Beatrice Daily Sun clippings

Submitted by Sherry Ohm

The following information was transcribed from newspaper clippings originally printed in a Gage County newspaper called the Beatrice Daily Sun. The clippings include neighborhood news for an area called Route 5. According to a map checked by the Gage County Site Coordinator, Route 5 "ran east out of Beatrice, on the line between Midland and Riverside Townships, ran across Rockford Township and one section into Sherman Township, dropped south for two sections, then went west back into Rockford Township and then snaked its way back to Riverside Township."

Some clippings have no dates and those that do have dates do not have the year. They are assumed to all be written from 1910 to 1912 and are often dated by events that are mentioned such as marriages, births and deaths.

These clippings originally belonged to Lucy A. McCown, (Mrs. E. H. McCown). She was the author of the Route 5 column for a time. The clippings were found in papers belonging to Lucy's fourth son, Woodrow W. McCown, and were transcribed by his daughter, Sherry McCown Ohm. Original spelling was retained.


Undated Clipping: (Dec 22, 1910. See note)
The marriage of Roy Calvin Oglesbee and Miss Dora A. McCown was solemnized last evening at the home five miles east of the city of Mr. And Mrs. John A. McCown, parents of the bride. The service was read by Rev. J. E. Davis, pastor of the First Christian church of this city, and a large company of guests were in attendance at the beautiful and impressive ceremony. The bride and groom were the recipients of many attractive gifts. They will make their home upon the W. W. Black farm, some four miles south of Beatrice. (Note by transcriber: This marriage occurred Dec 21, 1910)


ROUTE 5

Route Five, April 4, -- E. H. McCown was in Rockford on business Monday.
Willard Armstrong began sowing oats Monday.
I. J. McCown cut wood for Willard Armstrong Monday.
Henry Cortiss visited three or four days this week at Jim Mefford's.
Mr. And Mrs. Bradford and children and Mrs. Bradford's parents spent Tuesday with Mr. and Mrs. Charles King north of Filley.
Dr. Boggs who had been waiting on Bert Armstrong called the doctor at Barneston for a consultation, and they decided that it was some kind of blood-poisoning. Bert is in pretty bad shape, but we hope the doctors will pull him through.
Ethel Armstrong came home Tuesday from her school at Hebron, Neb.
Jim Mefford was a Virginia visitor Wednesday.
Mrs. Frank Kerr was a Virginia caller Wednesday.
Mrs. Mefford and Marguerite visited at Mr. Armstrong's Wednesday evening and Mr. Mefford and Jesse King sat up with Bert Wednesday night.
Mr. Mefford has hired Fred McClean to work for him this summer.
Invitations are out for a surprise party at Mr. Frank Kerr's on Monday evening April 3, the party being in honor of Mr. Kerr's birthday.
E. H. McCown purchased a small hog of George Frederick, Monday.
The inclement weather the most of this week has put a stop to the spring work for the time being.
Saturday being the first day of April, quite a lot of "fooling" was being done over the telephone wires.
Mrs. Mefford and Miss Maggie were Virginia callers Saturday.
Jim Mefford went to Bookwalter, Nebr., Saturday, returning Sunday.
Clifford Armstrong from Illinois and John Armstrong who has been going to school at Lincoln, brothers of Bert Armstrong, who is seriously ill, have been called home by Bert's illness.
Mrs. Mefford called at Mr. Armstrong's Saturday.
Mr. And Mrs. E. H. McCown and children visited Sunday at W. S. McCown's.
Mr. And Mrs. Roy Oglesbee visited Saturday night and Sunday with Mrs. Oglesbee's parents, Mr. And Mrs. Jno. A. McCown.
R. L. Jones and family visited Saturday night and Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. George Jones northeast of Beatrice.
Misses Lula and Maude McCurry called on Mrs. Bob Jones Friday evening.
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Blodgett spent Sunday at the home of E. H. McCown.
Mrs. A. W. McCurry and Miss Maude were in Beatrice Saturday.
Howard Carpenter has hired Tom Jones to work for him this summer.
Vern McClean, who is working for Mr. Jas. Mefford visited at home Sunday.
Tom Jones spent Saturday night and Sunday with his mother, Mrs. Mary J. Richardson.
Mrs. Mefford visited Sunday with Mrs. Loula Bradford.
Mrs. Frank Kerr called on Mrs. I. J. McCown Sunday afternoon.
Mr. And Mrs. George Steece and Grandma Steece of north of Rockford spent Sunday with Mr. And Mrs. Dave Thompson.
Mr. And Mrs. E. H. McCown called at Dave Thompson's Sunday afternoon.
I. J. McCown and son visited Sunday north of Beatrice.
Mrs. Frank Kerr called at Mrs. Weaver's Sunday evening.
At last report Bert Armstrong was a little better.
March certainly went out like a lion and it seems like April is trying to keep up the same program.
The Rock Island is putting in a water supply tank at Rockford.


ROUTE 5

Route Five, April 11 – Miss Maggie Mefford was a Virginia caller Tuesday.
Mr. Armstrong has engaged a nurse to take care of Bert, who is still quite ill.
Messrs. Chet and Jesse hauled wood off the county road Tuesday forenoon.
Most of the farmers has their oats in the ground but a few days ago it began to look as if they would be as well off in the granary.
Arch Thompson and Ed Henton were Filley callers Wednesday.
Mr. Taylor from Kentucky visited at the home of E. H. McCown from Thursday until Saturday, when he went to Armour to visit.
Chet King was in Beatrice on business Wednesday.
Mrs. E. H. McCown and Miss Maggie Mefford called on Mrs. Ed Bradford and mother, Mrs. Sautter Thursday afternoon.
The party at Frank Kerrs was reported very good and several guests were present despite the bad weather.
Mrs. Willard Armstrong has been very sick the past week. At first it was thought to be mumps that caused the pain in her neck and ear, but we have since heard that the three doctors who were called could not determine what the disease was. Sunday we understood that the doctors had pronounced Mrs. Armstrong's trouble to be some kind of abcess of the head. Her baby is sick with a swelling of the throat, thought to be mumps. Dr. Love is waiting on them.
Johnnie Hahn of Rockford called at I. J. McCown's Sunday and he and Rufus McCown drove to Blue Springs.
The Bear heirs are having their farm buildings improved. The granary is receiving a new roof, the yard a new fence and new board walks are being built. Millard Armstrong lives on the place. Abe Weaver is overseeing the job.
Jim McCown of near Pickrell and I. J. McCown of near Rockford called at Pete Girls Sunday morning.
I.J. and Fred McCown called on E. H. McCown Sunday evening.
Jim Mefford called at Abe Weavers Thursday.
Mr. And Mrs. Sautter called at Mr. Mefford's Tuesday evening.
At last report Bert Armstrong was a very little better.
Mr. Meffords called at Mr. Armstrongs Saturday evening.
E. H. McCown was a Virginia caller Saturday.
Mrs. Ed Bradford and Mrs. Jim Mefford called on Mrs. E. H. McCown Monday afternoon.
Miss Maggie Mefford called on Mrs. E. H. McCown Tuesday evening.
Jim Mefford was a Filley caller Friday.
John Cullen hauled corn to Virginia Saturday at the advanced price of 40 cents per bushel.
Jim McCown and wife of near Pickrell and two of their children spent Sunday at I. J. McCowns.
Mr. Sautten has been cutting hedge for Ed Bradford the past week.
Harvey Essam shelled corn for John A. McCown Saturday.
Roy Oglesbee and I. J. McCown hauled corn to Beatrice for Mr. McCown.


ROUTE FIVE

Route five, April 19 – Miss Maggie Mefford went to work for Mrs. Armstrong Monday.
Fred Hull and Alfred Jones of near Blue Springs called on E. H. McCown Monday.
E. Bradford called at Mr. Armstrongs Tuesday and reports Bert feeling better.
Mrs. Lou Bradford visited Mrs. Ellen Mefford Tuesday afternoon.
Mr. And Mrs. John McCown and Lillie of Route 3 spent Tuesday at the home of their son E. H. McCown.
Mrs. Mefford and Vern McClean were in Filley on business Tuesday.
Bennett Essex, Ted Brugh and Bert Steckman are at work re-covering the barn on the place where Willard Armstrong lives.
The King brothers sowed clover seed in their wheat Tuesday.
The president of the Rock Island was out on this branch of the road Wednesday in his special train.
Arch Thompson was a Rockford caller Wednesday and on his return home stopped to exchange jokes with Willard Armstrong.
E. H. McCown went to Rockford Wednesday to get his new Harmon grinder. He is now prepared to keep his tools nice and bright.
Earl Barnes who is working for Bennett Essex, was in Rockford Wednesday having a lister repaired which he had the misfortune to break.
Wednesday E. H. McCown, assisted by Mr. Mefford and Vern McClean tore the floor of the hog house out and had quite a chase after the rats which had been burrowing under it. They with Mr. Mefford's dog, killed eleven while a greater number got away.
Mrs. Rose Armstrong was reported quite a bit better Wednesday.
Ferdinand Hoyle had his corn shelled Tuesday. The Essam brothers did the shelling.
The funeral of Albert Brown, who died Tuesday morning, was held at the South Dunkard church east of Holmesville Wednesday.
Miss Maggie Mefford, who is working for Mrs. W. W. Armstrong and Miss Marjorie Armstrong called on Mrs. Mefford Thursday evening.
Mr. And Mrs. John Jobman were Beatrice callers Friday.
Mr. Fisher and son Rudolph were calling in the city Friday.
Henry Morse had his corn shelled Friday.
Dr. Brash came out Friday to Abe Weavers to see Coy, Mr. and Mrs. Weaver's oldest son, who is very ill with a complication of diseases. He has been sick since Sunday, April 9, having first taken down with tonsillitis. Afterward his head began to pain him and we have since heard he had an abcess or something like that in his head. We hope the little fellow will be alright soon.
E. H. McCown was a Beatrice visitor Friday.
Newell & Brown the life insurance agents, were out on Route Five Friday trying to get more people to take out life insurance.
T. B. Essex took Easter dinner with Mr. And Mrs. Rhea Willis.
W. Nickell and daughter Ruth took a spin in Mr. Will Nickell's auto out to Virginia Saturday.
Quite a number of young folks in and around Rockford went to Cedar Creek for a picnic Easter Sunday. They took their dinner and spent the day.
I. J. McCown and son Fred visited Sunday with Mr. McCown's daughter, Mrs. Robert Cornett of near Pickrell.
Mr. And Mrs. Bert Steckman were Beatrice callers Saturday.
Mrs. Ed Bradford visited Friday and Saturday with Mrs. John Carmichael, north of Beatrice.
Lizzie May McCown visited Sunday with Leta Armstrong.
John Huttenmaier hauled corn for Henry Morse Friday.




Route Five, July 11. – Mrs. James McCown of near Pickrell visited her daughter, Mrs. Orville Phillips of Pawnee county Friday, returning home Sunday. She reports Pawnee County as being very dry. Wheat in the neighborhood where she visited made about eleven bushels per acre.
Arch Thompson and Ed Henton were Virginia callers Saturday.
Miss Ada Oglesbee of south of Beatrice, who has been visiting Mrs. Hull the past week, returned home Sunday.
Mrs. Abe Weaver and her cousin Mrs. Lizzie Wiggins, formerly of California, but now of Clearwater, Nebr., who has been visiting Mrs. Weaver for two or three weeks, spent Sunday afternoon with Mrs. E. H. McCown.
Henry Cortiss visited Saturday night and Sunday at James Mefford's.
Mr. Kilgore spent Saturday night and Sunday at the home of E. H. McCown.
John Henton and Earl Barnes called on E. H. McCown Sunday afternoon.
Mrs. J. E. Bradford and children visited Sunday evening with Mrs. James Mefford.
There came near being an accident Sunday evening when five head of E. H. McCown's cattle got out of the pasture and got on the railroad track. But for the watchful eye of the engineer Mr. McCown would not have had any cows to milk Sunday evening. Three of the cows were cut quite a bit by jumping a barb wire fence. The train had to stop until the crew could scare them off the track.
Frank Kerr is boarding at Mr. Weaver's this week while Mrs. Kerr visits with her mother whom she has not seen for quite a while.


ROUTE FIVE

Route Five, July 19 – Henry Ruyle shipped a car of hogs and a car of cattle from Rockford the first of the week.
E. H. McCown was a Rockford caller Monday.
Fred and Verne McClean were Rockford callers Monday evening.
Arch Thompson was calling on Chet King Tuesday.
Two small showers and one cloudy day this week gave respite from the heat which had been so intense just before the rain.
Arch Thompson threshed his wheat Wednesday.
Robin, Charles and Miss Mable Nickell, sons and daughter of A. W. Nickell were out in this vicinity Saturday and while here went on out to Virginia where Mr. Nickell owns a bank to see after his interests. Mr. Nickell himself, being ill.
L. S. Burnham threshed his wheat Saturday and Tuesday which he raised on A. W. Nickell's farm, Mrs. E. H. McCown set dinner for the men as Mr. Burnham had moved south of Virginia.
G. W. McCown helped his brother E. H. McCown, harvest his oats.
Miss Maggie Mefford and Mrs. Lou Bradford were Virginia callers Friday evening.
James Mefford has hired Rhodes Smith to work for him a few days since Verne McClean went home.
E. H. McCown has hired M. C. Kilgore to work for him for a week or two.
Mr. And Mrs. Billy Girl and children visited Mrs. Girl's parents, Mr. And Mrs. Click of Filley.
Mr. And Mrs. Ben Blodgett of South of town and Mrs. Anna Essex and little son visited Mr. Blodgett's sister, Mrs. Jennie Leineweber of Filley Sunday and while returning home stopped a few minutes with Mrs. Blodgett's brother and wife, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. McCown.
Quite a little shower fell Sunday afternoon cooling and refreshing the earth.
Tuesday night, July 18, was the first good rain the residents of this vicinity have had since the heavy hail storm of about two months ago. Corn was beginning to need rain very badly but Tuesday night's rain will bring it out greatly.


ROUTE FIVE

Route Five, July 29 – Threshing has been about completed in this vicinity. While we were glad to be through, still we hope for a more bountiful crop to thresh next year.
Willard Armstrong and family were Beatrice callers Thursday.
James Mefford shelled corn Thursday forenoon.
Sunday was workday with the Rock Island railroad crews as Saturday night's downpour washed out several hundred feet of track between Virginia and Beatrice not saying anything about other places where we know that considerably more damage was done.
The rain which fell Saturday night was the hardest this little "neck of the woods" has seen for a long time but it was just what the farmers needed to save their corn crops. They are all wearing the smile that won't come off since the rain.
George Armstrong and Rufus McCown went to Beatrice Saturday and the rain kept them in. They walked out home Monday.
Miss Mae Weaver, adopted daughter of Mrs. Kate Langworthy of near Ellis has been spending the past week with Mrs. Langworthy's brother and wife, Mr. And Mrs. Abe Weaver.
About seventy-five women and children, friends of Mrs. Brack Dobbs, called on her Friday with a big basket lunch to help her celebrate her forty-sixth birthday. The gathering was a complete surprise to Mrs. Dobbs but was enjoyed none the less for being so. All departed well pleased with the party and wishing Mrs. Dobbs many more such birthdays.
Mr. And Mrs. Watts and children and Mr. And Mrs. Poindexter and children of Axtell, Kansas visited Mr. And Mrs. James Mefford from Tuesday to Thursday. Mrs. Watts and Mrs. Poindexter are sisters of Mr. Mefford and this was the first time in quite a while that they had visited his home. Mr. Mefford's father came up Tuesday also, but returned to Axtell Wednesday.
Miss Maggie Mefford was calling in Virginia Wednesday.
E. H. McCown and Ted Brugh were Beatrice callers Monday.
Ed Mainrose of Oketo, Kansas, came up Saturday evening for a visit with his cousin, Ed Bradford and family.
Mr. And Mrs. I. J. McCown and children called at E. H. McCown's Tuesday afternoon.
Mrs. Lizzie Wiggins, a cousin of Mrs. Abe Weaver who has been visiting Mrs. Weaver for about a month was quite pleasantly entertained Monday when several of Mrs. Weaver's friends came in bringing baskets of good things to eat. All seemed to wish to give Mrs. Wiggins as much pleasure as possible as she is in very poor health. Those present were Mrs. Belle Essex and children. Mrs. Rhoda Pope and little daughter, Mrs. Eunice Brugh, Mrs. Bowley, Mrs. Warford, Mrs. Brack Dobbs and small children, Mrs. E. H. McCown and children, Miss May Weaver, Miss Susie Dobbs, Mable Langworthy , Grandma Henton, Grandma Thompson, Mrs. Weaver and Mrs. Wiggins. All departed well pleased with Mrs. Weaver's hospitality and the social good time neighbors can have when they meet in such an informal way.
Mrs. Lou Bradford and children and Mrs. E. H. McCown and children called Mrs. James Mefford and Maggie Wednesday evening.



(Undated clipping)
Ted Brugh, Fred McClean and some others who took a fly-away trip out west last week, returned well pleased with Nebraska.
Fred McCown was a Rockford caller Friday.
James Mefford was a Beatrice visitor Saturday.
Word has been received that Mr. A. W. Nickell of Beatrice is dead. We are sorry to hear of this as Mr. Nickell was well and favorable known in this part of the county. He owned several fine farms on Route Five. The bereaved family have our deepest sympathy.


ROUTE FIVE

Route Five, Aug. 8 – Mr. And Mrs. John A. McCown visited over Saturday night and Sunday with their son, E. H. McCown and family.
Mrs. Bennet Essex visited Mrs. Ted Brugh Wednesday.
M. C. Kilgore was a Rockford caller Monday evening.
Audley Watts of near Extell, Kan., came up Tuesday for a visit with his uncle, James Mefford, returning to his home Thursday.
Mrs. George Armstrong visited her sister-in-law, Mrs. Willard Armstrong Friday.
E. H. and I. J. McCown were Beatrice callers Monday.
Guy Hill has been on the sick list a few days the past week.
John Huttenmaier is the proud possessor of a new auto.
Mrs. E. H. McCown called on Mrs. Mefford Sunday afternoon.
Jesse Watts, Mr. Mefford's nephew is going to work for Mr. Mefford for a while, he having come up from his home in Kansas, Sunday.
Mrs. James McCown visited Mrs. Lelia Steckman Friday.
Harry King, Rockford's popular merchant, took a little outing on the Blue river a few days this week and while there caught a fish which weighed 16 ¾ pounds.
Elmer and Bennet Essex baled oats straw Monday and Tuesday for E. H. McCown
Miss Ada Oglesbee visited the past week with Mrs. Hull.
Mack Kilgore, E. H. and John A. McCown started Tuesday for Sidney, Neb., Denver and other points in the western part of Nebraska and eastern Colo.
Abe Weaver was taken quite suddenly sick one day this week. He was very bad for awhile and his adopted son who lives in Lincoln, was telegraphed for. He was some better at last report. Mr. Weaver had had a touch of sun stroke and it was thought that was what was the trouble this time, but have not heard just what the trouble is.
Fred McCown has been staying with E. H. McCown, helping do the chores and plowing while Mr. McCown is out west.
Mr. and Mrs. Meecham and children visited and I. J. McCown's Sunday.
Mr. McCown has been on the sick list a few days this week.


ROUTE FIVE
(1911)
Route Five, Aug. 15 – E. H. and John A. McCown returned from the. . . Western trip Monday and are ful. . . convinced that old Gage county is good enough for them.
Abe Weaver, who has been pretty sick the past week is greatly improved.
Orville Phillips and wife, who have been living in Pawnee county since spring, moved back into Gage county. Mrs. Phillips is a daughter of J. D. McCown.
Mr. And Mrs. James Mefford departed Saturday for David City, for a visit with Mrs. Mefford's sister, Mrs. Nellie Green, and family.
E. H. McCown was a Rockford caller Wednesday.
Bert Steckman, Shorty Pope and several others went to the Blue Wednesday for a fishing trip.
Mr. And Mrs. George Ruyle and family were county seat visitors Saturday.
Mrs. Lou Bradford has been staying with Maggie Mefford of nights while Mr. And Mrs. Mefford are away.
E. H. McCown was Beatrice caller Saturday.
George Fredrick lost a horse one day last week.
Mr. And Mrs. Robert L. Jones were shopping in the city Saturday. Mrs. John A. McCown took care of their children for them.
John Hale, inspector for the Virginia Telephone company at Virginia was out on Route Five seeing after the lines a few days the past week.
The bridge across Bear creek was not built according to contract and the county has made the contractors teat it out and rebuilt it making it rather inconvenient for those who travel the Scott street road as they have to go a mile and a half north to get into town.
Mills Lewis was a Beatrice visitor Saturday.
Albert Johnson started to haul a load of wheat to Beatrice Saturday but owing to the bridge across Bear creek being out could not get there.
John A. McCown was in the city on business Friday.
Mr. And Mrs. George Jones were Beatrice callers Saturday.
Mr. And Mrs. I. J. McCown went out west of Beatrice Saturday to see a place Mr. McCown has rented.
George W. McCown was quite pleasantly surprised Saturday evening when about forty-six of his relatives and friends came in to help him celebrate his twenty-fifth birthday. The evening was spent in music and games and a delicious lunch of ice cream, cake and candy was served at midnight. Everyone had a splendid time and parted wishing him many more such pleasant birth . . . .. (Born Aug. 12, 1886)
Mr. Willis' family was shopping in the city Saturday.
Mr. And Mrs. Roy Oglesbee, Miss Pearl Hoover and George W. McCown took Sunday dinner with Mr. And Mrs. E. H. McCown.
Mr. and Mrs. John A. McCown visited Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. J. J. McCown.



ROUTE FIVE

Route Five, Sept 1 – A little cooler the last few days but warm and sultry now.
Quite a few people of Route Five spent the day at the Virginia picnic last Saturday.
Bud Mefford and Georgia Mefford, brother and niece of James Mefford of Route Five were up to Virginia to the picnic and visited with relatives over Sunday.
Little Yourrell Bradford had the ill luck to cut her wrist, with a piece of glass quite badly one day last week.
Lloyd Ruyle, an estimable young man of this vicinity and Miss Ina Cochran of Beatrice were quietly married at Beatrice Saturday, August 26. Their many friends wish them a long and happy wedded life.
Mr. And Mrs. John A. McCown visited their daughter, Mrs. J. P. Russell of Armour, Pawnee county, from Saturday until Monday.
Frank Kerr, who has been plowing on his lease southwest of Rockford, has returned home.
Fred McCown who has been working for E. H. McCown the past month, returned home Wednesday.
John Hale and Mr. Lieneweber of Virginia were out on Route Five Friday with an auto load of telephone fixtures repairing the line.
Mr. And Mrs. Sam Rudder and family of north of Filley spent Sunday with Mr. And Mrs. I. J. McCown.
Bert Armstrong, who has been ill all summer, doesn't seem to improve very fast.
Miss Maggie Mefford and Jesse Watts called at E. H. McCown's Wednesday evening.
Miss Maggie Mefford was a Virginia caller Wednesday.
Bennett Essex's family and Mr. And Mrs. Ted Brugh were taking in the sights in Virginia Saturday at the picnic.
Mrs. Lou Bradford departed for Blue Rapids, Kansas, one day last week, to attend the assembly of the Pentacostal church.
Guy McClung has returned from his western trip which he took for the benefit of his health but he does not seem to be much improved.
James Veach shelled corn for James Mefford Monday.
E. H. McCown was a Virginia visitor Tuesday.
Fred McCown visited at home Saturday night and Sunday.
Mrs. James Mefford was a county seat visitor Friday.
Henry Cortiss came out from Virginia Tuesday forenoon and began work on the crib which was blown down at E. H. McCown's in the windstorm a short time ago. The work was completed Thursday evening and Mr. Cortiss returned to Virginia Friday morning.
Grandma and Arch Thompson were enjoying the picnic at Virginia Saturday.
Miss Marguerite Mefford and two cousins, Jesse Watts and Miss Esther Grubbs visited Miss Grubbs sister Miss Pearl Grubbs, at Clarence Warford's Sunday.
E. H. McCown, Mr. And Mrs. Mefford, Miss Marguerite Mefford and Jesse Watts took in the picnic at Virginia Saturday.
Mrs. Chet King and baby daughter are getting along fine. Mrs. King is now able to do her work

(Undated Clipping, torn, Nov of 1911. See note)
Master Earl McCown went over to his grandpa's Monday, to stay a few days.
The Girl brothers at Rockford has been employed quite a bit the past week cutting wood for their mother with their buzz saw.
George Bell threshed his oats and cane seed Tuesday after trying for the past week to get it threshed and having to wait a while longer on the bad weather.
Miss Margaret Mefford called on Mrs. McCown Monday evening.
Henry Ruyle was a Rockford caller Wednesday.
Abe Weaver helped Frank Kerr shred fodder Wednesday.
Mr. And Mrs. Roy Oglesbee visited Mr. And Mrs. W. S. McCown Sunday.
Mr. And Mrs. John A. McCown received a letter from their daughter, Mrs. J. P. Russell, of Pawnee County, who formerly lived near Beatrice announcing the birth of a fine boy. (Note from transcriber: Arthur Raymond Russell born 3 Nov 1911)
Robin A. Nickell of Montrose, Colorado, administrator of the A. W. Nickell estate was out on Route Five Wednesday visiting a while with E. H. McCown.
Mrs. James Mefford slipped and fell down the stairs Friday morning with a lighted lamp in her hand, but in the fall the light was extinguished. Mrs. Mefford had quite a jar but as no bones were broken she felt that she escaped pretty lucky.
Mrs. A. A. Andrews was out posting sale bills Wednesday announcing the sale of her property.
Clem Shaw was a Rockford called Friday.
Charlie Dobbs was a county seat visitor Saturday.
The corn shredder which has been at Ted Brugh's for about a week waiting for the weather to become favorable for work, finished up the job of shredding for Mr. Brush Wednesday morning and moved up to Frank Kerr's to shred fodder for him.
Mrs. E. H. McCown visited at Mr. Mefford's Tuesday afternoon.
James Mefford was a Filley caller Monday.
E. H. McCown was shopping in Rockford Wednesday.
Chris Thompson's now barn is rapidly nearing completion.
Mr. Mefford killed a nice hog on Monday afternoon.
The Captain of the American Salvation Army and his son were out on Route Five Thursday soliciting aid and spent the night with Mr. and Mrs. Bradford.



ROUTE FIVE

(Undated clipping)
Miss Marguerite Mefford was a Filley caller Monday
Earl Barnes who has been staying at E. H. McCown's went up to Beatrice Saturday to have a good time skating on the river. He returned Tuesday.
Mrs. J. E. Bradford who attended the assembly of the Pentacostal church in Kansas returned recently.
James Mefford fell of his well platform Monday morning and came near fracturing the bone of his lower right limb. He is able to be up but is quite lame.
Grandma Thompson was quite sick last week.
E. H. McCown was Beatrice visitor Friday.
Mr. Mefford had to get Mr. King to haul some hay for him Tuesday as he was still too lame to haul it for himself.
Frank Kerr was a Rockford caller Tuesday.
Henry Cortiss, Mr. And Mrs. Mefford and Miss Marguerite visited at E. H. McCown's Monday evening of last week. They went over to hear the new phonograph records which Mr. McCown got for Christmas.
Earl Barnes went to Will Bick's south of Beatrice Wednesday to chore for him while Mr. Bick is away on a visit.
Mrs. Mefford's sister, Mrs. Nellie Green and family, late of Washington state, visited Mr. And Mrs. Mefford through the holidays and afterwards moved to Beatrice, deciding to stay in Nebraska.
The family of E. H. McCown have been having quite a siege of grip. The oldest children have had to stay home from school owing to severe colds.
Mrs. Dave Thompson and children have been on the sick list the past few days.
Roy Diller of Rockford was calling at E. H. McCown's Tuesday.
Henry Cortiss visited with Mr. Mefford's folks the first of last week.
W. S. McCown and Roy Oglesbee called at E. H. McCown's Sunday.
Earl Barnes spent Sunday at Charles Oden's in Beatrice.
Mrs. Roy McCown has been on the sick list for the past few days.
Arch Thompson called at Mr. Mefford's Sunday.
Born, to Mr. And Mrs. Lloyd O. Ruyle, a bouncing baby boy.
Miss Virginia Skinner, Teacher of District 157, had quite a nice school program just before Christmas. Miss Skinner is certainly to be commended for the good work she is doing.
Frank Lilly shelled corn Monday.
Corn is a pretty good price now, some receiving 60 cents.
J. Ed Bradford called on James Mefford Wednesday evening.
Earl Barns called at Mr. Mefford's Friday evening.
Frank Kerr was a Rockford called Friday.
George Bell was a Rockford visitor Friday.
Mr. Mefford who fell and nearly broke his leg the first of the last week is quite a bit better at this writing.
E. H. McCown has taken a relapse of grip and was unable to be up all day Friday, but felt some better Saturday morning.
Earl Barnes was calling in Virginia Saturday.
The thermometer registered 23 below zero Friday morning at 8:30 o'clock and 2 above zero Saturday morning at 8:30, a variation of 25 degrees in 24 hours.
E. H. McCown visited Beatrice Wednesday.
Willard Armstrong started in to shell his corn in a few days ago with his new gasoline engine but as it refused to work, he had to get Messrs. Steece and Burroughs to finish up for him.
Earl Barnes returned to Rockford on the R. I. Train Thursday having spent the night with Chas.Oden's in Beatrice. He had the misfortune to freeze his left ear pretty badly.
Mr. J. E. Bradford called on Mrs. E. H. McCown Thursday.
Charles Wilkinson shelled corn for W. S. McCown Wednesday.
Henry Whittenmore, our rural mail carried on Route 5 seems to think this is Alaska weather.
A.W. Mayer, the Texas land man was out on Route 5 Wednesday trying to induce some people to accompany him to Texas next Tuesday. He returned on the train to Beatrice in the evening.
The family of E. H. McCown who have been suffering with grip for the last week are much improved at this writing.
John A. McCown and Roy and Rufus McCown called at E. H. McCown's Tuesday.
Lloyd and George Ruyle were Beatrice callers Wednesday.
Guy Steece shelled corn for Frank Kerr Tuesday.
Mr. And Mrs. Willard Armstrong were shopping in the city Wednesday.
E. H. McCown was a Rockford caller Thursday.
It was quite an unusual occurrence to see Arch Thompson who scorns to wear a hat at most times, with his hat on and with his head plentifully wrapped Thursday.
Frank Lilly is another who seldom wears a cap but Mr. Lilly who is an old resident of Nebraska had his cap on Thursday and gave us the information that this is the worst winter in 12 years.


ROUTE FIVE
(Date is late Jan or early Feb of 1912. See note)
Arch Thompson was a Virginia caller Saturday.
Mrs. E. H. McCown and children called on Mrs. Mefford and Maggie Sunday afternoon.
The Butterfield brothers have been kept pretty busy shelling corn for the farmers in this vicinity this week.
Earl Barnes was calling in the city Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Messrs. Steece and Burroughs shelled corn for Frank Lilly Tuesday.
Mr. And Mrs. W. S. McCown and children visited Mr. McCown's sister and family, Mr. And Mrs. Ben Blodgett, south of Beatrice Sunday.
There came near being a serious accident at one of the elevators at Rockford Wednesday when Will Lilly drove on to the dump with a load of corn. The dump had not been locked after the load previous and when Mr. Lilly drove on it dumped throwing the mules back and nearly caused the mules to fall into the dump. By the aid of bystanders they were finally extricated without serious harm but it was a very narrow escape.
Mr. And Mrs. Roy Oglesbee visited Mr. And Mrs. Robert Cornett near Pickrell Saturday and Sunday.
A box social was held at district No. 16 (The Sparks school) on Route 5 Friday night.
Mr. And Mrs. I. J. McCown spent Wednesday at E. H. McCown's.
A slight mistake was made in the last week's items in the report of the birthday dinner at Willard Armstrong's. It should have read forty-seven guests instead of seventeen.
We have since learned that they had a little dance to further prolong the festivities.
Mrs. James McCown and son Fred were Beatrice callers Saturday.
J. E. Bradford was calling in Filley and Virginia Friday.
Grandma Thompson visited with Mrs. Mefford Saturday.
E. H. McCown visited Mrs. E. B. Jones near Blue Springs Sunday.
I.J. and Roy McCown visited the former's son, Cortie McCown, and family near Cortland Friday.
John W. Wright, a wealthy and well respected citizen of the Filley vicinity passed away Thursday night at his home of a bowel complaint. He was ill only a few hours. Interment will be made Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. (Note from transcriber: Gage Cem. Records. John W. Wright of Filley Born. May 27, 1852, Died Jan 26, 1912)
Abe Weaver had a streak of bad luck last week. He had fattened two hogs extra fat for the market and had hauled them to Rockford, and when he unloaded them into the lot they promptly laid down and died. It is thought they were worried so in loading and unloading and being so fat could not stand it.
George W. McCown was a Beatrice caller Saturday.
We notice an account of the marriage of a very dear friend of the writer, Miss Ethel Husband. Miss Ethel has worked in our family and is highly esteemed by us. We are pleased to know she has done so well and with her many friends on Route 5 extend heartiest congratulations and good wishes for a long and happy life.
Roy and Rufus McCown visited their cousin, E. H. McCown Sunday.

ROUTE FIVE

Route Five, Nov 16 – Roscoe and Morgan Langley of Cortland spent Saturday night and Sunday with their uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. John A. McCown.
Election passed off quietly in our township Tuesday, with most of the favorite candidates elected.
Arch Thompson was a Beatrice caller Tuesday.
The rock Island has erected a new wind mill at Rockford to replace the old one which was blown down in the storm a few months ago.
Mr. And Mrs. John McCown spent Thursday night with their son E. H. McCown, and family,
Henry Cortiss was visiting at Mr. Mefford's Tuesday afternoon.
Roscoe Langley, who is husking corn for E. H. McCown, received a letter from his sister in Oklahoma telling him she was preparing to visit home folks in the near future.
Mrs. Lou Bradford visited friends near Filley Tuesday.
Messer's King and Diller, popular merchants of Rockford, have added a new porch to their building which greatly improved the looks of their place of business.
Clayton McCleans is finding court- . . at Beatrice . . . (clipping torn off)





ROUTE FIVE
(1912)
Route 5, Dec. 4 – A fine ten-pound boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. E. H. McCown of Route 5 on Nov. 19^th. Dr. J. W. Nigh of Virginia was the attending physician. The baby did not get along very well for the first three or four days, but at this writing is doing as well as could be expected. (Note by transcriber: This was Woodrow W. McCown - birth was Nov 19th, 1912)