, when the entire family removed to Clay County, Missouri. This was just before the War of the Rebellion. Political animosity soon became so pronounced that men known to be in sympathy with the Union were not safe in that part of the country. George's father was an outspoken antislavery advocate and friend of the Union. As a result, practically all of his property was confiscated and destroyed, and he was glad to get away with the mem- bers of his family uninjured. The family then located at Leon, Decatur County, Iowa, from which place they removed a year later to Davis County, Iowa, near Bloomfield, where the father died in 1868, leaving a widow and six children, two daughters and four sons. In May. 1864, George Wallace Post enlisted in Com- pany D, 15th Jowa Infantry, and was discharged in September of the same year by reason of the expiration of the term of service.
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In addition to his attendance in the public schools, he was educated at Troy College, an institution then flourishing at Troy, Iowa. By teaching school and working by the month, he earned the money to assist his mother and family and pay his way through school. While in school he also devoted a part of his time to reading law, and in 1871 he was admitted to the bar at Bloomfield, Jowa. Soon after this he came to York, Nebraska, and engaged in the practice of his profession. From 1871 to 1875 he was active in his profession, being engaged in much of the important litigation in this part of the state. In 1875 he was elected district judge of the fourth judicial district, which comprised the counties of Dodge, Colfax, Platte, Merrick, Hall, Howard, Hamilton, Polk, Butler, Saunders, Seward, and York. Four years later he was elected to the same othice. Before the expiration of his second term he was forced to resign his office by reason of ill health, which was induced by overwork. On March 5, 1883, he was appointed collector of internal revenue and United States disbursing offieer for Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. This appointment came to him without solicitation on his part. He dis- charged the duties of that office until October, 1886, at which time he resigned in order to devote himself to his personal business. In 1872 he issued the first call for a republican convention in York County and presided over the convention. He was chairman of the County Republican Committee for many years. He was the chief attorney for the Northwestern Railway Company south of the Platte River during all of its construction period.
He was united in marriage on January 1, 1879, with Miss Laura MeConaughy, at Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. To them have been born five children, four daughters and one son.
On retiring from publie offiee he devoted himself to the business of banking, in which he was already interested. On March 20. 1884, he was elected president of the York Exchange Bank. This bank was soon reorganized as the York National Bank, of which he was elected president and continued as such until October, 1893, at which time he and his business associates bought the First National Bank of York, and consolidated the two banks and operated the same as the First National Bank. He served as president of this bank until August, 1912. Ile organized and became president of the First Trust Company of York in August, 1911. He organ- ized and became president of the Bank of Benedict November 27, 1889, and con- tinned as president until February 8, 1906, at which time the bank of Benediet was converted into the First National Bank of Benedict. He served as president of this bank until August, 1912. On May 14, 1879, he and his business associates organ- ized the State Bank of Bradshaw. He served as president of this bank until March, 1906, at which time this bank was converted into the First National Bank of Brad- shaw. He was elected president and served until August, 1912. In June, 1889, he became president of the Blue River Bank of MeCool Junction and served as such until Angust, 1912. In April, 1902, he bought the controlling interest in the Bank of Lushton and served as vice president until August, 1912. In May, 1885, he became president of the Farmers and Traders Bank of Waco and served continuously as president until August, 1912. After he sold his banking and property interests he removed to Torrence, California, where he has actively engaged in many banking and business matters, but has never lost his interest in York County, which still holds a large corner in his heart.
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THE DISTRICT COURTS OF YORK COUNTY
In 1873 Judge Lake continued as district judge, or rather as the reader will gather from the history of the state courts in that state section of this work, the members of the Supreme Court held the District Court work throughout the state at that time. George W. Post became district attorney at this time. George B. France and Edward Bates had opened law offices by this time. M. B. Hoxie became district attorney in 1876, and Judge William Gaslin, who had held court in York in 1876, was succeeded by Judge George W. Post. With its first resident judge, court work in York County began to assume more regularity. M. B. Reese becanie the next district attorney for this jurisdiction and served for the next three years, with District Judge Post. Bird C. Wakley became court reporter in 1872. In 1879 Attorneys Bates. Moore, and Scott were the commissioners to examine applicants for admission to the bar. In that period the examinations could be made by a local board of attorneys and the applicants admitted before the local District Court. M. S. Lindsay was thus admitted in 1879. John T. Bell acted as court reporter in January, 1880. The lawyers not already mentioned who were practicing here by 1880 were D. R. Ralston, N. V. Harlan, and W. W. Giffen. At the July, 1880, session. Judge Reese and District Attorney Reese officiated, with B. C. Wakeley as court reporter, and Fred C. Power was admitted to practice. In December, 1880, E. M. Battis was Judge Post's court reporter. The 1881 work was handled by the same officers. Thomas Darnell was district attorney in the 1882 and 1883 sessions. Judge Gaslin, who was at this time presiding over a district composed of counties lying farther west in the state, presided in February, 1883, in York County. The term of May 8, 1883, was presided over by the new judge of this district. Hon. T. L. Norval of Seward, whose court reporter was H. M. Waring. They came to York for court in January and December, 1884, and April, 1885. In December, 1885, Frank B. Tipton was court reporter with Judge Norval. This pair of court officers made visits to York County for court terms during 1886, 1887, 1888, and 1889. In January, 1890, a term of court was held at York by the newly appointed judge. Jerome HI. Smith of Aurora. J. T. Hale had become county attorney with the change of system that supplanted the district attorney, with a county attorney for each separate county. F. C. Power took this office over in 1890. In 1891 Edward Bates of York became the county's second resident district judge, and T. E. Hamil- ton became his court reporter, and Matt Miller of David City was the other judge of this district. In March, 1891, Judge J. E. Cochran of McCook held district court in York for Judge Bates. In June, 1891, Judge William Marshall of Fre- mont, of the neighboring fifth district, held court in York for Judge Bates. As reporter, W. T. Bucher worked with him. Judge Bates held a term in October, 1891, with F. B. Tipton as court reporter. In January, 1892, York County District Court had its first term, held by Judge Robert Wheeler of Polk County. Bucher served as his reporter, with H. L. Laird as deputy at the February session. Judge Bates and Reporter Hamilton worked at the September, 1892, session, and again in January, 1893. The district was now firmly entrenched with two district judges, which system has prevailed in this judicial district up to the present time (1921). In 1893 George F. Corcoran became court reporter for Judge Wheeler, and thus York had one judge and two reporters for a time. Judge Bates and Reporter Ilam- ilton worked on the York County docket in the early part of 1894. Judge Wheeler
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took the docket late in 1894. The court in 1895 and 1896 was held by Judge Bates. In 1896 for a third time York County furnished a judge to this judicial district, when Samuel H. Sedgwick assumed the office. Nellie Kelly, who had served in the office of Sedgwick & Power and at times worked as deputy reporter, assumed the work for nine months, until the arrival of Arthur W. Richardson of David City. Mr. Richardson afterwards served as reporter in Lancaster County and is now an actively practicing attorney of Lincoln. Judge Bates held the docket in January, February, and May, 1897. York County now had two resident judges, Judges Bates and Sedgwick, and had continuous service. From then on the work was generally divided between the two judges, each holding part of the court work in the county. But in 1899 and 1900, Judge Sedgwick held most of the York County work. T. E. Hamilton had served as reporter with Bates right along, and in 1900, when Judge B. F. Good of Wahoo, Saunders County, succeeded Judge Bates, George F. Corcoran returned to the court reportership. When Judge Sedg- wiek was succeeded by Judge S. II. Sornberger of Saunders County. O. P. Heald of Osceola became court reporter. In 1901, 1902, and 1903 the terms were divided between Judges Good and Sornberger. In 1904 Judge Arthur J. Evans of David City became Judge Good's colleague, and C. J. Brown of York his reporter. They divided the terms in York County during 1904, 1905, 1906, and 1907. . Beginning in 1908, Judge Good's colleague on the beneh was his former reporter, George F. Corcoran of York, who appointed Albert P. Sprague of York as his reporter. For a short period Reporter Heald went to Idaho to do special work on the Hayward trials. In 1912 E. E. Good of Wahoo became district judge, succeeding Judge B. F. Good. Since 1912, for a period of practically nine years, Judges Good and Corcoran have worked together in this district. Reporters Heald and Sprague have remained at the task, until, in 1919, Reporter Heald resigned to enter the banking business at Trenton, Neb., and Judge Good was without a permanent reporter until in Jan- uary, 1921, when Reporter G. M. Baird, who has served many years with District Judge H. S. Dungan of Hastings, came to him for regular work.
YORK COUNTY LAWYERS
York County has always had an excellent bar. Mention has already been made of the earlier lawyers-Judge George Wallace Post, Judge Edward Bates, W. T. Scott, W. W. Giffen, N. V. Harlan, D. T. Moore, George B. France, and Fred C. Power. In 1880 the attorneys carrying announcement eards in the papers were : J. F. Hale, W. T. Scott & W. P. Conner, J. H. Cleaves, F. H. Graves, Montgomery & Harlan, W. W. Giffen, and France & Sedgwick.
By 1884 this list had expanded so it shows the arrival of a number of new members of the York County bar. At that time lawyers practicing in York included : Hale & Head (J. F. Hale and II. B. Head). D. T. Moore, Sedgwick & Power, J. C. Naylor, France & Harlan, Scott & Frank (W. T. Scott and M. C. Frank), J. C. Moats, E. A. Gilbert, A. C. Montgomery, T. Eddy Bennett, D. T. Moore, J. C. Carnahan, and Fred C. Power.
Attorney Culbertson in 1886 was a partner with W. W. Giffen. The bar con- tinued on through the later '80s with very few changes, even in the personnel of the firms. Another attorney who began practicing in York during this period was W. M. Cowell.
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The firm of Scott & Frank was succeeded by the firm of Scott & Gilbert. W. S. Willard came very late in the '80s. G. W. Bemis was also practicing about this time in York, having been admitted to practice in 1876 and practiced for some years in Clay County. J. W. Purinton, who is still practicing in York, began early in the '90s, having been admitted in 1890. George M. Spurlock was also admitted to practice in 1890. Other lawyers who have been actively practicing in York in recent years who were admitted to practice in this same decade were: W. W. Wyckoff. 1894: (. F. Stroman, 1895: W. L. Kirkpatrick, 1894. and H. G. Hop- kins, 1896. The firm of France & Harlan was dissolved in the early '90s. A. S. and N. V. Harlan were practicing as Harlan & Ilarlan.
At the beginning of the decade of 1900 to 1910, somewhat of a re-alignment of firms had taken place. E. A. and C. F. Gilbert were practicing together as Gilbert Brothers. Judge Bates, having retired from the district bench, had entered the firin of Bates & Kirkpatrick. W. W. Wyckoff. T. E. Bennett, and E. A. Fletcher were practicing alone. Other firms were Purinton & Olmstead and Sedgwick & Power. A short time later J. W. Purinton began to practice alone. After Judge Sedgwick went on the bench, F. C. Power was left alone. But within a few years, and prior to 1906, new alignments were formed and the firms of Purinton & Sandall and Power & Meeker appeared. By 1908 J. W. Purinton and C. E. Sandall were practicing alone.
A roster of the York County' bar in 1909 shows those then practicing to be : G. W. Bemis, T. E. Bennett, France & France (G. B. France and G. W. France). Gilbert Brothers, II. G. Hopkins, W. L. Kirkpatrick, Power & Meeker ( F. C. Power and M. Meeker), J. W. Purinton, C. E. Sandall. Samuel II. Sedgwick, George M. Spurlock, C. F. Stroman, A. B. Taylor, M. M. Wildman. Arthur G. Wray, and W. W. Wyckoff.
Eleven years have shown but few changes in the personnel of this bar, as in 1920 twelve of those named above are still practicing in York County. The roster of the bar in 1920 shows John Carlin, G. W. France, C. F. Gilbert, E. A. Gilbert, Oden S. Gilmore, who was admitted in 1911; J. E. Hoover, H. G. Hopkins, W. L. Kirk- patrick, Benton Perry, J. W. Purinton, C. E. Sandall, T. E. Sedgwick, George M. Spurlock, Charles F. Stroman, M. M. Wildman, Arthur G. Wray, and W. W. Wyekotľ.
CHAPTER XX
A CHRONOLOGICAL SURVEY OF YORK COUNTY'S PROGRESS
Now having taken the story of York County's settlement, development and growth, of the pioneers, of the individuals in every line of endeavor who bore the burdens of the past sixty years, and having divided this story into some twenty parts, according to the various lines of human endeavor, let us, in closing, approach the subject from one more angle.
Taken chronologically, year by year, marking the initial venture into each classification of life in a community like York County, and recording the unusual hardships and successes, unfolds the story like a drama.
1861. The location of the territorial road at a point on the line of the old Government or California Trail, forty miles east of the present Kearney, marked the initial step in bringing the York County territory on the map.
1862. This territory, York County, was still in the hands of the Indians, the wild animals of the prairie, and an occasional trapper or emigrant passing through.
1863. The first frame building was built on Porcupine Ranch ( Brown Town- ship) by Benjamin F. Lushbaugh, United States Indian agent, conducted by Samue' Kearney : this marks the beginning of human building operations in York County.
1864. Lushbaugh established Jack Smith Ranch, which was in charge of Mr. Chapin six months and then of Mr. Smith. The first death occurred upon this ranch. The McDonald Ranch was established in the same year. David Baker in Angust settled near the present location of York.
1865. In February the first permanent settlement was made by John Anderson and his son, William Anderson, on the West Blue River; they homesteaded the south half of section 9, range 1. The second death in the county occurred when Sam Tate was shot by Smith in self-defense ; the grave is on the brow of a hill on section 15, township 10, range 2, four miles southeast of York.
1866. The first white child was born in the county (Lillie M. Gilmore, June 3d ; now Mrs. J. E. Hunt of Bayard, Neb.), on the Jerry Stanton homestead, near where McCool is now.
1867. The first postoffice in the county was established at MeFadden, with Fernando McFadden as postmaster. The first wedding in the county was the mar- riage of Mr. N. J. Dixon and Miss Lydia A. Gilmore, at the Elias Gilmore home, the ceremony being performed by Squire Millspaugh. The second couple was married in October-Mr. and Mrs. Ed Copsey.
1868. A large herd of buffaloes invaded the county. A United Brethren elass was formed. The Pawnees, Omahas, Otoes and Poncas and Sioux invaded the county on the south side of the Blue, eight miles south of York.
1869. The site of York was taken as a pre-emption by Ghost and Sherwood, for
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the South Platte Land Company. In October the site of York was platted and surveyed.
1870. By proclamation of Governor Butler, York County was formed. On April 26th the first election was held. There were eighty-six votes east in three precincts. The first schoolhouse was prepared, Lizzie Lowery being teacher.
1871. A new mail route, from Lincoln via Seward. went through to Grand Island. Postoffices were established at Palo, Thayer, and Aikins' Mills in York County. The courthouse election was held, and a school district was formed in York.
1872. On March 19th, an election voted down the Midland Pacific Railroad proposal. In June an agricultural society was organized. A courthouse was built. The first paper, the York Monitor, was issued.
1873. York County took on a big debt for the erection of bridges and other internal improvements. The first county fair was held. The big Easter storm did great destruction.
1874. The Congregational Academy was brought to York. In August the first serious grasshopper invasion took place.
1875. Hon. George W. Post elected district judge. County board incorporated Town of York. First bank in county started by MeWhirter. Arborville laid out by C. S. Harrison.
1876. York Republican started. Very serious grasshopper invasion.
1877. B. & M. Railroad reached York and county has a railroad at last. Town site of Waco laid out.
1878. Liedke elected state auditor. Langworthy establishes York County Bank. 1879. Methodist Episcopal Conference Seminary at. York. Red Lyon flour mill erected. B. & M. Railroad went on to Bradshaw.
1880. Bell's Block erected in York. New York incorporated by Mr. Woolley at north end of Town of York. Bradshaw laid out. York Times started. First Farmers' Alliance in country starts in West Blue Township of York County.
1881. First National Bank Building erected by Langworthy, Commercial State Bank started, from Sayre & Atkins' business.
1882. First National Bank in York chartered. York Exchange Bank started, becomes later York National Bank. York fire department organized.
1883. County board increased from three to seven members.
1884. Village of New York becomes part of Greater York.
1885. Library organization formed by ladies of York. County board enlarged to seventeen members.
1886. New courthouse built. Old courthouse building sold at public auction to S. A. Harper and Morgan & Green for $250, and used for paint and carpenter shop, at Lincoln Avenue, between city and depot. York fire department won belt, cup. and championship at Fremont at fourth annual tournament. Street railway (horse cars) projected in York.
1887. Railroad building activity in the county. McCool, Thayer, Benedict and Poston, now Gresham, started as new towns. Second victory of fire department boys at Kearney, lower world's record to 44 4/5.
1888. January 2d, great storm devastates county. George B. France elected state master of Masonic order. Henderson and Lushton, new towns, laid out and
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started. York lost its university to Wesleyan school at University Place. Presby- terian building at York dedicated.
1889. At Red Cloud fire department wins third and final victory and secures possession of cup, at seventh annual tournament. Y. M. C. A. at York organized.
1890. Ursuline Convent secured for York. York College, United Brethren school, secured, which replaces somewhat loss of Methodist school. Pioneer David Henderson died. On June 3d Town of Bradshaw practically wiped out by terrible cyclone. Benedict incorporated.
1891. Mothers' Jewels' Home at York, in charge of Mr. and Mrs. B. Spur- lock. City National Bank organized at York.
1892. York College building dedicated in June.
1893. Pioneer Lee Martin died. George W. Post and associates take over First National Bank at York.
1894. Library work revived by new free library association in city building. Various clubs organized for women's work and musical and literary studies.
1895. October 16, York Methodist Church burned to ground.
1896. October 17, York Methodists dedicate new stone church. County board of twenty members reduced to system of seven supervisors.
1897. York Teller and Blue Valley Journal at MeCool started. New state bank organized at Bradshaw.
1898. Spanish-American war.
1901. Mrs. Lydia A. B. Woods made gift of $10,000-$8,000 for library site and building and $2,000 for books. Christian and U. B. churches dedicated.
1902. New library building opened. Y. M. C. A. building built.
1903. New building at York College.
1904. E. C. Bishop of this county made deputy state superintendent of public instruction.
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