citizen Mr. Spelts Jr. ranks among our best, and his continued success in conducting the affairs of the company is assured.

McCULLEY-PAIGE

   The above mentioned conduct a dress making establishment in the little building next door west of the Platte Valley State bank. If any of our lady readers need a new dress they can fix you out in the latest styles and at prices that won't be too severe on your pocket book. They recently purchased the building which they occupy.

J. W. GRISINGER,

   Has been in the implement business in Bellwood about two years. He keeps on hand all kinds of farm implements, wagons, buggies, pumps etc, and seems satisfied with the trade he is receiving. He is chairman of our village board, acts as marshall and when any "drunk" wants a night in the cooler just call on him.

PETER KURT

   Conducts a little restaurant on east side of the square. Peter just runs it for past time and has boodle enough salted down and laid away to tide him and better half over a drouth, should any occur. Peter is a great lover of children, especially little folks; but somehow or other it has never been his luck to be elected to the office of "papa".

L. BOCK.

   It is scarcely necessary to mention this firm. Joe, as he is always called, is so well known in Bellwood and vicinity that he needs no recommendation. He has been in Bellwood about seventeen years, is one of the best blacksmiths in the state, if not the best and he draws trade from miles around. Anything that Joe can't fix there is no use trying elsewhere. By his hard work he has been successful in putting away considerable boodle for a rainy day, or when old age compels him to retire from the field.

C. MEISTER.

   Mr. Meister deals in implements, harvesting machinery and vehicles. His place of business is always stocked with the best goods on the market, and he has no trouble in making quick sales and small profits. His large trade is the best evidence of the quality of his goods and his popularity as a dealer. He is already ordering goods and getting ready for a large spring trade.

A. J. WEST

   Conducts a blacksmith shop in the north end of the square. He is having a good trade at horse shoeing and in season has all he can do at plow work, etc. Mr. West is a good mechanic and a hard worker. He is one of our oldest settlers.

W. H. GRANT,

   Strictly confines himself to wagon, buggy, tank and repair work. He moved to Bellwood from Alexis township a few years ago and since he settled down in our midst, is doing well and seems well satisfied with the change he made.

PLATTE VALLEY STATE BANK.

    This firm transacts a general banking business, with H. R. Gould of Omaha as president and A. H. Gould, our fellow townsman, as cashier. This bank has weathered the storms and drouths in Bellwood for over sixteen years and we believe is now on a firmer footing than ever. They also do a good business as real estate agents, fire insurance agents, life insurance agents and personal attention is given collections, draw deeds, mortgages, leases and A. H. is notary public. It is their aim to treat their customers in a gentlemanly manner and we believe they are succeeding.

W. A. WELLS.

   This firm operates lumber yards here and at David City and Garrison. They have been established here eighteen years and the yards are always well stocked with all kinds of

building material, lime, salt, wire and coal. Mr. J. C. Hager has been manager for the past twelve years. He is one of the pioneer settlers of Bellwood. He came here twenty one years ago and as a contractor has built many of the best buildings here. He did the carpenter work on the first house in the place.

GEO. WADSWORTH.

   Conducts the grain business at Bellwood for the Central Granaries Co. He pays all he is allowed to pay for grain and if the farmers are not satisfied with his prices it isn't his fault. He gives good weight and tries to conduct things on the square.

 

WILL. B. ROCHON.

   Mr. Rochon has resided here and on his homestead west of town since 1896. He was formerly in the grain business and served as postmaster under Cleveland. He now conducts a lumber and coal business and carries a general line of building material, paints, etc. He handles the famous Canon City coal.

 

D. M. HUDSON

   Carries a fine line of hardware, including stoves, washing machines, nails by the keg, or by the pound. He has been in business in Bellwood for about ten years, having purchased the stock from his son Charley, now deceased. Mr. Hudson formerly owned a farm in Bone Creek township and is one of the oldest settlers in the county.

 

THE BELLWOOD HOUSE,

   With Mr. and Mrs. John Wright at the helm, takes care of the hungry and shelterless. Everything is kept neat and tidy in this building and meals are served at very reasonable figures.

 

SECRET ORDERS.

   We have the A. O. U. W., the oldest in Bellwood and which was organized about eighteen years ago. This order now has a membership of about 100. Next was organized the M. W. A., followed by the W. of the W., the Ben Hur, Royal Highlanders, D. of H. and Royal Neighbors, but it is a fact that those who organized since the A. O. U. W. all stole their thunder from grandpa Upchurch.

LONGEVITY.

   Along this line we have Uncle Mike Noonan, who has passed his 86th year, and is still able to walk up to the bar and indulge in a "night cap." We also have grandpa Freeman, and grandma Wagoner, who are crowding Uncle Mike pretty close. All are in good health and the GAZETTE joins in with their numerous friends in wishing them a happy Christmas. In the line of old widows, old widowers and old maids, Bellwood has fully her share and some of these days they are going to hold a re-union, have a good time and get warmed up.

   Along the line of cattle and hog buyers we have A. Spelts and Homer Earl, who have been here for a number of years without getting rich.

THE BELLWOOD SCHOOLS

   We believe that the work being done in all departments of the school is of such a nature that it will commend itself. Certainly each teacher in charge is the teacher with the new idea, and a visit on the part of any concerned will convince that they have the tact of presenting the same. Principal Martin H. Buck has put forth much effort that the pupils of the High School might have the advantages of those of larger towns. Miss Mabel Pompkins of Bassett, Nebraska, has charge of the Grammar room, Miss Bonam of Rising City, takes care of the Intermediate room, and Miss Rachel Truesdell of Lincoln, swings the birch in the Primary room. A complete outfit of new and up-to-date text books have been introduced. The International Cyclopaedia, with year books, eighteen volumes in all, have been placed at the disposal of

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the pupils. A complete set of apparatus for work in Natural Philosophy, also a compound microscope, magnification 550, for use in botany have been procured. We desire to say that it is the progressive spirit of the board that gives the greatest incentive to a principal or superintendent. It is the kindly cooperation of the board members that enables the professional worker to achieve the highest results. Every effort to modernize and better the conditions for higher education has been backed by the board members here.

CATHOLIC CHURCH

   Bellwood has a handsome little Catholic church, with a good membership and clear of debt. Its pastor, Father Hoffman, has been here about two years. He is a hard worker, a good expounder of the gospel and is well liked by everybody in this community. Father Hoffman is also pastor of the Luxembourg church and is also well liked in that community. We also have a neat little Baptist church, with a membership almost too small to support a preacher. It is without one at present, but holds Sunday school as usual.

THE HOLLAND ELEVATOR,

   Or what was formerly known as the Farmers elevator, now in charge of Liss Young, will about the first of the new year, be taken charge of by Mike Holland. He is a gentleman who has a host of friends in this community and will surely hold down his share of the grain trade.

H. DANBURY

   Is our gentlemanly and accommodating B. & M. agent. He has been located at Bellwood about a couple of years and during that time has proven himself to be honest with his employers and patrons of the road and is qualified to fill his office. His aim is to treat his patrons with respect, and we believe he has the good will of everybody in this community.

SHOEMAKERS

   We have two shoemakers, Fred Stapf on the west side of the square, and shoemaker Woods on the east side. They do repairing at very reasonable prices and give good satisfaction.

GEO. CECIL

   Conducts the only livery barn in Bellwood. He has a number of good driving teams and his terms are the lowest.

COOPER-WAGONER

   When the ladies are in need of a new hat, a stylish bonnet, or need dress making done, this is the place to go. Mrs. Cooper and Miss Wagoner run the only millinery establishment in Bellwood. Their prices are always very reasonable and they keep on hand nothing but the latest styles.

EUGENE CARPENTER,

   Conducts a wagon shop and has been in Bellwood seventeen or eighteen years. He is also a good house carpenter and many of the fine residences that dot the valley east of Bellwood are his handy work. Gene is well liked in this community and always has all the work he can attend to.

L. HENFLING

   Is the gentleman who doesn't desire better fun than to buy a farm every morning before breakfast, and at the rate he has been "taking them in" if kept up, he will soon be owner of the half of Butler county. He does considerable of a banking business and is a gentleman who is liked by every tenant he has on his farms. He came to Bellwood with his parents from Illinois when but a boy. His father, Mr. L. Williams, died about four years ago, leaving him considerable of a legacy and it is safe to say that he is taking good care of it. In the spring the old Williams residence will be shoved back, or taken down and a new residence erected. It is also whispered around that Mr. Henfling will put up a brick building in the spring on the corner now occupied as a meat market.

DR. I. W. HEWIT

   Doctor Hewit has been our popular pharmacist and physician for the past eighteen years. He is a graduate of Indiana Medical College and also a Post graduate of Rush Medical College of Chicago. He has a neat and up-to-date drug store, with a full line of notions, paints, oils and drug sundries. Prescriptions are carefully compounded and from ingredients absolutely pure. His practice is the largest in the west.

J. H. DERBY & CO.

   This firm conducts the largest general store in Bellwood, and enjoys an excellent run of customers. You can find almost everything good to eat and wear at this place, and the proprietors and numerous clerks are kept busy waiting on the numerous customers at all hours of the day. In addition to being modern merchants, Derby & Co. is promoter of the acetylene gas plant, and furnishes a fine light for our leading business houses and residences.

S. A. DONALDSON

   This firm operates saloons here, at David City, Clarks and Henderson, with headquarters at David City. Mr. C. R. Smith is the accommodating manager at this place and has been here since they opened four years ago last spring. He also has billiard and pool tables.

E. J. MILLER

   This gentleman operates the only dray line in town. His careful handling of shipments and prompt attention to business, and reasonable charges are appreciated by our merchants and citizens, all of which in part accounts for the fact that he has no competition in business. He does all kinds of hauling, moving and transfer work.

C. F. KNUTZEN

   Has been in Bellwood for about twelve years. He purchased Peter Kurt's stock of dry goods and groceries when he came to Bellwood and shortly afterwards purchased Peters store, which he has filled from end to end with nice fresh groceries and the latest patterns of dress goods, notions, etc. Mr. Knutzen is a thorough businnes [sic] man from the "ground up" and has a very large trade.

NICK LINDEN

   Nick has been in the hardware business for about six years. He carries a fine line of heating and cooking stoves, shot guns, powder and ammunition, all kinds of nails, washing machines, etc. In fact his store is filled with as fine a line of all kinds of hardware as can be found in any of the little towns in the west. His prices are reasonable and he is enjoying a good, lively trade.

JIM SLADE

   Is bartender and manager for Joe Schrameck's saloon. Here you can get your "whistle wet" at the rate of 5 and 10 cts. per glass. How it will take effect on you afterwards we will not venture to state - especially when you imbibe too freely. Cliff Slade is assisting Jim in the business.

M. G. HUDSON

   Who lost about $300 worth of dry goods Tuesday night, has about as fine a line of dry goods, boots, shoes, notions, and groceries as can be found in any store. He, with his father, corntemplate building a brick store when spring opens up. Mr. Hudson also owns a farm northeast of town.

   Bellwood has had a number of new houses erected the past year. The town has recently completed an emergency water system by laying mains and placing hydrants in the business portion of the town and erecting a power house. It is equipped with a 6 HP engine and arranged for prompt action in case of fire. The city has also purchased 1000 ft. of hose.

Phil Smith--Postmaster

   Mr. Smith has been our popular and accommodating

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postmaster during the past four years. His office is located at his residence. The money-order business reaches $1000-$1100 monthly. Two rural routes are proposed in the near future. Misses Etta and Mabel are helping their father as clerks.

E. A. Grisinger

   Mr. Grisinger purchased one of Bellwood's most up-to-date grocery stores from Mr. Rettenhouse in March 1901. Restaurant facilities have been added to the establishment. A full line of dolls, toys, and Christmas goods are on display.

 

1902
   Jim Cooper has drawn plans for L. Henflings new residence. The building will have $800. 00 of plate glass windows. Jan. 8.

February 7, 1902
   The new bank now is in running order in the P. Kurt building. It is capitalized for $20,000. 00.
   Mrs. Smith - postmaster is taking applications for RFD route east of Bellwood. Joe Rose stands a good chance of being appointed as he is an old soldier.

February 14,1902
   L. Speltz is building a house north of Kelloggs store in which he will grind feed, corn meal, etc. It is also rumored he will run the post office in connection with it.

February 21, 1902
   We wish to inform the public that we are still in the grain business. D. Holland and Co.

March 14, 1902
   Nick Linden's basement is now dug and in a short time Jim Cooper and his carpenters will commence work on his residence. Then they will build L. Henfling residence. D. M. and M. G. Hudson will also commence work on their new brick store.

March 14,1902
   A special telegram from York Nebraska states the habeus corpus case of Geo Gould argued before Judge Good last Friday is continued to March 31, when the court will decide the case in David City. Geo Gould was placed under $2000 bond. He returned to Bellwood Saturday evening.

 

Notice to Public:
   The Wright Livery stable will be open to the public and you can put your teams in and feed them roughness for 10¢

H. Earl

April 11, 1902
   Located in the Kellogg Bldg.
    Lace curtains - mens spring and summer suits - Also embroidery. M. G. Hudson

July 18,1902
   The brickwork on the D. M. and M. G. Hudson's new store is nearing completion. The new buildings will be a great improvement over the old ones.

August 22, 1902
   A. H. Gould's residence and 500 acres of property were sold at a sheriff's sale. The residence brought $2025. 00 and the 500 acres were sold for $11,500. 00. Aldoph Yanike, who lives near Rising City, bought the above. Mr. Yanike intends to make his home in Bellwood.

September 5, 1902
   Our school opened Monday with good attendance. The following are teachers; C. W. Buckley - Principal, Miss Tompkins - Grammar room, Miss Bonam - Intermediate room, and Miss Isingman - Primary.
    On Tuesday evening the High School boys met and organ-

ized a football team. They elected Professor Buckley - President, William Flake - Captain, and John Knutzen - Treasurer.

September 12,1902
   Having closed out my business I wish to thank my friends in particular and the general public for the generous patronage given me and kindly ask for a liberal patronage for my successor.

Sincerely, C. F. Knutzen

   C. F. Knutzen-Stock of goods invoiced for $4600 for which he got spot cash and now John Sauser has full charge of the business.

1902:
   Clarence Smith has been granted a license to run a billiard hall in Bellwood.
   John Sauser purchased C. F. Knutzen's stock of groceries & dry goods.
    Walter Henry bought Mais Meat Market.

1903:
   Bellwood went wet . . . the following vote was cast: high license, Joseph Rose, 66; C. Meister, 64; George Suddarth, 52; Temperance ticket, F. M. Young, 44; J. T. Roberts, 30; A. West, 32.
   Clarence Smith bought out S. Donaldson's saloon.
   Depot agent Danbury left for Darlington, Mo., for better pay. Mr. Ayres is the new agent.
    J. W. Grisinger sold his implement business to Mr. Blower. Mr. Meshler will run business.
    Dr. Hewitt has sold his drug business and practice to Dr. Lester.
    A force of men are putting in a telephone line.
    Robert Wilkens of Broken Bow has purchased Dr. Lester's stock of drugs and building.

1904:
   Dr. Lester sold out to Dr. Woodward.

1905:
   Dr. Woodward sold his interest in medical line to Dr. H. R. Graham of Greshman.
    F. C. Judevine is now justice of the peace for Savanah Township. He offers to tie up any couple wanting to get married, cheap.

August 1905
   Law and order is always a problem in any community, so a jail was built for the Village of Bellwood on the west side of the alley (just north of the Bellwood Co-op Service Center's warehouse) by G. A. Heath.
    In September of 1905, a committee of two was appointed to buy a bed and mattress for the jail. The chair appointed C. Meister and M. J. Holland. This small one - room building, constructed with cement blocks, altho' not used in later years, stood till June, 1965.
    The Co-op Oil. Co. bought the site and enlarged the present warehouse.

June 6, 1906
   The first street lights in Bellwood were gas lighted. J. H. Derby serviced these for the Village. In January, 1997, Mr. Derby made a proposition to the Village for street lights at 1 1/2c per foot, and to light and extinguish them for $5. 00 per month. The Village Board accepted.

1906:
   Fire started in Homer Earl's barn, spread to West's blacksmith shop, Grant's Wagon and Repair shop. All burned to the ground.
    Messrs. Stewart & Fullerton of Pawnee City have purchased the J. H. Derby stock of goods.
    Markets: corn, 41 cents; oats, 34 cents; wheat, 95 cents;

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