(transcribed by Pat O'Dell: genpat@netins.net)

Copyright © 2003 by Pat O'Dell: This data may be used for your own family research; it may not be copied in any form or used for any other purpose (commercial or otherwise).

Fred Grassmeier received word from his sister in Germany lately, stating that one of her sons, serving in the army, had been killed and another one seriously injured. Fred has three other sisters in the old country from whom he has received no word. They have seven sons in the army. A nephew of his wife was also shot in the jaw, living three days.

In writing of the conditions his sister states that there is not much stock in the country, but sufficient food stuffs to last until next harvest. Economy is practiced and insisted upon over the empire. Prices are high.

A.J. Kaiser writes this ofice a nice letter when renewing his subscription for another year, and we are moved to reproduce it for the benefit of their many friends here.

"We can hardly keep house without the Reporter, which gives us the news and doings of the neighborhood in which we lived almost half a century of our lives. I came to Hamburg in 1856 and was married to Frances E. English in Atchison county in 1867. We are enjoying fairly good health and expect to motor to the fair at San Francisco next June, provided our physical and financial health permit. We live about a hundred miles from Frisco and there are hundreds of people here who expect to make the trip by auto. We have a road called the Pacific Highway which extends from Canada to Mexico, many miles of which are macadamized and smooth as a floor. Sign boards have been erected at every turn and also through the cities so you cannot get off the road."

"On January 21 the neighbors surprised the family by coming in to help celebrate my 72nd birthday. The company remained until after midnight and we had a rousing time and plenty to eat. They presented me with a Morris chair."

"We are having nice sun shiny days with frost at night. It rains about four days out of the week, have little snow and no cold weather. Lumber is cheap here and runs from $4 to $10 per thousand while shingles are about $1.65. Flour is $7 to $8 per barrel, sugar $6 to $6.40 per hundred, butter 30 to 40 cents a pound and eggs from 25 to 30 cents."

:Mr Kaiser also sends some pictures of the large trees which grow near his home, and one showing the large logs, loaded one to a flat car. Another picture shows a stump 45 feet at top with about twenty people on it. We enjoy very much these letters from former residents and those who stayed behind enjoy reading letters from the old timers. We would be glad to publish other letters.

Jacob Ruedy died at the home of his daughter in St Joe, Mo., Jan 31, 1905 and his remains were brought to Hamburg Thursday morning. Funeral services were conducted from the German Lutheran church by Rev. Freytag. He was a native of Switzerland, coming to America when just a young man.

Le Ora Belle Gard, infant child of W. T. and Anna Gard, aged one years, six months and twenty-two days, passed quietly away on Monday January 30th, after an illness of short duration. The funeral services were held at the Latter Day Saints church Wednesday, from whence the little form was taken to the Hamburg cemetery.

Stephen F. Clayton died at his home on Bluff street Tuesday January 26, 1905, after an illness with pneumonia. The funeral services were conducted at the residence by Rev. Highfield of the Presbyterian church and the remains laid to rest in the cemetery. He leaves a wife, several children and other relatives to mourn his loss.

At her home in south Hamburg, Mrs Alice Victoria Spidle, [died] January 30, at 12 o'clock of pneumonia fever. Only a short time ago they moved to our city, and the mother was respected and loved by all her neighbors. The funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev Hall of the Presbyterian church, Wednesday afternoon after which the body was taken to the Utterback cemetery and laid to rest by the side of her mother.

Mrs William Clawson of near Payne died yesterday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock. The funeral services are to be held Sunday afternoon at the Mt Olive church three miles east of town, the sermon to be preached by Mrs Maggie Wallace. Mrs Clawson was in her fortieth year and leaves a family to mourn her death.

Albert Smith, who has a position at Sheridan, Wyo., came in unexpectedly Saturday and is visitng his parents, Mr and Mrs J.J. Smith for a couple of weeks.

Mr and Mrs J.E. Samuels, who live at Moline, Ill., are here visiting their parents, Mr and Mrs J.J. Smith and Mrs John Samuels.

Mrs J.J. Smith was called to Nebraska Thursday by the serious sickness of her mother, Mrs Winkler.

Rinda Aspedon left the last of last week for Stanberry, Mo., to visit with relatives a few weeks.

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Mrs Case McKissick received the sad news this week of the death of her sister, Mrs Jas H. Johnson, in Shenandoah. She had been sick for some time and plans had been made to go west in the hope that the change in climate would benefit her. The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon in Shenandoah.

Inez Hastings was the daughter of Mr and Mrs C.L. Hastings and was born in Locust Grove township, June 2, 1885. In April 1908 she was married to Jas H. Johnson, and to this union four children were born, the oldest of whom died when less than two years old. The surviving children are Marjorie Estellene, Merrill Barton and Dale.

Besides her husband and children, Mrs Johnson is survived by her father, C.L. Hastings of Farragut, three brothers L.L. and John of Farragut and Gus of Emerson, and four sisters, Mrs Coulter of Red Oak, Mrs McKissick of Hamburg, Mrs Kruger of Sidney, Nebraska, and Mrs Dorr of Mitchell, S.D.

Uncle John M. Phipps celebrated his 103rd birthday at the home of his son, Bert Phipps of Farragut, on St Valentine's day. He received many birthday cards, Valentine greetings and telephone calls during the day.

Mr Phipps is in good health and every day takes long walks. He is the oldest living Elk in the world, having joined the order at Shenandoah on his 100th birthday.

John Nye, whose parents live in Shenandoah, passed through town Tuesday on his way to San Francisco, where he will take passage for Ceylon. He has been appointed secretary to the U.S. Minister and will take up his duties about the first of the month. This makes a fine position for John and he is well equipped to fill every duty of the office.

Mr Nye was employed in the old Farmers National bank at this place some fifteen years ago, and will be remembered by many.

On Saturday morning, February 13, at 5:20 occurred the death of J.F. Shaver, following a sickness extending over the greater part of a year.

Mr Shaver was one of the early settlers in this vicinity, having moved to Atchison county in the early fifties. He knew well the trials of the pioneer and talked very entertainingly of the early life in the west. For a number of years Hamburg has been his home and he leaves many friends to mourn his departure.

J.F. Shaver was born in Smyth county, Va., October 2, 1833. He moved to Atchison county in the early '50's, and upon the outbreak of the war he returned to his native state and served in the army for four years. In 1870 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Scott of Avington, Va., and to this union four children were born, the oldest child passing away in infancy. Those living are J.W. of Shenandoah and Misses Myrtle and Mattie of this place. The funeral services were held at the home Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Theo J. Asmus and interment was made in the Hamburg cemetery.

Hamburg was visited last Friday by a young man ten years old who has been thrown out into the world on his own resources. The youngster lived in Carson with his widowed mother and two other brothers. The mother could not provide for all, and it was decided that the two older boys get out and hustle for themselves. The boy came down on the train as far as Sidney and walked to Hamburg carrying a large bundle. He expected to find his uncle, William Stockham, but found that he did not live here.

The matter was brought to the attention of Mayor Tiller, who came down and took the boy to his home, where he was given a good supper. It was found that he had relatives in Riverton, so Mr Tiller purchased a ticket to that place, where the boy now is. Mr Tiller states that the boy seems to understand well the art of looking after himself, and did not seem a bit worried about his condition.

After about three years of almost helplessness, as a result of paralysis, M. M. Morgan passed away Wednesday evening. A week or so ago he suffered another stroke, and it was then realized that there remained but a number of days for his life on this earth. "Buck," as he was generally known, came to this county with his parents when about ten years of age, and the balance of his life was spent in and about Hamburg and vicinity. His mother died when he was about six and one-half years old, and his father passed away some years ago. For a number of years M.M. was engaged in farming after which he moved to town, where he followed several lines of endeavor. "Buck" was a likeable sort of fellow and had a host of warm friends. He was especially fond of his family and was thoughful for their comfort.

M.M. Morgan was born in Santmon [sic] county, Illinois, October 8, 1863 and had reached the age of 50 years, 4 months and 9 days. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Thompson, and to this union four daughters were born, one passing away in infancy. Those living are: Nettie, Mrs Elsie Wilson and Verva. He leaves a wife, one brother, T.E. of Berchard, Neb., and three half-sisters, Mrs Siegle Pauley of this place, Mrs W. E. Whistler and Mrs Lou Sherlock of Riverton and one half-brother, Lyman Morgan of Riverton. The funeral services will be held at the home this afternoon (Friday) at 2:30 conducted by Rev Coonradt and interment will be made in the Hamburg cemetery.

Mr and Mrs James Claiborn celebrated their golden wedding anniversary Feb 12. The children, J.E. Claiborn and wife, A.M. Claiborn and wife of Thurman and Mrs H.O. Martin and husband from west of Sidney were all present. They thought they would surprise the old couple and came with laden baskets but the surprise was turned on them as Mrs Claiborn had a bountiful dinner spread for all.

Mr Claiborn was born in Elkhart county, Indiana, March 11, 1841 and came to Nebraska in 1860. Then as the war broke out he went to Missouri and enlisted in company E twenty-fifth Missouri infantry, in which he served three years and one month.

Mrs Claiborn was born in Atchison county, Missouri, in 1848. Her parents moved to Fremont county when she was about eighteen months old.

To them were born nine children, only three living. They have twenty-one grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The Claiborns have lived in Fremont county since 1865 and have a host of friends.

As announced briefly in last week's issue, W.E. Dodds passed away suddenly at the pump house, south of town, on last Thursday.

Mr Dodd had been in usual health, having just partaken of a hearty meal. Shorty after dinner Sam Smith, Chas Cummins and Ed Rayborn went over to visit Dodds, only to find him dead on the floor of the pump house. Mr Dodds has been in the employ of the railroad since 1884 and was considered one of the most reliable men in the service. He was a charter member of the Masonic order of this place, which society had charge at the grave.

William Elbert Dodds was born near Burlington, Iowa, October 13, 1835 and died February 18, 1915, thus being 79 years, 4 months and 9 days old. He was married in 1857 to Miss Catherine Mains and together they came to Fremont county in 1871. They lived for a time at Bartlett, where Mr Dodds was engaged in mercantile business. They came to Hamburg in '77, which has been their home ever since. Six children were born to them, four of whom together with the mother remain. They are: Hiram Dodds in California, Mrs Edith McDonald, Fruitland, Idaho; Mrs Elberta Barbour, Wichita, Kansas and Mrs Lillian Mock of this place. The funeral services were held at the Baptist church Tuesday afternoon, conducted by his pastor, Rev. A. Welby Tandy, with interment in the Hamburg cemetery.

A.G. Cleveland of Hubbell, Neb., has been visiting with old time friends about Hamburg part of this week. Mr Cleveland had been to Kansas City with cattle and took the opportunity to run up and visit the old town.

Mr Cleveland made this office a pleasant call and chatted for a time on the days gone by. For several years we have had business dealings with the gentleman, and for some reason had longed for a better acquaintance, and now we know that we have missed something by not having known this gentleman. A.G. came to the county in 1867, the year the railroad went through, and was a carpenter on the bridges for the road. The winter of '67 was a very open one and they worked almost all the winter. The rails used were purchased in England and cost $120 per ton. The pilings for the many bridges were driven by hand. Mr Cleveland afterwards purchased the farm now owned by Leslie Yager and erected the improvements. While getting along in years Mr Cleveland is hale and hearty and bids fair to live and enjoy life many years. We enjoyed the short visit and hope the next one will be soon.