# 1 - Pilot-Tribune, May 9, 1960

MISS EMMA RIX, 95, DIED SUNDAY

Miss Emma Rix, 95 years of age, died Sunday at Booth Memorial Home in Omaha.

Miss Rix was born October 5, 1864, the daughter of the late Nicholas and Mary Rix, and lived in Washington County until 1956 when she moved to Omaha.

She is survived by five nieces and nephews.

The Sievers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements which have not been completed.

# 2 - from The Enterprise, May 12, 1960

LAST PIONEER OF THE COUNTY DIED SUNDAY

Miss Rix, 96, and the last Pioneer in Washington County, died last Sunday in an Omaha Nursing home. She had been in failing health for some time.

Miss Rix was born in 1864, two and one half years before Nebraska became a state. Her parents had come to Nebraska from Davenport, Iowa in a covered wagon in 1856.

On the records of the Washington County Historical Society, anyone residing here at the time Nebraska became a state (1867) is termed a pioneer and Miss Rix was the last remaining pioneer on the society’s rolls. She had maintained residence in the county continuously.

Those who knew Miss Rix well regard her as one who exemplified to a remarkable degree the virtues associated with the pioneers. She was unusual in such things as industry, thrift, honesty, friendliness and neighborly kindness. In the early days hospital and nursing service was meager and homes for the aged were available to but a few. In times of stress, neighbor women were called upon and Miss Rix was always one of those who was quick to respond. No one ever tabulated the hours she spent tending to the sick, carrying food to the convalescing or visiting and assisting the aged and helpless, but she was a dominant force for good in the Ft. Calhoun community.

Miss Rix had no immediate survivors, her family having all died before her.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Ft. Calhoun Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Don Kollin conducted the service which was under the direction of the Sievers Mortuary. Burial was made in the Ft. Calhoun cemetery.

# 3 - from Pilot-Tribune, May 23, 1960

ONE PIONEER STILL LIVING AT WATERTOWN

Last week The Enterprise stated that the death of Miss Emma Rix, 95, of Ft. Calhoun marked the end of the “Pioneers” in this county. Pioneers, in the eyes of the Pioneers and Old Settlers Association are those who were born before Nebraska became a state in 1867.

Miss Rix was the only pioneer left who called Washington county her home. It is now learned that Mrs. Jesse T. Smith, of Watertown, South Dakota is the only one-time Washington county pioneer who is still living.

Obituaries courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file at the Blair Public Library.