systems and serving as County Superintendent in both Butler and Buffalo counties. Victor and George completed their educations at the Lincoln School of Commerce. Both went into the railroad business, George into the offices of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul lines and Victor spent 15 years as an Engineer and Foreman working for the Burlington during the construction of that line in western Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.
   It was in Wyoming that Victor met and married a young teacher, Winifred Anderson. In February 1919 they returned, with their infant daughter Eileen, to the homestead at Bellwood. On this farm two more Loomis children were born: Doris in 1920 and Galen B. in 1924.
   Francis J. Loomis passed away in 1928 and Elizabeth in 1933. At that time Victor Loomis purchased the old homestead from his family. In 1943 Winifred Loomis passed away after many years of illness. Galen B. Loomis completed the available programs at the Milford Technical School in 1942 and returned to farm with Victor until Galen was killed in an auto accident in Arkansas in 1953. He was survived by two sons, Galen D. Loomis of Grand Island, Nebr. and Gary Loomis of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
   After the death of Galen B. Loomis, Robert and Eileen (Loomis) Nekl returned to Nebraska and farmed with Victor Loomis until Victor passed away in 1957. Robert and Eileen are presently residing on the Old Loomis Homestead northwest of Bellwood.
   Surviving grandchildren of Francis and Elizabeth Loomis are:
   Arlette Quick Nelson, Redondo Beach, Calif.
   Charlotte Loomis Burton, Pleasanton, Nebr.
   Don Fredericksen, Gooding, Idaho
   Beulah Fredericksen Wilson, Gooding, Idaho
   Derward Loomis, San Fernando, Calif.
   Francis J. Loomis, El Paso, Texas
   Doris Loomis Stanbrough, Locust Grove, Ark.
   Eileen Loomis Nekl, Bellwood, Nebr.

   Henry Bernard Mais (I) was born in Germany in 1847. In the year 1870, at the age of 23, he and one of his brothers came to this country by boat. On the boat, they met twin sisters, one of whom was Elizabeth Hilderbrand, who was born in Germany in 1848, and was 22 years of age at this time. They came to Jordan, Minnesota and were married there and began their pioneer life together. His brother married the other Hilderbrand sister.
   In 1872, a son, Bernard Henry Mais was born to the union. (He was to be one of eight living children born to Henry and Elizabeth Mais). After living in Minnesota about five years, they moved to Humphrey, Nebr. where they continued to farm, and in a few years they moved to Bellwood where Henry B. Mais (I) operated the first saloon in Bellwood. After two years, he sold this business and opened the first Meat Market in Bellwood which was located on the site of the present American Legion Hall. They lived in the first house east of this store. Their slaughter house was 3/4 miles north of town on the present Jerome Beringer homesite. The son, Bernard Henry, did all the livestock buying and slaughtering for the meat market in Bellwood, which at this time was just a small "starting" pioneer town. The country was being homesteaded and the Omaha Indians were still around and friendly, though bothersome at times, by their begging and pilfering, as supplies were scarce. At this time, Bernard Henry, being about 20 years old, met a pioneer girl named Sarah Alice "Smith" Irwin, an adopted daughter of Fred and Alice Irwin who were living on a homestead farm 2 3/4 miles northeast of Bellwood. (This land is presently owned by James Mick). They were married the day following Bernard's 21st birthday on November 16, 1893 at this homestead farm, by the Methodist Minister. Bernard started farming on this farm, and continued to help his father in the operation of the slaughter house. Two years later, in 1895, his father, being in failing health, sold the meat market and

slaughter house.
   To Bernard and Sarah Mais the following children were born: Daisy Ester Mais - March 6, 1895, Henry Bernard Mais (II) - January 11, 1898, Frederick Alonzo Mais - December 9,1899. On September 16, 1913, Daisy married Will Nichols from St. Mary's, West Virginia. No children were born to this union. Daisy passed away October 11, 1965.
   On October 1, 1919, Henry Bernard (II) married Mabel Potter of Ulysses, Nebraska. To this union three children were born: Lillian Mabel Mais born November 30, 1920, Garland Henry Mais born April 25, 1922, Maxine Daisy Mais born June 25, 1932.
   Henry passed away June 15, 1971. His wife, Mabel, survives as of this date.
   On September 5,1920, Frederick married Rose Blahak of Columbus, NE. No children were born to this union. Fred is retired and he and Rose presently live in Bellwood. They will have been married 60 years in October of this year. Fred is the last living member of this generation.
   History of the descendants of Henry and Mabel Mais, and their descendants are as follows:
   Lillian Mais married Frank Benedict of Bellwood on March 30, 1946 and presently live in Bellwood. To this union were born the following descendants: Connie Benedict born September 8, 1947. On December 19, 1968 while in Japan, she married Terry Hollmann of Leigh, NE. To this union were born: Neal Hollmann on January 31, 1974. (Deceased same date). Erik Hollmann born January 24, 1975, Arin Hollmann born June 11, 1977. Michael Benedict born June 3, 1949 - unmarried. Deborah Benedict born August 13, 1951 - unmarried. Janelle Benedict born December 4, 1952 - unmarried.
   Garland Mais married Dorothy Bartholome of David City, NE on April 8, 1942. To this union was born a daughter, Carolyn, on February 8, 1944. Her mother, Dorothy, died immediately following Carolyn's birth. Since this occurred during World War II, and Garland was serving in the army in the Pacific area, she lived with her grandparents, Henry and Mabel Mais until she was grown.
   Carolyn Mais married Eugene Hadley of Schuyler, NE on July 15, 1962. To this union was born a daughter, Tiffany Hadley, on January 4, 1963. Eugene Hadley died unexpectedly on April 26, 1970 at the age of 26 years. On May 26, 1973, Carolyn Mais Hadley married Robert Legenza of Columbus, NE. No children have been born to this union.
   After returning from the Army, Garland Mais was married to Mildred Brandenburgh of Bellwood, on June 15, 1946. They live here now. To this union were born: Twin sons, Harold and Gerald Mais on March 2, 1950. (Deceased same date). Raymond Mais on May 25, 1951 - unmarried. Danny Mais on February 18, 1955 - unmarried.
   Maxine Mais married Gerald McDonald of Bellwood, NE on January 23, 1948, and live here now. To this union were born: LeRoy McDonald on June 20, 1948 who married Elizabeth Northcutt of Lockhart, Texas on October 2, 1971. To this union were born: Denyse McDonald born April 26, 1974. LeRoy McDonald, Jr. born July 31, 1975.
   Linda McDonald born June 27, 1949, married Christopher Brandenburgh of Bellwood on June 20, 1970. To this union a son Eric Brandenburgh was born on March 5, 1974. He passed away March 23, 1974. Linda and Chris Brandenburgh were divorced in May of 1976. Linda married Ernest Polacek of Brainard, NE on July 9, 1977. To this union was born a son, Jayson Polacek on November 22, 1979.
   Gerald McDonald Jr. born February 24, 1951, married Terry Fiala of Bellwood on October 19, 1977. No children born to this union at this time.
   All of the descendants of Henry and Mabel Mais live in or very near the Bellwood area at the present time.
   I end this Mais history with a quote from Fred Mais. Quote - "The wonderful pioneers had a code of honor that they believed in and each one lived by: It was respect of self, to be deserving of others, honesty, character, and to be industrious. May each of us strive to live by this same code, and pass it on to the next generation, that they may live by it, too.

   Frank Markus, born May 12, 1892, was farming the home place east of town when he was called into service during World War 1. The former District 11 student spent two years overseas and was a bugler in the service. He returned home June 7, 1919.
   On Oct. 7, 1919, Frank and Ella Shandera of Prague, Nebr., were united in marriage. They had one daughter, Josephine, who resides in Lincoln.
   Frank served as president of School District 11 School Board for 13 years and on the board of St. Peter's Catholic Church for 18 years. In addition he was Commander of the American Legion Post 327 when it was organized and had the distinction of being the only bugler in the Bellwood Post.
   He died April 6, 1976, and is buried in St. Mary's and St. Peter's Cemetery, Bellwood.

Frank Markus.

 

McGaffin Family

   William McGaffin was born in County Down, Ireland, on April 22, 1845. He married Margery Martin in 1868 at Newry, Ireland. They were the parents of 14 children. The mother passed away in 1901. In 1906, he married Claude Hagenbuch. Mr. McGaffin purchased the material for the Bellwood Gazette on December 1, 1885, but the equipment didn't arrive for several weeks and the first paper wasn't published until January 9, 1886. He published this paper with the help of several members of his family and wife for 41 years or until

his death in 1927. Then his wife, Claude, continued the paper until about 1937.
   The family consisted of William Henry Jr. who married Gretta Marr. They had one son who followed printing and one daughter. Hugh Martin married Nell Derby and published the Polk Progress for years. They had two daughters and one son who was engaged with the United Press. He secured the first scholarship issued by the World Herald of Omaha. Robert married Catherine Chisholm in Scotland. They had two daughters and two sons. Margery married Ubbie Nantkes and lived in the Bellwood vicinity for years. They had two sons and a daughter. George married Margaret Brown in Ireland. They had two sons and two daughters, and a granddaughter who still lives in Bellwood. James, who was engaged in the printing business in Omaha, married Margaret Leary and they had two sons. James Jr. lives in Omaha, both father and son following the printing business. Joseph married Kate Burkey. Two daughters were born to this union. Fred John was married to Jessie Sleezer and they had one son. Maggie Bell married Ralph Harris and they had five daughters and two sons, one daughter lives in Bellwood. Walter married Josephine Vodicka. They had one son and three daughters. Tillie, the youngest of the family, married Jay Mahlin. They had one son. Mrs. Mahlin is the only one of the family still living and she lives in Prineville, Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. McGaffin lost two sons. Mr. McGaffin and Mrs. Claude McGaffin had one son.
   The Bellwood Gazette was purchased by the Butler County Press and later called The Banner-Press.
   The McGaffin home was in the northwest part of Bellwood until the early 1900's when an office and upstairs were built on the original office of the Bellwood Gazette and the family moved up on Main Street. Mrs. Claude McGaffin passed away in 1967 in California.
   As long as Mr. McGaffin was alive a McGaffin family reunion was held every year.

Gazette-1896

   To Whom It May Concern: Having leased the Bellwood Gazette to Gene Loomis for one year, those who have paid in advance for one year will receive the paper as usual, until the expiration of said term and those who are in arrears will pay said to Mr. Loomis as I have made arrangements to this effect. Trusting you will give Mr. Loomis your support ... Wm. H. McGaffin.

The McGaffin Family.

     Back row, left to right: Walter McGaffin, James McGaffin, Hugh McGaffin, Joe McGaffin and Robert McGaffin.
     Middle row: Margery McGaffin Nantkes, Maggie McGaffin Harris, Tillie McGaffin Mahlin, William (Bill) McGaffin.
     Bottom row: George McGaffin, Wesley McGaffin, William H. McGaffin, Sr., and Fred McGaffin.
     Tillie McGaffin Mahlin, 91 years old, is the only survivor.

John P. Meinyer was born March 1, 1855 in Spring Bay, Illinois, son of August and Phoebe Sharpe Meinyer. Emma Reichwein was born August 20, 1861 in Chicago, Illinois, daughter of Simon and Amelia Reichwein. John and Emma were married at Spring Bay, Illinois on March 5, 1882.
   Nine children were born to them: Molly (Kreizinger), Stella (Stemper), Rose (DeFord), Pearl (Lombard), Gus,

Glen and Walter. Jessie and Arthur died in their youth.
   They came to Bellwood in 1902 and settled on a farm three miles southwest of Bellwood where they resided and moved into Bellwood when they retired in 1925.
   Children still living are: Mrs. Rose DeFord of David City, Ne., Mrs. Henry (Stella) Stemper of Lincoln, Ne., Mrs. Pearl Lombard of Roseville, California and Walter Meinyer of Citrus Heights, California.
   Molly Kreizinger died February 27, 1980 at the age of 91. Her son, Audrey, and family are the only descendants living in the Bellwood area.