View from the Past

100 years Ago

George Freeman Dies: George Emery Freeman, a well known rancher living six miles east of town in the Harmon district, died Monday of tetanus, following blood poisoning induced by running a rusted nail in his foot some time ago. Mr. Freeman suffered greatly from the effects of the poison and death came as a real relief. The deceased was born in Nebraska, Nov. 11, 1878, and died at his home east of town on May 13, 1918, aged 39 years. The death of Mr. Freeman was doubly sad in that he leaves a widow and seven children — two boys and five girls — to mourn the loss as well as a large number of other relatives.

–Churchill County Eagle, Saturday May, 18 1918

75 Years Ago

Whooping Cough Shows up Here: Whooping cough has made its appearance in this community, according to Dr. Hobart Wray, county physician and health officer, who has warned parents to be on the lookout for any suspicious symptoms and to call their physicians at once in any case of persistent coughing. Dr. Wray said there were two definitely known cases Thursday evening, both in a family of recent arrivals from Hawthorne. He said, however, the children had not been in school and it was hoped the disease could be checked before it had started to spread. Only one other suspected case had been reported, he said, and this child was being closely watched. Coughing had persisted for some time, it was stated, but other symptoms were absent. The health officer advised vaccination against whooping cough for children who have not been exposed or have not had the disease. Spread of measles, mumps and chickenpox was said to be apparently on the decline, although the physician counseled continued watchfulness, particularly in view of the fact there is considerable migration from one community to another of defense workers. As always at such a time, he said, these diseases appear to be part of wartime’s difficulties, and require the cooperation of parents, teachers and physicians to control.

–Fallon Eagle, Saturday May, 22 1943

50 Years Ago

Two Accidents Involve Animals: A charge of hit/run and property damage was filed against Ward Sommer when it was determined he was responsible for the death of a $200 cow belonging to James Sloan on May 12. The accident occurred on the Lovelock Highway around noon. Undersheriff Fred Andrews and Deputy Wayne Love investigated. Sommer’s 1952 pickup received major damage to the front end and was removed by the Sheriff’s Department to Jim’s automotive. No citations were issued Friday when a white-faced cow ran into a pickup driven by Milton York on Highway 50, 10 miles east of Fallon. The cow took off in the direction of Salt Wells, leaving a damaged right front fender of York’s pickup. Deputy Sheriff Wayne Love investigated the accident.

–Fallon Eagle Standard, Tuesday May, 21 1968

A view from the past ... Stories from the Churchill County Museum and Archives, researched and compiled by Brianna Silver, Churchill County Museum Assistant.