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

EMIL E. [SAM] AND LIBBIE [SCHREIER] SANDOZ

Emil E. (Sam) and Libbie Sandoz were residents of the Verdigre community for 75 years. Sam was born September 7, 1887, to Camille and Rosalie Sandoz; Libbie was born July 6, 1893, to Emil and Marie (Novacek) Schreier.

[pg 384 PHOTO Sam and Libbie Sandoz and daughters, Beulah [left] and Ione]

Sam was taught the watch-repair trade by his father and then went to Elgin, Illinois, to complete this training. He returned to Verdigre and opened a watch repair and jewelry shop in Bates’ Drug Store and later went into business on his own. On April 1, 1920, he bought out the furniture and mortuary service from L. J. Klimes and continued in the jewelry, furniture, musical supplies, and mortuary service. In 1932 he established the Sandoz Mortuary and for 42 years gave consoling and understanding service to many families during their time of bereavement. Also he was instrumental in the founding of what is now Riverside Cemetery. In 1962 Sam retired and sold the mortuary to Richard Jones of Spencer.

Another of Sam’s contributions to the Verdigre community was to help build the original Washington and Western Telephone Company. He continued as chief lineman and later as manager when the company was purchased by the Western Light and Telephone Company and, subsequently, when the telephone lines were purchased by the Union Telephone Company on July 1, 1939. Sam continued as manager until he retired January 1, 1963, after a tenure of more than 50 years.

In 1920 he became a charter member of the Verdigre Voluntary Fire Department and also served on the city council for many years.

Libbie Schreier Sandoz graduated from Verdigre High School with the class of 1910. She was a talented pianist and attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music. After her return to Verdigre, she taught piano for many years. She was church organist of the Methodist Church and assisted Sam at the mortuary where her services were much in demand as organist at funerals.

On April 16, 1917, Sam joined Ionic Lodge No. 87, A.F&.A.M. of Niobrara. In 1951 he became a member of the 32nd Degree of Scottish Rite Masonry and Shriner. He was a member of the lodge for 46 years and served as Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 1948 and 1949. Libbie became a member of Ionic Chapter No. 172, Order of the Eastern star at Niobrara on April 30, 1948.

Mr. and Mrs. Sandoz were parents of two daughters, Ione of Lincoln and Beulah of Woodbine, Iowa. Two other children died in infancy.

Sam died March 10, 1967, at age 79, and Libbie on December 6, 1978, at age 85.

Pages 383, 384