John M. Kyes, born in New York state, came to Merrick County in 1862, after spending two years in Colorado, prospecting and driving a stage line. For about two more years after arriving here he drove for the Western Stage Company.
     On Christmas day, 1864, he was married to Miss Viola Parker, who also was from New York. This was said to be the first wedding ceremony performed in Merrick County. A short time later Mr. and Mrs. Kyes settled on a farm south of Chapman Station. About 1871 he took up a homestead of 80 acres on Prairie Creek and purchased 300 additional acres. They retired and moved to Central City in 1900. Their descendants have been prominent citizens of Merrick County.

LAFE SIMONSON: son of Simon and Anna Simonson, was born October 1, 1886, on the farm near Worms, and died March 21, 1958, after living a very active lifetime in the vicinity of Worms and Palmer. He was married April 27, 1907, to Miss Milda Dammann, and farmed south of Palmer for thirteen years before moving to Palmer in 1920. He served on the Merrick County Board of Supervisors from 1928 to 1934. He was postmaster at Palmer from 1934 until retiring in 1956. During his term as postmaster, he often went out of his way to serve his patrons, personally delivering mail to the hospital, and to invalids and shut-ins. He was very active in his church, and in all community affairs. He made many friends and few enemies. The Simonsons have one daughter, Myrtle (Mrs. C. F. Keefe) of Stoneleigh, England.

That is the way the late Hon. John G. Boelts referred to our greatest natural resource, our virgin soil. He believed in not allowing it to erode, nor to lose its fertility. Mr. Boelts served in the state legislature in 1909 to 1911, and again was elected to the Legislature in 1930, and to the State Senate in 1932. He died a few years after completing his term in 1934.

Compliments of
COGSWELL TIRE & BATTERY
Central City

    
     Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Parker