Tufts Family Among
  M. J. Tufts and his daughter, Miss Dora left Bradford, Pa., with the intentions of going to the Red River Valley, North Dakota, as Mr. Tufts was very poorly, but they met a party of men in whom they were well acquainted starting for Dawson county, who urged them to come with them and promised if they didn't like it here, they would all go to Dakota later. Mr. Tufts health rapidly improved and he remained here and was among the loyal boosters of this western country the remainder of his life.
In July 1883 Mr. Tufts and his daughter returned east and remained until September when they returned, accompanied by Mrs. Tufts and little daughter, Minnie and Mrs. Tuft's brother, "Uncle" Sam Wyckoff.
The Tufts family endured the many hardships found in the pioneering of this unsettled country. Mrs. Johnston recalls so many trying experiences relative to the settling of this open prairie. She related an incident that would seem very difficult for the present generation of young people to have to endure and we will relate it to you as nearly as possible as told: "The first winter while after water on the Platte river, father would drive about 18 miles in the lumber wagon to the edge of the water and dip buckets of water and hand to me, and in turn I would dump it into large barrels used for that purpose. By the time we had a load our clothes were frozen so stiff that it was with difficulty we would get seated, ready to drive the many miles back to Keystone, where large numbers would be waiting thirsty for their portion of water."
The handicaps were readily overcome as the Keystone well was soon dug, buildings were gradually erected, and the country rapidly settled. Perhaps the greatest comfort found was while helping others. There was those so desperately in need, and with sickness, deaths and disappointments, those pioneer mothers and fathers as Mr. and Mrs. Tufts were a great comfort to their neighbors friends. Many stories could be related where this was true in this pioneer home, but space will not permit relating many happenings.
The first big event which took place among the Keystone settlement was the marriage of Miss Dora Tufts to Mr. W. M. Johnston of McLean county, Pa., on May 28, 1884, in St. Peter's Episcopal church at Plum Creek (now Lexington). After the
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ceremony the Plum Creek cornet band serenaded the party. The happy couple left by train for a visit in the east, returning in the fall to take up their home, which was the north half of section 22-9-25. They lived in a "soddie," a nice one of which they were proud, for nine years, followed by four years in a granary on section 29-9-25 before having a comfortable frame house.
When Mr. and Mrs. Johnston returned to Farnam [Keystone] from their wedding trip to the east, Mr. Johnston brought two emigrant cars, one filled with household effects and the other with fine horses. He was a lover of fine horses and took much pride in them.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnston were the parents of one daughter, (Jessie) who with her husband, S. D. Ralston, John and Jean reside at Cozad.
After Mr. Johnston's death in 1915 Mrs. Johnston moved to the home of her aged parents and cared for them and in 1929 she had her residence remodeled and has a comfortable home, where her friends spend many joyful hours visiting with one who is growing older in years, but in spirit she is youthful, and is ever sympathetic with the problems of youth.
Mr. and Mrs. Tufts and her brother, Sam Wyckoff resided on the farm until 1906 when they sold the old home place to Wm. Bick where the J. C. Gaibler family now live and move to their residence, known as the Tufts house. Mr. Wyckoff died in 1909.
On Feb. 4, 1907 Mr. and Mrs. Tufts were privileged to celebrate their Golden wedding anniversary together. They took an extended vacation trip to the east visiting the place of their marriage at Canandaigna, N.Y., Mrs. Tufts birthplace and many other interesting points, then that fall spent the winter in California. They enjoyed the unusual experience of celebrating their 64thwedding anniversary before Grandpa Tuft's death in Nov., 1920 at the age of 87 years. Grandma Tufts passed away in February, six years later at the advanced age of 91 years.
Miss Minnie Tufts was married on April 12, 1893 to S. F. Parker and since that time have been residents and loyal boosters of Farnam. They are the parents of three daughters, all living in Farnam; Mrs. (Jeanette) Parker, wife of C. Burr Parker, who are the parents of three children, Beryl, Georgann and Samuel John; Mrs. (Margaret) Rowland, wife of John Rowland are the parents of two daughters, Patricia and Barbara; and Mrs. Louise Lintner and Harriet.
1886
1936
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