Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Harry D. Alford, the popular mayor of Grant, has been a resident of Perkins county for the past twenty-five years, and is well known all through the region as a man of strong character and the strictest integrity.
Mr. Alford was born in Jasper county, Iowa, November 12, 1868. His father, George P. Alford, is of Scotch blood, and was an early settler in western Nebraska. He married Jennie Kirk, of old American stock, and the family settled in Perkins county during its early days as a county, Mr. Alford being appointed postmaster at Grant and served for eight years. Our subject grew up in Iowa, coming to Nebraska with his parents when seventeen years of age, locating on the father's present homestead a mile and a half southeast of Grant, and he worked with his father until he was twenty-one years of age. He then left home and settled in Grant, establishing a draying business, starting with one team and wagon, did very well, and in 1894 added a livery business, which he carried on for several years. He bought a small hardware store in 1900, started in this September 10th of that year with a small capital and a floor space 24x40 feet. He soon was obliged to increase his stock and now has a frontage of seventy feet on the main street of the town, and occupies a store of six hundred and fifty square feet floor space. He enjoys a good trade, and is classed among the solid and substantial business men of the town, always ready and willing to help in promoting the best interests of his community, financial, commercial and educational, and is one of the best known men in the county.
On November 10, 1892, Mr. Alford was united in marriage to Miss Laura Yenney, whose father, John Yenney, was a homesteader and early settler in this county.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Allan W. Skidmore, a native of Indiana, was born on a farm in Brown county December 2, 1862. His father, John Skidmore, was a farmer by occupation and died in Piatt county, Illinois, about 1878. His mother, who was a Mrs. Maris at the time she married Mr. Skidmore, was Miss Thamar Lane in maidenhood; she came to Keith county in pioneer days, secured a homestead and died here in 1902.
Our subject was reared on an Illinois farm in Piatt county and was educated in the common schools. In 1886 he came west to Ogallala, Nebraska, taking a homestead 45 miles south of that city in Chase county. Here he put up a sod shanty, in which he made his home for a number of years. He had but a little to start with, having no team for nearly three years. He worked out at times and did the best he could with his limited means for seven years when he proved up on his homestead. He experienced very hard times during seven years. His crops were either very poor or total failures and he was obliged to turn his hand to almost anything in order to make a living. In 1904 he sold his Chase county land, came to Keith county and settled five miles west of Ogallala, purchasing his mother's old homestead, of 160 acres. He has succeeded in his farming and has also been successfully engaged in stock raising. He has excellent improvements and is rated among the well-to-do old settlers of this part of the state. He also owns property in the city of Ogallala, where he lives part of the time in order that his children may have the advantage of better schools.
Mr. Skidmore and Miss Rose Mossberger were united in marriage March 2, 1890. Mrs. Skidmore is a daughter of Issac and Barbara (Landis) Mossberger, influential old settlers of Chase county. Mr. and Mrs. Skidmore have been blessed with seven children; Goldie, Harry, Ethel, Ruth, George and Boyd; the first-born died unnamed.
When Mr. Skidmore reached Ogallala he was in very poor circumstances, his entire capital being $70. But he has been thrifty and industrious and energetic and has attained a fine success, building up a farm and home that bring him comfort and a good competency. Mr. Skidmore has been active in politics, affiliating with the Republican party. For two terms he was city Marshall of the city of Ogallala. He has been deeply interested in the development of the schools of the county; he served as school director for a long time. He is a man of strong character and wields a good influence in the community in which he lives.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Joseph E. West resides in Rushville, Sheridan county, Nebraska. He was born in Jefferson county, New York, in 1838, and is a son of Eliab West, who was in the hardware business in the village of Mansville. There was a family of nine children, and our subject was the third member. They came to Wisconsin where the family were pioneer settlers when he was nine years old. Here he was raised, and in 1860 moved to Iowa and settled near Council Bluffs. He began working at freighting, traveling from there to Denver in 1861 and continued at this work up to 1865. Our subject was one of those who helped build the Union Pacific railroad through the western part of Nebraska.
In 1880 Mr. West went to the central part of the state when he engaged in sheep raising, but met with much bad luck and after suffering heavy losses, 5000 sheep dying in one year, he was obliged to quit the business as he had lost everything he had. He came to Sheridan county in 1889, entering the government Indian service, which subsequently brought him to Rushville, and remained in that work for eight years here. He had charge of the supplies which were shipped here for the Indians, and became thoroughly familiar with methods of dealing with those people and made an efficient and faithful employe (sic) of the government. After leaving the employ of the U. S. government he went into the hotel business, and continued at this for six years, running the Commercial House at Rushville. Since closing this out he has been engaged in the real estate business, and in 1904 established the bargain store which he now operates. He has built up a good trade and enjoys a wide patronage from all over this section of the country. Mr. West also owns a large ranch located two miles east of Rushville, containing 1,600 acres, and here he does farming and stock raising, which nets him a fine income. He is counted among the pioneers of this state, and has taken a prominent part in the history of this section from the start. He made twenty-four trips across Nebraska to Denver and Salt Lake City in the early days. He has sold many sacks of flour in the west receiving in payment for this $100 in gold dust, for a hundred pound sack of flour. He at one time owned a freighting outfit of wagons, teams, etc., and had a party of one hundred and ten men working under him. Many times there were fierce Indian fights which our subject witnessed, and he spent years in dealing with these dangerous people, at some times being obliged to station ten men as guards on outpost duty. Many trips were made when the redskins were on the warpath, and at different times he had some exciting skirmishes with them.
In 1858 Mr. West married Miss Martha A Lonsworth, of French-Canadian descent.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
M. N. HOLCOMBE
The subject of this review has for many years past resided in Lincoln county, Nebraska, and during this time has acquired a fine property and built up a comfortable home as a result of his industry and good management. He is widely known in his locality and held in the highest esteem as a citizen of true worth.
Mr. Holcombe was born near Atlanta, Georgia, January 1, 1853. He is a son of Reuben Holcombe, who was a prominent physician of Haralson county, Georgia, and also practised (sic) in Blount county, Alabama, whose death occurred during the civil war. The Holcombes were early settlers in Virginia. Our subject's mother was Miss Sarah Adams of Carroll county, Georgia. They were of a proud old southern family, and three brothers fought and died in the service of the confederacy. The family originally came from North Carolina, and settled in Georgia in the pioneer days of that state when Indians were still in the country. Our subject came to Nebraska in 1875, working for the U. P. railroad in the vicinity of North Platte. He was employed by the railroad as foreman of the track repair department for the Mountain division west of North Platte, between there and Sidney, and was in this position for a period of nine years. At the end of this time he retired from the service of the road and went on a ranch of about 2,000 acres. This was in 1887, where he engaged in the stock business. He formerly owned 4, 400 acres of land here, but disposed of over 2,000 acres, and runs about five hundred head of cattle. In past years his herd numbered from six to eight hundred head, and he has always been very successful in this work. He has done his part in the upbuilding of the county, and always takes a commendable interest in everything that tends to advance the commercial and educational matters of the locality in which he resides. He was for five years commissioner of Keith county, Nebraska, and afterwards held the office of county treasurer of Lincoln county, being elected in 1898, serving one term, but refused the re-election.
Mr. Holcombe married Miss Lulu Steele, Dec. 28, 1877, daughter of John and Nancy Honge Steele, natives of Georgia. Her ancestors on both sides were pioneer settlers in that state, serving in the revolutionary war, and in the civil war, always being prominent in public affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Holcombe have six children, who are named as follows: John, who is manager of one of the leading jewelry establishments in Haywards, California; Robert, engaged in the ranching business near Maxwell, Nebraska; Albert, attending school at Virginia City, Nevada; Steele and Edith, also at school; and Mrs. Salena Lowden, residing in North Platte.
Mr. Holcombe is manager of a large ranch of 5,600 acres located just north of his own ranch. This place is owned by the Honorable J. A. Van Arsdale, Ex-Assistant Attorney General of the U. S. at Washington, D. C., now Judge of Appeals of District of Columbia. On this ranch they run from five to seven hundred and fifty head of cattle, and Mr. Holcombe has successfully managed this extensive property in addition to his own large interests, for the past seventeen years.
Mr. Holcombe takes a commendable interest in all public affairs, and is active in advancing the commercial and educational matters in his locality. He has served on the school board for six years in the Brady district. He is a prominent member of the order of the Maccabees and also a Modern Woodman.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
George E. Morgan, an enterprising and prosperous agriculturist of Deuel county, Nebraska, resides on section 5, township 22, range 44, where he has built up a comfortable home and valuable estate during the time he has spent in this locality.
Mr. Morgan was born in Clinton county, Iowa, in 1858, and raised on his father's farm in that locality. He is a son of Samuel Morgan, of English birth, who was raised in that country and came to America in the thirties. They were the parents of twelve children, the second youngest being our subject, who started in for himself at the age of sixteen years, beginning at farm work which he followed for three years. He then started to learn the blacksmith's trade, and after mastering this continued in it for five years in the vicinity of his father's home. He then took a farm in Crawford county, Iowa, remaining on that up to 1886, when he moved to Hay Springs, Nebraska, and took a pre-emption located seven miles southeast of that place. Then he bought a relinquishment and as the place was utterly without improvements was obliged to go to work building a set of farm buildings, fences, etc., During the years 1887 and '88 his crops did not come up to his expectations so he decided to go to the sand hills and start in the stock business, as he did not think he could make any money in farming in that locality. When he landed in Hay Springs he had very little money, but he had gotten together some stock and added improvements so was able to sell his farm for $400 and this he put into stock after locating here. He brought three cows and four calves with him and kept buying more as he was able, so his herd kept increasing and he did well from the first. There were no settlers in this locality when the family moved here, and the town of Lakeside was then nothing but a side station, and the only store was in a box car. He took a homestead in section 5, township 22, range 44, and still occupies this farm. For a time he had plenty of hay land and range for his stock, and he now owns 640 acres of deeded land, including 480 acres of Kinkaid homestead. On his ranch he runs 430 head of cattle and fifty-two horses, also quite a number of sheep. He devotes all his attention to stock raising and has never broken any land on the place except for a garden for home supply. He and his family lived in a sod house up to 1904, when he built a comfortable frame house, the timber for which was hauled from Lakeside, a distance of twelve and one half miles. Mr. Morgan thinks that he is much better off here than he would have been had he stayed on the table land, and the entire family is satisfied to remain here where they have such a pleasant home and comfortable surroundings.
Mr. Morgan's family consists of his wife, (who was Miss Emmaline Welch, born of Irish parents,) and their three children, namely: Charlotte, Estella and Theresa, two of whom are married. Mr. Morgan has done his share in developing this section of the country and advancing the commercial and agricultural interests. He is a Republican and always votes that ticket, but never takes any part in party politics, preferring to let the other fellow do the talking.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
WILLIAM A. DANLEY
It is not necessary to introduce the gentleman above named to the people of Dawes county, as he has been a resident of this region since its earliest settlement and has become widely known as a man of active public spirit who has always given his best efforts to aid in the development of the agricultural and commercial interests of his county. Mr. Danley resides in Chadron, where he is engaged in the bakery business, and occupies a pleasant home with his family, highly respected by all with whom he has to do.
Mr. Danley was born in Danvers, McLean county, Illinois, in 1860. He is a son of Samuel Danley, of American stock, and father and son were born in the same house, the Danleys having occupied the old homestead for a great many years. Our subject was raised and educated in his native state, attending school at Princeton, Illinois. When he was nineteen years of age he came with his parents to Nebraska, settling in Niobrara, Knox county. He worked on the railroad, helping to grade the road from O'Neill to Buffalo Gap. He afterwards spent two years at Valentine and Fort Niobrara, he and his father working together all the time. In 1884 he came to Chadron where he worked at freighting and grading, roughing it all over this region. For two years he lived in tents, camping out through all kinds of rough weather and became thoroughly familiar with the whole country. He saw the first houses ever put up in Atkinson, Stuart, Long Pine and Ainsworth, and distinctly remembers when the whole region was practically nothing but a wilderness, wild game of all sorts roaming the plains. He took up government land at Chadron and remained until he proved up on it, and then was for three years engaged in the milk business here. He went out of that and opened a hardware store which he ran for two years. After that he was appointed assistant postmaster and served in that capacity for four years. He established his present business, consisting of bakery and confectionery goods, in 1900, and built up a good business, but sold it out in June, 1907. He was appointed postmaster June 11, 1907, and was re-appointed December 9, 1907, at Chadron, Nebraska.
Mr. Danley was married in Chadron in 1888, to Miss Jennie Hollenbeck, daughter of John Hollenbeck, who was among the early settlers of Dawes county. Mr. and Mrs. Danley have one son, Neil, born in 1898.
Mr. Danley is a Republican and takes an active interest in local party affairs, lending his influence at all times for good government.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Dr. Nicholas McCabe, mayor of North Platte, Nebraska, is one of the influential and prosperous citizens of Lincoln county. He is a physician of note and a skillful surgeon, also the proprietor of one of the leading drug establishments of North Platte.
Dr. McCabe is a native of Ireland and came to this country in his boyhood. He received his preliminary education at St. Joseph's College at Buffalo, New York, and later obtained his M. D. degree from the University of Buffalo. In 1886 he came to North Platte and began the practice of medicine, and since that time has resided here continuously and has built up a large practice and also has gained the confidence and esteem of the people among whom he has chosen his home. He has been surgeon for the Union Pacific Railroad for the past ten years. About 1891 he established the North Platte Pharmacy, of which he was sole proprietor until 1908, when he sold half interest to Edgar Schiller, and the new firm is conducted under the name of Schiller & Company. Dr. McCabe has invested considerably in farming lands in this county, and is the owner of 3,000 acres of land, 1,100 acres of which is farming land; he also has a large herd of stock on this farm. One feature about Dr. McCabe's farm is that it is mostly all irrigated, 700 acres is watered by the regular irrigation process, 200 acres of which are watered by a ditch which was dug by the Doctor himself and is called the McCabe Irrigation Canal, and the other 500 acres being under the "Birdwood Irrigation District."
In 1906 Dr. McCabe was elected Mayor of North Platte, on a ticket pledged to municipal ownership in buying out the private company that owns the water works plant here. He was reelected for three consecutive terms, the last one by a majority of two to one in the face of a bitter attack made upon him by his political enemies. Politically he is an Independent Democrat.
Dr. McCabe is a man of broad mind, and has always taken a commendable interest in local public affairs and assisted in the upbuilding of the city and county and every public enterprise tending to the advancement of the better interests of the community in which he resides.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
John Ross LeLacheur, who resides in section 29, township 26, range 32, Cherry county, Nebraska, has a valuable estate which he has gained by industry and good management. He was born in Delaware county, Iowa, in 1876, on a farm.
Elisha LeLacheur, the father of our subject, was a native of Prince Edward Island, born in 1831, and came of French parentage. He grew up in that country and came to America with his parents when he was a lad of eleven, the family settling in Iowa, and he attended the country schools in Delaware county, and was married there in 1863 to Mary J. Bliss, of English and Yankee stock, the mother now residing in Mullen. John Ross LeLacheur was one of four children in his father's family, named as follows; Phoebe E., Frank W., John R. and Wm. H., and he was the third member in order of birth. In 1882 our subject moved to Nebraska, driving from Iowa with a team and covered wagon, bringing with them a yoke of oxen and three horses, also three colts. The trip was a hard and tedious one, they being obliged to camp out at night, but they came through with no serious drawbacks, and after arriving in Nebraska settled in Nance county, where they lived for four years, then came to Cherry county and settled on a ranch situated eleven miles northwest of Mullen. There their first dwelling was a tent, in which they lived during the first summer. Storms and hail literally tore the tent to pieces in a few months, and they were obliged to build a sod house before the rough weather came on in the fall, and also built a hen house of sod, barns and sheds for their stock. They had hard times at first, but gradually kept improving the place and tried to farm, but lost several crops during the dry years, and had bad luck. On October 23, 1894, the father died as a result of an accident. He was helping fight a prairie fire and was so badly burned that he only survived his wounds eighteen hours. On January 1, 1901, the old ranch homestead building caught fire and burned to the ground. One son, William, and his family occupied the dwelling at the time, and his wife was awakened at four o'clock in the morning by the smell of smoke, found the house on fire and they barely escaped from the burning building with their lives. As it was, William's hair was badly singed and his night clothes were nearly burned off his body. His wife and their child were almost caught in the fire, but managed to escape without serious harm. This put an end to occupying the old ranch house, but the place is still used as a summer pasture for stock.
In 1899 our subject went on a ranch of his own, which was situated in section 29, township 26, range 32. He had been married in December of the year previous, to Maggie Stevenson, daughter of Frank Stevenson, an old settler in western Nebraska. Mrs. LeLacheur's mother was prior to her marriage, Miss Adelaide Allen, born in Pine Grove, Warren county, Pennsylvania. The young couple at once started out to build up a good home together, and worked hard and faithfully to accomplish that end, and have succeeded in a marked degree. Mr. LeLacheur is now the owner of a fine ranch of 640 acres, all of which is fenced and improved with good buildings, and he is extensively engaged in the stock raising business, also farming quite a portion of the place. He has two children, Clyde and Ross.
One brother, William, also owns a good ranch of 640 acres, which he established in 1900, and is located in sections 26 and 27, township 25, range 32, this being the property of his wife, who acquired it through homestead rights. She was Miss Anna Gibson, daughter of Alexander Gibson, an old settler in McPherson county, Nebraska, and her mother's maiden name was Ellen Morrison. Two boys have been born to William Horton LeLacheur and his good wife, namely; Ralph and Earl.
The LeLacheur family was among the first to settle in this part of Cherry county, coming here when there were but two houses in the entire neighborhood in which they located. Each has done his full share in the upbuilding of the region, and take leading parts in the community. During the early days the subject of this review and his brother Frank, captured two deer and tamed them so that they became household pets, but during the severe hail storms that swept the country and destroyed the tent in which they lived, these animals were killed, and the entire family were as much grieved by their loss as they were at the serious property loss which they suffered.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JOHN H. EVANS
Among the professional men of Thomas county, Nebraska, an able representative is found in the person of the gentleman above named, one of the most widely known attorneys and public spirited citizens of the region. He is a gentleman of superior attainments mentally, broad minded and thorough practical training, and by unbending integrity and faithful performance of duty, has built up an enviable reputation as an exemplary citizen.
John H. Evans was born near Burlington, Iowa, March 21, 1851. His father, Robert A. Evans, was a farmer by occupation, and was commissioned a Lieutenant in the 38th Regiment of the Indiana State Militia by Noah Noble, Governor of the State, in 1836, which place he held until he removed to Iowa, ten years later. The grandfather and an uncle of our subject, were soldiers in the war of 1812, and one uncle was drowned in the Platte River, near where Papillion, Nebraska, now stands, in 1836, while a Major in the U. S. Dragoon service. John's mother was Elizabeth Shoemaker, and his grandfather Henry Shoemaker, was a soldier under Gen. George Washington, participating in the "Whiskey Insurrection."
In May, 1851, John's parents removed to Winterset, Iowa, where he was engaged in working on a farm and attending the common schools, and later the High School. He then commenced the study of law, under the direction of Gilpin Brothers, and later under Gen. Polk, one time Attorney General of Kentucky, and later Dean of the College of Law of St. Joseph, Mo. After completing his law studies, he engaged with a brother in the publication of a newspaper, and has been engaged in conducting a paper at Ord, Taylor and Thedford, Nebraska. While at Taylor, Nebraska, he was admitted to the bar, taking up a homestead near that place, and remained in that locality for about six years. He came to Thedford in 1890 and opened up a law office, was elected County Attorney, and has served in that capacity for sixteen years. He was also County Attorney of Hooker county for three years, and is now serving Grant county in the same capacity. All of his time has been devoted to the practice of his profession except a brief interval, while engaged in newspaper work. He has been prominently connected with numerous celebrated law cases, among them the trial of Michael Yoakum for the murder of Lincoln Downing in Blaine county in 1887, in which legal contest his address to the jury in behalf of the defendant was a marvel of pathos and which won for his client a verdict of not guilty. In the following year he was attorney for Wm. Croughwell, on a charge of sodomy in Richardson county, this being one of the most notorious cases in that part of the state. He is a brilliant orator and one of the most successful lawyers in the state.
Mr. Evans has been an attorney for the C. B. & O. Railroad for fourteen years past and has carried to a successful termination many suits for the company. He has been identified with every measure calculated to promote the interest of his county, holding office nearly all the time he has resided in the region. He has been a delegate to the National Irrigation Congress, a member of the National Institute of Farmers, and delegate to the Farmers' National Congress.
In 1877 our subject was married to Miss Lusetta J. Norris, daughter of Alfred Norris, Esq., a well known farmer and public spirited citizen of Winterset, Iowa. They have four children, as follows: Alice G., wife of C. C. McKay, now living at Oakland, Cal.; Theron E., a prominent young ranchman of the county; Mabel J., and Ivan D. who are at home.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Fred A. Gapen, a prominent business man of Sidney, Nebraska, is classed among the pioneer settlers of that section. He is owner and editor of The Telegraph, a leading newspaper of Cheyenne county, and was born in Bloomington, McLean county, Illinois, in 1870, where he grew up attending the common schools there. When he was sixteen years of age he commenced work at the printer's trade, and has since followed that business, coming to Sidney in 1894, where he has lived continuously ever since.
The Telegraph was the first paper in the county, having been founded by L. Connell in 1873, and purchased in December, 1875, by J. B. Gossage. In January, 1876, G. B. Darrow was admitted as partner, and in '79 it was sold to a stock company with Brainard & McNulty as editors. In 1880 James McNulty took control, continuing up to March, 1881, when the paper was sold to A. C. Drake, then the editor of The Plaindealer, the two papers consolidating under the name of the Plaindealer-Telegraph. After Mr. Drake's death, his wife ran the paper until 1882, when it was purchased by J. C. Bush, and in 1885 the name was changed back to The Telegraph. In '86 a half interest was purchased by C. C. Callahan, the firm name being Bush & Callahan. In September 1888, C. C. Callahan assumed control and installed Frank J. Devlin as editor. In February, 1889, Mr. Devlin retired and A. C. Jordan took his place and the following May his place was in turn filled by W. W. Robertson. In September of the same year W. A. Scott became editor. In November Mr. Scott retired and J. L. Pennington, Jr., assumed editorial charge, giving way in April, 1890, to J. F. Wellington. In May, 1890, Mr. Callahan sold The Telegraph to Messrs. L. B. Cary and Otis D. Lyon, with Mr. Cary as editor, and in May, '94, James McMullan purchased the paper and continued it up to January, 1895, when it was re-purchsed by C. C. Callahan, who has continued it since. In August, '98, Fred A. Gapen was installed as local editor and manager. On February 1, 1899, The Sidney Telegraph and People's Poniard were consolidated. In May, 1902, Fred A. Gapen purchased the paper, and he is still sole owner and editor. He has a complete job printing outfit and makes a specialty of that work, having made that a specialty while learning his trade as a young man.
The Telegraph has a wide circulation, and is a splendid and thoroughly reliable organ.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
C. L. Mayes, one of the prominent citizens of Rushville, Nebraska, is editor and proprietor of the Rushville Standard, a leading newspaper of that thriving town.
Mr. Mayes was born at Paynesville, Pike county, Missouri, in 1861. His father, Lewis C. Mayes, was a leading merchant and farmer, and settled in Dodge county, Nebraska, in 1877. There the family lived on a farm where our subject grew up, he being the sixth member of a family of fourteen children. He received a common school education, at the age of eighteen starting out for himself, following farm work. Two years later he began on The Flail, a newspaper published at North Bend, which was his first attempt at the printing business. He remained with that paper for some time, and kept on in this line of work, in 1899 establishing The Index at Dodge, Nebraska. He soon after moved to Petersburg and started in business for himself, beginning with an outfit which cost him $160, and established The Index, building up a good paper, running it for eight years then sold out. He was associate editor on The Albion News for one year after this, and on July 1, 1900, moved to Rushville, where he purchased the Rushville Standard. This paper was established in 1885 by E. L. Heath, who had started the paper in a tent, building up a good paper and making a great success of the enterprise. Our subject has increased the business wonderfully since taking hold of the enterprise, and it is now one of the largest weekly papers in this region, an Independent in politics, and active in advancing all measures for the benefit of the people of this section of the country. The present paper is a consolidation of two others which were established some years after it was started here.
Mr. Mayes was married in 1888 to Miss Olive Richards, born at Hazel Green, Wisconsin, in 1870, of English parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Mayes have come four children, named as follows: Ralph, Halford, Harold, and Mildred. Mr. Mayes is one of the leading citizens of his community, active in all affairs of local interest. During the past year he has purchased the Rushville Telephone Exchange which he is conducting in connection with his newspaper business.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
C. W. BARNES & E. J. MITCHELL
The above firm are the well known and popular editors and publishers of The Republican, a leading newspaper of McCook, Nebraska, which has a large circulation all over this section of the state. Both Mr. Barnes and Mr. Mitchell are pioneer newspaper men of Redwillow county, having in the early days in Nebraska published papers at Indianola, which was then the county seat. Mr. Barnes purchased The McCook Democrat in 1890, and Mr. Mitchell moved the Indianola Courier to McCook in 1896. January 1, 1902, the two plants were consolidated under the name of The McCook Republican, a home paper devoted to upholding the principles of that party, and since that time have made a marked success.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Jacob Kass, of the firm of Kass & Klingaman, dealers in lumber, lime, cement, plaster and all kinds of building material, coal, wood and posts, of Chadron, Nebraska, is one of the oldest settlers in that section who has watched the growth and aided in the development of the region from its start. Mr. Kass has always been one of the foremost men in advancing the interests of his community, and enjoys an enviable reputation as a business man and worthy citizen.
Mr. Kass was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 1855. Both his father and mother were natives of Luxemburg, (sic) Germany, the former being a blacksmith by trade who followed that work in this country for many years. He settled in Wisconsin after landing in America, and then moved to Illinois in 1856, where his family was reared. When he was twenty-one years of age he struck out for himself, coming to the Black Hills, traveling by way of Yankton and Pierre, and remained in the hills up to 1885, going through all the rough experience of a frontierman's existence, part of the time engaged in mining, ranching, etc. For a time he clerked in a hardware store in Deadwood, then came to old Chadron and opened one of the first stores in the place, carrying a stock of $5,000. In August, 1885, he settled in the new town of Chadron, and went into the hardware business, continuing in it for six years. He next went into the plumbing business in partnership with Fred Poll, who had come here with him from the Black Hills, and together they carried on the business for a time, and in addition to this had a furniture store which he ran for two years. About this time he became interested in politics, and devoted considerable time to public affairs, and in 1898 was appointed deputy county treasurer, serving for two years. In 1899 he was elected treasurer by the Democratic party, served his term and re-elected in 1901. He has always been a strong advocate of Democratic party principles, and attended numerous conventions of both county and state, and is well known as one of the most active politicians in his section of the state.
In 1895 our subject was married to Mrs. Kittie Oswald, a widow with one son, Harold, and the family occupy a pleasant and comfortable home in Chadron, and enjoy a large circle of friends.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
DRS. J. B. SUMNER AND WIFE ELLA SUMNER
The gentleman and his wife whose names head this review are well known to the residents of Franklin county and the surrounding country, and have each met with remarkable success in the practice of their chosen profession. They have built up a large and lucrative practice throughout the locality in which they have resided since 1882, and have gained the confidence and esteem of the people among whom they have labored for so many years. Dr. Sumner is a native of New Hampshire, born near Concord, in 1847, and his wife of Essex, New York, 1860. He is a graduate of the University of Vermont, class of '78, and for some years practiced in the east, before locating in Nebraska. He received his earlier education at Williams College, Massachusetts. In 1882 Dr. Sumner came to Bloomington and opened an office, and has practiced here continuously since that time with the exception of the years 1884 to 1887, which he spent in Lincoln, Nebraska. He is physician for the C. B. & Q. railway, and an active member of the County, Republican Valley & State Medical Associations, a Mason and member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Dr. Sumner is a man of active public spirit, although his work does not allow of his accepting office. He is a Democrat, and in close tough with many prominent public men of his state. Dr. Ella Sumner shares with her husband in the good opinion of the public as to her ability as a physician and professional woman. She is a lady of superior intellectual powers and high attainments in her line of work. Mrs. Sumner is a graduate of the Medical Department, Nebraska University, of the Class of 1895, and since her start has had a large practice. Her preliminary education was received at Burlington, Vermont, where she graduated from both high school and academy. Mrs. Sumner has been coroner of Franklin county for several terms, and is the first lady to hold this position in the United States, which fact attracted considerable attention from all parts of the country. She is a capable person for the position, and she is wonderfully well adapted to work of that nature.
The Drs. Sumner are both members of the County Medical Association, also the State and American Medical Associations. Dr. Ella Sumner has served as President of the County Medical Association and also Vice-President of the Republican Valley Association. The Drs. Sumner are owners of a drug store in Bloomington, which is managed by J. B. Sumner, Jr.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
GEORGE O. REMY, M. D.
The gentleman whose name heads this review is one of the well known physicians and skilful (sic) practitioners in Brown county, Nebraska, residing in Ainsworth, where he has built up an enviable reputation as a worthy citizen.
Dr. Remy was born in New Hope, Bartholomew county, Indiana, October 1, 1851. His father, John T. Remy, was an old settler in that county; he was of French origin, his ancestors coming to this country in colonial days. Our subject's mother was Miss Nancy Jones, born in Virginia, her parents being natives of Wales. Dr. Remy was reared on a farm and educated in the country schools, attending the Baptist college at Franklin, Indiana, in his young manhood. In 1872 he began the study of medicine, attending school during the winters and farming through the summer. He also taught school in addition to pursuing his studies, and followed this for three years, and in 1875 and '76 he attended the Indiana Medical College located at Indianapolis, followed by a year at the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, graduating in the spring of 1877; he immediately took up the practice of medicine at Waymansville in his native state, where he was located until the spring of 1884 when he came west with his family, locating at Ainsworth, where he practiced his profession up to 1892. The following year he spent in eastern Nebraska, but returned to Ainsworth in 1901, and has resided here continuously ever since. In July, 1905, he became interested in the newspaper business, and associated himself with J. M. Cotton, proprietor of the Ainsworth Star-Journal, - whose sketch appears in this volume on another page, - and is at present connected with that work. On June 11, 1906, he purchased an interest in a drug store with W. F. Smith, a business enjoying a wide patronage all over the country.
Dr. Remy was married in May, 1871, to Miss Maggie Barrett, a native of Bartholomew county, Indiana, whose parents are prominent residents and well known all over the locality in which they live. Dr. and Mrs. Remy have two children, namely; Nannie, wife of J. M. Cotton, and Charles E., attending the medical department of the State University at Lincoln.
Dr. Remy is familiar with the early history of the state of Nebraska, and during the early days passed through many interesting experiences. He is a man thoroughly conversant with the important affairs of the times, and a man of great intelligence and capability in any direction. Independent in politics he casts his ballot for the man he believes to be best suited to the office. Fraternally he affiliates with the Masons, the Woodmen and the Tribe of Ben Hur at Ainsworth.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
BOYD K. BOYER
In mentioning the name of Boyd K. Boyer, we present the reader of this volume with one of the well-known family of Boyers, who are among the prominent old settlers of western Nebraska.
Mr. Boyer was born in Grayson county, Virginia, in 1872, and grew up there with his brothers. His parents were Hugh and Margarett (James) Boyer, whose names appear in this book as leading citizens of their respective townships. When Boyd reached the age of eleven years he came to Nebraska, spending the first two years in Madison county. In 1887 he moved to Cherry county, accompanied by his father, and there helped to establish a home and ranch. In the spring of 1898, he started for himself, filing on a homestead in township 25, range 32, and in due time proved up on the place, remaining on it up to 1903, then moved to his present homestead, consisting of 800 acres, located in section 8, township 25, range 32. Here he has improved his ranch in good shape, and through hard work and perseverance has accumulated a valuable property. During the first few years in this locality he went through hard times, losing several crops by drouth, (sic) and met with many discouragements, suffering hardships and privation in getting his ranch started. After a time, by careful management and faithful labor he saved a little money and got a start in the cattle business, so that he is now well-to-do, and owns one of the best ranches in his vicinity, all of his land being a good range and farming country.
In 1903 Mr. Boyer was married to Rose Pool, of Cherry county, Neb., daughter of J. R. and Missouri (Boyd) Pool, of American descent. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer are the parents of three children, namely; Floyd Wayne, Blanche and Pearl, and they form a most interesting and charming family.
Mr. Boyd occupies a foremost place in his community as a leading old timer, and well remembers the early days in this region when he freighted all over this part of the state in order to get a living and make a start for himself.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Wyman S. Clapp is a prominent citizen of Kearney, Nebraska, where his high character, integrity and general business ability have won for him the public favor to a marked degree. He deals in insurance and real estate, two lines in which the competition is the keenest, and that he has forged so rapidly to the front, is proof of the man. He knows his business "from the ground up," does not misrepresent anything, and it is a known fact that his word may be trusted. He deals in the various lines of insurance, such as life, accident, and fire, and of late has handled surety bonds very successfully. Some of the most striking transactions in real estate have been completed through his assistance, and he has a steady patronage in that line. He is also interested in various other enterprises, a director, secretary and treasurer of the Kearney Telephone Company, and is also secretary and treasurer of the Midway Gas, Light, Heat and Power Company. Mr. Clapp is the secretary and treasurer of the Kearney Business Men's Association, in the organization of which he was very active in 1900. This association has done many good things for the city, its most important work having been the location of the State Normal at this point.
While still in the east Mr. Clapp was in the service of the Watson Ranch Company, and came to this state in its interest. The Watson Ranch is a very important enterprise, and comprises within its limits some eight thousand acres, mainly devoted to alfalfa and fruits. It was regarded as one of the sights of the county. Mr. Clapp has been in business for himself since 1898, and in that time has won a name and a competence.
Mr. Clapp was born in Deerfield, Massachusetts, and was reared and educated in his native state. There he was married to Miss Agnes T. Wait, who has proved a most helpful wife and companion, winning many friends by her charming personality and attractive ways. In fraternal circles the subject of this writing is very popular, being a Mason of high degree, and is a past high priest of the Chapter. He is also an officer in the Commandery. In political matters he is in affiliation with the Republican party, and takes an active interest in its various developments. In Kearney he is known as a successful, active and enterprising citizen.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
HON. JOHN WILSON
For the past quarter of a century the gentleman whose name heads this personal history has been associated with the commercial interests of western Nebraska. Mr. Wilson resides in Kearney, Buffalo county, where he has built up a pleasant home and is known throughout this locality as one of its most worthy citizens, and through his long career as a business man, and as a public spirited man he has become one of the most popular residents in western Nebraska.
Mr. Wilson is a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Kearney in 1883 from Henry county, Illinois, and from that time up to 1888 was, together with his brother Samuel engaged in the livery business at the town of Kearney, which at that time was a large and important item in the development of this part of the country. In 1888 he was elected sheriff of the county, and after serving that term was re-elected in 1900, acting in this capacity for a period of four years. During the time he held this office there were several murders in this section, also other matters under discussion, and as the great boom was on during these years the civil part of the sheriff's work was extremely strenuous. In 1892 he was elected to the State legislature on the Republican ticket for Buffalo county, and from 1895 to 1900 he held the position of deputy collector of internal revenue for western Nebraska, with headquarters at Grand Island. In 1903 Mr. Wilson assumed the position of special land agent for the Union Pacific railway company for western Nebraska, with the head office located at Kearney. Prior to this he was connected with the land department of that railway, which position he occupied for two years, resigning to accept the former office. In the last four years there has been a big movement in western Nebraska lands, and our subject has sold for the Union Pacific company between seventy-five and eighty thousand acres of farming land at from two to five dollars per acre, mostly situated in Cheyenne, Lincoln, Kimball, Keith and Deuel counties. In the last named two counties the U. P. lands are about all sold, and there is great activity in the private sale of lands there at figures much above the above prices. These farms are admirably adapted for the culture of alfalfa, broom grass, millet and for mixed farming and stock raising. The altitude at that point is about 4,000 feet, while in Buffalo county, it is 2,000 feet, thus insuring warmer nights, which is much better suited for the raising of corn. Through these counties macaroni wheat has been known to produce a crop of forty bushels per acre.
Mr. Wilson has lived continuously in Kearney since October, 1883. He was married in 1880 to Miss Rosa M. Beacher and has three children living: J. H. Wilson, of Salt Lake City, and Ella M. and Richard B. at home.
Mr. Wilson has always taken a prominent and active part in public affairs. He has served in the council, and was for fifteen years chief of the fire department. He is a Mason of high degree and also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. While living in Henry county, Illinois, Mr. Wilson served as deputy sheriff of that county from 1878 to 1883.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Alexander Kerns, one of the enterprising and energetic citizens of Cherry county, Nebraska, where he takes high rank for his many manly and sterling qualities, was born in Peoria county, Illinois, in 1865, on a farm, and is a descendant of good old American stock.
Oliver Kerns, his father, was a native of Ohio, born in Highland county, and he married Kate Huffman, of Pennsylvania. Our subject was reared in his native state and educated in the country schools, devoting all his spare time to assisting his parents in carrying on the home farm. He lived in Ohio up to 1885, then came west, locating in Sheridan county, Nebraska, and began working at railway construction for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, which was then being put through that portion of the state. After spending about a year in that region he filed on a pre-emption, and built a log cabin, living on the place for a year, then returned to Illinois and spent one year. He came back to Nebraska in 1887, settled on a tract of land in Sheridan county and opened up a ranch and lived on the place up to 1901. There he went through pioneer experiences, having many hard times, and going through the worst times during the years 1890 and 1891, which was the time of the Indian scares, and when the settlers were having so much trouble with the redskins in South Dakota. In 1901 he came to his present ranch on which he filed as a homestead, this being situated in section 5, township 25, range 31, Cherry county, Neb., and he has it improved in good shape. There are 640 acres in the ranch and he is engaged in stock raising principally, but farms from 150 to 200 acres.
In June, 1886, Mr. Kerns was married to Nora Bell, daughter of James Bell and Hanna Bell of Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Kerns are the parents of five children, who are named as follows: Addie (married); Alta, wife of Frank Clevenger; and Lena, Elmer and Grace at home with their parents.
Our subject takes a commendable interest in local public affairs and the family are (sic) highly esteemed by all in their community. He is a Bryan Democrat in politics.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Dennis D. Cheesman was born on a farm in Cattaraugus county, New York, in 1868, of American parentage. His father, James Cheesman, was a farmer and pioneer settler of Loup county, his homestead being located in the southwest part of Sawyer precinct, to which he came in 1888. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Emily L. Dye. The father died some time ago.
Dennis D. Cheesman was reared in New York state, working on the farm and receiving a common school education. In 1888 he came with his father to Loup county and started in business for himself engaging in farming and stock raising.
Our subject was married in February, 1899, to Miss Josephine Moyer, daughter of Oliver and Malinda (McVey) Moyer, who became pioneer settler of Loup county, Neb., in 1886. This union was blessed with five children, -- Theodore, Mary, James, Florence and Nolah. Mrs. Cheesman taught school in Loup county for several years and is a lady of talent and scholarly attainments.
Dennis D. Cheesman has always been active in public affairs and has participated in political movements of his community. He is regarded as a man of strong convictions and his conscientiousness has made him many warm friends. In 1900 he was elected county commissioner and served three years and has otherwise been honored in a political way by his friends and neighbors.
In 1905 Mr. Cheesman was nominated and elected on the independent ticket to the office of County Clerk and was re-elected in 1907. He has made an efficient officer and has strongly entrenched himself in the regard of the people. He still owns a farm in Sawyer precinct but lives in Taylor.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
HOMER M. CRAIN
The gentleman mentioned above is one of the successful and prosperous young farmers of Hooker county, Nebraska. He has a well improved ranch of about two thousand acres, all deeded, belonging to the estate of his father, Joseph Crain, and is well known as a young man of industrious habits and strict integrity, highly esteemed and respected by his fellow-men.
Mr. Crain was born near Crawfordsville, Indiana, in 1884. His father, Joseph Crain, was a prominent farmer and ranchman of Hooker county, Nebraska, an early settler in that region, and he died on their old homestead June 6, 1900. The mother, whose maiden name was Sarah E. Weaver, died in this county February 22, 1907. There were five children in the family, and they settled in Nebraska in 1887, locating in Hooker county. They drove to that vicinity from Broken Bow, having a team and emigrant wagon containing their goods, and camped out along the road, and afterwards went through all the pioneer hardships and privations, living for many years in that county, and built up a good home there.
Our subject and his family came to Cherry county in 1887, settling on section 27, township 24, range 33, and started to put up buildings, his father's first dwelling being a sod house, in which they lived for seven years, and then built a good frame house. He succeeded fairly well from the start; although he began with very little, and was proprietor of a ranch consisting of sixteen quarter sections, all deeded land, when he died in 1900, the whole being well improved and all good land, most of it devoted to a cattle ranch. Since the death of his father, Homer and his brother Howard have carried on the farm, assisted by their sisters. The other children are: Maude E., Howard V., Burl R., Elsie A., the latter the youngest, born in 1899. Homer also has a Kincaid homestead adjoining his father's estate.
During the family's early residence in Nebraska they had many hardships to contend with, and suffered from crop losses, but never gave up courage, and they have been richly rewarded for remaining and putting in years of labor.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
L. A. Berry, one of the solid business men and public-spirited citizens of Alliance, Nebraska, is well-known as an able lawyer and prominent politician.
Mr. Berry was born in Onondaga county, New York, in 2854. His father, Mathias, familiarly known as "Major" Berry, was of Irish stock, a farmer by occupation, who married Sylvia Osborn, of Onondaga county, New York. Our subject grew up in his native state and received a good education, attending the Pompey Academy, and also Whitestown seminary. He was of a studious nature from early boyhood, and read Blackstone while living at home, and gained a good foundation for his studies later in life. On August 4, 1878, he was admitted to the bar in Iowa, having come west the previous year and located at Marshalltown. He first opened an office at Marshalltown and later at Gilman, remaining in those places for several years, then moved to Ida Grove, and practiced his profession for a time, About this time his health failed, and he was obliged to quit the law business and for two years was engaged in other pursuits.
Mr. Berry came to Nebraska in 1893, going to the western part of the state where he hoped to recuperate his failing health, where he started at work on a ranch owned by his brother-in-law. He lived a free, out-of-door life in that part of the state, and in June, 1896, came to Alliance and opened a law office, and has remained here ever since. He has built up a good practice as an attorney throughout this section of the country, and has also been active in local political affairs. In the fall of 1906 he was elected County Judge to fill a vacancy. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for several terms, also Police Judge, and to his influence and aid is due much of the prosperity and growth of the financial interests of his community. He is a Democrat politically.
Mr. Berry was united in marriage at Gilman, Iowa, in 1883, to Miss Minnie Sparks. Mrs. Berry is a daughter of Lyman Sparks, of Yankee stock, and Marietta Engram Sparks, of English descent. Prior to her marriage to our subject Mrs. Berry was a school teacher in her native state, and a lady of much charm and superior accomplishments. They are the parents of two sons, namely: Leo and Lyle.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Frank Rothleutner, one of the leading business and ranch men of Cherry county, Nebraska, is a man of wide experience, having made his way to success by perseverance and diligence, supplemented by honest dealings. He resides at Georgia Station, Nebraska, where he has a pleasant home and is engaged in the general merchandise business.
Mr. Rothleutner is a native of Bergstadt, Moravia, Austria, born July 29, 1859. His father, Joseph Rothleutner, came with his family to American shores in 1872. They sailed from Hamburg on the steamer Gallert, landing in New York June 16, after a voyage of two weeks. Locating in Platte county, Nebraska, where he was one of the pioneers, the father farmed for many years, and is now engaged in the hardware business at Columbus. Our subject is the oldest member of their family of five children, and remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-four years of age, then struck out for himself, going to Holt county and taking up a homestead there in 1881, before the railroad had been built that far west. He lived in a sod shanty while proving up on his homestead, going through the usual experiences of the pioneers of that section. His first team was a yoke of oxen, with which he freighted to the Black Hills during the years 1877 and 1878. He was engaged in freighting all through western Nebraska, making Holt county his home up to 1892, having acquired a good home and a well improved farm of four hundred and eighty acres.
On March 20, 1892, Mr. Rothleutner came to Cherry county, settling on the Niobrara river south of Georgia. Here he began stock raising and ranching, and followed that work for two years. This property he sold and purchased a large ranch of three thousand acres adjoining the village of Georgia, and on this runs one thousand head of cattle and two hundred horses. In 1883 he and a brother-in-law, Gus Davis, purchased the mercantile business of John Steinbreaker, established in 1892, and ran it in partnership for a time, when Mr. Rothleutner sold out his interest, but later bought the entire business, and now operates a large general store, selling everything that a farmer, ranchman or Indian may need. He has an extensive trade all over Cherry and the adjoining counties and Rosebud reservation, being one of the successful and prosperous business men of the county.
Mr. Rothleutner was married January 16, 1884, to Miss Cornelia Davis from New York state. To Mr. And Mrs. Rothleutner three children have been born, namely: Joseph Augustus, Stanley and Celia.
Our subject is a Populist in political faith and helped organize that party, which elected him their representative in the state legislature in 1894 for one term. Mr. Rothleutner was reared in the Catholic church. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
William N. Tompsett, numbered among the pioneers of section 34, township 15, range 49, has built up a good home in Cheyenne county, and there resides surrounded by the comforts of life and esteemed by his associates. He came to that region during the early days of its settlement, and during his career as a frontiersman has seen all the phases of western life, and is one of Nebraska's substantial citizens and a worthy representative of his adopted state.
Mr. Tompsett was born in Canada in March, 1854, and lived there until he was seventeen years of age, receiving a limited schooling, and worked with his father as a boy, coming to the United States and striking out for the western states. He crossed the Missouri river on a ferry, landing in Omaha in 1871, and remained there up to 1877, and during the latter year went into the Black Hills on a prospecting trip. He afterwards traveled all through the western states and became familiar with all that country, leading a roving life for a number of years. In 1885 he came into Cheyenne county and made settlement at Sidney, locating on the northeast quarter of section, 34, township 15, range 49, his wife taking up a homestead on the northwest quarter of section 34 shortly afterwards, which place is now their home ranch. Mr. Tompsett has a good farm, cultivating seventy-five acres, and using the balance for hay land and pasture, running quite a herd of stock. He has all good buildings, and is a prosperous and successful farmer and ranchman.
Mr. Tompsett married Julia F. Grafton at Sidney, Nebraska, in 1890. Mrs. Tompsett was born in Iowa, and both her parents and her husband's are now dead. They have a family of three children, named as follows: Lambert H., Clyde P. and Tom V., all living at home, and are now getting to be a great help to their father in carrying on the farm work. Our subject is a member of the Democratic party, and a stanch supporter of Bryan principles.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
HIRAM O. PAINE, DECEASED
The above named gentleman was a prominent resident of Ainsworth, Nebraska, born in the town of Plattsville, in Grant county, Wisconsin, February 4, 1846. His father, Stephen O. Paine, was a prominent attorney in that state, and served in the Black Hawk war. He came of old American stock and was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. The Paines originally came from Rhode Island, and were associated with the history of the early days of that state. Our subject's mother, Miss Pamela B. Bronson, was a native of New York state, her people being among the first settlers on Staten Island. Of a family of five children, our subject was the second member, and was reared and educated in Wisconsin, attending the common schools as a boy and later the Plattsville Academy. May 5, 1864, at the age of seventeen years, he enlisted in Company A, Forty-first Wisconsin Infantry, receiving his discharge September 23, 1864, and with his regiment saw hard service in Tennessee, Mississippi and Georgia. After his discharge he was employed in the quartermaster's department until May 15, 1865, when he was discharged, settling in Omaha on his release from the service. He clerked in a store and remained in this work here and at Council Bluffs, Iowa, where the firm had a branch establishment.
In 1869 he returned to Nebraska, and locating at Fremont, was appointed postmaster and served in that capacity for sixteen years. He was a popular and efficient public official and won the esteem and confidence of all the people in that town. In the fall of 1885 he removed to Ainsworth, which was then a small village, and established a real estate and loan office. He was very successful from the start and continued in this work for twenty-two years, handling lands all over this and adjoining counties. He devoted all his time to this business, and consummated many large deals in land around the town of Ainsworth. He was actively engaged in business at the time of his death, June 22, 1908.
He had always been one of those who materially assisted in the growth and development of the commercial interests of this section of the country. He was a member of the Old Settlers' Association in Nebraska, and prominent in county and state politics. He was a member of Governor Crounse's staff for two years, and intimately associated with all the men prominent in public affairs of the state.
Mr. Paine was married at Fremont, January 13, 1874, to Miss E. Frankie Blackman, born in Wisconsin. Her father, John C. Blackman, was station agent or car accountant on the Union Pacific Railway at Fremont for twenty-three years to a day, closing his service with the company on the anniversary of the day he began. The Blackmans originally came from New York state, settling in Nebraska in 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Paine have been blessed with four children, who are named as follows: Loraine O., Sidney P., Pearl (now Mrs. George C. Mills and the mother of two sons, George C., Jr., and Richard Hiram), and Charles K., who graduated in May, 1908, from the Ainsworth high school.
Mr. Paine was a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Ainsworth, where he had served as commander, as he had done in Fremont. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. In politics he was stanchly (sic) Republican, voting the party ticket straight.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Charles Klingaman, of Chadron, dealer in lumber, lime, cement, plaster, all kinds of building material, coal, wood and posts, is one of the substantial business men of that place. He is a man of sterling citizenship who has met with deserved success in his business ventures, and commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact in a business or social way.
Mr. Klingaman is a native of Tama county, Iowa, born in 1864, and reared and educated in the village of Traer. His father, Hiram Klingaman, was born in Pennsylvania, and when a young man came west, settling in Iowa, where he was one of the pioneers. When a boy our subject learned the butcher's trade and followed that work for some years in Iowa, and in 1884 he came to Nebraska, locating in Dawes county. He teamed from Valentine, seeing considerable of frontier life, roughing it, sleeping under his wagon many nights and camping out wherever he happened to be, and the first year in that locality operated a ranch. The following year he came to what is now Chadron, then simply a spot on which a few shanties were built, and here he worked as a carpenter, helping to build up the town. He followed this occupation for two years, then, together with two brothers, opened a meat market, and they carried this on for three years and at the end of that time Charles bought a market of his own and ran it for nine years, and in that time had a splendid trade built up and did a large business. He then sold out his butcher shop and went into his present business. He has associated with him Mr. Jacob Kass, and they are doing a good business, and are well satisfied with the general outlook of the northwest as the coming country.
In 1892 Mr. Klingaman was married to Miss Bertha Stein, whose parents were among the early settlers in Iowa, where she was born and raised. Mr. and Mrs. Klingaman are parents of three children, who are named as follows: Fowler K., Kenneth and Lee.
Mr. Klingaman is a Democrat and takes an active interest in party affairs, and is one of the public-spirited citizens of Chadron. He is a member of the city council and has been on that board for the past six years.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Louis F. Weber, one of the leading business men of Chadron, Nebraska, is a gentleman of sound business judgment, intelligence and enterprise who enjoys an enviable reputation as a worthy and influential citizen.
Mr. Weber was born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in 1854. His father, Anton Weber, was a farmer, and both he and his wife were born in Germany, coming to this country when quite young and settling in Ontonagon, Michigan, where our subject was raised. At the age of thirteen he came to Nebraska with his parents, the family locating in Fremont, where they lived for a short time, then moved on a farm and began building up a home and farm. In 1876 Louis left home and accompanied the first expedition which went into the Black Hills, the party driving overland with teams and covered wagons, the trip being very dangerous through the wild country and they had many exciting experiences. He remained in that section for four years, doing freighting, contracting, etc. Their mode of life was most primitive, much of the time winter and summer being spent in camping out and often suffering from storms and other hardships. In 1880 he began working on a cattle ranch and continued at that up to 1885, then came to Chadron, where he engaged in the grocery business, his first store being in a tent, as there were few buildings there at that time. He ran his business during the summer in the tent and in the fall, moved to his present location, having carried on the store for twenty-two years, and through industry, good management, and honest dealings has gained a nice property and built up a comfortable home. His business is conducted in a systematic manner, and his whole attention is devoted to keeping up an up-to-date stock of goods, in every way meeting the needs of his customers.
Mr. Weber was married in 1889 to Miss Agnes Joyce, whose people were early settlers in Indiana, where she was reared.
Our subject takes an active interest in local affairs of importance and has aided materially in the development of the commercial interests of that locality. He is a member of the Pioneer Club of the Black Hills, and is highly esteemed for his genuine worth of mind and heart and his friendly and courteous spirit. Politically he is a Bryan Democrat.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
George E. Edwards, the popular and efficient county clerk of Perkins county, Nebraska, is one of the rising young men of that locality. Mr. Edwards is a native-born Nebraskan, and is a typical western man, having spent all his life in the freedom of the plains, and is a healthy, wholesome and capable business man who has before him a promising career.
Mr. Edwards first saw the light of day on January 28, 1881, born on a farm in York county, Nebraska. His father, William, was a native of England and came to America when he was a child five years old, landing in this country in 1858. He was a pioneer of York county, settling there as early as 1880, and after a residence of six years in that vicinity moved to Perkins county and there went through pioneer experiences, becoming one of the foremost citizens of the county. His wife was Miss Lillie E. Wright, born in New York State, and her father was also a British subject, who settled in the United States many years ago, the family coming to Nebraska and settling on a homestead about six miles south of the town of Grant. Our subject was reared on the farm, as a boy attending the district schools, and later was a student at the Fremont Business College, graduating from that institution in 1903, and in the same year was made deputy county treasurer, served his term and then returned to the farm. He remained for two years, then was nominated and received the election to the office of county clerk, entering upon his duties as such in the fall of 1907, and has made a good record for himself in the position.
Mr. Edwards was married in 1904 to Miss Lillie May Williams, whose father is a prominent Nebraska, (sic) settling in Omaha as early as 1873, and he has been identified with the affairs of that part of the state for many years. One child has been born to our subject, Herbert. Both Mr. Edwards and his charming wife are popular members of the younger social set of Grant, and their home is one of the hospitable places in the town.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Nathan E. Fay was born in March of 1833 on a farm in Canada, sixty miles east of Montreal and within fifteen miles of the north line of the state of Vermont. His father, Alvie Fay, was born in Vermont and his mother, Augusta (Ellis) Fay, was a native of Massachusetts.
Mr. Fay was reared on the farm in eastern Canada, receiving a common school education, until 1853, when the family immigrated to Wisconsin, where for seven years our subject was engaged in farming.
In 1856 Nathan E. Fay and Miss Emily J. Calkins were united in marriage. The bride was a native of Canada, where she was born in the year 1839. Her father, Stephen Calkins, was an old pioneer of Wisconsin, having settled in that state in 1840.
Mr. and Mrs. Fay have had seven children, four of whom are living and married: Elnora, Stephen, Herschel and Alberta. Those deceased were Emma, Eugene and Etta.
When the family of our subject came to Minnesota in 1853 they traveled in a covered wagon, crossing the Mississippi river at LaCrosse, where they had a dangerous experience crossing on the ice, which was not frozen very thick. They had to string the teams and loads out as far apart as possible, and then the cracking of the ice threatened to give way at any instant. No severe mishap occurred, however, other than the breaking through of one mule, which was soon recovered. But the nervous strain of the experience will never be forgotten by Mr. Fay. Our subject went on west to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and settled on a rented farm in the timber and prairie country and he also owned one hundred and sixty acres of land. Later he lived in Waseca for several years and joined an expedition against the Indians after the New Ulm massacre. He then went south and was a mule teamster in Missouri for some time and later settled in the Loup river valley in Nebraska, three miles east of Taylor. He drove through from Minnesota with a bunch of cattle, was three weeks on the road, living in a tent and camping out along the way. Mr. Fay lived on his land east of Taylor for seven years and in 1886 went by team to the Black Hills country and was in Custer City in Custer county and up into South Dakota. He remained here in the hill country for about six and a half years and then returned to Loup county and stuck to his farm through all the years, regardless of the drouth (sic) and total crop loss in 1894, or any other hardship, and now he has a fine farm of two hundred acres, all improved in nice shape with house, barns, fences, groves, etc. In 1903 he moved to Taylor and bought his present pleasant home.
Mr. Nathan E. Fay is one of the old-times and has had a most interesting history. He was one of the first members of the Republican party in Wisconsin in 1856; he has been through the Indian excitement; has lived the life of a pioneer in a sod house and dugout; experienced the hard times of the years of drouth (sic); but he has gotten in a position where he can take life easier. In the early days his home was the stopping place of travelers and freighters and he thus became acquainted with all the settlers for miles up the Loup river. He is a Republican in politics and has held the office of county commissioner. He was active in having the county seat located in Taylor and participated in all the county seat fights. Mr. Fay is a man of wide experience and mature judgment and is held in high respect by all who know him. He has been one of the most influential of the early pioneers.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
L. C. Huck, who has filled the office of clerk of the district court of Phelps county for the past eight or ten years, is one of the most whole-souled men in the county. Mr. Huck is a cigarmaker by trade, and shortly after his arrival in Holdrege, many years ago, opened the first cigar factory in this section. Being a student of economic questions by inclination, and a true sympathizer with the man who earns his bread by the sweat of his brow, he at once became identified with the old Union Labor and Alliance movements, and subsequently the Populist party. Mr. Huck was born in Germany.
In 1891 Mr. Huck was nominated for the office which he now holds, and has since administered uninterruptedly, proving one of the capable and popular public officials of the county. While devoid of ostentation, Mr. Huck is a courteous gentleman, and the administration of his office has been beyond criticism of even political opponents. During the past couple of years he has been ably assisted in his duties by his daughter, Miss Laura, whom he appointed his deputy.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JOHN BUHLKE
The gentleman whose name heads this review is one of the wealthy and progressive agriculturists of Garfield county, who has succeeded in building up a valuable farm and home through hard labor and persistent efforts. He is a loyal Nebraskan, enthusiastic in his praise of this part of the state, considering it one of the finest farming countries to be found anywhere.
Mr. Buhlke was born in Germany, October 4, 1852, and grew up there, coming to the United States in 1881. He first located in Illinois, where he remained for a year, then came to Nebraska, and has lived here ever since. He first settled in Hall county and followed farming, building up a good home. In 1893 he removed to Custer county, locating forty miles southwest of Garfield county, and lived there for five years. During 1894 and 1895 he suffered a total loss of his crops and had a hard time recovering from this loss. In 1898 he came to Garfield county and purchased six hundred and forty acres of land, which is his present homestead. He owns besides this farm one hundred and sixty acres on the table lands ten miles northeast of Burwell, and has a very valuable property. He engages in grain raising, growing wheat, corn, oats and rye, and finds ready sale for all his products direct to the stockmen, who run large bunches of stock on ranches north of his place. He has never hauled a load of grain to town since coming here, and this saves him much time, and is much more satisfactory in every way. In 1905 he had a field of fifty acres of oats, which averaged seventy bushels per acre, and his corn crop showed a yield of forty-five bushels per acre, which is a fair average annually. He also raises quite a good deal of stock each year, running a good bunch of cattle and hogs for market. About half of his farm is devoted to raising hay and for pasture.
Mr. Buhlke has a pleasant and comfortable home, all good buildings and modern improvements, well fenced and cross fenced. The farm is well supplied with water, having two deep bored wells and supply tanks at different points on the place. During the year 1907 Mr. Buhlke donated several acres of land for town sites in the new town which is being built a short distance from his home, which is in section 7, township 22, range 15. This town is named Deverre, and there are already several store buildings going up and one general store in operation. The place promises to be a good business center, as it is situated in the midst of a rich farming community.
Mr. Buhlke was married in Germany in 1875 to Miss Katie Heintz, of German descent. When he came to this country he was accompanied by his family, consisting of his wife and two children, Bertha and Julius. There are now seven children, named as follows: Bertha, Julius, August, Ella, Ermina, John and Anna.
Mr. Buhlke is well satisfied with this part of the country and believes it offers many advantages to a poor man, and he has proven this by building up a comfortable fortune since coming to this country without much capital other than willing hands and a strong heart. He is highly respected and has held different local offices of trust, serving as road overseer for several years, and has also been a member of the school board for six years. Politically he is a Democrat, but does not take an active interest in politics at the present time.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
FERNANDO MOWRY
In the person of the gentleman above named we find one of the substantial and worthy citizens of Perkins county, who has spent the past twenty-three years in this region and watched its development from a wild tract of land into its present high state of cultivation, and has been instrumental in a large degree in this progress. Mr. Mowry is now a resident of Grant, where he is engaged in the milling and carpenter business.
Our subject was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, in 1860. His father was a native of Vermont and his mother of English descent, they settling in Pennsylvania when young people and raised their family there. As a boy Mr. Mowry learned the carpenter's trade and followed the work from the time he was fifteen years old almost constantly. He came to Hastings, Nebraska, in 1885 and worked in the vicinity for one year, then moved to Perkins county, locating in the old town of Grant at first. He soon afterwards took a homestead situated six miles northeast of Grant, and while working at his trade managed to improve his farm considerably and proved up on it, living on it for about eight years. There he went through many hard times, witnessing the drouths, (sic) severe storms, etc., and having a hard time to get ahead through losses and discouragements, and in 1897 left the place and spent one year at Cook, in Johnson county; also in Keith county for two years, following his trade, and finally returned to Perkins county and again went on a farm, operating it up to the spring of 1908, when he moved to Grant and established his present grist mill, also started doing contracting work. He has done much of the building in Grant, putting up both churches in the town, and is well and favorably known throughout the locality.
Mr. Mowry was married in 1884 to Miss Lorena Pierce, born in Pennsylvania, daughter of David and Nancy (Andrus) Pierce, who were old settlers of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Mowry died in February, 1891, mourned by a wide circle of friends. She was a pioneer here and witnessed many of the trials of pioneer life. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mowry was blessed with two children, Vance and Hilda, both bright and intelligent young people, and popular in their community.
Our subject is a Democrat politically and has served as county assessor of Perkins county. He is active in local affairs, also takes a commendable interest in the schools and has held office and been on the school board at different times.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JOHN H. JACOBSON
Of the many prominent and leading old settlers of Sheridan and Cherry counties, Nebraska, none are held in higher esteem by their fellow-men than John H. Jacobson. He has spent many years in this region, is a gentleman of wide experience and excellent business judgment, and is deservedly popular as a good neighbor and worthy citizen.
Mr. Jacobson was born in the Province of Bergen, Norway, near the city of Bergen, in 1853. His parents immigrated to America with their family when he was but one year old, settling at Ottawa, Illinois, arriving there on July 8, 1854. After spending a short time there they moved to Dayton, remained a while, then to Otter Creek, Illinois. Their next location was Pontiac, Livingston county, Illinois, and at this place our subject grew up and attended the country schools up to his fourteenth year. In 1867 the family came to Benton, Iowa, and there John grew to manhood and was married on February 6, 1876, to Dora Tow, also a native of Norway, born near the city of Stavanger, on the seacoast, coming to this country at the age of thirteen, landing in New York in 1866. The young couple settled in Story county, Iowa, soon after their marriage and farmed on rented land for ten years. In April of 1885 our subject came to Sheridan county, Nebraska, driving through the country with a team from Valentine by wagon containing their goods and personal effects. At that time the country was overrun with Indians, and many wild beasts roamed the woods and prairies. He made settlement eight miles northwest of Rushville, taking a pre-emption and tree claim, and in June of that year his family came to join him, they traveling on the construction train from Valentine to a point west of Merriman, and from that place came the balance of the journey in a wagon, camping out along the way until they reached their destination. Their first buildings were of logs, which were cut and hauled by our subject himself, and the house was all of native timber. One of the first articles of furniture he made after coming here was a cupboard of native timber, and this is still in his possession and among his most highly prized treasures. They occupied that place for fifteen years and succeeded in developing a good farm, although meeting with many discouragements and suffering many hardships in the loss of four or five crops by drouth (sic) and other causes. For eleven years during the early times he ran a threshing outfit, and in following that work became thoroughly familiar with every part of the country and gained many friends.
In the spring of 1900 he came to Cherry county and settled on his present ranch, which is in section 25, township 26, range 32, twelve miles north of Mullen. The place was then all wild prairie, and his first house was a dugout and shanty combined. He soon put up good buildings, got quite a large piece of land under cultivation, and has done exceedingly well, owning at the present time six hundred and forty-three acres, and the entire ranch is fenced and cross fenced and improved in every way. He has engaged to quite an extent in stock raising, and his start on coming to this region was sixteen head of cattle. He began to rent out pasture to other settlers and in that way managed to get a little money together so that he constantly enlarged his own herd and was able to build up his ranch in good shape.
Mr. Jacobson has a family of six children, namely: Henry C., Julia, Jessie (deceased), Ella, Arthur J., John E. and Alma. The first four mentioned were born in Iowa and the others in Nebraska.
Since coming to this part of the state Mr. Jacobson has aided in a large measure in its development, helping to build up the schools and promote the general welfare of his locality. He has always been a stanch (sic) Populist and has taken an active part in political matters. For a number of years he served as justice of the peace in Sheridan county, and holds the same office now in Cherry county. He is also director of his school district, and has filled the office of president of the Farmers' Alliance in this and Sheridan county. In 1895 he was elected a member of the central committee on the Populist ticket.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Gilbert V. Anderson up until January, 1908, resided with his father, A. J. Anderson, on the latter's well improved farm in section 4, Sheridan township, Phelps county. Father and son operated this place together, and the latter also rented land adjoining, running in all a farm of over three hundred and twenty acres. Our subject and his father were among the most successful agriculturists in this region, and are well and favorably known throughout the locality in which they live.
Mr. Anderson was born in 1885 on his father's farm in Phelps county. His father is a native of Sweden, coming to America in 1874, settling in Chicago, where he worked for a time, then came west and located in Nebraska, where he took up a homestead, taking advantage of the liberal laws of this country to secure a farm equal to the best in the country, which is a competence for his old age and a good inheritance for his children. How wise this was in comparison with the course of so many thousands of his countrymen who remain as toilers in the great cities is shown by contrasting their condition today with that of our subject and his family. The family first came here in 1883, and during the first years experienced all the reverses and toils of the pioneer settlers, but with the development of this section he has enjoyed the goodly measure of success which has attended all careful farmers in Phelps county who had the pluck and judgment to keep their land through the hard times.
Our subject, Gilbert V. Anderson, although only just past his majority, has, ever since he was old enough, been an able second to his father and has relieved his parents of the great responsibilities of tilling the three hundred and twenty acres. While at home he has also taken the greater part of the work upon his own shoulders. He is a bright, intelligent and clean-cut young man, a good son and citizen of the right stamp, pointing to success in the future that shall be an ample reward for his labors. He is an active Republican, alive to the requirements of the day in agricultural pursuits and general citizenship. Their farm is well improved and stocked in good shape.
The family are members of the Swedish Mission church here. Our subject sold his farming interests in January, 1908, and has gone to contracting and building in Holdrege. Cement work is his specialty, having the contract for building the First Baptist church of Holdrege. This is to be one of the finest churches in Holdrege when finished.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Albert Wiker, one of the old-timers and representative citizens of Alliance, Nebraska, was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, December 25, 1847. He is a son of John Wiker, a miller by trade and an old settler in Iowa, and the family came to Muscatine county, Iowa, when our subject was a child of four years. There they went through the usual pioneer experiences, and he grew up on the home farm, enlisting in the army in 1862, with the Eleventh Iowa Infantry. His regiment was ordered south at once, and he saw service in the western army, participating in the battle of Shiloh and also in the siege of Vicksburg. He re-enlisted in 1864 and was with Sherman's army all through Georgia and around Atlanta, taking part in the grand review at Washington. For three years and a half he followed a soldier's fortunes, going through all the suffering and hardships which fell to lot of those brave boys in blue.
After the war closed our subject returned to Iowa, remaining there until 1866, then went west, traveling through Colorado and spending some time in Denver, also visiting Wyoming, Texas and southern Kansas in his journey, and for many years followed the life of a cowboy. In 1872 he went back to the old home and remained there for fourteen years, engaged in different enterprises. He first settled in Box Butte county, Nebraska, in 1886, coming in here from Sidney, driving the distance with a team and wagon. He took up a pre-emption located southeast of Alliance and proved up on the ranch, living there for four years, then moved to Alliance, and has since made that his home. Here he has been one of the leading citizens, taking an active part in the development and growth of the commercial interests of his community, and is well known and highly esteemed throughout Box Butte county. He was elected sheriff in the fall of 1905, and again in 1907, and is now serving in that capacity, this being his second term. Mr. Wiker has also been town marshal for a number of years. For several years our subject was proprietor of the Wiker Dining Hall.
In 1872 Mr. Wiker was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth J. Gladstone, daughter of Thomas Gladstone and Rachel Johnson Gladstone, both born in Ireland. To Mr. and Mrs. Wiker were born the following children: John, Mabel and Arthur. Mrs. Wiker died in 1889, and in her death the family suffered a severe affliction, as she was a lady of the most estimable character, beloved by all who knew her. Mr. Wiker was married again in 1901 to Miss H. M. Frazier.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Colonel J. H. Hart is numbered among the leading business men and prominent citizens of Ainsworth, Nebraska. He is a man of active public spirit and one of the best known and most highly esteemed residents of that thriving city. Colonel Hart was born near Jacksonville, in Morgan county, Illinois, May 16, 1840. He is a son of Millington E. Hart, a farmer, of American blood, native of Kentucky. His mother is also a Kentuckian, and her maiden name was Mary C. Majors. Our subject is the eldest in a family of four children, and was reared in Sangamon county, Illinois, and educated in the common schools of Auburn. At the age of eighteen years he started in the stock business and has followed in that line of work continuously ever since. In 1868 he went to Missouri and taught school in Pettis county for four years, remaining in that state until 1873, when he returned to his old home and engaged in the mercantile business at Auburn for two years. Then he engaged in farming in Sangamon county, which he followed for two years, after which he bought an elevator at Auburn and was in the grain business for six years. In 1890 he came to Nebraska and located in Ainsworth, going into the stock business, and in connection with this followed the auctioneer's calling, crying sales all over the county. He has been an active and industrious business man all his life, having been engaged in many large enterprises and has gained a large measure of success through his earnest efforts and strict attention to duty. He lost his father by death when he was but six years of age, and has had to depend entirely upon his own efforts and been obliged to hustle for himself since his boyhood days.
Mr. Hart was married at Auburn, November 5, 1865, to Miss Mary Stone, a native of Kentucky, who was reared and educated in Missouri. She was a daughter of Dr. Peter H. Stone, also a Kentuckian by birth. Two children have been born to Colonel and Mrs. Hart, namely: Virginia (now Mrs. Jesse D. Cook, of Otsego county, New York), and Stella, who died in 1892. Mr. Hart and his wife both belong to the Rebecca Lodge, and take an active part in the work of that order. He has been a member of the Masonic Lodge since 1861, serving as master of the lodge and attending grand lodge in Omaha. He has been an Odd Fellow since 1872. Since the Douglas campaign he has been a Democrat, voting the party ticket every campaign since that date.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JOHN P. FISCHER
The gentleman above mentioned needs no introduction to the people of Cheyenne county, Nebraska. He is one of the early pioneers of that locality, is one of the extensive landowners, and a man who enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him.
John. P. Fischer was born in eastern Tennessee on the 15th of November, 1858. The family moved to Illinois in the spring of 1863, where our subject grew up and received a common school education, and in 1885 came to Cheyenne county, landing in this region on March 3d, of that year. He homesteaded on section 14, township 12, range 50, proved up on the land and has added to it since, now owning half a section additional and one hundred and sixty acres under Kinkaid law. He has about one hundred and twenty acres under cultivation, and deals extensively in the stock business, running fifty head of cattle at the present time, also has twenty horses. Mr. Fischer has his farm well improved with good buildings and every kind of modern machinery for the proper operation of his farm, and has a fine residence, plenty of trees and a good water supply.
In March, 1881, Mr. Fischer was united in marriage to Mary Kutzmann, who was born in Highland, Madison county, Illinois, on January 6, 1863. Seven children have been born to them, all of whom are living, named as follows: George M., born September 7, 1881, now proprietor of a fine farm which he took as a homestead, located in section 30, township 12, range 50; Louise, now wife of Henry Laaker, residing in Colorado; Katie, Ida, Minnie, Mary and Margaret. Mr. Fischer is active in public affairs and a loyal Republican in political views.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
J. L. Duffin is one of the prominent ranchmen in Deuel county, Nebraska, his home ranch being located on section 17, township 17, range 44. Mr. Duffin was born in Canada, March 15, 1852, and came to the United States with his parents in 1854. They located in the eastern part of the state of Iowa and our subject remained there until 1881. He then came west to Greeley county, Nebraska, and in 1886 came to Deuel county, taking up a homestead. He has been very successful in Deuel county and now controls about one thousand one hundred and twenty acres. He is unmarried.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
R. E. CONKLIN, M. D.
Industry, persistent effort and integrity go hand in hand toward success. To become proficient in any walk of life requires all of these characteristics, and but comparatively few men possess them in marked degree. By constantly having this aim in view one is bound to succeed, and the gentleman above mentioned is starting out in his profession with the right ideas. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois, receiving his diploma in 1905, and began the practice of medicine in his native place, Alma, Harlan county, Nebraska. He was educated at the Alma high school, class of 1896, and here received a good foundation for his later studies.
Dr. Conklin is a son of Thomas J. and Mary E. (Brown) Conklin, who came to Nebraska from La Salle county, Illinois, locating in Harlan county in 1872, where they were among the first settlers here. They homesteaded in Prairie Dog township and farmed there for thirteen years, and in 1886 removed to Alma, where Mr. Conklin followed the building and contracting business up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1887, since which time his wife has resided here. He left a family of two children, the subject of the sketch and one daughter, Blanch, now deceased, who was the wife of the late Ed L. Willits, a merchant and banker of Alma, always referred to as the most enterprising and helpful business man of Alma.
Dr. Conklin was married in 1905 to Miss Jessie Riley, of Fairbury, Nebraska, a daughter of E. L. Riley. One child has been born to Dr. and Mrs. Conklin, named Robert Earl Conklin, Jr.
During the short time that Dr. Conklin has been established in Alma his practice has grown to large proportions, extending all over this and adjoining counties, and his skill as a surgeon places him at the head of the profession among physicians in this section.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Charles Fuller, a substantial farmer and a worthy citizen of Loup county, resides on section 11, township 21 range 17. He is one of the pioneers of that locality and has materially assisted in its development and advancement.
Mr. Fuller was born in Windham county, Connecticut, in 1841, and, on his father's side, his ancestry is traceable back to the Mayflower stock of Puritans. His parents were Solomon and Margarette (Black) Fuller, the latter born in Brooklyn, New York, and of English decent.
Our subject was reared near Hartford and attended the common and high schools. When the war broke out he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-second Connecticut Infantry, for nine months' service, after which he returned home, remaining until coming to Nebraska.
Mr. Fuller was married in 1863 to Miss Elizabeth Phelps, daughter of Julius and Cordelia (Steel) Phelps, the father being of old Connecticut stock. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller have two children, Margarette and Albert. Mrs. Fuller died in 1871 and was sincerely mourned by her family and a very large circle of friends.
In 1883 our subject came west to Nebraska, first stopping in Colfax county, where he remained for about a year. Then he came to Loup county, settling on a homestead and tree claim, where he now lives. His first buildings were built of sod, facetiously called "Nebraska brick" by Mr. Fuller. He set out a great number of trees and made other improvements as rapidly as his limited means would permit, and, for the first ten years, worked out a great deal of the time at the carpenter trade.
Mr. Fuller has a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres with about half of it under cultivation, and the place is thoroughly improved in an up-to-date manner. The trees that he planted in the early days have developed and now make beautiful groves for shade and shelter. Mr. Fuller was the first in the locality to experiment in the growing of alfalfa, meeting with splendid success. He does a great deal of gardening, raising vegetables of all kinds, and also small fruits in great profusion. In one season he picked between five hundred and six hundred quarts of strawberries, and has also quantities of grapes and blackberries, thus showing that the soil of Loup county is excellent for the growing of all kinds of small fruits and vegetables. Mr. Fuller also raises a fine lot of hogs every year and now has one hundred head in his pastures.
Mr. Fuller has made a fine record as a successful farmer and has placed himself in a very comfortable circumstances. He has taken part in all matters of local interest and is widely known and universally respected as an honorable citizen.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Richard H. Watkins, who for many years has been known by the sobriquet of "The Old Scout," is a prominent citizen of Alliance, Nebraska, where he has resided since 1889. He was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, in 1857, and reared on his father's farm. His parents were both natives of Wales, and were early settlers in Iowa.
Our subject lived in Iowa up to 1882, then came to Greeley county, Nebraska, where he pioneered there for a time, building up a farm and home. He left that county and moved to Holt county in 1883, traveling through the country on horseback, and helped his brother to drive a large bunch of cattle into Cheyenne county. He next settled on Indian Creek, eight miles from Camp Clark, there engaging in freighting, driving bull teams to Fort Robinson, Rosebud Agency, Pine Ridge and the Black Hills, continuing at this work for five years, and roughed it all that time, camping out wherever he happened to be, exposed to all sorts of weather both winter and summer. Part of the time he worked as a cowboy and worked on large ranches in that part of the state. In 1889 he came to Alliance and opened a meat market, his capital being just one dollar and fifty cents. He bought the business of his brother, who was the first man to start a butcher shop in the town. Our subject ran the market for five years, then obtained a contract from the government for putting the stock on the Indian reservation, which he filled, and the following year returned to his butcher business and carried it on for a year and a half. In 1897 he began in the sheep and cattle business, buying, selling and shipping stock, and for a number of years carried on that trade, handling stock all over the western states, and is still in that business, associated with a firm which handles more stock annually than any other concern in western Nebraska. Mr. Watkins is an authority on Texas cattle, and handles these exclusively.
In 1889 our subject was united in marriage at Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Miss Lola C. Foster, who died the following year. He was married again at Los Angeles, California, in 1905, to Miss Charlotte Hill.
Mr. Watkins was engaged in the real estate business here for a time. He also has taken an active part in local politics since his residence here, always voting the Republican ticket and standing firmly for the principles of that party.
Mr. Watkins is an interesting gentleman in every way and has a host of warm friends among all classes. He is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, esteemed by all who know him. Among the interesting experiences he relates of the early days is the following incident: During the time when the "gentleman's game" was largely played in Alliance, Mr. Watkins and a few "pals" were passing a few pleasant hours settled on a tree claim and homestead, and in this manner, with the game getting stronger constantly. Finally all "stayed," each man attempting to make the other lay down, all having what he considered "a sure winner," After all available cash had been bet, check books were produced and used, and still no one would give up. At this time a man rushed into the room and told our hero that his meat market was on fire and burning up. He was considerably disturbed, but remained in the game. A second time some one came in and excitedly told him of the fire, but instead of hastening to the scene of the conflagration he coolly remarked that it was "the first time he had ever held four aces, and he was going to see them through if the whole town burned up." This was taken as bluff by his companions, and the betting still continued, when, not wishing to bankrupt the others, he called and threw down his hand, which indeed held four aces. He leisurely filled his pockets with bills, checks and loose money and rushed out to look at the fire, which he found had been entirely extinguished without any great loss.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
HUGH B. BOYER
A foremost place among the farming community of Cherry county, Nebraska, is occupied by the gentleman herein mentioned, who is a successful and progressive agriculturist and ranchman of township 25, range 32. He is the possessor of a good ranch, which he has acquired by hard and faithful labor, taking up land here in the early days as a homestead and transforming it from a wild prairie tract to a fertile garden, enjoying a rich measure of prosperity as a reward for his honest labors and good management.
Hugh B. Boyer was born in Mercer county, West Virginia, in 1871. His father, Dennis Boyer, was a farmer for many years in that state, and he married Sarah E. Fielder. After our subject's birth the family only remained in West Virginia for about a year, then emigrated to Tennessee, traveling to their new home by team in an emigrant wagon, settled on a farm in Sevier county, remained there for six years, then moved to Texas, locating in Anderson county, arriving there in the spring of 1878. There they started a farm, and our subject's boyhood days were spent in that locality, the family spending in all twenty-two years in Texas. Hugh lived at home until he was twenty, then took a farm for himself and farmed there for ten years. He was married in 1891, and came with his family to Nebraska in 1900, taking a homestead in section 25, township 25, range 32. He at once erected sod buildings in which they lived comfortably for a number of years, but he has lately put up a good frame house, barns and other buildings and added many improvements to his ranch. His ranch consists of eight hundred acres, all of which is fenced and has a fine supply of water pumped by windmills. He is extensively engaged in the stock raising business, dealing principally in cattle, which he sends to the markets. He also operates a fine large dairy, and from this industry derives a snug income. Mr. Boyer farms about one hundred acres, on which he raises splendid crops of small grains.
Mr. Boyer was married while living in Texas to Sarah Huntsman, daughter of Charles Huntsman, a farmer of that state, and she was born and reared in Houston county. The family had lived for many years in Texas, her grandfather, Joseph Huntsman, having been born and reared there; also her great-grandfather, William Hallmark, was a pioneer of that country.
Mr. and Mrs. Boyer are the parents of three children, namely: Haskle, Lessie and Gussie, The family occupy a comfortable home, and are well liked by all who know them.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Major A. M. Dill, retired, first came to North Platte, Nebraska, in 1877, being connected with the Union Pacific Railway, and was employed by them continuously up to 1902, when at the age of seventy-nine years he left their service. He began working for the New York & Erie Railway when only twelve miles of that road was completed, in 1839, running to Piermont, Rockland county, on the Hudson, His first engine, run in 1842, was a single pair of drivers and a crank, built one the outside like a steamboat. There were five of these at that time, and were named Ramape, Eliza, Lord Piermont, Orange and Rockland. These were afterward altered and made with two drivers and enlarged cylinders with crude hand tools. In 1850 he left this road and took charge of the blacksmith shop at Elmira, New York, under W. E. Rutter, and during the following year he built a shop of his own to make cars for the Buffalo & New York Railroad. These burned down, and he then moved to Canandaigua, remaining there up to 1856, when he came west, locating in Wisconsin, at Racine. Two years later he went to Springfield, Illinois, in the service of the Wabash road.
At this time our subject was well acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, and on the night he was nominated for President, while waiting for the news, he remarked to those about him that "if it was not dark we would have a baseball game." All adjourned to the Journal office and watched for the returns. Lincoln was one of the people, always speaking in the most kindly terms to all whom he met, and everyone at Springfield felt as sad when he left them for Washington as he did himself.
Major Dill is a native of Orange county, village of Florida, New York. In 1857 he was married to Miss Julia A. Hoover. Their children were as follows: Charles A., engineer on the Union Pacific Railway; W. E. Dill, who was an engineer on the Union Pacific, and died in 1901, aged thirty-five years; and two daughters, Mrs. W. L. Park, wife of the general superintendent of the Union Pacific Railway, formerly assistant division superintendent at North Platte, and Mrs. Perry Sitton, of North Platte, whose husband is manager of the Union Pacific Hotel at that city.
Nearly all of Mr. Dill's life has been spent on the railroad. He came to North Platte in 1877 and there was foreman of the Union Pacific Railroad blacksmith shop for fourteen years. He is now eighty-five years of age, and a man of active mind, intelligent, and of fine appearance. Major Dill was pensioned by the Union Pacific Railroad Company in 1903.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Robert Gunderson is favorably known as one of the successful young ranchers of Kimball county. He was born in Potter, Cheyenne county, Nebraska, Sept. 15, 1876, and is one of the oldest native born Cheyenne county boys. His father, Adam Gunderson, was one of the pioneers having settled in the county in the early years, about 1871.
Robert Gunderson was married April 6, 1904, to Miss Lizzie Asche, who was a native of Colfax county, Nebraska. Her parents are still living at a ripe old age after thirty years residence in that state. They are now living in Banner county, and are old settlers there. Mr. and Mrs. Gunderson have been blessed with two children: Florence Marie, and Zelma Annie.
Mr. Gunderson's father was a section foreman at Potter, Nebraska, where our subject was raised, he being used to plenty of farm work. There he also gained considerable experience at the raising of sheep and other stock. In 1900 our subject started out for himself, and took a homestead on section 4, township 15, range 53, where he has established himself as one of the successful public spirited citizens of the community. He now owns three hundred and eighty acres, with eighty acres under cultivation. He is energetic and progressive, and is not satisfied unless he is pushing his farming operations to the utmost. In addition to his own land he leases nearly one thousand acres and runs about a hundred head of stock.
Mr. Gunderson is a staunch Republican in politics, and is always able and willing to stand by his convictions. He has held the office of county commissioner of Kimball county, Nebraska, from 1905 to 1907, his election being a decisive victory. He is at present moderator of School District No. 1, and takes great interest in all matters of an educational nature.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
WILLIAM WALLACE BRUCE, DECEASED
Among the men who helped in the development and success of the western part of Nebraska the gentleman above named occupied a prominent place. He had built up a pleasant home in Rock county, where he was universally, respected and esteemed by his fellowmen
Mr. Bruce was born on his father's farm in Livingston county, Illinois, June 15, 1862. He was a son of James Bruce, a native of Scotland, as was also the mother, Katherine P. Bruce, both coming to America when quite young. In a family of nine children our subject was the second member, and was raised in his native county, until he reached the age of twenty-one years, following farm work as his occupation. In 1883 he came west settling in Sheridan county on a homestead located fourteen and a half miles south of Hay Springs. The nearest railroad point was Valentine, about a hundred miles distant and all supplies had to be hauled from that town. He immediately built a dugout in which he made his home for two years, then erected a sod house in which he lived seven years. During these days he spent his time freighting between White River and Valentine, and at one time, for fourteen months he never slept in a house, camping out through all kinds of rough weather. When he began he had only a team and wagon, meeting first with many discouragements and hardships, but he was possessed of a strong will and sturdy determination; never giving up, he did whatever seemed to be best at all times, and gradually worked into the stock business combined with mixed farming. At one time he had a wheat field of five hundred acres, from which, however, he reaped no harvest, the entire field being parched by the severe drought of that season. When the dry years come (sic) on he lost several other crops, and had them twice destroyed by hail. After these years had passed and condition become (sic) more favorable he got a new start and gained back much of his losses, and when he left Sheridan county, in 1900, he had accumulated quite a comfortable property, owning 209 head of cattle and fifty head of horses. From there he moved into Cherry county in the year 1898, remaining there for the winter, and in the spring came to Bassett, where he engaged in horse shipping, supplying the market in as distant points as New Jersey, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri and Arkansas. He was most successful at this line of work, and handled hundreds of fine animals, finding a ready sale at profitable prices. He was engaged in threshing for a time and in years gone by trailed horses into Canada and Manitoba, shipping cattle from those countries back to Nebraska, where they were disposed of to advantage.
Mr. Bruce was married in Nashville, Washington county, Illinois, May 17, 1887, to Miss Lou Hahler, a native of Illinois, born in Saint Clair county, of French and German parentage. Children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bruce, and are named as follows: Ollie I., Katie C., James W., (deceased); Nettie L., Wilmar W., Florence M., Marguerite G., (deceased); an infant that died unnamed, Margarett L. and Juanita C. The family is well known and highly esteemed all over the locality in which they reside.
Mr. Bruce died in April, 1908, regretted by a host of friends. He was a Republican in politics and a member of the Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
EDWARD F. PONTIUS
In compiling a list of the prominent pioneers of Sioux county, Nebraska, who have aided materially in making that region a thriving agricultural district, a foremost place must be accorded the gentleman whose name heads this personal history. For the past several years Mr. Pontius has been closely identified with the development of Bowen precinct, and his labors to this end are well known to all who reside in that community. He now occupies a pleasant home in the village of Harrison where he enjoys the contentment which comes from the knowledge of duties well and faithfully done.
Mr. Pontius was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, December 18, 1848, of good old American stock. His father, Samuel G. Pontius, was a farmer, descendant of French ancestors, and he married Lea Reiman, of German blood.
Our subject grew up on the home farm, where he did plenty of hard farm work during his early boyhood, receiving a common school education, and lived with his parents until he reached the age of twenty-one years. He then learned the trade of telegraph operator, and was employed by the Western Union Telegraph Company at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for three years. After that time he started railroading, traveling in the northern part of Ohio doing station work, and after several years, drifted around in different parts of the country following his profession, so that he was able to see a great deal of the different states. Mr. Pontius came to Nebraska in 1892, landing here on June 23d, of that year, coming from St. Paul, Minnesota, where he had worked for some time. He located in Harrison where he held the position of station agent up to the fall of 1903. He homesteaded a tract of land in section 3, township 31, range 56, Bowen precinct, and proved up on his claim, still owning this property.
In 1873, Mr. Pontius was married to Elizabeth Bloom, daughter of J. M. Bloom, of Shelby, Ohio, a leading undertaker and cabinet-maker of that place. Her mother was Susan Snyder, a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Pontius have a family of four children, namely: Wanda, wife of W. H. Davis; William, Myrtle and Jennie, who are also married and live in Harrison, Nebraska, except William, who is a resident of Orin Junction, Wyoming. The family is highly esteemed by all who know them, and are popular members of society in Harrison.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
WILLIAM M. ALDEN
In casting about for the name of a representative old settler of Nebraska, we give the reader that of William M. Alden, who was among the first to locate in Hamilton county, arriving there in 1879. That section was then barren prairie, and he went to work to help build up the country, spending his entire career in Nebraska, and watched the growth of civilization from its earliest start, assisting in no small measure in the work of its upbuilding. He now, resides in Hyannis, where he settled in 1888, and carries on a general merchandise store, establishing this business when the state was in its first stages of development, and has remained to become one of the leading citizens and successful merchants of Grant county.
Mr. Alden was born in Union, McHenry county, Illinois, in 1860. His father was a well known merchant of that place, and when our subject was a small boy the family moved to Iowa, where he grew up. At the age of nineteen he came to Nebraska and made settlement at Aurora, and for nine years made that town his home, working as a clerk in a store owned by his father.
Mr. Alden located in Hyannis in 1888, and opened the first store in the town, starting in the spring of that year. His first building was a lean-to, built against a house, and was twelve by twenty-two feet in size. His business expanded rapidly and he was obliged to enlarge his store space and put in a larger stock of goods, and eventually put up a commodious building, now occupying a floor space of twenty-two by eighty. He carries a splendid line of goods and enjoys an extensive trade through the surrounding ranching community. Besides this business he runs a branch store at Whitman, established in 1893, and does a good business at that point. Our subject owns a good ranch situated seven miles from Hyannis to the north, and devotes this place to stock raising.
Mr. Alden was married in 1881, at Aurora, Nebraska, to Nina M. Chapin, and to them have been born, Blanche, and Eva, who was the first child born of white parents in Hyannis, and first saw the light of day December 3, 1888.
Mr. Alden has the distinction of having been instrumental with S. S. Sears, in incorporating the town of Hyannis, in which movement they encountered considerable opposition. When he first struck this locality nearly all of the white settlers made a living by hunting wild game and picking up buffalo bones, as every man who came here was, almost without exception, entirely without funds and unable to produce enough money to open a farm until they had worked and saved the price to file on the land.
Mr. Alden has always been prominent in public affairs, is an active Republican, and served as deputy county clerk during the early history of the county. He has helped establish the schools in his locality and has been a member of the school board, also of the town council for many years.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Harmon P. McKnight, a prominent physician of Long Pine, Nebraska, is a gentleman of strong mind, and a capable, skilled and conscientious practitioner, and deservedly enjoys the esteem and confidence of his patrons and associates.
Dr. McKnight was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, April 25, 1857. His father and mother, William and Martha (Packard) McKnight, were both of American blood and he was the fifth member in their family of nine children. He was raised in his native state, until the age of eighteen years, when in December, 1876, he enlisted in St. Louis in Company F, Eighth Cavalry and was sent to western Texas where he served five years, the two final years in hospital department, from which he was discharged in March, 1881. This gave him a liking for the medical profession, so proceeding to St. Louis he attended a course of lectures, after which he took up the practice of medicine in Shelby county, Iowa, where he remained one summer, followed by a course in Omaha Medical College. He then opened an office at Long Pine on August 20, 1883, and at once began the practice of medicine, being the first physician in this and the adjoining three counties. He built up an enormous practice, and was widely known as a man of superior mind and great strength of character, everywhere winning the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. After locating in this vicinity Dr. McKnight had intended to get his degree as soon as possible but his practice increased to such an extent that he was unable to abandon it until 1889 when he took a final course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating and receiving his diploma in 1890.
In 1891, Dr. McKnight established a drug store in Long Pine, in which he carries a complete line of drugs, toilet articles and sundries, doing an extensive business. He is also engaged in ranching, having taken up a homestead in 1883 and proved up on it. This ranch contains one thousand four hundred acres on Pine Creek and is devoted to grain and hog raising, which pursuit he finds very profitable, personally superintending this work. In 1907, he purchased a finely improved farm of three hundred and twenty acres in section 22 and 27, township 30, range 20, Rock county, which is devoted to agriculture; it is almost completely encircled by a grove of fifteen years standing, has a fine orchard, a good dwelling, large barns and other buildings.
On March 12, 1884, Dr. McKnight married a very estimable lady in the person of Miss Mattie C. Anderson, daughter of John Anderson, an old settler and prominent farmer of western Nebraska. He was an early settler in Missouri, but was forced to leave that state during the war because of his strong northern sympathies. Dr. and Mrs. McKnight have a daughter, Lena, born in Long Pine. She is now the wife of Dr. J. W. McLeran, a rising young dentist of Springview. Our subject also has an adopted son, Euel P.
For the past seventeen years Dr. McKnight has been local surgeon for the C. & N. W. Railway at Long Pine. He is also examining physician for fourteen different life insurance companies, six of which are old line companies. He is a Democrat, and an ardent Bryan supporter. In 1906 he was appointed county commissioner to fill out an unexpired term, and he has been a member of the pension board for the past fifteen years. He is a member of the Congregational church, the Modern Woodmen, the Fraternal Union and the Odd Fellows at Long Pine.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
W. H. Byerly, the oldest physician in point of residence in the town of Franklin, Nebraska, has an extensive practice in his profession, and is one of the deservedly popular citizens of his locality. He has passed many years of his life here and built up a wide and lucrative practice by his skillful treatment of the ills of mankind and his conscientious service for the relief of his fellows. He also is proprietor of a drug store in Franklin, and his store is one of the best equipped in the county, in which he enjoys a large and constantly increasing patronage. Dr. Byerly was born in Virginia. He is a graduate of the Richmond, Virginia, Medical college, class of 1869, and has practiced his profession since receiving his degree of M. D. In 1879 he came to Nebraska, locating in Franklin, and has practiced successfully here since that time, his practice during the pioneer days reaching from the northern limits of this county to the center of Smith county, Kansas, west to Harlan county and east to Riverton. He is known throughout all the adjoining counties and western part of Nebraska as one of the best physicians who have ever come to these regions, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has had to do in a professional or social way. Dr. Byerly is devoted to his profession and has given his exclusive attention all these years to this work, with the exception of his drug business. As stated at the beginning of this sketch, Dr. Byerly is the oldest practicing physician in Franklin, and since locating here has been an important factor in its development. He has stood for its growth educationally, morally and religiously, and for its advance as a business center of one of the best farming regions of western Nebraska. His only son, Joe R. Byerly, is fitting himself for official service in the Merchant Marine, on the Atlantic coast trade from Baltimore. Dr. Byerly was married in Virginia, in 1870, to Miss Anna Lee Ryan, who since her residence in Nebraska has been recognized as a lady devoted to her home, and the interests of her home community, along its best lines. Dr. Byerly is a member of the County, Republican Valley, and State Medical Associations, and a recognized authority on all subjects in his line of study. He is a member of the Episcopalian church, and also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Masonic societies.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
WILLIAM N. FORD
Among the old settlers of Nebraska who have spent many years in the work of building up and developing the commercial industries of a new country, the gentleman above named holds a prominent place. He came here in the early days and has watched the growth of this section from its early organization, and his name will occupy a foremost place in the history of Sheridan county and vicinity.
Mr. Ford is a native of England, born in Bristol in 1854. His father, was a hardware merchant, whose wife was of French descent, and our subject was the second child in their family of six boys. They all came to American when our subject was eight years of age, and settled in New York City, living there for about three years. In 1866 they came west, the father helping to build the Union Pacific road through to Ogden Utah, and our subject also worked in Utah for three years. During one trip which he made across the plains he got into a skirmish with the Indians and there was a rather exciting time for a while. He next moved to Omaha, and there worked on the bridge which was in the course of construction across the Missouri river at that place. Later he worked on the Central Pacific railroad in Utah, and afterwards fired on the Union Pacific out of Omaha for some time. He next went to Shelby county, Iowa, and farmed there for fourteen years. In 1885 he came to Sheridan county, driving out from Valentine by team with a covered wagon, and settled on a homestead five miles north of Rushville. Here he built his first house which was of sod, and remained on this farm until he had proved up. Three years later he came to Rushville and opened a blacksmith shop, and for the past sixteen years has been engaged in this work. He has built up a good trade and has also put in large stock of farming implements and hardware. His building occupies a space of twenty-five by one hundred feet, two stories high, and he is doing well.
Mr. Ford was married in Iowa, in 1882, to Miss Orilla Loving, whose father, James Loving, was a contractor and builder at Dunlap, Iowa. One child resulted from this union, Isa.
Mr. Ford takes a commendable interest in all local and county affairs, and has held different local offices here. He is a staunch Republican.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Charles L. Phelps, a leading old timer of Keya Paha county, Nebraska, was born in Cayuga county, New York, February 14, 1844. His father, Israel E. Phelps, was a farmer by occupation, a native of Connecticut, while his mother, Mary A. Leland, was born in Massachusetts, both of old American families. Their family consisted of six children, of whom our subject was the second member. He was reared and educated in his native state, and remained at home until 1863, when he enlisted in Company L, 16th New York artillery, and with his regiment saw service on the Peninsula, between the James and York rivers. He remained in the army, participating in many actions up to 1865, when he was honorably discharged. During his service in the army is parents had moved to Lenawee county, Michigan, and he went there as soon as he was released from duty, and took a farm which he operated for some time, besides being engaged in running a saw mill for several years. He had received a good education in his boyhood days, and while living in Michigan taught school a portion of the time.
In 1884 Mr. Phelps decided to strike out for the west, and came first to Boone county, Nebraska, whence he drove to Keya Paha county with a team and covered wagon; he settled on a homestead in section 26, township 35, range 22, and put up a rough sod house in which he lived until he proved up on his claim, which was in the year 1887. In June of the following year he took a pre-emption and proved up on this, remaining on the place up to 1893, when he came to Springview to assume charge of the village school and taught this for one year, and from that time up to 1897 followed teaching exclusively. In the latter year he was appointed postmaster, and is now serving his third term in that capacity. The central telephone office is located in the postoffice, and the two combined make it one of the busy places in the town. Mr. Phelps is a popular and efficient public official, well liked by his patrons, and just the man for the place. He has been identified with the history of Springview since 1893 and has been a member of the village council for five years, and school treasurer for six years.
Mr. Phelps' family consists of his wife, who was Miss Ella Earl, and the following children: John Edwin, Roy E., Ezoa and Ezada (twins), the former of whom is the wife of Luther L. Williamson, the latter of Fred W. Skinner, both of Springview. They have a pleasant home here, and enjoy the society of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Phelps is a staunch Republican in political faith, a member of the Congregational church, and affiliates with the Knights of Pythias; he is a detached member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JOHN W. FRY
In compiling a list of the pioneers of Sioux county, Nebraska, who have aided materially in making of that region a thriving agricultural district, a prominent place must be accorded the gentleman whose name heads this personal history. For twenty years Mr. Fry has been closely identified with the history and development of this locality, and his labors to this end are well known to all who reside in that community.
Mr. Fry is a native of Harrison county, Iowa, born twenty-five miles north of Council Bluffs, on June 1, 1858. His father was John Fry, of American blood, a native of Indiana, and his mother was Nancy E. Acre, also born in Indiana. The family lived on a farm in Iowa, where our subject was raised and educated, after he had grown up, having an interest in his father's farm, later was in the employ of the C. & N. W. Railway company, working in the shops at Missouri Valley, Iowa, for several years. In 1887 he came to Nebraska, and two years later located on section 34, township 53, Sioux county. Here he lived in a tent for six or seven months. and remained on the homestead for several years, proving up and improving the place. In 1896 he purchased his present farm on section 26, located on Dead Man's Creek, and has put up a set of good buildings, house, barns and corrals for his stock, of which he has twelve horses and twenty head of cattle. He has a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, sixty acres under cultivation, and a small patch of irrigated land. The place is well supplied with natural timber, wild fruits and grasses, and everything is kept in first-class order. He has installed a complete set of water works, piped all through the house, with a fine bath room, and everything fitted up in modern shape. There is a nice spring of clear running water near the house, all concreted in fine shape for dairy and other purposes.
Mr. Fry was married in 1884 to Miss Mary E. Frazier. Mrs. Fry's father is Thomas J. Frazier, a farmer and mechanic by occupation, and her mother's maiden name was Emily E. Frazier. Mr. and Mrs. Fry are the parents of seven children, who are named as follows: Clarence, Leona, Harry, Lynn, Wilber, Lillie and Stella, The family are well known and highly esteemed by all.
Mr. Fry did his full share in building up his region, and takes an active part in educational affairs of his community. He is a Democrat, but not party bound.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
HON. A. C. CHRISTENSEN
The gentleman whose name heads this personal history is one of the solid and influential citizens of Minden, Nebraska. Mr. Christensen is a prominent business man here, dealing in real estate, handling lands all over the western part of the state.
Mr. Christensen was born in Funen, Denmark, in 1850, and grew up there, coming to the United States in 1868. In 1874 he came west and located at Fredricksburg, Kearney county, then took up a homestead in Lincoln township, also tree claim, and lived there for twelve years. He broke up a large part of the land and built up the place, raising fair crops and making a success of it. He still owns this land, being proprietor of three hundred and twenty acres altogether in this county. He has the distinction of having been the first Justice of the Peace in Lincoln township, and latter held the office of assessor and other local offices. He came to Minden in 1887 and was a member of the city council for one term. After locating here he went into the implement business, and continued at that for fifteen years, making a success of this venture, as in all other enterprises which he has undertaken.
Mr. Christensen is an active Republican, and in 1900 was a presidential elector from the fifth congressional district, casting his vote for Wm. McKinley, and is the proud possessor of a picture of the seven state electors which was taken at Washington on the capitol steps. He was often a delegate to state conventions, and on the county and congressional committees, and was elected to the legislature in 1905, from Kearney county.
Mr. Christensen was married in 1879 to Miss Celia Claussen, a native of Sweden. They have one son, Harry, and two daughters, Mabel and Annetta. The family occupy a pleasant home in Minden, and are highly esteemed by all who know them.
On the occasion of Mr. Christensen's trip to Washington in 1900, his friends and admirers in Kearney county presented him with a beautiful gold-headed cane as a token of their esteem, and this is highly prized by him.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
CHARLES N. CARTER
Among the progressive and energetic pioneers of Perkins county, who have contributed largely to the prosperity enjoyed in that vicinity, a high station is accorded the gentleman above name. For many year past he has been engaged in farming and stock raising in Perkins county, and he has acquired a valuable estate and enviable reputation as a worthy citizen.
Mr. Carter was born in Stark county, Illinois, in 1847. He comes of German stock, his great grandfather having been born and raised in Germany, the family settling in the United States many years ago, and our subject's father was a pioneer in Illinois. His mother was of Scotch blood, and the family lived on a farm during Charles' boyhood. When he was thirteen years of age they moved to Galva, Illinois, and there he attended the city schools and at the age of sixteen started out for himself, making his own living from that time on. He went to Missouri and remained for a year, then spent one year in Minnesota, coming to Keith county, Nebraska, in 1884, where he took up a homestead on section 10, township 11, range 40, and proved up on it, making a good home of it, and still owns the property. His first buildings were of sod, and he spent about nineteen years on the place, going through all the experiences common to the early settlers in that region, witnessing drouth (sic) seasons, and suffering losses of crops, etc., but finally succeeded in building up a good farm. He has about one thousand two hundred acres in the vicinity, engaging in cattle raising principally. He has some land under cultivation, the place is fitted with good buildings of all kinds, commodious residence, and he has all necessary machinery for operating his place successfully. He has good water on his farm and all the conveniences and comforts of a model rural home. He is progressive and energetic, and has met with deserved success.
In 1893 Mr. Carter moved to Grant during the hard times on the farms, and his wife took in sewing to help things along, and in payment for her work she received calves in place of money. These our subject would raise, and in this way gradually got into the stock business, which was the nucleus of his present valuable property. In 1903 Mr. Carter was elected county assessor, and again moved to Grant and opened a real estate office. Mr. Carter is now acting as chairman of the county Republican committee, and is one of the leading men in politics in the county. He has served as census enumerator, and was also precinct assessor previous to being elected county assessor.
Mr. Carter was married in 1871 to Miss Hattie Burner, of Galesburg, Illinois. To them have been born the following children; Rollie E., Claude D. and Myrtle M. They have a pleasant home and a host of friends and acquaintances throughout the vicinity.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Holly O. Baker was born on a farm in Indiana, in 1870. His father, Theodore, was a native of Ohio and was of American born parents. The father was a farmer and carpenter by trade and was one of the earliest pioneer settlers of Blaine county, Nebraska. The mother was Flora Sparks before marriage.
In 1877 the family went to Kansas, remaining in that state for four years, when they returned to Indiana. About two years later, in 1884, the family again started for the west, coming to Nebraska, which state has since been their home. The family located in Blaine county on the North Loup river and commenced opening up the lovely farm on which our subject now lives. They did a great deal of freighting in the early days, hauling material and supplies from North Loup, eighty-five miles away, and our subject had many hard experiences camping out on these trips, and sleeping under the wagon in all kinds of weather. Their first home was in a board shanty with a canvas roof, next was a sod house, which, although used only a few seasons, stood for twenty years as a monument of pioneer days. In 1896 the father move to the city of Ord, Nebraska, and our subject took charge of the large ranch, retaining its management ever since. Our subject took a homestead of his own and also built up a splendid home and farm. He now operates a large ranch of one thousand one hundred acres and its fine condition reflects great credit on its successful manager and occupant. There is a good house, large commodious barns and outbuildings, four beautiful groves of trees and the farm is nearly all fenced. Cattle and horse raising are the principal pursuits of our subject and he is doing a profitable and prosperous business.
Holly O. Baker was united in marriage in 1896 to Miss Mabel Copp, daughter of Henry Copp, one of the pioneers of Blaine county. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have had three children: Floyd, Boyd and Marion.
Mr. Baker occupies an enviable position among the younger ranchmen of Blaine county. His operations have successfully established him on the road to wealth and a prosperous home. He has taken a prominent place among the pioneer settlers of the county and is esteemed by his friends as a public-spirited citizen of strong and progressive character.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
G. W. COOK
The above named gentleman, as well as his father, Charles Cook, is well and favorably known throughout western Nebraska.
Charles Cook was born in England in 1852, coming to America at the age of eighteen years. He settled in Cheyenne county, Nebraska, in 1889, and spent many years on the frontier, experiencing every phase of pioneer life in the west, and to his influence and effort was due much of the success in the agricultural districts where he has made his home at different periods. In 1899 he came to Kimball county, took up a homestead and proved up on it, and there built up a good home and property. He also bought land in section 8, township 14, range 58, gradually added to his original claim until he was owner of four thousand four hundred and eighty acres. He kept large herds of stock, and now has about four hundred cattle, six hundred sheep, fifty head of these sheep are imported Rambouillets, noted for the heavy fleece they produce, shearing from fifteen to thirty pounds. Mr. Cook took the first grand prize at the Trans-Mississippi Exposition at Omaha, on his sheep. He also has about thirty horses and is one of the most successful ranchmen of his section. He also farms a small portion of his land, and has met with success in that line.
Mr. Charles is the father of our subject. Had a family of seven and one daughter. He is now making his home in California, although he is the manager and gives his entire time to the operation of his extensive interest here.
Albert and Sam Cook, and one sister, Eliza Cook, are now living on the home ranch, all of whom are single. They are a most highly esteemed family, and all are popular in the neighborhood affairs.
G. W. Cook, whose name heads this review, is the eldest son of Charles Cook, and he was born in Oregon, November 16, 1880. At the age of nine years he came to Cheyenne county with his parents, and later to Kimball county, where he grew to manhood. In 1903 he purchased the Elfblade ranch, located on section 12, township 13, range 59, and now owns nine hundred and sixty acres, all good farm and hay land. He has about fifty acres devoted to diversified farming, but is engaged principally in the stock business, running one hundred cattle, principally Short Horns, and about one thousand five hundred sheep, all thoroughbred Rambouillets, besides quite a bunch of horses. He has a fine property, is progressive in his methods, and one of the substantial and successful men of his section.
Mr. Cook has never married. Politically he is a Republican, and is now serving his second term as justice of the peace.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
William Gibson is one of the well-known citizens of Cherry county, and a prosperous and well-to-do farmer. His residence is on section 34, township 26, range 33, and he is the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land, all of which is well improved. He is a gentleman of integrity and good judgment and well merits the success which has come to him and the enviable reputation which he enjoys as an old settler and worthy resident of his locality.
Mr. Gibson was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, in 1867. His father, Alex. Gibson, was born in Ireland, as was also his mother. The former followed farming all his life, and the family settled in Iowa when William was a child one year old, and after that lived on several different farms in that state, remaining there for sixteen years in all. He attended the common schools, and worked at farming through his boyhood, coming to Nebraska with his parents about 1883, and when he was twenty-three left home and started for himself, taking a farm in Fillmore county, Nebraska, which he operated for several years. In 1893 he went with his family to McPherson county, settling on barren prairie land, filing on a homestead and proved up on it. There he put up sod buildings and built up a good ranch. That place was located thirty-five miles from a town, and they lived on it for about nine years, then moved to Mullen and made that their home for two years, coming to his present ranch from there. He now has a good ranch and home, having put up good buildings, fences and every improvement. He lately erected a fine barn fifty-six by thirty-two feet, and has plenty of sheds, with wells, windmills, etc.
Mr. Gibson was married in 1891, to Miss Sadie Brown, daughter of John Brown, a farmer and native of Scotland, who settled in this locality many years ago, her mother's maiden name was Agnes Brown. To Mr. Gibson and his good wife have been born the following children: John, Frank, Irene and Pearl, who form a most charming family group.
Our subject gives all his time to the building up of his home and management of his ranch, and everything he now has is due to his own unaided efforts, as he had absolutely nothing to start with when he began for himself, and he deserves much praise for his success. He has also aided materially in the development of the region where he has spent many years, and is one of the leading old-timers.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Captain I. H. Dempcy, a leading citizen of Arapahoe, Nebraska, holds the office of justice of the peace and notary public, and is well known in this locality as a man of sterling character and integrity. Mr. Dempcy is a native of Delaware, born in 1833. His father, Tomas Jefferson Dempcy, settled as a pioneer in Champaign county, Ohio, on an Indian reservation, originally coming from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, his father James Dempcy, grandfather of our subject, having taken part in the Revolutionary war. After having settled in Iowas in 1856 with his family, Mr. Dempcy farmed there for several years, then came to Nebraska in the early days of this state, and the homestead on which our subject located was crossed many times by bands of Sioux Indians who traveled north and south on their way to fight other tribes, but that was about the last of the Indian scares in this part of the country. Mr. Dempcy came to Arapahoe in 1872 and took a homestead in Arapahoe precinct, which he still owns, and since then has added to it until he is proprietor of 140 acres of good land here. Most of this is used for hay and pasture land and he has it stocked with good graded stock and is engaged in raising and shipping stock. The farm is located on Muddy Creek. Mr. Dempcy has always taken an active part in local affairs, and has been on the school board ever since coming here, and nearly always has been justice of the peace. He has helped to build two school houses, fine brick buildings, also two brick churches for the M. E. church society, acting on the building committee in both instances. About the year 1873 he was elected county treasurer, when two set of officers were elected in the county seat fight. Mr. Dempcy cast the first presidential vote for U. S. Grant that was cast in this precinct. He served for three years in the civil war with Company I, Fortieth regiment, from Iowa, and was mustered out as captain. He took part in the Vicksburg campaign, Sixteenth army corps, then in the Seventh army corps under Banks and Steele, was on the Red river expeditions. Then was promoted to second lieutenant and soon afterwards recommended for post of first lieutenant, but before he received this office he became captain of his company. He is a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and for twelve years was commander of the post at Arapahoe and one year in Fitzgerald, Georgia.
Mr. Dempcy was married in 1856 to Miss Hannah Wilson, who died in 1860. In 1863 he married Hattie A. Gregory. Mr. and Mrs. Dempcy have two sons, namely: T. M. Dempcy, engaged in the banking business, also ranching, owner of one thousand two hundred acres near Curtis; and I. N. Dempcy, in the ranching and stock business on a two thousand four hundred acre ranch in Lincoln county, Nebraska. Mr. Dempcy's mother was Miss Jane Prichard, daughter of James and Elizabeth Prichard.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
George C. Snow, editor and proprietor of The Chadron Journal, published at Chadron, Nebraska, is one of the rapidly rising young newspaper men of western Nebraska. He has made a success of the work in his locality, and since taking charge of the above paper as sole manager has doubled the plant and circulation of the paper and added many improvements thereto.
Mr. Snow is a native of De Kalb county, Illinois, born on a farm in 1874. He is a son of Beecher and Estella Lyon Snow, the former a farmer and early settler in Nebraska. Our subject is the oldest in his parents' family of four children, and he was reared in Illinois, attending the common schools and later the academy at Franklin, Nebraska. After coming to Nebraska he was a student at Doane College, located at Crete, and graduated from there with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After leaving college he taught school for two years in Chadron, and was for two years a teacher in Washington, afterwards spending one year in Kansas. He holds a life teacher's certificate in Nebraska, and is one of the best known young educators in this section of the country.
In March, 1906, Mr. Snow bought The Chadron Journal and is now editor and sole proprietor of this, which is the oldest paper in Dawes county. The first issue of this paper was published in a lumber wagon in 1884, established and edited by E. E. Egan, who was also proprietor of the paper at that time. During all this time there have been nine other papers established here, and this is the only one which has survived, and is now the only newspaper in Chadron. It has a large circulation throughout the county and vicinity.
Mr. Snow was married in 1901 to Miss Mary Battey, of American stock, native of Minnesota. Mrs. Snow graduated from the same college as her husband, at the same time, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree, and followed teaching for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Snow are the parents of three children - Clayton, Mildred and George.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
CHARLES S. PETTIT.
Among the early settlers in western Nebraska who have given the best efforts of their lives to the development and upbuilding of the commercial and agricultural interests of this section, the gentleman above named occupies a prominent place. Mr. Pettit resides in Keya Paha county, in the town of Springview, where he has established a comfortable home and business, and is prepared to enjoy the fruits of his many years of labor.
Charles S. Pettit was born near Red Oak, Iowa, June 16, 1872. His father, Edmund F. Pettit, was a pioneer settler in Keya Paha county, coming to this locality in 1883, where he took up a homestead southeast of Springview, the family living in a shanty built of sod and boards for several years. Here our subject was reared; from the time he was old enough he was compelled to assist his father in the hard work of carrying on the farm, and early learned to care for stock, help with the planting of the crops, and followed this until his nineteenth year, then learned the blacksmith's trade and followed this as an occupation for a period of ten years. He owned a shop in Springview for several years, and afterwards worked at this trade in Bryant, South Dakota. In 1901 Mr. Pettit went into partnership with S. S. Allen in the hardware business, the latter having previously established this business in 1899. They were associated together for five years, our subject buying Mr. Allen's interest in 1906. It is now the only general and exclusive hardware store in Springview, and its proprietor has an extensive trade all over Keya Paha and the surrounding country. The business occupies a large corner building, including warerooms, and is an up-to-date place in every respect.
Mr. Pettit was married October 10, 1900, to Miss Stella Carr, whose father, John F. Carr, is an old settler in this county. Her mother, prior to her marriage, was Amelia Schulte. Mr. and Mrs. Pettit have a family of three children, namely: Clarence A., Frank F. and Carl S. The family is highly esteemed in the community and Mr. Pettit recognized as a leading business man and worthy citizen. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Masonic and Pythian fraternities of Springview.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
C. Anderson Burg is a native of Sweden and was born in the year 1839. He brought his family to America and settled in Cheyenne county, Nebraska, in the spring of 1886, where he located, being now in Kimball county. He chose his homestead in section 30, township 15, range 53, and by thrift and careful farming together with judicious stock raising he has gathered many broad acres and accumulated a goodly share of this world's goods. He now owns sixteen hundred acres of fine land and runs about one hundred and fifty head of cattle.
C. Anderson Burg was married in 1866 to Caroline Gustason, by whom he had seven children: Ilma, married; Carl, married; Oscar, married; Nannie, married; Conrad, Arvid and Edith, the last three mentioned being single. C. Anderson Burg's second wife was Tilda Swanson, to whom he was married in 1884, in Sweden. There were no children by this union.
In politics Mr. Burg is a Republican and always casts his vote for the furtherance of the principles of that party.
ARVID BURG lives on the home ranch with his father. The land of his birth was Sweden and his natal day was September 9, 1880. Arvid came to Nebraska with his father while yet a child, and has lived at home a great portion of the time, aiding in improving and building up the home place. He located and proved up on a homestead, the northeast quarter of section 6, township 14, range 53. He is a young man of sterling qualities and is esteemed by all who know him.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
John Gumb, who owns a fine farm of about five hundred acres in sections 4, 5 and 9, township 22, range 15, Garfield county, has been a resident of this region for the past twenty years. Mr. Gumb is an enthusiastic admirer of this part of the country, and thinks that a workingman's chance for making a good living and becoming independent in this country is much better than in the eastern states, and a great deal better than in England, which is his native country. He is of the opinion that the same amount of labor for ten years here gives a man more returns than in twenty years in England. Mr. Gumb was born in England and came to America in 1887, going first to Pennsylvania, but only remained there a few months, and then hearing of this rich western country decided to come here, the same year locating in Holt county, Nebraska, where he took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres as a homestead. He remained there up to 1904, when he sold out and removed to Garfield county, again taking up a homestead of four hundred acres, which he uses as a grazing farm, also raising wheat, corn, oats, rye and barley. He keeps quite a number of stock, principally cattle, hogs and horses. Since coming here Mr. Gumb has raised good average crops. While living in Holt county he was mostly engaged in stock raising, and used a large part of his farm for hay and pasture, but since settling in Garfield county has run mostly to raising small grains, as he finds the soil in this section best suited for this purpose. During the dry years, in 1893 and 1894, he raised a small corn crop, but his hay was a fair yield, and cured itself on the prairies; also carried his stock through the winter in good shape. Some of the farmers near him rented feed farms at five dollars per head for their stock in the middle of the summer, thinking their hay was all ruined, but subsequently found they lost money, as the hay cured itself nicely and their stock fed out well through the winter.
Mr. Gumb is a bachelor. He comes of good, sturdy English stock, is conservative in his views, and a practical and progressive farmer. He has taken an active part in local affairs since coming here, serving several terms as school treasurer while living in Holt county, and since locating here has given liberally in all movements for the public benefit. Politically he is a Republican.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Franklin J. Austin, one of the leading citizens of Franklin county, is a prosperous merchant of Franklin, widely known as a gentleman of good business ability and true public spirit. He is a son of William E. Austin, born June 23, 1815, and reared on his father's farm. At the age of twelve years his father died, and in 1863 he sold his farm in Massachusetts and moved to Iowa, where he lived up to 1872, then came to Logan township, Franklin county. Here he was one of the first settlers. He was a native of Massachusetts and the fifth in a family of ten children born to John and Lodemi (Daniels) Austin, whose parents were all born in Massachusetts, as was also our subject's grandfather. The mother was a daughter of Dan Daniels, whose father was commander of the British fort at Boston, but being a liberty-loving man, he deserted the British and joined the Colonial forces. A prize was offered for his capture by the British, but he kept out of their way and used his great wealth in cashing Colonial scrip and equipping soldiers for the colonists. Dan Daniels, mentioned above as his son, also served in the Revolutionary war as a courier. He was captured and tried, but escaped the death penalty.
Their name was originally MacDaniels, but Dan dropped the "Mac." He was a justice of the peace in Massachusetts for sixty years, which was the longest time any man ever served in that capacity there. William E. Austin came to this county in 1872, took up a homestead and started a small store as well. He was one of the foremost public-spirited citizens, and assisted materially in developing his home place into a handsome home and fine farm, and during the hard years was generous to his less fortunate neighbors, giving credit to all who came to his store, and is gratefully remembered by many.
In 1845 he married Miss Emeline Clark, daughter of Alex. Clark, of Massachusetts, and they were the parents of four children: William H., John Franklin, our subject, Ed. L. and Charles F., who died young. William H. is postmaster at Franklin and a man prominent in all local affairs. Franklin J. began his business career in his father's postoffice, the latter having succeeded in establishing a postal station in 1873, which he named "Macon," and in this place our subject opened a small store, one of the first in the county. In 1879 he was elected county treasurer, then moved to the county seat at Bloomington. After serving two terms he came to Franklin and opened a general mercantile business, which, under his management, assisted by his two sons, has grown to be one of the largest and most prosperous in the county.
Mr. Austin was married at Macon to Miss Mary Dake. She is a daughter of Calvin C. Dake, an early settle in Macon, locating there in 1872, and who is well known throughout the locality, having served as county commissioner for several terms. Mr. Austin was the organizer of a union Sabbath school in Macon, started in 1872.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
WILLIAM W. BABCOCK, SR.
Among the leading citizens of Cherry county, none stands higher in the minds of his associates than the gentleman here named. For many years he has been a resident of this section and has developed a fine farm and with his family enjoys the comforts of a fine rural home and the esteem of all with whom he comes in contact.
William W. Babcock was born in Potter county, Pennsylvania, October 14, 1834. His father, William Babcock, was born in Livingston county, New York, September 7, 1798, and the family lived in a lumber camp when our subject was born, the father having followed the life of a lumberman for many years in the east. They lived in Pennsylvania until William was a lad of eighteen years, then moved to Steuben county, New York, and from there came west, locating in Hardin county, Iowa, in pioneer days, where he started farming for himself. On June 13, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, First Iowa Cavalry, and was ordered south with his regiment, going directly to St. Louis, then to Memphis, Tennessee. He went to Austin, Texas, on the Rio Grande, and also was at Little Rock, Arkansas, where he reenlisted January 5, 1862, serving in all four years and eight months. He saw some hard service in many battles, but escaped without any serious wounds. After receiving his discharge from the army he returned to Iowa and followed farming in Hardin county up to 1891, excepting a period of about four years, which were spent six miles northwest of Kingsley, Iowa, where they farmed heavily and made money. In the latter year he came to Gordon, Nebraska, and started farming, but during the first two years suffered heavy losses on account of crop failures due to drouths, (sic) etc., and lost considerable money. He worked hard to get along, and managed to succeed fairly well, with the help of his sons and his wife, who aided him all in their power, and the latter especially deserves much credit for her faithful efforts with her husband in building up a home for themselves. They lived on that farm for seven years, at which time Mr. Babcock took up his present homestead, on section 8, township 28, range 36, bringing with him nineteen head of cattle, which he has now increased to a herd of 300. Here he has a fine property, improved with good buildings, all fenced, and is one of the progressive and up-to-date ranchmen of his locality.
Immediately after returning from the war Mr. Babcock was married in Iowa, to Miss Katherine Rhodes, the wedding occurring in the fall of 1866. Mrs. Babcock is of German descent, and a daughter of Peach Rhodes, her mother's maiden name Elizabeth Crouse, the former a prominent farmer in Iowa. Our subject and his estimable wife have a family of six children, who are named as follows: Suell R., Albert J., Jessie C., William W., Jr., Nellie M. and George A. The sons all have Kincaid homesteads in the vicinity of their father's place, and each is industrious and earnestly working to accumulate a nice property and are worthy citizens of their community.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Joel Hull was born in Meigs county, Ohio, in 1831, and was reared there. In 1872 he came to Nebraska and went to the end of the Burlington & Missouri railroad then at Lowell, and on June 30th of that year located at Lowell, Kearney county. At that time there were no settlers there except on the river bottom, east and west of Lowell. The county was organized June 20, 1872, and Mr. Hull at once began as a merchant, purchasing a store from A. A. Andrews, and did an immense business, selling $130,000 worth of goods in twenty-four months. Purchasers came from Red Cloud, and west to the Colorado line, also from Kansas, many traveling one hundred and seventy-five miles to do their trading. The town of Hastings was not in existence at that time, and only two or three houses composed the town of Kearney, which did not boast of even a depot. After September of the year 1874 the river bridge was completed, and nearly all the trade then went to Kearney, which left Lowell a dead place.
In 1874 Mr. Hull took up a homestead located four miles north of where Minden now stands, and in 1876 the town was organized and a committee of seven including our subject, chose Minden as the county seat, submitting the question to the people in November of that year and was favorably voted on, as it was a geographical centre, and admirably located. The land was bought by Mr. Hull and he offered it to the county, but it was declined. The following year he laid out the site of the town and named it Minden, and began building a temporary court house and a hotel.
He left a space in the north end of the town for the depot and in November, 1883, the Burlington and Missouri railway came in, and four years later the Kansas City and Omaha built in and took the south end of the town for their depot site, just as Mr. Hull had laid out the plans.
In 1878 Mr. Hull had been admitted to the bar, and since that time has continuously practiced law. The population of Minden in 1882 was just two hundred and eleven people, and in April of that year it was made a village, growing very rapidly from the time the railroad was built through the place. During the panic throughout this section the town went backward, and not until 1896 did it begin to pick up, and now has a population of about 2,300, and still growing. In 1889 Mr. Hull was city engineer and surveyed for the location of the canal.
The county surveyor now does the engineering work for the new $80,00 court house. Mr. Hull has always been active in all affairs of the town. He was county judge for some years, and since 1855 has voted the Republican ticket, in 1852 voting for General Scott, the Whig candidate for president. During the civil war he served in the Ninety-first Ohio Infantry as second lieutenant, Company B, and was first lieutenant and adjutant of his regiment, and afterwards resigned as adjutant and assigned to Company K, as first lieutenant, and appointed acting assistant adjutant general of the second brigade, second division, army of West Virginia. Our subject is a charter member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Minden and has held all the offices in that post.
In the early days when the settlers first began to come to this region many did not know how to break the land and put in their crops, and a few hit it right and raised good crops, but many met with failures, and those who were fortunate soon got rich.
Mr. Hull is a son of Hiram Hull, whose father Joel Hull, was born near Boston, Massachusetts, in 1776. He received a college education and became a merchant, spending several years in New York state, and is 1816 settled in Meigs county, Ohio, where his death occurred in 1827. He married Miss Mary Wallace, a native of Bennington, Vermont, born in 1779, and she died in Adams county, Illinois, in 1859. She was a Free Methodist, and a woman of much intelligence. Our subject's father was the youngest of ten children, and was born in Utica, New York, in September, 1812. In 1831 he left the family farm, settling in Chester, Ohio, where he engaged in the mercantile, tannery and boat building business. In 1852 he moved to Delaware, Ohio, in order to educate his children, sending them to the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. In 1872 he came west settling in Buffalo county, Nebraska. He lived for two years at Lowell, Kearney county, then at Kearney, where he was engaged in the merchandise trade and later in the real estate and brokerage business. Our subject's mother was, prior to her marriage, Miss Luna Bosworth, of Meigs county, Ohio, daughter of Hezekiah and Huldah (Pearce) Bosworth, of Whitehall, N. Y., who settled in Meigs county, Ohio. Her father was a Methodist preacher, also a teacher and farmer, who lived to be eighty-nine years of age, his death occurring February 23, 1859, his wife dying in 1863 at the age of eighty-eight years. Our subject is the eldest child of his father, born November 23, 1831; the second son, Wyman, was born March 27, 1835; third child, Catherine, is the wife of William K. Goddard, of Dane county, Wisconsin; fourth, Helen, wife of William L. Kidd, of Oakland, California; fifth, Marinda, wife of S. W. Switzer, of San Diego, California. Mr. Hull's great-grandfather was William Hull, of Massachusetts. During his young manhood, our subject was educated at Ohio Wesleyan University, and there studied law with Sweetzer and Reid, of Delaware, both of whom are eminent lawyers, and both at one time members of congress. In 1862 Mr. Hull recruited a company for the Ninety-first Ohio and was commissioned a lieutenant of Company B. He was at the battle of Lynchburg, also at Winchester, battle of Bunker Hill, in the Shenandoah valley, and led the skirmish line of 1,300 men against 7,700 of Early's men. This force of 1,300 took more prisoners than their own number, besides capturing all of the enemy's artillery. For his part in this action Joel Hull was promoted to adjutant general of the brigade, commanded by General Crook, which brigade won at the battle of Winchester. In 1864 Mr. Hull was commissioned by the governor of Ohio to the colonelcy (sic) of a new regiment, but the closing of the war caused this to be countermanded.
After the war, in 1869, Mr. Hull went to Toledo, Ohio, where he engaged in the tannery and leather business up to 1872, under the firm name of Joel Hull & Co., and in that year came to Kearney county, Nebraska, where he laid out the town of Minden and built the first four houses, presenting a lot to each of the seven religious denominations, also gave a fourth of a block for the first school building.
Mr. Hull was married at Newark, N. J., in 1855, to Miss Mary E. Frisbee. They had a family of children, namely: Arthur E., George H., Frances E., wife of R. L. Marsh, and Carrie A. Mr. Hull was married the second time in 1879 to Mrs. Elsie E. Granger, daughter of Robert and Mary S. Scott, and to this union four children born, namely: Joel L., Walter Scott, Otis H. and Jessie A.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JAMES N. MCCLAIN
The subject of this review is one of the successful younger farmers of Keith county, Nebraska, and resides on an excellent farm located in section 26, township 13, range 37.
James N. McClain is a native son of Nebraska and was born in Cass county March 24, 1881. His father, Nathan C. McClain, was a farmer by occupation and a native of Christian county, Illinois. The mother's name was Mary McClain, however no relation of her husband's before marriage; she, too, was born in Illinois. The parents of our subject were among the earliest pioneers of eastern Nebraska, where they settled about 1877 and engaged in farming and hog raising. In 1885 the family shipped their goods to North Platte, whence they moved by teams thirty-five miles to a homestead on section 12, township 12, range 35, about eleven miles southeast of the village of Paxton. They had a good sod house, cemented inside and out, a barn, with a shed attached, to which they added first-class improvements from time to time. There the family lived for thirteen years, engaged extensively in farming. There were eight boys in the family, which enabled the father to farm very extensively, having so much good help. But the results from the crops were very poor for eight years owning to drouth (sic) and other causes, and the losses fell heavily upon the family.
James N. McClain started out for himself in 1900, working out for a while and farming rented land. He located a homestead on section 26, township 13, range 37, where he now lives, and has improved it with good buildings. He has three hundred and twenty acres, with half of it capable of cultivation.
Mr. McClain was married March 21, 1906, to Susan Knowles, born and reared in Keith county, Nebraska. Her father, David Knowles, deceased, was one of the early pioneers of Nebraska; the mother was Melissa Spurgeon. Mr. and Mrs. McClain have one son, Elmer.
As a boy and man Mr. McClain has had great opportunity to witness the development of the region in which he lives, having come here with his parents in the pioneer days of 1885. He is making a success of life and will soon have a fine farm in productive operation. He has been honored with several political offices, among them being that of assessor for Logan precinct. He is a Republican in politics and fraternally is a member of the Paxton camp of Modern Woodmen of America.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Thomas Mullally, a retired farmer of Harlan county, Nebraska, who now resides in Alma, is the proprietor of a fine property and one of the wealthiest men in this locality.
Mr. Mullally is a native of Longford county, Ireland, born in 1836. He came to America when a youth fourteen years of age, settling in Dutchess county, New York. He first saw Nebraska in 1861, on his way to Pike's Peak, Colorado, where he stayed until 1863, then returned to this state, settling on a ranch on the south side of the Platte river, fifty miles west of Fort Kearney, and here he started a general store and hotel, also dealing in cattle and horses. The California trail was lined with wagons on their way across the plains to Denver, Salt Lake, Montana, Oregon, Mexico and every point throughout the western states, and for weeks and months the trail would be covered with cattle, horses and wagons. He remained on this homestead until 1867, then went to Cheyenne, as was caused much annoyance by the travelers continually passing his home here. In 1861 a band of Indians who were roving over the country entered his yards and drove off nineteen head of horses and mules, and at Plum Creek, fifteen miles east of his ranch during the same year Indians attacked a party of travelers, including six covered wagons, families on their way west, and out of this little band of people all were murdered excepting one woman, who was made captive by the redskins. He lived in Wyoming for three years, and in 1871 came back to Nebraska, locating in Harlan county on the Turkey creek. Mullally township was named after our subject, and Harlan county was named after Tom Harlan, who came to Nebraska from Cheyenne in company with Mr. Mullally. While he lived on Platte Ranch at Willow Island he came to what is now Harlan county on a hunting expedition. The country was overrun by game - wild turkey, buffalo, deer, elk, antelope, etc. - and was the best hunting field in all western Nebraska, owing to the fact that there was plenty of wild grass and water, and small timber. When he went to Cheyenne he naturally told of the fine hunting grounds and fertility of soil to be found in the Republican Valley (then so called), and in 1870 he with a number of others organized a party and the following year they came down to Turkey creek in this county. There were seventeen men in the party, named as follows: Bill Carr, now of Alma; Tom Sheffery, Harlan county; Tom Harlan, now residing in Michigan: Mark Coad and John Coad, who had lived here prior to this, and had built a dugout; Tom Murrin, deceased; Alex Burk, deceased; Charles Sydenham, a brother of Mose Sydenham; Dick McDonahue, Mike Morrissey, Jim Ryder and others, and besides these a party drove overland with teams and wagons. Mr. Mullally remained here and homesteaded on three hundred and twenty acres situated on Turkey creek and lived on his farm until March, 1905, engaged in farming and raising cattle and horses and other stock. When he sold out his holdings he had seventeen hundred and twenty acres of land in one block, for which he received thirty-one thousand dollars. He made a success of his farming and stock raising, and he is now one of the leading citizens of his locality.
In 1857 Mr. Mullally was married to Miss Maggie Murphy, a native of Dubuque, Iowa. They have a family of six children, as follows: Thomas, a farmer living in Turkey township; Joseph, a farmer of Mullally township; Kate, wife of James Laird, of Mullally township; Lizzie, now Mrs. August Heffer, residing in Friend, Nebraska; Maggie, located in San Francisco, California, and Mary, married to Arch Palmer, of Los Angeles, California. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer narrowly escaped the earthquake which worked such destruction in San Francisco in 1906. They left the city at three o'clock in the morning, bound for a short trip on the water, and the quake occurred at five a.m., and undoubtedly they would have lost their lives had they been at home, as at the place where they were living over one hundred people were killed.
Mr. Mullally and his family are members of the Catholic church. Politically he is a Democrat. He takes commendable interest in party politics, but does not seek public preferment. Mullally township is a strictly Democratic settlement, never having a Republican officeholder. At one time there were only three men who voted the Republican ticket in the whole township.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Arthur N. Case, of Brown county, has by dint of general industry, reliable character and straightforward business methods, built up for himself a name and a standing second to no man in this part of Nebraska. He is still in the full maturity of his powers, and commands a host of friends wherever he is known. His word is his bond, and both as an agriculturist and a carpenter and builder he is pushing and aggressive in his efforts to reap the best results and render the largest and most satisfactory returns for all thought and money invested in his time and labor.
Mr. Case belongs to an old American family long established in the state of New York, where he was born on a farm in 1854. He was the second born in a family of three children, and was reared and educated in his native community. As he grew into manhood he was set to learn the carpenter trade, which he thoroughly mastered under his father's watchful eye and careful instruction. In 1875 he came west. and for a period of years devoted himself to his trade in Lapeer county, Michigan. There he was married in 1881 to Miss Adath Westover, a native of Canada, who come with her parents into the county in 1875. To this happy union have come two children, Leona and George, both of whom were born in Michigan.
Mr. and Mrs. Case removed to Brown county, Nebraska, in 1887, where he at first engaged in farming on a pre-emption claim some eight miles from Ainsworth. Here he constructed a sod house, which was unusually well built, and though primitive in its material was really very comfortable, and is now remembered pleasantly by the family. It was indeed a return to nature, as coyotes could be heard close at hand every night, and for a time game of all kinds was abundant. After the passing of six years the rapid growth of Butte seemed to present an exceptional opportunity for the skill and labor of the carpenter, which Mr. Case was quick to see, and accordingly he transferred himself and interests to Boyd county in 1891, For four years he followed his trade, with Butte City as a center, and had much to do with the construction of many homes and business buildings during that period. In 1895 he worked as a carpenter for some four months in Arkansas, and then made a home in the Ozark mountains in Missouri where he lived about three and a half years. In 1899 he returned to Ainsworth, and here put up for himself an attractive residence and a large shop for the steady pursuit of his occupation as a builder and contractor. He soon had a large and growing patronage, and as he attended to it faithfully and well it is in every way creditable and satisfactory. Later they moved to the Moon Lake region. Mr. Case is a member of the fraternal order of the Modern Woodmen of America.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
HORACE C. DALE
Among the old settlers who have watched the growth and development of western Nebraska from the early pioneer days, who has always taken an active part in its history from the very beginning and helped to advance its commercial and agricultural industries, the gentleman above named holds a foremost place. Mr. Dale resides in Rushville, where he is engaged in the banking business.
Mr. Dale is a native of Bellefont, Pennsylvania, born in 1859, on his father's farm. He was raised in his native state, assisting his parents until he was seventeen years of age, spending five years at the Pennsylvania State College, from which he graduated in the classical course. He also took a special course in civil engineering, and for three years worked in this capacity for the Pennsylvania Railroad on construction work. He afterwards followed land surveying for one year. In 1886 he came to Sheridan county, landing here in June, and soon after settling entered into partnership with M. P. Musser and J. K. Wohlford in the banking business, establishing the Citizens' Bank. He remained with this concern up to 1897, then disposed of his interest in the bank and opened up the Stockmen's Bank, incorporating this institution in September, 1898. He has been cashier of the bank from its organization, with A. M. Modisett as president and H. A. Dawson as vice-president. In 1906 the bank erected a fine home building covering a space 25x56 feet, two stories and basement, built of granite and cement, fitted in the most modern style. This bank will be converted into a national bank about July 1, 1908.
Mr. Dale has the management of the intricate affairs of the bank of which he is cashier, and is a gentleman of ability and excellent business foresight. He has succeeded in building up an immense business and gained the confidence of his fellow-men through his strict honesty and integrity.
In 1885 Mr. Dale was married to Miss Lillian E. Satterfield, of old American stock, whose parents were early settlers in Pennsylvania. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dale, who are named as follows: Helen M., George S., Edwin E., Horace Albert and James Leland, all born in Rushville, In political sentiment Mr. Dale is a Republican.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
W. J. Crusen, residing in North Platte, Nebraska, was passenger engineer on No. 9 and 10, fast mail train between North Platte and Sidney, which makes a run of one hundred and twenty-three miles in one hundred and seventeen minutes. Mr. Crusen came here in 1880 and ever since that time has been connected with the Union Pacific Railroad. He is well known all through this locality as a man of sterling character and integrity, and is prominent in all local affairs.
Mr. Crusen was born in Licking county, Ohio. His father, Thomas Crusen, settled at Terre Haute, Indiana, with his family in 1861. There were thirteen children, of whom only three are now living. Our subject began working on the railroad prior to 1861, and in that year enlisted in the Twelfth Ohio Regiment, Company E, recruited from Newark, Ohio, and served with this company for three years and three months. He took part in the battle of Antietam, where he saw late President McKinley, who was then a sergeant, serving hot coffee to the firing line in which the former was a private. Mr. Crusen was also at Winchester, South Mountain and all the battles through that section. In Tennessee he received a shot in the leg, and as soon as he was able to walk, ran an engine out of Nashville, Tennessee. His train was derailed and he was taken prisoner by the bushwackers, the McNary's gang, who ordered him to blow up the engine, and when he let the steam off at the valve the natives were so badly frightened that they ran away and left him. Soon after a relief train arrived from the Union lines, and assisted him in getting away with his charge. After the close of the war he went back to railway service, and has since traveled all over every state in the union in his work, never having had an accident. He is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, a prominent Mason, also Grand Army of the Republic man, well known in these different organizations. Mr. Crusen is now retired by the Union Pacific Railroad and is pensioned by that company. This makes it possible to attend more to religious work and he often fills out for different pastors in their pulpit work. Mr. Crusen is also proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and fifty acres located near the city of North Platte, on which he makes a specialty of vegetables of all kinds and all his spare time is devoted to overseeing the work on this farm.
Mr. Crusen was married in 1868 to Miss Elizabeth McCandless, of Philadelphia. They have one child, now Mrs. York Hinman, of North Platte, and a sketch of Mr. W. M. Hinman appears in this volume, One brother, James, resides with Mr. Crusen and his wife in their pleasant home here.
Mr. Crusen is deeply interested in religious matters, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a licensed preacher in the same. In 1896 he was a delegate from Nebraska to the general conference of the church at Cleveland, Ohio. He has attended international Y. M. C. A. conventions at Topeka, Kansas; Buffalo, New York; Detroit, Michigan; also has attended all state conventions in Nebraska. The Y. M. C. A. of North Platte was organized by Mr. Crusen and Mr. Nash, the state secretary.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
James J. Gragg, who has a valuable estate, is one of the foremost residents of Hooker county, Nebraska, and has for the past fifteen years taken an active part in the political and social affairs of that locality, known far and near for his active public spirit and liberal views on every matter of importance to his community.
Mr. Gragg is a native of Oakland county, Michigan, born in 1870. His father, James T., was born at the same place, and later came to Nebraska, and was an early settler in Redwillow county. The mother, who was Miss Amy Carey, was also born in the same county in Michigan as her husband and they lived there up to 1881, engaged in farming. The family first settled in Redwillow county after arriving in Nebraska, and lived in that vicinity for about thirteen years, and our subject was raised in the county, attending the country schools as a boy, and at the same time assisting his parents in carrying on the home ranch, in this manner acquiring a thorough knowledge of the ranching business, remaining at home until he was twenty-one years of age.
Mr. Gragg came to Hooker county and located on his present ranch, which he took as a homestead, in the spring of 1895. This is situated in section 22, township 21, range 35. He started on a very small scale, his sole capital being a few dollars in money, one cow and a calf, and to make matters worse the calf died. Now he has a finely improved ranch. The Methodist Episcopal church is located on his ranch a short distance from his residence. Prior to settling in this locality he had experienced some very hard times in Redwillow county, losing six hundred and forty acres of crops in 1894, so after coming here he determined to devote his entire efforts to the stock raising business and not try to farm. He gathered together a few head of cattle at first, and from the start had very good success. He put up good buildings as he was able, improved his ranch, cultivating about one hundred and fifty acres, on which he raises good crops, and besides raising stock and farming he owns a good threshing outfit and was one of the first to operate an outfit in this region. He has done well in this venture, and in following the work has become widely known throughout the entire country.
Mr. Gragg was married in 1893 to Dollie A., daughter of Joseph Downs, one of the earliest settlers in Redwillow county. They are the parents of four children, who are named as follows: Jessie R., Sylvia M., Amy A. and Vira J. The family is highly esteemed in the community as worthy citizens and good neighbors, and they have a comfortable and happy home.
Mr. Gragg has taken an active part in local affairs, serving as county commissioner for six years and also as county assessor for one term and precinct assessor for two terms. In political sentiment he is a Republican.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
IRA REED
To the early settlers of Box Butte county, Nebraska, the name of Ira Reed is well known. He has been a resident of this section for the past twenty years and is one of the prosperous business men of Alliance, having been engaged for many years past in the horse business and is considered an authority in all matters pertaining to that business.
Mr. Reed was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1859. His father, Amos Reed, was a farmer, of Pennsylvania Dutch blood, as was also his mother, and both died in that state. When our subject was twelve years old his mother died, and the father died in 1889. He was raised and educated there, and at the age of fifteen years began on his own account, renting his father's farm, which he carried on for three years. At that time he left Pennsylvania and came west, locating at Boone, Iowa, there engaging in the flour and feed business. He remained one year, then came to Nebraska, settling in the town of Superior, and opened a meat market, which he ran for three years. In 1887 he moved to Box Butte county, locating in Alliance but taking up a pre-emption and timber claim situated thirty miles from the town, on the Niobrara river. When he came here he drove from Superior, camping out on the trip, and as soon as he reached his destination started to build a house, which was 16x24 feet, made of sod. He lived on the farm for four years, building up a good home and ranch, then moved to Hemingford and again started in the meat business, which he ran for three years, and also ran a livery barn for the same length of time. He did a good business and got along in good shape, but decided to go back to the ranching business, so settled on a farm sixteen miles northwest of Alliance and lived on that place for six years. During these years he was engaged in the horse business on a large scale, shipping a large number in and out of the state each year, and he handled some of the finest animals ever brought to this section. He has been most successful in his various ventures, and accumulated a nice property, all of which is due to his own efforts, as he had nothing to start with. He was one of the early settlers in Chadron, and helped develop that town in many ways. In 1907 he established his present business, dealing in real estate and insurance, and his knowledge of this part of the country, land values, etc., will enable him to build up a large business.
Mr. Reed is a Populist in political sentiment, and has always taken an active part in politics, attending numerous county and state conventions. He was elected sheriff in the fall of 1901, and re-elected the following term. This necessitated moving his family to Alliance, where they have lived since with the exception of the year 1906, which he spent in the gold mines in South Dakota.
Mr. Reed was married in 1879 to Miss Lizzie Savage, daughter of Henry and Anna Savage, of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Reed died in 1884, leaving him with two children, Clayton C. and Della M. In 1889 he was married again to Miss Sarah C. Dailey and he had two children by this marriage, namely: Ray E. and Elmer L.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
BENJAMIN WELLINGTON HARVEY
The gentleman whose name heads this review is a native of Iowa, being born in Calhoun county in 1867. His father, Benjamin Harvey, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work, is one among Loup county's earliest pioneers. The mother's maiden name was Mary E. Ham.
Benjamin W. Harvey was reared on a farm on the frontier in Nebraska and was with his father during the pioneer days when he learned to perform all the varied forms of farm work. He assisted his father in improving the home farm, driving ox teams and making many trips for supplies for the family to St. Paul and North Loup. In July, 1890, he went to Custer county, taking a homestead, on which he lived a bachelor's life for eight years. He underwent many hardships, was far from neighbors and had to haul water for all purposes for a period of five years.
In 1898 our subject was united in marriage to Miss Ella Daman, who died in 1901, leaving two children - Wayne and Claris. In 1904 Mr. Harvey was married to Miss Angie Thompson, daughter of Pembroke S. Thompson, a farmer and old settler of Loup county. Her mother died in 1905.
Mr. Harvey and family lived on the Custer county homestead until 1904, busily engaged in improving and making it a valuable property. He then proved up and sold out, and in 1905 he purchased the farm where he now lives in section 12, township 21, range 17, it being the old homestead of his father-in-law, Pembroke S. Thompson, in Loup county, a splendid place of four hundred and eighty acres, in a good crop region of the country. He has about two hundred acres under cultivation, the balance being pasture and hay land. There are nice improvements, house, barns, three wells and windmills, and the east farm in thoroughly fenced with cedar posts that were gotten out during the pioneer days of Loup county. Mr. Harvey is especially proud of his fine grove of forest trees and the orchard. Our subject has accomplished a great deal on his farm in the few years he has lived there and it has taken a vast amount of labor and expense to bring it about. He has taken a leading part in the affairs of the community and has witnessed with pleasure the splendid growth of the country in the past twenty years. Mr. Harvey is a progressive citizen and has the respect of his associates and friends.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Everette L. Baumgardner, one of the prominent business men of Perkins county, is engaged in the real estate business with offices in Grant, and is well-known throughout the county as a man of exceptional ability and straightforward principles.
Mr. Baumgardner was born in Page county, Iowa, in 1871. He first opened his eyes in an (sic) humble log cabin on a farm. His father was an early settler in Iowa, and later a pioneer in Perkins county, homesteading here in 1886. Our subject lived at home until he was twenty-two years of age, helping him develop a good farm and build up a good home, going through all the pioneer experiences familiar to the old residents of western Nebraska, when there were no wells and people were obliged to haul water many miles, and he well remembers when he had to drive thirty-two miles for drinking water. During those years Mr. Baumgardner built twenty-two sod houses in the county for settlers who came in. In 1887 he began railroad construction work, helping build the C. B. & Q. Railway through Perkins county, and was overseer of a gang of men for a few miles of the work. In 1893 he started farming on his own account, for a few years living in the Sandy Valley, southeast of the town of Grant, and there was engaged in farming and ranching, raising principally hogs and cattle. He continued on that ranch up to 1898, then worked as a live stock shipper, buying and selling hogs and cattle. Later was employed as a shipping clerk at Marshalltown, Iowa, and for two years traveled on the road as a salesman. He next entered the ministry and followed that for some time, becoming a successful preacher and evangelist, but finally throat trouble compelled him to give up this work. After this he traveled all through the states west of the Mississippi river except Texas, and saw every phase of life and the different countries, but found no region where the opportunities were better or inducements greater to the poor man or small investor than this part of Nebraska. There is no better climate anywhere considering all things, and they here also have the best water on earth, getting the proper rainfall during the crop-growing seasons, and he further states: "That there is no country where a man can grow a horse successfully without feeding a kernel of grain, excepting Nebraska, which is done here, and horses weighing one thousand five hundred to one thousand eight hundred pounds matured in the way are plentiful throughout the state." Mr. Baumgardner is of the opinion that the day is not far distant when this region will be eagerly sought after as a health resort by the wealthy, as it has the finest summer climate to be found on account of the cool nights in summer, and mild winter weather, making this part of Nebraska a very enjoyable region.
In the fall of 1893 Mr. Baumgardner was married to Miss Ethel Clark, daughter of John W. Clark, a prominent pioneer of this region. One child was born to them, Nellie May, now thirteen years of age. The family have (sic) a very pleasant home, and enjoy a host of friends.
Mr. Baumgardner well remembers the last herd of buffalo that was seen in this part of the country, and witnessed their extermination. He has been largely instrumental in the development of this part of the country and in its financial and agricultural progress. He is a self-made man in every sense of the word, becoming thoroughly well read and a fluent conversationalist by his own efforts, as he received only a very scanty schooling when a lad, and is now known as one of the leading men of his county, enjoying the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen and associates.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
CLIFTON F. STOCKWELL
The above named gentleman is well known to the residents of Rock county, Nebraska, as the genial and popular postmaster at Bassett, Mr. Stockwell was first appointed to this position in June, 1894, served for one term, and was again appointed on January 3, 1905, taking charge the 7th of February of that year. He is one of the leading public men of the county, and a citizen of true worth, highly esteemed by all with whom he comes on contact.
Mr. Stockwell is a native of Vermont, born near Brattleboro, August 28, 1865. His father, Francis Stockwell, was a farmer and old settler in western Nebraska, coming here in 1879 with his wife, who was Miss Harriet E. Hale, and family of seven children, of whom our subject is the fourth. They settled three miles north of Long Pine, and there he grew to manhood, going through all the pioneer experiences with his parents and brothers and sisters. During the winter of 1880 and 1881 the father made five trips to distant railroad points for supplies, at times traveling over a hundred miles and return. Our subject was one of those who organized the first school here, and his sister taught the first term. At the age of eighteen years Mr. Stockwell began the study of pharmacy in Long Pine and Valentine and in 1886 became a registered pharmacist, going into business at Bassett the following year. He later took up chemistry, and is now a member of the American Chemical Society, serving two terms as vice-president of the Nebraska section of this society, in which he is considered an expert. His drug store in Bassett was the pioneer store of its kind here and he has continued to do a large business during the years he has been located here.
In 1886, after leaving school, Mr. Stockwell was married to Miss Mina Tweed, daughter of William Tweed, an old settler in this part of Nebraska. He is a member of the Methodist church and of the Ancient Order of the United Workmen of Bassett.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Eric A. Wiklund is one of the self-made and prosperous pioneer farmers of Kimball county, Nebraska, where he settled in March, 1888. He is a native of Sweden, his birth occurring July 15, 1849. Coming to America in June, 1882, he sailed from Goettenberg to Hull, and thence by rail to Liverpool, where he embarked on the "Alaska," and after a voyage of seven days landed in New York on the 27th.
He first went to Osage City, Osage county, Kansas, but thinking to better himself, he turned back to Chicago, where he found work in a foundry and later was similarly employed in Batavia and Aurora, remaining in the state of Illinois until March, 1884, when he came to Nebraska. He took a homestead in October, 1887, and bought a relinquishment on a tree claim a year later on the south half of section 4, township 16, range 53, which is now the home farm. He has a splendid home and a well equipped and up-to-date farm. He runs a bunch of cattle and horses. All the buildings on the place are of his own construction. He has a blacksmith and wagon shop, and builds his own conveyances. A buggy of his construction has not needed a resetting of the tires in twenty-three years. December 19, 1875, occurred the marriage of Eric A. Wiklund to Miss Anna Elizabeth Kling, a native of Sweden, who came to America a year after her husband, and by a coincidence on the same vessel, the "Alaska." Their parents are all dead. Mr. Wiklund is a stanch Republican and votes with his party. He is active in local affairs and is a public-spirited citizen. He was reared in the Swedish Lutheran church.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
ROBERT F. GILLASPIE, DECEASED
The gentleman whose name heads this personal history was probably one of the best known and best loved of the residents of Cherry county, Nebraska. He had resided in this region since 1883, and was one of the first settlers here, watching the growth and aiding in the development of the commercial industries of his community from its earliest beginning. He was familiarly known all over this part of the country as "Arkansas Bob," and was admired and respected by every one who knew him for his sterling qualities of heart and mind. His death occurred at his home in Gillaspie precinct, June 19, 1906, and his cortege was probably one of the largest ever assembled in this part of Cherry county. If any man in the county was without an enemy it was "Arkansas Bob.' His disposition was most affectionate, also his love for children and the tenderness for his wife and mother. Even in his affliction of total blindness his cheerfulness did not desert and during his stay in the hospital he kept them laughing all the time with his jokes. Mr. Gillaspie was born in Clark county Arkansas, October 22, 1861. His father, William Gillaspie, was of Scotch stock, and a farmer by occupation. He died when our subject was a lad of eight years old. There were five boys in the family and he was the second in number, being brought up to all sorts of farm work and early became accustomed to the life of a farmer. When he reached the age of twenty-two he came to Cherry county, trailing a herd of stock all the way from Arkansas, and being six months on the way. He afterward worked as a cowboy here on the Metzler ranch for several years, as well as in New Mexico, Texas and Wyoming, and had the reputation of being the best stockman in the country. He served for a time as foreman on the Arkansas ranch, the brand of which he later purchased, and in 1887 he started in business for himself, taking what is called the T. O. ranch located at Chesterfield. He filed on a tree claim and homestead in Gillaspie precinct, which was named after him, and was successful in this venture from the start, building up a fine ranch of from fourteen to fifteen quarter sections of land, all well stocked.
In 1900 Mr. Gillaspie was married to Mrs. Leila S. Gillaspie, a widow of his brother, a native of Arkansas, being born in Clark county. She was the daughter of C. R. Stone and Elizabeth (McMinnas) Stone. There were three sons and five daughters in the Stone family, but she was the only daughter who ever came west to live. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gillaspie, named as follows: Alice Marie and Roberto Fern.
Mrs. Gillaspie was married again September 16, 1907, to Mr. Joseph Jennette, an associate of her former husband, and they are living on the V Z ranch, which is leased for a number of years, and here each is running herds of cattle and horses which are increasing very rapidly from year to year.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
DR. FREDERICK NASH DICK
(DECEASED.)
The gentleman named here was a prominent physician of North Platte, born at Greenborough, North Carolina, in 1844. Mr. Dick was in the southern army, enlisting at the age of fifteen years, and served all through the was, in 1863 being taken prisoner at Johnson Island. He served in a North Carolina regiment under Colonel Bingham and a brave and gallant soldier.
Dr. Dick located in North Platte in 1868. He was a graduate of the Medical College at Baltimore, Maryland, and was the first doctor to locate in North Platte, practicing here up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1896, at the age of fifty-three years. He was appointed surgeon for the Union Pacific Railway in 1870 for the division from North Platte to Ogden, Utah, and east to Omaha. This territory was afterwards cut down, and he ran from Cheyenne to Omaha. He held this post during his lifetime, and also was county physician for two years, and coroner for several years.
Dr. Dick's father, John McCintock Dick, was judge of the supreme court of the state of North Carolina for many years, and his brother, Robert P. Dick, also held that honorable position. One brother, James Dick, was an attorney, and two others, William and Jonathan, were physicians.
Dr. Dick was married, May 2, 1871, to Miss Ella A. Webb, of Auburn, New York, daughter of Z. L. Webb and Polly Maria (Hoffman) Webb, both pioneer families in New York state. Mrs. Dick and Mrs. Peniston, whose husband's sketch appears in this volume, are sisters. Dr. and Mrs. Dick were the parents of five children, who are named as follows: Parthenia N., wife of Albert Shaw, a ranchman of North Platte; John L., engineer on the Union Pacific Railway, residing in North Platte; Leslie E. Dick, night express agent of the Western Pacific company here; Anna R., at home, and Robert P., still attending school. Dr. Dick's memory is held in great reverence by all who knew him. He filled an honorable position as a citizen and physician who was a thorough master of his profession. Mrs. Dick came here and went through a regular pioneer life as the young bride of her husband, and is highly esteemed by all. Dr. Dick was the owner of an extensive ranch located near this town, and also the first man to start a drug store in North Platte. He took an active interest in politics, was a strong Democrat, and elected as county commissioner in 1874, serving for two terms. He was also a member of the school board, and a devout Episcopalian.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
J. J. KLEIN.
The gentleman whose name heads this personal history resides in Center township, Buffalo county, and is owner of the White Bridge Park Farm, located on Wood river, five miles from the town of Kearney. Besides successfully farming one hundred and sixty acres Mr. Klein is developing a fine park and summer resort to be used by campers and "picnickers." The river affords, with the six-foot dam which he has built, a constant flow of water for boating for a distance of half a mile above the dam, and there are plenty of boats for hire and extensive fishing grounds, tennis, croquet plats, etc., which will furnish amusement for all ages and tastes. Mr. Klein has graded the banks and put in a fine driveway to extend all through the grounds to the river, on one side a quarter of a mile long, then crossing the river and back on the other side.
This drive leads through a beautiful piece of timber land, the road being above the high-water line. There are eight acres of woods, ash, elm, box elder, etc., affording plenty of shade, and will make an ideal amusement park. The waterfall is six feet high, and this with its music adds greatly to the charms of the resort. Mr. Klein has a state right to take water for irrigation purposes for four acres, and he has built a fish pond twenty-two feet higher than the river, and to this he raises the water by a breast wheel. Pipes lead from this pond, keeping all in a beautiful green state. The grounds are planted with flowers, fruit trees and shade trees in abundance, which makes it a pleasing spot to the eye. During 1906, up to August 1, the resort had twelve hundred visitors, while the previous year but four hundred were entertained, which shows the grateful appreciation the public bestows on Mr. Klein's efforts. Everything is planned for the comfort and pleasure of his patrons, and it is bound to become one of the most popular amusement resorts in this section of the country on account of its location and the natural beauties of the spot. Also, a first-class resort of this kind is uncommon in this region, and affords a constant source of pleasure to the people of the locality. In the fall of 1908 a railroad was surveyed near the place, crossing Wood river at Mr. Klein's place, and he expects to have a station at the summer resort.
Mrs. Klein is greatly interested in this work with her husband, and upon her shoulders falls most of the business management.
A few years since Mr. Klein obtained from the Ladies' Home Journal a twenty-five-dollar prize for a photograph of the bridge in this park, as it then appeared, with a faded coat of red paint, disfigured by all sorts and conditions of advertising signs. He secured permission to remove these unsightly things and painted the bridge white and afterwards sent another photograph of "The White Bridge," from which the park derives its name.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
ROLLO L. CAROTHERS.
Prominent among the younger members of the business circle in Grant is the gentleman whose name heads this review. Mr. Carothers is a young man of exceptional educational and business ability, and is making a success in his chosen field of work. He has a drug store on the principal business street of Grant, and is enjoying a good patronage and rapidly becoming one of the substantial citizens of his community, taking into consideration the length of time which he has been in business, which is but a few years.
Mr. Carrothers is a native of the state of Illinois, born in the town of Norwood, Mercer county, in 1874. Both parents were born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, settling in Illinois in the early days, where they followed farming for many years. When our subject was eleven years of age the family came to Nebraska. A sister of our subject, Miss Virginia Carrothers, was county superintendent for six years, and is well known through the entire locality. She was one of the early homesteaders in Perkins county, as well also three brothers of our subject, namely: Vance, William and Robert. The parents of Mr. Carrothers settled near Madrid, and there they began their pioneer life in a sod shanty, during the first summer living in wagons in which they had made much of the journey west. There were obliged to haul all water for domestic use for a distance of fifteen miles, and their nearest postoffice and trading station was Ogallala, thirty-two miles from their homestead. In 1893 Rollow went into Missouri, and after a short stay there returned to Madrid and entered school, after a time going to Gothenburg, Nebraska, and securing a position in a drug store, remaining there up to 1903, when he went to Crighton College, Omaha, and took his first year; then to Des Moines and entered the Highland Park College, remaining for one year, and in August, 1907, became a registered pharmacist and purchased his present establishment. Mr. Carrothers is regarded as one of the rising young men of Perkins county, and none are more highly esteemed or enjoy the confidence of its citizens to a more marked degree than himself.
In 1903 our subject was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Burson, born in Fairmount, Nebraska. Her parents were old settlers in Frontier county. Mr. and Mrs. Carothers have one daughter, Marian G., born January 7, 1908. Politically Mr. Carothers is a Democrat.
Miss Virginia Carothers, a sister of our subject, above mentioned, was the first school teacher in the district where the family settled on coming to Nebraska. She is now engaged in missionary work, having spent some time in Portland, Oregon, about two years in Spokane, Washington, and for the past five years has been located in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
H. L. Hummel, residing on section 11, Sheridan township, Phelps county, is one of the representative farmers of his locality. He was for eight years supervisor of his township, first elected in 1898 and re-elected for two succeeded terns, and also in 1904, 1905 and 1906. He is a member of the county board and a strong Republican, and one of the leading citizens of the county.
Mr. Hummel was born in Ogle county, Illinois, and grew up on his father's farm in Kane county, near Batavia. He is a son of Rev. H. Hummel, a minister in the evangelical church, who purchased a farm for each of his four sons in Richardson county, Nebraska, all but our subject still residing in the county, two farming and the third a banker at Humbolt, Nebraska. Their father was born and educated in Germany and came to this country about 1833. In 1892 our subject came to Phelps county and bought three hundred and twenty acres located in south one-half section 11, building a good house and barns on the land. This year (1906) he has had erected one of the finest farm residences to be found in western Nebraska, and, in fact, in outward appearance, finish, decoration and convenience is surpassed by no city home. This forms a wonderful contrast to the sod shanties and later the modest frame houses which fist served the pioneers of this section only a few years back, and illustrates the degree of progress and success to which the American farmer has attained, also the skill of our artisans in adapting water systems, sewers and the heating and lighting to the limitations of the farm, removed as it is from the systems developed in cities. For months prior to building their home, Mr. and Mrs. Hummel read and consulted along these lines, with the perfect result which has been obtained. There is a large cistern of rain water which supplies the bath, also hot water reservoirs and basins, together with an air pressure boiler in the cellar capable of two hundred pounds' pressure with air and water pump, supplies the water and force at the same time, thus doing away with the roof tank and the laborious hand pump to feed it. The plumbing is open and fixtures of the latest design. The house is cellar to pantry, thus saving the women of the household many steps, and even the labor of carrying in the corncobs for the kitchen stove is avoided, for an immense bin is filled through an outside window, opening into a chute in the kitchen opposite the stove. The commodious back porch is screened in with wire so that flies will be an unknown quantity, while the kitchen doors and windows can be left wide open. The work in such a home will be a positive pleasure, and shows a marked contrast to the drudgery of the ordinary farm house devoid of any such conveniences. We describe this model farm and home in full in order to incite other farmers in western Nebraska to go and do likewise in imitating the taste and desire for home comforts, and enjoyment exhibited here. With such homes as this, the desire of the boys and girls of western Nebraska to get into the city will disappear, and they will be perfectly contented to remain on the farms.
After varied experience in farming, both in Illinois and eastern Nebraska, Mr. Hummel prefers Phelps county to any other place. He bought his land here in 1889 at eighteen dollars per acre, and now it is worth seventy-five. In Kane county, Illinois, land is worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars while here the soil is as good, and much easier worked. Except for the year 1894, Mr. Hummel has had the best of success with wheat, oats and corn. He advocates the fall sowing of alfalfa, and has put this in practice on his own farm with good success. He has raised a quantity of registered Poland-China hogs, for which he finds a profitable home market. One year he exhibited this stock at the county fair and took away all the prizes with the classes shown. He is now going into the cattle business with registered Shorthorns, considering this breed the best. He has also raised good Percheron horses, and is well posted on this subject as well as all matters pertaining to progressive farming. Mr. Hummel finds it profitable to feed from two to three cars of cattle every winter, and considers no place better fitted for feeding cattle for the spring market, starting them in October and giving them a five or six months' feed.
Mr. Hummel was married in 1889 to Miss Annah Clark, of Humboldt, Nebraska, daughter of George W. Clark. Mr. and Mrs. Hummel have one son, H. L. Hummel, Jr., and a daughter, Mabelle Anna.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Jacob H. Jacobson, for the past twenty years a prominent representative of the ranching community of Box Butte and Cherry counties, Nebraska, has a pleasant home in section 20, township 29, range 37. He is one of the worthy citizens of that region, and his success and good name are well merited.
Mr. Jacobson was born in Moedom, Norway, in 1855, where he grew to the age of five years, then with his parents came to America, the family settling in Houston county, Minnesota, on a farm, and were among the pioneers of that part of the state, the father's death occurring there in the fall of 1871 and the mother died in that state March 25, 1907. Our subject grew to manhood in Minnesota, following farming all the time, after the death of his father assuming entire charge of the home farm, carrying it on for two years, when he left the state, taking with him a yoke of oxen, covered wagon and personal effects, and drove through to Madison county, Nebraska, where he settled on a farm. There he went through many discouragements, witnessing grasshopper raids and suffered severely from crop losses, but stuck to the place for eighteen years, and succeeded in building up a good farm and home. From there Mr. Jacobson went to Box Butte county, where he picked out a location southeast of Hemingford, landing there in 1886, having driven through from Newman's Grove, a distance of two hundred and fifty miles.
After working hard to put in crops the first season on his new farm, our subject was dried out, losing even the seed he had planted, and being convinced that he was unable to make a living on that farm he decided to try another location, so came to Cherry county in the fall of 1890, picking out a location on Gordon creek, where he started in the cattle business, beginning on a small scale and gradually increasing his herd, and has a fine ranch with plenty of pasture and range land for his stock, the place consisting of eighteen quarter sections deeded, besides a good deal of leased land. He sold out his Box Butte ranch about six or seven years ago, after being here in Cherry county some time. He claims he sold out a little too soon, as land advanced rapidly since his selling out in Box Butte county.
Mr. Jacobson was married in 1883 to Miss Kristiane Stensrud, who was born in Norway and came to America in 1880. Mr. Jacobson's brother Charles married a sister of our subject's wife, Josephine Stensrud, and the two families are closely associated in the ranching business. The brothers have been in partnership ever since locating in Box Butte county, and together they have built up a splendid property, being counted among the leading ranchmen of the county, who rake an active part in the affairs of their community and are highly esteemed by all who know them. In politics they are Republicans.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
August Helmbold, a leading old settler in Nebraska, resides in a pleasant and comfortable home in Rushville, and is well known and highly esteemed in the community in which he lives.
Mr. Helmbold is a native of Germany, born in 1853 on a farm in Saxony. His father, Henry Helmbold, died in his native land about 1878. Our subject grew up in his native country, starting to learn the butcher's trade at the age of fourteen years, and continued at this work up to the time he left Germany, which was in 1881. He crossed the sea and landed in New York with his wife, whom he had married in the fatherland in 1879. The had one child, a boy, Edward, and in 1902 Mr. Helmbold had the sad misfortune in the death of his wife, who had been a true helpmeet in his labors in the new world, assisting him in building up a home and sharing all his failures and successes here. After landing in this country Mr. Helmbold came to Ida Grove, Iowa, residing at that place up to 1885, working at the butcher's trade, then came on to Rushville in July of that year, where he opened the first meat market in that place. Here he took up a homestead and proved up on it, operating this farm in connection with his other business and being very successful from the start.
Mr. Helmbold has conducted his meat market here for over twenty-two years, and has with him his son Edward, who is interested in the business also. He had practically no capital when he started here in 1885, and has gained all he has through his own efforts, devoting his untiring energy to the building up of his trade and always running a first-class market. He also owns a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, on which he runs on hundred and twenty-five head of cattle and fifteen horses. He owns his house and lot in town, besides the building in which he has his meat market.
Mr. Helmbold was married the second time in 1903 to Mrs. Emilia Milbrandt, who was a widow with two children, both girls, named Mary and Bertha.
In political faith Mr. Helmbold is a stanch Republican and takes a commendable interest in all local affairs.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Pete Rasmussen, one of the patriotic and public-spirited citizens of Sioux county, Nebraska, is a striking and impressive representative of his section of the country. He is well known to all as an old settler and influential man, held in the highest esteem by his fellow-men.
Mr. Rasmussen was born in Denmark in 1860 on a farm. His father, Rasmus Jensen, a weaver by trade, lived and died in his native country, and our subject was raised and educated there, learning the tailor's trade as a young man, and also assisting his father in carrying on the farm work. In 1881 he came to America, and after landing in New York City came directly west to Dakota City, Nebraska, remaining there for three years. In 1885 he came to Dawes county, driving from Dakota City with a team and wagon, spending the nights camped out along the road, the journey taking a whole month. He was accompanied by his brother Nels, and after arriving at their destination took up a homestead twelve miles from Crawford, where they built a log house and "batched it" for two years. They began breaking up the land, part of our subject's time being spend in eastern Nebraska. They lived on the homestead for two years, going through the usual pioneer experiences in handling ox teams, freighting, etc. Mr. Rasmussen also took up a pre-emption in Dawes county and lived there for about eleven years, building up a comfortable home and farm, then was overtaken by the drouths (sic) and meeting with much loss and discouragement decided to leave, and taking his fourteen head of cattle he rented a farm in the county on which he remained for one season. He had made but little money on his place, and was obliged to make a fresh start, so he took charge of the head gate of the Crawford Irrigation Canal and held that position for four years, at the same time running a small bunch of cattle. In 1900 he purchased his present farm in section 1, township 31, range 53, Sioux county, also took up a homestead adjoining this land and began in the stock raising business quite extensively, in partnership with J. E. Porter, of Crawford. Here he runs over four hundred head of cattle and carries on mixed farming on sixty acres of highly cultivated land. He has a fine patch of forty acres of alfalfa, and has added many improvements on his farm, and it is one of the valuable properties in the region. He located on a line of the Dead Man's Telephone Company, and gets connection with Crawford, Harrison and Chadron right from his house. His residence is on Dead Man's creek.
In 1887 Mr. Rasmussen was united in marriage to Miss Anna Madsen, a native of Denmark, who came to this country when a girl, settling in Dawes county, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Rasmussen are the parents of seven children, who are named as follows: Christina, Hans, Minnie, Clara, Anna, Martha and Grace. The family are (sic) popular in their community, and are true and worthy citizens, enjoying a peaceful and happy home surrounded by a host of warm friends and kind neighbors.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JOHN BRENNAN
The gentleman herein named is one of the largest ranchmen of western Nebraska, having his home in Alliance, his extensive ranch being in Deuel county. He is a leading old settler of western Nebraska, and has been in this part of the state since the early days, watching the region grow from its beginning to be the prosperous country it is today, and has been largely instrumental in its development and growth.
Mr. Brennan was born at Stratford, Ontario, in 1869. His father, Martin Brennan, was born in Ireland, and married Mary Fitzgerald, also a native of Ireland, they coming to American when quite young with their parents, and were married in Canada. The father was a lumberman; and when our subject was five years of age the family came to Michigan and located in the lumber district, where he was raised and educated, working in the woods in winter as soon as he was old enough, being employed on the log drives in the spring. For a time he was under sheriff of Bay county, Michigan, this office being the same as deputy sheriff in Nebraska. In 1887 he came to Nebraska, driving from Hay Springs to Box Butte county by stage, then to Nonpariel, where he took up a pre-emption and proved up on it. In the spring of the following year he came to Alliance and here established a cattle ranch in the sand hills southeast of the town about thirty-five miles, in Deuel county, Nebraska. His first buildings were of sod, and he put in nearly all of his time on that place up to 1904 and still operates it as a cattle ranch. There are three thousand acres of land in the place, of which two thousand is deeded, and he runs fifteen hundred head of cattle. This is one of the most valuable estates in the county, and through his good management and business judgment it has become one of the bet equipped ranches in the entire region.
In 1903 our subject was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ready, whose parents lived near Detroit, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Brennan have one child, Margaret.
Mr. Brennan has been numbered among the prominent citizens of his community since locating here. He has seen the country grow from almost a vast wilderness to the prosperity it now enjoys, and has aided materially in that growth and development, also taking part in the organization of the county, and witnessed the fights which took place during the time the county seat was located.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
F. M. KIMMELL
Among the very well known and highly respected citizens of the city of McCook, Nebraska, a prominent place is accorded the subject of this review, F. M. Kimmell. He is an old settler in this section of the state, and is familiar with the growth and development of the locality, and gives his best aid in the upbuilding of its commercial and educational interests.
Mr. Kimmell is a native of the state of Pennsylvania, born and raised in Somerset, Somerset county, and after receiving a good education he entered upon newspaper work, obtaining employment with a local paper, and has followed that profession almost continuously since engaging in it in his young manhood. At the age of nineteen he started out for himself, and came west in 1881, locating in Columbus, Nebraska, and at once associated himself with one of the leading newspapers in that city. He also was appointed deputy city clerk, which position he held for a year, and was an efficient and popular official. The Tribune, a leading newspaper of western Nebraska, was established in 1882, and the following year Mr. Kimmell purchased this paper and took entire charge of the business, settling in McCook, where he has since resided. The Tribune is a weekly paper, devoted to the cause of Republicanism, and has a wide circulation all through Redwillow and adjoining counties. The plant has a splendid job department, and is an authentic and interesting news medium. It has always stood stanch (sic) advocate of the interests, development and betterment of this locality, and Mr. Kimmell as its editor and manager has the confidence and esteem of the entire community. In 1898 he was appointed postmaster of McCook, and at the expiration of that term was again appointed, and after serving two years of his third term Mr. Kimmell resigned to devote himself entirely to the newspaper business. The city has grown so rapidly during the past few years that the office has been raised to a second-class one, handling a large amount of business. In 1888 Mr. Kimmell was married to Mabel M. Meserve. This union has been blessed with one child, a son.
Mr. Kimmelll has the distinction of having been elected the first city clerk of McCook, and served from 1883 to 1885, proving a very capable public official, and since then has held different local offices. He is a prominent member of the Masonic lodge at McCook, and is an earnest worker in the Congregational church here.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
DANIEL PRATT
Prominent among the enterprising and progressive citizens of Brown county, Nebraska, and among the number who have been associated with the very early history of this part of the state, their connections with it running back to frontier times and days, is Daniel Pratt, of Ainsworth. While not old in years, and still in the maturity of his manly powers, he has seen Brown county as a dry and thinly settled wilderness, and has witnessed the progressive steps of its conversion into the prosperous community now the delight of the west. Daniel Pratt was born in Cook county, Illinois, not far from Chicago, October 7, 1857, where his boyhood and earlier youth were passed. He was given such educational opportunities as the means of his parents afforded. His father, John B. Pratt, a native of New York, was a farmer, who, in 1884, removed to Nebraska. The mother, Ellen O'Connell, was of Irish parentage. The subject of this narration was the second member of a family of seven children born to their union. Daniel Pratt spent part of his youth in Lee county, Iowa, and in early manhood accompanied his father on his removal to Nebraska. Here he remained at home and worked for his father until his death, which occurred in 1886; after that the subject of this writing followed farming for a couple of years. He then established a business in ice, doing in connection a dray and teaming business, in which he has been very successful. In November, 1907, he disposed of his draying interests, retaining only the ice business, in which he continues. He owns a neat and pleasant home in Ainsworth, also barns and ample accommodation for all his hauling outfit. He is now enjoying a competence which he has acquired by honest and hard work, and which all who know him are glad to see in his possession.
Mr. Pratt was married July 9, 1896, when Miss Emma Meyers became his wife. She was born in Danville, Illinois, and comes of Irish and German stock. They have four children: Ray, Joseph, Clara Berdetta and Joseph Francis. Mr. Pratt votes the Democratic ticket and affiliates with the Masonic, the Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen of Ainsworth.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
WILLIAM TURNER
One of the leading men in Blaine county affairs is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. He operates a very large ranch and is one of the most substantial farmers of the territory. He has always been prominent in politics and has held the office of county judge for the past nine years and in all matters pertaining to social and economical welfare of his community he has exhibited rare qualities of wisdom and judgment.
William Turner is of English nativity, his birth occurring in Gloucestershire, England, March 13, 1859. His parents, Samuel and Emily (Gibbons) Turner, were English people.
When our subject was eight years of age the whole family came to America and settled on a farm in Dane county, Wisconsin, where they lived for three years, and then moved to Mitchell county, Iowa, where they were among the early settlers. Here our subject remained for about nineteen years, receiving his quota of hard work, as most farmers do, and when he was twenty years old started out for himself.
In March, 1879, Mr. Turner was married to Miss Lucy Pike, daughter of Edwin and Diana Pike, natives of England and farmers by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Turner have been the parents of eleven children: William, Joe, Scott, Ester, Mark, Emily, Ruby, Pike, Fred, John and Harry.
In the fall after his marriage our subject came west to Blaine county, Nebraska, and located nine miles northeast of Dunning. His first crop was destroyed by drouth (sic) and hail ruined things in 1891, and our subject had a hard time to support his family, but pluck and endurance won at last, although it was several years before better days dawned. In 1891 he located on the North Loup river, where he engaged in farming and stock raising for sixteen years. He has had many hard experiences. Once during a terrible windstorm his windmill was blown down, his wagons injured and the roof of his house was lifted, but was fortunately not blown off. Our subject has a splendid ranch of twelve hundred and eighty acres and operates altogether about four sections of land. He has been successful beyond all his early hopes and he is now enjoying the fruits of many long days of hard and painstaking labor. In politics Mr. Turner affiliates with the Democratic party. He helped establish his school district and has been school director for sixteen years.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
PERRY S. MAILEY
Perry S. Mailey, well and favorably known as a prosperous and successful young farmer of township 24, range 50, in Box Butte county, has met with decided success in his chosen career as an agriculturist, and is the proprietor of a pleasant home and a well improved farm.
Mr. Mailey was born in Nevada, Missouri, on a farm, in 1874. His father was a native of New York state who came west and settled in Missouri, where he went through pioneer experiences, and the father and mother died in Trenton, Missouri, when our subject was an infant. Perry S.. was thus left without a home in a land where all were strangers, so was adopted and taken to raise by John H. Mailey, who is well known as an old settler in Nebraska, locating in the eastern part of the state in 1884 and living as a pioneer near Broken Bow. He improved quite a large tract of land in that vicinity and in 1887 came with his family to Box Butte county. Mr. J. H. Mailey and Perry drove to this region by team with wagon containing their household goods, etc., the trip taking two weeks, and while on the journey spent the nights camped out on the ground. After arriving here they settled on a farm about twelve miles west of where Alliance now stands, although at that time there was no thought of a town on that spot. Mr. Mailey began to improve his place, putting up a rough building as a dwelling, and both father and son helped construct the Burlington Railroad through that section. They worked faithfully and managed to get along in pretty good shape, although they were obliged to content themselves with the usual disappointment in the way of failure of crops, etc., and as our subject grew up he gradually assumed the entire management of the home farm, and was very successful during later years. During this time he had also filed on a homestead and proved up, so is at this time the owner of a fine ranch of six hundred and forty acres, all fenced and with good buildings, wells, plenty of trees and good water, etc. Mr. Mailey is engaged principally in stock raising, but does a little farming. His place is kept up in fine shape, and he is considered one of the well-to-do men of his locality, a thoroughly up-to-date agriculturist, and gives his whole time and attention to operating his farm.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Orvid Kidwell, a prosperous and much respected citizen of the vicinity of Hemingford, in Box Butte county, Nebraska, much deserves the abundant success that has come to him as a reward of industry, economy, and thrift. Mr. Kidwell resides on the southeast quarter of section 18, township 27, range 49, about a half mile south of Hemingford, where he has built a fine house and barn and made other improvements.
Mr. Kidwell was born in Plymouth, Marshall county, Indiana, November 15, 1849. His father was a wagon maker, who died in 1873, and his mother was, prior to her marriage, Charlotte Belangee, she continuing to live in Indiana after her husband's death, where she reared her family. Our subject worked on the home farm up to the time he was twenty-one years old, receiving a common school education, and only a limited one at that, as he was obliged to help support the family and could only attend school for a few months in each year. He began working hard when he was but twelve years old, and learned to do all sorts of hard work, assisting at home and also working out by the day and month in the vicinity of their home.
In 1871 he went to Berrien county, Michigan, and was married there three years later, to Miss Mary Ann Hawkins, of English extraction, born at St. Johns, New Brunswick, They have no children.
Mr. Kidwell farmed in Michigan up to 1885, then came to Nebraska and filed on a homestead and tree claim in Box Butte county, locating in section 1, township 26, range 50. Here he put up sod buildings hauling the lumber for them fifty miles, over the roughest roads, from Camp Clark, from which point he did the first teaming. He lived on that farm for about thirteen years, then was overtaken by the drought periods, losing his entire crops, and from 1890 to 1895 was unable to do more than make a living for himself and family, so gave up the struggle, left his farm and moved to another location. This was in 1896, and here he did well. His farm consists of one thousand one hundred and twenty acres, and he erected good buildings and put everything in first class shape. He farms about one hundred and eighty acres, keeping the balance for hay and pasture land. Mr. Kidwell only owns four hundred and eighty acres now, having sold six hundred and forty acres from his tracts of land. When he first struck this locality he freighted from Valentine, and during those days everything was very high in the way of provisions and feed, corn selling up as high as five cents a pound, and as his crop which he had planted the first season was entirely destroyed, he was unable to get a pound to sell.
Mr. Kidwell is one of the influential men of his locality and has always done his share in building up the region, helping to establish schools, etc., and at different times has held local office. He is a firm believer in the principles of the Republican party.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
ERNEST G. GRAY
Among the younger members of the farming and ranching community of township 23, range 28, Thomas county, the gentleman whose name heads this article occupies a prominent place. He is a young man of industrious habits, who has exercised good judgment in the operation of his estate and has been well repaid for his labors in the possession of a valuable estate and pleasant home in section 11.
Ernest G. Gray, was born in the eastern part of Canada in 1874. His father, George Gray, was also a native of the country, and a well-known farmer and ranchman, who came with his family to the United States when Ernest was a boy of seven years, settling in Dawson county, Nebraska, where they went through pioneer experiences in building up a home. The father filed on a homestead, and there our subject was reared, attending the common schools and assisting his father in carrying on the farm, living there up to 1890, when they came to Thomas county and started a farm. Ernest started for himself, taking up government land, on which he lived until 1904, then sold the old homestead and moved to his present location, which is situated a short distance east of Thedford. Here he has a ranch of many acres, which is all deeded land, and he leases six hundred and forty acres of school land, engaging almost exclusively in cattle raising. He has the entire ranch fenced, and has good buildings and improvements of every kind for operating a model ranch.
In 1907 Mr. Gray married Miss Elsie Ernst. whose parents are old settlers in Nebraska, now residing in Cherry county. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have one baby girl, Rosie, now three and a half months old.
Mr. Gray is active in local affairs, and is a public-spirited citizen. He has been assessor of his township for two terms.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
LARS C. CHRISTENSEN
To the pioneers of a country is due most of the credit for the prosperity enjoyed there in after years. Among those who went to western Nebraska and have remained to enjoy prosperity, a prominent place is accorded the gentleman here named. He braved the hardships of pioneer life and despite losses and discouragements, worked steadily and earnestly, and is now one of the substantial citizens of Kimball county, Nebraska, where he has a valuable farm. He has not only witnessed the growth of the agricultural resources of that region, but has been a potent factor in bringing about the same, and well merits his success and high standing.
Lars C. Christensen, whose portrait appears on another page, was born in Denmark, April 16, 1864, and lived there until he was fifteen years of age. The whole family came to America at that time, settling in Douglas county, Nebraska. There were three girls and himself, and they all went to work with a will to build up a home in the new country. The father homesteaded in Holt county, Nebraska, and eventually proved up on a tract of land, which they converted into a comfortable home and improved a good farm. The father died in Holt county in 1891, and our subject's mother is now residing in Fremont, Neb., with a daughter, while one daughter is married and lives at Loup City, Nebraska.
Mr. Christensen settled in Kimball county in 1889, taking a homestead in section 10, township 16, range 54, proved up on the land, and has since added to his original farm until he now owns one and half sections of splendid land. He has it all improved in good shape, cultivating about one hundred and fifty acres, and is engaged quite extensively in the stock business, running one hundred head of cattle and other stock. He has good buildings of all kinds, and every improvement for the proper operation of his ranch. Mr. Christensen is unmarried. He is a Republican, has held school offices, and has also served as road overseer for some time.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
A. W. Fleming, born in Cook county, Illinois, came to Phelps county, Nebraska, in 1892, purchasing the southeast quarter section 28, and resided on it and farmed from that time up to 1904, when he rented out his land but still occupies his pleasant home with his family, consisting of himself, wife and two daughters. He is a son of A. W. and Margaret (Scott) Fleming. His father was an active and leading citizen of his community, and strong anti-slavery advocate, dying when still a young man. The widowed mother, imbued with the beliefs of her husband, was an ardent worker during the late war in support of the soldiers and devoted her time to relieving their pressing wants in the way of clothing and supplies, and in this she was assisted by our subject, then a mere lad. Both parents of our subject were born in Scotland and came to America when young people.
At the age of twenty-one years Mr. Fleming left his home, then in Bureau county, Illinois, and settled in Champaign county, where he bought a 160-acre farm and operated it successfully up to 1892, then sold it out and came to Nebraska. Since coming here he has built up a fine property, and is perfectly satisfied with conditions. He greatly prefers the clear, bracing and healthful climate of Nebraska with its abundance of pure water from deep wells, and as he has just returned from a visit to Illinois where he has spent three weeks of the month of August, states that he could scarcely breath there owing to the oppressive heat. Illinois land is now selling all the way from $175 to $200 per acre, and the land here at $60 and $80 per is just as productive and much easier worked, although in his opinion, our farmers need give heed to better tilling of the soil and consequent farming of less acres than has been the rule. In Illinois there is practically no wheat grown, while here wheat, corn and oats as well as alfalfa can be successfully grown, which makes Nebraska a veritable "promised land." Mr. Fleming is married: his wife was in maidenhood, Miss Louisa House, daughter of Absalom House. Mr. and Mrs. Fleming are the parents of two daughters, Ida and Maggie, both pupils of the Holdrege High School. The family are members of the M. E. church of Holdrege, of which Mr. Fleming was a trustee for a long time.
Mr. Fleming is an active Republican, and has been a delegate to state and county conventions at different times. He is a man of wide experience, and takes an active interest in all local affairs.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Harry V. Downing, one of the prosperous ranchers of township 29, range 37, owns a fine ranch of seventeen hundred acres on section 30, and adjoining section, and is a progressive and industrious member of his community.
Mr. Downing was born in Jones county, Iowa, in 1868. Henry A. Downing, the father of our subject, was an old settler in Cherry county, Nebraska, and a prominent veteran of the civil war, passing through the state of Nebraska and other western states with the United States troops during the early days on Indian campaigns, and was one of the leading old-timers of the region. He passed many years in Iowa, where Harry was reared and educated, and when he was a lad of twelve the family came to Butler county, Nebraska, where the father homesteaded and proved up on his claim, and after a short residence there returned to Iowa. In 1888 our subject come (sic) to Cherry county, traveling by way of a covered wagon from Iowa, spending six months on the trip, camping out along the way, their first location being twenty-two miles east of the town of Gordon. Mr. Downing first worked all over that country as a cowboy, and finally took a homestead, "batching it" for several years, and proved up on the place, and established his first ranch.
In 1894 Mr. Downing came to his present location, this ranch having been established in 1888, which was the property of Mrs. Jasen H. Cole, who was an old settler in the county, she owning part of the ranch in her own right. This has been improved in splendid shape by our subject, all fenced, and a fine set of buildings which he has erected. He has bought other land from time to time and now the place contains about one thousand seven hundred in all. He cultivates twenty acres only, using it almost exclusively as stock ranch, and has met with splendid success along these lines. At times since locating here Mr. Downing has suffered severe losses caused by blizzards, his greatest loss being in 1892, when property and stock destroyed amounted to 40 per cent. In May, 1809, Mr. Downing purchased the Gates & Ganow ranch, containing one thousand six hundred acres joining his present ranch on the southwest, one of the best hay ranches in the county, yielding about one thousand to one thousand one hundred tons each season.
In 1897, Mr. Downing married Mrs. Sadie Cole, widow of Jasen H. Cole, whose maiden name was McCawley. By her first marriage she was the mother of two children: Jay and Ray Cole, now attending the high school at Hastings, Nebraska. Jay expects to graduate this session; and of her second marriage two children have been born, George, now aged eight years, attending school at Kings, Cherry county, Nebraska; and Doris, aged three years.
Mr. Downing is identified with the Republican party politically, and is one of the leading men in local affairs.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
J. B. MESSNER
The gentleman above named, living a retired life in Minden, Nebraska, is one of the oldest settlers in Nebraska, having come to Richardson county in 1876 where he bought a farm for five dollars per acre, and after farming it for one year sold it for one thousand four hundred dollars, an advance of over six hundred dollars over what he paid for it. He then bought another farm, for which he paid two thousand dollars, improved with house, and after keeping this for four years and adding some improvements, disposed of the place at a profit of four thousand dollars. He was most successful in every undertaking, and everything he touched seemed to turn to money. In 1883 he came to Hastings, where he purchased three hundred and twenty acres, paying for this land five thousand eight hundred dollars, and after holding it for a year sold it for eight thousand, then came to Kearney county two years later and bought a farm of one thousand and eighty acres in May township which he used for a stock ranch. He also bought one hundred and sixty acres at Hartwell, and made that his home for several years, engaged in the cattle feeding and shipping business, with Omaha as a market. He left there in 1893 and moved to Perkins county, then returned to Kearney in February of that year and has since that time farmed in this locality. In 1901 he came to Minden and has resided in that town since that time. He owns a farm in Phelps county, also one in Clay county and one hundred and sixty acres which adjoins Clay Centre.
Mr. Messner was born in Dauphin county, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and is a son of John Messner, who came to Ogle county, Illnois, in 1847, from Dauphin county, Pennsylvania.
Before coming to Nebraska Mr. Messner farmed in Henry county, Illinois, and states that a man can make more money here than in that state, considering the amount invested. He raises fully as good crops here and the yield is as large and prices obtained equally as good.
While living in Illinois Mr. Messner enlisted in the 92d Illinois Infantry in 1862, and served up to May, 1865, participating in the battle of Cumberland and in all of the battles of that regiment until after the fall of Atlanta, and was discharged at St. Louis on account of sickness. He was at Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, the Resaca raid around Atlanta, and many other famous battles, and during all that time was never wounded.
In 1903 Mr. Messner was married to Mrs. P. J. Merrill, who came with her first husband, P. J. Merrill, from Bradford county, Pennsylvania, settling where Newark now stands in Kearney county, in 1878. Mr. Merrill was engaged in the grain business at that place. He was county commissioner about 1888 and Democratic candidate for county clerk previous to 1883. He died in 1893 at the age of forty-two years, leaving a widow and four children, Lena, Reye, Scott and Mason. Her maiden name was Hattie Sinsabaugh, all of her relatives residing in Pennsylvania, when she came west, and after coming to Nebraska, she saw the first house ever erected in Minden, which was moved here from Lowell.
Mr. and Mrs. Messner are members of the M. E. church and he is one of its trustees. He is also a member of the G. A. R. post at Minden.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Dan W. Hughes, one of the well-known citizens of Box Butte county, Nebraska, is a prosperous and well-to-do business of Alliance, where he had lived for many years.
Mr. Hughes was born in Youngstown, Ohio, in 1865. His father, James Hughes, was born in Wales, and followed the occupation of miner and farmer. He married Lydia H. Jackson, of English descent, after settling in America, and when our subject was seven years old, the family moved on a farm in Ohio, where he was reared, and in his boyhood attended the same school that our late President William McKinley did when he was a boy. He later attended the Ohio State University and received a good education. In 1886 he came to Box Butte county, driving out from Hay Springs, and took up government land located two miles south of the site of Alliance, and put up his first building, which was a sod shanty. Here he "batched it" and worked out, later taking up a homestead west of Broncho Lake, and proved up on it. He was in this part of the state for about eight years, then went back to Ohio where he worked his father's farm for four years, when the latter died, then returned to Nebraska. During the year 1898 he worked for his father-in-law, who was in the ice business at Alliance, and the following year he bought the business and has run it ever since, and has an extensive trade. For one year he was in the livery business here, also spent a short time railroading. He a man of industrious habits and good business ability, and has been successful in his different enterprises, always giving his best efforts to whatever he has in hand, which is the secret of success in any line of work.
In June, 1894, Mr. Hughes married Miss Mary Fenner, daughter of Rosell Fenner, one of the pioneers of Alliance, settling in the town in 1888. His family came in on the first emigrant train that came here, and he took up government land which he afterwards proved up on. Mrs. Hughes' mother was Miss Merica E. Chritton, and the family were originally from Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Hughes one child was born, Estelle.
Mr. Hughes is a Republican, takes an active interest in politics and for the past several years has served as a delegate to different conventions and on the central committee. He is a member of the school board, and has the distinction of being the youngest and oldest member of that board. Mr. and Mrs. Fenner, parents of Mrs. Dan. Hughes, have been married forty-two years and are still quite active at their present advanced age. Mr. Rosell Fenner served about four years in the civil war.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Jackson Billeter, long familiar to the people of Ainsworth, Brown county, where his fortunes have been cast for many years, is a striking representative of those sturdy qualities and manly virtues that somehow peculiarly marked the pioneer settlers of Nebraska. His career demonstrates the value of persistent and well directed effort and the competence which he has ac-acquired (sic) stands for hard and faithful work. Mr. Billeter was born on a farm in Clay county, Indiana, April 25, 1851, and comes of a family in whose veins flow mingled English, Irish, Scotch and Welsh blood, and the combination in part may account for the vim and energy he is wont to display. His father, Penthus Billeter, was a farmer, and died in Iowa, after having tried settlement in Nebraska in 1855, but remaining here only a year. Indians were then at the height of their insubordination, and in 1856 he betook himself to Harrison county, Iowa, and the year following to Shelby and for more than thirty years was identified with Iowa interests and occupations.
Jackson Billeter found life on an Iowa farm full of hard work, and grew to manhood familiar with toil. He was married May 11, 1874, to Miss Sarah E. Kniss. She was a native of Wabash county, Indiana, a daughter of Abraham and Margaret (McMurlen) Kniss, the former born in West Virginia, the latter in Pennsylvania. They have two children, William E. and Orval K., born in Nebraska.
For some two years after their marriage, the Billeters pursued farming in Iowa, but in July, 1877, came into Cass county, Nebraska, on their way to Texas. Mrs. Billeter however, was in such poor health that they could not continue the journey, and stopped in Cass county, making their home with relatives for a time. Mr. Billeter came into Brown county in 1882, reaching Ainsworth on the twenty-fifth day of April of that year. The long journey from Cass county across country was made in a covered wagon, and required some six weeks for its completion. There were four families who came together, and thus formed a company that relieved the trip of much of its tedium. Mr. Billeter made a homestead entry in section 8, township 30, range 22, where he constructed a shanty, which the following year gave place to a sod house, much more roomy and comfortable.
Good fortune has waited on honest effort and Mr. Billeter has acquired title to a half section of land, of which about two hundred and twenty acres are under thorough cultivation, improved with a good farm house, barns and sheds.
The good character, integrity and industry of the subject of this article have won him the kind opinion of the public. In politics he is a Democrat.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Benjamine E. Brothers, one of the influential stock growers of Kimball county, resides on a fine ranch in section 28, township 16, range 53. Mr. Brothers was born September 18, 1852, in Richland county, Illinois, and was the third of eleven children in his father's family. Three sisters are living, the others are now dead.
When our subject was about seven years of age, the family removed to Logan county and from thence to Dewitt, Illinois, remaining there until the spring of 1888. At that time Mr. Brothers came to Cheyenne county, Nebraska, locating in what is now Kimball county, arriving here at 9 o'clock February 18, 1888. He took a pre-emption in the southwest quarter of section 8, township 16, range 53, and located a homestead on section 22 in the same township, and now has land in section 28 of this township. He has a splendid ranch of four hundred and eighty acres, cultivating 65 acres and using the balance for hay and grazing purposes. The farm contains good improvements and is well-equipped for stock raising. He runs about one hundred head each year. He also runs a good bunch of horses.
Benjamine E. Brothers was married August 16, 1874, to Miss Lizzie L. Henderson, a native of Dewitt county, Illinois, where the wedding was performed. Mr. and Mrs. Brothers have five children: William, now married and living on the northeast quarter of section 8, township 16, range 53; Minnie, now Mrs. D. K. Atkins; Charles, single; Cora L., single; and Emma, now Mrs. Charles Stanton, living in Cheyenne county.
Mr. Brothers is a Democrat in politics and is active in public matters. Mrs. Brothers is postmistress at Bethel postoffice (sic). This office was located on our subject's farm in 1906. He cast his lot here on wild prairie land, and with but a small start succeeded in building a comfortable home and farm. Many antelope were to be seen in this region in those days and at times bothered to such an extent that he had trouble in keeping them out of the garden. Mr. and Mrs. Brothers have witnessed the hard time of those early days and know well by experience the hardships of frontier life. Mr. Brothers had to be away a good part of the time, as he was engaged in railroad work, and at these times his wife had the care of the place alone.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Enos R. Barnes, a prominent stock raiser of Cherry county, Nebraska, was born on a farm in Fillmore county, Minnesota, September 30, 1860. His father, Alvah E. Barnes, was a farmer, and his mother was Miss Cornelia McMillan, both of good old American stock.
Enos. R. Barnes was the second in a family of five children. When our subject was 11 years of age the family settled in Butler county, Iowa, where he was raised and educated, and there learned to do all kinds of hard farm work. At the age of twenty he came to Niobrara City, Nebraska, and made settlement, taking a homestead in Holt county. His first house was a dug out, and here he "batched" it for four years, his experiences being many and varied, handling ox teams, and meeting with all the phases of life on a range.
Mr. Barnes proved up on his homestead, and in 1886 was married to Miss Fluttie Sherman, a native of Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Her father, Theodore Sherman, was a farmer and old settler in Holt county, Nebraska, who was married to Mary Galbraith, a native of Ohio. To this union five children have been born, who are named as follows: Elmer, Myrtle, wife of Walter Gooden, Howard, Alvah (now dead), and Eva.
In the spring of 1887 the family moved to Cherry county, locating on the Snake river, thirty miles from a railroad, and there went through hard times and the usual pioneer experiences. Much of our subject's time was spent in cutting fence posts which he hauled to Cody and sold for eight cents each, or collecting bones from the prairies and selling at the same place. This was their only source of "grub stake."
Mr. Barnes started in life with a very small amount of capital, but with a strong constitution and any amount of energy and perseverance. He encountered many obstacles in his struggle, was often compelled to camp out doors nights, and may times found himself without even the necessaries of life. His first habitation in Cherry county in 1894, was built of logs with a dirt roof, and was made without a nail. A better house was later constructed in which the family lived until the fall of 1905, when he took Kinkaid homestead of four hundred and eighty acres, located in section 2, township 30, range 34, of Cherry county, Nebraska. which is his present home. He now has fifty acres of cultivated land, and altogether owns nine hundred and sixty acres. He is engaged principally in stock raising, having a herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle, and has met with great success in this direction.
Mr. Barnes is considered one of the successful men of the county, and enjoys the esteem and respect of all who know him. In politics he is a Democrat, and a member of the Cody lodge, Modern Woodmen of America.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
LESTER B. WEAVER
For many years past the gentleman above named has been a part of the growth of the commercial and agricultural interests in that part of Grant county near and in the town of Whitman, and has been largely instrumental in the success of that thriving town, where he now makes his home, engaged in the lumber and general merchandise business, and is one of the prominent men in the place, giving his personal aid and influence in every movement which is started for the advancement of the locality.
Lester B. Weaver was born in Winnebago county, Illinois, in 1857. His parents settled in that state in 1852, the father, George, following farming all his life. He was a native of New York state, of Holland Dutch stock. He married Mary E. Moore, of English descent, born in Massachusetts, and her ancestors were of that distinguished colony who came to America in the Mayflower in 1620. Lester was raised in Illinois, spending a part of his boyhood on the farm, and the balance in the city of Rockford, working at the carpenter's trade. When he was twenty-three years of age he left home and worked as a carpenter, following that trade for seven years. He came west in 1887, driving through different parts of Nebraska looking over the country in search of a desirable location, finally pre-empting a claim on June 1st, of the latter year, situated seven miles northeast of Whitman, at that time Weir being the nearest shipping point. When he came into the vicinity there were seven cars of immigrants, whole families coming to make settlement, scattering all over this region. Our subject started to do carpenter work and built up many homes in and around Hyannis and Whitman. In the fall of 1898 he secured employment as a clerk in a general store and continued in the work up to 1901, when he was appointed postmaster of the Whitman village. During that time he also purchased a drug stock and carried on the business for a time, disposing of it in 1902. In the latter part of 1901 he bought an interest in the Whitman Lumber Yard and soon added to this coal, builders' hardware, farm machinery, barbed wire, etc., and has developed a splendid trade. He has lately established a general store, has a big stock of goods, representing about eight thousand dollars worth, and is doing a large business.
Mr. Weaver was married in 1879, to Miss Viola Phipps, whose parents were old settlers in Michigan. Three children were born to this marriage, but they all died of diphtheria within a week in November, 1889. Their names and age at death were as follows: Emma, aged nine years; Mena, aged six years; and Sadie, aged three years.
Mr. Weaver is one of the leading citizens in local affairs, having held different offices for many years past, serving as county judge, jus-public. (sic) He has taken an active part in establish-tice (sic) of the peace, and for eleven years as notarying and building up the schools in his section, and by his deep interest in the welfare of his community holds a high place in the esteem of his fellowmen. He is a prominent member of the Modern Woodmen of America Lodge, and has been clerk of that organization for the past eleven years. He is also an I. O. O. F. and has held office in that lodge since 1900.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JOHN I. DAVIS
Among the energetic and prosperous business men of Harrison, Sioux county, Nebraska, none stands higher in the estimation of his community than John I. Davis, who has devoted many years of his career to the pursuit of agriculture and helped develop this section of the state into the fertile farming community it now represents. He has met with pronounced success in the ventures he has made along all lines, and is now in a position to enjoy the results of his hard labors.
Mr. Davis was born in Washara county, Wisconsin, in 1860. His parents were both of old American stock and were early pioneer settlers in Minnesota, where they spent about fifteen years. They then came to Valley county, Nebraska, in 1877, where they bought land and started to build up a farm. Later they moved to Sioux county, arriving January 3, 1887, and filed on a homestead near Harrison, the county seat. Our subject's father was an old soldier in the Civil war, enlisting in Minnesota in 1862 and seeing hard service up to 1865. His hard campaigning left him in bad health and never afterwards was what you could call a well man. He ran the Commercial Hotel in Harrison at one time, and was postmaster under the Harrison administration up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1891.
He went through all the pioneer experiences in this section, having a hard time to get his farm started, and during those days worked as a clerk in different business houses in Harrison. He held the office of county treasurer for one term, receiving the election in 1901. In 1903 he began in the mercantile business in Harrison, purchasing the business from Marsteller Bros. The business was established in 1886 by D. H. Griswold. Mr. Davis carries a full and complete line of goods, conducts his store on strictly business principles and has one of the best houses of its kind in Sioux county, enjoying a very lucrative patronage from all over the county. He handles furniture, dry goods and all kinds of merchandise.
In October, 1885, Mr. Davis was married to Miss Alice Hutchins, who shared with him the early hardships and privations they met with on first settling here, and together they have enjoyed the prosperity which has come to them in later years. They have an interesting family of three sons and three daughters, namely: Archie, Dan, Edna, Rosseta, John and Wanda.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Hon. J. A. Wilcox, who occupies a prominent place among the worthy citizens of McCook, Nebraska, is one of the best known men in this section of the country.
Mr. Wilcox is a native of Canaan, New York, his father, Sylvester C. Wilcox, having been a practicing physician in Columbia county, New York, for over forty years, and his brother, Joseph Wilcox, was a soldier in the War of 1812, having participated in the battle of Sackett's Harbor. Our subject has always been a Republican, and his first vote in 1864 was cast for Abraham Lincoln. At this time he was serving in the Army of the James. He had enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth New York Regiment, at Hudson, New York, in 1862, and served in the same up to 1864, when he was promoted to first lieutenant of the Thirty-eight colored troops and went with his company to Texas, where he was adjutant of the regiment for ten months, and was mustered out at Richmond, Virginia, about January 13, 1867. He was provost marshal and aide de camp, Second Brigade, First Division, Twenty-fifth Army Corps; also commanded the company about ten months under Sheridan.
After the war closed he moved to Gillman, Illinois, and in 1870 entered the mercantile business there. He came to McCook in 1884 and opened a mercantile and grocery business, and has been in this ever since under the firm name of Wilcox Bros., or Wilcox & Fowler, or J. A. Wilcox & Son, the latter, E. J. Wilcox, now being clerk of Redwillow county, serving his third term. In 1888 our subject was elected a member of the Twenty-first session of the Nebraska legislature, and it was in that session the law was passed to amend the constitution so as to submit liquor licenses to be voted on by the people, which was carried in the legislature but lost in election. E. J. Wilcox served as city clerk, and also as city treasurer of McCook for many years, and in the year 1894 was a candidate before the state convention for secretary of state.
Mr. Wilcox was married in 1882 to Miss Callie Smith, of Washington, Illinois, and they have two children, E. J., above mentioned, and one daughter, now Mrs. C. R. Woodruff, of McCook.
Mr. Wilcox is a prominent member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery; belongs to the Woodmen, Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Maccabees. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and president of the board of trustees, which office he has held since its organization in 1884. This was the first church built in western Nebraska, and cost nearly twenty thousand dollars. He is also first commander of the Grand Army of the Republic post of this district, and past commander of the district and post.
He takes a general interest in all matters of national, state and local affairs, and is a man of much activity of mind and a citizen of true worth. He has two brothers also living here, both successful stock and ranchmen.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Benjamin F. Ray, one of the prominent business men and deservedly esteemed citizens of Rushville, Nebraska, is a man of exceptional business capacity, who has met with a great measure of success as an artist and photographer. He established his present gallery, in May, 1900, and is thoroughly competent in this line of work.
Mr. Ray was born in Rushville, Indiana, in 1858. His father, William H. Ray, now seventy-five years of age, was a carpenter by trade, and his family of nine children, of whom our subject is the eldest, were raised in their native state. At the age of twenty-one he came to eastern Nebraska, where he lived for three years and followed the profession of a teacher in the Saunders county schools. From there he went to Ottertail county, Minnesota, and after taking up a homestead continued teaching and remained until he proved up on his farm, then went back to his old home in Indiana.
In 1891 he came to Crawford, Dawes county, Nebraska, and taught school for eight years. During these years he devoted a great deal of time to the study of photography, and spent some time in Chicago learning retouching and becoming familiar with all branches of the work. In 1893 Mr. Ray took a special course while residing in Chadron attending the Chadron Academy.
In 1881 Mr. Ray was married to Miss Harriet Rowe, whose father was a farmer of German descent, an old soldier in the Union army and an ardent Republican in politics, who used to say "he always voted as he shot." Two children were born of this union, Ernest and Erwin, and the mother forfeited her life in giving birth to them.
Mr. Ray married again in 1898, this time to Miss Amy Leek, whose father was Rev. William Leek, a minister of the Baptist church of Missouri and one of the pioneers of that state. This marriage occurred in Chadron, Nebraska, where Mr. Ray met Miss Leek. She was also a school teacher in Dawes county. Three children have been born to them, namely: Dorothy, Harold and Margaret. The family have a pleasant and happy home and are popular residents of the town.
Mr. Ray has always taken an active interest in politics in the county and is classed among the public-spirited men of his community. He is now serving as one of the deputy assessors of his district.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Sheridan Williams, one of the prominent early settlers of Harlan county, Nebraska, resides at Alma, where he has a comfortable home and a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He is widely known in this section as a successful, prosperous farmer and stockman.
Mr. Williams is a native of Illinois, and was born in 1867. His father, Weyman W. Williams, came to Nebraska from Adair county, Missouri, locating in Harlan county with his family in 1886. He served for over four years during the war in the Sixty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Company D. This regiment was made up from volunteers of Hancock, Illinois, and saw hard service in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Georgia, and was with Sherman in all his campaigns. Mr. Williams was in many battles, including the battles of Vicksburg, Shiloh and Corinth, also at Atlanta and other famous actions, and never received a wound. The Williams family originally came from Kentucky, settling in Illinois in the pioneer days of the state. Our subject's mother was a Miss Annie Fortney, native of Pennsylvania.
In 1886 Mr. Williams came to Nebraska and settled in Harlan county. He first rented land, and later bought a farm in Eldorado township, consisting of four hundred and eighty acres, selling off three hundred and twenty acres after a short time. In 1904 he moved to Alma, purchasing ten acres on Cook creek, an ideal feeding place. This is supplied with plenty of water and many trees, and is a very valuable piece of property. On this stands the remains of Cook's log house, where one of the first terms of court in the county was held.
Mr. Williams is starting a herd of purebred Poland-China hogs, and is now feeding three hundred and twenty head of cattle. He also keeps a thoroughbred jack and has a McLaughlin Brothers imported horse worth three thousand dollars.
In 1892 our subject was married to Miss Dora Keiser, daughter of Elijah Keiser, who settled on a homestead in Harlan county in 1872, and still lives on the farm he homesteaded then. The Keisers originally came from Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have a family of four sons, namely: Howard, Harry, Lawrence and Paul.
Mr. Williams has been a member of the county board for two terms, and was candidate for sheriff in 1905, representing the Independent party, but lost out and has taken more or less active part in politics ever since.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
PEARL H. DAVIS
The gentleman whose name heads this personal history is one of the prominent residents of Rock county, Nebraska. Mr. Davis was born in Corning, Adams county, Iowa, on September 5, 1879. His father, Harry P. Davis, was a contractor and builder at Corning, still maintaining that business and address. He is of American stock, and married Miss Josephine Ritchie, of English descent, American-born, whose family was among the pioneer settlers in Adams county. There was a family of six children, and of these our subject was the third in order of birth, reared and educated in his home town. In the summer of 1899 he came to Newport and became cashier of the Rock County State Bank, remaining in that position for five years.
In 1903 Mr. Davis was elected county clerk and was re-elected in 1905. On completing his second term in 1907 Mr. Davis opened a real estate office in Newport, in which he is prospering. In politics he is a Democrat, and has always taken an active interest in party politics, being recognized as a man of superior intelligence and judgment, and commanding the respect of all with whom he comes in contact in a business or social way. Mr. Davis owns a three hundred and twenty-acre farm in this county, most of which is in hay land.
In 1902 Mr. Davis was married to Miss Cora Berry, daughter of John H. Berry, a prominent resident of Newport. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been born the following children: Gerald and Glenn. Mrs. Davis was a music teacher prior to her marriage, and had a large class of pupils from both Rock and Holt counties. Mr. Davis is a member of the Masonic fraternity, with lodge affiliations at Bassett, which he has served as master.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JOHN D. HOPKEN
The subject of this sketch, John D. Hopken, is an example of what German thrift and perseverance will accomplish. He was born in Germany, in the northern part of Oldenburgh, February 16, 1853. His father, Johan Herman Hopken, was a baker and merchant, and his mother was Elizabeth Knudson, both born in Germany. Mr. Hopken's youth was spent in the old country in various occupations. He followed the occupation of farming for a time and served in the German army during the war with France and was with his command on French territory for twenty-three months. After leaving the army he was foreman on a government farm for about seven years, and five years were spent as foreman in a coal mine.
Our subject came to America in 1883, sailing from Havre on the "Elbe," and after a voyage of eleven days landed in New York City on February 17. He came direct to Lincoln and thence went to Seward county, where he remained for two years, farming on rented land. He came to Ogallala in 1885 and took a homestead southeast of Ogallala, building a frame shack on the homestead. He had five dollars and one horse when he settled on his homestead, and from this small beginning he has built up the success which is now his. In 1893 he was in good circumstances, but in the big fire of that year he lost twenty-nine head of cattle, his home, barn, granary, harness and furniture and was obliged to borrow money to start anew. He also worked out by the day. So complete was the loss that they used pine sticks in place of forks for a meal or two after the fire; everything was destroyed except their potatoes. Their crops were failures for several years, but Mr. Hopken, although greatly discouraged, did not give up, and when, in 1907, he sold out, he had a ranch of seven hundred acres on the South Platte river, all finely improved with good buildings and machinery. He received ten thousand dollars as the price, and with this he bought his present livery business and a residence in Ogallala, and also has sixty head of horses and one hundred head of cattle.
Mr. Hopken's first wife died some time ago and left one son, J. H. Hopken. Mr. Hopken was married a second time in 1907 to Mrs. Mary Kildare, a native of Ireland, who came to America with her parents in 1883, sailing from Liverpool to Boston. She owns a fine ranch of five hundred acres, with sixty head of horses and a hundred cattle.
Our subject is one of the oldest settlers of Keith county and has done his share in making the county what it is. He has had many discouragements, but, in spite of all, he has persevered and attained his present wealth. He is a member of the Lutheran church, while Mrs. Hopken is a Catholic in faith.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Carl A. Johnson, when but four years of age, settled with his parents in Nebraska in 1879, locating in Colfax county at that time. His father was one of the prominent pioneers of that county. He has gone through all the experiences of the old timers in western Nebraska, and has watched its growth and progress through the different stages of its development, lending his aid willingly and liberally at all times for the bettering of conditions in his locality. Mr. Johnson now resides on section 8, township 22, range 15, Garfield county, where he has a well developed farm and comfortable home one mile east of Deverre postoffice.
Mr. Johnson was born in 1874 in Wisconsin. He came of Norwegian stock, his father and mother having come to this country from Norway in 1867, settling in Wisconsin, where their family of eight children were born. They all came to Nebraska in 1879. The father bought one hundred and twenty acres in Colfax county and started to develop a farm there. He met with good success and then came to Garfield county, Nebraska. In 1901 our subject left home and settled in Garfield county on a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, where his father owned a farm adjoining. Mr. Johnson has always employed progressive methods in his operations, has all of his land under cultivation, raising wheat, oats and corn principally, running only enough stock for his farming and domestic purposes. During 1906 Mr. Johnson raised ten hundred and eighty bushels of oats from thirty-five acres of ground, and thirteen hundred bushels of corn from forty acres, and states that this is much better than could be done on any land in the eastern part of the United States, and it is only a fair average for Nebraska. He is of the opinion that a poor man's chances are the same as two to one between this country and the east. Mr. Johnson came here with but very little capital when he first started out for himself and has built up a good farm and valuable property in a very short time. His place is well supplied with good water, supplied from deep wells with windmills and supply tanks. The place is situated on the tableland and he has no cause to worry about floods, and has never had a water spout or cyclone since living in this region.
Mr. Johnson is a bachelor, a worthy citizen and good friend, belonging to the Lutheran church Burwell. Politically he is a Republican, but has never aspired to office.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
William Weygint, retired, of McCook, Redwillow county, Nebraska, came to the county in 1872, in April of that year, accompanied by Lewis Korn, Judge Hill and George Hunter, the last mentioned three all coming from Tabor, Iowa, and our subject from Vernon, Oneida county, New York. During the first year Mr. Weygint squatted on land here, and in 1873 he took up a homestead where Indianola now stands. There he had one hundred and sixty acres, and he was the first white man to plow a furrow in this region. He had good luck with corn and potatoes on the sod, having a yield of forty bushels per acre. He built a dugout for a house on Boone creek, and in 1874 his wife joined him, also the families of the other men who came here with him, and the four families all settled near together, forming a sort of protection for each other. Soon afterwards ten other families came in, and there was quite a settlement made up. Mr. Weygint lived on that place for twelve years, then the B. & M. Railway came in and cut his land in two pieces, so that part of it was inside the corporation of Indianola, then the county seat. He then sold out the place and moved to Frontier county, locating on a ranch of six hundred and forty acres, and went into the stock business.
Mr. Weygint was born in 1820 in Oneida county, New York. His father, Tobias Weygint, served six years and seven months in the Revolutionary war and died in 1847 at the age of ninety-six years. The Weygint family originally came from Holland, our subject's mother being prior to her marriage Miss Unis Tower, born in New York state, of Scotch descent.
In 1862 Mr. Weygint enlisted in the Tenth New York Cavalry in the Army of the Potomac, and was saddlery sergeant of his regiment. He was in the Wilderness campaign and at Gettysburg, and in all took part in sixty-three regular engagements where artillery was used, and in twenty-four skirmishes, and escaped without receiving a scratch. At different times he had two horses shot out from under him, and can tell any number of interesting anecdotes relating to his experiences while a soldier. After the war he located in Cortland county, New York. He had married in 1844, in that county, Miss Sophronia Blanchard, daughter of William Blanchard, who was born in Vermont, settling in Cortland county with his parents when he was four years old. He served in the War of 1812 in the New York militia. William Blanchard married Laura Taylor, of Cortland county. Mr. and Mrs. Weygint had a family of seven children, as follows: Mrs. Frances Campbell, of McCook, now dead; Mrs. Antoinette Warner, of McCook; William B. Weygint, of Antelope county, retired farmer and ex-soldier of the late war, having served in the Tenth New York Cavalry; H. D. Weygint, of Meadow Grove, Nebraska, commercial traveler; Mrs. Eva Starbuck, of Salt Lake, Utah; and Mrs. Martha Stewart, of McCook. Jessie died at the age of four years.
Mr. Weygint was a member of the Whig party, but in 1856 became a Republican, and was sent as a delegate from Cortland county to Syracuse, where the first state convention of that party was held. There were three delegates from his county. He has always been active in political affairs, and has campaigned throughout the state of Nebraska for his party to a great extent. After coming to McCook he was justice of the peace in Frontier county, and later was active in the organization of Redwillow county. At the first election, held in 1876, there were one hundred and twenty-seven voters, and eighty-four of these were veterans of the Civil war, and Mr. Weygint is of the opinion that the war fitted these men for the pioneer hardships and work of this new west, and that the best and most successful business men and farmers were soldiers for the Union, showing that war does not spoil, but makes men where the material was right. At the age of eighty-eight years he is still active and hearty, attending personally to his property interests and his home. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church here and are highly esteemed. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
L. E. FURRY & SONS
The members of the above firm are among the successful business men of Franklin, where they are recognized as the leading grain and stock shippers of that locality. They are a reliable, hustling concern, and the members are held in the highest esteem as business men and worthy citizens, their trade extending all over that section of the country, buying over a thousand cattle each season in the west, which they sell to the feeders in this vicinity. Besides these, they feed about five hundred head annually on their farm of one hundred and fifty acres, located near Franklin, and one hundred and sixty acres of pasture a short distance from town.
L. E. Furry is a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Nebraska from Bedford, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in the milling business, settling here in 1887, starting at once into the grain and live stock business, and has continued at the work ever since. He is ably assisted by his sons, T. R. and C. J. Furry, and they buy stock all over this state, Colorado and Kansas, and ship each year from one hundred to one hundred and fifty cars from Franklin to the markets. Their grain shipments amount to one hundred thousand bushels of corn annually, and they also buy and ship wheat, although this is more of a corn and cattle country. Farmers in this section of the country raise too much wheat, and should put in larger crops of corn, as it is in better demand and feeders are obliged to have large amounts shipped in from neighboring states. The soil is admirably adapted to the cultivation of this grain, and big crops are raised. The state should raise enough to supply the feeders and farmers instead of importing the sixty thousand bushels annually needed to supply their demand.
The Furrys are this year feeding four hundred cattle and a large number of hogs, and they are satisfied that this is one of the best feeding countries to be found in the west. There are more hogs raised and shipped from this region than any other part of the state, and good prices are obtained for them at the nearby and Chicago markets. The people in this vicinity are realizing the importance of getting better grade stock, and many are starting good herds, and it is generally conceded that the pure-bred Shorthorn cattle are the best for all purposes, while the Poland-China hogs are preferred to any other breed.
Our subjects own an alfalfa farm of one hundred and eighty acres adjoining the town of Franklin, and they also own three hundred and twenty acres of good land in Trenton, Hitchcock county, Nebraska.
Franklin is recognized as the best shipping point on the B. & M. Railway between Denver and the Missouri river, and the farmers are generally prosperous. It has a population of twelve hundred and fifty, has two banks, with deposits of five hundred thousand dollars, nearly all of this being farmers' money, which shows the prosperity of the people. In the past twenty years land has advanced from ten dollars to eighty dollars per acre, showing a gain of four hundred per cent, in that time.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
GEORGE W. FREEMAN
Among the successful self-made men of Cherry county, Nebraska, may be truly noted George W. Freeman. He came to that region when it was but sparsely settled with white men, and has endured many hardships to secure the fine property of which he is now owner, and can recount many thrilling experiences of pioneer days in the state. While building up a comfortable home and productive farm, he has also been one of the foremost public-spirited citizens of this locality, and has added in marked degree to the general welfare of the community where he resides. His residence is on section 7, township 29, range 37, and he is held in the highest esteem by his associates.
Mr. Freeman was born in Lampassas county, Texas, in 1864. He was raised on a farm, his father, Andrew Freeman, following farming all his life. His mother's maiden name was Missouri Lucky. The family lived in Texas until George was about eighteen years of age, he working on ranches as a cowpuncher for several years, and rode all over that part of the state in rounding up cattle, etc. In 1884 he went to Wyoming, where he followed range work for about twelve years, working for different cattle outfits, also spent some time in Nebraska, and was all along the Powder river in Montana. He came to Cherry county, Nebraska, in 1896, at that time being connected with the Spade ranching outfit, working as a cowboy, and continued with that company for about three years, then took a claim under homestead rights, locating on the land in 1900, during the spring of that year. He at once started to develop a farm, putting up buildings and breaking up land for crops, and worked faithfully until he proved up on his place. He began raising cattle and is now owner of a good herd, with plenty of good pasture and hay land. His ranch contains two thousand six hundred and forty acres altogether, and he uses it almost exclusively as a stock ranch, cultivating only about forty acres. Mr. Freeman runs about fifteen hundred head of cattle, seventy-five head of horses, has five windmills and five flowing wells, and puts up about fifteen hundred tons of hay each season. There are several fine lakes on the ranch and plenty of wild ducks and geese are to found on the lakes, making it fine for sport during the hunting season of the year.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
JAMES DOUGHERTY
Although a comparatively recent settler in Alliance, the gentleman whose name heads this personal history is one of the old-timers of Box Butte county, settling in the county in the spring of 1886, and is well and favorably known to the residents of this part of the country.
Mr. Dougherty was born in Canada, near New London, in 1863. His father, Michael Dougherty, was born in Ireland and came to Canada when a lad, where he was raised, and the mother was also a native of Ireland. When our subject was eight years of age the family left Canada and came to Iowa, locating at Dubuque, where they lived for five years. From there they went to northeastern Nebraska and then to Dakota county. When still a young boy, James started out to make his own way in the world, locating in Box Butte county. He drove here from Hay Springs, camping out nights on the trip, and after coming here he ran a bunch of cattle on a ranch, owned now by R. M. Hampton. He took up a homestead situated six miles west of Alliance and proved up on it, and was in the cattle business on a large scale for a number of years, and also worked as a cowboy for years through the western part of the state. Together with a brother he owns a ranch at Lakeside, which they have leased for a term of five years, and he has done exceedingly well in a financial way since settling in this region. In 1904 he moved to Alliance and has since made this his home, where he has bought good property in the western part of town, has built a fine brick house and made other improvements. He has been a prominent member of his community, and taken an active part in local public affairs, serving as marshal for two years, and also was assessor for one term. He is a Democrat and a strong advocate of the principles of that organization. Our subject's father is about seventy-five years of age, but stands erect and is as active as a boy. His mother is deceased.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Mr. De Lafayette Fancher, an energetic young farmer of Ainsworth precinct, Brown county, Nebraska, was born October 11, 1874, at Floyd Corners, Oneida county, New York, a son of Edward Fancher, a man of prominence in that state. He was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war. After residing in Iowa and eastern Nebraska for a number of years he removed to Brown county, Nebraska, in 1880, making his home in Brown county, where he settled on a homestead in section 11, township 30, range 23, where he died four years later. The family came from eastern Nebraska in a covered wagon and were about six weeks on the way, enduring the usual discomforts of movers in the early days.
Mr. De L. Fancher, the third of a family of seven children born to his parents, was a lad of six years when the family moved to Brown county and here he was reared and educated in the early schools of the day, living for a time in a log house. He has memories of the privileges and privations that come to hearty, healthy youth on the frontiers. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, though he spent some ten months in the Black Hills four years prior to this interesting event.
Mr. Fancher and Miss Ada Dwyer were married in Ainsworth, December 30, 1900, and she has proved a most helpful and companionable wife. She was born on the home farm near Glenwood, Mills county, Iowa, a daughter of Chester L. and Leonora (Warren) Dwyer. The former was a native of Vermont, and a settler in Iowa at a very early day. In 1884 he located in Brown county, Nebraska, settling on a homestead under a soldier's claim. Mrs. Fancher remembers Brown county before schools or churches were established, and largely received her education at the hands of her mother, who was a highly educated lady. She became a teacher, too, and was engaged in the work of public instruction for some nine years prior to her marriage. She also secured a homestead, upon which she has proved up, and now holds a clear title. It lies in section 4, township 29, range 25, of Cherry county. That she has been able to sustain herself as an applicant for this homestead and meet all the requirements that were thrown around its acquisition by the land office, argues much strength of character and great persistence. Mr. and Mrs. Fancher are the parents of three children - Ruth, Violet and Eunice.
Mr. and Mrs. Fancher made their location on the farm where they are found at the present time in 1900. It is in section 17 and was originally a tree claim, constituting a part of the family estate inherited from his father. In political views Mr. Fancher is a Democrat, is a member of the Methodist church and affiliates with the Modern Woodmen of America of Ainsworth.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Samuel J. Hedges, whose labors in Cheyenne county entitle him to a foremost place as one of the developers of the agricultural interests of the locality, resides on an elegant farm in township 15, range 50. He is a pioneer of that region, his wife and himself coming into the county by ox team from Buffalo county with a covered wagon containing all their earthly possessions, leading two cows and having several pigs and a few chickens to start their new farm with. When they finally arrived at their new location all the money they possessed was thirty-five cents, and from this beginning he has carved out a considerable fortune, and is one of the progressive and well-to-do farmers of the community.
Mr. Hedges was born in Lansingburg, New York, nine miles north of the city of Albany, on December 28, 1853. He grew up there, his mother dying in 1866. His father was a soldier in the Civil war, and lived in New York state up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1893. When our subject was twenty-six years of age he came west, locating in Buffalo county, Nebraska, later moved to Washington county, where he farmed for three years, then returned to his first location, following farming up to 1886, then came to Cheyenne county, filing on a homestead on section 24, township 15, range 50. He constantly improved his farm, adding good buildings, fences, and gradually got into the stock business on quite a large scale, and has done exceedingly well, owning at the present time half a section of good land, of which he cultivates two hundred and fifty acres and keeps fifty head of cattle.
Mr. Hedges married on March 28, 1883, Mary E. Allen, a native of Pennsylvania, born in Erie county. Her mother is now living in Lincoln, Nebraska, while the father is dead. Four children have been born to our subject and his estimable wife, named as follows: Allen W., Edgar M., Lucy J. and Roy T. The first mentioned has a homestead on section 2 township 16, range 15, on which he resides, while the others live at home.
Mr. Hedges is prominent in local affairs, also in all matters of importance pertaining to his county and state, voting the Prohibition ticket.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
A. H. Gericke, a well-to-do farmer, energetic and industrious, a typical representative of the sturdy German race, who came to this country to establish a home and accumulate a competence for his old age, resides on his fine estate in section 6, township 22, range 15. Mr. Gericke is one of the old-timers of western Nebraska, settling in Cuming county in 1878, and since coming to this part of the country he has taken a leading part in every movement for the benefit of his community. He now lives in Burwell, having traded his farm in the spring of 1908 for a hardware and implement business. He is working up a fine trade in this place.
Mr. Gericke was born in Germany in 1864, and grew up there, remaining with his parents until he was a boy of seventeen years of age, when he left his native country and struck out for himself, coming to America August 31, 1878, and on landing in New York City came direct to Nebraska, as he had relatives who had settled in this state some years previously. He lived in Cuming county for quite a time after coming here, but as this county was becoming so thickly settled and the land was getting very high, he decided to leave, and moved to Garfield county, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 6, township 22, range 15, and has since added to his original possessions, until he is proprietor of about four hundred acres, engaging principally in raising grain, growing corn, wheat, oats and rye. He keeps quite a number of stock, including cattle and hogs, with enough horses for his farming purposes. Here he has made considerable money, making a splendid success of his different enterprises. After locating here he was able to obtain some very cheap land on account of some of the settlers here becoming discouraged during the poor years and who left their homes to return to the east, and Mr. Gericke thinks that a man's chances here are as twenty to one as against those in that part of the United States. He has always been lucky about his crops, and has never had a total failure since coming here. He has plenty of water for every purpose, having good, deep wells, fitted with hydraulic force pumps and supply tanks, as have most of the larger farmers in this section, and he has never been out of water since having his well put down.
Mr. Gericke was married in 1889 to Augusta Moritz, also a native of Germany, who came to this country with her parents in 1878. To Mr. and Mrs. Gericke have been born nine children, named as follows: Lewis, Lizzie, Henry, Rudolph, John, George, Dick, Sussie and Annie. The family are active members of the German Lutheran church and well liked by all in their community.
Mr. Gericke is numbered among the wealthy residents of his locality and is a prominent citizen. He has held the office of road overseer for several years. He is a Republican in politics.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
FRANK NIEHUS
For the past twenty-five years the gentleman above named has been prominently identified with the farming interests of Keya Paha county. He resides on section 5, township 34, range 21, which he took as a pre-emption when he first settled here, and since that time has always been found supporting public interests and lending his aid toward the development of the social and commercial life of his home community. He is one of the leading men of his precinct and county and highly esteemed by all who know him.
Mr. Niehus was born on a farm near the town of Elmshorn, Holstein, Germany, July 20, 1860. His father, Claus Niehus, never came to America except for a visit during the World's Fair in 1893, spending three months here, then going back to his native country, where he died in 1900. The mother never left Germany, where she still resides at the age of seventy-seven. When our subject was sixteen years of age he started out to make his own way in the world, coming to America in 1876, sailing from Hamburg on the "Fresia," and after a voyage of eleven days he landed in New York on May 23. He came directly to Nebraska, joining his brother at Grand Island. For three years he traveled all over the west, working for the Oregon Short Line, then returned to this state, and in the spring of 1883 located on his present farm, at the same time taking a tree claim adjoining it. He first built a small shanty, where he "batched it" for a few months, then was married July 9, 1884, to Miss Katherine Graham, born in 1866. Her parents came to this country from Scotland when they were young, the mother crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel, the voyage lasting six weeks and three days. They first located in Wisconsin, and came to Grand Island in 1865, where both her father and mother died a few years ago. After our subject's marriage, he and his bride took a wedding trip from Grand Island to Springview, traveling in a covered wagon to their home, camping on the way. An unusual weeding trip, even in the west. When he settled on this place there was not a tree to be seen, but he planted a large number and now has five groves of forest trees, comprising forty acres, with an orchard of twenty-five apples and pear trees, besides other small fruits. During the early days he herded cattle and worked on the railroad, saving his earnings, from which he has accumulated all his large estate of today. He owns eight thousand acres of land, with five hundred acres in cultivation, all lying about twelve miles northwest of Springview except a tract of seven hundred and sixty acres, with two hundred and fifty acres under the plow situated on the Niobrara river. He keeps about six hundred head of cattle and fifty horses, besides other stock. Twenty-five acres are seeded to alfalfa, which yields in abundance every season. There are three tenant houses on the ranch. At one time Mr. Niehus had a lumber yard and livery barn in Bassett, both of which he operated with success, but sold them to advantage. For some years he was engaged in buying and selling cattle, first in Bassett and then from Ainsworth, and has for a year or two been operating four threshing machines with gasoline engines.
Mr. Niehus has a nice home in South Omaha, where the family resided that the children might have the advantages offered by the city schools. In 1907 he built a large fourteen-room frame dwelling, fitted with running water, bath room and other conveniences, being the finest country residence in the county.
Mr. Niehus had a family of seven children, five of whom are living and reside with their parents, named as follows: Pearl E., Marie Augusta, William F., John and Frances G.
In 1899 Mr. Niehus revisited his native land, crossing on the "Persia" and returning after three months' absence on the "Russia" in 1900.
Mr. Niehus is a Democrat, politically, although he cast his vote for Roosevelt at his last election. In 1908 he gave his support to Bryan, returning to his old allegiance. Mr. Niehus was reared in the Lutheran church. Fraternally he affiliates with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Eagles and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
HON. WILLIAM S. PENISTON, DECEASED
The gentleman whose name heads this personal history was born in 1834 at Yorkshire, England, He came to Nebraska in 1859, and bought a ranch opposite Willow Island, where he built a log house and store on the old California trail and carried a general stock of supplies for overland travelers. In the year 1866 he moved his store and dwelling to Front street, North Platte, this being the first store in that place. On the opening of the Union Pacific Railway for one year this town was the terminus of the road. Soon after our subject located here Mack Marron moved his store here also. Mr. Penistons's partner at this time was A. J. Miller, who now lives at Rawlins, Wyoming, where the former owned a store in the early days of that territory, which was managed by Barney McDonald.
In an early day Mr. Peniston was appointed United States commissioner and afterwards was representative in the territorial legislature of Nebraska. He held the former office over thirty years ago and occupied the office up to the time of his death. He was elected county judge for several terms, and was also county treasurer for two terms. Held the office of justice of the peace for several years and to the time of his demise. He was elected a member of the territorial legislature and served several terms. He took up the first homestead in this part of the country, and this was afterwards included in the town of North Platte. Peniston's addition to the town was made by him, and his homestead was included in the site.
Mr. Peniston came home from his native land (where he was born at Peniston, a place named after his father's family) with his parents, the family settling in Quebec, Canada. His father was Richard Peniston. Our subject received his education at Quebec in the higher branches, and later came to the United States. In 1865 at Auburn, New York, he married Miss Anna A. Webb, daughter of Z. L. Webb and Polly Maria Hoffman Webb. The young couple immediately struck out for the west. Mrs. Peniston and Mrs. Dr. Dick, now of North Platte, are sisters and a sketch of Dr. Dick appears in this work. At one time when our subject and Mr. Miller were running their store they were driven away by the Indians, and again in North Platte the redskins went on the warpath and entered their place and shot up the lamps and created general confusion.
Mr. Peniston' death occurred in October, 1906, and he left a family as follows: His widow and eight children, namely: William, a ranchman and stock raiser of Rawlins, Wyoming; Charles, a stockman; Mrs. Catherine Blood, of Cheyenne; Mrs. Carrie Marti, of North Platte; Miss Mary E. Peniston, of this town; Mrs. Ann Gaunt, also of North Platte; Mrs. Nellie Bennett, of Rawlins, Wyoming, and Mrs. Elsie House, of Rawlins. Mr. Peniston's death left a vacancy among the pioneers of western Nebraska that is keenly felt. He was an educated man and a gentleman in all his relations, private and public, and his widow and children have the sympathy and respect of all.
Mr. Peniston was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for many years, and in March, 1906, his lodge presented him with a handsome token of their esteem in the shape of a jeweled pin. He was in this order for twenty-five years. Politically he was a Democrat.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Thomas Guynn, a prosperous farmer of Phelps county, owns a valuable estate in section 28, Sheridan township, where he has resided since 1902. He first settled in this county in 1890, purchasing a half section of land located west of Holdrege, and later sold that and bought one hundred and sixty acres south of that place. In 1901 he sold this out and moved to Kansas, where he bought a farm in Butler county, near Barton, remaining on that place for two years. He did not like that country, was unable to raise very good crops, and so came back to Nebraska, and he considers that Phelps county is far ahead of Kansas in every way.
Mr. Guynn is a native of Tyrone county, Ireland, coming to this country when nine years old, with his father and mother, who were also natives of Tyrone county. The ancestors of our subject on both sides originally came from Scotland to Ireland., In 1862 Mr. Guynn enlisted in the Seventh Illinois Infantry, and served with his regiment up to August, 1865. He was in the Army of the Cumberland under General Sherman, Logan Corps, and his first fight was at Fort Henry. He then was at Fort Donaldson, on the march to Nashville, at the battle of Pittsburg Landing, also Corinth, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, also on the march to the sea and at Altoona, where his company was detailed to guard the rations. Here the Seventh Illinois lost one-half of their number in the gallant and stubborn defense of the army supplies from the fierce onslaught of the rebels.
During the last fight, which took place at Benton, near Raleigh, North Carolina, was a terrible struggle, and although shells burst all about him and the bullets pierced his clothes, he was never struck and escaped without a scratch.
After leaving the army he returned to Illinois, and from 1867 to 1890 farmed in Logan county, where he owned one hundred and twenty acres, then came to Nebraska, where he likes it much better, as he has been in good health ever since settling here and it is a fine farming country. Here he has built up a fine farm and home, just outside the limits of Holdrege, and has everything in the best possible shape.
Mr. Guynn was married in 1886 to Miss Ida Dalbow, daughter of Isaac and Liza (Mustard) Dalbow, of Pike county, Illinois. There are three children in their family--two sons, Frank and Carl Guynn, who assist their father in carrying on the farm, and a daughter, Leigh, also living at home.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Christian Julius Peterson, one of the younger residents of section 12, township 29, range 38, is nevertheless entitled to the distinction of being one of the leading old settlers of Cherry county, and has taken an active part in its history and helped materially in building up his community. He resides on section 12, where he owns a well improved ranch of over eight hundred acres and his estate bears evidence of good management, thrift and prosperity.
Mr. Peterson is a native of Denmark, born on a farm July 17, 1872, and he grew up there, following farm work with his father up to his twentieth year, at which time his father's death occurred, and soon afterwards the mother came to America with her family, landing in Philadelphia in 1894, settling in Omaha, Nebraska, but remained there only a short time, then came to Cherry county. Christian, together with a brother, took homestead, and during the first year witnessed very hard times. They went back to Omaha and spent the first winter, returning in the spring, driving both ways. The brother, Peter, was about four years older than our subject, and he had settled in Nebraska in 1888, following ranching from the first. His ranch was situated thirty-five miles south of the town of Merriman. He was married in 1898, his wife's maiden name being Emelia Jansen, a native of Denmark.
Our subject rapidly improved his present homestead, taken in 1899, putting up good buildings, fencing the land, and started in the stock raising business, meeting with many discouragements in the way of losses by severe storms, also crop losses, but stuck to his farm through it all, and has been most successful during later years. His ranch is beautifully located on Clifford creek, is well supplied with water, lakes and wild game, has many trees on it, and altogether is a valuable property. He cultivates about thirty acres. He has really improved two places since coming to Nebraska, his first homestead having been sold about 1898.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Herman Kreizenbeck is a resident of Ainsworth, Brown county, and has so lived and labored that he is well worthy of a prominent place in any record of the men who have done and dared so much in the making of Nebraska. It is said that but a moment's reflection is enough to convince any one, as to the great weight of obligation this country bears towards its children from German homes, who have brought art and literature, science and learning and all the high gifts of a lofty civilization in their train, as they have ever moved to the westward. It is certainly a deeply interesting chapter of our national history that tells the achievements of many thousands who have confronted helpless and hopeless conditions in the Fatherland, and have journeyed across the waters to find opportunity in a new and strange country. That they have done so, and have prospered on every hand, becoming influential and rising to any station, shows something of what the United States has been to the world.
Herman Kreizenbeck was born near Essen, in the Rhine Province, Germany, July 21, 1851. The parents, Johan and Elizabeth (Winkleman) Kreizenbeck. lived and died on a farm in Germany. Here young Herman was reared and attended school until he was seventeen years of age, graduating from the high school, or "gymnasium" taking Latin and French. He entered the army in 1869 as a volunteer in the light Hussars, and remained with the colors until the fall of 1872, his service thus including the Franco-German war, in which he fought from start to finish as a cavalryman. At the expiration of his military enlistment he came home to take a position in Elberfelt, as bookkeeper and traveling salesman with a wholesale house, a position he held until 1876. That year he was married, and became bookkeeper for a coal mining company in Heisengen, where he continued until 1880, his father's death at that time calling him home to the settlement of the family estate. The following year, with one child, he sailed from Antwerp in the steamer "City of Montreal," on December 31, and landed in New York January 18, 1882. Making his way to Crete, Nebraska, where for some time he visited his brothers, he sent for his family, the wife and remaining child coming in June, on the steamer "John Bridle," from Antwerp.
After taking a somewhat hurried study of the field in which he was placed, he went to Omaha, and for a time was in the employ of Tom Murray, a real estate dealer and speculator. In the spring of 1883 he removed to Brown county, and located fourteen miles north of Ainsworth, almost on the Niobrara river. There he secured a homestead, and started as a farmer. At first the family dwelt in a log house, narrow and cramped for room, but an extensive addition of sod much increased the comfort of all. It was difficult making the beginning, and Mr. Kreizenbeck's affairs progressed but slowly. In 1888 he lost a crop - and this was repeated again in 1894 and the following year. The winters were warm and clear, with but little or no snow, and good grazing so the cows were about the only means of living. Here our subject remained until the spring of 1896, when he removed to a rented farm close to Ainsworth, that the children might have a better opportunity for schooling, not to be found in the first location as there were but two families then in the school district, the Kreizenbecks and that of a Mr. Mead. In 1901 Mr. Kreizenbeck bought a ranch six miles southwest from Johnstown, but the following year came back to Ainsworth, and bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 16, township 30, range 22, in 1903. It is fenced and well improved. Here, fortune has smiled upon him; and though he lost his barn and contents by fire in 1905, he is making his way, and is acquiring a comfortable competence
Mr. Kreizenbeck has passed through many experiences that have called for all his nerve and courage. In 1888 he was caught in the great blizzard that swept the country far and wide. All the ravines were filled with snow and tumble weeds, and on the surface there was nothing to mark solid earth or deep gullies. While he was out hunting he broke through a crust of snow over one these ravines and was precipitated perhaps forty feet down into the snow. Fortunately he remembered his directions, and after tunneling about a hundred feet through the light snow and the weeds, he once more regained the surface.
For many years Mr. Kreizenbeck was affiliated with the Democratic party, but later became a Populist, and was elected assessor for several terms. In 1894, he was candidate of his party for sheriff, and in 1905 for the office of county clerk. For several years he has taken an active part in political affairs, and his character and ability give him much influence.
Mr. Kreizenbeck was married near Essen, February 6, 1877, to Miss Matilda Stoetgen, a daughter of Heinrich and Katharine (Stoeter) Stoetgen. Of their eight children, the two elder were born in Germany, the others in Nebraska. They are: Herman A., Elizabeth B., Bertha M., Matilda F., Katharine M., Anna, Franz W., and Karl W. The three elder girls are graduates of the Ainsworth high school, and are teachers of the county. The members of the family are communicants of the Catholic church.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Wesley Pringle, a popular and much respected business man of Perkins county, Nebraska, is a resident of Grant, where for many years he has been engaged in business, and still has large interests in the farming community surrounding the thriving town. Mr. Pringle has now retired from all active business, and is prepared to spend his declining years in peace and comfort, content that he has spent usefully his allotted time of more than three score and ten.
Mr. Pringle was born near Richland, in Keokuk county, Iowa, in 1842. His grandfather, together with two brothers, came to the United States from Wales, in the beginning of the history of this country, all three taking part in the Revolutionary war, and the family has always been prominently connected with the history of their adopted land, the former settling in Ohio in the early days of that state, where our subject's father was born and reared, he finally settling in Iowa in 1836. He married Rachel St. John, a native of England, who came to Canada with her parents, they locating in Warren county, Indiana, at an early day. Mr. Pringle's grandfather, Seth St. John, was county judge in that county for many years. John P. St. John, who was the presidential nominee on the Prohibition ticket, from Kansas, is a cousin of our subject. Wesley Pringle received but a limited schooling, attending the district schools during those times of year when he could be spared from the work on the home farm, but obtained in all a good practical training, fitting him well for his after years of hard work and shrewd management, starting out for himself at the age of sixteen years. He bought a team of oxen and begun (sic) farming on his own hook, then at the beginning of the war enlisted as a private in Company K, Third Iowa Cavalry at Knoxville, Iowa, in August, 1861. He was sent south to St. Louis with his regiment, and saw service all through the west, being at Vicksburg, Guntown, Pea Ridge, and was detailed with the guard of Jeff Davis after his capture. Our subject was in the service until the war closed, and during that time was twice wounded slightly, receiving an honorable discharge at Atlanta, Georgia.
After the war Mr. Pringle returned to Iowa and lived at Knoxville for a time. He was married there on January 28, 1867, to Margaret A. Totten, daughter of Captain Paris T. Totten, captain of Company I, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry. After his marriage Mr. Pringle farmed in Iowa up to the spring of 1872. During the previous year he had homesteaded on section 30, township 11, range 6, and there he subsequently built up and developed two farms, both in Hamilton county. In 1888 he came to Perkins county, locating in Grant and there established himself in the grain business, building an elevator, and continued in the business up to 1905, succeeding in building up a splendid patronage, and accumulating a nice property through his industry and good management. In the latter year he sold all his enterprises of which he was active manager, and retired from active work. For several years he has been proprietor of the Grant Lumber Yards, and also has owned considerable land in the farming community around Grant, and at different times engaged in the stock raising business in partnership with his son, William P. Our subject still owns a farm consisting of one hundred and forty-six acres adjoining Grant and still carries this on, although he does little work himself, merely superintending the operation of same.
Mr. Pringle is a stanch (sic) Republican. He has been elected justice of the peace several times, but would never consent to qualify, devoting his entire time to his business enterprises. For the past twenty years he has served on the Soldiers' Relief Commission, and is a prominent Grand Army of the Republic man. He has always given his best efforts to the advancement of his locality, and one of Grant's most enthusiastic and loyal citizens having resided here when the town was incorporated, and also was member of the first village board.
Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Pringle, three of whom are still living, namely: William P., Jessie I., and Cora B.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
CALVIN J. WILDY
Prominent among the successful business men of Hemingford, Box Butte county, is the gentlemen (sic) above named. Mr. Wildy has been one of the foremost men of this section in building up and developing the financial interests of his locality, and is a gentleman of sterling character, highly esteemed by all who know him.
Mr. Wildy is a native of St. Clair county, Illinois, born in 1861, on a farm. His father, John Wildy, was a native of Switzerland, and mother of German descent. The father met his death in an accident when our subject was a lad three years of age. Our subject was reared on the home farm in St. Clair county, Illinois, near Lenzburg, where he early learned to do all kinds of hard work, attending the common schools where he received his early education, and later was a student at the Normal University of Illinois, taking a three years (sic) course. After leaving college he taught school in Illinois for one year. While at school he worked for his board to help along in his expenses. Our subject was engaged in business for several years in Lenzburg, Illinois, under the firm name of Wildy Brothers. In 1887 he came to Nebraska, locating in Cheyenne county, where he took up a pre-emption, thirty-one miles southwest of the town of Hemingford, hauling his first supplies from Sidney, his first team being a yoke of oxen, which he used for one year trying to start his farm. In 1888 he opened a little store at Nonpariel, now extinct, the firm being C. J. Wildy and H. K. Zapp, and ran this for two years, when Mr. Zapp died, and Mr. C. J. Wildy moved to Hemingford and started in the mercantile business, and has since been operating a store in this place, being one of the pioneers in the trade, in fact, the oldest general merchant in the county. He went through hard times during the early years, but through good management and constant efforts has succeeded in a remarkable degree, and now has a good trade and splendid business. He has a store 100x60 ft. with four front doors, and carries a complete line of general merchandise, and lumber, building materials, etc. Besides his store property Mr. Wildy owns a ranch of several thousand acres in the southwestern part of the county and has a fine two-story, modern dwelling in the town of Hemingford.
In 1900 Mr. Wildy was united in marriage to Miss A. E. Neeland, daughter of J. F. Neeland, of Irish descent, who was one of the pioneer ranchmen of Dawes county. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Wildy was a school teacher, and for four years was county superintendent of schools in Box Butte county, having graduated from the Chadron Academy, making her own way through school. When Mr. and Mrs. Wildy were married they took an extended trip to Europe, going to Switzerland, Germany and Ireland, visiting relatives on both sides of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Wildy have been blessed with three children: Lois, Ruth and Frieda.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Joseph A. Rankin holds an important place in the affairs of Blaine county and is known all over the country as one of the most successful and largest ranchers of the territory. He is engaged in sheep, cattle and horse raising on his fine ranch which exceeds two thousand five hundred acres. He has an excellent home and is counted among the leading old settlers. Mrs. Rankin is postmistress of Rankin postoffice, which was established on our subject's farm in 1904.
Joseph A. Rankin was born in 1848, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and is of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His grandfather, James, was born in Ireland and coming to America, he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Our subject's parents, Thomas and Catherine (Wright) Rankin, were farmers in Pennsylvania.
Joseph Rankin was reared on a farm in his native state and was given good educational advantages. Later he entered Monmouth College, at Monmouth, Illinois, where he completed his junior year.
When our subject was twenty-two years of age, in 1871, he came west to Nebraska and became one of the early pioneers of eastern Cass county. The entire family came at this time and our subject conducted his father's farm and business for years. He made trips to western Nebraska as early as 1882 and helped establish a large ranch in Blaine county. North Loup was the nearest railroad town at that time and Mr. Rankin had a long way to go for supplies and material, eighty-five miles. Many a night on these weary trips he has slept under his wagon in all kinds of weather and miles from the nearest habitation.
Joseph A. Rankin and Miss Elizabeth Peart were married in 1891. She was the daughter of Samuel and Esther (Gibson) Peart, who were Pennsylvania farmers.
After his marriage our subject spent one year in Cedar county. In 1900 he came to Blaine county and settled on his present ranch on the North Loup river, entering a homestead and buying other land. His good house, barns and other improvements, prove that he has laid the foundations of permanent wealth and prosperity. Mr. Rankin is a man of excellent business qualifications and education and wields a strong influence for public good.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
ELMER JOHNSON
Prominent among the younger agriculturists of Kimball county is the gentleman above mentioned, who is owner of a well-improved estate in Kimball. His postoffice address is Crossbar, which is located on his farm, and Mrs. Johnson is the present postmistress, filling the office to the satisfaction of all.
Elmer Johnson was born in Sweden, June 1, 1877, and at the age of three years came to America with his father, mother, three brothers and one sister. They first located in eastern Nebraska, arriving there in the spring of 1880, remained for six years, then moved to Wyoming. While living in Saunders county, Nebraska, the family suffered a sad loss in the death of one daughter and one son.
In 1888 our subject came alone into Kimball county, and in 1899 filed on a homestead on northwest quarter section 26, township 13, range 58, proved up on it, and later took a Kinkaid homestead in the same section. He worked faithfully, and by good management and industry succeeded in building up a good home and farm. He now has sixty acres under cultivation, raises good crops of small grains, vegetables, etc. His place is well improved and equipped with first-class buildings. He deals in stock to quite an extent, running at the present time forty-five head of cattle and seventy-five horses. He has a fine property, and richly deserves his success and high standing.
Mr. Johnson was married at Kimball, Nebraska, on February 6, 1901, to Lillian Deacher, who was born in northeastern Nebraska and reared there. Mrs. Johnson's parents are now living in Oklahoma. To our subject and his wife have been born the following children: Rena, Kenneth, Mamie and Andry, all bright and interesting youngsters, who bid fair to be a great help to their parents when they grow up.
Mr. Johnson's father resides in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, while his mother is dead. Our subject is a Republican in politics, and is active in local affairs, having served as county assessor for two terms, from 1901 to 1903, and in 1907 was elected county commissioner, entering upon his duties as such January 1, 1908.
One brother of our subject, Eric Johnson, is also a resident of Kimball county, coming here in 1906, locating on a Kinkaid homestead on section 10, township 13, range 58. He is married and has three children, while another brother, Conrad, residing on section 22, township 13, range 58, is unmarried, and the possessor of a good farm. All are held in the highest esteem as worthy citizens and good neighbors.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
CAPTAIN HENRY W. SHORT
To the present visitor of the agricultural district of western Nebraska, a pleasant sight in the well improved farms and highly cultivated tracts, greets the eye, and it is hard to conceive of the transformation that has taken place in the country within the past quarter of a century. The gentleman above named, settled in Saunders county in 1871, and the following year homesteaded in Marshall township, Clay county, taking up one hundred and sixty acres, also three hundred and twenty acres as tree claim, and on the latter planted 13, 778 trees, this being the third tree claim to be taken up in Nebraska. He has been one of the foremost men in the region and much of the prosperity which has come to the residents of the locality has been brought about through the efforts of just such men as Mr. Short; men who have given liberally of their time, money and influence in building up and developing the natural resources of the county.
Mr. Short is a native of Leicestershire, England, and came to America in 1848, and after landing in New York spent two years there. He then came west and was educated at the schools of Chicago, where his parents settled. They took up their residence at the corner of Clark and Harrison streets, and the district, which is now one of the busiest and most closely congested spot in that city, was then occupied by small cottages inhabited by families from foreign countries who had settled there, and many of them laid the foundations of good fortunes.
Our subject attended the public schools of Chicago, and early read law, as he was ambitious to make that his life work. He was admitted to the bar in Nuckolls county, Nebraska, in 1876, opened an office at Nelson, and practiced there for twenty-five years, up to 1903.
In 1862 Mr. Short enlisted in the First Illinois Light Artillery and served in this in the Fifteenth Army Corps. He was with the Army of the Tennessee, and took part in twenty-two battles from Vicksburg to Nashville. His regiment lost one thousand four hundred and eighty-one men during the war. At the close of the war he was transferred to Bridges' battery.
After the war he returned to Illinois. Mr. Short settled in Franklin county, Nebraska, in 1871. He organized the Alexander Guards and was captain of this company, called Company H. First Nebraska, until after the Pine Ridge and Wounded Knee Indian outbreaks, his regiment taking an active part in these wars.
Captain Short's son, Ed. M., attended the state university of Nebraska and was admitted to the bar before he was twenty-one years of age.
Our subject has a good practice throughout Franklin and the adjoining counties, and he is a well-read conscientious, safe and honest councillor (sic) and trial lawyer, gaining the confidence of all by his sound judgment and good advice.
In 1865 our subject was married to Miss Fanny E. Smelt, of Ogle county, Illinois, and to them have been born the following children: Ed. M., now superintendent of schools for this county, this being his third term. He was formerly principal of the schools of Franklin for seven years, and also a teacher in Nuckolls county. The second son, Henry E., resides at Topeka, Kansas. Mary, wife of Rev. Keefer, was also a teacher before her marriage. George Ernest, of Nelson, Nebraska, is in the mail service at that place. Carroll W., a pharmacist, living at Los Angeles, California. Grace, wife of P. M. Snyder, of Burwell, Nebraska, now of Okanogan, Washington, formerly a teacher in this vicinity, and Leslie, a graduate of the Franklin high school, now at home.
Captain Short is a prominent Grand Army of the Republic man, also an Ancient Order of the United Workmen and Woodman, and member of the Mystic Legion. He has been notary public for many years, and an active Republican, and is now serving his second term as city attorney.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
John K. Engelhorn, one of the best known early settler in western Nebraska, resides on his valuable estate in Hays township, Kearney county, Nebraska, retired from all active pursuits. Mr. Engelhorn has resided in this section for the past thirty years, and during this time has become one of the representative citizens of the community, highly esteemed by everyone.
Mr. Engelhorn is a native of Baden, Germany, born in 1842. He came to America with his parents, Matthias and Anna Engelhorn, who settled in Allemakee county, Iowa, on a farm. There he was raised, and in 1863 enlisted in the Civil war, joining the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, Company E. He served as a private until February 4, 1866, and after the close of the war was on the detached service in Arkansas principally, and afterwards in Texas. Nearly all of the time he was engaged in the service of the government he was constantly in skirmishes, and never received a wound, but his health suffered from the rough life of a soldier and hardships to which he was exposed and he was unfortunate in having lost the sight of his left eye through an overdose of medicine. Two brothers, Matthias and Thomas, were also in the war, the former a member of the twelfth Iowa Infantry, and the latter in the navy. After the close of the war he returned to Iowa and engaged in farming for several years, then came to Nebraska, settling in Sherman township, Kearney county, in 1878. Here he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres and broke this up, remaining on it for nine years, then moved to Minden in 1887, where he bought forty acres in Hays township. He sold this farm in Sherman township in 1895. While living there he was supervisor of his township, also served on the county board for many years, and since coming to Minden has acted in the same capacity for three terms, also held the office of assessor for two years.
Mr. Engelhorn was married in 1867 to Miss Sophia Willch, daughter of Philip and Elizabeth Willch, natives of Hesse, Germany, and the parents never left that land. She came to this country in 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Engelhorn have no children.
Mr. Engelhorn is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post in Minden, and has passed through all the chairs of that society, now acting as assistant conductor. His wife belongs to the Women's Relief Corps here and both are members of the Lutheran church.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Payson B. Bigelow, one of the best known residents of Harrison, Sioux county, Nebraska, is classed among the prominent old settlers of that region. Mr. Bigelow is an enterprising merchant of that town, carrying on a flourishing general merchandise business, and had built up an excellent trade throughout this locality.
Mr. Bigelow is a native of Rock Island, Illinois, born in 1851. His father, Benjamin F., was from Vermont, of good old "Yankee stock," and he married Rachel Fairly, both being of American blood. When our subject was a boy of one or two years of age, the family moved to Iowa, settling in Davenport, where our subject grew up and received a good education. When Payson was fourteen yeas old, he went to Jasper county, Iowa, with his parents, where they lived up to 1880, and from there to Adair county, most of this time being spent in following farm work. In 1888 Mr. Bigelow came to Sioux county and filed on a homestead, pre-emption and tree claim, all located about six miles from the town of Harrison. His first house there was a log cabin, and there he worked hard to improve his property and build up a home. He had experienced all kinds of hard times during the early days in this section, losing crop after crop by the drouths (sic) and meeting with disappointments in plenty. He became pretty well discouraged, and was at times tempted to give up the struggle, but determined to stick to his farm, and so kept on improving his place, slowly at first, but gradually getting ahead a little. In 1893 he had the misfortune to be burned out, losing almost everything, so that he was obliged to start all over again.
Mr. Bigelow was from the first quite heavily engaged in the cattle business, and in this way managed to make a living and lay by a little money after the poor years had passed. He lived on the ranch for about eleven years, then sold the place out and came to Harrison locating here in 1899. He established his present business, and has done well since starting here, in the nine years he has been operating, building up a good patronage and has gained an enviable reputation as a worthy citizen and good business manager.
In February, 1892, Mr. Bigelow was married to Miss Emma E. Stewart, of Greenfield, Iowa, daughter of John and Minerva Stewart, both of American stock. They have no children. Our subject and his family occupy a pleasant and comfortable home, and are highly esteemed in their locality and liked by all who know them. He is prominent in local affairs, and has held office at different times, serving as village trustee for a number of years. He was one of the original organizers of the Republican party in this section, acting as chairman of the Republican county committee for several years.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
ROBERT G. HALL
The office of county judge of Rock county, Nebraska, was bestowed upon this gentleman, and he discharged the duties of the position with rare fidelity and ever-increasing popularity. Mr. Hall was appointed in 1906, and was deservedly honored and esteemed by his fellowmen. He held the office until January, 1908.
Mr. Hall is a native of this state, born in Blair, January 17, 1885. He is a son of James Hall, a contractor, farmer and ranchman, who settled in Nebraska in 1860 and built up a good home here. He located first in Washington and was in Omaha several years. He is of Irish stock, a native of Pennsylvania. His wife was Miss Lucinda Gorton, a descendant of English settlers who came to America during colonial times.
Our subject is the second member in a family of three children, and when he was seven years old his parents settled in Rock county, where they afterwards lived in different parts of the county, he receiving a good education.
Mr. Hall, although a very young man to hold such an important office, gained the respect and confidence of the people by his strict integrity and sterling qualities, and bids fair to become one of the leading public men of this section of the country. He is now associated with his father in the contracting business and lives at Bassett, Nebraska. He is a Republican in politics, and fraternally, belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Ancient Order United Workmen, and Modern Woodmen of America lodges of Bassett.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
William H. Winterer was born in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, December 11, 1858. His father was Anton Winterer, a native of Baden Baden, Germany, where he was reared to young manhood and then emigrated to America, while his mother, who was Barbara Hirsch in her maiden days, was a native of Bavaria. They were married in Philadelphia about 1852. The family came to Milwaukee in the fall of 1863 and later settled in the thick hardwood timber country in Vernon county, Wisconsin, and lived there during the civil war, in which the father served as a member of the Forty-seventh Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry during the last eighteen months of the war. He resides in Hillsboro, Wisconsin, retired from active life. They were among the very earliest pioneers in the locality where they settled. The woods were so thick that they had to cut a way through a mile of timber for the wagon to pass, there being only a footpath to their destination. Here our subject was reared on a timber farm. becoming inured to the hard work of grubbing and logging. Schools were few and far between, our subject being obliged to walk three miles to the school house and he therefore received only a limited common school education. In 1879 he went to Rollins county, Kansas, but that country was evidently not satisfactory, as the next year he came to the North Platte river region in Nebraska. He engaged to work with several "cow outfits" and was with M. Burk & Son, and also John Bratt & Company for some time. His duties brought him to the vicinity of Keystone, Nebraska, and being pleased with the country, he decided to locate on a farm and build up a home. The country was very new and crude, but our subject saw possibilities which he thought promised great things if one expended energy and industry to develop them. He spent several years roughing it over western Nebraska both winter and summer and had ample opportunity to judge the country. He saw buffalo roaming the prairie in 1881 and wild game was abundant.
Mr. Winterer settled on his present farm in section 34, township 15. range 37, in 1883. He put up a sod house and a stable and made other necessary improvements. He worked out for the settlers, breaking prairie and putting up hay, thus earning enough for a living and a little more. He saved his money and bought fourteen head of cattle, which was his start in the cattle business. He has now a fine bunch of two hundred and twenty-five head of cattle and fifty head of horses. He took land that other settlers seemed not to want and has made a grand success, having three hundred and twenty acres in the North Platte river valley, and one thousand two hundred and eighty acres back in the hills where our subject's home is located. He has numerous fine trees, running streams of water, has a good orchard of apple and plum trees and a variety of small fruits. His buildings are good and he has a house and ranch of which he is justly proud.
William H. Winterer was married December 10, 1889, to Miss Louisa M. Cantrill, a native of Menominee, Dunn county, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of William Cantrill, a ship carpenter and a pioneer of that state; he formerly resided in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and in New York.
Our subject has had quite a varied experience since locating in Keith county. He has had many discouragements and losses; once he was burned out, losing barns, sheds, and out-houses, and then there were the panicy (sic) times of 1893 and later; also the years of drouth (sic), when the grass grew so sparsely that it took miles of range to support his bunch of cattle and horses. In spite of all these unfortunate events, however, he stuck to his business and has attained fine success as the result of his labors. Once, when he was out in the Dismal river country, McPherson county, he found the body of a Mr. Board, one of a hunting party, who had become separated from his party and had died from fatigue and sickness. He had been missing for ten days and much fruitless search had been made for him. The body was buried in a plain wooden box by our subject and a few others.
Mr. Winterer has been most actively interested in the affairs of his community and helped to establish the first school district on his side of the river. He has held various offices of trust and responsibility and has proven a capable and efficient public officer. He is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the German Evangelical church, the Modern Woodmen, the Odd Fellows and with his wife, of the Rebekah lodge. He is a man of strong characteristics and a worthy citizen of the state.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Frank P. Fisher, one of the representative agriculturists of Keya Paha county, Nebraska, owns and operates a large farm in section 12, township 33, range 24, where he has built up a fine establishment and is recognized as one of the successful and prosperous citizens of the county.
Mr. Fisher was born in the village of Studena, Bohemia, June 20, 1846. The father, Joseph Fisher, was a tailor by trade and in 1856 the family sailed from Bremen in the ship Sophia, and after a voyage of thirty-eight days landed in New York. In October they reached Chicago, where the father sought in vain for work for some weeks and also had the same disappointment in Milwaukee. Returning to Chicago he secured a small amount of work, which was so well done that he was thereafter given only fine work to do. The next spring he removed with his family to Johnson county, Iowa, locating on a farm where he lived for twenty years and where our subject received a common school education until fifteen years of age, while assisting his parents in carrying on the farm. In 1884 he came to Nebraska, settling in Keya Paha county, where he took a homestead. He arrived, here in April, during a big snow storm, driving from Ainsworth, and his first impressions of his new home were not altogether favorable. Not being able to sell his quarter section in Iowa to advantage until 1886 the family did not come west until that year. However, he set to work at once putting up a frame house, and gradually improved his farm adding a timber claim, on which he also filed, proving up on both. He met with severe loss during the drouth (sic) periods, and two crops in succession were ruined in the years 1894-5. He went through hail storms when everything on his farm was beaten into the ground three different years. After these hard times he began to have good crops, and engaged in stock raising in addition to mixed farming, and eventually developing a fine farm and home, building a substantial two-story house, numerous barns, sheds and outbuildings. He has six hundred acres of land in one piece, one mile southwest of Norden, and one hundred and sixty acres in another piece located three miles northwest. He owns a house in the village where he has made his home for the past five years.
Mr. Fisher was married in Johnson county, Iowa, October 19, 1871, to Miss Catherine Weyvoda, a native of Bohemia, whose father, Frank Weyvoda, was a weaver and mason by trade in that country, and who came to America with his family in 1866. Children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, who are as follows: Mary, married William H. Gunsul, and is living at Lake Andes, South Dakota, the mother of three boys, Harry, Frank and Ralph; the second son, Frank Fisher, is farming on the home place, is married, and has one child, Elinor; Emil, the third son, is a farmer living in Idaho, also married; Will, married, engages in farming on the home place with Frank; Libbie, now Mrs. John G. Betsel, her husband being a merchant of Norden; Francis and Edmund are living with their parents in Norden.
Mr. Fisher has always been one of the public spirited men in his locality. He helped to organize the first schools in the neighborhood, and bought the logs and helped to build the first schoolhouse. He served as school moderator for several years, and was also justice of the peace for about nine years. He is one of the foremost men in all matters which tend to advance the agricultural and educational interests of his community, and lends his influence for the betterment of conditions wherever needed. Politically, he is a member of the Peoples Independent party and affiliates with the Royal Highlanders of Springview.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
Albert J. Gragg, who is among the old settlers in western Nebraska, owns a good ranch which he has improved in splendid shape during the past ten years, and he occupies a foremost position among the well-to-do and progressive farmers and ranchmen of Hooker county. Mr. Gragg is well-known and highly esteemed throughout the community for his active public spirit and good fellowship
Mr. Gragg was born in Oakland county, Michigan, in 1873. His father, James T. Gragg, lived for many years in that locality, and was among the pioneers in western Nebraska, coming to that state in 1881, settling on a farm in Redwillow county, near McCook, where the family lived up to 1894. At that time our subject left home and moved to McPherson county, there taking up a homestead on which he proved up in due time, and improved a good farm. He went through all the experiences of the early settler in that vicinity, suffering from many discouragements in the failure of crops, severe storms, etc., but managed to get along fairly well. He came to his present ranch in section 9, township 21, range 34, in April, 1901, and started a farm and ranch. He took the land as a homestead, and has put good building, (sic) fences, wells and windmills on it, devoting his entire time to its upbuilding, and is now proprietor of a ranch consisting of eight hundred acres, well stocked, and is making plenty of money.
In June, 1897, Mr. Gragg was united in marriage to Miss Grace Swiggart, daughter of G. W. and Susie (Doyle) Swiggart, whose sketch appears in this volume on another page. Our subject has one child, Dewey, born December 25, 1898.
Mr. Gragg takes a commendable interest in local affairs, but gives all his time to his home and ranch.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
L. C. Barr, of Holdrege, Sheridan township, settled in Phelps county in February 1878, taking up a homestead in section 28, and from that time on has resided here continuously. He is, therefore, one of the oldest settlers in this part of the state, and has gained an enviable reputation as a worthy citizen and leading old-timer, highly esteemed by all.
Mr. Barr is a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Jeremiah and Abigail Barr, the family being of German descent. In 1864 our subject enlisted in the Twenty-third Illinois Regiment, and served for eight months in the Second Division, Second Brigade, Twenty-fourth Army Corps. He was at Petersburg, Richmond, and at the surrender of Lee at Appamatox (sic) courthouse. After being mustered out Mr. Barr settled in LaSalle county, Illinois, where he farmed for some years. He considers farming there more sure, but prefers Nebraska as it is healthier and we have better water with no waste lands and also good roads. For three years after settling in this state Mr. Barr was unable to raise a crop, owing to the hot winds that burned everything, and with his means exhausted and a wife and seven children to support there were many times when want was keenly felt. Many times he walked for miles over the sparsely settled country, glad to find any kind of work and receive in return enough to carry home to his family the necessaries which they so badly needed. In the winter of 1881, when the snow reached to the tops of the corn stalks, he was obliged to dig down in the snow and cut the stalks which they used for fuel, and in this way kept his family from freezing to death. Remembering these times with a shudder, he also remembers the times when those brave pioneers met together and were cheerful and even happy in sharing a jack rabbit and other game, when they thought they were fortunate in having such a feast. During those years Mr. Barr owned an ox team with which he broke up his land and farmed his land, but one bitten by a poisonous snake and died, and then he was in pretty hard luck.
However, he had a good trade as a plasterer, and his brave wife agreeing to face the loneliness while he sought employment at his trade, he left his family, sold his ox, yoke and chains and with the proceeds started for Denver to find work. When he reached Loveland, Colorado, where he knew a friend lived, he started out for work. As he walked along the station platform he observed a man whose clothes and boots bespoke him a plasterer, and asked him for a job, and the man replied that in March there was but little work of that kind, but after telling the man of his condition and his suffering family in Nebraska, he was given work to do and was kept busy all summer, sent money to his wife and saved some besides. Being called home by a sick child he bought a team and tools and started farming again with much better success this time. In 1882 he put in sixty acres of wheat, and got a crop of thirty bushels per acre, and a corn yield of eighty bushels to the acre. After that year he did not have another complete failure up to 1902 at which time he sold his farm. When the country was new the land was looser and dried out quicker, and besides, the farmers did not then understand proper methods as they do now. In his opinion, this state and especially Phelps county is destined to become one of the best farming localities in the world.
After selling his farm in 1902 Mr. Barr again took up contracting and plastering, and does a fine business. Although he is now sixty-two years of age he does a day's work equal to any younger man and without fatigue. He has never tasted liquor, and is possessed of a clear and intelligent mind, well-read and progressive along every line of thought.
Mrs. Barr was Miss Harriet Amanda Ferry, and she is also in the enjoyment of good health. This estimable couple occupy a pleasant and happy home in Holdrege. The place consists of five acres of beautiful lawn, garden and shrubbery, and they are passing the declining years of their life in peace and comfort, justly proud of their family of bright children, whom we will now proceed to present to the reader, together with the part they take in life's history. Nettie, now the wife of Rev. H. B. Allen, of Aledo, Illinois, pastor of the Presbyterian church at that place. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Allen taught in the Holdrege public schools for a long time, and was also principal of the schools at Bertrand, Phelps county. For three years she taught at Colorado Springs, and has a fine record as a teacher. The second daughter, Helen, is the wife of E. P. Montgomery, of Fort Collins. He was at one time superintendent of schools in this county, and Mrs. Montgomery also taught a number of terms in Phelps county. Lois was for several years a teacher in the Holdrege schools, and for three years at Colorado Springs, one year at Springfield, Massachusetts, and is now attending Columbia College at New York City, fitting herself for a high career in educational work. Jennie, wife of Dr. B. L. Doane, of Lincoln, Nebraska, followed the profession of a teacher for a number of years prior to her marriage, at McCook, Fairbury, and also near Lincoln. Her husband is a surgeon for the camp at Calcite, Colorado. Mrs. Doane died in 1905, leaving an infant child, her death being due to the high altitude there. Edna, the fifth daughter, was a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music, afterwards taught music here, and is now the wife of Frank Love, of Lincoln, who is chief clerk of the chief engineers' department. One son of our subject, Edward, died during his last year at the State University, and two sons, Norman B. and Clinton M., were both teachers in this county. The family of seven children are all wonderfully bright and ambitious, all occupying a prominent part in the educational work of western Nebraska. During their early life they went through many hardships and struggles, and nothing but indomitable pluck and energy could have surmounted the difficulties which beset them. When the times were the hardest and most of them were mere children, the family held a council as to whether they, as a family, should give their lives to reclaiming and farming and endeavor to own acres and acres of prairie land, or to attaining an education, and suiting the desires and wishes of the stanch father and brave mother, they decided in favor of the education, planning that the eldest should have the advantage, and each help the other down to the youngest. This they followed out to the letter, and the success which each attained, and the splendid work they have accomplished is evidence of their intelligence and integrity. Their parents now consider that the reverses and hardships which they encountered were the school that moulded (sic) their childrens' (sic) characters, although they would not care to go through he same experience twice in a lifetime.
During the pioneer days in this section Mr. Barr served as coroner, and was deputy sheriff of his county for twelve years in succession, retiring in January, 1906. For many years he was a member of the school board. He has been an elder in the Presbyterian church at Holdrege ever since it was organized.
One son, Clinton M. Barr, is principal of the schools at Wahoo, Nebraska. He was educated in the public schools of this county, and graduated from the state university. Rev. Norman, another son, is pastor of the Olivet Presbyterian church at Chicago. He is a graduate of the State University of Nebraska, also of the Presbyterian Theological College at Chicago. He has held the pastorate of Olivet church for seven years, and this was his first church. He is greatly beloved by his people, and is a leader in the Presbyterian sect.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
GEORGE A. ECKLES
Among the enterprising and successful professional business men of Dawes county, Nebraska, none is better known or more universally esteemed that the subject of this review. Mr. Eckles is one of the founders of the Chadron Academy, and was active in raising the first $12,000 with which to build the institution, and after it was destroyed by fire in 1891, he was among those who assisted in raising $8,000 which was necessary to rebuild the school. He acted as secretary of the academy since it was first started.
Mr. Eckles was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, September 1, 1853. His father, Joseph Eckles, was a farmer by occupation, and an officer in the army during the civil war, and was killed in Kentucky, serving as an officer of his regiment at the time of his death. He was of American birth, originally of English stock. Our subject's mother was Miss Margaret Patten, born in this country of Scotch parents. The had a family of ten children, he being the seventh child of his parents. When he was about five years of age the family moved to Indiana and lived there until he was seventeen. He then came to Nebraska and took up a homestead, locating in Merrick county and proving up on his land. In 1877 he moved to Holt county and there settled on a ranch. He had previously studied law to some extent, and he associated himself with Judge Gerney, a prominent lawyer at Neligh, remaining with him for some time. During the spring of 1886 he came to Chadron and opened a law office, practicing up to January, 1899, then received the appointment of postmaster at that place and served his term. He was reappointed for a second term, and made a most efficient and popular public official. While practicing law here he was elected and served as county attorney for two and a half terms. He always took an active part in politics, a strong Republican, and served on the state Republican committee for many years, attending all the conventions in the state for the past twenty-five years. At one time he was a prominent candidate for state auditor, but failed to secure the nomination because the candidate for governor was chosen from his district.
Besides these offices of public trust, Mr. Eckles had other large interests, having been extensively engaged in the sheep business, and owned a fine ranch in this county. A man of wide experience and good business judgment, his integrity and sterling character places him among the most prominent and influential citizens of this section of the country. In July, 1907, Mr. Eckles moved to Omaha.
Mr. Eckles was married when only seventeen years of age, to Miss Eunice Paulins, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and they have a family of two children. Mrs. Cora G. Kelsey of Neligh, Nebraska, and J. Paul Eckles, of Omaha, Nebraska.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
FRED WITTIG
Should the reader of this volume ask for the name of a representative old settler of Cheyenne county, Nebraska--a man who came in mature years to brave the storms of the wilderness, and beyond the dreams of youth to hammer a home and fortune out of adversity--let him have the name that introduces this review.
Fred Wittig was born in the village of Torna, Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, August 7, 1853, and raised there until he attained his majority, following the occupation of a farmer and laborer up to his twenty-eight birthday. The parents, Fred and Henrietta Wittig, lived and died in the old country, the mother passing away when our subject was six weeks old. Fred Wittig came to the United States in 1881, sailing from Hamburg, on the "Gellert," February 21st, and landed in New York, March 8th. He joined three friends in Ohio where he worked, near Toledo, on a farm, remaining there for about a year. He next went to Coldwater, Michigan, where he spent three years working in a hotel. In 1885, in company with a man by the name of Allen, our subject came to Nebraska and settled on a homestead in section 28, township 13, range 49, and remained through the pioneer days of that region, going through the usual hardships and privations of the early settler of those days. He had a hard time to get along in starting his farm, suffering from the drouth (sic) periods, hail and grasshopper raids which damaged this part of the country at different times, and had a hard struggle to make a living in the face of so many discouragements. Many years he was unable to raise much more than enough for seed, and was compelled to work out by the day and week at anything he could secure in the way of work to keep himself and family, and while he often became almost ready to give up the struggle, kept up a brave spirit and continued to improve his place as fast as he was able. He came out victorious through the hard times, and has succeeded in accumulating a nice property. He is proprietor of the south half of section 28 and the northeast quarter of section 33, township 13, range 49, Sidney precinct, all of which is deeded land. He devotes about one hundred acres to farming purposes, keeping the balance for pasture for his stock. He has fifty head of cattle, and usually owns about ten good horses.
Mr. Wittig has a good set of substantial farm buildings on the ranch, including a comfortable and commodious modern residence, and also every convenience for operating his farm in the way of the latest improved farm machinery.
On December 6, 1886, our subject was united in marriage at Sidney, Nebraska, to Miss Amelia Eichler, of German descent, whose parents were early settlers in Michigan, where her mother still lives; the father died there about 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Wittig have a family of five children, named as follows: Amelia, Fred, Jr., Emma, Frank, and Otto. The family are well liked in their community and enjoy a pleasant and congenial homelife.
Mr. Wittig has for the past many years been active in local affairs pertaining to the schools in his locality. In politics he is independent and votes a mixed ticket according to his judgment of the men. The family are adherents of the Lutheran church.
Compendium of History Reminiscence & Biography of Western Nebraska
William T. Phillips, one of the prominent business men of Bassett, Nebraska, is a man of exceptional ability and superior intelligence. He has made for himself an enviable reputation by his honest and energetic labors, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen.
Mr. Phillips was born near Maquoketa, Jackson county, Iowa, January 6, 1843. His father, William Phillips, was a native of Iowa, and a farmer by occupation: and his father fought in the war of 1812, and his grandfather in the revolutionary war. Our subject's mother was, prior to her marriage, Miss Lydia Whittaker, also a native of Ohio. His parents had a family of nine children, of whom he was the youngest. He was raised and educated in Iowa, growing up in Maquoketa, Jackson county, where he attended school. When he was seventeen years old he started out for himself, after his father's death, engaging in farming, in Iowa, until 1883.
Mr. Phillips first came to Rock county, Nebraska, 1883, and settled on a pre-emption in the northwest corner of this county, putting up a log house two stories high, and lived in it for six years. He made a success of farming, and in 1889 moved to Bassett where he has since resided. In the latter year he was elected county clerk, and held this office for five years. He was one of the organizers of Rock county, in 1889, and being the first county clerk, transcribed from the books of Brown county everything necessary for the records of Rock county. From 1895 up to 1901 he was engaged in the newspaper business, being editor and publisher of the Rock County Eagle, which he established the former year and disposed of in May of the latter date.
On disposing of his journal he went into the real estate business in which he has prospered, owning a great deal of town property, with business extending all over Brown, Keya Paha and Rock counties. He has done his share as an old settler and is recognized as one of the leading citizens and public-spirited men of his community, always ready to advance the interests of this locality by his influence and financial aid.
Mr. Philips was married in Storm Lake, Iowa, April 26, 1883, to Miss Maggie McCoy, of American stock, daughter of Clement J. McCoy, a native of Illinois, and an old settler in Iowa and Nebraska, whose death occurred November 29, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have a family of four children, who are named as follows: Lottie, Cora, Nora and Charlie. Mr. Phillips affiliates with Ancient Order of United Workmen of Bassett.
