Dakota County, Nebraska - Chapter 16, 1893

Chapter 16

The first cemetery in the county was the old Oaiadi cemetery, situated on a sand ridge south of A. H. Baker's farm and east of wliere Gnstave Berger lives, in Section 30. Henrietta Hirsch, a daugiiter of Mrs, Henry Ream was the first person buried here.

Dakota City cemetery is situated within the corporate limits of that town, on its northern boundary. The first to be buried here were Mrs, Charles Reom and child, L. G. Packard and a child of Geo. A. Hins- <lale, in 1857. The cemetery at present is enclosed with a good substantial fence, and' otherwise in first class condition.

The Taylor cemetery is situated in the northeast of the northwest quarter of Sec. 34, Township 28, Range 8, near Wm. Taylor's house, eight miles southwest of Dakota City, on the high bluffs, containing three acres, and deeded to the Salem Evangelical Lutheran church by William Taylor. The first

The Omaha Creek Yalley cemetery, formerly known as the Potter cemetery, is situated near the northwest corner of Section 25, Township 27, Eange 8, two 'miles south of Homer.

Grove cemetery is located in tlue southeast corner of the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 14, Township 27, Eange 7, on fiddler's creek. The following officers were elected by the association. May 10, 1893, for a period of two years: II. F. Shull, treasurer; C. M. Antriu), Eobert Gurnsey, Geo. Sanford, John Welker and Fred Wilkins, trustees.

The Hubbard cemetery is situated on the high hills a short distance south of the town of Hubbard, and was deeded to the association by John Howard. The first person buried there was James Thornton, who died on his farm west of Hubbard.

Public Libraries

There are a number of private libraries in the county, but as yet there are no public libi-aries, although three attempts have been made in that dir^ction,"which have entirely failed. In 1878 L. M. Warner established the "Dakota County Lil)rary" in Omadi precinct, several hundred volumes being connected with the institution.

In 1880 another attempt was made at Dakota CitY- A meeting was called for the purpose of organizing a "Library Association," October 5, and Eev. II. Wilson elected president; M. M. Warner, vice president; Will S. Jay, secretary, and Mrs. M. O. Ayres, treasurer.

JRev. J. Zimmerman endeavored to create a public library at Dakota City in 1884, but all that remains of it sit present is a few books at Dr. Stinson's store.

There was also a "Circulating Library" partially established at Dakota City in 1888, but it is not in the nature of a permanent institution.

Fourth of July. - The first attempt at celebrating our nation's birthday was July 4, 1855, when a party of men came across the river from Sergeants Blufl: and planted the stars and stripes upon the subsequent site of old Umadi, little apprehendmo- that in less than six years from that date several of their number would be marshaling in defense of that same noble flag.

The first regular Fourth of July celebration in Dakota county was held in 1857, at Logan, in the old house that Col. Baird afterwards moved to his farm for a residence. J. F. Warner read the Declaration of Independence, and William G. Crawford delivered au oration that fired the hearts of the pioneers with patriotism and devotion to their country, as was demonstrated when the great war cloud burst upon the land, A grand ball was held in the evening.

In 1873, the Matrons of Husbandry organized several "Granges" in Dakota county, and that year held a great celebration at Baird's grove, at which time they wore their sashes and uniforms. Speeches were made by J. F. Warner,'D. C. Dibble, J. W. Davis and John Naffziger. Other enthusiastic celebrations have from year to year taken place at Dillon's grove, in Jackson; Ashford's grove, Baird's grove, Shulls' grove and Hager's grove, and Clinton park - the two latter situated near Dakota City.

Memorial Day. - Which occurs on the 30th of May of each year, has beeu duly observed in Dakota county feince the holiday was established. The graves of our dead heroes are annually strewn with the choicest flow- ers, as a fitting tribute in conitnenioration oi their heroic services in oor country's darkest hour. One of the most successful observances of this day was at the Dakota City Cemetery, May 30, 1884, conducted by the Crittenden Grand Army Post, with Rev. Carter chaplain; Col. J. F. Warner, commander; W. R. Kinkead, corporal, and Frank 11. Ayres, adjutant. C)ne thousand people witnessed the ceremonies, and Mrs. Kelly W. Frazer read a beautiful poem entitled "The jS^ation's Dead/' of which the followino- is the first

The Following original poem, composed by Mrs> Lucy Bullock, was recited in a maniier that would have done credit to an elocutionist by Nora Miller, a bright little 10-year-old girl, whose elocutionary power is marvelous:

Decoration Day

"Oh, why such haste with flag and bloom, A crowd is coming little lass, With banners waving, drums abeat - Stay here with me and let them pass."

"Oh. no," she cried, "my flowers may fade; I must be there before they come; On papa's grave this flag I'll place. And tlien I'll wait 'till they are done."

The years have passed, that flag still waves, A symbol grand, since slaves are free; And Liberty enthroned yet guards O'sr all the land from sea to sea.

For long ago in springtime fair, Beneath that flag they marched away: Undaunted hearts to tight for right They bore their part in freedom's fray.

Oh, Decoration Day so fair! AVith buds and blossoms for each tomb. Oil! day of days, thy sunshine bright Bathes every mound, dispels the gloom.

Anew we gather where they lie. Each soldier "s grave is marked the same - One silent band where rank is naught. Their names are green in memory's chain.

Arbor Day. - Tin's is a day set aside for planting trees, originated by Hon. J. Sterling Morton, of JN'ebraska, in 1873, and afterward designated as a legal lioliday by the Legislature, and the time fixed was April 22, of each year. The day has been generally observed in Dakota county, and has greatly encouraged tree planting. On Arbor Day in 1889 the Dakota City schools planted an evergreen tree in memory of their departed teacher, Julia O'Connoi'.

on the Missouri bottom lost many valuable horses, when the disease became generally known as the -'Bottom Disease.-' The cause of this wholesale destrnction of horses could not be ascertained, some attributing it to iron in the water, and various other theories were advanced. It was discovered that mules were not subject to the disease, and all the farmers procured these animals to work on their farms. After a lapse of more than thirty years of the ravage of this disease. Dr. G. "W. Wilkmson discovered the true cause, which v/as from eating the "rattlebox," a plant which grows in the grass on the bottom, and bears a small pod containing the poisonous seeds which destroys the horses, when it is fed to them with the hay. The farmers are. now keeping horses by feeding them straw fodder and hay which is cut before the rattlebox has matured.

Lost Steamer Nugget

On January 1, 1871, Henry Ream and his sous, Charles and Marcellus, George Shiebley and Charley Martin discovered on a sandbar the wreck of the lost steamer, J^ugget, which sank in the Missouri river about live yeai^ before, at a point two miles up the river from the mouth of Omaha ci^eek. A company was formed and considerable property taken from the wreck, such as flonr, meat, whisky, spades, shovels, and other tools. The "wrecking company" was composed of the following members: George T. Woods, Harlon Baird, Gideon Warner, Henry and M, M. Ream, John. G. O'gden, Charley Martin, George Shiebley, George Bayha, Andrew Forbs, James Willis, Britton Willisand Chai'ley Ream. Charley M.irtin had the misfortune to contract a severe spell of sickness from exposure to the cold while workiTig at the boat, which resulted in his loss of hearing and speech.

Base Ball Camp Meetings. 159

ized at Dakota City July 16, 1870, by electing John G. Ogden president, J. P. Bayha vice president, J. A. [vlikesell secretary, John Mitchell treasurer, William Adiir umpire, M. O. Ayres, David Bales and P. F. O'Snilivati board o£ directors. For years this club was recognized as being one ol: the very best in northeastern Nebraska, Marcellns Ream acting as pitcher from its organization to the present time. Other clubs have since been organized at Homer, Jackson, Brushy Bend and South Sioux City, and many are the exciting games wiiich have been played by tliese clubs,

Camp Meetings

Rev. S. P. Vandoozer, a Methodist minister, inaugurated the lirst camp meeting in the county, beginning at Col. Baird's place on September 7, 1870, and lasting about one week, conducted by Presiding Elder A. Of. White, Rev. S. P. Vandoozer, Rev. J. A. Suiith, Rev. Mr. Easterbrook, Rev. John Trineand and Rev. Moses Warner. The meetings were largely attended, and the ministers were much encouraged by the result.

The following year another enthusiastic camp meeting was held on Col. Warner's place, nine miles south of Dakota City, and continued two weeks, ending September 13, 1871. Great religious excitement prevailed, and on Sunday more than 1,0C0 people assembled "beneath the groves, God's first temples," and made the hills and woods resound with their songs of rejoicing. Many people brought a good supply ot tents and household effects and lived on the meeting grounds. Restaurants and eating houses were also established.

Berger Poor Farm

For a number of years the project of establishing a poor farm for Dakota county was agitated, but nothing was done until Gotleib Berger died in Sioux City,

On the 17th day of October, 1891, the county commissioners bought \vith this money, of J. P. Twohig, tlie north half of the nortlieast quarter of Section 25, Township 28, Range 8? for the sum of $3,600, to be known as the "Berger Poor Farm.'' Dennis Armour,Thomas C. Ohipp and Thorns Sullivan, Jr., were appointed as trustees. W. T. Bartlett was appointed as overseer of county poor March 9, 1891.

March 15, 1892, W. P. Altemus and J. N. Peyson were appointed to draw up plans and specitications for a poor farm house, not to exceed ^1,400, and the contract was let April 8, to T. F. McGee, of Hubbard, for $1,297.50, who accordingly erected the building.

In 1889 the Nebraska State Legislature established a "soldiers' relief fund" for each county of the state for the benefit of indigent Union soldiers, sailors and marines, and indigent wives, widows, and minor children, not over fourteen years of age in the case of boys,. and not over sixteen years of age in the case of girls, uf such indigent or deceased Union solaiei"s, sailors or marines having a legal residence in said county. A '-soldiers' relief commission," to manage the distribution of th9 fuuds was appjinteJ by tlie cc/unty commissioners, consisting of S. R. Covvles, John Blessing and Henry Loomis. since which time others have served on the board as follows: W. R. Kinkead, April 6, 1891, to succeed Henry Loomis. wlio resigned; H. Sayre and Andrew Forbs, Mirch 15, 1892. On January 24tlu 1893, the present board oj" commission was reorganized by appointing Andrew Forbs for a period of three years:, A. H. Baker, two year.3, and Harlon Baird one year.

The establishment of this relief fund is truly a. noble act on the part ot our st:ite legislature, in recognition of the heroic services of brave Union soldiers- who rallied in defense of this nation in tlie darkest hours of its existence, and marched witli dauntless courage to southern fields of war, snatched the flag ot treason from its height and subdued a rebellious and ari'ogant people. The unflinching courage and heroic deeds of those daring men in their struggle for liberty and union will ever mark the standard of loyalty and be tlie gauge of patriotism until the government of the United States of America shall be no more.

Brass Bands

The Smith Band of years ago, which was tlie first ever organized in the county, consisted of Uncle Johnny Smith and three sons, Joseph, George and John, and Joseph and Herb Harris.

It was the 4th of July 1862, and they uere to furnish the music for the celebration held that day in the Cottonwood grove south of Dakota City. The "band wagon" with the pioneer musicians arrived at Dakota City bright and early, with the stars and stripes floating in the breeze above them. They joined the procession as it marched to the ground, but the man who held the large flag could not keep it steady against the strong wind that was blowing that and consequently the emblem, ot the brave and free was oft times trailed in the dust, - whereupon Isaac Monroe jumped up and declared tliiit lie conld *'by the help of the Almighty hold that flag and three fence rails!" and he did hold the flag pole with his powerful arms as firm and steady as though it had been bolted to the wagon.

The president of the day c;dled out: "Music by tfie l)and!" and they struck up in fiire shape. Geo. Smith led with the E clarionet, followed bv Joim. with the K Uncle Johnny tuned in with the bass, Joseph gripped the trombone. Herb and Joseph Harris chimed in with their horns, all bright as bright could be, and made those old \yoods ring to the anthem of the

There was no other attempt at organizing a band for a number of years after tliis, and the Smith band held full sway in Dakota county's "musical world.*'

Bands have since been organized at Dakota C'ity, Jackson, Homer. Emerson and South Sioux City. The Dakota City Cornet band consists of the following members: Mell A. Schmeid, leader and instructor, 1st B flat; C. P. Brannaman, solo B flat; D. W. Griffey, piccolo; Geo. W. McBeath, 2nd B flat; Wm. Leamer. 3rd B flat; Elmer Robinson, 1st alto; Geo. H. Haase, 1st tenor; R. E. Evans, baritone; Paul Pizey, B flat bass; Henry Niebnhr, E flat bass; S. A. Stinson, bass drum and cymbals; Chas. S. Hollman, snare drum.

The Hoiner Cornet band is made up as follows: John Ream solo B flat, Wm. Lam son E flat, Leon Ream E flat clarionet, IS'elson Jones 1st B flat cornet, Walter Smith solo alto, John Harris 1st alto, Hans Anderson 2nd, Tim O'Connor 3rd, George Harris 1st tenor, Rasmus Fredrickson 2nd, Joseph Harris baritone, Alonzo McEntarffer tuba, Wm. Ream snare drum, J. R. Kelsey bass drum. Grganized October, 1888,

The Homer Orchesti-a was organized in January, 18S9, as follows: John Ream 1st violin, Hans Anderson 2nd violin, Carl Fredrickson flute, Chris Hansen clarionet, Ras)nus Fredi'ickson bass.