#1-16 Sept., 1925 - The Pilot

Samuel D. Bouvier passed away at the home of Mrs. Emma Johnson, 3216 North 25th street Omaha, at 5:15 last Saturday afternoon, Sept., 12th, being just one month past 76 years of age, he having been born in Louisville, Ky., August 12th, 1849. A short funeral service was held in Omaha and another service at the Congregational church at 3 o’clock Monday afternoon, Rev. Chas. W. Savidge officiating, assisted by Rev. James A. McKeenan. The church was crowded and the floral offerings unusually large and beautiful. Burial was in the Blair cemetery. When a boy about 5 years he came west with his parents to the Missouri river, which was in April, 1854, before Omaha was well started. They settled on a farm in DeSoto township which was his home for about 70 years. He was well known as a popcorn raiser, being called the “popcorn king” of this section. While working his farm in the early part of the summer he was taken ill and went to Omaha for special nursing care by Mrs. Johnson. Several years ago Mr. Bouvier was awarded a medal for being the oldest male pioneer of the state by the Territorial Historical association. This medal he was very proud of and wore it upon all festive occasions. He was first married to Miss Nora Ides and one child was born to them before her death, now Mrs. Bertha Chapman, of Colton, Calif. On July 20th, 1880, he was married to Miss Alice Richards and five children were born to them. Mrs Myrtle E. Hall of San Francisco, Calif., Alfred E. Bouvier of Oakland, Calif., Mrs. J. E. Hovendick and Mrs. Walter Stricklett of this city, and Ralph D. Bouvier of DeSoto township. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Emma Phillips of Hemmingford, Neb., and Mrs. Theo Halstead of Gullybridge, W. Va. There are thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

#2-Samuel Bouvier -Omaha Daily Bee- 13 Sep 1925

Oldest Male Pioneer of State Is Dead

Nebraska "Popcorn King” Looses Fight With Death

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Samuel D. Bouvier, 88, Loses Seven Weeks Fight With Death; Dubbed "Popcorn King."

Came West in 1854 at 19

Samuel D. Bouvier, 88 years old, who claimed to be the oldest male pioneer of Nebraska, died Saturday afternoon at 5:15, at the home of Mrs. Emma Johnson, 3216 North Twenty- fifth street, where he has been attended for seven weeks. Death came after five days of unconsciousness, the last twenty-four hours of which he was unable to take nourishment.

Mr. Bouvier, active in the early life of eastern Nebraska, came to the Missouri river, then the western fringe of civilization in April, 1854, when he was 19 years old, and on April 12 settled on the farm near De Soto which has been his home since.

The pioneer long ago became known as Nebraska's "popcorn king." His farm of 100 acres has yielded 70 crops. of popcorn, and he boasted that every one was sowed and harvested by him.

Kept on Working.

His health began failing last summer, but he refused to give up work. Finally when his condition became critical, he was persuaded to leave the farm and come to Omaha. Here he was forced to his bed. But during the early weeks of his illness here he protested that he "would get well" and laughed when told he was on his deathbed, much disturbed because he could not tend his crop.

It was his habit to rise at 5:30 each morning and be in the field an hour later and work until dusk. His recipe for maintaining his strength was hard work and plenty of sleep.

Just before he lapsed into unconsciousness, he told the Rev. Charles W. Savidge, a lifelong friend, that his mind was clear.

He was born August 12, 1837, in West Virginia, and came west 19 years later. Soon after settling near Desoto he was married. During his early years in Nebraska he was known as one of the best poker players of this new territory.

Several years ago he was awarded a medal by the Territorial Historical association, which designated him as the oldest male pioneer of the state. He took great pride in displaying the medal and wore it often.

Mr. Bouvier was never affiliated with any church, but, according to Rev. Mr. Savidge, he was a firm believer in the principles of the Christtian faith.

Rev. Mr. Savidge, pastor of the People's church, will officiate at the funeral services, which will be held at Blair, Neb.

~~~Obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. News clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

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