A transcription of pages 195-469,
Family Histories from the Verdigre Centennial Book
Thanks to the Verdigre Library and its volunteers for making this available.
 
The index below only includes the husband and wife for each family.
The maiden name for the wife is used if listed.
For other names, use the search on the Home Page.

Index's A-I, J-P, & Q-Z

HARRY AND EFFIE FAY [BRADY] JOHNSON

Harry Johnson married Effie Fay Brady on September 8, 1926, at Winner, South Dakota. Their attendants were Guy and Hazel Johnson. They began their married life on Harry’s farm known as the “Gonyo place.” Fay’s mother, Effie Brady, a widow, made her home with them until her death in 1951. When Hazel Johnson, Fay’s sister, died in April of 1935, Harry, Fay, and Mrs. Brady moved in with Guy, Harry’s brother, to help care for Guy’s little daughters, Marcella and Geraldine. In living, a daughter was born to Harry and Fay. They named her Hazel Marie in memory of Fay’s only sister.

Harry and Guy farmed and at different times raised hogs, sheep, cattle, mules, and horses. They broke horses to work and ride. In the mid 1930s, they contracted with the government to build the ponds and level the land for the Niobrara State Park. The Civilian Conservation Corps provided the manpower to work the horses.

In March of 1943, Guy’s home was completely destroyed by fire. They moved back to Harry and Fay’s home place. Hazel Marie and Geraldine attended school at District 57, the Osborne School.

Hazel Marie graduated from O’Neill High School. She married Bruce McElhaney of O’Neill in O’Neill in 1956. Prior to their marriage, he spent two years in the U. S. Army, 1954-56, in Germany. After their marriage they spent 12 ½ years in Lincoln. In 1969 they moved to the home place of Hazel Marie’s folks when Harry and Fay retired to O’Neill. Bruce and Hazel Marie had two sons, Richard Wayne and Daniel Jay. Rick is married to Patty Konken. They have two children, Wendi Marie and Chance Everett. Rick and Dan both graduated from Verdigre High School. Hazel Marie and Bruce also had a stillborn son. Bruce McElhaney, who was born January 13, 1934, died December 29, 1986.

Harry died January 14, 1972, and Fay died May 2, 1975. They are both buried at the Star Cemetery.

[pg 292 PHOTO The Bruce McElhaney family - front row, from left: Hazel Marie, Chance, Pat and Wendi. Top row: Bruce, Rick and Dan McElhaney]

Harry inherited his father’s homestead. After Harry’s death, it was passed on to his daughter, Hazel Marie. Therefore, Carl Johnson’s homestead remains in the family.

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