Custer County, Nebraska - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 12 of those read), 1919

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 12 of those read)

The Grand Army of the RErri;Lic - Broken" Bow Organizes a Post - Berwvn Post - Post at ^Iasox City - Post at Ansley - Post at Arnold - The Post at Sargent - Post at Comstock - Post at Callaway - Post at Merna - Ix the Spanish-American War - The Missing - The Company Personnel - The World War - Clyde G. Seiver - Joseph Elwood Palmer - Raymond Ross Killed - Paul CoFFMAN - Lewis H. Robertson - Gustav Roerick - Claris A. Tucker - Orrie Amsberry - Henry E. Cain - Arthur Bergman - Glen Buckner - Lovd Clow - Sam Miller - Gage Sauter - Roscoe Rhodes - ^John M. Rudge - Jeff Andrews - Clyde O. Thomas - Chester Webb - James X. Burdick - Roy Imboden - Homer M. Yates - Harvey M. Sloggett - Ralph C. Leui - \anner A. Gustus - Joseph Ber- NERT - Custer's Military Roster - World War Activities - The Exemption Board - Bond Drives - The War Savings Stamp Drive - The Young Men's Christian Association - The Four Mixute Men - War Savings Societies - The American Red Cross - Woman's Council of Defense - Public Meetings and Celebrations - Gexeral Pershixg's Birthday Celebration

In cverv national emertjency Custer county struction in patriotism anil was taught alhas done its part. It has contrilnited to the man legiancc to the Hag. In fact, the presence of power of the national army whenever a call so many defenders of the republic in every has been made. To every apjieal for money community, engendered an atmosphere of pamade by anv department of war work, it has triotism which, no doubt, bad a very salutary contributed lavishly. In all these matters it effect upon the country, has a record in which every citizen can delight. In 1898, during the Spanish-American war.

The county had no fwpulation in the days of Custer county furnished her quota, as will be the Civil war and, consequently, was not called seen in a further perusal of this chapter. In upon for recruits to the federal army. Imme- the great war of the world, Custer county has diatelv after the war, vast tracts of the piiblic responded to every call. It has contributed domain were thrown open to free homestead to Y. M. C. A. war work. Red Cross work, entry. The liberal policy of the government in Knights of Columbus war work, bond suballowing the ex-soldier to apply his army time scriptions, savings-stamps subscriptions, and on his homestead time, brought a great influx Red Cross war work. The people have made of northern soldiers into the middle west, and every sacrifice asked of them. They have Custer county got its share. Owing to this heartily entered into every proposition of confact, the Grand Army of the Republic, or the servation of either food or fuel, more detailed G. A. R. as it was more commonly called, be- mention of which will follow, came a very noteworthy organization. In the hcydcy of its power, nine G. .A. R. posts flourished in the countv. It was due to these bled the following data relative to the G. A. R. posts in the county. Much credit is due Mr. Fodge for the painstaking manner in which he has furnished details. Through his kindness we are enabled to present a brief description of each post in the county.

The old soldier is mustering out very rapidlv. In a few more \ears the veteran in blue will be gone, and his place w^ill be taken by his sons of the second generation, who to-day are wearing the khaki and serving in the great army of the United States, either in the home cantonments or in the battle fields

C. C. Washlnirn Post No. 98, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized August 12, 1882, with fifteen charter members as follows : R. H. Miller, H. C. Reyner. Irving Stockcr, Peter Dinger, Mark King, Moses Lewis, Wallace Raymond, C. F. Graves, J. S. Benjamin, Albert Kemp, George Bishop. John I. J. Shaul, R. P. McKnight, and Charles P. Fost.

The mustering of and the first meetings of the post were held in a large sod house, situed on the corner now occupied by the Broken Bow State Bank. This sod building was erected by R. H. Miller, and served as his residence. Later it became the home of the Custer County Republican, with Mr. Aliller as editor and manager, as well as the meeting place for the post.

Of the above mentioned charter members, so far as we can learn, only Judge J. S. Benjamin survives. He. with his wife, continues to live upon his homestead, adjoining the city upon the north. Although in feeble health, the Judge enjoys the esteem and good will of his many friends, is always more than glad to recall with them the many thrilling and heroic events of the early days, and to fight over again with his old comrades the battles of the '60s.

' give tlie names and terms of the several commanders, accuratclw For correctness of names of those that follow, we are indebted to the memories of several comrades consulted, in addition to such records as can be used.

R. H. Miller was the first commander, then J. S. Benjamin. G. \\'. Frye. John C. Maulick. J. \V. Bruce, M. K. Hagadorn. R. E. Glass, M. M. Parkhurst, John Reese, James Whitehead, A. W. Gandy, W. W. Cowles, W. S. Boyce. G. W. Rawson, Ner Hartley. R. R. Bangs. H. W. George. A. ^^-. Drake, \\\ II. .\ndrews, J. AI. Fodge, J. B. Klump. and Henry H. Myers. Eleven of them are dead.

The roster and descriptive list shows there have been mustered into this post, up to and including August 7. 1918. in all 198 members. ( )f this great number, only eighteen remain on said roster, as shown by the last official report, on June ^0, 1918. There are, however, that many more yet living within easy reach, who from the infirmities of age and other causes do not have membership with the post.

When one remembers that it is more than half a century since the men who compose the Grand Army of the Republic put aside the weapons of w'ar and assumed the duties and responsibilities of the civilian, many of them already shattered in health because of service, exposures and hardslii]is of camp life, then can we find the reason for the thimiing ranks, and can only wonder that as many as above reported now live.

It is due to these, and to their posterity, that some recognition, at least, be given to a few of those noble men who so unselfishly sacrificed their time and comfort, that sufifering be relieved, that civil laws and authority be established - in short, in leaving as a heritage an enlightened, patriotic, peace-loving, and Christian community in which to live.

Of this great number of men you have known, we can only mention a few that have contributed to this end, as follows : W. D. Hall, John Ingham, R. C. Talbott. W. W. Cowles, Isaac Merchant, Milo Young, James \\'hitehead. Charles T. Crawford. James L. Oxford. A. W. Gaudy. M. H. Deem, who with a host of others, in their various positions, and capacities, contributed so much to the social,

We cannot refrain from mentioning the ladies of the Woman's Relief Corps, an auxiliary of the Grand Army - the wives, daughters, and other loyal women of the community who have aided so grandly in ministering to the sick and the needy of these comrades and the widows through all the years the post has existed.

Berwyn Post

Berwyn Post, No. 307, was mustered and held its first meeting in the schoolhouse in the village of Berwyn, July 12, 18^0. with eight members. John Low was chosen commander, with I. McAllister adjutant, and R. W. Buckner as quartermaster. The date for meeting was the second Saturday.

In point of numbers, this w^as perhaps the weakest post organized in the county, and yet it was organized at a time when the patriotic fervor in the county was at its highest, because of the district reunions that were being held annually under the management of the Central Nebraska \'eteran Association, comprising the counties of Custer, Dawson, Sherman, Valley, Loup, Blaine, and Logan. These reunions lasted two and three days, with tents for camping, sham battles with artillery, cavalry, and infantry, with programs and campfires for the evenings, and conspired to fire the "old war spirit in old soldiers." The last one of these reunions was held at Ansley, in which a novel engagement took place. Others had been held at Broken Bow and at Ord, in \'alley county.

Hundreds of the comrades with their families enjoyed these camping and educational gatherings. S'o it was under such influence this post was instituted and lived. We do not have the date on which they were suspended or surrendered charter, more than they reported in the annual report of December, 1894, and it must necessarily have been later. Department headquarters have no account of it.

April 20, 1893. with fifteen names on the charter. The first commander was H. J. Davis, with T. S. Crossley. adjutant, and Jacob Cover, quartermaster. The meetings were held the first and third Saturday evening of each month.

We have no authentic account of how many members have been mustered into this post since the primary muster. The last annual report to the department headquarters was made December 31. l'U7, and gave at that

Members of Stone River Post, G. A. R., oe Mason City Standing (from left to right) : lohn Mulvanev, R. K. Miller, D. F. Weimer. Sitting: T. S. Croslev, L. B. Hill.

The comrades who have belonged to this post, as in every other Grand Army post in our order throughout the nation, exerted an influence for good upon society, in that the young have been taught patriotism and love of home and native land.

Post At Ansley

Steadman Post, No. 180, located now at Ansley, was originally mustered at Westerville, February 20, 1884. There were 108 names on the charter at organization. The

The last semi-annual report to department headquarters, made June 30, 1918, gave the membership as eleven, with George William as commander, and O. B. Foster, adjutant. The post meets the last Thursday in each month.

The ladies of the Woman's Relief Corps, a patriotic organization that is composed only of the wives and daughters of veterans of the Civil war, and is an auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, have greatly aided in keeping the patriotic spirit that dominates the whole people of the community.

Of the many comrades who have in the past comprised this post, we recall Isaac Clark, M. Johnson, J. F. Sharpless, T. T. Varney, C. S. Ellison, Tip Daniels, Daniel Hagiili, S. B. Harris, H. Alberts, T. T. Williams, with others whose names we have not space to mention, but who have by their sterling virtues and patiotic lives, aided so materially in the making of one of the best and most desirable communities in which to live.

The spirit of liberty inculated, is evidenced by the ready response to the country's call by the many young men who went "over there," or have been in training to aid in the overthrow of autocracy and tyranny.

Post At .Arnold

Excelsior Post, No. 196, was organized at Arnold August 25, 1884. The officers reported at organization were: R. C. Callahan, commander: A. H. Needham, adjutant: and M. S. Pasko, (|uartermaster. We cannot give names or number of members of nuister, as the post never filed descriptive list or report at suspension. The post was suspended in 1910, as shown by department records. It was reinstated May 22, 1911, and suspended again November 19, 1913, at which time T. C. Babcock was the commander and A. H. Needham was the adjutant.

This post had more ups and downs than fall to the lot of many, perhaps for two reasons - first, because of the long distance from the railroad, which has proven such a factor in the civilization of our great state, and partly, it may be, because the spirit of war that permeated the "boys" in the was still so strong upon their lives that it was the dominating passion. Whatever the causes for the post's lapses and suspensions, we can say for the members of this post, and the citizens of Arnold and community, that there are no finer citizens and people, or more progressive, than settled upon the homesteads surrounding that village.

\\'e are sure that her citizens of the past and the present can point with a just pride to the lives and example of such men as B. F. Marrow, C. T. Robinson, Thomas Halliday, Comrades Brown, Blowers, H. M. Graham, Needham, and Babcock, and others whose names we do not recall. The fact that no authentic account of the members and the several jmrts that each played in those days, as officers, and who of them have answered to the last roll call, or those who remain in the vicinity, is due to their not having a permanent meeting place, in which the papers and records could be kept. This reason also applies to many other Grand Army posts in Nebraska.

G. W. Sweet Post, No. 19.\ Grand Army of the Republic, was chartered and organized, in the village of West L'nion, 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 eighteen members at the muster of the post. J. H. Russell was the first commander, A. W. S(|uires the first adjutant, and Louis Sutton the quartermaster.

We are unable to state how many members have joined this post since, or what has become 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 w'ho are the offspring of such men as George and William Sherman. F. S. ^lor- ris, I. C. Tobias. L. W. F. Cole, Dr. Wamsley, 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 leaving to their posterity a noble heritage.

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

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, commander : 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 Comstock. The years 1874-7 saw a colony or, if not exactly a colony, a number, of W'isconsiti soldiers come to this section, where they were among the first to make settlement.

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 progressive people, many have passed on, having answered to the Great Commander at the last roll call. We mention \V. H. Comstock, J. L. Peter. E. Bartholomew, Captain Wescott, W. 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 oflFered 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."

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 members or officers installed at that time. The annual 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 December 31. 1890, gave a membership of thirtyfour.

In December. 1894. there were twenty-one members, and December 31, 1916, were reported thirty-one members. December 31. 1917. the annual report showed the number to be only six. with W. W. S'allins 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 membership, as shown above, was that the post had a place of their own in which to keep their paraphernalia, records, etc. Also they continued to meet twice a month.

However, in recent years we realize that our step is tottering and halt, sight and hearing have failed us. so that many cannot attend these meetings longer. \\'ith 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 pleasure to know many of the "boys'" of this post, who in the drama of life played such a noble part in ])reserving 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. ^lorgan, 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 Merx.A.

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 members, but are disappointed. However, they are sure that J. J. Joyner was the commander and A. Sommer the adjutant. December 30. 1917, the annual rejiort to department headquarters gave J. P). Smith, commander ; A. Sommer, adjutant, and only seven members. The jxist 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 thirtyone consecutive years. The "boys" are hanging together by the obsers'ance 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 contributed 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 Hannav.-ald. 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 itself 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 Jacquot. S. H. Read. Charles Fessenden, Madison Brown. J. B. Smith. Francis Graham, Adam Hannawald. Joseph Thomas.

In closing this somewhat lengthy historv 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, failing 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 cai)itol and to Comrade H. Bross, department adjutant. 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.

Company yi. 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, Hon. Silas A. Holcomb. who was elected from Broken Bow. The company's first officers were: Captain. John G. Painter; first lieutenant, \'. Claris Talbot ; second lieutenant, S. M. Doris. When the call was made for volunteers on the 25th day of April, 1898, by President McKinley. for the Spanish-

American war, the company was immediately mobilized with the regiment, at Lincoln, Nebraska, and nearly every member volunteered. The company of eighty-two enlisted men and three officers was mustered into the United States service on j\Iay 10, 1898, with John G. Painter, ^". 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 embarkation for l^Ianila, Philippine Islands. The command arrived at San Francisco May 20th, and went into camp on an old race-track, afterward named Camp Merritt, near the Golden Gate Park. At two o'clock on June 14th, the company, with the regiment, the First Nebraska Infantry, went aboard the steamship "Senator," in charge of Lieutenant \'. 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 military service in western style. After approximately 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 niilitarv reports on file in the war department at Washington. D. C.

\\'hile Custer county is proud of her soldiers 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 participated in the capture of Manila and later helped to put down the Filipino insurrection or revolt. They participated in the battles of Caloocan, Calunipit. San Fernando, Quingua, Malolos, Santa ]\Iesa, and Xovaliches, and many others.

months and two weeks, the company shipped for the home land on the transport, "Hancock," and landed in S'an Francisco, August 1, 1899. It immediately went into encampment at the Presidio, San Francisco's famous military reserve. The company was mustered out of service, at the Presidio, August 23rd of the same year. After being mustered out of general service the company did not disband but, under the charge of Lieutenant Horace F. Kennedy, was brought to Cu.ster 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 company 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 battle at Santa Mesa and Novaliches road, respectively. The following were severely wounded : Lieutenant Horace F. Kennedy, Corporal Arden R. Chapman, Corporal Hugh Kenoyer, 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 captains in the medical corps.

The Company Personnel

We are not at liberty to go beyond the confines of Custer county and attempt to write the history of any other portion of the globe. It is, however, germane to the conditions in Custer county to state that in .August. 1914, Germany and .\ustria-Hungary 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 jjrecipitated - very far-reaching in its consequences. Complications continually arose involving the neutrality and rights of the L'nited States of .Amerira. One event led to another, until April, 1917, when we found ourselves in war with Germany, and on the 6th dav 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, although literally and technically, war was not declared against Turkey or Bulgaria. They were actually drawn into the embroilment, and conditions of war ])revailed, regardless of declaration.

It is here that the war touched Custer county. The raising of an army in the L'nited States presaged the draft bill, and the draft bill levied a quota upon every county in every state of the L'nion. Up to date. Custer county has been called upon to furnish more than five hundred soldiers, and jirobaijly 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 tlv's cha])ter 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 irom which can be ascertained the fn!l number i-f Custer boys who have made the su])reme sacrifice and i)aid in blood for the redemption of the weaker nations of the world.

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

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 Coiiuly 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. Clvde enlisted in his countrv's ser- vice November 10. 1917, and chose the wireless-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 serious illness until the death telegram came and the shock was therefore a severe one. Just what was the cause of his death is not definitely known, owing to the fact that mail advices now on the wav 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 twentytwo 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. He 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 early 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 vears old. He was purely a Custer county j/jroduct, 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, ^'irginia. with Company F, Fourth Infantry.

Private Ross was the only boy in a family of three children, and up to the time of entering the United States service had always remained at home with his parents. Generally liked bv all who knew him. the news of his death was received with genuine regret. During 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 departed soldier is survived by his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ross, of New Helena, and two sisters, ^Irs. Thelma Sargent, of ^^'alworth. and Miss Leona Ross, who is employed by the Dierks Company in Broken Bow.

Memorial services were held Sunday afternoon 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 accommodate the great crowd present. Both the auditorium and balcony were filled to capacity and many had to stand. People from all over the 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 Broken Bow, comprising Mrs. A. E. Anderson, ilrs. Ralph Thompson, Karl Abbott, and Roy Thompson, with 5lrs. E. P. Walter, accompanist, rendered the music for the occasion.

The stage was beautifully decorated with flowers and the national colors, the community serv^ice-flag occupying the center position. Editor R. II. ]\liller, 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.

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

Cut 516

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 IJrokcn Bow. His home had always been on the homestead, with the exception 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 13th, while on a night raid, and died Tune 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 lieen hurt.

Paul Coffm.An

I^aul Coffman lies dead in France. Out on the front line with the American troops in France, Paul Coflfman, 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, voungest son of H. T. and Beatrice Coffman. He came to hfs 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 bereavement. Paul Coft'man 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 voung 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 armv, 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.

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 indeed be vain and futile, did she not have the sweet consolation that may be found in the gratitude of the people of that countr\- he died to save and the plaudits of honor which our grateful people shower on real heroes. Slie. 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.

Lewis H. Robertson

Lewis H. Robertson was born at Davey, Lancastijr county, Nebraska. January 24. 1888. When he reached the tender age of three' years, in the fall of 1891. he came with the family to the Black Hills Basin. Custer county. Nebraska, where he resided until seven years ago. after which he spent part of his time at Hazard, in partnership with his brother. Matt. His father died three years after the family arrived on the Basin. August 5. 1894.

Corporal Robertson's premature departure is mourned by his mother. ]Mrs. Anna C. Sorensen. and bv five brothers and two sisters - Charles E.. William C, Fred G., Matt P., Hans A., Mrs. Lydia Stender, and Mrs. Mary C. Arp. He will also be missed by a host of friends and many army comrades.

The following comrades from Hazard who entered the army the same time as Corporal Robertson are : Ray Hennis. Lawrence Larson. Henry Rasmussen. William Rasmussen. Ernest Jacobsen. Chris H. Pierson. Earl Ecklev. Joe Horak. Walter Cadwalden, Henrv Pillen.

Corporal Robertson entered the army, as an alternate from Hazard. October 5. 1917. He served at Camp Funston in Company K. Three Hundred and Fifty-fifth Infantry, where he distinguished himself as a promising soldier and was transferred to the United States regular army. Company G. Fourth Infantry, at Camp Stewart, Newport News, Virginia. Five weeks later he sailed for France, and he arrived there April 15, 1918. He was well thought of by his officers at Camp Funston - Captain Moore. First Sergeant Melville, Mc- Clullen, Schooks. L)rchand. He was also prized by his officers in France - Colonel Harvey, Second Lieutenant R. C. Erwin. Sergeant Case, First Lieutenant J. A. Crawford. The Fourth Infantry, United States Regulars, was in the thick of the recent drive of the allies in which they were crowned with high honors. It was in this conflict that Corporal Lewis H. Robertson died in action, July 26, 1918, at the hopeful age of thirty years, one month and twenty days. More detailed accounts are lacking at this time. All we know is that he slumbers amidst vast armies of fallen heroes on the sacred soil of France. [A portrait of and memorial tribute to Corporal Robertson appear in the biographical department of this volume.]

Gustav Roerick

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the death of Private Gustav Roerick in this golden-star service. He was born at Amherst. Nebraska, March 9, 1892. When a child he moved with his mother to the present home, on section 26, township 13. range 17. Custer county. His father died years ago ; his mother, Mrs. Anna Roerick. remarried and is now known as Mrs. Hartman. His brother Alfred enlisted last !March at Broken Bow and entered the Coast artillery, at Camp Nickols, \"irginia. When last heard from he was at Camp Upton, New York. A young brother, Arnold, works the farm. He also leaves two sisters to mourn his death, Ida and Anna.

Private Roerick was drafted last September and entered Camp Funston. From there he was transferred to Camp Dick and finally he crossed the ocean to participate in the struggle on French soil, where he was killed during an attack by the enemy June 17, 1918. His company had been subjected to a severe artillery bombardment. NevertJieless he heroically remained at his post, aiding in the protection of the Lmited States machine guns. .As a soldier he was respected and genuinely liked by his comrades and highly thought of by his officers. His loss to them is a source of deep sorrow. His natural witticisms made him many friends, both in private and army life. At home he proved himself an obedient and thoughtful son and brother. Those who were akin to him were always uppermost in his life's plans, even to the very end. He gladly sacrificed himself on the sacred altar of his country, at the hopeful age of twenty-six years, three months, and eight days. His remains rest somewhere across the sea, on the blood-drenched soil of our sister republic. France. God comfort and bless the dear ones who willingly gave him to his country. It has become our sorrowful duty to place on our service flag a golden star, the first one in our section of Custer county, to commemorate our fallen hero. A star is a universal symbol of glory. For countless centuries it has stood for the highest achievements and ideals. To the minds of America to-day, that star is the most sacred which represent a soldier boy in khaki on some service flag. That fair, five-pointed emblem proclaims to all who behold it that its living representative fights for the world's freedom. And if that star of blue has changed to one of gold, the observer realizes that he treads on sacred ground which death has visited. It means a life that served faithfully under the true blue, has culminated in the golden act of sacrificing its all. For one to offer his life for the cause of liberty under the Stars and Stripes is a golden deed worthv of commemoration. Thus we change Private Roerick's star of blue into one of gold.

Private Claris A. Tucker, of the Merna neighborhood, died at Camp Dodge, Iowa, Wednesday, the 9th, of Spanish influenza. Private Tucker has been in the service since July 22. 1918. and was in one of the contingents that left Arnold about that time. He was born in Broken Bow, July 9, 1895. and was raised in this county. He attended school here and later was a student at College \'iew. He was also a member of the Highland Lodge. The body was shipped to Broken Bow Saturday night of that week and taken in charge by W. S. Schneringer. Funeral services were held at the grave Sunday afternoon at four o'clock and conducted by Rev. W. L. Gaston, of the Baptist church. Interment was made in the Broken Bow cemetery. The deceased soldier was a most exemplary young man and had many friends in the county who will mourn his early demise. He is survived by his parents. Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Tucker, one sister, Jennie Louise Tucker, and a brother, Perly Ayers Tucker, all of whom were at the funeral.

^Ir. and Mrs, M. L. Amsbcrry. of .\nsley, received an official communication Thursday, October 10, stating that their son. Sergeant Orrie Amsberry. had died in a hospital in France, September 22. 1918, the cause of death being pneumonia. From previous information received, it was known that Sergeant Amsberry had been gassed some time during the fore part of August and has been confined to the hospital since then. He was in one of the earlier contingents that left here for Camp Funston in September, 1917, and was sent overseas the following June. He was a member of Company D. Three Hundred and Fiftyfifth Infantry, Eighty-ninth Division. Private Amsberry was born in Mason City, in February, 1893, and made that place his home up to the time bi joining the colors. He is survived by his parents, three sisters and two brothers. Deceased was one of the popular young men in the community and his death is keenly felt by all who knew him. He was a cousin of Paul Coffman, who was recently killed in France, by the accidental explosion of a shell. Memorial services for the deceased soldier will be held in the near future.

Mr. and Mrs. Pierce Cain, of Anselmo. have received an official notification that their son, Private Henry E. Cain, was killed in action September 15. Private Cain was called to the service during last April and left Ijroken Bow with the contingent that entrained for Camp Funston on the 27th day of that niomh. His stay at Camp Funston was of short duration and two months from the day he left Custer county he was on French soil. Several letters have been received from him by his family, and the last letter was written one month before he met death on the battlefield. Private Henry E. Cain was born at Litchfield, Nebraska. May 7. 1893. He is survived by his parents, one sister and one brother.

Sam Miller

Death came to Private Sam Miller at Camp (jrant. Rockford, Illinois, from Spanish influenza, on October 5. He was a resident of Grant township in the southern part of the county and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Miller. The remains were returned to his home for burial and the funeral took place on October 9th, at Platte Grove cemetery, in Dawson county.

Arthur Bergman, of Arnold, died at the naval training station of marines at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Sunday of last week. The deceased marine was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Bergman, and he enlisted last spring, along with his younger brother. Ralph. He contracted influenza a short time ago and grew steadily worse. His father was notified and hastened to his bedside, but arrived after he had passed away. Deceased was well known among; the young people of Broken Bow, he at one time having been a high-school student here. Funeral services and burial were at Arnold, the body being shipped there the latter part of the week.

Glen Buckner

The first of Oconto's boys to give his life in the service of his country is Glen Buckner, who died of influenza, Friday of last week, at Camp Dodge, Iowa. His mother and brother, \Mlliam, were with him when he died. Deceased was a volunteer and left for Camp Dodge with last summer's contingent. The body was brought back to Oconto for burial and funeral services were held there Tuesday morning of this week, at ten o'clock. Rev. Mr. Di.xon, of Callaway, who is in the service and at present located at Camp Dodge, accompanied the remains back home and preached the funeral sermon.

Loyd Clow

Private Loyd Clow, of Company A, Division B, One Hundred and Sixty-third D. B., is another Custer county boy, who gave up his life in the service of his country. He was a son of ]\Irs. Belle Clow, of Halsey, and a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Press Booknau, of this city. He entered the service last June, from Halsey, and was sent to Camp Dodge, at which place he died from S'panish influenza, on October 16, 1918. Burial took place at W'esterville, in this county, on last Sunday, services being held at the grave only, conducted bv the Methodist minister of Berwyn. The deceased was a former resident of Westerville and moved to Halsey with his parents a number of years ago.

W^ord was officially received by relatives at Arnold November 15th. that Private Gage Sauter had died in France, at Base Hospital Xo. 30, on October 24th, death resulting from a severe attack of pneumonia. He was the first Arnold soldier to make the supreme sacrifice on foreign soil. The deceased was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also a beneficiary member of the Modern Woodmen of America, holding his membership in both orders at .\rnold. Private Sauter was a member of the contingent that left Broken Bow March 4, 1918, "for Fort Riley, Kansas. He arrived overseas June 24, 1918, and died exactly four months later, aged twenty-six years and two days. His last letter sent home was received less than a week before the message came announcing his death and in it he stated that there was no cause for worry, as ever\-thing was all right and he never felt better in his life. His death is keenly felt in his home community, as he was of a bright disposition and made friends wherever he went. His mother, Mrs. Lydia Sauter, a brother, W. E. Sauter, and sister, Airs. S. Mc- Cants. who survive him, all reside at Arnold.

Roscoe Rhodes

An official report from the government states that Sergeant Roscoe Rhodes, son of former County Judge J. R. Rhodes, of Ansley, was killed in action C)ctober 25. A letter to Judge Rhodes from one of his son's companions at the front says that Roscoe was killed instantly by bursting shrapnel, a piece of the shell piercing his heart. Sergeant Rhodes was called from Custer county April 28th of this year and went from here to Camp Funston. Twenty-two days later he was transferred to Camp Mills, Long Island, and on the 16th day of June he landed in England. He reached the firing line in France exactly a month later. In one of the letters he wrote to his father, Sergeant Rhodes said he had been on the front line for fifty days without having his clothes ofif. The deceased soldier entered the army as a private, was promoted to corporal and was later made a sergeant. Roscoe Rhodes had a state-wide reputation as a football star. He was a student at the State University and captain-elect of the 1918 Nebraska Cornhuskers. This would have been his senior year. Rhodes entered the university in 1915. playing football on the Cornhusker freshman team. He was guard and end on the varsity team of 1916 and played right end on the 1917 team, which won the Missouri Valley conference championship. Elected to the 1918 captaincy by his teammates, Rhodes was called by the draft last April. In his letters home the sergeant predicted the early termination of the war and mentioned his plans to return home during the winter and of his intention to turn out for spring football practice. Sergeant Rhodes was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity and had the warm, personal friendship of practically the entire student body of the university. He was a member of the Presbyterian church in Lincoln.

John M. Rudge

T. A. Rudge, of Broken Bow, has received ofiicial notice from Washington, D.C.. that his youngest son, John M. Rudge, had died of wounds received in action in France, October

26. 1918. Private Rudge was twenty-four years old and a member of the contingent that left Broken Bow for Camp Dodge during the last part of May. He was assigned to the field artillery and sent overseas the latter part of August. He wrote home regularly and the last letter received by his father was dated October 16. Private Rudge was born at Palmyra, r)ctober 11, 1894, and came to Custer county with his father in 1902. Two of his brothers, Joseph and James, are now in France with the American army. The dead soldier is survived by his parents, two brothers, and four sisters.

Jeff Andrews

ilrs. Al Owen, of Broken Bow, received a telegram November 22d, officially announcing the death of her brother. Jeff Andrews, who was killed in action in France, October 12, 1918. Private Andrews was a former Custer county boy and resided south of Broken Bow until five years ago, when he went to South Dakota to make his home. He enlisted at Lelette, South Dakota, in February, 1918. and was sent to France early in August. His sister had had no word from him until she received the official notice of his death.

Official notice was received by Charles W. Thomas, of near Ansley, that his son. Private Clyde O. Thomas, had been killed in action October 23, 1918. Private Thomas was with the first contingent of the draft that left here for Camp Funston, September 22, 1917, and he has been at the front in France since last April. He had just passed his twentieth year at the time of his death. A father, two sisters, and four brothers survive.

Chester Webb

Private Chester Webb, son of \\'illiam Webb, of the East Table, died in France of pneumonia, October 22. He went with one of the contingents from this county to Camp Funston last Alarch and during the following June was sent to France. He was twentv-six years of age. Private Webb was a young man of sterling worth and well thought of in his community. A short time previous to his departure for camp he met with a serious accident in one of the elevators at ^lerna, and he had barely recovered when called into service.

Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Burdick. of Westerville, have received official notification that their oldest son. Private James N. Burdick, had died at a hosjiital in France, of lobar pneumonia.

October 1, 1918. Private Burdick was twenty-five years old and was born in Custer county. He was with the contingent that left Broken Bow for Camp Funston, September 22.

1917, and he sailed overseas 'Sla.y 18, 1918. He went into action at the crossing of the Marne and was recommended at that battle for citations for coolness under fire. He is survived by his wife and parents, one brother, Arthur Burdick, of Westerville, and two sisters. INfrs. C. C. Milks, of Fairview. Pennsylvania, and Mrs. M. G. Crist, of Kimball. Montana.

Roy Imbodex

1918, of influenza. The body was taken to Arnold for burial. 'The funeral was a military one and was under the auspices of the Arnold Home Guards. The deceased soldier left for Camp Dodge last July and was transferred to Fort Crook, thence to Fort Omaha, where he became a member of the Sixty-first balloon company. Mr. and Mrs. Imboden were with their son when he passed away, but were later taken ill themselves with influenza and were unable to attend the funeral. The deceased is survived by his father and mother, four sisters, and two brothers.

Homer M. Yates

Private Homer M. Yates, of Whitman, was killed in France during the latter days of fighting. Private Yates was a former resident of Broken Bow and a son of Al Yates, who was for a long time connected with the water plant of this city. He has resided at \\'hitman for a number of years.

Harvey M. Sloggett

"Mr. Alfred Sloggett : - Deeply regret to inform you that Private Harvey M. Sloggett, infantry, previously reported missing in action since Octol)er 22, now reported killed in action, October 18. Harris. Adj. Gen."

Private Harvey M. Sloggett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Sloggett, was born June 6. 1893. on the old homestead north of this city. He left Broken Bow with one of the contingents that entrained for Camp Funston during September. 1917. He sailed overseas for France last .April and saw considerable service in the front line trenches. The last letter from him received liy his parents was dated September

28, and in it he stated he had been in action and over the top, one of the engagements lasting nine days and nights. Private Sloggett was well liked by everyone with whom he came in contact and his death will be mourned by a host of friends. The sympathy of the community goes out to the bereaved parents. The deceased soldier was a member of Company F, Fourth Infantry, Eighty-ninth Division.

Ralph C. Leui

Lieutenant Ralph C. Leui, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Leui, of Comstock, was reported in last week's casualty list as killed in action. The young man's parents, up to the latter part of the week, had received no official notice of their son's death, and it is thought that the notice must have gone to Comstock. South Dakota, as the young man enlisted into the service from that state. Lieutenant Leui enlisted as a first-class private in machine battalion No. 34L and was trained at Camp Funston. He was made corporal before his battalion went to France last Alay. Further promotions followed until he was finally made a commissioned officer. A letter received from him by his parents dated October 26, stated that he was doing well. This was his last letter.

Official notice has been received that Private \'anner A. Gustus. of Callaway, is dead in France, after suffering an attack of pneumonia. Private Gustus was an enlisted man and went through the training camp at Ashland, later being transferred to Camp Cody. When he arrived in France he was assigned to Company L of the Fifty-ninth Infantry, Fourth Division. He was in many of the battles that mark the campaigns of last svnnmer and was in continuous active service until a short time before his death. He developed pneumonia and was taken to a base hospital. His death occurred October 5. 1918.

Joseph Bernert

Another of the fine young patriots of Custer county to fall to an heroic death on the battlefields of France was Joseph Bernert, whose death occurred October 6. 1918. He enlisted Cktober 5, 1917, at the age of twenty-six years, and his name and memory shall be held in enduring honor in his home state and nation. He was a son of Feli.x Bernert, a representative citizen who is individually mentioned in the biographical department of this publication.

close of military service on the part of many of the Custer county boys, it is evident that the list here given is not to be considered complete. The record must needs be supplemented by data to be given in later publications.

It has been impossible to secure a list of all who have gone in the service of the country from Custer county. The boys of the county have been exceedingly prompt to respond to the call to the colors, and there has been no way by which the volunteers can be named. We have been able to procure a partial list of the names, but it is known to be incomplete and does not contain the names of all those who have gone. Accordingly the appended list gives the names of only those of whom we have some record, and it is to be regretted that we cannot give the list in full. It must also be borne in mind that this list closed before the last contingents left. In some instances the going of the men has been anticipated and their names recorded :

World War Activities

Immediately upon the entrance of America into the world war. Custer county organized for practical co-Of)etation. with a determination to meet every demand and to lend the government every possible assistance. The governor appointed IMarshal Eddy, of Broken Bow, chairman of the Custer county council of defense, and he proceeded to the organization of a strong body or council, which has been active and aggressive in the prosecution of all war work. Emerson Purcell, editor of Custer County Chief, has been secretary of the council, and aside from helping other war organizations and leading oft" in patriotic demonstrations, war meetings, etc.. the council has looked after the loyalty, or rather the disloyalty, of all parties who were reported as being in any way lax in regard to the supjiort they were rendering the government.

The governor of Nebraska appointed Shcrift' Joseph F. Wilson. County Clerk Robert G. Waters, and Dr. C. L. Mullins as members of a local exemption board, and they have been charged with the operation of all the draft machinery. Through them the (juestionaires were sent out and all registrations conducted. They attended also to the physical examination and made out the first classifications of all registrants. It was a mammoth job, but they have been diligent and tireless. Many citizens volunteered their service and rendered valuable help under the direction of the board. The members of the board should be given much credit for the manner in which they handled the affairs entrusted to them and also for the way they provided every possible comfort for the boys while mobilizing.

Bond Drives

Four different bond drives to the present time have been organized and successfully prosecuted in the county. The work of raising the quota of bonds supposed to be sold in Custer county has been largely conducted by the banks, the different bankers organizing for the work and seeing to it that the amount allotted is subscribed. There is no way by which the amount subscribed can be ascertained, and all that can be recorded is that every quota has been met, and that the responsive spirit of the people reduced the work to the minimum.

The War Savings Stamp Drive

A governmental arrangement was perfected by which the government sold stamps of twenty-five-cent denominations and in a series by which sixteen stamps and an additional payment of a few cents purchased a five-dollar, interest-bearing goverment bond. These bonds could be later exchanged for hundreddollar bonds, and it was arranged that no one could invest in a stamp beyond the sum of one thousand dollars.

Custer county was asked to subscribe for over six hundred thousand dollars' worth of stamp bonds. H. Lomax, president of the Custer State Bank, was appointed county chairman, and organized for the task of raising the money. There was a state arrangement by which the 22d day of March, 1918. was designated as the day for raising the stamp quota. In no county in the state did it work out more perfectly in all the details of the plan than in Custer county. In every school district in the county the director assembled the freeholders, stated the object of the meeting, explained the operation of investment and announced the quota for that respective district. During the afternoon, over $800,000 was subscribed, and Nebraska became the first state in the Union to raise its quota for this drive.

The Young Men S Christian Association

Early in the beginning of the war Custer county was asked for $125 for Y. M. C. A. war work. The amount was so insignificant, and the war work of the Y. JM. C. A. then so little known, that little attention was paid to the demand. A few benevolent spirits made small contributions, and altogether $119 was contributed. Six months later, conditions had changed. The Y. M. C. A. again asked Custer county for a contribution, and this time placed the quota at $3,000. Alpha Morgan was made county chairman of an organization charged with raising the amount. It was assigned in different quotas to various localities of the county, and in one afternoon a little over $6,000 was contributed.

Public Meetings And Celebrations

All kinds of public meetings to arouse patriotism and vmusual observance of all national holidays have been the order throughout the county. The people of every community have assembled in their halls, churches, or schoolhouses, and the interest manifested by the people in every phase of the war has been very remarkable. In later paragraphs is a description of a celebration of General Pershing's birthday, observed Friday, the 13th day of September. 1918. The. day was observed in like and appropriate manner in every town in the county.

The Four Minute Men

Custer was second to no county in the state in the service rendered by her four-minute men. It was the duty of these four-minute men to appear, when appointed, in any public assembly, and make bright, breezy, fourminute talks on some phase of the war situation. This amounted to an education propaganda. N. T. Gadd was appointed chairman of the four-minute men and he organized his speakers and covered the entire county with an army of four-minute men who continually kept current conditions before the people and rendered a great service. Mr. Gadd also had charge of the general speakers' bureau, and through his office speakers were sent to any

In connection with the stamp drive and in order to continue it throughout the duration of the war, and also for the purpose of forming habits of thrift and economy among the American people, war-savings societies were organized throughout the county, under the direction of N. T. Gadd. To this work Mr. Gadd gave unremitting energy- and carried on the organization until at the present time he has over three hundred organizations of warsavings societies in the county. They are in every town and village and almost without exception in every school district in the county.

During the last forty years, the Red Cross organization, known the world over as an organization that has standardized mercy and reduced to science and system the allieviation of suffering by ministering to the sick, caring for the wounded, feeding the hungry, and other like work, received during the present war time an almost incredible impetus. Its organization and operations have been extended throughout the world and it has given true angels of mercy in camps, in hospitals, and on battlefields of the present day.

In common with other counties and communities in the United States, Custer county enlisted in the great work of the Red Cross, just before the declaration of a state of war between the United States and Germany was made. Nobody knew very much about it. and the initiative was taken by the women, as is usual when there are no definite landmarks immediately available to guide a forward movement. .\s the women were first to undertake the impossible task of embalming the body of the crucified Nazarene. without counting the cost or knowing how or by whom the great stone of difficulty would be moved, so in this great undertaking they were ready and willing to begin a task of the details and magnitude of which they had only small conception. They only knew that the young men of the nation, of the state, of Custer county, of our homes, were about to be put into jeopardy of body and soul and would be in desperate need of the ministrations of womankind. So they took counsel only of their courage and the necessities that had arisen, and launched the beginnings of what is now the Custer County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

On March 22, 1917, a meeting was called at the office of Mr. Alpha Morgan. The following ladies are recorded as present : Mesdames L. D. George, M. S. Eddy, C. H. England, Alpha Morgan, and H. B. Landis. Mrs. Landis was chosen secretary of the meeting. It was agreed that steps should be taken to form in Broken Bow an auxiliary of the .\merican Red Cross, and another meeting was ]ilanned. for April 7th. to be held at the city hall. .\ general invitation was extended to the women of Broken Bow and vicinity and they were asked to bring certain materials to be made up for the Red Cross. Mrs. Landis, !\Irs. Derr. Mrs. Mevis. and Mrs. Ford were made an executive committee to push the work ad interim.

The meeting of .-Kpril 7th brought the following ladies together: Mesdames Apple. Clevis. Henry, H. Lomax. G. O. Joyner, Robinson. Clute. Skillman. Adaline Johnson. Joe Wilson, Stapleton, A. Morgan, Thostesen, Stockham. Floyd, and Hickenbottom. ^lembership lists were opened and the payment of dues made, thus making a definite membership. Weekly meetings were held for such work as was at hand. On May 14th a motion was carried to call a meeting at the court house for the purpose of organizing a chapter with the county as the unit. Committees on publicity, program, and advertising were named. This meeting was held May 22. 1917, and Judge N. Dwight Ford was chosen chairman.

Mrs. Alpha Morgan outlined the plan of work for an organized chapter, and the organization was immediately effected, with the following officers: President. Mr. Jules Haumont: vice-president. Mrs. .\lpha Morgan; secretary, Mrs. H. B. Landis ; treasurer, Rev.

At a meeting on May 23d, the officers named the following executive coinmittee : J. M. Kimberling, P. A. Black, W. VV. Waters, Mrs. O. H. Mevis, Judge N. Dwight Ford, Dr. C. L. Mullins, Mrs. Derr, Mrs. A. Morgan, Mrs. H. B. Landis, Jules Haumont, Rev. George P. Trites, and M. S. Eddy.

At a later meeting a publicity committee was named, consisting of Judge N. Dwight Ford, Rev. George P. Trites, and Dr. C. L. Mullins, to bring before the people of the county the matter of organizing branches of the chapter. -A. committee of five - M. S. Eddy ( chairman), ;\Irs. C. H. England, Mrs. H. Lomax, J\Irs. L. D. George. Rev. James Hermes - were named to have charge of the membership campaign. To accelerate the movement of extending the work out into the county, a committee on extension was named, as follows: Alpha Morgan, assigned to Sargent and Comstock; H. Lomax, to Oconto: Dr. C. L. ?*Iullins. to Arnold; M. S. Eddy, to Merna : ^lac Warrington, to Mason City ; Judge N. D. Ford, to Ansley ; Mrs. Alpha Morgan, to Anselmo : Rev. George P. Trites, to Berwyn : Jules Haumont, to Westerville. The efifect of the comjuittee's vigorous work was immediate - branches sprang up in every part of the county and the membership increased rapidly. The treasurer's receipts from June 2i to June 30 were $780.90. January 1," 1918, the "total reached $3,685.75. On October 1st the total receipts from all funds passing through the treasurer's hands amounted to $19,652.75. This does not include tlie money sent directly to Washington as the major part of the two Red Cross war-fund drives in the county, nor does it include the moneys raised by the several branches for the purchase of materials, with the exception of fifty per cent, of the membership dues in those auxiliaries. The second warfund drive alone totaled $34,968.07, of which amount $28,655.09 was deposited for the credit of the treasurer of the national society, W. G. McAdoo.

work with marvelous zeal. There was an abandon of giving such had never been seen in this county for any purpose. Donated articles were offered in auction sales in every town and community. Fabulous prices were paid for articles and the buyer would at once donate them again, and separate items often sold again and again. In this way thousands of dollars were put into the hands of the workers to buy goods to be made up for hospitals, soldiers, and refugees. The women met every week to sew and knit, and in many localities three afternoons were willingly given for the service. Competent women were put over the work, generally divided under separate heads, such as surgical dressings, knitted goods, and sewing. Under the parent branch in Broken Bow the knitting work was under the oversight of Mrs. F. W. Henry, and upon her departure Mrs. C. L. Gutterson was appointed. Mrs. Gutterson has been chairman for the county work with the duty of distributing the yarn and censoring the work. Mrs. H. Lomax was given immediate oversight of the Broken Bow workers aside from knitting, with the competent aid of Mrs. C. H. England and Mrs. H. D. Huntington as cutters. Mrs. Joseph Molyneux was made chairman of the county work and censor of sewing. In each of the branches, was made such division of labor as would best further the work and produce the best results. For faithful and sacrificing labors, the names of scores of women would rightly find a place in this list of workers. The following list of materials made and shipped will give something of an idea of the scope of the work accomplished. The figures given cover only the year beginning October 1. 1917, and ending- October 1, 1918.

In the spring of 1918 the territory aronnd Callaway, in part, was made into a separate chapter, known as Callaway Chapter, with H. H. Andrews chairman. The reports here given do not include that done therein after that chapter was constituted.

Changes in the official corps of the society were made necessary in the late winter of 1918, and \\'. -A. Baldwin was chosen chairman, Mrs. Charles Luce, secretary, and W. L. Gaston, vice-chairman. 'Sirs. Luce opened an office and sacrificingly gave her time to the increasing duties of the office until June 1st, when the management of the office was placed in the care of the chairman, and John P. Robertson was chosen secretary. A well located office is donated by the Broken Bow Abstract Company, Messrs. Hansen and Luce. Furniture was borrowed, including a fine desk, from F. M. Currie, and the Custer County Red Cross is doing a splendid and creditable work in the great war for humanity. All the varied interests of the organization within the limits of the Custer County Chapter center in the office.

The executive committee at this writing is as here noted : Chairman, W. A. Baldwin ; vice-chairman, W. L. Gaston ; secretary. John P. Robertson ; treasurer. George P. Trites ; and M. S. Eddy, P. A. Black, and Dr. C. L. -Mullins.

In war as well as peace, the activity and patriotism of the w^otnen have always equalled, if not excelled, those of the men. If the men have had their organizations and prosecuted any special division of work, the women have had their corresponding organizations and have made a like prosecution, only perhaps displaying a little more energy. This is true in the matter of the Woman's Council of Defense.

The woman's committee was organized, at the request of the government, to co-ordinate the' activities and the resources of the organized and unorganized women of the country, that their power might be immediately utilized in time of need, and to supply a new and direct cliannel of communication and co-operation between men and women and governmental departments.

The Custer county branch has not been idle, but has successfully managed the registration of women, the baby registration, three Libertybond drives. The branch has raised most of its quota for the state work ; has assisted and entertained speakers who came to the county for educational purposes : has helped with the Red Cross work and drives ; has furthered Americanization ; has sold flag pictures : has, with the assistance of the county superintendent, distributed liberty and patriotic programs to the rural schools ; has sent in to Camp Dodge antl Camp Funston about thirty-five gallons of wild-grape juice for the convalescent soldiers : has kept "open house" and distributed a vast amount of literature at the county fair ; has staged a patriotic pageant in the park during fair week, for two nights : has held community singing in the park for six weeks, until it was turned over to the Fourminute men. The members took up with proper authorities the matter of sending home the body of one of the deceased soldier boys without proper embalming, and had the ones in charge reprimanded. They took charge of a tubercular soldier, saw that lie was outfitted properly, and sent to a sanitarium for treatment ; took up with the health officers, school board, and physicians, the matter of compulsory medical inspection in our schools, and had it carried through ; and are now on a campaign for nurses and for the civilian and army schools - and all done gratuitously, of course. The only money paid out was for necessary postage, for this committee are not allowed any "franking" privileges, such as are accorded the men for their work.

The woman's connnittee of the Council of Defense for Custer county is composed of the following named members: Chairman, Mrs. Alpha Morgan ; vice-chairman, Mrs. C. H. England; secretary. Miss Dorothy Maulick; treasurer. Mrs. Hazel Sidwell : Red Cross and allied relief. ^Irs. C. H. England ; food conservation, Mrs. .\ddie Hall ; child welfare, Mrs.

On Friday, the 13th of October. 1918, Broken Bow and all surrounding vicinity celebrated General Pershing's birthday. It was no mean occasion, and the celebration was on a par with any other celebration ever before "pulled off" in the town. Nothing elaborate had been planned - everything was to be on a simple scale - yet everything was exceedingly appropriate and fitting. The parade of the school children and citizens was one of the finest street demonstrations ever seen in the city. The enthusiasm of war time, the local patriotism of the people, the allegiance to the leaders of the armies and nation - all gave to the occasion a spontaneity and spirit rarely ever seen before. At two o'clock p. m. the pupils of the North Side grade school and the high school marched from their respective buildings, under the direction of their teachers, to the court-house lawn, where it was arranged that the parade should form. The scholars carried flags and marched in double columns. The boy scouts had a prominent place in the North Side parade. One of the features to attract much attention was the High School Cadets, who made a fine exhibition of the training the)' had received from S'uperintendent Hewitt. Professor Hewitt had the cadets in charge and they marched with the erectness and precision of a squad that had had long military training. The North Side pupils lined up on the north side of the square and awaited the coming of the South Side children, who, with their flags and banners, marched in double column and lined up on the south side of the square. The band assembled in front of the court house and played one or two patriotic selections, after which was formed the parade to the park where the speaking was to take place. The high-school flag, carried by the Council of Defense, led off, followed by the Broken Bow band ; then came the South Side schools, followed by the fife and drum corps ; next the North Side schools, with the cadets in the rear of the school procession. .\fter the cadets came citizens generally. The procession marched down Broadway to Eigth avenue, then north along the east side of the square to Eighth avenue, thence west along the north side of the square to the north side entrance to the park, where they entered the park and marched round and round the band stand until the procession wound itself up into a solid mass of American humanity, gay and resplendent with all the national colors.

The scene was one long to be remembered. Hundreds of flags fluttered in the breeze. The children and older pupils looked the part of young Americans, which role they are playing in the great world-drama of the present time.

At this juncture M. S. Eddy, chairman of the Council of Defense, put in an appearance on the band stand, called f^he people to order and asked all, old and young, to join in singing "America," which was done with a loyal good will that could not but have been pleasing to General Pershing if he could have seen and heard the enthusiasm with which the national anthem was sung, and his natal day celebrated in Broken Bow. Rev. \V. A. Baldwin, pastor of the Christian church, invoked a divine blessing which appealed to the great God for protection of our brave leader and the brave boys who are serving under him. The speaker of the day. Judge Morning, of Lincoln, was introduced and he delighted the people with an eloquent and patriotic address. Judge Morning is a personal friend of General Pershing and out of a full, warm heart he spoke of his acquaintance, of the General's magnificent leadership, and paid the American hero a splendid tribute.

applauded. His denunciation of Prussian tyranny was bitter and withering. Withal, the Judge is a pleasing speaker and the people of Broken Bow were glad to meet him and hear him. The entire celebration did honor to the occasion and reflected credit upon its promoters. The school procession alone was over four blocks long. The music was all that could be desired. The enthusiasm of the people passed all former bounds. It was a fitting celebration in honor of the modest leader of the American forces in France.

With that celebration, its procession radiant with flags and flag colors as a backgrountl, the news of the evening dispatches telling of the offensive made by our boys as a birthday celebration in France, in which 12.000 Germans were captured and the St. Mihiel sector squeezed ofif in such a way as to shorten the battle line twenty miles, made a fitting close to a "perfect day."

Since the foregoing paragraphs were written, great events have happened. The World War has come to an end. In the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, hostilities ceased between the allied armies and the armies of the central kingdoms of Europe. Great rejoicing and magnificent demonstrations resulted. Peace bonfires blazed in every town in Custer county. And the people are

Before the cessation of hostilities a call for 8170.000,000 had been made by the following Societies : Young Men's Christian Association, Yoimg \N"omen's Christian Association, Catholic War Board Council. Jewish \\'elfare Society, Community Camp Service, National Library Association, and Salvation Army. Custer county's proportion of this amount was $36,809. Organization to collect the same was efifected and the following were elected as the executive committee: Alpha Morgan, chairman, representing the Young Men's Christian Association : Mrs. A'. H. England. Young Women's Christian Association ; Father James Hermese, Catholic War Board Council ; \\'. L. Gaston, Communitj- Camp Service ; Mrs. J. H. Melville, Library Association ; Simon Pizer. Jewish Welfare Board: Judge N. Dwight Ford, Salvation Army : N. T. Gadd, \'ictory Boys.

The county was subdivided by school districts, and allotments made to each district. The raising of the respective allotments was made the duty of the school directors. With marvelous unanimity, the directors responded, and the districts, with very few execptions, met their quotas. The amount raised for this work in Custer county amounted to $50,597.50.