Once more our community was called upon to part with one of the original settlers of this vicinity.

This time death came to Mr. E.T. Buss. Mr. Buss was born in Sherman, NY., October 2, 1862, in which place he grew to manhood. In 1884, he came to what was then called Keystone, 2 miles east of Farnam and settled on a homestead adjoining the present town of Farnam, the farm which he owned at the time of his death.

In the early day, he, in partnership with M.C. Divoll purchased a small stock of dry goods and groceries from Mr. E.B. Dunham and built up one of the largest department stores in this part of the state.

He was united in marriage June 22, 1887 to Miss Mary Thompson. To this union were born seven children, six boys and one girl, of whom four boys and one girl survive him. His wife preceded him to that Great Beyond, April 9, 1916.

Mr. Buss was educated at Sherman and Buffalo, NY and was the first teacher in charge of the school in Farnam. He was always interested in school matters and was a member of the Farnam School board for twenty five years and then refused to act longer, saying, “It is time to make room for someone else”.

Mr. Buss was a man who inspired the respect and love of the whole community. He was a member of the Congregational church of this place. He was always interested in church work and was always a consistent and practical Christian, who not only believed, but lived up to it. His word was as good as any bond could be, and he never intruded his views on his neighbors but granted them the privilege of living according to their own views without criticism from him. No one ever heard him speak ill of a neighbor.

Mr. Buss was injured a few years ago in unloading a water tank from a wagon and from then dates a gradual decline in his health. He had a slight paraplegic stroke last winter but seemed to be recovering when another attack on Thursday, November 11th proved fatal, causing his death, November 15 at 1 o’clock a.m. at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lucile Zeimer of Clarks, Nebr., where he was making his home. His body was brought to Farnam and laid to rest in the Farnam cemetery beside that of his wife and two children, who preceded him.

Those who survive him are Mrs. Ruth Lucile Zeimer of Clarks, Nebr., Edgar Harold of Arnold, Nebr., Charles Delevan of Los Angeles, Calif., Thomas Leon of Salt Creek, Wyoming and George Myron of Grand Island, all of whom attended the funeral.

One by one the old timers who stood the storms and stress of pioneer life in this country are passing away, only a few are left. None could leave a better record than Mr. Buss. As a scholar, a teacher, a farmer, a father, a merchant, and a Christian he was always consistent and beloved by everybody. It is hard to understand why such then must die, unless it is that he is going to his reward so ably earned. --contributed

The Farnam Echo 22(2):1 Thursday, Nov. 20, 1924