Who We Were, Are & Will Be Our Family: Nebraska

Showing posts with label Nebraska. Show all posts

01 June 2022

New Sign at Powell Canyon Cemetery (Custer County, NE)

I have never visited it, but yet I have told my wife and family it is where I would like to be buried. I consider Custer County, Nebraska my ancestral home; and Powell Canyon my ancestral cemetery. Out of a listed twenty-nine graves, seven are direct ancestors (Phoebe Chesley, Charles H. Chesley, Candis Chesley, Warren D. Copeland, Lucy M. Copeland, Herold C. Walker, Norman Walker) and the more I research the more I learn the others are extended family.

I was doing a rudimentary search on Newspapers.Com and found the following last year --

What a beautiful sign! What a beautiful gesture! I was moved to track down the family and thank them. And when I did, wouldn't you know what I discovered? The Brooks family are kin too.

17 July 2021

Visit to Family in Nebraska (1964)

In 1964 my Dad, Paul Walker (1929-2019), took his budding family back to Nebraska to visit all the family. Our Mom Brenda Walker Cox (nee. Gibson, 1938-1989) is holding my brother. That is me wearing my new Dix (Nebraska) High School sweatshirt (when it was obviously summertime warm outside), and trying to show off my missing tooth. We are at Lee and Linnie Wistrom's (1906-1986) home in Kimball, Nebraska. Lee (nee. McNeil Walker, 1907-1980) was my Dad's oldest sister.

15 July 2021

Small Town Joy Evident in the Social Page (1941)

From the social pages of the Arnold Sentinel (Arnold, Nebraska), June 5,1941, Thursday, Page 4 --

Herald and Jerald Walker visited Sunday with their brother, Norman Walker,
and their cousins, Wayne and Paul Walker, of Dix, Nebraska.

What is so special about this? Norman is 14 years old, Paul is 12, and Wayne, Herald, and Jerald are all only 10 years old. And this is reported in the social pages of the local newspaper. In 1941, Arnold was the home to about eight-hundred souls.

A good friend of mine said jokingly, and with a smile on his face, that "Hedda Hopper had nothing on this reporter." But that is the point of it, isn't it? Small town charm versus the action, drama, and celebrity of high society.

To each their own, but give me the small town.

14 July 2021

(Mostly) Wordless Wednesday: Kids Football (1940)

I date this circa 1940 in Dix, Nebraska. Left to right -- Bobby Wistrom (1930-1999), Wayne Walker (1931-2018), and Paul Walker (1929-2019).

Bobby was my first cousin, Wayne was my uncle, and Paul was my father.

13 July 2021

Tombstone Tuesday: Herold C. Walker (1892-1892)

Herold C. Walker

Born: January 13, 1892, Custer County, Nebraska

Died: April 13, 1892 (aged 3 months), Custer County, Nebraska

Burial: Powell Canyon Cemetery, Custer County, Nebraska, USA

Had he survived, Herold would have been my granduncle.

12 July 2021

Amanuensis Monday: Postcard Home

(undated: Circa 1915)

Mrs. K.G. Walker

Dix, Neb.

Show this to some of them so will know where I am at. Keith

"Well, geesh Kevin, that is not much of a transcription." Yeah, I know but for me it is an emotional one. My Grandpa Keith Walker (1894-1980) lived and worked on the Union Pacific Railroad. But in his heart he was a family man. He was writing home to his wife and large family wanting them to know where he was.

This day it was Rawlins, Wyoming.

05 July 2021

Wayne Needham Walker (1931-2018) Decorated Graduate

From The Western Nebraska Observer (Kimball, Nebraska), May 22, 1952, Thursday, Page 10 --

Wayne Walker of Dix.
Son of Keith Walker of Dix, Wayne is a cum laude graduate at Kearney with a major in mathematics and minors in physics and chemistry. Affiliated with the Caledonian fraternity; Lambda Delta Lambda fraternity; national honorary physical science organization; XI Phi, national honorary scholarship and leadership fraternity; and the Men's League, Wayne has also served as president of Lambda Delta Lambda and on the Men's League Council. Following graduation, he plans to attend Naval Officers’ School.

Wayne Walker was my paternal uncle.

02 July 2021

Printed School Program, 1908-9 (Custer County, Nebraska)

Mackley School

Elim Township, Custer County, Nebr

1908-9

Compliments of Kathryn Powell, Teacher

Listed among the pupils is Bessie A. Hutchens (1894-1936), my grandaunt, or more accurately wife of my granduncle.

21 June 2021

Amanuensis Monday: Divorce Record of Lucy M. (Chesley) Walker against Henry M. Walker (1897)

(Click on images to enlarge.)

In the District Court of Custer County Nebraska

Lucy M. Walker

vs.

Henry Walker

Comes now above named plaintiff and for cause of action against the defendant alleges that she and said defendant have been residents of Custer County Nebraska for upwards of ten years last part and that said plaintiff and defendant are now residents of said county and residing therein
That on or about the 26th day of October 1884 she was married to the defendant

That there are three children now minors resulting from said marriage to wit;

Lynn C. Walker aged 9 years

Norman A. Walker aged 7 years

Keith G. Walker aged 2 years

That during all of this time since said marriage that this plaintiff conducted herself toward said defendant as a kind and indifferent wife.

That said defendant not keeping his marital duties and vows at various times and repeatedly was guilty of repeated and extreme acts of cruelty by the use of acts of personal violence and other means against this plaintiff

That defendant is a person of loose and dissolute habits and that it is dangerous to the lives of the children herein named and of plaintiff to live with defendant or to continue further in the marriage relation with said defendant

That said defendant is not a proper person to have the care and custody of said children by reason of his vicious and immoral habits

That plaintiff is a person fitted and able to take charge of said children and their care custody education and control

That the defendant has been convicted of a felony in the District Court of Custer County Nebraska and has been sentenced to imprisonment in the penitentiary of this state for the term of three years and over by said court and no error has been persecuted therein

Wherefore plaintiff prays for an absolute decree of divorce from said defendant and for the court to award to her the care custody and control of said children absolutely and without any interference on the part of said defendant and for such other further and different reliefs as to the court may be just and understandable.

Lucy M. Walker

By J. R. Bean, Atty.

________________

The State of Nebraska

Custer County

Lucy M. Walker brings forth duly sworn deposes and says that she is plaintiff herein that she has read and swears the contents of said petition; that the facts stated herein are true as she verily believes

Lucy M. Walker (signed)

Inscribed in my presence and sworn to before me this 11th Day of December 1896.

J.R. Rhoades

County Judge

_________________

In the District Court of Custer County Nebraska

Lucy Walker

vs. ANSWER

Henry Walker

Comes now the defendant Henry Walker and for answer to the petition of the plaintiff filed herein -- admits the marriage of the plaintiff and defendant as alleged in the plaintiff's petition -- But denies each and all of the other allegations therein contained.

Henry Walker

By Cameron & Reece

His Attorneys

Verification waived

J.R. Bean (signed)

Atty for Plaintiff

20 June 2021

Arthur Herrick Needham Laid to Rest (1921)

Click to Enlarge.

A. H. NEEDHAM IS LAID TO REST IN ARNOLD CEMETERY.
Died at Home of Son In Forest Grove Ore.— Nearly Ninety Years Old.

A. H. Needham, father of Frank Needham, passed away at his son's home in Forest Grove Ore., on Thursday March 24th. Funeral services were conducted from the First Methodist church in Forest Grove, Ore. last Saturday afternoon, March 24th. The pastor, Rev. C. R. Carlos assisted by two former pastors of the deceased, Rev. Nathan English and Rev. L. W. Chandler. The remains were shipped to Arnold where services were held at the Methodist church on Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock. The service was conducted by Rev. Johnson and internment was made in the Arnold cemetery by the side of his beloved wife.

Obituary.

A. H. Needham was born In Lawrence, N. Y., September 7, 1831 and departed to his heavenly home from Forest Grove, Ore. on Thursday morning, March 24, 1921, age 89 years 6 months and 14 days. He moved with his father’s family to Cleveland, Ohio in 1834, where he grew to manhood working on his father’s farm. He was educated In the public schools and at Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio. His chosen profession was Pedagogy. After teaching four years in northern Ohio, he went south to Knoxville, Tcnn., as private tutor, from 1855 to 1857. He taught In the high school of Warrenton, Mo., from 1857 to 1860. When the Civil war came he enlisted in 1861 in the Second Regiment Iowa Cavalry, as hospital steward and served for five years. He was a member of the G. A. R. and had a deep affection for all his comrades. He was married to Camilla E Porter, in April, 1864, and was discharged from the service of his country in 1865. He moved to Iowa and engaged in farming and teaching during 1866-67. In September 1868 he moved to Lincoln, Neb., and took up a homestead. He taught the second term of school in what was then called the Wallingford District, in Lancaster county. Here he resided until 1883 when he moved to Arnold, Neb., and took up 320 acres of Government land and settled down to rear and educate his family. He was the father of four children: Frank E Needham of Arnold, Neb., Mrs. Keith Walker of Dix, Neb., and Mrs. E. G. Mills and Leroy Needham of Forest Grove, Ore. Eleven years ago his wife a dear companion and true helpmeet took her departure for the better land. He then made his home with his children and four years ago he came to Forest Grove, Ore., where after an illness of two months he peacefully passed away to his eternal reward.

He was identified with the Methodist Episcopal church for sixty years. His early Christian life dates back to the time when his sainted mother would gather her children around her and tell them of the love of Jesus. The loyalty that characterized his devotion to his family and his country, was manifested in his country was manifested in his relation to Christ. He was an intelligent student of history and sustained his interests in the current events of the day, to the last. He leaves a large circle of relatives and friends. His four children are living and besides them he had great delight in his fifteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. But the company of dear ones that have greeted him on the other shore, exceeds even in number that which he leaves behind.

CARD OF THANKS

We wish in this manner to thank the many friends and neighbors for the kindness and sympathy extended at the time of death and burial, of our father A. H. Needham

Signed: The Needham Family

Arthur Herrick Needham (1831-1921) was my g-grandfather on my father's maternal side. He was an extraordinary man. I have often considered writing his biography.

16 June 2021

(Mostly) Wordless Wednesday: Lucy May Walker Copeland (nee. Chesley 1866-1940) and Warren D. Copeland (1859-1942)

At their homestead in Custer County, Nebraska. Lucy was my g-grandmother on my father's paternal side. Warren was her second husband, and reportedly a great father to my grandfather.

11 June 2021

Why Do I Love Nebraska? Because Nebraska Loved Me First!

Sixty-years ago, from The Western Nebraska Observer (Kimball, Nebraska) --

Mr. and Mrs. Dick Wistrom received the announcement of the birth of a son to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Walker of California on Jan. 22. He has been named Kevin Wayne. Paul Is the uncle of Dick Wistrom. He graduated from the Dix High School.

I was born in California, but they were talking about me in Nebraska! I do genealogy because of family. My family roots are in Nebraska. In many ways I consider it my home state, but I have never lived there.

10 June 2021

Paul Walker Training as Aircraft Engineer (1948)

From The Western Nebraska Observer (Kimball, Nebraska), June 24, 1948, Thursday, Page 9 --

PAUL WALKER TRAINING AS AIRCRAFT ENGINEER
Pfc Paul E. Walker, son of Keith Walker of Dix, has been assigned to training as an aviation engineer at the Air Force school at Ft. Francis E. Warren In Cheyenne, it was revealed this week. He enlisted recently in the Air Force under the career plan which allows high school graduates to pick the type of training they desire.

Paul Walker was moved to the school of cartography. Upon the end of his enlistment he became a public school teacher which he remained for well over thirty years. Paul E. Walker (1929-2019) was my father.

08 June 2021

Tombstone Tuesday: Phoebe Cochran Chesley (nee. Ward, 1830-1928)

Burial: Powell Canyon Cemetery, Custer County, Nebraska.

Phoebe Chesley was my 2xg-grandmother on my father's paternal side.

05 June 2021

"Just Another Picture of 'Just Another Distant Aunt.'" To Whom?

We all have them. Me as many as anyone! I have over a hundred pictures of great-aunts and great-uncles that go without much attention from me. Why? Isn't it obvious? They are "just distant aunts and uncles". . . to me. My bias is toward researching and giving attention to my "ancestors," not just "relatives."

Then it happens, someone comes along less selfish than me. More thoughtful. More considerate. He posts a picture on FamilySearch.Org of one of his "just another distant aunt." He is thinking less inward and more outward. What can he do that might be good for someone else? What can he do that is good for the hobby of genealogy and therefore all genealogists?

Then I come along and find the picture he posted of his "just a distant aunt."

Meet my 2xg-grandmother Martha Porter (nee. Scott, 1825-1909). This is the first picture I have ever found or seen of her. My newfound cousin's "just a distant aunt" is my gg-grandmother!

I owe him so much for posting this picture publicly. I think he is the type of guy who would appreciate me paying it forward. I need to go start uploading pictures of "just distant aunts" and "just distant uncles."

28 May 2021

By Request: Obit for Lynndon Carl Walker (1887-1946)

From Arnold Sentinel (Arnold, Nebraska), May 2, 1946, Page 1 --

L C Walker Buried Tuesday From Arnold Methodist Church

Funeral services for Lyndon C Walker, 58, who died at his home in Yucca Valley on Friday evening, April 26, after a lengthy illness, were held from the Arnold Melodist church on Tuesday afternoon, April 30, at 2 o’clock with Rev E N Littrell in charge of the services.
Music was furnished by Evelyn Cunningham and Betty Jo Simons accompanied by Mrs. John Dennis.
Pallbearers were Chester Bean, Wm Scott, Emil Lindell, Arthur Long, Ira Spratt and Ernest Yarrington.
Interment was in the Arnold cemetery.
Lyndon Carl Walker, son of Lucy M and Henry M Walker was born August 20 1887, at Powell Canyon near Arnold, Nebraska and died April 26, 1946, at the age of 58 years, eight months and six days.
He was married to Bessie Ann Hutchens on September 18, 1912, and seven children were born to this marriage:
Mrs. Beulah Cumpston, Arnold; Mrs. Mae Cunningham, Pasadena, California; Glenn, Ann and Norman Walker at home; and Harold and Jerald Walker, Riverton, Wyoming.
Mrs. Walker preceded him in death on August 17 1936.
In addition to his seven children, Mr. Walker is survived by 11 grandchildren and one brother Keith G Walker, Dix, Nebraska. He was preceeded(sic) in death by two brothers and one sister.
Mr. Walker moved to Yucca Valley in 1908, and had made his home there for the remainder of his life.
He united with the Baptist church in young manhood and remained a member of this church.
He had been in failing health for the past five years, and had become bedfast two weeks before his death.

Ancestry.Com has recently made it a lot simpler to find obituaries on its sister site Newspapers.Com, and concurrently I have become very proficient at doing searches on the latter. It would be easy to flood this blog with obits, but that is not the tone I really want to set here. Nonetheless I had a second cousin request this obituary and the one yesterday.

One of the interesting things I noticed in tracking down this obituary, was that in the newspapers leading up to this one were reports of family members coming to visit Lynn. I am guessing everyone knew the time was at hand.

Lynndon Carl Walker was my granduncle.

27 May 2021

By Request: Obit for Bessie Ann Walker (nee. Hutchens, 1894-1936)

From The Custer County Chief (Broken Bow, Nebraska), August 27, 1936, Page 10 --

Arnold: Bessie Ann Walker passed away at the Arnold hospital early Monday morning, August 17. Mrs. Walker had been seriously ill at her home south of town for several weeks and was brought to the hospital for treatment last week.
Mrs. Walker leaves her husband and seven children, Mrs. Beulah Compston of Brady, Mrs. May Cunningham, Glenn, Anna, Norman, Herald and Jerald.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 at the Baptist church with Rev. C. L. Van Metre in charge. Mrs. C. S. Lucas, Miss Marjorie Mudd, Joe Fisher and Ray Atkins sang, accompanied at the piano by Miss Genevieve McQuire.
Pallbearers were Will Scott, John Brewer, Esten Ross, Kenneth Holt, Virgil Holt and E. W. Deterding. Interment was in the Arnold cemetery.

Bessie Ann Walker was my grandaunt.

22 May 2021

The Consequences of Large Families

Dix School, 1938 -- Dix, Kimball County, Nebraska.

The little boy sitting dead center in the front row is my father Paul E. Walker (1929-2019). The little boy sitting to his immediate left is Robert Arthur "Bob" Wistrom (1930-1999). Bob was my father's best friend. Bob was my father's nephew!

My father was the second youngest of nine children. Bob is the son of the oldest of the nine children, Beulah Lee Wistrom (nee. McNeill Walker, 1907-1980).

My father always called Bob his "cousin." Growing up, I called Bob my "uncle," when in fact he was my cousin.

The girl in the back row, second from the left is Bob's older sister Virginia Lee "Jinks" Stormberg (nee. Wistrom, 1928-1994). Jinks was my father's niece, and a year older.

I don't know. It all seems to me to be a small price to pay for the joy of a large family.

08 May 2021

Charles Chesley Does Business with Arthur Needham

From The Courier-Tribune (Callaway, Nebraska), 01 Apr 1904, Fri, Page 4 --

Chas. H. Chesley has purchased another farm in Yucca valley, the California Baker farm, which corners on his other farm he purchased a few days ago. This makes Mr. C. a fine farm of 320 acres which cost him $1450 cash and he is justly proud of his purchase. A. H. Needham made and completed the sale. Mr. Needham has several other good farms and small ranches for sale.

Charles Henry Chesley (1828-1905) is my 2xg-grandfather on my father's paternal side. Arthur Herrick Needham (1831-1921) is my g-grandfather on my father's maternal side. This land deal took place in 1904. Also in 1904 Arthur Needham's daughter Mattie was a teacher and Charles Chesley's grandson Keith was her student. Ten years later, in 1914, Keith G. Walker (1894-1980) and Mattie M. Needham (1884-1938) ran off and became husband and wife.

More than just a land deal.

05 May 2021

Wordless (Mostly) Wednesday: Clifford and Elyene (Cumpston) Andre

Clifford Andre (1929-2019) and his wife Elyene (Cumpston) Andre (1935-2006). Both of Nebraska. Elyene was my second cousin on my paternal side.