Yuma County, Colorado
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Yuma County Pioneer Photographs:

William H. and Fanny M (Murray) Gerdts, Helen Murray, , Fox



In 1850 Winnebago County, Wisconsin, Alexander Murray is 30, Hellen 26, both born i New York. Jane is 2, born in Wisconsin.

In 1870 Winnebago County, Wisconsin, Alexander Murray is 50, Hellen B. 46, and Fanny 11.


In 1880 Nuckolls County, Nebraska, William H. Gerdts had 20 acres tilled, 140 acres nunimproved, vallue #800.
He was a school teacher, 28 born in Germany, with Fanny 20 born in New York. He's living with Alexander Murray 60 and Helen 56, both born in New York. On the same page are W. L. Murray 59 born in New York, a grocer. with James 23, Besie 20, and Willie 12.
In 1885 Clay County, Nebraska, Alexander Murray is 65, Hellen 61 both born in New York.
November 4, 1898 "Twenty-three carloads of cattle will be shipped from Yum by Mr. Murray tonight."
"Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Gerdts of Cope were Yuma visitors Monday."
In 1900 the Geological Survey conducted observations of magnetic declinations.



In 1900 Cope precinct, Arapahoe County, Colorado, William is a stock raiser born March 1852, married 20 years to Fanny H. Feb 1860 in Wisconsin. Helen M. is adopted, born April 1899 in Colorado. Fannie's mother Helen Murray June 1824 in New York is with them.
William proved up 160 acres in sections 13 and 14, 4S 48W in 1898 - where current-day Hwy 59 crosses the Arickaree River.
Next to him, Alexander Murray cash-claimed 160 acres in sections 14 and 23, and timber-claimed another quarter in section 23 in 1898.

Next household in 1900 is Elizabeth Murray, single born April 1861 in Wisconsin, no occupation.
Elizabeth Murray proved up 160 acres in 15 and 22 in 1902, and William Gerdts cash-claimed 160 acres in 22 and 23 in 1914.
That totals 800 acres in original patent claims in family names.

Elizabeth, age 59, is in Furnas County, Nebraska in 1920, on the same page as widowed Esther Murrah , 50.
(on the same page are the Stratton families, including Priscilla born February 1895, who married my uncle Reuben Oman - mdm)

October 26, 1917 "Mrs. J.B. Murray, who had been visiting here for a time, departed for her home at Arapahoe, Nebraska, Tuesday afternoon."

Helen Murray 1824-1918 is buried in Edgar Nebraska # 30660680, with Alexander 1820-1892 # 30660724.

June 19, 1903
October 1903 "W. H. Gerdts and Jim Murray are rounding-up enough cattle to ship a train load of from fifteen to twenty cars on Saturday."
Helen M. Gerdts died in 1907, and is buried in Yuma # 49997185.
November 29, 1907 " Thanksgiving was certainly a sad one for our citizens because of the taking away of two bright little girls, who have not only been a comfort to their parents, but have been a ray of sunshine in both the public and Sunday schools where they will be sadly missed by their playmates. Helen, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Gerdts, about a week ago, contracted diptheria and on Wednesday evening near eight o clock she passed to her reward.
At about nine o'clock on the same evening, Vivian, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Preston Stephens, answered the Masters call. Suffer Little Children to Come Unto Me, for Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
At 3:30 p. m. Thursday afternoon while the school bell tolled the ages, the remains of the two little schoolmates were being taken to their resting place in the Yuma cemetery . Services were conducted at the graves by Rev. S. T. Megaw."

April 1909 "W. H. Gerdts is having his residence raised and put on a foundation about twenty inches higher. This will add beauty beyond description."

In 1910 Yuma County, Kirk precinct, William and Fanny are ranching. Helen Murray, mother-in-law 85 is still wtih them. They ahve five hired men, = Charles Reddick, Henry Roettger, Ned Pease, Frank Brugh, and Delmar Wise.
In 1910 the Yuma Cemetery Association was formed. It was incorporated, and the first Board of Trustees was Wenzel Blach, Mrs. Lizzie Heiserman, an Mrs. W. H. Gerdts..
August 25, 1911 "Dan Nikkel was killed at the W.H. Gerdts ranch, near Cope, last Friday. He was breaking horses, one of which threw him and dragged him to death, his foot catching in the stirrup."

December 2, 1915

In 1917 Wm. Gerdts was a Yuma County Commissioner. He also was a director of the Farmers State Bank of Yuma.
February 1917 "There is to be another new bank in Yuma county, this one to be located at Kirk in the southern part of the county. Several of the prosperous men of that locality are backing the new venture, among them is ex-County Commissioner W. H. Gerdts."

February 23, 1917
Ray Smith owned the Gerdts claims - and a thousand other acres - in 1920, and the Nikkel families another thousand.

In 1917, Fannie M. Gerdts cash-claimed 40 acres in 18, 4S 47W - near the Arickaree.

October 16, 1917 "Mr. W.H. Gerdts was summoned to Edgar, Nebraska by a messge announcing the death of a sister."
September 20, 1918 "Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Gerdts returned Tuesday from Edgar, Nebraska, to which city they had accompanied the body of Mrs. Gerdts' mother, who died in this city September 10."

July 1920 "Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Gerdts left on the afternoon train yesterday, bound for points in Minnesota to visit relatives."
April 1925 "Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Gerdts, who had spent the winter months at Lynn Haven, Florida, returned to their home in Yuma."

September 24, 1925 "W.H. Gerdts was called to Edgar, Nebraska, by a message announcin gthe death of a brother-in-law."

Mr. and Mrs. E. Holts came in from Edgar, Nebraska last Friday and are guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Gerdts. The two gentlemen are cousins."
October 28, 1926 "Mrs. Elizabeth K. Murray died in Arapahoe Nebraska, Thursday morning of last week. Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Gerdts went to that city on the midnight train that night to attend the funeral. The deceased was a resident of Yuma county for a score of years or more, residing at first on a farm south of Yuma and later in this city. She moved to Arapahoe about eleven years since."


June 1928 "W.A. Sheedy and W.H. Gerdts went up to Denver to act as pallbearers at the funeral of the late Ben F. Durham. The deceased was among the pioneer residents and for many years was in charge of the First National Bank."

In 1930, on South Cedar Street in Yuma, William is 78, Fanny 70.

William H. Gerdts is buried in Yuma, dying August 27, 1930 # 49997186





September 29, 1932
January 2, 1936 "R.B. Murray of Arapahoe, Nebraska, his mother and sister Miss Ruth were Christmas guests at the home of Mrs. W.H. Gerdts of this city."

January 13, 1938 "Mrs. Ruby Dickle of Oakland, California, a niece of Mrs. W. H. Gerdts, came in on train No. 9 Tuesday morning and will visit here a few days. She was returning from Omro, Wisconsin, where she had attended funeral services for her aunt and Mrs. Gerdt's sister, Mrs. Nellie Targan."
(In 1870 Brown County, Wisconsin, James Murray is a steamboat engineer, 28, born in England, with Mary 20 New York. They have Nellie 4 and Ida 2, both born in Wisconsin.
Ida might be the Ida M. Knox born March 1868 in Wisconsin, married to Eugene M. Knox- in 1900 they're in Saunders County, Nebraska, with Leta 12, Bessie 9, Vernon 6, and Harley 1. Ida May Knox born March 13, 1868 in Wisconsin, father Murray, mother Greenfield, died June 30, 1957 in San Diego.

In 1920 Winnebago County, Nellie Torigian and Bedrose Torigian - a laborer - are both 53. She said her mother was born in Canada - so her father migh be Fannie's father
The 1922 Oshkosh directory has Bados (Nellie) a laborer.

In 1930 Omro, Winnebago County, Nellie Torigian is 57, born in Wisconsin, widowed.)
December 9, 1930 Oshkosh "Bedros Torigian passed away at Winnebago on Dec... Mr. Torigian was born at Harput, Armenia, Asia Minor, Dec 31 1856. and was the son of Karprial and Mary Torigian. The surviving family includes the wife Nellie Pinch Torigian of Omro and a brother, Sarkis Torigian of Boston Mass.; also several nieces and nephews. With a brief service, interment was made at 3 o'clock Monday afternoon at Winnebago. "
History of Omro "0n what is now Ash Street on the east side, lived Bedros "Peter" Torrigian, who was born at Harput, Armenia, Asia Minor in 1856. His wife was Nellie Finch Torigian, and it was believed that she was of a wealthy and influential family from some distant city. She apparently had trouble or a problem, supposedly, which had caused her family to shun her. However, one sister would come to visit her once a year. The sister's rich silk and taffeta clothing and elegant accessories seemed to bear out the rumor of the wealthy family connection. Pete was of slight build, thin, and with a slight limp. His hair and mustache were jet black, and his complexion was swarthy. Apparently they both liked cats, or one did and the other tolerated them, for neighbors claimed that there were as many as 18 or 20 at one time.. These pets had the run of the house--and table sometimes ! Mrs. Torigian was slim, tall and stately in appearance. Apparently they had few close friends in Omro other than the neighbors. "
January 7, 1938 Oshkosh "Mrs. Nellie J. Torigian passed away at 4:30 Thursday afternoon at her home in this village. She had been in poor health since Christmas. Mrs. Torigian was born Feb. 27, 1865 at Milwaukee, the daughter of Johol and Caroline Finch. About 20 years ago, she was married to Peter Torigian and they resided in Milwaukee for two years. They came to Omro to reside 28 years ago. Mr. Torigian died a number of years ago. Mrs. Torigian was a member of the Omro Episcopal church. Survivors include one sister, Mrs. Fanny M. Gerdts of Yuma, Colo., and several nieces. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Plan- skc funeral home, the Rev. Joseph K. Barnctt of Oshkosh officiating. Interment will be in Omro cemetery.

February 6, 1947 "Mrs. W. H. Gerdts has been in failing health the last few weeks, and has been bedfast since Saturday. Her niece, Mrs. David Dickle of Oakland California, arrived on Sunday. Miss Ruth Murray, of Arapaho, Nebraska, a distant cousin of Mrs. Gerdts, visited her on Sunday. Mrs. Gerdts celebrated her eighty-seventh birthday on Wednesday of this week.

In 1918 Oakland, David A. Dickie registered as a Republican, living at 876 Laurel St., working for the U.S. Shipping Board - Mrs. Muriel S. Dickie at the same address is a housewife.

Fanny (Murray) Gerdts died February 10, 1947, buried in Yuma # 49997184
February 13, 1947



June 5, 1947

August 21, 1947

Fannie Gerdts was one of the main contributors to the Yuma hospital, giving $10,000 at the time of the first drive for the 1948 hospital, and bequeathed another $20,000 in her will for that purpose.

February 1947

In 1910 Berkeley, California, David is 31, married three years to Agnes E. 31 born in Scotaland, with Douglas seven months.

In 1920 Berkeley, David W. Dickey is a boarder, 41, married but no spouse.

In 1930 Oakland, California, David W. Dickey is an engineer 51, born in California, a consulting engineer, with Ruby V. 45 born in Wisconsin - father in Rhode Island, mother in Wisconsin. Douglas, 21 is a marine engineer.

There's a Ruby B. Bowen in 1900 Mariposa County, California, born May 1885 in Wisconsin, father in Rhode Island, mother in Wisconsin. She's the niece of Conrad Richter born in Germany and Agnes L. B. born Oct 1851/1861 in Rhode Island.

In 1940 Oakland, on Regent Street, David, an attorney, and Ruby are alone.

Douglas Espie Dickie 1908-1997 was cremated, ashes scattered at sea # 83025831.

There's a Phil Clinton in Clintonville, Wisconsin, likely the one born 1872 in Wisconsin to Uriel P. Clinton and Anna E. Clinton, both born in New York. In 1880 Clintonville Uriul is 56, Anna E. 48, Phillip 8.
Anna E. (Finch) Clinton 1832-1894 was the second wife of Uriah (Mary died in 1857)
In 1870 Oshkosh, Earl P. Finch is a lawyer, 41, with Ann E. 30 Ohio. Herbert 7, Earl Jr. 5, Edgar B. 3 and Fannie 1 were born in Wisconsin.
(When Edgar B. Finch died in Kentucky April 1936, his certificate said he was born January 24, 2869 in Oshkosh to Earl P. Finch and Anna E. Bryan)

In 1880 Winnebago County, Earl P. Finch is 52, a lawyer born in New York, with Anna 41 Ohio. Herbert is 17, Earl 15, Edgar 13, Frances 12, Mary 9, George 5, and Julia 2.
Earl died June 11, 1888 in Winnebago County and is buried in Oshkosh # 49292283 with Anna E. 1839-1930 # 49292339.

In 1920 Oshkosh, Anna E. is widowed, 80, with Frances C. 50 and Mray L. 49.
In 1930 Oshkosh, Anna E. Finch, 90 is widowed, with Frances 51 and Mary 49.

In 1940 Oshkosh, living at 26 Grand Avenue, Francis Finch is 70 with sister Mary 68, both single, born in Wisconsin.

"Earl P. Finch was born in Oshkosh on February 16, 1865, to Earl P. & Anna E. Finch. He graduated from Oshkosh High School and went on to study law in is father’s law office of Finch & Barber. He was never married. His most famous case was that of the lumber strike in 1898, working along with Clarence Darrow. Prior to law he worked as a teacher for a short period of time in Oshkosh. He died at Mercy Hospital, March 27, 1938."

May 12, 1927 " The eighty-eight years that have rolled by in the life of Mrs. Anna E. Finch, who now resides at 38 Monroe avenue, have detracted little from her mental and physical capabilities, for today, on her birthday anniversary, Mrs. Finch enjoys excellent health, good eye-sight and an alert mentality. The passing of the years has accomplished only two noticeable results. The hair, once of a dark luster, has been tinted to gray and her memory falters slightly in trying to recall the many events she has had opportunity to witness in her lifetime. Mrs. Finch, in acknowledging the good health she enjoys, declared she had no recipe for longevity that she might pass on to others of the present generation. She has practiced several health habits, however, which members of the family believe are responsible for her continued good health. Each morning Mrs. Finch takes a cold water bath--a habit which she acquired at a girls' boarding school in her teens. She has always enjoyed her tea aind coffee, having, as she explained, "all I wanted." Plenty of wholesome milk has been consumed by Mrs. Finch all during her life. ' One way to keep from growing old.' even though the years creep by, is to keep moving and keep busy, according to Mrs. Finch's policy. Even at present, Mrs. Finch's daily routine of endeavors finds many little home tasks of "tidying up"- as she expresses it. Mrs. Finch likes to read and has read many books of high grade literature. Her favorite volumes are those of Dickens and she modestly reckons that she had read ail of them once-and some twice or more. "I don't care much for the popular novels of today,"" she conflded. Sewing is another pastime for Mrs. Finch, which she enjoys greatly. Although her eyesight is good, so that she can distinguish persons and objects at some distance, she uses glasses for reading, sewing and other close work. An indication of Mrs. Finch's good health is to be gleaned through a statement of her son, who said "I can't remember a single time when she was sick in bed. She has had colds and such from time to time, but I she has always been up and around." Mrs. Finch was born at Columbus, Ohio on May 1~. 1833. She moved to Wisconsin with her parents when she was about 13 years old. She resided at Menasha until she was married in .... Almost immediately after that , «»ver.t and just prior to the civil war. She and her husband came to Oshkosh. She has resided here ... When she first arrival here. ; ?h* s:.i:e»5: "Oh, Oshkosh was just a ... country town!" Mrs. Finch, whose maiden name was Miss Anna E. Bryan. can trace her father, John A. Bryan, was the United States minister to Chile and also to Peru at one time. He also served the government as head of the land office at Washington. No especial observance has been planned for Mrs. Finch's eighty-eighth birthday, it was announced. As she prefers, the anniversary was only quietly observed, with relatives and close friends wishing her the happy returns of the day. ------------------------------
John A. Bryan, U.S. Charge d'Affaires, Peru. wrote aNovember 22, 1844 azsking to be furnished with copies of publications before his departure for Lima.
He was there April 28 to August 4, 1845.
John Alexander Bryan (April 13, 1794 in Berkshire County, Massachusetts – May 24, 1864 in Menasha, Wisconsin) was an American diplomat and politician from New York and Ohio.

He removed to Ellicottville, New York, and was a member of the New York State Assembly (Cattaraugus Co.) in 1827.

Then he removed to Columbus, Ohio, and was Ohio State Auditor from 1833 to 1839. In 1840, Bryan settled at, and co-founded, what would become the city of Bryan, Ohio. He was U.S. Chargé d'Affaires to Peru in 1845.

Later he lived in Milwaukee and Menasha, Wisconsin. He served as editor of The Daily Milwaukee News.[1] He was buried in Neenah, Wisconsin.

His son Charles Henry Bryan was a California State Senator, and his son-in-law John B. Weller was a U.S. Senator from California.



Earl P. FINCH, lawyer, was born in the town of Jay, Essex Co., N.Y., October 27, 1828. He was employed in the nail factory and iron works of J. & J. ROGERS, at Au Sable Forks, N.Y., for three years prior to his removal to Neenah, Wis., in 1849. He was employed by John and Harvey KIMBERLY as a clerk at Neenah, and was Deputy Postmaster there. In 1851, he entered the preparatory department of Beloit College; spent one year there; then entered Middlebury College, in Vermont, where he remained until the beginning of the last term of junior year. He then went to Union College, and graduated from that institution in 1856. In 1857, he was appointed Entry Clerk of land office of United States Register for this district. In 1859, he came to Oshkosh, and entered the office of Judge Edwin WHEELER, where he continued the study of law, which he had commenced while in the land office. In 1860, he was admitted to the bar, since which time he had practiced in Oshkosh. He is a member of A., F. & A.M., and K. of H. He was married, at Menasha, Wis., to Anna E., daughter of Judge John A. BRYAN. They have seven children living - Herbert G., Earl P., Edgar Bryan, Fannie E., Mary, George C. and Julia. Lost one child, which died in infancy. warm and true friends, while his native endowments and professional skill have secured to him that reward which must invariably follow continued and honorable effort.

He was married, January 22, 1862, to Miss Anna E. Bryan;

When Earl P. died in 1938 he had never married. He is survived by three sisters and two brothers, Frances and Mary Finch of Oshkosh. and Mrs. Julia Wright of Madison; George C. Finch of Oshkosh and H. G. Finch of Klamath Falls., Ore



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