Seward County, Nebraska Genealogy

Biographies and Obituaries "A" INDEX

AHLSCHWEDE, ALEXANDER, ALPIN, ANDERSON, ANDRUS, ANSTINE, APPENZELLER, ARMAGOST

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AHLSCHWEDE, Herman F., son of William and Eva (PETZOLD) AHLSCHWEDE, husband of Elizabeth (BIRKY). The following biography, transcribed by Ann Miller White, is from History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History by W. W. Cox, 1st Printing 1901; second edition published by Jason L. Claflin, University Place, Nebraska 1905, Part Two: Biographical, page 7. Photo courtesy of Jane Ramsay Graff and the Seward Co. Historical Society, from Seward County Nebraska, 1982, p.5.

[Surnames: AHLSCHWEDE, BIRKY]

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HERMAN F. AHLSCHWEDE

    On the old Ahlschwede farm a mile down the river from Ruby, Herman was born June 3, 1879. He spent his youth helping to develop the farm of his father, and after a while he and Miss Elizabeth Birky, a neighbor girl, concluded a splendid bargain and they were married February 16, 1904. She was born in Livingston County, Illinois, February 16, 1880, and came with her parents to Seward County when a young girl.
    These young people have a bright future open before them. He is a farmer. They are members of the Lutheran Church.
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AHLSCHWEDE, William, husband of Eva (PETZOLD). The following biography, transcribed by Ann Miller White, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, pages 6-7:
[Surnames: AHLSCHWEDE, FREEMAN, PETZOLD]

William Ahlschwede and wife
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WILLIAM AHLSCHWEDE.

    Was a German born boy that crossed the great water when but four years old. His parents settled in Allen County, Indiana, near Fort Wayne, where William grew up. William was born June 12, 1844.
    In 1878, February 24, Mr. Ahlschwede married Miss Eva Petzold in Allen County, Indiana. She was born January 6, 1859 in Allen County. They have nine children as follows: Herman F., George F., William H., Mary R., now Mrs. F. Freeman, Emma, Martin C., Elizabeth, Alma and Elsie.
    Mr. Ahlschwede came to Seward County in May, 1871, and settled at [p.7] the present home on Section 27, "J" Town, where he has improved the farm until it is an elegant home place with every convenience. He is a farmer of high rank and a man of energy and great value to his neighborhood. Church home is with the Lutherans in which he takes great interest.
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ALEXANDER, Charles D., husband of Albina (STEVENS). The following biography, transcribed by Ann Miller White, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, pages 7-8:
[Surnames: ALEXANDER, EMERSON, SHOWALTER, STEVENS]

CHARLES D. ALEXANDER

    Was another of those New York boys that tired of navigating a stone boat among the rocky fields and grubbing blackberry briars out of the fence corners. Charley was born in the town of Sanford in Broome County, October 12, 1844. At twelve he caught sight of the star of promise and found the western trail which led him to Iowa County, [p.8] Wisconsin, and there among the badgers he grew up and was so fortunate as to get acquainted with Miss Albina Stevens and they married, October 18, 1869, in Iowa County, town of Miflin, her native place. She was born April 23, 1847.
    Four children came to brighten their home; Lawrence S., Horace G., Eliza, now Mrs. D. C. Showalter, Amy, now Mrs. L. L. Emerson. The family came to Seward County August 28, 1883, and settled in "F" Precinct on Section 32. Mr. Alexander is a member of the A. F. and A. M.
    Mr. Alexander did not forget to go to the war. He heard the bugle call and enlisted in the 19th Wisconsin infantry, January 6, 1862.
    He is a wide awake citizen and has helped in every way to develop his county and his village. He has been postmaster of Tamora for many years.
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ALPIN, Lawrence R., husband of Ada (KINDREE). The following biography, transcribed by Ann Miller White, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, page 7:
[Surnames: ALPIN, COMPTON, KINDREE]

LAWRENCE R. ALPIN

    In the land of muddy roads and hazelbrush at Augusta, Illinois, Lawrence was born, March 24, 1875, but had to come to Nebraska to be raised. Away out at Ansley, Nebraska, he ran across Miss Ada Kindree and in due time he captured her in March 1896. She was a Seward County girl that had strayed away from Cordovia[sic, Cordova]. She was born in 1878. They have one little girl, Fern. Mr. Alpin came to Utica in September, 1900, and purchased the Sun plant of Mrs. W. D. Compton, and most of the time since that has been raising "Suns" that shine all over the prairies around Utica. Long may the "Sun of Utica" under his guiding hand "dispense a serener light" to brighten the pathway of the people. Mr. Alpin is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Royal Highlanders.
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ANDERSON, Aaron F., husband of Susie (McFEELY/McPHEELY). The following biography, transcribed by Ann Miller White, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, pages 1-2:
[Surnames: ANDERSON, BABCOCK, BUSHNELL, CALDER, COX, DUNCAN, EVANS, FIGARD, FRANCE, GRANT, IMLAY, LARSON, McFEELY/McPHEELY, PHELPS, TUTTLE, WHEELER]

AARON ANDERSON

    Among the everlasting hills of the Old Keystone state at Newberg in Huntington County, the boy first saw the light, March 12th, 1843, where he grew to manhood, where he had the usual experience of a boy in that rough region, piling and burning brush, navigating a stone boat, etc. He found the way to Nebraska in 1867, March 23 [sic, Nov. 20; he made homestead entry in land office in Lincoln Nov. 22], and located in "F" Precinct among the first, and homesteaded the west half of southwest quarter of section twelve, and in time added to the home by purchasing three eighties.
    In 1878, March 8 [sic, Nov. 8, 1871], he had won the hand and heart of Miss Susie McFeely[sic?McPheely?], a young teacher that found the way with her parents to the frontier. She was born in the city of iron and steel, with clouds of smoke (Pittsburgh), July 15th, 1851. There were born to them four children, viz: Thomas E., Annie McFeely, died April 3, 1877, Eva V. died March 21, 1888, and Arthur. Mr. Anderson lived on the homestead thirty-five years. In 1887 he took a fit of western fever and moved to Arapahoe County, Colorado. He remained there two years and then returned to his first home in Seward County where he remained until he was called home on March 1st, 1904, leaving his wife and two sons to mourn his loss. He was brought up in the faith of the Church of God.
    [p.2] Mrs. Anderson, the elder daughter of Issac McFeely, came to Nebraska in 1870. They settled in "F" Precinct on a homestead. Susie began her Nebraska career as a pioneer teacher in three different districts of the county. Her first two terms were in District No. 11, known as the Imlay district, and was employed by the writer as director. We can testify that Susie was a good teacher. The patrons of the school were Wm. Imlay, D. H. Figard, J. F. Duncan and W. W. Cox. Her next school was the Dr. Evans school. It was their first term. This was seven miles south of Seward. In the mean time Mr. McFeely with the cooperation of Geo. B. France, county superintendent, succeeded in getting District No. 37 organized, embracing a vast stretch of wilderness reaching to the York County line. Susie was the first teacher and as the school house was not yet completed the first term was taught in the sod house of Mr. Grant. The school board was Isaac E. McFeely, Lafayette Welden and Mr. Larson. Children of that school were Wm. Calder, Frank Phelps, Wm. Babcock, Lyman Babcock, John Larson, George Larson, Moses Wheeler, Eunice Larson, Dora Calder, Ada Weldon, Alice Weldon, Celia and Ida Tuttle,Herbert Tuttle, Ida McFeely, Laura B. McFeely and S. Wheeler. Miss Sarah Bushnell was the next teacher. That noble pioneer teacher has been dead many years. With her two sons she continues to reside on the homestead and at this writing they are building a new farm house.
(Transcriber's note: I would assume he meant that Miss Sarah Bushnell, the teacher who followed Susie, was dead and that Susie and her two sons were, at that writing, building a new farm home).
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ANDERSON, Calvin, husband of Sarah E. (FORD). The following biography, transcribed by Ann Miller White, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, page 2:
[Surnames: ANDERSON, FORD]

CALVIN ANDERSON

    Was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, January 3, 1854. Came to Seward County in 1867, and worked on the farm with his father during boyhood. Married to Miss Sarah E. Ford in 1882. Have two children, Walter W. and Albert S., both yet at home. Mr. Anderson is a painter by trade and is a very worthy citizen. An active member of the U. B. Church. Is a degree member of the A. O. U. W., and the degree of Honor.
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ANDERSON, George W., husband of Anna R. (KESSELRING). The following biography, transcribed by Ann Miller White, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, pages 2-3:
[Surnames: ANDERSON, ASHTON, COX, KESSELRING, PRINE]

GEORGE W. ANDERSON

    One of the old soldier boys that heard the drum beat in the time of war and rushed to the rescue, was born April 5, 1837, in Bedford [p.3] County, Pennsylvania, where he remained until he enlisted. Married to Miss Anna R. Kesselring, March 21, 1861, in Huntington County, Pennsylvania. She was born in Fulton County, Pennsylvania, February 5, 1844. They were the parents of fifteen children, twelve of whom are living. Their names are as follows: McLellan, Lorenzo B., Sadie O. died in infancy; Emma, now Mrs. F. Ashton, Edward died at eight, Florence also died in infancy, Magie E., now Mrs. B. Prine, Bertha B., now Mrs. J. W. Cox, Harry W., Ida M., Laura E., William, Alfred, Nellie and Rufus.
    The family came to Seward County, February, 1874, and settled on section thirty, "G" Precinct. Mr. Anderson enlisted in Co. F, 56 Pennsylvania Vol. Infantry, September 1, 1864.
    His scene of operation was in the Potomac Valley, and was at second battle of Hatchie run South side Railroad, Five Forks, Belfield Raid and at Lee's surrender.
    Mr. Anderson died, January 24, 1904. The U. B. Church at Seward was the family church home. Mr. Anderson was a very worthy and valuable citizen.
    The widow yet resides on the old farm that they occupied when they first came to the county.
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ANDERSON, Harrison H., husband of Carrie (HUGHES). The following biography, transcribed by Ann Miller White, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, page 2:
[Surnames: ANDERSON, HUGHES]

HARRISON H. ANDERSON

    A carpenter and builder that came to Seward County when a young boy in old pioneer days. Was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1856. The old folks Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Anderson came to Seward and settled two miles west of the City in the summer of 1867. Here Harrison grew up, and had the usual experiences of a pioneer boy. He chased jack rabbits, plowed corn and went to school. Married Miss Carrie Hughes, September 16, 1868. She was born in Fulton County, Illinois, and came to Seward in childhood. They are parents of seven children, viz., Chesley M., Lawrence, now dead, Olive M., Claud, Alma and Alice all at home. Mr. Anderson is a good carpenter and worthy citizen.
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ANDERSON, J. Templeton, husband of Electa B. (BEAN). The following biography, transcribed by Ann Miller White, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, pages 3-4:
[Surnames: ADLER, ANDERSON, BEAN, HENDERSON]

J. TEMPLETON ANDERSON

    One among the oldest established merchants of Seward. Was born in Guernsey, Ohio, October 20, 1849. Don't know just how he found the western trail when so young, but at five we find the lad in the wilds of Iowa, where he grew to manhood, commencing his education in the log cabin school houses of that frontier.
    In 1873, April 10, he married Miss Electa B. Bean, a Pennsylvania girl that came to Iowa in her youth. Seven children were born to them (five now living), viz: Mertie E., now Mrs. F. P. Henderson, Mary H., Florence M., Lucretia T., now dead; Gray and F. Paul.
    Came to Seward in 1880, and was for a time employed in Adler's [p.3] Dry Good House. In 1886 helped to found the grocery house to which in later years he became sole proprietor.
    Mr. Anderson is now one of the leading and prosperous merchants of our City. Is at this time a member of our Board of Education and is its Chairman. Is a leading member of the Presbyterian Church, a member of the A. O. U. W. and a wide awake, energetic and enterprising citizen.
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ANDERSON, Dr. John Sumner, husband of Myrtle (BOYES). The following biography, transcribed by Ann Miller White, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, pages 5-6. Photo courtesy of granddaughter Jane Ramsay Graff.
[Surnames: ANDERSON, BOYES]

DR. JOHN S. ANDERSON

    Came within an ace of being a Seward County boy and we are going to claim him, as he came to the wilderness in his fifth year in 1867.
    The lad was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania in 1862, March 10. Worked on the farm and received his education in the country schools, but in his mind this did not fill the bill. So in his early manhood he hied away to Chicago and took a full course of study in the Veterinary College and graduated with honors. But still there was more to learn so he crossed the border and at Toronto, Canada, he graduated in the Veterinary Dental School, yet he was not quite satisfied, so he took a course in Miles' School of Special Surgery at Charleston, Illinois in 1894. Then he came to Seward, his old home, to try his hand at the work for which he had been so long in training. Is a marked success in his profession and soon attracted wide attention and his field of usefulness widened.
    [p.6] He was appointed twice as State Veterinary Surgeon, and is now frequently called to distant points to assist in the diagnosis of the more difficult diseases of stock. His reputation far exceeds the boundaries of his state, and that reputation has been fairly and squarely earned.
    The Doctor married one of our estimable young Seward girls, Miss Myrtle Boyes, March 3, 1902. Mrs. Anderson was born, raised and educated at Seward and that means that her opportunities were good, and she has improved them.
    The Doctor has built one of the finest barns in the state for his business and has it thoroughly equipped with all modern appliances.
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ANDERSON, Lewis, husband of Sarah Ann (EDWARDS); see gravestone photo at top of this page. The following biography, transcribed by Ann Miller White, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, pages 4-5:
[Surnames: ANDERSON, BUTLER, EDWARDS, METZ, SMITH]

LEWIS ANDERSON

    One of the oldest settlers, who came to Seward before Seward was born. Settled on his homestead just west of the city in the spring of 1866, and knows all about the ups and downs of frontier life just about as well as anybody.
    He was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, in 1834, April 15. Married to Miss Sarah A. Edwards of Huntington County, Pennsylvania, April 7, 1853. Moved to Fulton County, Illinois, in 1864 and remained there until he took a second attack of western fever, when he struck for Nebraska. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson seven children. Edison and Lewis both died in early childhood. Susan, who became Mrs. Norman Smith, died in 1880. Wilson, who had been a cripple for many years, died in 1887. Lizzie, now Mrs. John Metz of Seward; Clara, now Mrs. E.A. Butler of Ansley, Nebraska, and Bell of the dry goods and millinery house of Seward. Mr. Anderson joined the I. O. [p.5] O. F. the day he was twenty-one years old and has always taken a great interest in the order.
    Mrs. Anderson was long a member of the U. B. Church and was a most worthy Christian lady. She died, December 28, 1899.
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ANDERSON, McLellan C., husband of Mary (BOTTS). The following biography, transcribed by Ann Miller White, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, page 3:
[Surnames: ANDERSON, BOTTS]

McLELLAN C. ANDERSON

    Was born among the stumps and stone fences of Fulton County, Pennsylvania, January 14, 1862, where he was an engineer on a stone boat until he was twelve, when he tried the western trail and found Seward County in 1874 and learned to farm where it is both an honor and a pleasure to be a farmer boy.
    After awhile Mac found his best girl, Miss Mary Botts, and they were married May 10, 1885. She was an Illinois girl born in McDounah County, June 4, 1862. They were married at Seward. They have four children, viz: Ethel L, George E., Ray A., and Clara May. Mr. Anderson is a carpenter and builder and we expect that more than a hundred buildings in the city and country have sprung into being under his guiding hand. He is a member of the M. W. A.
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ANDERSON, Ross P., husband of Lydia A. (BOYD). The following biography, transcribed by Ann Miller White, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, page 4:
[Surnames: ANDERSON, BOYD, GREELEY]

ROSS P. ANDERSON

    Was an Ohio boy that strayed west in his youth under the advise of Greeley and landed in Warren County, Iowa, where he grew to manhood, when he again struck the trail that led to Seward. Ross was born in Guernsey County, May 4, 1854. In 1881 we find the young law student fresh from school in the little new town and gazing upon the boundless prairie. His first clients were the school children of the Anderson district, where he learned that generation of youngsters the "idea how to shoot." Then he stuck up his shingle as attorney. Two years later, September 9, 1883, he was married to Lydia A. Boyd at Washington, Iowa. Mrs. Anderson was born at York, Pennsylvania, January 6, 1859. Two children came to brighten their home, Elizabeth W. and Russell B., both at home. Miss Elizabeth is now a teacher in our city schools.
    Mr. Anderson has had an honorable part in the official history of Seward County where he has served six terms or twelve years, as county attorney. In his legal career he has had a hand in many important cases. As an advocate of republican principles his well timed speeches have been heard on every political stump of the county for the last twenty years.
    He is a member of the I. O. O. F., M. W. A. and A. O. U. W. Church home is with the Congregational people. Mr. Anderson was a graduate of Simpson Centenary College, Indianola, Iowa.
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ANDRUS, Dr. Frederick M., husband of Emma (LADD). This biography is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County, Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, 1905, pages 8-9 (photo scans from p.9 courtesy Pat Ryan White):
[Surnames: ANDRUS, LADD, PRATT]

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DR. FREDERICK M. ANDRUS

    Another Nebraska boy that cut a figure in the world. Born among the everlasting hills at Plattsmouth, July 29, 1872. In his youth he climbed hills, rolled stones down just to see them tumble down the steep hillsides, and went to school at the high school. He then went to the Lincoln Medical College and graduated with honors in the class of 1900. Took post-graduate courses at Chicago in surgery with Dr. Pratt and also at West-side Surgical Institute. Dr. Andrus is now Professor in Physical Diagnosis at the Lincoln Medical College. August 27, 1898, he closed a bargain (and a good one too) with Miss Emma Ladd, of [p. 9] Weeping Water, Cass County. She is a full blood Nebraskan, born June 27, 1878, right in sight of those piles of white rocks at Weeping Water falls.
    The doctor came to Pleasant Dale, March 25, 1900 and stuck out his shingle. He now has a large and growing practice, owns a hospital and rides in an automobile.
    The church home of the family is with the Methodists. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., of the K. O. T. M., the M. W. A. and is examining physician for each of the above orders. He is one of our growing doctors.
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ANSTINE, Earl R., husband of Ethel (DAPIN). The following biography, transcribed by Ann Miller White, is from W. W. Cox, History of Seward County Nebraska and Reminiscences of Territorial History, Part Two: Biographical, second printing, 1905, page 7:
[Surnames: ANSTINE, DAPIN]

EARL R. ANSTINE

    An Iowa boy, born in Mills County, October 23, 1880. The folks brought Earl to Tamora when two years old, so he is a boy of our prairie. Worked on the farm and attended the country schools. Married Miss Ethel Dapin, a Seward born girl, November 7, 1900. Educated in the city schools. Two children have come to bless the home, Lawrence A. and Irene.
    Mr. Anstine is a thrifty young farmer.
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APPENZELLER, Mary Elizabeth "Betty", wife of Adolph H. IMIG, daughter of Jacob and Mary (GRAFF) APPENZELLER: see Mary Elizabeth "Betty" (APPENZELLER) IMIG
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ARMAGOST, Dora Ellen (HECKMAN), wife of Mark A. ARMAGOST. This obituary is from Seward News, January 21, 1948. Submitted by Ann Miller White, great-granddaughter-in-law of the deceased.
[Surnames: ARMAGOST, BUCKINGHAM, DEAN, ELZNIC, KUNERT, MOYER, SCHRINER, SMETTER, THEISSEN, WHITE]

    Dora Ellen Heckman was born May 1, 1871 and passed away January 18, 1948 at the age of 76 years, 7 months, and 28 days. She was born near Lena, Stephenson County, Illinois and came to Butler County, Nebraska near the town of Millerton when she was six weeks old, where she grew to womanhood.
    She was united in marriage to Mark Armagost December 23, 1888. To this union was born three sons and three daughters, Frances Parker of Broken Bow, Nebraska, Walter J. of Oroville, California, Wilber F. of Catcreek, Montana, Ida Mae Barnes of Richmond, Washington; Gladys Hannum of West Palm Beach, Florida; and Edward D. of Lincoln, Nebraska.
    She was preceded in death by her husband who passed away April 12, 1933.She was united with the Christian Church in 1911 followed by years of active church service until curtailed by her health. She was also a member of the Rebekah Lodge.
    She was a faithful wife and mother and leaves to mourn her passing her six children, fourteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Anna Sayler of Palisade, Nebraska, age 84, and Mrs. Clara Kyler, Ponoka Canada, age 87, and a host of other relatives and friends.
    Funeral services in charge of the Volland Mortuary were conducted by the Rev. Ford Ellis of the Christian Church Friday, January 23rd. Three songs, "The Old Rugged Cross", "In the Garden", and "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" were sung by Mrs. Guy Miller, Mrs. Charles Gentry, Mr. Frank Smith, and Dr. Paul Houchen, accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Frank Watts.
    The pallbearers were: Grover Amos, Roy Huffman, Lee Hall, W.O. Samuelson, Jerry Bohaty, and Edgar Buckingham. She was laid to rest in the Beaver Cemetery.

"Now I lay me down to sleep;
I pray Thee, Lord, for slumber deep.
And may the darkness drive away
All fears and worries of the day.
Grant me, I pray, my daily needs
And teach me kindly words and deeds
Be near me when I wake again
And guard all those I love. Amen."

    Out of town relatives and friends attending the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Parker and Dan Phyliss, Broken Bow; Mr. and Mrs. Mark Parker, Big Springs; Mrs. Dortha Lind, North Platte; Mrs. Helen Thiessen, Eugene, Ore.; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schriner, Schuyler; Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Armagost, Cat Creek, Mont.; Mrs. Ida Mae Barnes, Richland, Washington; Mr. Edward D. Armagost, Japan; Mrs. Ann Saylor and son Carl, Palisade; Mrs. Geo. Claypool and son Elbert, Lincoln; Mr. Fay Kilgore, Mrs. Golda Smith, James Armagost and Willard Armagost of David City; Mr. and Mrs. Thams and Mrs. Hoagland, Mr. and Mrs. Wm Samuelson, Friend.
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ARMAGOST, Mark A., husband of Dora Ellen (HECKMAN). This wonderful biographical story from page 192 of the 1967 book, On A Bend of the River, is courtesy of the author, Jane Ramsay Graff.

ARMAGOST
A True Story of Rattlesnakes in Pioneer Times

    Mark A. Armagost, section foreman on the Northwestern Railroad at Beaver Crossing, has the distinction of being able to tell about sharing his bed with a rattlesnake when he was only three years old.
    Pioneer homes were not very tight. Many of them became burrowed with gopher holes or pack rats. One night in the spring of 1871 young Mark was tucked up in his corn-husk bed, but in a short time, he called his mother saying that there was a snake or something in his bed. His mother, thinking that it was just an excuse to get to stay up longer told him that there were no snakes around the house and to go to sleep.
    He did sleep, and in the morning after he got up, his mother started to make the bed. She turned the covers down and found, all coiled up in the middle of the bed, a big snake with 13 rattles on the end of his tail. Possibly the weight of the bed covering prevented the deadly fellow from striking, or perhaps his anger was soothed by the warmth of the child's body. At any rate, the experience of that night was never forgotten, and Mr. Armagost can claim the title of "only person to sleep with a rattlesnake and live to tell about it."
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ARMAGOST, Mary Fern (BUCKINGHAM), wife of 1) Mr. ARMAGOST, 2) Mr. HAAGENSEN: see Mary Fern (BUCKINGHAM) ARMAGOST HAAGENSEN
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ARMAGOST, Verna Fern "Bunny", wife of Clarence "Bud" WHITE, funeral pamphlet obituary. Submitted by Ann Miller White, daughter-in-law of the deceased.
[Surnames: ARMAGOST, BUCKINGHAM, DEAN, ELZNIC, KUNERT, MOYER, SCHRINER, SMETTER, THEISSEN, WHITE]

    Verna Fern "Bunny" White, 79, of Beaver Crossing died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2000, at her home.
    She was born Dec. 19, 1920, on a farm near Sheridan, Wyo., to Walter and Mary Fern (Buckingham) Armagost, the youngest of four children. She attended the public schools in Riverton, Neb., and graduated in 1939 as salutatorian of her class. On Nov. 7, 1939, she was married to Clarence "Bud" White in Fremont. To this union five sons and three daughters were born: Jack, Ron, Robert, Kenneth, Gordon, Sandra, Sherri, and Gayle.
    In their early years, they lived in California and Schuyler, before moving to Beaver Crossing in 1950 where Bunny worked at the City Meat Market from 1961 to 1974.
    She is survived by her sons, Jack (Mary Anne) White of Beaver Crossing, Ron (Ann) White of Lincoln, Kenneth (Carol) White of Beaver Crossing, Gordon (Carmen) White of Sutherland; daughters, Sandra (Jerry) Smetter of Doniphan, Sherri (Jim) Dean of Giddings, Texas, and Gayle Kunert of Beaver Crossing; daughter-in-law, Sue White of Beaver Crossing; a special granddaughter, Wendy Elznic, whom she raised; 21 additional grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Helen Theissen, Myrtle Point, Ore.; brother, Loran (Catherine) Armagost of Shelton, Wash., and several nieces and nephews.
    She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bud; son Robert; great-granddaughter, Skylar Elznic; and sister, Adeline Schriner.
    A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14, at the United Methodist Church in Beaver Crossing with the Rev. Michael Moyer officiating. There will be cremation and no interment or visitation. Memorials have been established and can be directed in care of the family. Lauber-Moore Funeral Home in Beaver Crossing is in charge of arrangements.
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