GENEALOGY COLLECTION
BUFFALO COUNTY
a^
NEBRASKA
AND ITS PEOPLE
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1916
1385506
"-^J??^
BIOGRAPHICAL
MAX A. HOSTETLER.
With tne commercial development of Shelton Max A. Hostetler has been
closely associated for many years and he has also become widely known through
the state as the representative of the fifty-ninth district in the general assembly,
where he has done important committee work and has been identified with much
constructive legislation. He was born February 7, 1857, in Broadhead, Wiscon-
sin, and after attending the rural schools made his initial step in the business
world at farm work in Kearney county, Nebraska. He afterward formed a
partnership with a brother for the conduct of a general mercantile business at
Lowell and since 1878 has been the owner of a dry goods store in Shelton. Thirty-
seven years have since come and gone, during which he has been continuously
connected with the commercial activity of the city, and his progress has been
based upon thorough study of the trade and the employment of modern com-
mercial methods, leading to the attainment of honorable success. He has figured
prominently in business circles not only of Shelton but of the state. He was the
first president of the State Federation of Retail Merchants, to which position he
was elected in 1906. serving for three years. He has since been its treasurer and
is also treasurer of the Federated Merchants Mutual Insurance Company. Aside
from the conduct of the Daylight Store, by which name his Shelton establish-
ment is known, he is interested in other business enterprises, all of which profit
by his sound judgment and the spirit of advancement which he infuses therein..
On the 2ist of September, 1880, at Gibbon, Nebraska, Mr. Hostetler was-
married to Miss Ella M. Doggett, a daughter of Gary Armsted and Mary (Huff-
man) Doggett, both of whom were representatives of old Virginia families, the
former of Scotch-Irish descent, while the latter came of German and French
lineage. The ancestral line of the Doggett family in America can be traced back
to 1670, when representatives of the name lived in Lancaster, Virginia, and their
history is found in the Congressional library in Washington. The great-grand-
father served in the Revolutionary war and the grandfather served in the War
of 1812 under two enlistments, while Gary Doggett became an officer in the
American army in the Mexican war and held the rank of first lieutenant in the
First Ohio Cavalry during the Civil war. Mrs. Hostetler has been very promi-
nent in club and lodge circles in the state for thirty years and is now president
of the Mothers' Day Association and of the Legislative Ladies' League. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Hostetler hold membership in the Presbyterian church and fra-
ternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of which
5
6 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
he was financier for many years, and with the Modern Brotherhood of America.
His political allegiance is given to the republican party. He was the president
of the first commercial club in Shelton and served in that capacity for many
years. He was elected president of the State Commercial Club Association at
its organization and served in that capacity for one year, declining reelection.
His interest in all matters pertaining to the public welfare is deep and sincere
and has been manifest in many tangible ways whereby the substantial growth
and development of the city has been augmented. He was a member of the town
council of Shelton for twelve years and is now serving for the second term as
a member of the Nebraska legislature, taking his seat in 191 3 and serving again
through the session of 191 5. He is a member of the committees on claims and
deficiencies, judiciary, school lands and funds, and during his connection with
the legislature has given careful consideration to all vital questions coming up
for settlement. He regards a public ofifice as a public trust and is ever true to
any trust reposed in him. He has therefore made an excellent official and his
legislative work reflects credit and honor upon the constituency that has honored
him with election to office.
JOHN HENNING.
John Henning is an honored pioneer settler of Bufifalo county and a retired
farmer now living in Kearney. He was born in Logan county, Ohio, November
10, 1838* was reared in Union county, that state, and pursued his education in
the public schools near his father's home. Through the periods of vacation he
assisted in the work of the farm, early becoming familiar with the best meth-
ods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He continued upon the farm
until, feeling that his duty to his country was paramount to all else, he enlisted
for service on the 17th of August, 1861, as a member of Company F, Thirty-
first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for two years,
seven months and nine days, when he was honorably discharged on account
of disability. He participated in the hard fought battles of Perryville, Stone
River and Chickamauga and a number of hotly contested skirmishes and was
twice hit with spent balls but was not wounded. However, he sufifered injuries
owing to the rigors and hardships of war, for he has never fully recovered his
health and his army service has caused deafness in the left ear. For a time
he was in the hospital at Chattanooga and also at Nashville, and at the latter
place was honorably discharged.
After returning home Mr. Henning worked for a time and then rented a
farm in Ohio, upon which he resided until March, 1872, when he came to Ne-
braska and homesteaded in Buffalo county in town 9, range 16, his place being
located on section 14. This he at once began to develop and improve and
thereon he continued to follow general farming until he retired in 1910 and
came to Kearney, since which time he has sold the farm property. He brought
his fields to a high state of cultivation and was regarded as one of the represen-
tative agriculturists of the community. His well directed labors brought him
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 7
substantial success and he is now the possessor of a competency which supplies
him with all the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.
On the 29th of April, 1865, Mr. Henning was married to Miss Eliza Jane
Ballinger, who was also born in Logan county, Ohio, July 25, 1845, and was
there reared and educated. She came to Buffalo county in 1872 and is num-
bered among the pioneer women of this part of the state. To Mr. and Mrs.
Henning were born ten children, of whom four died in infancy. Those who
survive are : Lucy Belle, who first wedded John B. Mallady, and after his
death became the wife of Ira Kniepdt; Eva Ellen, the wife of David Welling-
ton, of Sac City, Iowa; Mary Alice, the wife of John Tattum, of Lincoln,
Nebraska ; William E., who follows farming in Logan county, Colorado ; Nathan
Thomas, who is engaged in farming in Buffalo county; and Rachel Grace, the
wife of John Vance, a farmer of Federal, Wyoming.
The parents were among the first members of the Methodist church of
Kearney and few of the charter members of that organization are now living.
They have always contributed generously to its support and done everything
possible to promote its growth and extend its influence. Mr. Henning holds
membership in Sedgwick Post, No. i, G. A. R. of Kearney and has held most
of its offices save that of commander, which he declined to fill on account of
his hearing. His wife is connected with the Ladies of the Grand Army of the
Republic. Both are held in highest esteem, having a circle of friends that is
coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. They have lived to see practi-
cally the entire development and growth of this section of the state and have
borne their part in bringing about those changes which have wrought for the
substantial improvement of town and county. Mr. Henning is now in the
seventy-eighth year of his age and is one of the most highly respected of Kear-
ney's representative pioneer citizens.
C. S. FIELDGROVE.
Among the men who are contributing to the development of Sharon town-
ship along agricultural lines is C. S. Fieldgrove, who owns and operates an
excellent farm on section 35. He was born in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania,
on the 31st of January, 1866, and is a son of Henry and Margaret A. (Mires)
Fieldgrove, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania respectively. The father
came to the United States in the '50s and settled in Pennsylvania, where he
was married. At the time of the Civil war he served in the Union army and in
times of peace was also' willing to make personal sacrifices to promote the
public good. After the close of the war he returned to Pennsylvania but in
1 87 1 removed to Nebraska and became the owner of a good farm in Sharon
township, Buffalo county, on which he lived until his demise in 1904. His wife
has now reached the advanced age of eighty-four years. Five of their eight
children are living.
C. S. Fieldgrove received a college education and also gained valuable train-
ing in agriculture through assisting his father with the farm work. He re-
mained at home until he was twenty-seven years of age, when he bought one
8 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
hundred and sixty acres on section 35, Sharon township, where he has since
Hved. He also owns an interest in a fifty-six acre tract, and iiis farming and
stockraising activities leave him little time for outside interests. He has given
especial attention to the breeding of high grade stock and as the years have
passed he has accumulated more than a competence. He has increased the value
of his property by erecting fine modern buildings and he is financially inter-
ested in the Farmers Elevator at Shelton.
Mr. Fieldgrove was married in 1890 to Miss Sarah Boyer, a native of Michi-
gan, by whom he had four children : Floyd H. ; Blanche, who is a graduate of
the State Normal School and is now engaged in teaching school ; Grace, a high
school student; and Charles M., at home. Mrs. Fieldgrove died on the ist of
November, 1902, and her demise was sincerely mourned by her many warm
friends. In 1904 Mr. Fieldgrove was united in marriage to Mrs. Maggie (John-
son) Turton, who was born in Pleasant Plain, Iowa, and is a daughter of
James W. Johnson. Mrs. Fieldgrove had two children by her first husband:
Leona, who is now attending the State Normal School; and Bertha, who died
in infancy.
Mr. Fieldgrove casts his ballot in support of the republican party and has
been called to office, having served as township treasurer and as a member of
the school board. He is well known in local Masonic circles, belonging to the
blue lodge at Shelton and being also identified witl^ chapter and commandery
at Kearney. He has also taken the thirty-second degre>. ni the Scottish Rite
and is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. The success
which he has gained is the more enviable in that it is the result solely of his
own efforts and ffood management.
FREEMAN MERRYMAN.
The farming interests of the county find a worthy representative in Freeman
Merryman, who resides on section 9, Center township. Moreover, he is a
veteran of the Civil war and has ever been a loyal citizen, as true to his country
in days of peace as when he followed the stars and stripes on southern battle-
fields. Illinois claims him as a native son. He was born in Richland Grove town-
ship, Mercer county, June 15, 1845, his father being David D. Merryman, while
his grandfather was Timothy D. IMerryman, who was in possession of the coat
of arms of the family. The first entry of lands by any of the family in Maine
was made in the year 1641. The grandfather removed from Maine to Illinois in
1834 and subsequently settled in Mercer county, casting in his lot with the pioneer
residents of that part of the state. He had previously served his country as a
soldier in the War of 1812. His son, David D. Merryman, wedded Miss Phoebe
Hibbard, who was also descended from Revolutionary ancestry, the family hav-
ing been represented in the war for independence by John Hibbard and a Captain
Rowe. David D. Merryman was a farmer by occupation and followed that pur-
suit in Illinois until 1882, when he removed to Buffalo county, Nebraska, and
established his home in Kearney, where he lived retired until his death in 1891.
Freeman Merryman, spending his youthful days under the parental roof,
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 11
attended the public schools of Mercer county to the age of seventeen years, when
his patriotic spirit was aroused and he enlisted for service in the Civil war, being
enrolled with the boys in blue on the 6th of August, 1862. He was assigned to
duty with Company C, One Hundred and Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and
was honorably discharged on the 14th of June, 1865. He had been wounded at
the battle of Resaca, Georgia, on the 15th of May, 1864. He participated in the
campaign through Kentucky and Tennessee under Generals Thomas and Rose-
crans and subsequently served under General Sherman until the Grand Review
at Washington, D. C, in which he took part. He had participated in the engage-
ments at Resaca, Cassville, Dallas, New Hope Church, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw
Mountain, crossing the Chattahooche, Peach Tree Creek and the siege of Atlanta.
In 1864 he had served under Fighting Joe Hooker, and as he and his comrades
were armed with the Spencer seven-shot repeating rifles, they were kept in the
thick of the fray. Following the Atlanta campaign Mr. Merryman took part in
the engagements at Averysboro and at Bentonville, North Carolina, and thence
went to Raleigh, where his regiment was stationed at the close of the war. He
marched with Sherman's army in the Grand Review in the capital city, where
the victorious Union troops marched through the streets of Washington, cheered
by the thousands who watched the parade and welcomed the return of the
veterans.
After receiving his discharge Mr. Merryman returned to Mercer county,
Illinois, and worked upon his father's farm for a year. He then married and
located in Moline, Illinois, and for seventeen years was in the employ of the
John Deere Plow Company, spending five years of that time as foreman of the
wood department and three years as a contractor. When he left the company
he was receiving a salary of four thousand dollars annually but was obliged to
resign his position on account of his health. He then came to Nebraska in June,
1883. He had visited the state in 1879 and had bought out holdings. On his
removal to the state four years later he took up his abode in Kearney, for his
property interests were in Buffalo county. Lie now owns one thousand and fifty
acres of land, none of which is upon the market. For the past twelve years he
has resided in his country home one mile south and three miles east of the busi-
ness center of Kearney and from this point he superintends his invested interests,
which are extensive and important and which return to him a most gratifying
annual income.
In 1866 Mr. Merryman was united in marriage to Miss Alcinda B. Van Meter,
of Richland Grove, Mercer county, Illinois. To them were born four children,
three of whom survive, as follows : Minnie E., the wife of Walter R. Gamble,
of Kearney, Nebraska; Arthur F., who follows farming in Center township; and
Nellie E., at home. The wife and mother passed away on the i6th of May, ,1892.
For the past twenty years or more Mr. Merryman has done nothing save look
after his property holdings and other interests. He has also spent considerable
time in travel and on his trips has become acquainted with many of the notable
public men of the day. In politics he is a republican, while fraternally he is con-
nected with the Masons and with Sedgwick Post, No. i, G. A. R., of which he
served for one year as commander. He has also been junior vice department
commander of Nebraska and he served as chief of staff of the department of
Nebraska and as aid-de-camp on the staff of General D. J. Palmer and others.
12 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
He is one of the well known residents of Buffalo county and is a representative
of our best type of American manhood and chivalry. By perseverance, determina-
tion and honorable effort he has overthrown the obstacles which barred his path
to success and has reached the goal of prosperity, while his genuine worth, broad
mind and public spirit have made him a director of public thought and action.
xA.t all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement calculated
to benefit this section of the country or advance its wonderful development.
KERSEY O. HOLMES.
For the past thirty years Kersey O. Holmes has been a resident of Buffalo
county, during which period he has been identified with commercial and finan-
cial interests in a manner that has contributed not only to his individual suc-
cess but to the promotion of public prosperity as well. Born in Columbiana
county, Ohio, on the 21st of August, 1842, he is a son of Dr. Jesse Holmes, a
native of Virginia, who in young manhood removed to Ohio, settling in Co-
lumbiana county. Determining upon the practice of medicine as a life work,
he obtained his professional education in Columbus, Ohio, previous to which
time, however, he had proven a successful and capable teacher. He taught
for a considerable period, almost exclusively in those schools conducted by the
Society of Friends, or Quakers, of which sect he was a representative. In fact
he became well known as one of the prominent ministers of that society.
In various places he continued his educational labors and displayed marked
ability in imparting readily and concisely to others the knowledge that he had
acquired. He married Rebecca Hanna, an aunt of Marcus Hanna, who after-
ward became United States senator from Ohio. Three children were born of
this union, of whom two are yet living, the elder being Elizabeth, the wife of
David Townsend, a resident of California. The wife and mother passed away
in 1847 and Dr. Holmes afterward wedded Mercy Lloyd, while his third wife
was Sarah M. Paxson, who bore him three children, of whom two are now
living: Mrs. John N. Dryden, of Kearney, Nebraska; and Dr. Jesse H. Holmes,
a member of the faculty of Swarthmore College of Pennsylvania, occupying
the professorship of Biblical literature. The father, Dr. Jesse Holmes, removed
to Iowa and for a time practiced his profession at Mount Pleasant and later at
West Liberty. In 1879 he became a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska, where he
resided until his death, about 1885.
Kersey O. Holmes spent his early days in Ohio and with his father removed
to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, in 1857. His primary education was obtained in the
public schools of his native county, followed by further study in the public
schools of Mount Pleasant. By competitive examination, which was then the
rule, each county being entitled to a scholarship, he earned the right of admis-
sion as a student to the State University at Iowa City, where he was in attend-
ance for about three years. He read law at Davenport, Iowa, with the firm
of Putnam & Rogers, and later with Edmunds & Ransom of Iowa City. In
1865 he was admitted to the bar and for a short time was engaged in the prac-
tice of law in Louisa and Muscatine counties, after which he removed to Des
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 13
Moines, where he engaged in practice until his removal to Audubon, Iowa, where
he practiced until ill health led to his relinquishment of professional activity.
In 1886 Mr. Holmes came to Kearney, Nebraska, where he has since lived.
For twenty-nine years he was engaged in mercantile pursuits and figured as
one of the most prominent business men of the city in which he now makes his
home. He also served as postmaster for four years during the administration
of President Roosevelt. Since its organization he has been a stockholder of
the City National Bank and called to official position is now serving as vice
president. His judgment in business affairs is sound, his sagacity keen, his
integrity unassailable and his enterprise unfaltering.
On the 19th of November, 1866, Mr. Holmes was married to Miss Etta
Raymond, a daughter of Kendall Raymond, of Monroe county. New York. Mrs.
Holmes is a graduate of the Iowa State University, and by her marriage has
become the mother of two sons, Ernest Raymond and Loring J., both deceased.
In his political views Mr. Holmes is a republican and has never voted any
other ticket. He was elected and served a part of two terms a member of the
board of supervisors of Buffalo county and it was during his term that the
present courthouse was erected, Mr. Holmes being made chairman of the build-
ing committee. He has never wavered in his allegiance to the religious
faith of his father, being still a Quaker in belief, and he has always been an
active worker for the cause of temperance. His life has at all times been up-
right and honorable, exemplifying the traits of sterling manhood and citizen-
ship. The consensus of public opinion places him in the front rank among
Kearney's leading men and wherever he is known he is held in highest regard.
R. F. CRUIT.
R. F. Cruit is a resident farmer of Center township, his home being on
section 7. His residence in the county covers a period of more than three decades,
during which time he has seen this district emerge from pioneer conditions and
take on all the evidence of a progressive and modern civilization. He was born
near Lancaster, Ohio, July 28, 1862, and is a son of George W. and Sarah
(Young) Cruit, both of whom passed away in the Buckeye state. The mother
died when her son R. F. was but seven years of age and the father, who was
a farmer by occupation, afterward married Miss Margaret Moyer.
R. F. Cruit was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education
in the public schools and as a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Dela-
ware, Ohio. In 1882 he came to Buffalo county, Nebraska, settling on his
present home farm, which his father had previously purchased, George W.
Cruit having become the owner of three quarter sections in this county at
different times during the late '70s. R. F. Cruit engaged in teaching through
five terms of school after locating in Buffalo county. During that time he also
built a house and barn upon 'his land and improved his farm, thus making a
start in the work of converting raw prairie into a valuable farm property.
In 1 89 1 he wedded Miss Hattie Pool, of Buffalo county, a daughter of Achish
Pool, who was one of the early pioneers of this part of the state. Mr. and
14 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
Mrs. Cruit became parents of two children : Beulah Gertrude, now a teacher
in the city schools of Loup, Nebraska ; and Robert Leroy, who is attending the
Nebraska Wesleyan University at Lincoln. The wife and mother passed away
in 1896 and in 1899 Mr. Cruit wedded Miss Bertha Smith, a native daughter
of Buffalo county. Her father, James M. Smith, arrived in this county from
Iowa in 1873 and homesteaded a quarter section of land in Thornton town-
ship, on which he built a sod house, which was the birthplace of Mrs. Cruit and
in which she spent the first seven years of her life. To the second marriage
have been born four children, Clarence F., Ruth L., Helen V. and Mabel Lois.
Mr. Cruit now owns two hundred and forty acres of land in his home farm
and also another tract of two hundred acres in Grant township near Amherst.
He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company at Kearney and the
Farmers Elevator at Glenwood. He likewise owais stock in the Kearney
Canning Company and in the Union Valley Telephone Company and is a busi-
ness man of marked enterprise. He closely and thoroughly studies every situa-
tion and guides his actions by a sound judgment that leads to success. His
discernment is keen, his enterprise unfaltering, and his energy has brought
him to a prominent position among the agriculturists of Buffalo county.
In his political views Mr. Cruit is a republican and has served as a mem-
ber of the school board and also as town treasurer for one term. Fraternally
he is connected with the Woodmen of the World, with the Highlanders and
with Buffalo Lodge, No. -^y, I. O. O. F. He and his wife are consistent Chris-
tian people, the former belonging to the Methodist Episcopal church, while
the latter is of the Evangelical faith. They are widely known and highly
esteemed in the community where they reside, having a large circle of warm
friends who entertain for them the deepest regard.
WHEELER WEBSTER.
Wheeler Webster, an up-to-date and able farmer residing on section 10,
Gibbon township, was born in Ripley county, Indiana, in March, 1852. His
parents, Thomas and Nancy (Dowers) Webster, were both natives of that
county, whence in 1888 or 1889 they came to Buffalo county, Nebraska, and
during the remainder of their lives made their home among their children.
Wheeler Webster attended the common schools but as he was the eldest
son and had to go to work at an early age his opportunities along educational
lines were limited. When twenty years of age he rented land in Indiana, which
he cultivated until 1883, when he removed to Buff"alo county, Nebraska. After
renting for several years he purchased land and now owns two farms, one of
eighty acres and the other of one hundred and twenty acres. However, he
resides on the J. B. Adams farm on section 10, Gibbon township, which comprises
three hundred and twenty acres and which he has operated for twenty-four
years. He understands farming thoroughly and as he is energetic and willing
to profit by the discoveries of investigators along agricultural lines he seldom
fails to secure good crops.
In March, 1873, Mr. Webster was married to Miss Rachel Young, also a
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 15
native of Ripley county, Indiana, and they have become the parents of five
children, namely : Carl, who is operating one of his father's farms ; George,
who is engaged in the grocery business in Gibbon, Nebraska; Herbert, who
operates his father's second farm ; Chester, who assists his father in the opera-
tion of the Adams farm; and Nellie, the wife of Clyde Scott, a farmer of Gib-
bon township.
Mr. Webster supports the republican party at the polls and for about eight
years served as road supervisor, his services in that capacity proving very
acceptable. He holds membership in Gibbon Lodge, No. 138, K. P., and is loyal
to the teachings of that organization concerning human brotherhood. The
gratifying measure of success which he has gained is proof of his enterprise
and good judgment, for since beginning his independent career he has depended
solely upon his own resources.
HON. PETER WINK.
Hon. Peter Wink, for thirty-one years a resident of Buffalo county, and
at present engaged in the real estate business in Kearney, was born in Wright
county, Minnesota, on the 25th of September, 1859. The parents, Valentine and
Catherine (Peters) Wink, were farming people and in pioneer times the
father took up a homestead claim in Wright county, Minnesota, where he car-
ried on general agricultural pursuits until his removal to Juneau county, Wis-
consin, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring in 1Q04.
Peter Wink is the second in order of birth in a family of four children, all
of whom are yet living. In his early boyhood he attended the neighboring district
schools and when old enough he began to earn his own living, being variously
employed. For a considerable time he rafted lumber from the pineries south
on the Mississippi river and he was also engaged in digging two tunnels for
the Northwestern Railroad Company. During harvest seasons he would hire
out to farmers, receiving as high as five dollars per day for his services. This
period of his life was filled with an abundance of hard work and was passed
among real people who were struggling to get ahead in the world. This was
the period perhaps which most largely developed and determined his character.
While untiring labor was the order of the day this was also a period of enjoy-
ment, for youth, virile and compelling, made little of obstacles. Mr. Wink
saved considerable part of his earnings, the inherent thrift of his German
forbears undoubtedly teaching him the importance of saving for the proverbial
rainy day. He became foreman on a farm in Clinton county, Iowa, and occu-
pied that position for two years.
It was in the year 1879 that Mr. Wink was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Farrell, and in 1884 he removed to Buffalo county, Nebraska, and purchased
two hundred and forty acres of railroad land in Thornton township at four
dollars per acre. For twenty-seven years he there resided, devoting his life
to general farming and stockraising, during which period he brought his fields
to a high state of cultivation and added many modern improvements to the
farm, which he still owns. In 191 1, however, he left the farm and removed to
16 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
Kearney, where he opened a real estate office and has since been engaged in
that Hne of business. He is thoroughly conversant concerning property values
and he has negotiated many important realty transfers, being accorded a liberal
clientage in his line.
As the years went on Mr. and Mrs. Wink became the parents of four chil-
dren : Frank, John, Clara and Alice, but the last named is deceased. The mother
passed away in May, 1909, and for his second wife Mr. Wink chose Miss
Bertha Vermeulen. In religious faith Mr. Wink is a Roman Catholic. His
political allegiance is given to the democratic party and in 1913 he was elected
state senator from the twenty-second senatorial district comprising the coun-
ties of Kearney, Buffalo and Sherman. He was reelected in 191 5 and is now
serving for the second term. During both sessions he has been a member of
the ways and means committee and during the session of 191 5 he was chairman
of the committee on irrigation and water power. He took an active part in
constructive, legislation and was the author of several bills that were passed
and are now found on the statute books of the state. He has labored persist-
ently for the benefit of the community and of the commonwealth and his
efforts have been far-reaching- and resultant.
JOHN N. DRYDEN.
John N. Dryden was born on a farm in Dane county, Wisconsin, June r, 1856.
His father, Nathaniel H. Dryden, and his mother, Emily Balch Dryden, were of
southern stock, the former from Tennessee and the latter from Alabama. At
an early date they removed to Illinois where they were married September 10,
1840. They subsequently became pioneers, successively, in Wisconsin, in Iowa,
and lastly in Nebraska, where they settled in Custer county in 1875. There were
nine children, five of whom are now living. Nathaniel H. Dryden held local
offices, such as school director, county supervisor, etc. He was a Christian citi-
zen and exercised a strong constructive influence in building the foundations of
the new social order in the localities where he lived. In 1884, the family mo^•ed
to Kearney where they continued to reside until ]Mr. Dryden's death, which
occurred April 13, 1907, at the ripe age of eighty-eight years, the wife having
passed away at the age of eighty-three years, September 26, 1901.
John N. Dryden was educated in the common schools of the neighborhood,
attended the Gibbon Academy for three years, from 1876 to 1879 '^"d the fol-
lowing three years, the Nebraska State University. He was admitted to the bar
at Kearney, in 1886, since which time he has been engaged in the active practice
of his profession at the same place. He has sought no official preferment, having
occupied no political office except that of member of the board of education and
of the public library, in his home city. He is a member of the American Bar
Association, and at present, president of the Nebraska State Bar Association.
Mr. Dr}^den is a republican in politics — a progressive republican and an active,
lifelong opponent of the open saloon. For more than thirty-five years he has
been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, twice has been elected
JOHN N. DRYDEN
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 19
delegate to the general conference of that organization and for twenty years has
been a trustee of the Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Air. Dryden is familiar with many aspects of pioneer life in Nebraska. During
his boyhood days while a resident of Custer county, he drove the Star Mail Route
from Kearney to Loup City, and thence to New Helena, a distance of one him-
dred ten miles, niaking weekly trips at a time when the houses in some instances,
were thirty miles apart, and many of the streams unbridged. On such trips he
has seen as many as seventy-five elk in a single drove, and is acquainted with and
had a practical experience in almost every phase of pioneer life in central
Nebraska. He has been an interested witness of the changes which have occurred
and has helped to bring about the present conditions of civilization and develop-
ment, happiness and prosperity to our people.
He was married to Helen M. Holmes, a daughter of Dr. Jesse and Sara M. P.
Holmes, at Lincoln, Nebraska, January 31, 1884. Two children were born to
these parents, Ruth Holmes Dryden, now Mrs. Herbert W. Kendall, of Fremont,
Nebraska ; and Kenneth H. Dryden, of Kearney, Nebraska.
GEORGE C. LUNGER.
George C. Lunger has devoted his life to farming and has gained a gratifying
measure of success, now owning two hundred and forty acres of fine land in
Valley township. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Columbia county
on the 23d of March, 1855, of the marriage of Jacob and Sarah (Hodge)
Lunger, who were also born in that state. The father followed the carpenter's
trade for fifty-five years and was widely known as an expert workman. Both
he and his wife died in the Keystone state.
George C. Lunger is one of a family of twelve children, nine of whom are
living. He was educated in the public schools and remained at home until he
reached mature years. He then began learning the mason's and plasterer's
trades, which he followed for about four years, but in 1878 he came to Buffalo
county, Nebraska, and took up a claim. After living thereon for two years he
traded that place for a farm of two hundred acres on section 17, Valley town-
ship, which he still owns. He has made many improvements upon the place
and has brought his land to a high state of cultivation. A small town known
as Butler has grown up opposite his farm and for eight years he served as
postmaster, discharging his duties to the satisfaction of all concerned. He has
interests aside from his farm, as he is a stockholder and director of the Com-
mercial State Bank at Gibbon and a stockholder and vice president of the Grange
Elevator Company at Gibbon.
Mr. Lunger was married in 1882 to Miss Ida M. Wilson, who was born in
Pennsylvania and is a daughter of Augustus and Katherine (Esler) Wilson,
the former of whom was born in Maine and the latter in Germany. Both are
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lunger have become the parents of six children,
namely: Waldron J., who is a graduate of the Grand Island Business College
and is now bookkeeper for the George Sickle Lumber Company at Kearney ; Ros-
coe, assistant cashier of the Commercial Bank at Gibbon; Weaver, who is
20 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
operating the homestead ; Beulah, attending the State Normal School at Kearney ;
Almira, who died when two years old; and Josephine, who died at the age of
three years.
Mr. Lunger is a stalwart democrat and has served for a number of years
as a member of the township committee of his party. For twenty years he
has been on the school board and for two terms he held the office of county
supervisor. He is identified with the Grange and has been quite active in its
varied work, believing in the value of organization and cooperation among
farmers. Both he and his wife are members of the United Br^tkren church,
which indicates the principles which govern their lives. When' #e came to
this county he had but eighty-five dollars, but he was not discouraged and reso-
lutely set about to gain prosperity. His efforts have been richly rewarded, and
he is now one of the substantial men of his community.
. yROSCii^E LUNGER.
Roscoe Lunger, the second^son of George C. Lunger, was born in Buffalo
county on the 28th of- March,^ 1887, and was here reared. He completed the
course offered in the common schools and subsequently attended the State
Normal at Kearney, thus further preparing himself for the responsibilities of
life. On leaving school he entered the City National Bank at Kearney as
bookkeeper, but five years later, in 1912, came to Gibbon and with a partner
purchased the Commercial Bank, of which he is now serving as assistant cashier.
He has been a factor of no little importance in building up the business of the
institution and is recognized as a banker of experience and ability. He also
owns the garage building at Gibbon and derives a good financial return from
that property.
Mr. Lunger was married on the 6th of November, 1912, to Miss Grace
Carlson, a native of Buffalo county, and a daughter of Alford and Clara
(Rizer) Carlson, who are still living on their farm in this county. Mr. Lunger
is a democrat and is now serving as township trustee. Fraternally he is a
member of the Knights of Pythias lodge and of the Highlanders, and both he
and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is one of the popu-
lar and highly respected young men of Gibbon, and his enterprise and capability
insure his continued success.
GEORGE W. SMITPL
Every community has within its borders those who are recognized as pro-
moters of public progress through the channels of business activity. In this
connection mention should be made of George W. Smith, the cashier of Meis-
ner's Bank of Shelton, who is a courteous and obliging bank official, carefully
safeguarding the interests of the institution which he represents and at the
same time extending every possible aid to its patrons.
k
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 21
He was born in Cass county, Iowa, on the 22d of February, 1876, a son of
Edwin L. and Carrie N. (Kitson) Smith, both of whom were natives of Cook
county, IlHnois, where they were reared and married. Two or three years later
they removed to Cass county, Iowa, where the father engaged in farming for
seven years. He then took his family to Chicago, where he entered upon the
study of medicine, matriculating in Rush Medical College, from which he was
graduated with the class of February, 1884. In the following May he arrived
in Shelton, Nebraska, where he followed his profession up to the time of his
death, which occurred in February, 1912. He was accounted one of the fore-
most cit^^ns'df Shelton, not only because of his ability and success in the pro-
fessional field but also because of his activity along other lines. He became
one of the organizers of the Shelton electric light plant, of which he was made
president, and in that capacity he served until the time of his death. He was
also identified with his son George in the drug business for several years and
he possessed the determination and energy which enabled him to carry forward
to successful completion whatever he undertook."".. In his earlier years he gave
his political allegiance to the republican party^and-in after life became a Bryan
democrat. While he was quite influential in local' political circles, he never
sought nor desired office as a reward f«r party %alty. At the time of the
Civil war he espoused the cause of tlie Union and went to the front in defense
of the stars and stripes. In Masonry he attained the thirty-second degree of
the Scottish Rite and was also a member of the Mystic Shrine at Omaha.
George W. Smith spent his youthful days in his parents' home and obtained
his education in the public schools, completing a course in the Shelton high
school with the class of 1891. He then took up the study of pharmacy and was
graduated from the pharmaceutical department of the University of Illinois
at Chicago in the class of 1897. In January, 1898, he established a drug store
in Shelton and has since been identified with that line of business. His establish-
ment was incorporated in 191 5, under the name of the Smith Drug Company,
and a liberal patronage is accorded by reason of the honorable business, methods
followed and the earnest efifort put forth to please patrons. On the ist of
(October, 1913, Mr. Smith extended his efforts into other fields by purchasing
an interest in Meisner's Bank, of which he was made cashier, since which time
he has served in that capacity. Many of the most important business interests
of the district have felt the stimulus of the cooperation and sound* judgment
of Mr. Smith, whose carefully directed efforts seem to take cognizance of every
opportunity. He was one of the organizers of the Shelton Electric Light Com-
pany, of which he was made secretary and treasurer. The first meeting of the
Farmers Home Telephone Company was held in his drug store and he became
its secretary, occupying the position for two years, when he disposed of his
stock. He was also one of the organizers of the Farmers Elevator Company,
of which he became the first secretary. For a number of years he owned a
third interest in the Shelton Mills and he is the owner of some valuable farm
lands in this part of the state.
In 1900 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Lee, her father
being Mark G. Lee, vice president of Meisner's Bank and one of Shelton's
foremost citizens. Our subject and his wife have three children, Bernadine A.,
Edwin L. and Elenora.
22 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
In his political views Mr. Smith is a democrat but has never sought nor
desired public office. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. They
are both held in high esteem and their sterHng traits of character have gained
for them warm and enduring regard. Mr. Smith is most alert, energetic and
enterprising. Few men are more prominent or more widely known in Shelton
and this part of the county. He has been an important factor in business affairs
and his prosperity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics
of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never flags.
He seems to have a genius for devising the right thiing at the right time, joined
to everyday common sense which ever proves the balance wheel of talent.
HON. GEORGE W. BARRETT.
Hon. George W. Barrett is*the president of the Farmers Home Telephone
Company of Shelton, which he was largely instrumental in organizing. He has
also been prominently identified w^ 'Agricultural interests and is a representative
business man, actuated at all times by a spirit of determination and enterprise
that enables him to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles that bar the path of
business progress. Mr. Barrett was born in Washington county, Indiana, Decem-
ber 22, 1850, and is a son of Elijah and Helen (Prather) Barrett, both of whom
were natives of Washington county, Indiana, where they resided until 1866. They
then removed to Iroquois county, Illinois, where the father passed away in the
year 1877. Later the mother removed to Kansas, where her death occurred
in 1892. ^
George W. Barrett was reared at home w^th the usual experiences of the farm
lad. His school privileges were very limit^^. as he had the opportunity for
attending only a part of the three months' '^aftter term, which was the extent
of the term in his district in Indiana at that time. He was a lad of sixteen years
when his parents removed to Illinois and there he resided until the fall of 1875,
when he came to Nebraska. He took up his abode in Shelton township, Buffalo
county, and for two years operated rented land. In 1878 he purchased a
relinquishment on a tree claim, which he homesteaded and developed, proving it
up. Upon that place he has since continuously resided, his farm being pleasantly
located about three miles southwest of Shelton. It comprises three hundred and
sixty acres of rich and productive land, in addition to which he owns another
farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres. He has brought his fields to a -high ^
state of cultivation, adding the equipments and accessories of the model^i^m o^'
the twentieth century, and his labors annually result in the gathering of gooti
harvests. Agriculture, however, is but one phase of his business activity, for
to other lines he has extended his efforts, proving equally successful. He was the
I^rincipal factor in the organization of the Farmers Home Telephone Company
of Shelton, of which he was made the president and in that capacity has con- j
tinued. The business is kept up to a high standard, so that excellent service
is rendered to patrons of the line and the enterprise is one which proves of the
utmost benefit and convenience to the district. Mr. Barrett was also one of the
*t
ii'i
HON. GEORGE W. BARRETT
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 25
organizers of the Farmers Elevator Company of Shelton, of which he served as
president for two years.
In 1878 Mr. Barrett was united in marriage to Miss Melvina Smith, of Sharon
township, this county. To them have been born four children, as follows : Schuy-
ler, who is deceased; Effie, the wife of William Oliver, who follows farming in
Shelton township ; Charles, a resident of North Yakima, Washington ; and Leroy,
who operates the old homestead.
Mr. and Mrs. Barrett are members of the United Brethren church, in the
M'ork of which they take an active and helpful interest, contributing generously
to its support. Mr. Barrett is serving as one of the board of trustees of the
church and fraternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Work-
men. In politics he is an earnest republican and for one term he served as town-
ship treasurer, while for several years past he has been a member of the school
board. In 1907 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature and
in 1909 received indorsement of his first term's service in a reelection, so that he
remained a member of the house for four years, during which time he was
connected with much important and constructive legislation. He ever stood
fearlessly in support of what he believed to be for the best interests of the
commonwealth, nor did he hesitate to oppose any measure which he believed
inimical to the general good. His life in its various relations and phases has
been of value and benefit to the community in which he lives and his course at all
times has been an honor and credit to the community which has honored him.
FRED BARGMANN.
Fred Bargmann, residing in Riverdale, Nebraska, is one of the foremost
residents of the town, conducting a banking, real estate and insurance business,
being president of the State Bank. He is a self-made man whose enterprise
and determination have led to his success. Each year has chronicled his
advancement in business matters, for step by step he has steadily worked his
way upward. He was born in Hanover, Germany, November 24, 1862, a son of
Henry and Rebecca Bargmann, both of whom were natives of that country,
Avhere they spent their entire lives. There they reared their family of five chil-
dren, of whom four are yet living.
Fred Bargmann spent his boyhood and youth in Germany and in the year
1879, when seventeen years of age, bade adieu to friends and native land and
sailed for the new world. He did not tarry on the eastern coast but made his
way across the country to Cook county, Illinois, where he secured employment
as a farm hand, working in that way until 1886, when he removed to Columbus,
Nebraska. He was there employed for two years, at the end of which time
he and his brother embarked in the dairy business and continued actively therein
for ten years. They then sold out and Fred Bargmann turned his attention to
general agricultural pursuits, carrying on farming with success until 1905. He
brought his fields- to a high state of cultivation, converting his land into a pro-
ductive tract from which he annually gathered good harvests. In 1907 he
removed to Riverdale, where he established the State Bank, of which he has
26 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
since been the president. He has made this a substantial financial institution
and it has been accorded a liberal patronage, so that the business of the bank
has grown year by year. It has ever followed a safe, conservative policy and
has proven a profitable undertaking. Mr. Bargmann also handles real estate"
and insurance and these branches of his business are proving substantial sources
of income. In addition to his- other interests he is a stockholder in the Farmers
Elevator at Riverdale. He is the owner of a bank building in Riverdale and
also of one hundred and sixty acres of good farming land in this county.
Since becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. Bargmann has been a
stalwart advocate of republican principles and has served on the township
board. He is a self-made man and deserves much credit for what he has
accomplished. He has taken two trips back to his native land, thus renewing
the acquaintances and friendship of his youth and viewing again the scenes amid
which his boyhood days were passed. He has never regretted his determina-
tion to come to America, for here he has found the opportunities which he
sought and in their development has reached a most gratifying point of
prosperity.
JOSEPH BUCK, Jr.
Joseph Buck, Jr., who is following agricultural pursuits on section 15, Shel-
ton township, was born in that township, on the old Buck homestead, on the
i6th of November, 1872. His parents, Joseph and Mary Ann (Singleton)
Buck were natives of England but in 1869 and 1870 respectively emigrated to
the United States and located in Buffalo county, Nebraska. The father home-
steaded land which he cultivated until 1906, when he removed to Shelton,
where he is still living at the age of seventy-six years. Flis wife died in 1908.
Seven of their fourteen children have passed away.
Joseph Buck, Jr., remained at home during the period of his minority and
after completing his common school education attended the Gibbon Normal
School. In the spring of 1894, when about twenty-two years of age, he began
farming for himself and for eight years rented land. In 1902 he invested his
savings in one hundred and seventy acres of good land on section 27, on Grand
Island, Shelton township. In 1904 he removed to that farm and there made
his home until January, 1910, when he took up his residence upon his present
home place, on section 15, Shelton township, which he had purchased five years
previously. He has erected a handsome residence, a commodious barn and out-
buildings, and all of the improvements compare favorably with those on other
farms in the county. He owns in all two hundred and twenty-five acres of
land in Shelton township and as he has managed his affairs well he is one of
the well-to-do men of his locality.
In 1903 occurred the marriage of Mr. Buck and Miss Clara M. Maurer,
a daughter of the late W. H. Maurer. Five children have been born to this
union, namely: Eva W., J. Gordon, Viola H., Martin; and an infant son un-
named.
Mr. Buck votes the republican ticket and works loyally for the success of
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 27
his party but has never desired to hold office as his farming interests make
heavy demands upon his time and energy. He was one of the incorporators
and first secretary of the Farmers Telephone Company. His entire life has
been passed in this county and many of his stanchest friends have known him
since boyhood.
J. E. CHARLSON.
J. E. Charlson, who is the proprietor and manager of the Kearney Floral
Company at No. 1938 Second avenue, two blocks west of the opera house, has
built up a large and flourishing business and is recognized as a man of ability
and energy. He was born in Joliet, Will county, Illinois, but when six years
of age the family removed to Phelps county, Nebraska, and settled on a farm.
Mr. Charlson attended the public schools and also gave much time to assist-
ing his father. For four years he engaged in teaching the district schools but
at the end of that time he continued his education, attending Doane College
at Crete, Nebraska, for one term. He then again turned his attention to agri-
cultural pursuits, farming on his own account in this state until February,
191 3, when he came to Kearney and purchased a half interest in his present
business, becoming sole owner in October, 191 5, when he bought out his partner.
There are about fifteen thousand feet of glass in his greenhouses and his equip-
ment is modern throughout. He raises all kinds of potted plants, which he
sells at both wholesale and retail not only in Kearney but also in neighboring
towns. He specializes in carnations and his flowers are noted for their size,
fragrance and beauty of color.
On the ist of September, 1910, Mr. Charlson was married to Miss Ida
Davidson, a native of Phelps county, Nebraska, and they have a daughter, Ruth.
Fra-ternally he is connected with the Mystic Workers. He has gained a gratify-
ing measure of success in his business and has not only won financial prosperity
for himself but has also contributed to the commercial advancement of
Kearney.
ELMER E. TINGLEY.
A farm of four hundred acres pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed
upon it by Elmer E. Tingley, who is one of the progressive agriculturists of
Buffalo county, where he is extensively engaged in the feeding of sheep and
hogs. He is a native of Kansas, his birth having occurred at Burr Oak, Jewell
county, on the i6th of April, 1876, his parents being Leroy M. and Rosa (Briggs)
Tingley, the former a native of Kentucky. They were married in Jewell county,
Kansas, and in 1884 removed to Buffalo county, settling on Elm Island in Platte
township. There the father carried on general farming until 191 1, when he
removed to Boise City, Idaho, where he is now living retired.
Elmer E. Tingley was a lad of eight years when he removed with his parents
28 HISTORY OV BUFFALO COUNTY
to Buffalo county. Here he was reared and the district schools afforded him
his educational privileges, his time being divided between the work of the school-
room and the duties of the fields. He remained at home, assisting on the farm,
until 1899, when he took up railroad work and for five years was fireman and
subsequently engineer on the Burlington and on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa
Fe. In 1904 he went across the line into old Mexico, working in the smelter
at Aguascalientes, where he was employed for eight and one-half years. There
he was made floor foreman in the sampling mill. Subsequently he served for
three years as foreman on copper converters and later was foreman of the
blast furnaces. In July, 191 2, he returned to Buffalo county. He left Mexico
twice on account of troubles in that country and resumed farming on the land
where he now lives, this farm belonging to his father-in-law. He cultivates
four hundred acres and is extensively engaged in the feeding of sheep and hogs,
feeding all the produce raised upon his farm and also buying both hay and corn
extensively. He is one of the leading stock dealers of this locality and is a
most enterprising and progressive business man.
On the 14th of June, 1910, Mr. Tingley was united in marriage to Miss
Carrie E. Manfull, her father being John Manfull, one of the substantial farmers
of Platte township. Our subject and his wife have three children, Margaret
Rosalind, Elmer Manfull and Anna Barbara.
In his political views Mr. Tingley is independent, having never sought nor
desired office nor does he feel himself bound by party ties. He concentrates
his energies upon his business affairs and his progressive spirit, keen discern-
ment and indefatigable energy are bringing to him substantial success. His life
has been a busy and useful one, characterized at all times by well defined pur-
pose and honorable effort.
CHARLES LUCAS, M. D.
Dr. Charles Lucas has the reputation of being one of the foremost physicians
and surgeons of Shelton and Buffalo county. He fully recognizes the respon-
sibilities and obligations which devolve upon him in his professional capacity
and he is continually putting forth effort to advance his knowledge and pro-
mote his efficiency in the administration of remedial agencies to check the ravages
of disease. Indiana claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in
Monroe county, that state, on the 19th of November, 1866, his parents being
Peter and Elizabeth J. (Floyd) Lucas, both of whom were natives of Indiana,
where they were reared and married. In 1880 they became residents of Lucas
county, Iowa, and the mother passed away there in the same year. In 1884 the
father came to Nebraska, establishing his home in Custer county, where two
of his sons and a daughter were residing. He continued his residence there
up to the time of his demise, which occurred in 1888.
Dr. Charles Lucas is indebted to the public school system for the early educa-
tional opportunities which he enjoyed. Passing through consecutive grades,
he was at length graduated from the high school at Chariton, Iowa, with the
class of 1886 and in December of that year he came to Nebraska, where he
History of buffalo county 29
took up the profession of teaching, spending three years as a teacher in the
schools of Custer and Lincohi counties. During one year of that time he was
principal of the schools at Chappell, Nebraska. He regarded this, however,
merely as an initial step to other professional labor and in the fall of 1888 entered
upon the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. John Murray of Arnold,
Nebraska. In the fall of 1889 he entered the Omaha Medical College, now
the medical department of the Nebraska State University, pursuing his studies
there for a year. He then suspended his college work for a year, during which
period he was engaged in teaching and in clerking in a drug store in North
Platte, thus obtaining the funds which enabled him to continue his preparation
for the practice of medicine and surgery. During that period of clerkship he
passed the civil service examination and a month later received an appointment
in the war department at Washington, remaining for four years in the govern-
ment service. During that time he continued his medical studies by attending
night lectures at the University of Georgetown in Washington, D. C, from
which institution he was graduated with the class of 1893. He remained in the
government position for two years longer and continued to attend lectures and
clinics, but in 1895 ^^^ resigned his position in Washington to return to Nebraska,
since which time he has engaged in the practice of his profession in Shelton,
building up a large and enviable practice. He is a thoroughly skilled physician
and surgeon, his capability being demonstrated in the excellent results which
have attended his efforts as he has ministered to the needs of the sick and
suffering in this part of the county.
On the 7th of September, 1893, Dr. Lucas was united in marriage to Miss
Lida E. Campbell, of Garfield, Lincoln county, Nebraska. To them have been
born three children, two of whom survive, Mary Gertrude and Charles Sinclair.
In politics Dr. Lucas is independent, voting for men and measures rarlier
than party. For four years he has served as a member of the board of health
of Shelton and for the past seven years has been a member of the school board,
putting forth effective eft'ort to promote the interests of education. Fraternally
he is connected with Shelton Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and along strictly profes-
sional lines he is connected with the Buffalo County Medical Society, which he
joined on its organization, and with the Nebraska State Medical Society. His
practice is free from hasty and ill formed judgments. He studies closely the
needs of every individual case and never allows anything to interfere with the
performance of his professional duties.
E. S. HARTE.
E. S. Harte, station agent at Gibbon and well known as a courteous and
obliging official, always willing and ready to render aid in every possible way
to the traveling public, has occupied this position since 1896. He was born in
New Salem, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of April, 1866, a son of Samuel and
Mary (Stover) Harte, both of whom were natives of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania,
where they were reared and married. In 1870 they removed to Dixon. Lee
county, Illinois, and the father, who was a shoemaker, there worked at his
30 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
trade for six or eight years. Subsequently he turned his attention to the butch-
ering business, in which he actively continued up to the time of his death, which
occurred in 1888, when he was sixty-one years of age. His wife passed away
in 1907, at the age of eighty-three years.
E. S. Harte acquired a common school education and at fifteen years of
age took up the study of telegraphy, working in various offices of the Chicago
& Northwestern system. He was employed in the city of Chicago and at vari-
ous points throughout Illinois and in 1896 came to Gibbon, Nebraska, as sta-
tion agent for the Union Pacific Railroad Company, in which position he has
since continued, being the sixth oldest man in the service as agent and operator,
havmg represented the company in that capacity for almost three decades.
Twenty years' service at Gibbon establishes his position as one of the popular
operators on the line, for he has the warm regard and goodwill of his fellow
townsmen, who recognize in him an obliging official. He is the owner of one
hundred and sixty acres of farm land in Norton county, Kansas, and he has
an attractive home in Gibbon.
In 1890 Mr. Harte was united in marriage to Miss Ella Lape, of Somerset,
Pennsylvania, by whom he has two children, namely: Lloyd W., an assistant
engineer on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, located at Lincoln,
Nebraska; and Bruce S., a graduate of the Gibbon high school who is now a
student in Creighton College of Omaha.
Mr. Harte is a democrat in his political views and has served for nine years
as a member of the school board, while for some years he has been a member
of the village park board. Fraternally he is identified with Excalibar Lodge,
No. 138, K. P., of Gibbon, and Gibbon Lodge, No. 137, I. O. O. F. He is loyal
to the spirit of these organizations and exemplifies in his life their beneficent
teachings. Gibbon knows him as a man of sterling worth and as a representa-
tive citizen and as such he deserves mention in the history of Bufifalo county.
JOHN SWENSON.
John Swenson resides at No. 2327 T street in Lincoln, having established his
home in the capital city four years ago. The greater part of the period of his
manhood has been spent in the new world and no native son of this land is
more loyal to the interests and traditions of the republic than he. His has been
an active, useful and well spent life and he has a circle of friends almost coex-
tensive with the circle of his acquaintance. He was born in Sweden in September,
1838, and has therefore passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey.
He acquired his education altogether in his father's home, having no opportunity
to attend school, but in the school of experience he has learned many valuable
lessons and become a progressive business man.
When twenty-two years of age he bade adieu to friends and native country
and sailed for the United States, making his way to Illinois. He was located at
Geneva, that state, when in 1861 civil war was declared and after watching the
progress of events and becoming convinced that the south had no right to dis-
rupt the Union, he enlisted in support of the stars and stripes, joining Company
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 33
D of the Fifty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He participated in a number
of hotly contested engagements, including the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh
and Corinth. In the last named engagement he had his left arm shattered, forc-
ing amputation. After his recovery he did duty in assisting the quartermaster
at brigade headquarters. He served in all for four years and was honorably dis-
charged and mustered out in July, 1865.
Realizing the need and value of educational training as a preparation for
life's practical and responsible duties, Mr. Swenson then attended the college at
Fulton, Illinois, where he won the Bachelor of Science degree. His residence
in Buffalo county dates from 1874, when he cast in his lot with its pioneer settlers.
Comparatively few had penetrated into what was then the western wilderness,
but he saw the opportunities that might be improved here and became identified
with the early development and improvement of this section of the state. He
homesteaded twelve miles north of Kearney and lived thereon for three years,
on the expiration of which period he removed to Sartoria township, on the Loup
river, purchased land and engaged in stock-raising. Success attended his efforts
and as he prospered in his undertakings he added to his property from time to
time until he is now the owner of over nineteen hundred acres. His possessions
are very extensive and from his property he derives a most gratifying annual
income.
Mr. Swenson was twice married. His first wife bore the maiden name of
Fva Jane Thornton and was a native of Washington, Iowa. After her demise
he wedded Miranda Powers, who passed away in Lincoln, leaving a son, John,
an estimable and popular young man of nineteen years who is now attending
school in Lincoln.
During his residence in Buffalo county Mr. Swenson served for four years
as superintendent of schools but aspired to no other office, and although often
solicited to become a candidate for the legislature, refused to do so. He was
reared in the Lutheran church and still clings to that faith. In 191 1 he removed
to Lincoln, where he now makes his home, being pleasantly located, his income
supplying him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He
deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as all has been secured
through his persistent, earnest efforts directed by sound judgment. His energy
has ever been unfaltering and what he has undertaken he has carried forward
to successful completion. His life history may well serve to encourage and inspire
others, for it indicates that the field of opportunity is open to all and that the
fruits of labor are certain.
FRANK F. ROBY.
For sixteen years Frank F. Roby has been a resident of Kearney and through-
out the entire period has been actively identified with interests promoting its
material welfare and progress. He is today conducting an extensive milling
business, being one of the leading flour manufacturers of this section of the
state. He also engages in the manufacture of ice and for both commodities
finds a ready sale on the market.
34 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
Air. Roby is a native of Carroll county, Ohio, born F"ebruary ii, 1861, the
only child of Luther M. and Sarah (Knight) Roby, who were also natives of
Ohio and of English descent. The father is living in Kearney, hale and hearty
at the advanced age of eighty-one years. Frank F. Roby passed his youth at
home, attending the district schools. He never worked for wages in his life.
As a boy he would take various jobs but never at regular wages. When nine-
teen years of age he determined to follow the advice of Horace Greeley, who
said : "Go west, young man, go west," and accordingly he left home, making
his way to Colorado Springs, Colorado, at which time the place contained a
population of but eight hundred people. For a time he worked for his board
and later he became the first student to enroll his name in the metallurgical
department of Colorado College and was the first to successfully pass the
examination and receive a degree from that department. He was also the first
to assemble an assay outfit from that school, loading it on a prairie schooner,
after which he drove one hundred and seventy-five miles into the mountains,
where he put his outfit into effective operation. He conducted his assay plant
for three years and then owing to failing eyesight embarked in the general grain
and brokerage business in Colorado Springs. Subsequently he became con-
nected with the promotion of mining properties and various other business inter-
ests. He was likewise interested in ranching in Colorado and made his home
in Colorado Springs until 1899. During the intervening period he visited every
mining camp of importance in the west and in 1879 he made the trip to Pike's
Peak, it then requiring three days to reach the summit. When Cripple Creek
first entered upon its boom Mr. Roby was among the first to reach the camp,
there being only three tents there at the time of his arrival. He also located
the camp and laid out Red River City, New Mexico, and he was one of the
first to locate claims at Bonanza, Saquache county, Colorado. There he estab-
lished his first assay office. His experiences on the frontier alone would fill
a volume if written in detail and would present a most interesting and accurate
picture of life in the west, for he is thoroughly acquainted with all that con-
stitutes the early history of Colorado, with all its romance of development and
the tragedy of its lawlessness and loss of life. He witnessed the early lynch-
ings and the riots and saw the birth of what seemed likely to be a future city and
saw the opening of what came to be a great mining age. He has likewise seen
many of the cities and mining camps collapse and fade into comparatively noth-
ing and become but a recollection of the past.
Overwork at length led to a complete breakdown in health and Mr. Roby was
taken out of Colorado Springs on a stretcher, a nervous wreck. He drifted to
Kearney, Nebraska, and here he found an altitude in which he could live in
comfort. His energy had not all departed and he soon purchased the old milling
property in Kearney, thinking it would prove an adjunct to his grain business
in Colorado. In the passing of time his business increased in volume to such an
extent that although he had come to Kearney as a temporary location he decided
to become a permanent citizen. His export business has assumed large pro-
portions and from his mill trainloads of flour have been shipped and the business
has become one of the most important productive industries of the county.
In- addition to the manufacture of flour he also manufactures ice and has a
most gratifying patronage in that connection. He still retains extensive interests
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 35
in Colorado, comprising ranches, live stock, city property and mining stock and
is the largest individual ranch owner in El Paso county, Colorado. His invest-
ments have been most judiciously made. His keen sagacity recognizes the
value of a business situation, and he has never failed to venture where favoring-
opportunity has led the way.
In 1897 Mr. Roby was united in marriage to Mrs. Henrietta Ouereau. In
his political views he is a stalwart republican and fraternally is a prominent
Mason, being a Knight Templar and Shriner. Sixteen years' residence in Kear-
ney has made him widely known, while his stalwart qualities as manifest in busi-
ness, in his public relations and his private life have gained for him the con-
fidence and warm regard of all with whom he has been associated. He has many
sterling qualities and while he has furthered individual progress his activities
have been of a character which have contributed as well to the general prosperity.
1385506
VICTOR B. WHEELOCK.
Victor B. Wheelock, who is occupying the position of bookkeeper with the
firm of Wort & Minton, automobile dealers in Kearney, was born at Freehold,
Pennsylvania, November 4, 1869, a son of Matthew G. and Henrietta (Buel)
Wheelock. The father was a druggist by occupation. In August, 1885, he
removed from Pennsylvania to Grand Island, Nebraska, while later he made his
way to Ravenna, in Buffalo county, arriving here in April, 1886. Here he con-
tinued to make his home until his death, which occurred in December, 1895.
His widow is yet living and makes her home with her children. Mr. Wheelock
was a soldier of the Union army during the Civil war, serving as a member of
Company K, One Hundred and Fifty-first Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry,
with which he participated in the battle of Gettysburg and other important
engagements and campaigns of the east which led up to the final victory that
crowned the Union arms. He afterward maintained pleasant relations with his
military comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic.
In his fraternal relations he was a Mason and his religious belief was that of the
Congregational church, while his political allegiance was given to the republican
party, which found in him a stalwart and unfaltering advocate.
Victor B. Wheelock lived with his parents until the death of his father,
and the pubHc schools afforded him his educational opportunities. In 1905
he was elected register of deeds of Buffalo county and by reelection was con-
tinued in that position for nine years. That he was chosen for this offixe at
different elections is indicative of the excellent manner in which he performed
his duties and the confidence reposed in him. He is now employed by the
firm of Wort & Minton as bookkeeper.
On the 2d of June, 1896, Mr. Wheelock was united in marriage to Miss
Nellie Teeple and they have two sons D and Jack. The mother is a member of
the Congregational church. Mr. Wheelock has exercised his riglit of franchise
in support of the men and measures of the republican party since age conferred
upon him the right of franchise and fraternally he is connected with the Elks,
the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen and the Ancient Order of United
36 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
Workmen. He has a wide acquaintance in fraternal circles and through busi-
ness and social connections and has attractive qualities which render him popu-
lar wherever he is known.
JOSEPH L. BENNETT, M. D.
Dr. Joseph L. Bennett, physician and surgeon of Kearney, his ability bring-
ing him prominently to the front in the ranks of his chosen profession in Buffalo
county, is a native of Howell, Michigan, but when he was eight years of age
the family removed to Wyoming, Jones county, Iowa, where he was reared
and educated, passing through consecutive grades to the high school. When
twenty-one years of age he entered Lenox College at Hopkinton, Iowa, where
he devoted two years to pursuing a Hterary course. When nineteen years of
age he left home and started out in life penniless. He worked for his board and
the privilege of attending high school and during the summer months was
employed at farm labor. He also made his own way through college, teaching
in the district schools through the winter months and working in the fields
through the summer seasons. After spending two years in college he entered
the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he was graduated
with the class of 1874.
Immediately afterward Dr. Bennett located in Hopkinton, Iowa, where he had
been a college student for two years. After his marriage, which occurred in
Wyoming, Iowa, he removed to Anita, Cass county, Iowa, where he practiced for
five years, when he was selected to fill the chair of materia medica and thera-
peutics in Drake University at Des Moines, delivering the second lecture given in
the medical department of that institution. He continued to occupy that chair
for five years, after which he practiced for some time. Later he withdrew from
practice and in connection with his brother-in-law purchased the Bank of Cen-
terville at Centerville, South Dakota. He remained as president for two years,
at the end of which time he sold out and removed to Kearney, Nebraska, where
he arrived on the 15th of November, 1888. He came to this city to accept the
position of cashier of a bank here, but the plans fell through and it was not
organized. He then organized the Midway Loan & Trust Company, of which
he became secretary, and also acted as cashier of the savings bank that was con-
nected therewith. They built what is now known as the Federal Annex, the
second largest building in the town. Dr. Bennett continued in active connection
with the business for two years and then sold out, after which he resumed the
practice of his profession, in which he has since been engaged. He keeps thor-
oughly informed concerning the latest discoveries and scientific researches in the
field of medicine and surgery and his ability is being constantly augmented by
his wide reading and study.
On the loth of October, 1876, Dr. Bennett was united in marriage to Miss
Clara A. Briggs, a native of Iowa and a former schoolmate. To them have been
born four children, as follows : Clara L., who is engaged in the abstract busi-
ness at Broken Bow, Nebraska; Ray B., the cashier of the State Bank at Bladen,
DR. JOSEPH L. BENNETT
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 39
Nebraska; Ralph R., a resident of San Jose, California; and Isamore, at home,
who is a student in the State Normal School.
In politics Dr. Bennett is a democrat and the only public offices he has filled
have been in the line of his profession. For three terms he served as county
coroner and is serving his tenth year as physician to the State Industrial School.
He belongs to the State Eclectic Medical Society and he enjoys the high regard
and confidence of his professional brethren as well as of the general public. He
has substantial qualities of manhood and citizenship as well as marked profes-
sional ability and his sterling traits have brought him the high regard of many.
In 1875 he joined the Presbyterian church and has taken an active and prominent
part in its work, serving as an elder for twenty-seven years.
WILLIAM D. LEIBEE.
William D. Leibee. who is living retired in Amherst, formerly engaged in
stockraising and was very successful in that occupation. He owns five hun-
dred and sixty acres of land, from which he receives a handsome income. His
birth occurred on the 4th of March, 1840, in Middletown, Butler county, Ohio,
and his parents were George and Marguerite (Deem) Leibee, natives of Penn-
sylvania and Ohio respectively. While a resident of Ohio the father engaged
in butchering but after removing to Henry county, Illinois, in 1855, he turned
his attention to farming, acquiring title to three sections of land near Brown's
Grove. He passed away in Henry county and his demise was deeply regretted
by his many friends. To him and his wife were born twelve children, namely:
John, who enlisted in an Illinois regiment for service in the Civil war and died
while in the army; Alonzo, who died in Ohio; Melissa, the wife of Anderson
Lytle ; Sarah Elizabeth, who married William Wayne, of Orion, Illinois ; Jane,
the wife of James Noonan, of Henry county, Illinois ; William D. ; Joseph, who
died in Geneseo, Illinois; Jacob, who resides in Geneseo; Daniel, a resident of
Bakersfield, California; Ella, the widow of Alonzo Monesmith, of Geneseo;
?nd two who died in infancy.
William D. Leibee was fifteen years of age when he accompanied his
parents to Illinois and there grew to manhood. In 1861, when twenty-one years
of age, he attempted to enlist as a soldier in the Civil war but was rejected on
account of a crippled arm. He decided to devote his life to farming, to which
occupation he had been reared, , and followed agricultural pursuits in Illinois
until 1885, when he came to Buffalo county, Nebraska, where he rented land
for nine years. By carefully saving his money he accumulated sufficient capital
at the end of that time to enable him to purchase the Black ranch in Divide town-
ship, which comprised two hundred and forty acres. He largely concentrated
his energies upon stockraising and as he understood the business thoroughly
and watched the market carefully he seldom failed to sell to advantage and as
the years passed his resources increased. He purchased additional land and
now owns five hundred and sixty acres in this county. In 1905 he retired and
removed to Amherst, where he has since lived, enjoying the comforts of life.
Mr. Leibee was married in Henry county, Illinois, to Miss Sarah Eliza-
40 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
beth Gibbs, who was born in New York on the 12th of September, 1844, and
is a daughter of Asahel and EHzabeth Ann (Burpee) Gibbs, natives of Ver-
mont. When Mrs. Leibee was twelve years of age the family removed to Henry
county, Illinois, and there both of her parents passed away. Mr. and Mrs.
Leibee have two living children. Grant, who was born in Illinois, married Miss
Alice Murray and they have four children: Nellie, the wife of Clark Thomas,
a traveling man living in Kearney and the mother of two sons, Robert Clark
and Keith ; William, who is farming in Grant township and is married and
has a son, William Jr. ; and Lloyd and Harry Frank, both at home. George, the
younger son, married Miss Lizzie Murray, by whom he has a son, Frederick,
and they reside in Colona, Illinois.
Mr. Leibee casts his ballot in support of the candidates and measures of
the democratic party and discharges tO' the full all of the duties of citizenship
but has never been an aspirant for office. He and his wife have resided in Buffalo
county for over thirty years and during that time have seen much of its develop-
ment from a pioneer region to the presperous and advanced farming district
that it is today. They have done their part in bringing about this change and
are justly held in high esteem by all vAio know them. Their success is the
direct result of their hard work and good management and none begrudges them
the leisure which they are now enjoying.
OWEN WILLIAMS.
For a considerable period Owen Williams was identified with farming inter-
ests in Buffalo county, making his home in Center township, where his widow
still resides. He was born in Wales on the 14th of February, 1846, a son of
John and Mary (Owens) Williams, who were also natives of that country,
where they spent their entire lives, rearing their family of four children, of
whom only one is now living.
Owen Williams was reared and educated in Wales and came to America
in 1869, at which time he established his home in Ohio. In that state he was
married in 1876 to Miss Margaret J. Owens, a native of Wales and a daughter
of Richard M. and Mary (Hughes) Owens, who were also natives of that country.
They came to America, settling upon a farm in Ohio, where they spent their
remaining days, their family numbering seven children, of whom four are yet
living.
In the year 1871 Mr. Williams purchased the farm upon which his widow
now resides on section 7, Center township, Buffalo county, and in the year fol-
lowing his marriage — 1877 — he removed to the farm, upon which he lived at
that time, however, for only three months. He then returned to Ohio, where
he remained until the spring of 1880, when he again came to Nebraska, and
here resided until his death, concentrating his energies upon the development
of his place. He added many substantial improvements to the farm until it
was supplied with all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm prop-
erty. He converted the land into rich fields and annually gathered good crops.
I
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 41
He also extended the boundaries of his place until it comprised three hundred
and twenty acres, still in the possession of Mrs. Williams.
To Mr. and Mrs. Williams were born five children : Richard O., at home ;
Mary Belle, the wife of Dallas Henderson ; Anna Selina, at home ; Susan J., the
wife of W. E. Storer; and Gertrude E., the wife of E. Beckler, now of Omaha,
Nebraska. The death of the husband and father occurred January 12, 1914,
and his remains were laid to rest in the Kearney cemetery. He was a self-made
man who won his success entirely through his own efforts, gaining- his advance-
ment through persistent energy and indefatigable industry. Wherever known
he was held in high esteem and most of all where he was best known. Mrs.
Williams still makes her home in Center township and is a devoted member
of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her long residence in the county has
made her widely known and she has a circle of friends almost coextensive with
the circle of her acc^uaintance.
CHARLES C. CARRIG.
Charles C. Carrig, who is filling the position of postmaster of Kearney,
and who has been actively identified with farming and commercial interests
as well as with the official life of the community, was born in the city of Free-
port, Illinois, on the 7th of December, 1857, his parents being James and Ellen
(Langan) Carrig, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They had five chil-
dren, of whom but two are now living. The Carrig and Langan families both
emigrated from Ireland to the United States as passengers on the same sailing
vessel in 1850 and were three months in crossing the Atlantic. James Carrig,
who was a farmer by occupation, was married at Urbana, Ohio, and afterward
removed to Illinois but in August, 1859, came west to Nebraska, settling in
Platte county. He lived there for a period of forty-one years, following" agri-
cultural pursuits and as one of the earliest settlers of the district witnessed
many of those stirring scenes of pioneer life which have become almost a for-
gotten dream of the past. He bore his part in the work of public progress
and development and still remains an honored resident of Nebraska, having
hi 1900 removed to Kearney, where he now resides, at the advanced age of
eighty-seven years. For a long period he has sur\'ived his wife, who passed
away in 1900.
Charles C. Carrig was but two years of age when he became a resident
of Nebraska. He was reared upon the home farm in Platte county, there
remaining until 1883, during which time in his boyhood days he assisted in
the work of the old home place and attended the district school. In 1876 he
became a student in the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Davenport, Iowa,
being graduated therefrom in 1878. For the succeeding two years he was deputy
county clerk at Columbus, Nebraska, and then turned his attention to mercan-
tile pursuits, establishing a general store in 1883 at Platte Center, there con-
tinuing in business until 1890. At that time he became cashier of the Farmers
& Merchants Bank of that place, occupying the position for five years. From
1895 until 1898 he operated a grain elevator at Platte Center for the Omaha
42 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
Elevator Company, but in the latter year he removed to Buffalo, Nebraska^
and became steward and bookkeeper of the State Industrial School under appoint-
ment of Governor Poynter. After serving in that capacity for two years he
came to Kearney and was made assistant deputy county treasurer, in which
capacity he remained for two years. He next embarked in the real estate and
insurance business in Kearney, continuing therein until May 21, 1914, when by
appointment of President Wilson he was made postmaster of Kearney and is
now filling that position.
On the 13th of May, 1894, Mr. Carrig was married to Miss Catherine Perkin-
son, and to this union four sons have been born, Earl, Carl, Phillip and Paul.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Roman Cathohc church and in
political belief Mr. Carrig has always been a democrat. He has attractive social
qualities which render him popular and he has a wide and favorable acquaintance
in the county in which he now makes his home.
HON. BRUNO O. HOSTETLER.
Hon. Bruno O. Hostetler is judge of the twelfth judicial district of Nebraska,
comprising the counties of Buffalo, Sherman and Custer. In speaking of the
history of the bar one is led to the reflection that the legal profession demands
not only a high order of ability but a rare combination of talent, learning,
tact, patience and industry. The successful lawyer and the competent judge
must be a man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the law and
practice and of comprehensive general information, possessed of an analytical
mind and a self-control that will enable him to lose his individuality, his per-
sonal feelings, his prejudices and his peculiarities of disposition in the dignity,
impartiality and equity of the office to which life, property, right and liberty
must look for protection. Possessing these qualities. Judge Hostetler justly
merits the high honor which is conferred upon him by his elevation to the
bench.
A native of Iowa, the Judge was born upon a farm near Janesville, May
20, 1861, his parents being David and Elizabeth (Schafer) Hostetler, the former
a native of Ohio and the latter of Silesia, Germany. The Hostetlers, however,
are of Swiss descent. The father was a farmer by occupation and about the
year i860 removed to Iowa, later taking up his abode upon a farm between
Waverly and Shell Rock. While there residing his wife died and he afterward
removed to Kearney, Nebraska, where his last days were spent, his death
occurring in 1903.
Bruno O. Hostetler was reared upon a farm and acquired his primary edu-
cation in the district schools and in the public schools at Waverly. He after^
ward matriculated in the Iowa State University at Iowa City and was grad-
uated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the year 1885. He then continued
his law studies there and in 1887 completed a course in the law department
of that institution. He ranked second in a class of thirty-six when graduated
from the collegiate course, and in 1888 he received his M. A. degree from the
State University.
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 43
On the 24th of November, 1887, Judge Flostetler was united in marriage to
Miss Margaret B. Miller, and the same year located for the practice of law in
Kearney, where he has since lived, during which period he has been identified
with most of the important litigation that has been heard in the courts of the
district. Along with those qualities indispensable to the lawyer— a keen, rapid,
analytical mind, plus the business sense and a ready capacity for hard work — ^lie
brought to the starting point of his legal career certain rare gifts — eloquence
of language and a strong personality. Moreover, he has ever displayed a
thorough grasp of the law and the ability to accurately apply its principles, which
have been factors in his effectiveness as an advocate.
To Judge and Mrs. Hostetler has been born a daughter, Florence Maxine,
who is a graduate of the Kearney high school, of the Iowa State University
and the Nebraska State Normal School, and is now the wife of Annan Ray-
mond, a lawyer of Omaha.
Judge Flostetler is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen
and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In politics he has always been
a republican and in 1898 was elected mayor of Kearney, which position he filled
for three years, giving to the city a businesslike administration. In the fall of
1903 he was elected presiding judge of the twelfth judicial district and has
since remained upon the bench, where his decisions indicate strong mentality,
careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law and an unbiased judgment.
IRA A. KIRK.
Banking interests in Gibbon find a worthy representative in Ira A. Kirk,
cashier of the Exchange Bank and a member of its board of directors. He was
born in Ripley county, Indiana, on the nth of October, 1869, a son of Thomas
and Sarah (Blackwell) Kirk, who were natives of Kentucky and Indiana re-
spectively. They were married in the latter state, to which the father had
removed in his childhood days with his parents. He continued his residence
there until 1885, when he brought his family to Gibbon, Nebraska, where he
engaged in the coal business, with which he was prominently identified up to
the time of his death. He also became one of the organizers of the Exchange
Bank of Gibbon, of which he was made vice president. His activity, his
sterling personal worth and his fidelity in matters of citizenship made him one of
the foremost residents of Gibbon, where he passed away December 9, 1904,
his wife surviving until January 27, 1910. He was a member of the Masonic
lodge and became one of the organizers and charter members of Granite Lodge,
No. 189, A. F. & A. M., of Gibbon. In politics he was a stanch republican and
served in a number of the town offices. His wife was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church and both were held in the highest esteem wherever they
were known.
Ira A. Kirk was a youth of sixteen years when he became a resident of
Gibbon and in the public schools he continued his education, supplemented by a
course in the United Brethren College of this place, from which he was grad-
uated with the class of 1889. Immediately following the completion of his
44 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
studies he entered the Exchange Bank in the capacity of bookkeeper and in
1898 he was advanced to the position of assistant cashier, while in 1905 he
became cashier of the institution, which important position he has since filled,
largely directing the policy and activities of the bank. Fie has ever mani-
fested a most progressive spirit in the conduct of business affairs and at the
same time carefully safeguards the interests of those whom he represents.
In 1897 ^^^- Kirk was united in marriage to Miss Clara Robb, of Gibbon,
and they have one daughter, Esther Myrtle. In his political views Mr. Kirk is
a republican and has served as township treasurer, while at the present time
he is occupying the position of village treasurer. He has likewise been a mem-
ber of the school board for fifteen years and the cause of education finds in
him a stalwart champion. Fraternally he is connected with Granite Lodge,
No. 189, A. F. & A. M., and has attained the thirty-second degree of the
Scottish Rite in the Omaha consistory. His wife is a member of the Episcopal
church and in the social circles of their part of the county they occupy an
enviable position. In addition to his business interests Mr. Kirk has become
the owner of valuable farm lands and from his property derives a gratifying
annual income. He is a man of sterling worth whose life has been actuated by
honorable principles and whose course has ever conformed to the highest stand-
ards of manhood and citizenship.
THOMAS W. BOLAN,
Among the agriculturists of Buffalo county who, in the conduct of their
farm work, have attained success that now enables them to live retired is Thomas
W. Bolan, who makes his home in Kearney. He was born in County Waterford,
Ireland, April 25, 1844, and was reared to farm life with the usual experiences of
the farm bred boy in that section of the world. In 1861, when seventeen years
of age, he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the new
world, landing at Boston, Massachusetts, where he had a sister living. He
worked in a boat shop for a time and afterward followed different pursuits until
1871, when he made his way westward to Nebraska, settling first at Overton.
In the spring of 1872 Mr. Bolan secured a homestead claim on section 20,
Elm Creek township, Buffalo county, where he was employed at railroad work
a part of the time. He put up a small frame house upon his land and hired
some breaking done. After about three years he purchased a team of oxen and
devoted his time to the improvement of the homestead. In 1883 he sold the
place and purchased one hundred and sixty acres just over the line in Dawson
county. It was a tract of raw prairie and he turned his attention to the sheep
business and to general farming, which he continued to follow until 1905, when
he sold his stock and removed to Kearney. He had dealt quite extensively in
sheep and also brought his farm under a high state of cultivation, converting
much of the land into rich fields, from which he annually gathered good harvests.
On the 2ist of February, 1884, Mr. Bolan was married to Miss Addie Gingrich,,
who was born October 15, 1863, and was reared in Madison, Indiana, but came
to this county with her mother in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Bolan had a family of
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 47
seven children : Catherine A., who was born December 5, 1884, and is the wife
of Joseph Pflaum, of Dawson county; John T., who was born March 22, 1886,
and is now a machinist of North Platte, Nebraska; William M., who was born
October 19, 1887, and is now upon a ranch in California; Flora A., who was
born June 23, 1889, ^"d is the wife of Albert Pflaum, of this county; Frances M..
who was bom June 25, 1892, and is the wife of Charles SterHng-, of Kearney;
Mamie, who was born April 27, 1896, and died August 27, 1897; ^i^d Charles
Thomas, who was born July 31, 1898, and is now attending high school.
Mr. and Mrs. Bolan are members of the Catholic church and he gives his
political allegiance to the democratic party. He has never sought nor desired
office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, and along
well defined lines of labor has wrought for success.
JOHN G. LOWE.
John G. Lowe, president of the Farmers Bank of Kearney, was born in
Liverpool, England, October 19, 1865, and at the age of fifteen years came to
America, making his way direct to Kearney, where he became an employe in
the station department of the Union Pacific Railroad Company. Here he has
since resided and has been closely identified with the material growth and wel-
fare of the community. In 1897 ^^ became president of the Farmers Bank of
Kearney and has been a potent factor in financial affairs of the city since that
time. Mr. Lowe is a Knight Templar Mason and Shriner, is married and ranks
with the city's foremost residents.
SYDNEY E. SMITH.
Sydney E. Smith, cashier of the Commercial State Bank of Amherst, was
born in Peoria county, Illinois, September 9, 1858. His father, Edson F. Smith, a
native of Pennsylvania, went to Peoria 'with his parents in the early '40s and in
that locality turned his attention to the occupation of farming. He there remained
until some years after his marriage. When his son Sydney was a lad of ten
years he removed with the family to Louisa county, Iowa, where he successfully
engaged in farming. He th^re served as county treasurer and also held other
public offi'ces, taking an active part in the affairs of the community and in its
■ material development. He married Sarah Hungerford, a native of New York,
and in the year 1886 they removed to Kearney, Nebraska, where Mr. Smith lived
retired until called to his final rest at the age of seventy-four years. His wife
also passed away at Kearney in the faith of the Congregational church, of which
they were devoted and loyal members.
Sydney E. Smith was a lad of ten years when he accompanied his parents to
Louisa county, Iowa, where he was reared upon a farm. In 1882 he came to
Buffalo county, Nebraska, and engaged in farming near Kearney, but afterward
purchased land near Pleasanton, and there successfully carried on general agri-
48 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
cultural pursuits. Later he engaged in the grain business at Pleasanton and in
1895 he was elected to the office of county clerk of Buffalo county, entering upon
the discharge of his duties in 1896, his term covering four years. He later
engaged in the hardware business in Kearney for a few years and in 1913 became
cashier of the Commercial State Bank of Amherst, in which connection he has
since remained. Mr. Smith was married to Miss Irene McKean, who was born
in Pennsylvania, a daughter of J. S. McKean, and to them has been born one
child, Sydney Jr., who is at home. The parents are members of the Congrega-
tional church and Mr. Smith belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp and to
the Highlanders, while his political allegiance is given to the republican party.
LESTER W. BAYLEY.
Lester W. Bayley is well known throughout Buffalo county and is held in
high esteem because of his ability and integrity. He owns five hundred acres of
well improved land and resides on section 21, Shelton township. A native of
Wayne county, Pennsylvania, he was born on the 13th of May, 1864, and is a son
of John M. and Adaline A. (Adams) Bayley. The father was born in Clinton,
that state, on the 28th of January, 1836, and is a son of William and Mary Ann
(Morse) Bayley. He came to Nebraska in 1857 and located on a farm near
Table Rock but a year later sold that place and returned to Pennsylvania, where
he remained until 1871. He then again came to Buffalo county and from that
year until 1905 engaged in farming on section 22, Shelton township. For the
past ten years he has lived retired in the village of Gibbon. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Adaline A. Adams, was born in Wayne county, Pennsylvania,
and is a daughter of Lester P. and Margaret T. (Cooper) Adams. By her mar-
riage she has become the mother of five children, of whom four survive. The
father served in the Civil war and in times of peace has also manifested a com-
mendable interest in the public welfare.
Lester W. Bayley was reared under the parental roof and is indebted for his
education to the public schools. On beginning his independent career he took
up a homestead in Hitchcock county, Nebraska, but after proving up on the
place sold it. He was married in 1889 and for the following three years operated
his father's farm but in the fall of 1891 he purchased his present horne place on
section 21, Shelton township. He at once erected a residence and barn, and in
the following spring he removed to that farm, where he has since resided. He
owns five hundred acres of land in that township and engages in general farm-
ing, which he finds both profitable and congenial.
On the 14th of March, 1889, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bayley and Miss
Clara Stonebarger, a daughter of Daniel Stonebarger. who removed by wagon
from Illinois to Buffalo county in the fall of 1871. He homesteaded a quarter
section of land in Sharon township, which he improved and cultivated. Mr. and
Mrs. Bayley have six children : Thaddeus E., who is operating his grandfather's
farm in Shelton township; Harvey J. and Ray A., both of whom are farming in
Shelton township ; Bessie L., who is attending the State University at Lincoln ;
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 49
Charles L., at home; and Bernice M., who is a student in the Gibbon high
school.
Mr. Bayley supports the men and measures of the republican party at the
polls and for twenty years or more has been a member of the school board of
district No. 22, which has one of the finest country school buildings in the state.
The teachers are well prepared for their work and the course of study includes
the tenth and eleventh grades, which is very unusual for a country school. The
people of the district are justly proud of their school and it is a source of satis-
faction to Mr. Bayley that he has had much to do with bringing it to its present
high degree of efficiency. He belongs to Granite Lodge, No. 189, A. F. & A. M.;
to Anchor Lodge, No. 14, A. O. U. W. ; and is also a member of the Gibbon
Commercial Club, which indicates his active interest in the development of that
town. He possesses unusual business ability and enterprise, and these qualities
have not only enabled him to gain financial independence but have also made him
a factor in the upbuilding of the material interests of his township. He has also
contributed to its advancement along moral, educational and civic lines and is
recognized as one of its foremost citizens. Both he and his wife are hospitable
and generous and cordially welcome their friends to their home. There are no
more highly esteemed people in the township than Mr. and Mrs. Bayley and the
respect in which they are held is well deserved.
WALTER H. GUNN.
Walter H. Gunn, a landowner and stockman residing in Kearney, was born
in Freeport, Illinois, on the 24th of March, 1857. I^ his childhood the fam-
ily removed to St. Lawrence county, New York, but after living there a few
years returned to Illinois, locating at Rockford. There he received the greater
part of his education, completing a public school course and graduating from the
high school, after which he attended a business college for some time.
On beginning his independent career Mr. Gunn secured a position as traveling
man for a machinery company, first as collector and later as salesman. While
with that firm he covered the greater part of Illinois, but after remaining with
them for a few years he was married and took charge of his father's farm near
Rockford. Later he purchased land in that locality and became quite heavily
interested in the stock business, while at the same time he operated a store in
Fairdale, engaging in merchandising for about five years. In 1907 he sold his
property in Illinois and came to Kearney, partly on account of his health and
partly because of the excellent schools here. He found the change beneficial and
as his health has improved he has invested in lands in this state. He is associated
with George E. Dick, of Sycamore, Illinois, and F. L. Robinson in the cattle
business.
Mr. Gunn was married on the 27th of February, 1878, at Sycamore, Illinois,
to Miss Mary Nichols, a native of that place, where she was reared and educated.
To them have been born six children, namely : Herbert H., a resident of
Esmond, Illinois ; Orrin R., a real estate dealer of Kansas City, Missouri ; Ella
B., who graduated from the University of Nebraska and taught in the high school
50 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
at Kearney for two years but who is now the wife of Noel A. Negley, a resident
of Wisconsin ; Clarence, who is associated with his brother Orrin in the real
estate business in Kansas City ; Bessie, a student in the State Normal School ; and
Russell, who is attending school.
Mr. Gunn supports the republican party at the polls but has never desired to
hold office. His wife and family belong to the Methodist church. The extent of
his financial interests ranks him with the leading business men of Kearney, and
he is also highly esteemed as a citizen and as a man.
CAPTAIN JOSEPH BLACK.
In the history of Kearney it is imperative that mention be made of Capt.
Joseph Black, because he ranked with her foremost citizens, because he was
prominently identified with Buffalo county's business interests and because,
as a member of the legislature, he largely promoted her welfare and upbuilding,
his name thus becoming ineffaceably traced upon the annals of the county. He
was born in Greenbrier county, Virginia, now West Virginia, on the 23d of
April, 1834, and was in the seventy-eighth year of his age when death called
him on the 29th of February, 191 2. His parents were William and Rebecca
(Benson) Black, also natives of Greenbrier county, where their ancestors were
pioneer settlers. William Black, with his wife and son Joseph, their eldest
child, removed to Knox county, Illinois, in 1835, and five years afterward became
residents of Henry county, Iowa, where the father died in 1862, at the age of
fifty-five years. His wife survived him until 1867 and passed away at the age
of fifty-three years. They had a large family, including: Joseph; John B.,
who died November 28, 1891 ; Samuel R., who died in Nebraska, December
I, 191 1, having become a pioneer settler of Buffalo county and later of Thomas
county, this state ; William P. ; Asbury ; Charles, a pioneer resident of Buft'alo
county, who died in Kearney; and Emma, the wife of W. C. Wilson, of
Henry county, Iowa. The two sons, John and William P., served as members
of an Iowa regiment in the Civil war.
Captain Black was reared upon the old homestead farm, attended the publicj
schools, and Howe Academy at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and in early manhood
he embarked in merchandising in Abingdon, Illinois, but at the time of the]
outbreak of the Civil war all business and personal considerations were put
aside and when Rev. Milton L. Haney recruited Company K of the Fifty-I
fifth Illinois Infantry at Abingdon on the 17th of October, 1861, the first man]
to enlist was Joseph Black. By the 22d of the month one hundred and two"
names had been enrolled and the company was duly organized by the election of,
Mr. Black as captain. Two days later it marched into Camp Douglas, ever)
man in his place. The men so diligently improved their time in the camp oJ
instruction that when the time came for the regiment to enter the field it
was as proficient in drill and discipline as the companies which had been undei
instruction much longer. The excellent morale of the company was largel]
due to Captain Black's efforts, for he soon proved himself a fine executive
officer, firm and impartial. The majority of the regiment was made up in]
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 51
Chicago and it became one of the historic regiments of the war by reason of
its deeds of valor under Grant and Sherman. At Pittsburg Landing it lost
two hundred and seventy-four out of five hundred and twelve men engaged,
which was the heaviest loss by far in any one battle in the entire conflict. Out
of a total enrollment of men of ten hundred and fifty-six it lost live hundred
and seventy-seven. There were ninety-one pairs of brothers enlisted, forty-
three of whom were killed in battle. The regiment marched thirty-two hun-
dred and forty miles on foot and proceeded eight thousand seven hundred and
twenty-five miles by transport. Captain Black participated in many of the
hotly contested battles of the first twO' years of the war, including the engage-
ments at Shiloh, Corinth, Memphis, Holly Springs, YazoO' and Arkansas Post.
While the company was on picket duty near Shelley Depot, Tennessee, during
the night of October 2.2, 1862, they were fired upon by guerrillas and Captain
Black and Sergeant W. D. Lomax were slightly wounded. From November
26, 1862, until February i, 1863, Captain Black alternated with two other
senior captains in acting as major of the regiment and at the latter date
he resigned.
Captain Black left the army because of the death of his father and returned
to Henry county to care for his mother and sisters. For a time he devoted his
attention to general farming and later established a mercantile business in
Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he also became captain of a local mihtia company,
commissioned by Governor Stone of that state. On the ist of June, 1865, he
was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Updegraff, a daughter of Abram and
Nellie Eleanor (Currigan) Updegrafl. She was born May 28, 1842, in Henry
county, Iowa, where her parents settled in early days, having removed from
Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. Captain Black and his wife continued their
residence in Iowa until 1875 and then came to Buffalo county, where he
devoted his attention to farming and to the live stock business and merchan-
dising. He owned and operated a large ranch on the South Loup and another
just south of the town on an island on the Platte river. From 1885 until 1888
he carried on mercantile pursuits in Kearney and was recognized as one of
the representative citizens of that place.
As the years passed several children were added to the family and Captain
Black is survived by his widow, four daughters and a son, namely: Nellie, the
wife of A. C. Miller, freight agent for the Union Pacific Railroad Company
at South Omaha; AHce, the wife of Ellsworth Turney, of Fairfield, Iowa,
connected with the Charter Oak Wagon Works; Kathrine, the wife of Herbert
Schars, of Webb City, Missouri ; Nancy, living with her mother in Kearney ;
and Frank, also of Kearney. The family circle was broken by the hand of death
when on the 29th of February, 1912, Captain Black passed away. He had
figured prominently in public affairs. In 1880 he became treasurer of Buft'alo
county and served in that and the ensuing year. On the 14th of April, 1884, he
became mayor of the city and occupied that position for one year, giving to
the city a progressive and businesslike administration. For eight years he was
a member of the city school board and during the last three years of that time
acted as its president. He served for twenty years on the city library board
and he also filled the position of county commissioner. In 1895 he was chosen
to represent his district in the state senate, of which he remained a member
52 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
until 1898. His interest in public affairs was that of a citizen always loyal to
the best interests of the community and he gave thoughtful and earnest consid-
eration to all questions which came up for settlement. His political allegiance
was given to the republican party and he belonged to the Grand Army of the
Republic. He became a charter member of Sedgwick Post, No. i, at Kearney,
served as its commander and always took a helpful interest in its affairs. He
was appointed by the board of county commissioners and superintended the erec-
tion of the Buffalo county courthouse, thus securing to the county a durable
building. His was a well spent life, characterized by many admirable traits.
He always stood for those things which are of the greatest benefit to the
individual and the community and sought to further public progress by his
cooperation and indefatigable energy. His efforts were at all times guided by
sound judgment and those who knew him always recognized the integrity of
his acts and his loyalty to his honest convictions.
FREDERICK H. REDINGTON.
Frederick H. Redington, who is managing seventeen hundred and twenty
acres of land and is residing on section 36, Sharon township, Buffalo county, was
born in Amherst, Lorain county, Ohio, on the 23d of January, 1856. His parents,
Alexander H. and Jane E. (Bryant) Redington, were natives respectively of
Massachusetts and of Gloucestershire, England. The mother accompanied her
parents to the United States when but a child and grew to womanhood in
Amherst, Ohio, where her marriage occurred. Her husband and his father drove
the mail stage from Cleveland to Birmingham for many years and Alexander H.
Redington also kept a roadhouse and served as postmaster of Amherst. In addi-
tion to his other activities he engaged in farming to some extent and was suc-
cessful in all his enterprises.
Frederick H. Redington was reared at home and received his general educa-
tion in the public schools. He was also a student at the Bryant & Stratton Busi-
ness College of Chicago, which was owned by two of his uncles, Mr. Bryant
being a brother of his mother and Mr. Stratton having married a sister of Mrs.
Redington. x\fter completing his business course he went to Wyoming in the
spring of 1881 and for ten years he was identified with the cattle business in that
state. In 1891 he went to Omaha and became connected with Clay, Robinson &
Company, the well known livestock commission dealers, with whom he remained
for eleven years. Later he was with Rosenbaum Brothers & Company for six
years and divided his time between his work at the yards and traveling on the
road looking after loans. On the 2d of July, 1910, he came to Buffalo county,
Nebraska, where he still resides, and has concentrated his attention upon the
management of his wife's extensive landholdings, which comprise seventeen
hundred and twenty acres, and in that connection he has manifested business
acumen and foresight.
Mr. Redington was married on the 21st of July, 1910, to Mrs. George Meis-
ner, who was in her maidenhood Miss Nellie Forsythe. He supports the repub-
lican party at the polls but has never had time to take an active part in politics.
cJ^.'^^'-t^^ <94>z/L
'/
I
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 55
Fraternally he belongs to Shelton Lodge, No. 99, A. F. & A. M. ; Shelton Lodge,
No. 92, K. P.; and Kearney Lodge, No. 984, B. P. O. E. Although he has
resided in this county for a comparatively short period, his ability has already
gained him recognition as one of its representative business men and citizens.
His attractive personal qualities have also gained him the friendship of many.
I
W. M. ROSS.
W. M. Ross, a well known sheep and cattle feeder making his home on sec-
tion 13, Gibbon township, represents a business which is of the utmost value to
western Nebraska, it being one of the most important sources of Buffalo county's
wealth and upbuilding. In all that he undertakes Mr. Ross displays enterprise
and determination and carries forward to successful completion any business in
which he becomes engaged. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on the 14th of
November, 1873, ^ son of William B. and Sarah S. (McClain) Ross. The father
is a native of Ripley county, Indiana, and the mother of Pennsylvania, whence she
removed with her parents to Illinois in her early girlhood, her father, John
McClain, being one of the pioneer settlers of Kane county, where he secured a
government claim. It was in Aurora, Illinois, that Sarah S. McClain gave her
hand in marriage to William B. Ross, who thereafter followed farming in Kane
county until 1884, when he removed with his family to Buffalo county, Nebraska,
and purchased a farm in Center township. He resided thereon until about 1900,
when he removed to La Cygne, Kansas, where he is still carrying on general agri-
cultural pursuits.
W. M. Ross was reared under the parental roof, his boyhood days bringing
to him the usual experiences that fall to the farm lad. He supplemented a dis-
trict school education by study in the Gibbon Normal School and also by study
at Kearney Hall. Following the completion of his course he taught school for
three years, at the end of which time he resumed the occupation to which he
had been reared, purchasing in 1897 a tract of land of eighty acres on section 3,
Gibbon township. He located thereon and continued to engage in farming until
1912, when he removed to Ravenna, where for eight months he occupied a posi-
tion in the Citizens State Bank. He then purchased the Commercial State Bank
at Amherst, of which he is still the president. In company with I. A. Kirk and
W. C. Ogilvie he bought the Hershey ranch of four hundred acres adjoining
Gibbon. This he is now operating and is one of the heavy stock feeders of
Buffalo county, feeding both cattle and sheep. His business has assumed exten-
sive proportions and is most wisely, carefully and successfully directed.
On the 20th of September, 1900, Mr. Ross was married to Miss Mable Reedy,
a daughter of John and Charlotte Reedy, who came to Nebraska from Tama
county, Iowa, in 1878. To them have been born three children : John W.,
Richard R. and Elton S.
In politics Mr. Ross is a republican. He has served as a member of the school
board and as a member of the board of trustees of the cemetery. He conforms
his life to the teachings of the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Granite
Lodge, No. 189, F. & A. M., and he is also a member of Gibbon Lodge, No. ^^y.
56 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
I. O. O. F. Both he and his wife are consistent and faithful members and
generous supporters of the First Baptist church of Gibbon. Theirs is one of
the finest country homes in Bufi:'alo county, finished throughout in hardwood,
heated by steam and, in fact, it is strictly modern in all its equipment. Moreover,
an air of hospitaHty is ever supreme and its doors are quickly opened for the
reception of their many friends.
I
MELCHOR N. TROUPE.
Melchor N. Troupe, treasurer of Bufifalo county and resident of Kearney, is
of Maryland 'nativity, his birth having occurred in Washington county, that
state, on the 21st of June, 1854. His parents, Henry and Catherine (Schnebly)
Troupe, were also natives of ]\Iaryland and Avere of German and Swiss ancestry.
Melchor N. Troupe is of the fourth generation on the paternal side and the fifth
on the maternal side of his people who have lived in America and is one of a
family of ten children, seven of whom are yet living. He was reared upon his
father's farm and during his youthful days attended the district schools. With
his parents he removed to Pennsylvania in his boyhood and there pursued his
studies in a select school. He continued to assist in the work of the home farm
until the spring of 1878, when he came to Nebraska and for a time was em-
ployed at Lincoln. Later, however, he went to Iowa and for about six years' was
engaged in farming in Pottawattamie county.
In 1884 Mr. Troupe removed to Buffalo county, Nebraska, and settled in
Sartoria township, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres. For
about twenty years he resided thereon, devoting his attention to farming and
stock raising, particularly in the breeding of shorthorn Durham cattle. His
farming interests were carefully and wisely conducted, and success attended his
labors, while his industry was manifest in the excellent improvements which
he added to his place. In 1903 he became the nominee of his party for treasurer
of Buffalo county, to which office he was duly elected. Removing to Kearney he
served as treasurer for a term of two years, was reelected and thus served for
four consecutive years. Upon the expiration of his second term he engaged in
the monument business in Kearney, continuing in that line until 191 1, when he
was again elected to the office of county treasurer, and the biennial election law
enacted in 1913 continued his term of office to three years. In 1914 he was once
more chosen by popular suffrage to fill the office and upon the expiration of his
present term he will have served Buffalo county nine years as treasurer, his
incumbency covering a longer period than any one who has ever held the office.
On the 21 st of March, 1882, in Iowa, Mr. Troupe was married to Miss
Elizabeth Taylor, who was a native of Jennings county, Indiana, and a daughter
of Allen C. and Eliza Taylor. Mrs. Troupe is a graduate of the Northern Indiana
Normal School at A^alparaiso, and at the time of her marriage was engaged in
teaching in Iowa. Harry, the eldest son of Mr. and Airs. Troupe, was born in
Iowa, and during their residence in Buffalo county four other children have
been added to the household, these being Louis, Kathrine, Marie and John.
The two eldest are married. Harrv wedded Pearl Miller and resides in Kcar-
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 57
ney, where he is engaged in the abstract and insurance business. Louis wedded
Miss Margaret Smith, and is engaged in the telephone business. Kathrine fol-
lowed teaching for four years in Buffalo^ county and for two years in Valley
county and is now a student at the State Normal School at Kearney. Marie is
now engaged in teaching for the second year at Albion^ Boone county, Nebraska.
John is a high school student at Kearney.
Mr. and Mrs. Troupe are members of the Presbyterian church, and fra-
ternally he is connected with the Lidependent Order, of Odd Fellows, the Benevo-
lent Protective Order of Elks and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Li
politics he is a republican. There is no resident of the county who has wider
personal acquaintance than !Mr. Troupe, and his popularity is indicated in the
fact that he has again and again been chosen for the position which he now
fills and on each occasion has been accorded a very substantial and gratifying ma-
jority. His political as well as his personal integrity is above question, and his
entire ofificial career has been marked by honor.
S. N. FREEMAN.
S. N. Freeman, living in Center township, is a man of sterling character,
his personal worth gaining for him the confidence, goodwill and high regard
of all with whom he comes in contact. He is the owner of an excellent farm
of one hundred and sixty acres upon which is a fine home beautifully situated
on an elevation overlooking the valley. Mr. Freeman was born in Sweden on
the I St of December, 1846, and is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Nels Nelson, both of
whom died in Sweden. He was reared under the parental roof and the public
schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges. At
eighteen years of age he enlisted in the regular army and served for six years.
In 1870 he completed his arrangements to come to the new world and after
bidding adieu to friends and native country sailed for the United States. Fie
spent the first winter after his arrival near Burlington in Des Moines county,
Iowa, and in the following summer was employed on government work along
the Mississippi river. In 1872 he settled in Moline, Illinois, where for eleven
years he was in the employ of a lumber company. In 1885 he came to Nebraska
and located on his present home farm, which he had purchased five years prior
to his removal to that place. He has diligently and persistently directed the
work of the farm since that time, has brought his fields to a high state of cul-
tivation and has added to the \alue of his place by the improvements which he
has put upon it.
In Moline, Illinois, Mr. Freeman was united in marriage to Miss Lottie
Holberg, a native of Sweden, by whom he has three children, namely: Esther,
at home ; Bernett, who is engaged in farming in Center township, this county ;
and Rose, the wife of Melvin Jones, of Chicago, Illinois. The wife and mother
died July 9, 1891, and was laid to rest in the Kearney cemetery.
Politically Mr. Freeman is a republican who keeps well informed on the
questions and issues of the day, although he has never been an office seeker.
He and his family are members of the Lutheran church and throughout his
58 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
entire life his course has conformed to high Christian principles. He has never
sought to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any business
transaction but has put forth his effort in accordance with the rules that gov-
ern industry and strict and unswerving integrity.
JOHN N. NUTTER.
John N. Nutter, a well-to-do retired farmer living on section i6, Shelton
township, has resided upon his present farm for thirty-two years. He was born
in Gloucester, New Jersey, on the 6th of March, 1856, of the marriage of Wil-
liam and Dinah (Ingham) Nutter, both of whom were natives of Lancashire,
England, where they grew to manhood and womanhood. They were married
there and continued to live there for several years, but in the early '50s came to
the United States with their two children and after remaining for a short time
in Gloucester, New Jersey, located in Philadelphia. The father, who was a cot-
ton mill operative, worked in the mills in Philadelphia for several years and
made his way upward to the position of superintendent of the mills. He was a
member of the Mormon church and in i860 went to Salt Lake City with a Mormon
colony, but he only remained there for a short time, as he became dissatisfied
with the way in which affairs were managed and consequently severed his con-
nection with the colony. He came eastward as far as Nebraska and located in
Hall county near Shelton. During the Civil war the Indians were so hostile that
he was forced to leave his farm and return to England, but after six or eight
months he again came to the United States and accepted the position of superin-
tendent of cotton mills in Gloucester, New Jersey. In 1869 he returned to
Nebraska and preempted the northeast quarter of section 8, Shelton township,
Buffalo county. He resided upon that place until his demise, which occurred in
1908. His wife is still living and makes her home with her son M. D., who is
operating the homestead.
John N. Nutter remained at home during the period of his minority and
received his education in the public schools. When twenty-one years of age he
began farming on his own account and in 1878 he leased a tract of school land,
which he subsequently purchased and on which he now resides. In the same
year he took up a homestead in Platte township, on which he lived for five years,
but in 1883, having proved up on his claim, he removed to the first mentioned
farm, on which he has now lived continuously for thirty-two years. He owns
seven hundred and twenty acres of excellent land and his enterprise and effi-
ciency have enabled him to gain financial independence. In 191 5 he retired from
the active work of the farm, although he is still residing in Shelton township.
He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Gibbon.
In 1881 Mr. Nutter was united in marriage to Miss Anna Carlson, who was
then a resident of Kearney, but whose birth occurred in Sweden. They have
become the parents of five children, namely : Olive, the wife of Charles Holmes,
of South Denver, Colorado ; Effie, who married John Graham, of Hall county,
Nebraska ; Herbert, who is traveling auditor for the Wells Fargo Express Com
pany; Elsie, the wife of John Evans, of Salem, Oregon; and Beatrice, who mar-
b
JOHN N. NUTTER
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 61
ried John Hogg, of Vancouver, Washington. For his second wife Mr. Nutter
married Miss Jennie Ringholdson, a native of Sweden, who came to this country
in 1893 and located in Kearney, Nebraska, where they were married while Mr.
Nutter was serving as sheriff. There are six children by this union : Ina, now
Mrs. Everett Reynolds, of Red Elm, South Dakota; Hilda, who is teaching
school in Lincoln county; and Marjorie, Harold, Daniel and Jean, all of whom
are at home.
Mr. Nutter is a liberal democrat and is well informed on the political issues
of the day. For two terms he held the office of sheriff of Buffalo county, serving
in that capacity from 1892 to 1896, and his record is highly creditable to his
ability and public spirit. He is prominent in local fraternal circles, belonging
to Gibbon Lodge, No. t^j, L O. O. F. ; Granite Lodge, No. 189, A. F. & A. M.;
Kearney Chapter, R. A. M. ; ExcaHbur Lodge, No. 138, K. P.; and to the local
organization of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Knights of the
INIaccabees. He is interested in everything that pertains to the public welfare
and is recognized as one of the valued citizens of his township.
CLIFFORD CLINTON REED.
CHfford Clinton Reed, editor and part owner of the Shelton Clipper, has,
in the publication of this journal, entered upon a work with which his father
was closely associated for many years, maintaining in connection therewith the
highest standards of newspaper publication. Clifford C. Reed was born in
Shelton July 19, 1889, his parents being Frank D. and Hattie (McKnight) Reed.
The father was a native of Middleport, Ohio, born June 30, 1862, and in that
state was reared and educated. In early life he learned the printer's trade, which
he followed in several states, mostly in the middle west, and at one time he
was a member of the State Journal force at Lincoln, Nebraska. He was also
associated with his uncle, Dr. F. B. Reed, in the publication of a newspaper at
Peru, Nebraska, previous to his removal to Shelton. He became a resident of
this city in 1884 and in connection with his brother, William M. Reed, purchased
the Shelton Clipper. The partnership continued until 1895, when the brother
retired, after which the father continued the publication of the paper alone until
his demise, being regarded as one of the ablest as well as one of the oldest news-
paper men in the state. On the i6th of July, 1885, he wedded Miss Hattie
McKnight, of Hastings, Nebraska, and to them were born five children: Mrs.
E. L. Templin, Clifford C, Wauneta, Geneva and Frank. Through appointment
of President McKinley Mr. Reed became postmaster at Shelton and filled the
office for twelve years, when in 1910 he voluntarily resigned to devote his full
time to the publication of the Clipper and the management of the newspaper
office. He died November 7, 191 1, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Hast-
ings. Newspapers throughout the state spoke of him in terms of highest regard.
He was a man of fine personal appearance and the physical was but an index
of the noble spirit within.
One who was long associated with him in business and in social life and who
knew him perhaps better than any one outside of his immediate family circle
62 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
said: "There are times when words — mere words — fall far short of expressing
the feelings of the heart. Today we mourn the death of a true friend. Yet our
loss is small compared with that of the ones who are bereft of a husband and
father. To say one word of comfort would be to say that his life work was
done well. He made true friends. His good deeds were many and they will
always linger in the memory of the people of Nebraska who knew him. Frank
Reed will receive a reward for his many good deeds of kindness, for his charity
toward his fellowmen and for the life of usefulness to all. To know him better
was to respect him more. His warmest friends were those who knew him best.
Eight years ago his ofifice was destroyed by fire. In a few moments practically
the work of a lifetime was gone. But Frank Reed was not dismayed. He looked
on the bright side. Before the fire was out a new outfit was ordered and he
commenced the work over again. A new paper rose from those ruins and it
was better than it had ever been. It had in it Frank Reed's determination to
make his paper the best country newspaper in the state. This was his ideal.
He lived up to it. His many newspaper friends point with pride to The Shelton
Clipper. Not even the fire caused him to miss a single issue. The paper came
out on time. No matter how busy with other affairs, his first consideration was
for those who were subscribers for his newspaper. He always gave them the
best that was in him. He was a loyal, self-sacrificing citi.^en, public-spirited
and generous. Shelton sustains a deep loss. Frank Reed fought many battles
for Shelton and won. In his home life he was a generous and wise provider.
The care of those near and dear to him by kindred ties was uppermost in
his mind. He loved his home. It was very dear to him. I never saw him
happier than when the family gathered at the home. He wanted them to have
the pleasures of life, no matter what sacrifices it meant to him. No husband
could be more kind. No father could bestow greater love and affection on
his children. Friends were always welcome at his home. A stranger in
need was never turned away empty handed. His deeds of charity were many.
Frank Reed stood high in the estimation of the newspaper fraternity of the
state. For years he attended the meetings of the Nebraska Press AssociatioUj
and was one of the factors in keeping up the organization. In 1905 he was
elected vice president and the year following unanimously chosen as president, an]
office which he filled with honor. His newspaper was looked on by members of thej
craft as an ideal paper for a town of this size. He took a very active part in the
association meetings and during the twenty-seven years of his newspaper life sel-|
dom missed a meeting. No meeting was thought to be quite complete without
Frank Reed's presence. He was prominent in lodge work. He was a member oi
Kearney lodge of Elks, a member of the Shelton lodge of Knights of Pythias, ofj
Phoenix lodge in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of the Modern Wood-
men, Royal Highlanders and Modern Brotherhood of America. He enjoyed his
associations in the lodge room and was regarded highly by his fraternal]
brethren."
Another wrote of Mr. Reed: "It was my pleasure and profit to know]
Frank Reed for over eight years and during that time I came to regard him!
as one of the most resourceful, most talented and most successful men in the
•country newspaper business. In the Clipper he published a paper that woulc
have been a creditable representative of a community many times as large asl
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 63
Shelton. For the quantity of news matter that it contained, for the quaHty
of its editorials and for its typographical appearance it was a model worthy
to be copied by any progressive newspaper man in the state. Mr. Reed had
abilities that would have made him successful in any field, regardless of its
size, but it was one of the commendable qualities of the man that he pre-
ferred to remain in Shelton, where perhaps he could be of more service than in
a field of larger promise. But he was more than a talented newspaper man,
he was a friend to every man and woman in the business. He may have had
his faults but they were buried in a sea of unselfishness and gentle tolerance."
Hugh McVicker, of the Nebraska State Journal of Lincoln, wrote : "Whole-
someness and cheerfulness were dominating traits in the life of Frank D. Reed.
He was a masterful, aggressive man in the sense that he met and overcame
difiiculties, but he was never domineering or a bully. He loved success and
achieved it by hard and honest work, not by discrediting other men, for he
disliked the hypocrite, backbiter and fault-finder. He was essentially an opti-
mist; the pessimist to him was a. good deal of a mystery. Had he been less
generous he probably would have been wealthy. To me his passing is a per-
sonal bereavement. We were friends for over thirty years — chums in our
youth and companions in later life. To those bound to him by closer ties — his
family first, to whom he was devotedly attached — and to his business asso-
ciates in a less degree, his loss is a tragedy."
Adam Breede, editor of the Hastings Tribune, said: "To be a man among
men, a brother to his fellowmen, an honest, upright and courageous citizen,
such was the courage, disposition and ambition of Frank Reed as I knew him.
He was brave, good, generous, and kind — and he dared to do all that may be-
come a man. His thoughts and exertions were more for the good of others
than they were for himself. His virtues were many and his friends loved him
for the splendid type of true manhood that he w^as."
Another said: "I counted the friendship of Frank Reed as one of the
very pleasant experiences of my life. I do not recall exactly when I first met him.
He was one of those persons whom one feels that he had always known. My
acquaintance with him covered the span of a quarter of a century. I never
met him but that I was conscious of being in the presence of a large-hearted,
genial man of a most wholesome nature. And as he was a good friend and
true, by those same qualities he was also a kind and proud husband and father.
I think there was no finer trait of his character than his consideration and
affection for his family, which he always unconsciously showed. Though of
a most genial personality, he was firm and courageous in defending what he
believed to be right and hesitated not to condemn what he knew to be wrong.
This made him a good editor and a valuable citizen. It is of such as he we
may well apply the words of Shakespeare, The elements in him were so mixed
that the whole world ought to stand up and say, "This was a man."
When Frank D. Reed lay down his work never again to pen an editorial,
his task was taken up by his son, Clifford C. Reed, who had been reared in
Shelton and was educated in its public schools, being graduated from the high
school with the class of 1907. When his text-books were put aside he had
the business training and experience that came to him as assistant to his father
in the printing office and the influence of the standards maintained by the
64 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
elder Reed could not fail to have its effect upon the son. Upon the fathers
death he assumed charge of the Shelton Clipper, in which work he is associated
with his brother-in-law, E. L. Templin. They maintain the high standard
established by the father and Mr. Reed is displaying in the conduct of the
paper much of the developing ability which brought his father to a foremost
place among the journalists of the state.
In his political views Mr. Reed is a stalwart republican, tenacious in his
support of what he believes to be right and progressive in his opinions. His
fraternal relations are with Shelton Lodge, No. 92, K. P. He has a very
wide acquaintance in the city in which he has always lived and his circle of
friends is almost coextensive therewith.
C. VAN DYCK BASTEN, M. D.
Dr. C. Van Dyck Basten, a prominent and valued representative of the
medical profession in western ^^^?febraska, who has practiced continuously in
Kearney since May, 1883, was pOrn at Kingston, Ulster county, New York, on
the 25th of May, 1859, ^"^ is one of the three surviving members in a family
of five children who were born of the marriage of Gfeorge W. and Esther
(Bevier) Basten. He was reared upon his father's farm with the usual expe-
riences of the farm lad and acquired his early education in Ulster Academy. Eor
two years he read medicine under the direction of Drs. Crispell & Smith, at
Kingston, and later continued his studies with Dr. W. C. Goodno, of Philadel-
phia, as his preceptor. Still later he entered the Hahnemann Medical College in
1879, remaining a student in that institution for two years, but owing to failing
health was compelled to relinquish his studies for a time. Later he went to
Iowa and completed his medical education in the medical department of the State
University at Iowa City, receiving his degree in 1883. Since that time he has
taken numerous post-graduate courses in New York, Chicago and elsewhere,
and by continued study and investigation keeps abreast with the mostM:ientific
research and progress.
Dr. Basten began the practice of his profession at Kearney in May, 1883, and
has since here remained, winning early recognition as one of the foremost physi-
cians of this part of the state — a position which he has since retained. He is
ever careful in the diagnosis of his cases and his judgment is seldom at fault in
regard to the outcome of disease. His professional duties are most conscien-
tiously performed and his sympathy and consideration are elements in his popu-
larity as well as the skill which he displays in practice.
On the 24th of November, 1885, Dr. Basten was married to Miss Adah
Seaman, of Kearney, and they have an adopted daughter, Mary Edna. The
religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist church, and Dr. Basten is
connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and with the Masonici
fraternity, in which he has attained high rank, being now a Knight Templar.
His political allegiance is given to the republican party, and although he keeps]
well informed on the questions and issues of the day he does not seek office. Hisj
membership along professional lines is with the Buffalo County and the Nebraska
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 65
State Medical Societies. He is an extremely busy and successful practitioner, an
industrious and ambitious student and in his expressions concerning brother
physicians is friendly and indulgent.
SILAS B. FUNK.
Buffalo county has been signally favored in the class of men who have occu-
pied her public offices, for on the whole they have been patriotic citizens, loyal
to the trust reposed in them and capable in the discharge of their varied and
important duties. Such a one is Silas B. Funk, now serving asȤheriff. A native
of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, he was born December 12, 1854, his parents
being Henry and Margaret (Good) Funk, who were also natives of the Key-
stone state and representatives of what is known as Pennsylvania Dutch stock.
Upon the home farm of his parents, Silas B. Funk was reared and in his boy-
hood days attended the common schools, but at the age of twelve years started
out in life on his own responsibility. At that period he became imbued with
the ambition to go west and see something of. the new country. He ran away
from home, proqeeded as far as Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and there joined a
wagon train drawn by oxen, bound for Salt Lake City, then known as Camp
Douglas. With this wagon train he passed up the Platte river and over the site
where Kearney now stands, but at that period there was nothing here save
prairie dogs and rattlesijakes. The entire countryside was unsettled. Over it
roamed wandering tribes of Indians, and the buffaloes and coyotes were numer-
ous. Mr. Funk was employed at driving a team of oxen, the train belonging to
Caldwell & Company, of Leavenworth. After unloading at Camp Douglas, they
started on the return trip and spent the winter about forty miles southwest of
Cheyenne. In the spring of 1867 they proceeded to North Platte, to which town
the Union Pacific, Railroad had been extended and there the ox train was sold.
During the surhiner Mr. Funk acted as assistant wagon master. From North
Platte he proceeded to Fort Leavenworth, and there joined another train bound
for Fort Union, New Mexico. From there he went to Texas and became a
cow puncher, continuing in that business for about fifteen years.
In the fall of 1882 Mr. Funk arrived in Buffalo county, Nebraska, and began
farming in Loup township, where he carried on business for seven years. On the
expiration of that period he removed to Kearney and became connected with the
police force. In 1897 he was elected sheriff of the county and served for two
terms of two years each. Later he spent five years in Wyoming and Utah as a
detective for the Union Pacific Railroad, and later again became a member of
the Kearney police force, in which connection he remained until he was once
more elected sheriff of the county in 1914, and resumed the duties of the office
-in the following January. His life has been a stirring and ofttimes exciting and
dangerous one. He has had many encounters with the Indians during his freight-
ing and cowboy days, and met all of the experiences incident to life on the
frontier. He deserves much credit for work which he did in early times when
as a freighter, cowboy and detective he aided in planting the seeds of civilization
ee HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
and in bringing about normal conditions in rendering life and property safe and
in promoting progress.
Mr. Funk was married in 1879 ^o Miss Elizabeth Hunter, and by this mar-
riage he has one daughter living, Mabel, now the wife of Victor Beck, of Broken
Bow, Nebraska. The wife and mother passed away in 1886, and for his second
wife Mr. Funk chose Mrs. Anna B. Lower, of Kearney, their marriage being
celebrated November 4, 1890. Mrs. Funk is a member of the Congregational
church,
Mr. Funk has membership with the Masons, having attained the Knights
Tem.plar degree of the York Rite, while with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine he
has crossed the sands of the desert. In varied relations he has proven his man-
hood and his worth, and those who know him speak of him in terms of warm
regard.
JOSEPH NELSON ASHBURN.
Joseph Nelson Ashburn, proprietor of the Gibbon Roller Mills, belongs to
that class of men to whom opportunity is ever the pathway to success. He has
never been afraid to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way and
his diligence and determination are carrying him steadily forward. He was
born in Trumbull county, Ohio, September 7, 1869, a son of Dillon P. and Emily
A. (Brown) Ashburn, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of New York.
The father came with the colony that settled in this section of Buffalo county
and thus the family has been represented here since pioneer times.
Joseph N. Ashburn was reared upon the old homestead place and supple-
mented his district school education by stody in the Gibbon high school and in
the United Brethren College at Gibbon. Att|Lj :ompleting his studies he served
as assistant postmaster for four years, his ^^ther having been appointed to
the postition of postmaster at Gibbon. Later j.'"N. Ashburn occupied the position
of collector for the implement house of David Bradley & Company for a short
time, but in 1893 l^is father represented the dairy interests at the Columbian
Exposition in Chicago and J. N. Ashburn remained at the exposition from July
until November, being connected with the bureau of awards. He afterward
returned to Gibbon and for three years was employed in the drug store of
M. H. Noble. Subsequently he worked in the lumber yard of W. H. Buck
for a short period, and when he had retired from that position he became asso-
ciated with the Beatrice Creamery Company of Lincoln, which he represented
upon the road and in other important capacities for nine years. He then went
to Coeur dAlene, Idaho, where he was employed by the Kidd Island Lumber
Company, acting unofficially as manager, while later he became secretary of the
company. He remained with that company for three years, and in 1910 returned
to Nebraska, spending a short time with an Omaha lumber company which he
represented upon the road. In the spring of 191 1 he came to Gibbon as yard
manager for W. H. Buck, in which capacity he served until 1913. In April
of the latter year he purchased a half interest in the Gibbon Roller Mills and
upon the death of Roy A. Da\'is, the senior partner, on the 31st of October, 1914,
DILLON P. ASHBURN
MRS. DILLON P. ASHBURN
rjf^i^g^
\
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 71
he purchased his interest in the business and became sole proprietor of what is
now one of the leading productive industries of Buffalo county.
On the 28th of June, 1898, Mr. Ashburn was united in marriage to Miss
Hattie B. McConnaughey, her father being Orlando McConnaughey, one of the
prominent men of Gibbon. To them have been born four children, namely:
Bernice L., Harry Arthur, Constance D. and Edith L.
Mr. Ashburn is a prominent Mason, belonging to Granite Lodge, No. 189,
A. F. & A. M., while in Omaha Consistory he has attained the thirty-second degree
of the Scottish Rite. Both he and his wife are connected with the Order of the
Eastern Star. In politics he is a republican, and while he has never held public
office, he has served as a member of the school board. Since starting out in
business life on his own account he has gradually worked his way upward,
improving his opportunities and utilizing his advantages until he has become one
of the active, well known and prosperous business men of Buffalo county.
EARL E. HILL.
j Earl E. Hill is a member of the firm of Hill Brothers, general merchants of
Riverdale, and is numbered among the most enterprising and progressive business
men of his part of the county. He is now acting as postmaster and at all times
he is interested in the progress and development of the district in which he lives
to the extent of giving active cooperation to various movements for the general
good. He was born October 28, 1881, in the town where he still resides, and
is a son of Cosmo S. and Mary (Delano) Hill. The father's birth occurred in
Bethel, Vermont, in 1848 and, emigrating westward in 1873, he settled at River-
dale, Nebraska, purchasing a relinquishment to an eighty-acre tract of land which
he at once began to develop and improve. He was a son of Steven Hill, who
was also a native of Vermont.
The birth of Earl E. Hill occurred on -|he old homestead farm in River-
dale township and his education was acquired in the district schools. When not
occupied with his lessons he aided in the work of the fields and afterward took
up the active task of further developing and improving his father's farm on
section 4, Riverdale township, there giving his attention to general agricultural
pursuits until 1904, when he engaged in the grain business at Riverdale, estab-
lishing an elevator. In 1906 he formed a partnership with J. E, Nelson and
embarked in general mechandising under the firm style of Hill & Nelson. That
relationship was maintained until 1910, when Mr. Nelson disposed of his
interest to E. S. Hill, a brother of E. E. Hill, and the firm name was changed to
Hill Brothers, under which style the business has since been conducted. They
have a well appointed store, carrying a large and carefully selected line of
goods and drawing a gratifying trade not only from the village but from the
surrounding country as well. Earl E. Hill is also postmaster of Riverdale, having
been appointed April 25, 1910, the postoffice being located in the general store
of Hill Brothers.
On the 1st of August, 1906, at Riverdale, Mr. Hill was joined in wedlock
to Miss Mary A. Ball, a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Gilbert and
72 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
Mary Ball. They have two children, lona and Irene, who are eight and six
years of age respectively. Mr. Hill belongs to Riverdale Camp, No. 1072,
M. W. A., and to Riverdale Lodge, No. 352, I. O. O. F., and in the former he
served as venerable consul for four terms. In politics he is a democrat where
national issues are involved but at local elections casts an independent ballot.
He concentrates his efforts upon his business affairs and success in large measure
is attending him, for the methods which he pursues are in accordance with
modern business principles. X
A. F. BILLS.
A. F. Bills, manager of the Farmers Elevator Company at Shelton, is thor-
oughly acquainted with every phase of the grain trade and is thus well qualified
to carry on the work which now engages his attention. His birth occurred in Pike
county, Illinois, on the ist of March, 1858, his parents being Arthur F. and Eliza-
beth (Wilkes) Bills, the former born in New York of English parentage, while the
latter was a native of Louisville, Kentucky. They were married in Louisville, Ken-
tucky, and soon afterward or in the year 185 1 removed to Pike county, Illinois,
where the father engaged in farming and stock raising. He purchased three hun-
dred and twenty acres of land and was quite a heavy stock buyer. During the Civil
war he had government contracts to furnish meat to the troops and for a long pe-
riod he carried on an extensive business. In 1862, he returned to Kentucky and at
Bowling Green borrowed five thousand dollars to use in his live-stock transactions.
This he brought back with him in gold and silver and hid it in a buckwheat bin in
an old unused log cabin. A few days later a little daughter discovered the hiding
place of the money and he therefore hid it in another place. The Missouri bush-
whackers were troublesome and raids were frequent. A few nights later a
number of watchdogs which he kept made a great fuss and the next morning
he was found dead outside his door. He had evidently gone out to find what
was causing the disturbance. The hiding place of the money was never found,
nor was it ever known whether or not the bushwhackers had succeeded in making
their escape with it. Through the death of the father and the loss of this money^
the family were obliged to lose their farm. Subsequently the mother became th(
wife of Isaiah Lewton and they remove^, to Minnesota, where they resided for
year. The following year they became residents of Augusta, Hancock county
Illinois, and in 1872 the family went to •Nebraska, settling in Hall county, where-
Mr. Lewton homesteaded one hundred Snd^.^ixty acres of land. In 1874 they
removed to Wood River, where the death of Mr. Lewton occurred about 1883.
The mother afterward came to She^l^^c^Jand tnade her home with her son, A. F.
Bills, until her death in 1885. Jt w^ Mr. Lewton who shot the last buffalo
ever killed in this section of the state. Five buffaloes crossed the Platte river
on June 23, 1875, and he succeeded in bringing down one of the number.
A. F. Bills was educated in the common schools and started out as a farmer
when but seventeen years of age by purchasing eighty acres of land in Jackson
township. Hall county. There he began farming on his own account and in
1878 he traded this land for a grocery store in Shelton. A year later, however,
^M
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
73
he failed in business and resumed his agricultural pursuits, to which he again
devoted his energies for three years. On the expiration of that period he once
more became a resident of Shelton and for five years was employed in the grocery
and drug store of Hostetler Brothers. He then once more resumed farmino-
m which business he continued actively and successfully until 1910, when he sokl
all but ten acres of his land which lies within the city limits of Shelton For
many years he has bought grain and hay for the sheep feeders of this section
and in 1910, because of his recognized ability in that direction, he was placed
in charge of the Farmers grain elevator at Shelton, where he is now wisely, capa-
bly and successfully conducting business.
On the 1st of January, 1879, Mr. Bills was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary
Walsh, a daughter of Patrick Walsh, who came out to Fort Kearney as a soldier
in 1866 and after his enlistment expired homesteaded the quarter section on
which Shelton now stands. This was in 1869 or two years prior to the comincr
of the colony. To Mr. and Mrs. Bills have been born nine children, six of whom
survive, as follows: Frank A., who is a railroad man of Los Angeles, California;
Rufus L., a railroad man of Portland, Oregon; Joseph L., who is a professional
ball player with the Des Moines (la.) team; and Nora, Mary R. and John P.,
all at home.
In his political views Mr. Bills is a democrat and for seven years filled the
office of marshal in Shelton. He belongs to Shelton Lodge, A. F. & A. M., to the
Ancient Order of United Workmen and to the Catholic church. His life has been
a busy one fraught with earnest effort, and whatever success he has achieved is
attributable entirely to his own labors. Gradually he has worked his way upward
step by step and is now a prominent representative of commercial activity in
Buffalo county.
JAMES A. BOYD.
Diligence and enterprise are the factors that count most in business life and
Mr. Boyd is possessed of those quaHtfes in large measure. Since the organization
of the Farmers Bank of Kearney in 1890 he has been its cashier and has con-
tributed in large measure to its success, |pr he displays sound judgment and keen
sagacity in business aft"airs and has throughly acquainted himself with every
phase of modern banking. A native of Illinois, he was born upon a farm in
Whiteside county, April 14, 1858. The father, John Boyd, was a native of Scot-
land and when a young man came to ^fe-ica at a time when sailing vessels
afforded the only means of crossing tli^^^lntic. Two years later he returned
to the land of hills and heather and ther^ferried Isabelle Archibald. About the
year 1-856 he returned to the United State! for a permanent residence and
located in Whiteside county, Illinois, before a railroad had been built through
that county. His remaining days were there passed and his death occurred in
December, 191 1. For more than four years he had survived his wife, who died
in March, 1907.
The early life of James A. Boyd was passed upon the home farm, during
which period he assisted in such work as was necessary in the development of the
74 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
fields according to the methods then in use. His education was obtained in the
graded schools of Morrison and he followed farming in his native state until
1889.
In the meantime he had married Miss May Robertson, a sister of Lew Robert-
son, who was the first president of the Farmers Bank at Kearney, the wedding
being celebrated on the i6th of September, 1885. In March, 1889, they removed
to Kearney and Mr. Boyd became connected with the First National Bank,
where his duties comprised almost everything except the voting of stock. He
continued in that connection until 1890, when he took an active part in the
organization of the Farmers Bank, of which he was elected cashier and has so
continued to the present time — a period of more than a quarter of a century.
He has been most careful to safeguard the interests of depositors and thus make
the institution worthy of public patronage. His progressiveness is tempered by a
safe conservatism and at the same time he has kept the bank in touch with the
most modern financial methods.
To Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have been born two children but the elder, John Earl,
died when but eleven months old. The younger, James W., is with his parents, who
are well known in social circles of this city, where they have many warm j
friends. Aside from his business relations Mr. Boyd has otherwise become f
identified with the material interests and development of Kearney and Buffalo
county. He served as a member of the city council for six years and exercised
his official prerogatives in support of many plans and measures for the general
good. Socially he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
Those who know him find him a genial, courteous gentleman, always obliging,
and by reason of his sterling worth he has become well established in public
reg-ard.
DAVID ROACH.
David Roach owns one hundred and sixty acres of well developed land in
Gibbon township and finds that its cultivation and improvement leaves him little
time for outside interests. He was born in Pennsylvania on the 15th of April,
1853, and is one of three living children of a family of eleven, whose parents
were Thomas and Jennie (Ore) Roach, both natives of England, whence they
emigrated to America in 1850. They settled in Pennsylvania, where the mother
passed away, and the father subsequently removed to Illinois and still later to
Nebraska, where his death occurred.
David Roach acquired a common school education and remained under the
parental roof until he was twenty-two years of age. He was then engineer in a
sawmill for three years, after which he went to Logan county, Illinois, where he
spent seven years. At the end of that time he came to Buffalo county, Nebraska,
and after working as a laborer for three years, began farming. In 1905 he pur-
chased his present farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres on section
9, Gibbon township, and which is in a high state of development. He raises the
usual crops and also considerable stock, and his well directed labors yield him a
crratifying return.
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 75
In 1875 occurred the marriage of Mr. Roach and Aliss Georgia Cass, and
they became the parents of two children : Harry, who is farming in this township ;
and Hattie, the wife of Carl Webster. In 1889 the wife and mother departed
this life, and in 1895 Mr. Roach married Miss May Marshall, who died in
April, 1914.
Mr. Roach is a republican and for twenty years has served as school
director, his long continuance in the office indicating the confidence which is
placed in his ability He is an active worker in the Grange and owns stock in
the Farmers Elevator at Gibbon. He recognizes the value of cooperation and
believes that it should be more fully applied to the solution of the problem of
the modern farmer. His religious faith is indicated by the fact that he holds
membership in the Presbyterian church, and the uprightness of his life has gained
him the sincere respect of all who have had dealings with him. He has worked
hard and has saved his money carefully, with the result that he is now in com-
fortable circumstances and is recognized as one of the efficient and prosperous
farmers of his township.
THOMAS ELLIS.
Thomas Ellis, who carries on general agricultural pursuits on section 24,
Shelton township, was born in Dubuque county, Iowa, on the 2d of March, 1862,
his parents being Edward and Mary (Loomis) Ellis. The father was probably
a native of the United States, although his parents came from England. The
mother was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, and became the wife of Stephen
J. McKee, with whom she came to Nebraska in 1865. She lived for a short time
in Hall county, and afterward removed to Buffalo county. Mr. McKee died in
Hall county in 1878. Her third husband was William Fines, who died about
1891. Mrs. Fines survives and now resides in Shelton.
Thomas Ellis was three years of age when brought by his mother to Nebraska,
and was educated in the district schools but attended for only a part of three
terms. He began farming on his own account in 1881, when he put in his first
crop, but in that year he raised more foxtail than he did wheat and he worked
all the following winter on the section in order to pay his bills. In the spring of
1882 he went to Colorado, where he was employed through the summer in a
stone quarry at Lyons. In the fall he again came to Buffalo county and the fol-
lowing spring resumed farming. In 1887 he purchased the Ash Way farm in
Shelton township of one hundred and forty acres and later bought an additional
tract of eighty acres, but during the widespread financial panic of 1893, like thou-
sands of others, he was unable to make his payments upon his property. There-
fore he again had to resort to renting, but in the spring of 1898 he once more
made a financial start that enabled him to purchase two hundred and twenty-
three acres of his present farm. He has since resided thereon, concentrating his
energies upon the further development and improvement of his place, which is
pleasantly situated on section 24, Shelton township. He concentrates his efforts
upon the cultivation and development of his fields and as the years have gone by
76 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
has made changes which have transformed his place mto one of the excellent
farm properties of the county.
On the 28th of March, 1885, Mr. Ellis was united in marriage to Miss Julia
Spicer, of Hall county, Nebraska, by whom he has seven children, as follows :
Glen and Harvey, both at home; Bertha, who is the wife of Charles Ketner, of
Shelton, Nebraska ; Adrian ; and George, Clarence and Grace, all yet under the
parental roof.
In politics Mr. Ellis is independent, voting for men and measures rather than
party. Fraternally he is identified with Shelton Lodge, No. 141, I. O. O. F.,
and Shelton Lodge, No. 92, K. P. He has a wide acquaintance not only in
lodge circles but through other connections and is regarded as one of the substan-
tial business men and representative citizens of Buffalo county.
CHARLES BISHOP.
Charles Bishop is one of the most venerable and highly honored citizens of
Kearney. He has now attained the advanced age of eighty-six years and the
precious prize of keen mentality is his, for his mind is clear, his memory good
and he keeps well informed on the questions, issues and interests of the day.
He is a retired farmer, having been identified with general agricultural pursuits
for a long period. His birth occurred in Kennebec county, Maine, on the i8th
of January, 1830, his parents being Squire and Hannah (Morey) Bishop. The
father, a native of Maine, was a shoemaker by trade and also a farmer and spent
his entire life in the Pine Tree state, where he passed away at the age of seventy-
seven years. His parents were Jesse and Patience (Titus) Bishop and the
ancestral line can be traced back to Edward Bishop, of Salem, Massachusetts,
who came from England to the new world in 1639. The mother of Charles
Bishop was born in Sandwich, Massachusetts, but was reared in Maine and spent
the greater part of her life in that state.
Charles Bishop spent his boyhood days at home, receiving the usual training
of the farm lad. He attended the subscription schools and in his youth assisted
his father. He afterward w^orked at putting on soles on shoes near Boston for
about three years and in the spring of 1852 he made the trip by way of the water
route to California and spent some time in the mines at Coloma. He engaged
in prospecting and in surface mining and was fairly successful, devoting four
and one-half years to that business. In 1857 he returned home and the proceeds
of his labor amounted to two thousand dollars, which he carried with him in
gold.
In the spring of 1858 Mr. Bishop removed westward to Shelby county, Mis-
souri, and purchased a farm in Macon county, after which he carried on general
agricultural pursuits until September 15, 1862, when he offered his services to the
government, enlisting at St. Louis as a member of Company A, Twenty-seventh
Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He was soon afterward made an ambulance]
driver and acted in that capacity until mustered out on the 22d of July, 1865,;
following the close of the war. He had rendered valuable aid to his country in|
that connection and his military record was a commendable one.
CHARLES BISHOP
I
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 79
With the close of the war Mr. Bishop returned to his farm in Macon county,
where he carried on general agricultural pursuits until the fall of 1874, when he
sold his property there and came to Nebraska, settling on section 4, Divide town-
ship, Buffalo county. With characteristic energy he began to develop and till
the soil and carried on his farm work with growing success year by year until
the spring of 1899, when he rented his farm and came to Kearney, where he is
now living retired.
On the 9th of December, 1858, Mr. Bishop was married to Miss Mary Trott,
who was born in Ohio, July 2^, 1837. She removed to Missouri in 1858 with
her father and her death occurred on the 17th of January, 1894. She held mem-
bership in the Methodist Episcopal church and was a most active worker in both
church and Sunday school in an early day. By her marriage she became the
mother of eight children, as follows: William G., who follows farming in
Rusco township; EHzabeth, who is the wife of A. H. Tandy, of Oskaloosa, Iowa;
Francis H., a resident of Nelson, Nebraska, and a conductor on the Rock Island
Railway ; Mattie, who gave her hand in marriage to F. P. Wilsie and passed away
at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving three sons; Anna M., at home; Charles
E., who rents his father's farm; Mabel, who is the wife of Albert Gravley, of
Pleasanton, Buffalo county; and Mamie, who gave her hand in marriage to
Charles Gravley, of Pleasanton, Nebraska.
In his political views Mr. Bishop is a republican and was one of the first sup-
porters of the party. He served as school treasurer for several years and also
as township treasurer and has always been interested in the welfare, progress
and upbuilding of his community. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church
and to its teachings his life has conformed in all respects. He is a member of
Sedgwick Post, No. i, G. A. R., of Kearney and thus maintains pleasant relations
with his old military comrades. He has always been as true and loyal to his
country and the old flag in times of peace as he was when he followed the
nation's starry banner upon the battlefields of the south.
CHAUNCEY COOK.
Chauncey Cook, a well known and highly esteemed farmer living on section
5, Shelton township, Buffalo county, was born in Otsego county. New York, on
the 6th of October, 1861. His parents, Chauncey and Lucy B. (Allen) Cook,
were likewise natives of that county but were married in Erie county, Pennsyl-
vania, where the mother had removed with her parents when a girl. Following
their marriage they located on a farm in Otsego county, New York, where the
father passed away on the 5th of February, 1875. Five years later the mother
and three sons came west to Buffalo county, Nebraska, and she purchased the
farm which our subject now owns. She passed away on the 8th of April, 1889.
Chauncey Cook was reared at home and received his education in the com-
mon schools of New York. He accompanied his mother to this county and fol-
lowing her demise inherited the home farm, which he is still operating. He
has lived upon that place ever since his arrival in this county thirty-five years
ago and before it came into his possession he assisted in its cultivation. The
80 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
improvements upon the farm are substantial and modern, and the residence is
one of the most attractive and convenient farm homes in the township. He
devotes his undivided attention to the farm Avork, and his well directed labors
are rewarded by a gratifying financial return.
On the i8th of July, 1900, Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Miss Ella
Nixon, a resident of Kearney, Nebraska, but a native of Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
vania, whence she came to Buffalo county with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Cook
have four children : Walter, who is attending the Shelton high school ; Daphne
A., who is attending the district school; Leland N. ; and Ralph.
Mr, Cook indorses the principles of the democratic party and supports its
candidates at the polls. He is now servang for the second term as assessor of
Shelton township and is making a highly creditable record in that capacity. He
belongs to Shelton Lodge, No. 141, L O. O. F. In developing his farm he has
promoted the agricultural interests of the county and in so doing has contributed
to its prosperity, as it derives its greatest wealth from its rich land.
H. F. FLINT.
H, F. Flint is identified with financial circles as president of the Exchange
Bank of Gibbon and with agricultural interests as the owner of an excellent farm
ot two hundred and forty acres. His birth occurred in Vermont on the 25th of
January, 1845, and he is a son of Calvin and Dollie (Delano) Flint, both of
whom were born in Connecticut, but were married in Vermont, where they
passed the remainder of their lives. Our subject is the only one now living of
their family of eight children. He grew to manhood in his native state and
there received his education. When twenty-three years of age he went to Ohio,
whence in 1876, he came to Buft'alo county, Nebraska.
After engaging in the cattle business for four years Mr. Flint sold out and
became a dealer in coal and implements at Gibbon but five years later disposed
of that business and entered the employ of the Gibbon Bank, of which he was
cashier for four months. At the end of that time he and J. H. Davis organized
a bank known as the James H. Davis & Company Bank, of which Mr. Flint was
cashier for six years. He and Mr. Davis next organized the First National Bank
of Gibbon with a paid up capital of fifty thousand dollars, and for five years Mr.
Flint was cashier of that institution. The First National Bank was then discon-
tinued, but Mr. Davis and Mr. Flint remained factors in financial circles, organ-
izing the Exchange Bank, of which oiir subject is now the president. His long
experience in connection with banking eminently qualifies him to direct the affairs
of the institution, which has gained the confidence of the public and is accorded
a large and representative patronage. He owns an interest in the bank building
and also holds title to two hundred and forty acres of good land in Buffalo county,
from which he derives a substantial addition to his income.
In 1869 occurred the marriage of Mr. Flint and Miss Susan H. Whitney, who
was born in Vermont, and they became the parents of twin daughters, Nettie and
Nellie, the latter of whom died at the age of seven and a half years. Nettie
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 81
became the wife of R. A. St. John and died in 1902, leaving an infant son,
Horace F. St. John, who makes his home with our subject and his wife.,
Mr. FHnt is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Gibbon, in which he has
filled all the chairs, and he is also identified with the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. He takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs, although not
an aspirant for office. Both he and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal
church. That he is now one of the substantial men of his community is due
not to any good fortune or unusually favoring circumstances but to his enterprise,
industry and foresight.
ERNEST STEVEN HILL.
Ernest Steven Hill is a member of the firm of Hill Brothers, general mer-
chants at Riverdale, and is a wide-awake, enterprising business man, alert to
opportunities pointing to success, guided in all that he does by latidable ambition,
while his efiforts are characterized by both enterprise and business integrity. He
was born September 28, 1875, in Riverdale, his parents being Cosmo S. and
Mary J. (Delano) Hill. The father was born in Bethel, Vermont, in 1848, and
was a son of Steven Hill, also a native of the Green Mountain state. Removing
to the west, C. S. Hill established his home upon a farm near Riverdale and it
was upon that property that Ernest S. Hill spent his boyhood and youth, obtain-
ing his education in the district schools of the town in which he now resides. He
continued at home until 1898, when he purchased a farm of eighty acres on sec-
tion 32, Divide township. This was a tract of partially improved land but with
characteristic energy he began its further development and cultivation and trans-
formed it into productive fields. He now rents the farm to a tenant, while in
1910 he retired from active agricultural life and purchased the interest of J. E.
Nelson in the firm of Hill & Nelson, general merchants of Riverdale, thus joining
his brother in the conduct of an enterprise which is now carried on under the
style of Hill Brothers. They have a large and carefully selected stock, thus
meeting the demands and varied taste of their customers and in all they do they
display close conformity to the highest standards of commercial ethics.
On the 31st of December, 1899, Mr. Hill was married to Miss Gertrude
Whitney, a daughter of W. A. and Martha Whitney, of Riverdale. She was born
in Illinois and came to Riverdale when four years of age. By her marriage she
has become the mother of two children : Herbert E., now in school ; and Bernice,
three years of age.
The parents hold membership in the Christian church in Riverdale and gener-
ously contribute to its support, while in its work they take an active and helpful
interest. Mr. Hill belongs to Modern Woodman Camp, No. 1072, and served
as its clerk in 1899. He has also passed through all of the chairs in Riverdale
Lodge No. 352, I. O. O. F. His wife is a member of the Royal Neighbors and
the Rebekah degree of Odd Fellows, and for many years has been camp clerk
of the Royal Neighbors and is still filling that position. Mr. Hill has been called
to several local offices. He is treasurer of Riverdale township, having been
elected in 19 14 for a two years' term and for several years he has been a member
82 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
of the district school board in the same district in which he attended school and
in which his children are now pupils. His entire Hfe has been spent in this
locality and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have
known him from his early boyhood is indicative of the fact that his has been an
honorable career, and that his saHent characteristics are such as commend him
to the confidence, high regard and friendship of all.
JOSEPH C. SAYLOR.
Joseph C. Saylor, who is a member of the Buffalo county bar, came to
Kearney, Nebraska, from Chicago, Illinois, in the year 1905. He was born near
Lexington, Kentucky, August 5, 1877, O" ^ farm, which his parents still own.
•In that state, he received his public school education. After finishing high school,
he taught two years in the public schools, after which he attended school at the
State University of Kentucky for two years. Again he taught another term.
He then went to Valparaiso (Indiana) University to attend school and there,
after two years more, he finished the regular scientific course in 1900. The fol-
lowing year he did post-graduate work.
Mr. Saylor then took up the study of law and in the year 1904 finished the
course, and also took his degree in elocution and oratory, which course he had
pursued some of the time through his regular literary course and in his post-
graduate year. He also did special work in Georgetown College and in Chicago
University. He made his home in Chicago from 1898 to 1905.
On the 2d of June, 1904, Mr. Saylor was united in marriage to Miss Huldah
V. Ericson, of Kearney, Nebraska, who was his schoolmate in the literary depart-
ment at Valparaiso University, finishing her scientific course in 1901 and her
classic course, and post-graduate work in the year 1904, and who for two years
was principal of the Red Cloud high school, teaching history, English and German '
and who is now a prominent club and church worker in Kearney. She was elected
president of the Nineteenth Century Club for 1916.
Mr. Saylor practiced law at Red Cloud, Nebraska, from 1905 to 1910, where
his splendid qualifications and industry rapidly took him from, a small beginning
to a position among the highest and best of the attorneys of the Webster county
•bar. During this period he gave some little time to politics, being secretary of
the republican central committee in 1907, chairman of the same the year follow-
ing, then a member of the state executive committee and congressional delegate to
the national convention of Taft Clubs at Cincinnati in 1908. He made forty
speeches for the national republican ticket in Illinois and Kentucky in 1904, while
yet a student at the university. Also in 1908, under the auspices of the repub-
lican central committee, he stumped the greater part of the sixth congressional dis-
trict of Nebraska for the republican candidates. He has shown much ability asj
a public speaker, having been in demand for such work, and having delivered]
several Decoration Day speeches and addresses on other such occasions.
But in 1910, Mr. Saylor decided to move to a larger and better territory, where]
he could have greater opportunities for the practice of his profession. So he and]
Mrs. Saylor returned to Kearney where they have since resided. Since coming toj
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 85
Kearney, Mr. Saylor has given his entire time to the practice of law and is
devotedly attached to his chosen profession. He prepares his cases with pre-
cision and care, is methodical in habit, diligent in research and conscientious in
the discharge of every duty. He has made rapid advancement, being now
accorded a large clientage that connects him with much important litigation, and
having a practice second to none in this territory.
In his political views, as we have indicated, Mr. Saylor is a republican, and
while he is decidedly not an office seeker, takes much interest in, and keeps well
informed on, the questions and issues of the day. He is a member of the Com-
mercial Club and takes an active interest in matters pertaining to the develop-
ment of his home city and the territory around. He is also a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being past grand of that organization, and
is a member of other lodges. In religious beliefs, he is a Baptist and his aid
and influence are given on the side of development and improvement along many
lines having to do with the welfare of both the individual and the community.
CHARLES KRASSMAN.
Charles Krassman, chairman of 'the board of supervisors, has in the dis-
charge of his official duties displayed a recognition of public needs and oppor-
tunities and has worked earnestly and effectively toward upholding the public
good. He is a native of the kingdom of Prussia, his birth occurring on the
28th of March, 1846. He was seven years of age when his parents, Charles
and Elizabeth (Schultz) Krassman, came to the new world, crossing the Atlantic
on board a sailing vessel which required seven weeks and six days to make the
voyage. Upon arrival in this country the family lived in Chicago for about
four months and then removed to Galena, Illinois, where the father worked
at the carpenter's trade, he and his wife spending their remaining days at that
place. They were the parents of five children, of whom three passed away in
Germany, and one in Chicago, Illinois, leaving Charles Krassman as the only
surviving member. He was reared in Galena, Illinois, acquired a common school
education and afterwards at Galena learned the harness maker's trade, follow-
ing that occupation for a number of years. He was well acquainted with General
U. S. Grant, who at that time was practically unknown to the world, and he pur-
chased a part of the furniture of the Grant home when the future general
and president broke up housekeeping at Galena.
For his first wife Charles Krassman chose Miss Adelia Barthold, and to
them were born four children, Ernest, Elizabeth, August and Charles. The wife
and mother passed away in 1872 and for his second wife Mr. Krassman chose
Miss Frances Nealand, by whom he has four children, Mary, William, Albert
and Bertha. His third and present wife was Mrs. Fanny Newberry.
From Galena Mr. Krassman removed to Cedar Falls, Iowa, about 188 1, and
there resided until 1884, when he came to Kearney. Here he has lived practically
throughout the intervening period to the present time. Upon his arrival Kearney
was but an overgrown village, containing but three brick buildings, a little
board sidewalk and no paving or lighting system. Mr. Krassman began working
86 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
at his trade for W. A. Downing, with whom he remained for a quarter of a
century, and he still follows his trade, being a well known workman in his line. ■■
His life has been one of untiring industry and thrift, and whatever success he
has achieved is attributable entirely to his own efforts.
In politics ]\Ir. Krassman is a republican, having always given stalwart
allegiance to the party since age brought him the right of franchise. In 1908
he was elected a member of the county board of supervisors, serving for
two years, and in 1910 he was reelected and served for another two years.
For the third time he was chosen to the position, and the legislative enactment
of 1913, whereby the county officers held over for one year longer than the
specified term of two years, made his total service in this connection seven
years. In January, 1915, he was elected chairman of the board and is now
acting in that capacity, in which connection he is directing the work of public
improvement in the county and managing the various details of the county's
business. In religious faith he is a Protestant and fraternally he is identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
LESTER M. STEARNS, M. D.
Dr. Lester M. Stearns, city physician of Kearney and one well qualified by
thorough study and broad reading for the onerous and responsible duties of
the profession, has attained considerable prominence in his chosen field. Aside
from serving as city physician, he is the secretary of the Bufi"alo County Medical
Society and is medical superintendent of the Nebraska State Tubercular Hospital
at Kearney.
Mr. Stearns was born in Chicago, November 16, 1883, and was there reared
and educated, supplementing his early training received in the public schools by
a course in the Lewis Institute of that city. He afterward attended the College
of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, from which institution he was gradu-
ated in June, 1905. For two years he was physician at the West Side Hospital
in Chicago and was also a member of the staff of the Oak Park liospital and
dispensary physician of the Chicago Clinical School. In 1909 he went abroad
for post-graduate work in Vienna and had the benefit of instruction under some
of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of the old world. He became a
resident of Kearney in 1908 and here entered upon the general practice of sur-
gery, in which he displayed marked ability. He has comprehensive knowledge of
anatomy and the component parts of the human body, recognizes the onslaughts
made upon it by disease and displays great care, delicacy and precision in the
performance of needed operations. For two years he served as physician at the
State Hospital of Kearney and was county coroner for three years.
On the 20th of June, 1906, Dr. Stearns was married to Miss Rosine D.
Alspaugh, a native of Indiana. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic,
Elks and Knights of Pythias lodges at Kearney. He is a member of the Buft'alo
County Medical Society, and, as stated, is serving as its secretary. He also
belongs to the Nebraska State Medical Association and to the American Medical
Association, and through attendance at their sessions as well as by wide reading
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 87
keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the profession. He votes with
the democratic party but has held no office outside the strict path of his pro-
fession and prefers to concentrate his energies upon his duties as a physician
and surgreon.
W. L. RANDALL.
W. L. Randall is prominent in public affairs of Gibbon and Buffalo county
and has also been a factor in the business development of his town, as he is
conducting a general store there. A native of Ohio, his birth occurred on the
5th of September, i860, and he is a son of John D. and Jane (Beatty) Randall,
the former born in Connecticut and the latter in Ohio. They were married in the
Buckeye state, whence, in 1878, they removed to Buffalo county, Nebraska. They
took up their residence upon a farm in this county and continued to live there
until called by death. Five of their seven children survive.
W. L. Randall was reared at home and received his education in the common
schools of Ohio. After the removal of the family to this county he concentrated
his energies upon assisting his father in the farm work and was so occupied until
1886. He then entered the creamery business in Gibbon, but after two years
turned his attention to merchandising, forming a partnership with his father-
in-law. Captain R. Westcott. The firm owned and conducted two stores^ one at
Gibbon and one at Wood River, our subject being in charge of the latter, but in
1891 he sold out his mercantile interests and removed to Lincoln, Nebraska, where
for two years he taught in the Lincoln Business College. He was then for six
months in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad as operator
and later held a similar position with the Union Pacific Railroad for four years.
In 1898 he reentered the mercantile field and for six years conducted a store in
Gibbon but at the end of that time traded that business for a stock ranch. After
selling that property he was manager for one year of the Farmers Department
Store at Gothenburg, Nebraska. He then returned to Gibbon and has since
owned and managed one of the best and most-up-to-date general stores in the
county. His large stock of goods, his courteous service and reliable business
methods all commend him to the support of the public, and he has built up a large
and lucrative patronage.
Mr. Randall was married in 1882 to i\Iiss Emma May Westcott, who was
born in Iowa of the marriage of Captain R. and Mary Westcott, both of whom
are deceased. Her father served as a soldier of the Civil war and Mr. Randall's
father also took part in that struggle and in the war with Mexico. Both men
crossed the plains with ox teams during the gold excitement in the west. Mr. and
Mrs. Randall have become the parents of seven children, namely : Frances, now
the wife of L. T. Osborn, of Gibbon; Ruby and Ruth, twins, both of whom are
dead ; one who died in infancy, unnamed ; Rex R., who is associated with his
father in business ; and Gerald and Donald, both at home.
Mr. Randall is a loyal supporter of the republican party and has been called
to the office of mayor. He is at the present time serving as a member of the
school board, as chief of the fire department, as deputy state fire marshal, and as
88 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
town clerk and is proving thoroughly capable in the discharge of his varied
duties. Fraternally he holds membership in Gibbon Lodge, No. 37, L O. O. F. ;
Excalibar Lodge, No. 138, K. P.; and Gibbon Lodge, No. 35, A. O. U. W., and
in those organizations has passed through all the chairs. His wife is a member of
the Presbyterian church and takes a praiseworthy interest in its work. He gives
the closest attention to his business affairs but has never forgotten that it is the
duty of every good citizen to concern himself for the public welfare and has
always done his share in promoting the advancement and development of his
community along various lines.
WILL A. TARBELL.
Will A. Tarbell makes his home in Kearney, but is actively identified with
agricultural and stock raising interests, being the owner of four hundred acres
of excellent land in Hamilton and Dawson counties. He was born July 15, 1853,
in Mason, Hillsboro county. New Hampshire. His father, William Tarbell, also
a native of that place, was born August 11, 1823, and was a son of Lemuel
Tarbell, likewise a native of Mason, where his father, Thomas Tarbell, settled at a
very early period in colonial days, the latter's ancestors coming from Wales to
America some time between 1620 and 1630. When the colonies attemped to throw
off the yoke of British oppression Lemuel Tarbell joined the American troops and
served in the Revolutionary war. He married Lydia Warren, a descendant of
General Warren, who fought at the battle of Bunker Hill. William Tarbell
followed the occupation of farming in Hillsboro county, New Hampshire, and
there met and later in Boston wedded Mary A. Miller, who was born in Albany,
New York, January 11, 1828, a daughter of John Miller, a native of the Empire
state. Her mother, Matilda Hillyard, who was born at Rutland, Vermont, in
1795, lived in the Green Mountain state for about eighty years and then took up
her abode in xA.drian, Michigan, where she passed away in 1879. In the family
of Mr. and Mrs. William Tarbell were six children, four sons and two daughters,
four of whom are yet living, namely: Will A., of this review; Eugene M., a
stockman residing at Lexington, Nebraska ; Clarence E., a contractor who makes
his home at Olney Springs, Colorado ; and Emily E., who is the wife of James
A-. West, a contractor and builder of Fremont, Nebraska.
Will A. Tarbell was but four years of age when his parents left the old home
in the Granite state and removed to Hillsdale, Michigan, where the father pur-
chased some timber land and improved a farm, making his home there until 1887,
when he sold that property and went to Fremont, Nebraska. His son and name-
sake worked on the farm in Hillsdale county, Michigan, and at odd times was
employed by neighboring farmers. His education was acquired in the district
schools of that locality and in early youth he learned the value of industry and
determination as factors in the attainment of success. In September, 1882, he
left his father's farm and went to Fremont, Nebraska, where he secured a posi-
tion as salesman with D. Crowell, a coal and lumber merchant, with whom he
continued until January i, 1887, when he was appointed agent for the Nye,
Wilson, Morehouse Company, which was extensively engaged in the coal, lum-
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 89
ber, grain and live stock business at Davey, Nebraska, twelve miles north of
Lincoln. He continued in that connection for four years, or until 1891, after
which he purchased a grain and live stock business at Marquette, Nebraska,
where he operated until the spring of 1906. He then moved to Kearney, Buf-
falo county, and sold his business at Marquette. The money from this sale
was invested in four hundred acres of land in Hamilton and Dawson counties
and he is now superintending the raising, shipping and feeding of stock upon
that ranch, although he makes his home in Kearney. He specializes in the rais-
ing of Duroc Jersey hogs and is one of the prominent representatives of the
business in this part of the state, carefully and wisely directing his interests, so
that excellent results accrue.
On the 20th of February, 1890, in Fremont, Nebraska, Mr. Tarbell was united
in marriage to Miss Sue Roseman, a daughter of Edward D. and Mary T.
Roseman. Mrs. Tarbell is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Tarbell is
serving on the board of the Carnegie library of Kearney and is always interested
in public affairs relating to the welfare and improvement of the community. He
usually votes the republican ticket but considers the capability and character of
the candidate and he always favors the temperance cause, doing everything
in his power to promote temperance principles. His life has been honorable
and upright. Manly and sincere at all times, he has enjoyed the respect, confi-
dence and good will of his fellowmen and by well directed activity in business
affairs he has attained creditable and desirable success, ultimately winning a
place among the substantial citizens of his adopted county.
RAYMOND L. HART, M. D.
Dr. Raymond L. Hart, actively engaged in the general practice of medicine
at Amherst and also figuring prominently in business circles as the vice president
of the First National Bank there, was born in Meigs county, Ohio, August 6,
1872, his parents being James and Elizabeth J. (Hayes) Hart, the former a
native of New Jersey and the latter of Ohio, in which state they were married.
Having removed to Ohio, James Hart there enlisted for service in the Civil war
as a member of the Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He lost his eyesight
while with the army, although he later recovered it. When his son Raymond
was ten years of age he removed with the family to Nebraska, settling in Fair-
fi.eld. Clay county, where his remaining days were passed, his death there occur-
ring three years ago.
Dr. Hart was reared upon the old homestead farm in Clay county until he
was fifteen years of age, but, not wishing to follow the occupation of farming,
he determined upon a professional career, and with that end in view, after having
been employed in a drug store for some time, he entered the medical department
of the State University of Iowa, in which he completed a course by graduation on
the 1st of March, 1897. On the 22d of October of the same year he located
for practice in Amherst, where he has since remained, and during the nineteen
years which have since elapsed his professional progress and advancement have
been continuous, as wide reading and study have kept him in touch with the
90
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
general trend of improvement in methods of medical and surgical practice. He
is a member of the Buffalo County, the Nebraska State and the American Med-
ical Associations. Aside from his practice his business interests connect him
with the First National Bank of Amherst, of which he is the vice president.
Dr. Hart was united in marriage to Miss Lottie Crable, a native of Nebraska
and a daughter of David Crable. They have one child, Helen Dorothea. Dr.
Flart belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp of Amherst, and in Masonic circles
has attained high rank. Lie holds membership with the lodge at Miller and
with the chapter and commandery at Kearney, and he exemplifies in his life
the beneficent spirit of the craft, which is based upon a recognition of the
brotherhood of mankind and of the obligations thereby imposed.
LION. FRANCIS GREGG HAMER.
Hon. Francis Gregg Hamer, of Kearney, is serving as a judge of the supreme
court of the state, and is regarded as one of the most capable jurists who has
ever graced the court of last resort, the profession acknowledging him the peer
of any member .of the appellate court. His decisions indicate strong mentality,
a careful analysis, a thorough knowledge of the law, patient examination of
the case and an unbiased judgment. His has been a life of usefulness stretching
out from the pioneer period in Nebraska's history to the present era of advance-
ment and progress. Throughout the years his influence has been a potent force
in advancing material, intellectual and moral progress.
A native of Ohio, Judge Hamer was born in Seneca county on the 20th of
February, 1843, ^"^1 is the eldest of a family of four children whose parents were
Francis and Mary (Mahan) Hamer, both of whom were born near Canton,
Ohio. The father was a farmer by occupation and in following agricultural
pursuits provided for the support of his family. His first wife died about 1852.
Shortly afterward he removed to Indiana and settled in Carroll county near the
place where the village of Flora was afterward built. After the lapse of two
years he married Airs. Rebecca Stoops and they became the parents of three
children. He was a man of marked diligence and unusual industry, which quali-
ties enabled him to accumulate a competence. He gave each of his children a
small farm or its equivalent in other property. He enjoyed but ordinary educa-
tional privileges but being a wide reader he became unusually well informed and
was a man of liberal and progressive views. He and his two brothers, David and
Daniel, were active in the affairs of the neighborhood and particularly in all
matters of public interest. They led at the neighborhood debates of whatever
character they might be, and Indiana is a state where public discussion is com-
mon. He died in his eighty-third year, known to all in his locality for his broadj
and kindly spirit and his desire to help those who were unable to help themselves.
Francis G. Hamer obtained something of the rudiments of an education ir
his native state. Lie was quite a speller and reader although at the time of the!
removal he was a little less than ten years of age. Since he was large enough!
he began to work with his father and uncles in clearing the little farms which]
they owned. He could soon cut down trees and pick brush. He also helped tol
U'y\.CK^A^^^J^^^^ y_ 7/?7Ut^i/\ X/l
fu,^A.^^<^^c^^.
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 93
pile up the logs and to burn them off the ground. He assisted in planting and
harvesting the crops. The first year after arriving at the Indiana home he fol-
lowed his father who cut the wheat with a cradle. He raked the wheat up in
bundles and one of the uncles bound it. A few years later the father and the
uncles had cleared enough of the land so as to give employment in cutting the
wheat crop to seven or eight cradlers. At the age of sixteen he attended school
at Delphi, the county seat. There were fifty young men and young women in
the advanced grade. Subsequently he attended school near Springfield, Illinois,
for the period of eighteen months. He there frequently saw Abraham Lincoln
on the streets of Springfield. At the end of this time he returned home and was
employed as a district school teacher within three miles of where his father lived.
He taught during a period covering three winters. In this he was reasonably
successful and took great pride in it. When he returns now to the old neigh-
borhood where he was reared he still visits the pupils of the old district school
where he taught. When he was twenty years old he went to Indianapolis and
became a student in the law oftice of George K. Perrin and William R. Manlove.
Later he continued his legal education in the law school at Indianapolis. He
was one of forty-five students, some of whom have become quite distinguished
in their profession.
Judge Hamer attributes much of his success to the fact that he became a mem-
ber of a literary and debating society when he was at the age of eighteen years.
He continued in that society until he reached the age of twenty-six. There were
several men in the society who were then prominent, and others who afterward
became successful. There was one general, one colonel, one lecturer, two editors,
several lawyers and a group of young men who became successful politicians
and preachers. It was the habit in that society to investigate and talk about the
questions which were then of interest to the public. Often these debates were
very spirited. Judge Hamer became a debater early in life and is of the opinion
that his experience in the debating society has very much assisted him in his
eft"orts as a trial lawyer.
Judge Hamer came to Nebraska in December, 1869. He was in Omaha a
short time and then went to Lincoln. It was January 7, 1870, when he arrived at
Lincoln. There he at once entered upon the active work of his profession. It
only took him about six months to acquire a business which enabled him to live
in a modest way. He continued to live at Lincoln until the 29th of June, 1872,
when he came to Kearney, which at that time had no existence except on the
map. It was a place yet to be. On December 6, 1869, Judge Hamer was mar-
ried to Miss Rebecca A. McCord of Delphi, Indiana. Up to the time that Judge
Hamer went on the supreme bench he gave a great deal of his time to building
up the city of Kearney. He was the first lawyer to locate here, and he imme-
diately began to work industriously for the town. He was soon a very busy
lawyer. He was employed in nearly all the important cases in the western part
of the state. Much of his business came from other lawyers who secured him
to assist in the trial of their cases. He was diligent to study the evidence before
the case was tried. He saw the witnesses, if possible, and ascertained what they
were likely to swear to. If their testimony was probably unfriendly he did all
that he could to anticipate it. He saw the witnesses on the other side. He also
studied the law of the case with great energy. However forcible others might
94 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
be there were none more forcible than he. Every contest was like a boxing
match. If the case was a close one and only an application of the law might win
it he was full of research and ingenuity. He has always displayed remarkable
clearness of expression and an adequate and precise diction which enabled him
to make the courts and the juries understand the salient points of his arguments.
He was full of a fine gradation of meaning and was generally able to make a
dictinction between the case which he represented and the one which was cited
against him. He has been engaged in the trial of all kinds of cases. He was at
first famous in the trial of criminal cases where he appeared for the defense, but
subsequently he tried many civil cases and in these civil cases, often to be won
by the application of some legal principle not clearly understood, he was almost
universally successful. He would find a new application of the law for which
he would never cease to contend. He was nearly always capable of reversing
the judgment of the district court when that court was against him. He would
find some sort of substantial error that entitled him to a new trial. He could
work agreeably with almost any lawyer. While he had plenty of self-respect
he did not appear to be vain. If the other lawyer was against him he tried to
beat him and then made friends with him. He was not always successful in the
case, but he nearly always made a friend of the lawyer.
In December, 1883, he was appointed judge of the district court of the tenth
judicial district of Nebraska to fill a vacancy caused by the death of the Hon.
Samuel L. Savidge. He immediately plunged into the work of this district. It
was about three hundred miles long by one hundred and fifty miles wide. In
1884 he was elected to fill out the unexpired term and was afterward reelected
in 1888. He served as district judge a little more than eight years. Prior to this
he had been a candidate for the nomination for supreme judge of the state. He
was the high man in the contest until the last ballot gave a narrow majority to
the Hon. Manoah B. Reese, who has since been chief justice and who served two
terms on the supreme bench. In the fall of 1891 he was defeated by Silas A.
Holcomb by an official vote of thirteen, Mr. Holcomb serving as judge three
years, and then becoming governor of the state. Judge Hamer then resumed his
practice as a lawyer and immediately built up a splendid business. He went
all over the state and tried contested cases in very many of the important county
seats. In the fall of 191 1 he was elected as a member of the supreme bench, and
in January, 191 2, entered upon his present term of office. He is devotedly
attached to the profession of the law. He is systematic and methodical in his
habits. He is always a sober man and conscientious in the discharge of his duty
as a judge. While he is inflexibly just and is ready to punish the guilty, he is
never inclined to be severe against those who have not been properly convicted.
In such cases his tendency is to reverse the judgment of the district court so
that the man who has been mistreated may get a fair trial. His reported opinions
show a careful study of the evidence and the law applicable to the case, together
with profound legal learning, superior ability and impartial judgment.
Judge and Mrs. Hamer have become parents of a son and daughter: Thomas
Francis, a prominent member of the Kearney bar and a busy trial lawyer; and
Grace Julia, the wife of Jacob Kanzler, a lawyer of Portland, Oregon. In poli-
tics Judge Hamer has always been a republican. He formerly loved hunting
and was an expert rifle shot, but in his later years he has given this up because
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 95
of his growing dislike to deprive any living thing of life. He is inclined to make
friends of the younger members of the bar and ready to lend a helping hand
where he may properly do so.
MRS. REBECCA A. HAMER.
Mrs. Rebecca A. Hamer, wife of Francis G. Hamer, has had much of the
life of a pioneer. She was born and reared at Delphi, Indiana, where she became
a teacher and was so engaged up to the time of her marriage. Her father was
a successful farmer and one of the substantial men of the neighborhood in which
he lived. His name was William McCord. He was the father of two sons and
six daughters.
Mrs. Hamer was a homesteader with her husband. It was not properly a
homestead but a preemption. It consisted of one hundred and sixty acres north-
west of Kearney and extending down to within a mile and a half of the postoffice.
It was a small house that was built on this land. At the end of nineteen months
Mrs. Hamer and her husband left the claim and moved to the new home they
had built in Kearney.
Mrs. Hamer has given considerable time to the care of her two children,
Thomas Francis and Grace Julia. She had a mother's anxiety for their success
and to that end she instructed and advised them. She was full of entertainment
and talked to them in such a way as to claim their attention and win their con-
fidence. They still rely upon her as the good mother whom they may always
trust. In all the years they have lived together she has been a loyal and com-
petent assistant to her husband. By her sterling qualities she has won the con-
fidence and goodwill of her neighbors.
WILLIAM SHRADER.
William Shrader, an alert and enterprising farmer of Garfield township,
living on section 24, was born in Wayne county, Iowa, June 6, 1870, a son of
Casper and Anna (Gereke) Shrader, both of whom were natives of Germany,
whence they came to America in childhood days with their respective parents.
They were residents of Iowa and were married in that state, where they con-
tinued to reside until 1877, when they removed to Kansas, spending a number
of years in that locality. In 1890 they arrived in Buffalo county and the father
purchased the north half of section 24, Garfield township. Upon that farm the
mother passed away the following year and ten years afterward Mr. Shrader
removed to Ravenna, where he has since made his home with a daughter.
William Shrader acquired a common school education in Kansas and was
twenty years of age when the family removed to Buffalo county. The following
year he began farming on his own. account, cultivating rented land for three
years, after which he spent six years as superintendent for H. J. Robinson of
Shelton, Nebraska, who controls extensive ranching interests. In that connec-
96 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
tion Mr. Shrader fed eighteen thousand head of sheep. The position was an
excellent one, but he desired to engage in business on his own account that his
labors might more directly benefit himself, and in 1901 he bought eighty acres
of land in Cherry Creek township, upon which he resided for five years. In
1906 he invested in his present farm, comprising two hundred and forty acres
of land, and in 191 1 he also added to his property holdings by the purchase of
one hundred and sixty acres adjoining Paola, Kansas. Upon that place there is
a gas well, which furnishes a portion of the gas for Paola. He has displayed
sound judgment in making his investments, and keen sagacity characterizes his
management of all his business interests. In addition to his agricultural interests
he is a stockholder in the local telephone company at Ravenna and in the tele-
phone company at Paola, Kansas.
Mr. Shrader has been married twice. His first wife, whom he wedded in
1892, died in 1908, and in September, 1914, he married Miss Daisy Woodward,
of Lincoln, Nebraska. To his first marriage there were born two children, one
of whom, Walter, is now living.
In politics Mr. Shrader is a republican, keenly interested in the party and
its success but never seeking public office. His religious faith is evidenced by
his membership in the Methodist church, to the teachings of which he is most
loyal. All who know him esteem him highly. He has lived in this county
throughout the entire period of his majority and the sterling traits of his man-
hood have endeared him to those with whom he has come in contact, his fellow
townsmen recognizing him as a representative business man and a public-spirited
citizen.
GEORGE L. GARDNER.
George L. Gardner, who was the first settler of Gardner township, still owns
four hundred and eighty acres of land in that township but makes his home in
Shelton. He is enjoying a period of rest and leisure to which his labor in former
years justly entitles him. His birth occurred in New York state, July 22, 1843,
and his parents were William T. and Eunice B. (Roushey) Gardner, also natives
of the Empire state. They were married there but subsequently removed to
Pennsylvania, and in 1878 they came to Bufifalo county, Nebraska. While living
in New York the father followed the tanner's trade but engaged in farming in
Pennsylvania and in this state.
George L. Gardner is one of a family of six children, four of whom are still
living. He was given excellent educational advantages, as after completing the
course offered in the common schools he attended the Smithfield Academy and
the Waverly Institute at Waverly, New York. He remained at home until 1861,
when, as a youth of eighteen years, he enlisted in Company F, Sixth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteer Infantry, with which he served at the front for three years
and two months. He enlisted as a private but was promoted to the rank of
sergeant, and his record is one of which he has every right to be proud. He
was engaged in forty-two battles, including the seven days' fight before Rich-
mond ; Bull Run, which continued for three days ; and Antietam, in which he
was shot through the right lung. This wound incapacitated him for military
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 97
service for three months, but as soon as he had recovered he returned to the
firing Hne and fought in the three days' battle of Gettysburg; in the battle of the
Wilderness, which also lasted for three days ; in the battle of Spottsylvania
Courthouse, a six days' engagement ; in the four days' battle at North Anna
river; and in the last battle of Cold Harbor. He was mustered out at Harris-
burg, Pennsylvania, June ii, 1864, and returned home, where he remained until
the spring of 1875. In that year he came to Buffalo county, Nebraska, and took
up land in what is now Gardner township. He was the first settler within the
limits of that township, which was named for him, and he had to face all of
the obstacles that usually confront the pioneer. However, he had faith in the
future of the county and persevered in his work of developing a farm from
the wilderness, and brought his land to a high state of cultivation. As the years
passed the township increased in population and the inconveniences and hardships
of pioneer life gave way to the advantages of an advanced civilization. He still
owns four hundred and eighty acres of land, but since 1895 has lived retired in
Shelton, where he owns a fine residence.
Mr. Gardner was married in 1883 to Miss Anna L. Walters, by whom he had
five children: Edna N., the wife of G. L. Bastian ; Clara, the deceased wife of
Ralph R. Bennett ; Lois E., who was principal of the local schools for four years
but is now teaching in the high school at Scotts Bluff; Mary E., who is principal
of the Morrill high school ; and Elma, who died in infancy. The wife and mother
passed away in May, 1899, and was buried in Shelton cemetery. In June, 191 5,
Mr. Gardner was again married, Mrs. Laura Wickwire becoming his wife.
Mr. Gardner casts his ballot in support of the candidates and measures of
the republican party and served for two terms as supervisor of Buffalo county.
Fraternally he is identified with Shelton Lodge, No. 99, A. F. & A. M., in which
he has filled the position of master for four years, and he is also a member of
Joe Llooker Post, No. 28, G. A. R., thus keeping in touch with his army comrades
of former days. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. The same
public spirit which prompted him to offer his life if need be to preserve the
Union has manifested itself in times of peace in a willingness to subordinate pri-
vate interests to the general welfare and a readiness to cooperate in movements
seeking the advancement of his community.
MENTOR A. BROWN.
Mentor A. Brown, publisher of the daily and semi-weekly Hub at Kearney
and well known as a representative of journalistic interests in western Nebraska,
was born at Janesville, Wisconsin, on the 19th of February, 1853. He is a son of
Jeremiah and Ann (Pound) Brown, both of whom were graduates of Milton
College, famous in the early educational annals of the Badger state. The mother
died in Grant county, Wisconsin, during the infancy of their son Mentor, and
the father afterward married again. He died while serving the Union cause
during the Civil war when with Sherman on his famous march to the sea.
In 1866 Mentor A. Brown went to Jefferson, Iowa, and there when thirteen
years of age began his career in the "art preservative" as printer's deyil on the
98 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
Jefferson New Era. He started westward in 1870 and for a time worked as
journeyman printer at Council Bluffs, at Omaha and at Nebraska City. In
1871 he was employed on the Beatrice Express, and subsequently acquired a
financial interest in that paper. In 1888 he came to Kearney and on the 226.
of October of that year established the daily Hub and continued the publication
of the semi-weekly Hub as a continuation of the Central Nebraska Press. He
has since issued both papers and through their columns has become a potent
factor in the upbuilding of Kearney and the substantial development of Buffalo
county. He stanchly champions every measure and movement for the general
good and as the years have gone on has exerted his efforts and his influence
along lines which have been far-reaching and beneficial.
Mr. Brown has been twice married and is the father of five living children,
namely: Mabel L., who is the wife of C. E. Eustice, of Auburn, Nebraska;
Olive, who is Mrs. George H. Connell, of Gait, California; Ulysses A. and
Oliver F., who are connected with the Hub; and Hugh R.
In his political views Mr. Brown is a republican, well informed on the ques-
tions and issues of the day and able to support his position by intelligent argu-
ment or terse, well written editorials. In religious faith he is an Episcopalian,
and fraternally is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He belongs also to the Commercial
Club and heartily cooperates in its various plans and measures to further the
welfare and progress of Kearney and the county. In 1904 he was appointed
postmaster of Kearney and ably served in that capacity for eight years.
WALTER WARREN BARNEY.
It has often been said that death loves a shining mark, and this statement
seemed to find verification when Walter Warren Barney, of Kearney, was called
to the home beyond. He was a most popular citizen who deserved the high esteem
and honor in which he was held. He was born at Roanoke, Illinois, October 23,
1862, a son of Calvin E. and Eliza (Morrison) Barney. The father was of
English lineage, the family having been established in Vermont during colonial
days, while the mother was of English nativity. W. W. Barney was reared in
Roanoke and there attended school to the age of fifteen years, after which he
removed to Pekin. About the year 1880 the family became residents of Nebraska
and there Calvin E. Barney resumed the practice of law in a small way, while
W. W. Barney secured a clerkship in the store of George Kramer, with whom
he remained for a time. Later he was appointed to the position of deputy under
Mr. Scott and later served under Homer I. Allen, who was then county treasurer,
and subsequently, under the firm name of Allen & Barney, he wrote up a set of
abstract of titles to Buffalo county lands and in connection therewith embarked
in the real estate business, that partnership continuing until the death of Mr.
Allen. Mr. Barney then succeeded to the business and later his sons became
identified with him. He remained in the business until his demise and made
steady progress along that line. While he had had but limited educational oppor-
WALTER W. BAEXEY
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 101
tunities in youth, he read extensively, was a close observer and in that way
became recognized as a man of superior learning and wide information.
In April, 1885, Mr. Barney was united in marriage to Miss Anna Thornton.
There are four children to mourn the loss of the father : Arthur L., Ralph M.,
Howard and Mildred. All of the children live in Kearney.
In his political views Mr. Barney was an earnest republican, recognized as
one of the party leaders in Buffalo county. He served as chairman of the county
central committee and for eight years was city treasurer. He was also a Knight
Templar Mason and a member of the Modern Woodmen of the World. His
religious belief was manifest in his activity as a member of the Methodist Episco-
pal church and his interest in community affairs was evidenced in the fact that
he was one of the organizers of the Commercial Club and was one of its first
presidents. Few men receive the love, confidence and goodwill which were
accorded him. On the 23d of February, 191 5, there appeared in the Kearney
Morning Times the following editorial, which is a splendid characterization of
a citizen whom every one mourned : 'Tt seems to the writer that the hardest
task which has confronted him since coming to Kearney is the one which has
just been completed — the writing of the story of W. W. Barney's death. The
shock to the community which came, as the quickly moving news passed from
man to man, on Monday was made the more intense because of the love and
respect which those who met him in their everyday life had learned to have for
him. It is a powerful tribute to the qualities of a man when the eyes of big
strong men fill with tears as they mention his name. It has been an unselfish and
remarkable life when its passing grips the heartstrings of a city; when the busi-
ness men will go about their work almost dazed by the bigness of their loss. What
represented the material place of Mr. Barney will now be vacant. There will be
no one to fill this place, but what could be more inspiring to the gatherings of
those with whom it was his custom to meet, than the memory of this man. Broad,
honest, straightforward, keen and square, his memory should prove a benedic-
tion in the council halls of the city's active work — a vision of his bigness should
ever guide the acts and thoughts of his old associates and lead them with the
moral strength Mr. Barney had. Kearney has lost a wise counsellor but she has
a precious memory."
I
WILLIAM CHARLES OGILVIE.
One of the strong and substantial financial institutions of Buffalo county is
the Exchange Bank of Gibbon, of which William Charles Ogilvie is assistant
cashier. His fellow townsmen speak of him as a business man of marked capa-
bility and enterprise and one who is ever ready to meet any emergency and who
at all times can be counted upon for straightforward dealing. He was born July
8, 1873, in the town in which he still makes his home, his parents being James
and Margaret (Key) Ogilvie, both of whom were natives of Scotland. They
came to the United States in early manhood and womanhood and were married
in New York. The year 1871 witnessed their arrival in Nebraska, whither they
came subsequent to the arrival of the soldiers' free homestead colony, which
102 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
had reached here three or four days before. Setthng at Gibbon, Mr. Ogilvie was
made station agent, in which capacity he continued up to the time of his death,
which occurred in 1881. His widow survives and yet makes her home in Gibbon.
Wilham Charles Ogilvie was reared under the parental roof and the public
schools of his native town afforded him his educational privileges. When a
youth of but fourteen he became a wage earner, securing a clerkship in a
grocery store, where he was employed for two years. The succeeding two years
he devoted to the improvement of his education, following which he visited with
his mother and sister in Scotland for a year. He then returned to Gibbon and
for some time occupied clerkships in various stores, but in 1895 went to Chicago
where he entered the employ of Swift & Company, with whom he remained for
eight years. He spent two years of that time in Chicago, five years in England,
and one year in Kansas City. He then returned to Gibbon and for a time was
associated with his brother-in-law, G. W. Linger, on his ranch south of the town.
In 1905 he entered the Exchange Bank of Gibbon as assistant cashier, in which
capacity he has since served. He is most thorough in all of his work, systematic
and faithful in the discharge of his duties, and at the same time is a courteous
and obliging official. He is associated with I. A. Kirk and W. M. Ross in owning
and operating the Hershey ranch, and is working his way steadily upward in
business circles, already being regarded as one of the substantial and repre-
sentative men of the community.
On the 20th of December, 1910, Mr. Ogilvie was married to Miss Mary O.
Robb, of Gibbon, and to them have been born two children, Margaret and Mary
Caroline. In his political views Mr. Ogilvie is a republican and has served as a
member of the town board, as clerk of the board and in other local offices. He
is most loyal to public interests and cooperates in all well defined plans for the
benefit and improvement of the district. At the present writing he is secretary
of the library board of Gibbon. He belongs to Granite Lodge, No. 189, A. F.
& A. M., and to the Woodmen of the World, and the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, while he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church,
contributing generously to its support and adhering loyally to its principles. He
is a^self-made man, having been dependent upon his own resources from the age
of fan.t.tfen years, and step by step he has worked his way upward, his ability
and detefrninatioirwinning him the success which is his.
Q NATHAN P. McDONALD.
Nathan P. McDonald, ex-county attorney of Buffalo county and one of the
strong and able representatives of the Kearney bar, has practiced here continu-
ously since January, 1894, and throughout that period has made steady progress
in a profession to which right, property, life and liberty must look for protection.
He was born upon a farm near Columbus, Pennsylvania, on the 6th of Novem-
ber, 1862, and is one of two children born of the marriage of Donald and Arcelia
(Calkins) Badgly McDonald, the former a native of Scotland, while the latter was
born in this country of Scotch parentage. By a previous marriage Mrs. McDonald
had two children.
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 103
Nathan P. McDonald was reared to manhood in his native state and after
completing a common school education pursued a course in an academy at Sugar
Grove and for two years was a student in the Otterbein (Ohio) College. In 1886
he made his way westward to Kansas and during the ensuing winter taught school
at Louisville. In the spring of 1887 he arrived in Buffalo county, Nebraska, and
accepted the position of principal of the schools at Elm Creek, there remaining
until December, 1889, when he came to Kearney to fill the office of county
superintendent of schools, to which position he had been elected in the fall of
that year. For four years he served in that capacity. For a number of years he
had been reading law under the direction of Hon. Thomas H. Cornett and Hon.
H. M. Sinclair, of Kearney, and in 1893 was admitted to the bar. He entered
upon active practice in January, 1894, and has since followed his profession in
this city, covering a period of more than twenty-two years. In 1900 he was
elected county attorney and served in that capacity for four years.
On the ist of January, 1888, Mr. McDonald was united in marriage to Miss
Ella Upton, a daughter of I. C. Upton, of Roanoke, Illinois. They have one son,
Archie L.
Mr. McDonald gives his political allegiance to the republican party and fra-
ternally is identified with the Masonic organization, in which he has attained the
orders of Christian knighthood. His life conforms to the teachings of the craft
and his sterling traits commend him at all times to the confidence and goodwill
of the general public.
FRED A. TURNER.
The excellent condition of Fred A. Turner's farm on section 3, Gibbon town-
ship, indicates his energy and good management and he derives a gratifying
financial return from his land. He is a native of Thornton township, Buffalo
county, and was born on the 6th of July, 1876. His parents, Bartlett and Mary
(Standard) Turner, were both born in Missouri, where they grew to maturity
land were married, but in 1873 or 1874 they came to Buffalo county, NeJ;;^jf#ska,
[and the father took up a homestead in Thornton township, qu^ which he^fe&ided
until 191 1. In that year he sold his property and removed" to Kearney, where
[he has since lived retired. |l
Fred A. Turner was educated in the public schools and during his boyhood
md youth helped his father with the farm work. By the time that he reached
^maturity he was an efficient agriculturist and when twenty-one years of age
[began farming for himself. For eighteen years he rented land but in March,
1915, he purchased his present farm on section 3, Gibbon township, which com-
Iprises eighty acres of rich and well improved land. He follows up-to-date
methods and uses modern machinery and seldom fails to harvest good crops.
:He also owns stock in the Gibbon Farmers Elevator.
In 1898 Mr. Turner was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Ross, a daughter
;of W. B. Ross, who in 1883 became a resident of Buffalo county. He is now,
[however, living in La Cygne, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Turner have three children,
[jay R., Donald F. and Dorothy A.
104 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
Mr. Turner is independent in politics, casting his ballot in acordance with his
best judgment rather than in obedience to the dictates of party leaders. Frater-
nally he is connected with Gibbon Lodge, No. yj, L O. O. F., and both he and
his wife attend services at the Baptist church.
ARTHUR R. NICHOLS.
Arthur R. Nichols, superintendent of schools of Buffalo county, occupies a
prominent position in educational circles in Nebraska and by reason of his
ability in leaving his impress upon the development of the school system in this
section of the state. A native son of Nebraska, he was born in a sod house near
Doniphan, in Hall county, December 17, 1883. His father, Andrew J. Nichols,
is a native of Wisconsin, but during his boyhood days accompanied his parents
on their removal to Winterset, Iowa, where he was reared to manhood. He mar-
ried Emma J. Garrett and followed farming in Iowa until 1876, when in a
prairie schooner he made his way to Nebraska and traded his team of horses
and wagon for a homestead in Hall county. Thereafter he broke his land with
a yoke of oxen and experienced all of the hardships, difficulties and privations
incident to pioneer life, but with the course of years he converted the wild prairie
into productive fields and remained thereon until his later life, when he removed
to Fremont, where he and his wife now reside. They became the parents of seven
children, all of whom are yet living.
Arthur R. Nichols is one of twin brothers and upon the home farm he was
reared, having the usual experiences of the farm bred boy who assists in the
development of the fields through the summer seasons, while in the winter
months he devotes his time to the mastery of such branches of learning as are
taught in the country schools. His academic training was received in the Fremont
Normal College and later he engaged in teaching school for three years, spending
one year in a rural school and two years as principal of the Prosser schools.
Later he attended the Fremont and Kearney Normal Schools until 1909, when
he was graduated from the Fremont Normal. It was during this period, or
through the winter season of 1907-8, that he served as principal of the schools
at Miller, which was his initial step in connection with the work of teaching
in Buffalo county. His capability being manifest to those who made it a
point to acquaint themselves with school work, he was elected superintendent
of the schools of Elm Creek in 1909, there remaining until the fall of 1912,
when he went to Gibbon to become superintendent of the schools of that place.
He was then elected county superintendent by the county commissioners in 191 5 to
fill out the unexpired term of J. S. Elliott, who had resigned in order to accept
an appointment on the faculty of the State Normal Board. Professor Nichols
is therefore at the head of the educational system of Buffalo county and as such
is putting forth effective and earnest effort for the benefit and development of
the schools. His plans are progressive, his efforts resultant and under his guid-
ance higher standards will be reached.
On the 28th of May, 1913, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Laura
Cox, of Fairbury, Nebraska, by whom he has a son, Andrew Robert, whose birth
I
ARTHUR R. NICHOLS
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 107
occurred June 21, 1914. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in
the Christian church, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons and
the Elks. His interest centers in all those things which have to do with the
development and upbuilding of the county along material, intellectual and moral
lines. His friends, and they are many, bear testimony to his sterling personal
worth and to the excellent results which he is accomplishing in his chosen field.
CHARLES C. BLACK.
Charles C. Black, deceased, was a prominent pioneer settler of Kearney and
with the development and upbuilding of the county was closely associated by
reason of his activity along agricultural lines. He settled within the borders of
the county when much of the land was still in possession of the government
and secured a homestead claim which he converted into productive fields. Mr.
Black was born near Mount Pleasant, Iowa, December 17, 1848, his parents
being pioneers of that section. He was reared on a farm there and pursued his
education in the schools of Mount Pleasant, taking up the profession of teaching
school when a young man, for at that time the old homestead had been sold and
the money divided among the heirs. Thinking perhaps to make the practice of
law his life work, he began reading and devoted a year or two to the profession,
but found it uncongenial. He accordingly went to Colorado, spending some
time in Pueblo and in Canyon City in the mercantile business. The year 1876
witnessed his arrival in Kearney, after which he secured a homestead relinquish-
ment to fifty-seven acres two miles southwest of the city, and also took a timber
claim of eighty acres three miles northeast of Kearney, purchasing the relinquish-
ment to both. Thinking it time to have a helpmate on life's journey, he was
married on the 13th of February, 1877, to Miss Elizabeth Chesley, who was
born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, September 4, 1854. There she was reared and
educated and in 1875 went to the home of a sister in Lincoln, Nebraska. The
following year she removed to Kearney, where she engaged in the millinery
business, having learned the trade in Wisconsin. She followed that pursuit for
only a short time and then sold her store, for early in the following year she
was married.
In May, 1877, Mr. Black took up his abode upon the old homestead and bent
his energies to the development and improvement of the place, which was largely
a tract of wild land when it came into his possession. To the original farm of
fifty-seven acres he added from time to time until within its borders were com-
prised two hundred and thirty acres. He and his wife each had a little money
and they began dealing in live stock, both raising and feeding stock. Success
attended the efiforts of Mr. Black in this connection and he always made his live
stock an important feature of his business, keeping on hand high grades of cattle
and hogs, for which he found a ready sale on the market. He remained, a very
active figure in agricultural circles up to the time of his death, which occurred
June I, 1889, when he was but forty-one years of age.
To Mr. and Mrs. Black were born seven children. Adah and Beulah were
twins, but the latter died at the age of twelve years. The former became the
108 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
wife of T. F. Hamer and died at the age of twenty-nine, leaving three sons:
Francis, who died in 1913; Thomas, and Robert. Her children at the time of
the mother's death went to live with their grandmother, Mrs. Black, who reared
them. Dott is a public stenographer at the Midway Hotel of Kearney. Jessie,
born April 2^, 1883, is the wife of Charles C. Robinson, of Santa Monica, Cali-
fornia. Ruth is the wife of Frank Todd, of Los Angeles. Susan and Donald
are twins and the former is now with her mother, while the latter is a prosperous
stockman and farmer living fifteen miles from Billings, Montana. The youngest
children were less than two years of age when Mrs. Black was left a widow with
the care of a family of seven. She managed the farm, reared and educated her
children most carefully and manifested a most brave and determined spirit. She
had been on the ranch for a year when the house burned in the night and all of its
contents were destroyed. She then came to Kearney and rented her land for a
part of the tim^ and part of the time managed it and operated it with hired help.
She afterward purchased another farm, which she later sold at an advance. She
still owns the old home property, together with a nice residence in Kearney.
She displays excellent business ability and executive force and has most capably
controlled her interests, deserving much credit for what she has accomplished
since the death of her husband, whose loss was an irreparable one to her, for he
had been an active, enterprising and progressive business man and they were
putting forth most earnest and effective effort to develop and improve their
business interests and rear their family.
CHARLES BON SACK.
Charles Bonsack, a successful farmer and stock raiser of Sharon township,
has thoroughly identified his interests with those of his county and state and
is recognized as a public-spirited citizen. He was born in Germany on the 4th
of February, 1857, of the marriage of Frank and Louisa Bonsack, also natives
of that country, where they passed their entire lives. Eight of their sixteen
children are still living.
Charles Bonsack was reared at home and acquired his education in the schools
of his native land. In 1881 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and the
next three years were spent in the vicinity of Denver, Colorado, where he
engaged in ranching. In 1884 he went to Grand Island, Nebraska, whence the
year following he removed to Buffalo county and purchased his present farm,
which comprises one hundred and sixty acres on section 10, Sharon township.
He has erected substantial buildings upon the place and takes pride in keeping
everything about the farm in good condition. Although he raises some grain he
gives the greater part of his attention to feeding stock and is recognized as one
of the leading stock raisers of his locality.
In 1885 occurred the marriage of Mr. Bonsack and Miss Kate Vogel, also
a native of Germany, who in 1881 came with her mother to America, the father
having passed away in Germany. The mother spent her last days in Missouri.
Mr. and Mrs. Bonsack have become the parents of eight children : Bertha, who
married George Jewell, of Kansas; Frank and William, both of whom are
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 109
at home; Rosie, the wife of Lester Quackenbush, now a resident of Minnesota;
Harvey, George and Herbert, all at home ; and Mary Ann, deceased.
Mr. Bonsack supports the republican party and for ten years has been on the
school board, his retention in this office proving the acceptability of his services.
He is a member of the Grange and can be counted upon to further any move-
ment that seeks to improve the conditions of farm life. He is determined, self-
reliant and possesses sound judgment — qualities which do much toward insuring
success in any line of activity.
MILTON H. BEAN.
Milton H. Bean is now living retired, making his home in Kearney. He is,
however, numbered among the pioneer stockmen and farmers of Buffalo county,
having carried on general agricultural pursuits here from 1879 until 1907, when
his well directed industry had brought to him a measure of success sufficient to
enable him to live retired. Mr. Bean is a native of Pennsylvania. He was born
in Bucks county, February 2, 1843, ^ son of Manasseh and Hannah (Harr)
Bean, who were also natives of the same county, where they spent their entire
lives, the father there following the occupation of tailoring for a number of years,
while in later life he gave his attention to farming.
Milton H. Bean spent his boyhood upon the home farm and when twenty-
three years of age left the Keystone state for Illinois, making his way to Mar-
shall county, where for four years he cultivated rented land. Thinking to have
better opportunities to acquire a farm in the west, he came to Buffalo county in
1879 and purchased eighty acres at three dollars per acre. It was a wild tract
on which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made. He at once
began the task of breaking the sod and developing the fields and later he pur-
chased an eighty-acre tract adjoining. He built thereon a little house and kept
bachelor's hall and as he found opportunity he added to his land, purchasing
another eighty acres soon after his arrival, while a few years later he bought
one hundred and sixty acres, for which he paid twelve and a half dollars per
acre. His wife also had a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres near by and
he operated these various tracts of land, carefully cultivating his crops and also
engaging in stock raising. His business affairs were wisely conducted and energy
and determination at length brought to him the success which is now his and
which enables him to rest from further labor. He lived upon his farm until 1907,
after which he sold the home place of two hundred and forty acres and rented
the remainder. He then came to Kearney, where he erected his present residence
and has since made his home.
On the 13th of March, 1884, Mr. Bean was united in marriage to Miss Kate
Trott, who was born in Ohio, April 2, 1851, and in her girlhood days went to
Missouri and thence to Nebraska. Here she took up a homestead in Rusco
township, Buffalo county, proved up the property and also engaged in teaching
school. Mr. and Mrs. Bean became the parents of a daughter, Margaret Trott,
who is at home with her father. The wife and mother passed away January 2S,
1900, in the faith of the Methodist church, of which she was a devoted member.
110 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
Mr. Bean was reared in the German Reformed church. In business hfe he has
been very successful, his advancement being made through earnest effort, close
application and indefatigable energy. He never neglected a duty in the care
of his fields, planted his crops in timely season, cultivated them according to mod-
ern methods and in the course of years gained a substantial measure of prosperity.
CHARLES B. FINCH.
No history of Kearney would be complete without extended reference to
Charles B. Finch, who for thirty-six years was engaged in mercantile pursuits in
this city. Honored and respected by all, no man occupies a more enviable position
in commercial circles, not alone by reason of the success which he has achieved but
also owing to the straightforward policy which he has ever followed. Moreover,
he has taken an active and helpful interest in public affairs and his influence in
municipal matters has been far-reaching and beneficial.
A native of Illinois, he was born on Christmas day of 1848 at Dallas City,
Hancock county. His father, John M. Finch, was a native of Pennsylvania and
removed to Illinois prior to the era of railroad building in that state. For a time
he lived at Rock Island and about the year 1840 removed to Nauvoo, which was
then owned almost wholly by the Mormons. He there engaged in mercantile pur-
suits and during his residence at Nauvoo often had discussions with Joseph Smith,
the Mormon prophet and leader. At the time of the uprising which resulted
in the lynching of Smith, he and others were compelled to seek homes else-
where. Accordingly he located at what is now Dallas City, Illinois, on the
Mississippi river, and there resumed his interrupted mercantile career. He also
embarked in pork packing on a small scale, making shipments to the south. He
continued his residence at Dallas City until about 1884, when he came to
Kearney, Nebraska, where he died in 1888. His wife bore the maiden name of
Elizabeth Bostwick and was a daughter of Dr. Bostwick, one of the old time
physicians of Fort Madison, Iowa, who lost his life while attempting to cross
the Mississippi river on the ice in answer to a professional call. Mrs. Finch
passed away in Kearney in 1893. In the family were five children who reached
adult age.
Charles B. Finch was reared to manhood in Illinois, where he acquired such
education as the common schools afforded. When but fourteen years of age he
began clerking in his father's store and was thus employed for some time, after
which he was admitted to a partnership in the business and still later became his
father's successor, continuing active at Dallas City until 1879, when he shipped
his stock to Kearney, Nebraska, and here opened a general mercantile store. In
a short time he confined his attention exclusively to dry goods and developed
one of the largest and best equipped establishments of that kind in the city. For
thirty-six years he was actively identified with the mercantile history of the
place and his business largely set the standard for similar enterprises in the town.
In 1879 his brother, Ed B. Finch, removed to Kearney and joined him in business,
becoming a partner a number of years later. Together they conducted their dry
goods interests until February, 1915, when they sold out and thus passed out of
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 111
existence as the property of the firm of Finch Brothers one of the oldest and
most reliable mercantile establishments of Buffalo county. Charles B. Finch is
now practically hving retired but is still interested in the Finch-Patterson Motor
Company, in which he holds considerable stock.
Mr. Finch had five children, as follows: Charles and Edith, both of whom
are deceased; Elizabeth Blanche, the wife of H. R. Krug, of Asbury Park,
New Jersey; Sadie B., a student of National Park Seminary of Washington,
D. C. ; and John M., now on the Pacific coast.
Fraternally Mr. Finch is connected with Masonry. In this he has taken every
degree of the Scottish Rite, including the thirty-third, and the Knights of the
Red Cross of Constantine and the Royal Order of Scotland, and every degree
and order of the York Rite, and in addition is a member of Tangier Temple of
the Mystic Shrine, at Omaha. He has served as worshipful master of the lodge
where he was raised in Illinois ; commander of Mt. Hebron Commandery at
Kearney and grand commander of the state of Nebraska.
There is no phase of Kearney's development with which Mr Finch is not
familiar. On his arrival here the city was but an overgrown frontier village,
there being but a few brick buildings in the place at that time, while the country
homes through the surrounding district were largely sod houses. At that time
Kearney could boast of only wooden sidewalks and there was no street lighting,
nor had water works been installed. With the work of progress and improvement
he has always been actively identified and his labors have been directly bene-
ficial along many lines. While a democrat in politics, he was elected as a candi-
date of the business men of Kearney for the office of mayor and served in that
capacity for three years. It was during his incumbency that the first Board of
Trade was organized and he was elected its first president. During his adminis-
tration the streets were renamed, the houses were numbered, a sewer system was
inaugurated and the electric lighting system was established. Miles of cement
sidewalks were built and other substantial improvements were carried forward.
Mr. Finch has never believed in hampering public progress by useless retrench-
ment nor was there any useless expenditure in his administration. He conducted
municipal affairs upon business principles and the same qualities which won for
him success as a merchant furthered the interests and welfare of his city.
JOHN CONROY.
John Conroy is identified with agricultural interests as the owner of land in
Scotts Bluff county, Nebraska, but gives his time to his duties as postmaster of
Shelton, Buffalo county, where he resides. He was born in Ireland on the 25th
of September, 1851, of the marriage of Patrick and Elizabeth (Moran) Conroy,
both of whom were born in that country. The father died in February, 1861, in
Ireland, and in March, 1867, his wife came to America with her seven children.
The family lived in Pennsylvania for some time but the death of the mother
occurred in Buffalo, New York. There were seven sons in the family, of whom
five are still living.
John Conroy remained at home until he was twenty years of age and then
112 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
began learning the tanner's trade, which he followed in Pennsylvania until 1878.
In that year he came to Buffalo county, Nebraska, and bought a farm six
miles north of Shelton, where he lived for eight years. In 1886 he was appointed
postmaster of Shelton by President Cleveland and for four years served in that
capacity. During that time he conducted a general store, which was located in
the same building as the postoffice, but in 1893 he disposed of that business. For
four years he was deputy postmaster and then served as assessor of both the
township and city of Shelton until 1914, when he was again made postmaster,
receiving his appointment from President Wilson. He understands the duties
of the office thoroughly, is systematic and accurate in his work, and his services
as postmaster are very satisfactory to his fellow citizens. He owns three hundred
and twenty acres in Scotts Bluff county and derives therefrom a gratifying finan-
cial return.
In 1874 Mr. Conroy was united in marriage to Miss Anna Edwards, a native
of Ireland and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Edwards, both of whom are
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Conroy have become the parents of seven children :
William G., deceased ; Mary Elizabeth, the wife of H. C. Gumprecht ; Ellen, at
home; Kathryn J., wIto is deputy postmaster; Fannie, the wife of T. P. Hoye;
John, deceased ; and Stewart P., at home.
]\Ir. Conroy has given his political allegiance to the democratic party since
age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and has always been active in
public affairs. He has served on the town board, was for six years a member of
the school board and for ten years held the office of assessor. Both he and his
wife are members of the Roman Catholic church and aid in the work of that
organization. He not only has the respect of all who have been associated with
him but has also gained the warm personal regard of many.
J. W. MILLER, M. D.
Dr. J. W. Miller is an able physician and surgeon who is enjoying a large
practice at Gibbon and from the surrounding country. His colleagues and con-
temporaries acknowledge his ability and attest his worth as a man and citizen as
well as a physician. He was born in Koszta, Iowa, May 10, 1859, and is a son
of Dr. Ephraim P. and Margaret (Dey) Miller, both of whom were natives of
Pennsylvania, where they were reared and married. They subsequently removed
to Koszta, Iowa, where Dr. Miller engaged in the practice of medicine up to the
time of his death, which occurred about 1863. His widow afterward became the
wife of Amos Pettyes and removed to Reedsburg, Wisconsin, where Dr. J. W.
Miller was reared and educated, passing through consecutive grades in the pub-
lic schools until graduated from the Reedsburg high school.
In 1880 J. W. Miller took up the study of medicine, pursuing his reading under
the preceptorship of Dr. Samuel Hall of Reedsburg until the fall of 1881, when
he entered Rush Medical College of Chicago, there pursuing the full course,
which he completed by graduation in March, 1884. He then returned to Reeds-
burg and entered upon active practice in connection with his former preceptor.
Dr. Hall, with whom he remained from March until September. At that time
I
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 115
he removed to Mason City, Nebraska, where he was successfully identified with
the practice of his profession until 1895. In that year he removed to Gibbon,
where he has since been located. He is today the oldest practicing physician of
the town and is numbered among the leading physicians and surgeons of Buffalo
county. He has had broad practical experience through almost a third of a
century and during this period he has kept in touch with the trend of modern
thought and scientific investigation by broad reading and study. He is very
careful in the diagnosis of his cases and seldom at fault in determining the
outcome of disease.
On the 14th of October, 1891, Dr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss
Mary L. Walker, of Mason City, Nebraska, and to them have been born four
children, of whom three are living: Edith, who is a graduate of the State
University of Nebraska of the class of 191 5, and is now a teacher in the public
schools of Howell, this state ; Erwin, who is pursuing a course in mechanical
engineering in the State University ; and Arthur, a student of the Gibbon high
school.
The parents hold membership in the Presbyterian church and, being people
of the highest respectability, occupy an enviable position in social circles. Dr.
Miller is a member of Granite Lodge, No. 189, A. F. & A. M., and of the
Modern Woodmen Camp. Along strictly professional lines he has connection
with the Bufifalo County Medical Society and with the Nebraska State Medical
Society and he thus keeps abreast with the trend of modern thought and investi-
gation along professional lines. He holds to high ideals in his chosen life work
and his ability is manifest in the excellent results which attend his labors.
C. M. BECK.
C. M. beck, of Gibbon, is successfully engaged in the real estate and insur-
ance business ; is also manager of the Farmers Home Telephone Company and
Is likewise an extensive landholder. His birth occurred in Ohio on the nth of
November, 1859, and he is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Kramer) Beck, natives
of Pennsylvania who removed to Ohio at an early day in the history of that state.
The father followed the occupation of carpentering and was recognized as an
.expert workman. Both he and his wife passed away in the Buckeye state.
(Seven of their ten children are still living.
C. M. Beck was reared in Ohio and there received his education, but in 188S
he came to Buffalo county, Nebraska, and opened a real estate and insurance
ofifice in Gibbon. He has since continued active in those fields and in the years
that have since intervened has handled a large amount of business. He is also
a heavy stockholder in the Farmers Home Telephone Company, of which he is
manager, and owns stock in the Exchange Bank. He has fully recognized the
value of real estate as an investment and has acquired title to seven hundred
and sixty acres of excellent land, all of which is improved. He has been quick
to utilize opportunities, and his enterprise and sound judgment have enabled him
to win financial independence
In 1890 Mr. Beck was united in marriage to Miss Susie M. Henderson, a
116 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
native of Iowa and a daughter of Colonel P. P. and Catherine Henderson. Mr.
and Mrs. Beck are the parents of a son, Gerald II., who was bom July 5, 1894,
and is now taking the medical course at the State University of Nebraska at
Lincoln.
Mr. Beck is a republican and has served as clerk and town treasurer. He
holds membership in Granite Lodge, No. 189, A. F. & A, M., in which he has
filled all of the chairs, and he is also identified with the York Rite, having taken
the commandcry degrees. For twenty-five years he served as clerk of CJibbon
Camp, No. 708, M. \\\ A., his long retention in that office indicating the high
esteem in which he is held in that organization. His wife belongs to the Metho-
dist Fpiscopal church. He has resided in this county for more than a quarter of
a century and during that time has gained the warm friendship of many and
the sincere respect of all with whom he has been associated.
WARREN PRATT.
Warren Pratt, whose residence in Kearney, dating from Jamuiry 7. iS<Si.
covers a period of more than a third of a century and compasses the period of
greatest development and progress here, is now engaged in the practice of law
and has long been identified with the most important litigation heard in the
courts of his district. The consensus of public opinion i)laces him in a con-
spicuous and enviable position among the foremost lawyers of western Nebraska
and his reputation has been eanied at the price of indefatigable eflforl. broad
study and devotion to the interests of his clients.
Mr. Pratt was born at New Boston, Illinois, on the 3d of February. 1859,
and is one of a family of seven children, of whom three are now living. The
parents were I^cey and Elizabeth (Baker) Pratt, natives of Ohio and England
respectively. The father became a contractor and for some time operated a
planing mill at New Boston, where he died in the year 1871.
When but twelve years of age \\'arrcn Pratt started out in life on his own
account, working on a farm th«^ugh the summer months, while in the winter
seasons he largely attended the district schools until he reached the age of
twenty years, when he took up the j)rofession of teaching, securing^jwp^iion
in a district school. In the fall of 1880 he came with a manajfipPrster to
Nebraska, settling in Xemaha county, and in January, iS8i^^^^ar rived in
Kearney, which at that time was a small town upon the wmc^^ rentier. For
three months he assisted a cousin who was conducting a grocery store in
Kearney, but having determined to make the practice of law his life work,
he put aside mercantile pursuits and became a student in the office of E. C.
Calkins, who directed his reading until his admission to the bar in 1883. He at
once entered upon the practice of his profession with his preceptor under the
firm name of Calkins & Pratt, and for thirty-three years he has been continu-
ously engaged in the active practice of law in Kearney. During this period he
has been identified with most of the important litigation tried in the courts of
the district and is regarded as a wise counselor and strong advocate. He pre-
pares his cases with great thoroughness, presents them with clearness and
HISTORY OF DUFFALO COUNTY 117
cogency, ami as the years have passed has won for his chents many favorable
verdicts which have established his reputation as a learned and able lawyer.
On the 22(1 of June, 1887, Mr. Pratt was unitetl in marriage to Miss Amelia
E. W'onner. a daughter of Henry Wonner, of Osceola, Iowa. To them have
been born three children, namely: Helen; and Ruth and Marjorie. who are
school teachers in Nebraska. Mrs. Pratt is a member of the i'resbyterian church.
Mr. Pratt gave his political allegiance to the democratic party until it
inserted in its platform the free silver plank, since which time he has affiliated
with the republican party. He belongs to the IJenevolent Protective ( )rder of
I !lks. Outside of his profession he has business interests as one of the organizers
of the Kearney Telephone C'omi)any. which was formed in 1905 and of which
he has been presiilent practically throughout the ensuiiig years. At this writing
tols. president of the Buffalo County Bar Association and he enjoys the highest
P||,|^^rd of his contemporaries in i)nictice. He is at all times fair and just
How practitioners, treats the court with the studied courtesy which is its
e and is careful at all times to conform his practice to the highest standards of
professional ethics.
KDMLND n. DUNCAN.
lulmund H. i/ungan is a retired farmer and stock raiser living in Kearney.
His residence in this part of the state dates from pioneer times and he is familiar
with every phase of its development and progress. He was born in Mercer
county, Illinois, in June, 1852, a son of Aaron and Tama (Pratt) Dungan. The
father was a native of r)hio and was reared in that state and in Illinois, the
family removing to Mercer county. He conducted a livery barn at New
Boston. Mercer county, for a number of years and afterward purchased and
conducted a farm near Aledo. but in 1876 removed to Kearney county, Nebraska,
and secured a homestead claim near I*'ort Kearney. He squatted upon the prop-
erty first and when the reser\ation was opened in the same year he homesteaded
and built one of the first houses on the b'ort Kearney military reservation. This
he improved and develofx-d. carrying on the farm work year after year up to the
time of his d eath, which occurred when he was sixty-three years of age. His
poiitica't^^jlinncc was given to the republican party. The mother was a native
of Indiana aiul was thirteen years of age when the family removed to Mercer
county, Illinois, where her parents were among the early settlers. She came to
Nebraska in 1876, being one of the pioneer women in this part of the state, and
surviving her husband for some time, she spent her later years in the home of
her son I''dmund. passing away when about eighty years of age. She was a con-
sistent and faithful member of the Methodist church and guided her life according
to its teachings. In the family were four children, of whom two died in infancy,
the others being: John P.. who made his home in P.ufTalo county but is now
deceased; and Edmund H.
The latter is the only survivor of the family. His boyhood days were spent
at home, and on attaining his majority he began farming. He was twenty-four
years of age when he removed with the family to Nebraska, where he secured
118 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
a homestead and began the arduous task of developmg a new farm. He con-
verted the raw prairie into productive fields and continued to engage in farming
and stock raising until 1910. He afterward rented his farm to his sons and
came to Kearney, retiring from business life. He had purchased his father's
homestead and is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of good
land which affords him an excellent annual income. Diligence was the rule of
his life and enterprise guided him in all of his activities, while laudable ambition
proved the spur to his activity.
On the 23d of March, 1876, J\Ir. Dungan was married to Miss Rhoda
Reynolds, who was born near Rock Island, Illinois, a daughter of Drury and
Esther (Love) Reynolds, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was
reared in the Buckeye state and the mother in Illinois, and when a young man
he removed to Illinois, spending his last days in Rock Island county, where" te
departed this life at the age of sixty-three years. He had been one of^the^
pioneer settlers and valued citizens of that part of the state. His widow^
vied and was called to her final rest when eighty years of age, her last
being spent in Mercer county, Illinois. She was a consistent member of the
Christian church. Their daughter, Mrs. Dungan, was reared and educated in
Rock Island county and came to Nebraska in 1876, ten days after her marriage.
]\Ir. and INIrs. Dungan are the parents of eight children, as follows : Myrtle,
who is the wife of Gardner Sawin, of Baird, Nebraska; Schuyler, who follows
farming in Ke^i^^ihc^l^nty, Nebraska; Howard, who is also engaged in farm-
ing in Kearndy couhty^/'this state; Floyd, living on the home farm; Everett, a
merchant ofrCearney; Dale, a student in the State University; Stella, at home;
and Glenn, who is employed in the government reclamation service. Another
child, the first born, died in early life. Mrs. Dungan is a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church. Mr. Dungan gives his political allegiance to the repub-
lican party but has never been ambitious to hold office, as he has preferred to
concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and his diligence and determi-
nation in farm work have brought to him the substantial measure of prosperity
which is now his.
W. H. SWARTSLEY.
W. H. Swartsley is. engaged in the real estate business at Riverdale, which
town has largely been built up through his eft'orts. He also has important
landed interests and is giving considerable attention to the breeding, raising and.
sale of Duroc-Jersey hogs. He has made his home in Buffalo county since
1907, prior to which time he was a resident of Platte county, Nebraska. His
birth occurred in Woodford county, Illinois, in 1862, his parents being John C.
and Jennie L. Swartsley, who were natives of Virginia. They came to Illinois
in 1853, settling in Woodford county, and in 1881 they arrived in Platte county,
Nebraska, where the father secured land and concentrated his energies upon the
development and improvement of his farm, his death occurring about two years
ago. He was an energetic, industrious and prosperous agriculturist and was a
prominent and influential citizen. His political allegiance was given to the demo-
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 119
cratic party and he was called upon to represent Platte county in the state legis-
lature. His wife has also passed away, her death occurring in Platte county.
W. H. Swartsley was in his teens at the time of the removal of the family
to Platte county, and after he had attained his majority he turned his attention
to general farming in Bismark township, where he owned land. He carefully,
persistently and successfully tilled the soil for some time and also taught school
for almost sixteen years, and in 1907 he arrived in Buffalo county, where he has
since made his home. Here he has operated largely in real estate and has con-
ducted many important business interests. He organized the Riverdale State
Bank, which has been a very important factor in the development of local busi-
ness enterprises, and served as a member of its board of directors until he turned
^IjiS' iSEterests over to his son Lee, who was the deputy county treasurer of
^ Buffalo county for eight years. In association with his sons Mr. Swartsley
Ic owns three hundred and seventy acres of rich and productive land in Riverdale
township, whereon he is engaged in general farming and stock raising. They
have the finest drove of full-blooded Duroc- Jersey hogs in the county, and they
make a specialty of the stock raising feature of their business. Air. Swartsley
has also done much toward the upbuilding of the attractive little town of River-
dale. He platted part of the town and then sold lots, was instrumental in induc-
ing merchants to locate there and had a large part in securing the schoolhouse.
There is no important feature of the town's upbuilding and development with
. which he has not been associated. ^ ''
Mr. Swartsley married Miss Alice May Burns, who was born in Oskaloosa,
Iowa, and they have three children : Lee, formerly deputy county treasurer ;
O. E., who is conducting the ranch; and Grace, who is an accomplished musician
living at home. The family residence is the finest home in the village and
Mr. Swartsley is a most progressive, active, energetic man, forming his plans
readily and carrying them forward to successful completion. If a pen picture
could accurately delineate his business characteristics, such might be given in
these words : a progressive 'spirit ruled by more than ordinary intelligence and
good judgment; a deep earnestness impelled and fostered by indomitable perse-
verance; a native justice expressing itself in correct principle and practice. His
intellect early grasped the eternal truth that industry wins and industry has
been the beacon light of his life. He is well known in fraternal circles, belong-
ing to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the
Woodmen, and his wife and daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, which he attends.
J. O. GRIFFIN.
J. O. Grififin owns and operates three hundred and twenty acres of productive
land on section 16, Gibbon township, and has gained financial independence
through his agricultural activities. His birth occurred in Stark county, Illinois,
on the 27th of June, 1867, and he is one of six living children in a family of
eight born to E. J. and Rebecca (Nicholas) Griffin. The father was a native of
120 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
Pennsylvania and the mother's birth occurred in Ohio, but they were married in
Ilh'nois, where the mother passed away and where the father still resides.
J. O. Griffin grew to manhood and received his education in Illinois, but in
1894, when about twenty-seven years of age, he came to Buffalo county,
Nebraska, and took up his residence on a farm which he operated for some time.
Later he purchased his present place, which comprises three hundred and twenty
acres on section 16, Gibbon township, and is now well improved. He keeps
everything in excellent repair and uses the latest machinery in his work, thus
increasing his efficiency. He receives a good income from the sale of his grain
and stock and ranks among the progressive and successful farmers of the county.
Mr. Griffin was married in 1896 to Miss Clara Philipar, who was born in
Pennsylvania but was brought to this state when but a year old by her parents,
Peter and Anna Philipar. The father is dead but the mother is still living. Mr^
and Mrs. Griffin have six children: Ruth and Bruce, both high school students ffa
Leslie; Earl; Ezra; and Carl.
Mr. Griffin gives his political support to the republican party at national elec-
tions, but where only local issues are at stake supports the best man irrespective
of party lines. His fraternal affiliation is with the Modern Woodmen of
America, and he and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. His
circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance, and
his salient characteristics are those which invariably command respect and warm
regard.
OSCAR G. KNOX.
Oscar G. Knox, manager and one of the stockholders of the Farmers Elevator
at Riverdale, is a wide-awake and progressive business man, alert to his oppor-
tunities and energetic in all that he undertakes. He was born in Indiana on the
20th of May, 1870, and is a son of William E. and Emma J. (Trimble) Knox,
both of whom were natives of Kentucky, whence they removed to Indiana in
1868, there residing for eleven years. In 1879 ^hey became residents of Buffalo
county, Nebraska, casting in their lot with its pioneer settlers, at which time the
father secured a homestead claim which he converted from a tract of wild prairie
into rich and productive fields. He died in the year 1899 ^^'^^ is survived by his
widow, who is now a resident of Riverdale. However, she still owns the old
liomestead in this county on which she reared her family of five children. -There
were four sons and a daughter, but the latter has passed away.
Oscar G. Knox was largely reared and educated in Buffalo county, where
he came with his parents when a little lad of nine summers. He attended the
common schools and was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming
familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. After
attaining his majority he began farming on his own account, purchasing a tract
of land on section 4, Riverdale township, where he continued to live for sixteen
years, during which period he brought his fields to a high state of cultivation and
also improved his farm with good buildings, making it one of the model properties
of the community. He is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of
land which constitutes one of the attractive features of the district because of
1
W'
OSCAR G. KNOX
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 123
its well kept appearance and its modern accessories. He still gives to the farm
his personal supervision and while residing thereon he made a specialty of breed-
ing and raising Duroc Jersey hogs. He is now manager of the Farmers Elevator
Company at Riverdale, of which he is one of the stockholders, and he is capably
directing the business under his control, making it a profitable venture for those
who are financially interested therein.
On the 27th of August, 1890, Mr. Knox was married to Miss Ella Rogers,
who was born in Iowa, a daughter of John and Edith (Talbott) Rogers, both
of whom are deceased. In their family were ten children, of whom five are yet
living. Mr. and Mrs. Knox have become the parents of six children: Ethel,
the wife of J. F. Richardson; Earl R. ; Jesse S., who is married and lives on
the home farm; Ada, who is a graduate of the State Normal School and is now
engaged in teaching; and Albert and Mildred, still under the parental roof.
The parents are members of the Christian church and Mr. Knox is identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 353, in
which he has filled all of the chairs. He is also a member of the Modern Wood-
men camp. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has
held all of the local township offices and has also been a member of the school
board. His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, have called
him to higher office and for two terms he represented his district in the state
legislature, where he gave earnest consideration to all the questions which came
up for settlement and earnestly sought to advance the best interests of the com-
monwealth. Those who know him esteem him highly, for in every relation of
life he has been found progressive, trustworthy and reliable and thus he has
gained the goodwill and confidence of even those who oppose him politically.
CHRISTOPHER PUTNAM.
Christopher Putnam, one of the early settlers of Buffalo county, Nebraska,
was a native of the Empire state, where he was reared and where he was united
in marriage to Harriett Nichols. In April, 1871, Mr. Putnam joined the soldiers'
free homestead colony which came to Nebraska and made settlement in Buffalo
county. He arrived in April of that year and the following September was
joined by his family. He secured a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres
a half mile east of the Gibbon postoffice but now within the village limits. Sub-
sequently he purchased other lands, adding to his possessions from time to time
until ultimately he became the owner of six or seven hundred acres. He died
January 9, 1906, and is still survived by his wife, who yet makes her home in
Gibbon.
Mr. Putnam was a leader of public thought and opinion. He served as the
first county superintendent of schools in Buffalo county and aided in laying a
substantial foundation upon which to build the educational interests of this part
of the state. He afterward served as county surveyor and as county clerk and
proved a most capable pubHc official, discharging his duties with promptness
and fidelity. In early life he had received good educational opportunities and
he ever remained a student of the signs of the times, keeping in touch with
124 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
advanced thought. In addition to his other business interests he operated a
branch of the Omaha National Bank in Gibbon for a number of years and was
bookkeeper and secretary of the Gibbon MilHng Company for several years. He
carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook and the spirit
of progress actuated him at all times. His fellow townsmen respected him for
what he accomplished and the methods which he pursued and his course at every
point of his career would bear close investigation and scrutiny. To him and his
wife were born four children, as follows: T. Orson, manager of the credit
department of the Bemis Bag Company of Omaha, Nebraska; Eva A., the wife
of Victor Van Duzer, of Berryville, Arkansas; John J., who is at the head of
the bacteriological department of the University of Idaho; and Charles A., of
Gibbon.
ISAAC BUCK.
Isaac Buck is meeting with gratifying success in the operation of four hun-
dred acres of fine land on section 21, Shelton township, and has gained a place
among the up-to-date and well-to-do farmers of his locality. His birth occurred
upon that farm on the 15th of September, 1874, and he is one of seven living
children in a family of fourteen born to Joseph and Mary Ann (Singleton)
Buck. Both parents were natives of England, but in 1869 they came to America
and at once made their way to Buffalo county, Nebraska. Some time later the
father homesteaded the farm which our subject is now operating and continued
to live there until 1906, when he removed to Shelton, where he still makes his
home. He has reached the advanced age of seventy-six years and is accorded
the honor to which his long and useful life entitles him. His wife died about
1908.
Isaac Buck was reared at home and acquired his education in the public
schools. He early began helping his father with the farm work and when six-
teen years of age took charge of the operation of the place. He cultivates four
hundred acres and manifests a thorough knowledge of farming and sound busi-
ness judgment in the management of his affairs. He derives a good income
from his labors and also finds his work congenial. In addition to farming he
operates a steam threshing outfit, which he owns, and derives a good financial
return from this enterprise.
On the nth of November, 1896, Mr. Buck was married to Miss Abbie Lip-
pincott, who was born in Friend, Nebraska, and is a daughter of J. F. and Janna
(Vance) Lippincott, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. In the early
'70s, however, they came to Nebraska and here the mother passed away, although
the father is still living. Mrs. Buck is one of a family of nine children and by
her marriage has become the mother of three children, namely: Levi V., Alvin
J. and Stewart T., all of whom are high school students and have good voices
and unusual musical talent.
Mr. Buck is independent in politics and although he takes the interest of a
good citizen in public affairs, he has never been an aspirant for office. He and
his family attend the United Presbyterian church and their influence is a factor
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 125
that makes for the moral advancement of their community. He has based his
success upon close attention to his business and the prosperity which he has
gained is well deserved.
ELLSWORTH BOWKER.
Ellsworth Bowker, clerk of the twelfth judicial district for Buffalo county and
secretary of the Kearney Canning Company, is thus actively identified with pro-
fessional and commercial interests and by reason thereof has become widely and
favorably known. His official record is characterized by unfaltering fidelity to
duty and his activity in commercial circles is of a character that has contributed
in large measure to the success of the undertaking with which he is connected.
Mr. Bowker is a native of Sangamon county, Illinois. He was bom September
17, 1863, and was one of a family of seven children, three of whom are yet living,
their parents being John and Hetty (Barnett) Bowker.
His youthful days were spent upon a farm until he reached the age of eighteen
years, during which period he attended the district schools and in the acquire-
ment of his' education laid the foundation of his later success. While still at
home he took up the study of telegraphy. He had a brother who was acting
as station agent at Rochester, Illinois, three miles from the family home. They
cut poles in the woods, set them up and strung wire upon them and several of
the boys of the neighborhood cut in on this line and thus got their first start in
telegraphic work. Ellsworth Bowker gained a considerable knowledge of the
business and at eighteen years of age had secured the appointment of telegraph
operator at Oak Mills, Kansas, on the Missouri Pacific Railroad. He followed
railroad work until 1900 and during part of that time was located at Springfield,
Illinois, where he acted as day operator for the master mechanic of the Wabash
Railroad. He was also the first train dispatcher at Marshalltown, Iowa, on what
was then known as the Diagonal Railway, a part of the Wisconsin, Iowa &
Nebraska system and now a part of the Chicago Great Western. His business
duties took him to various points and while with the Western Union he spent some
time at Omaha and in other cities. During the last seven years of his railroad life
he was a conductor on the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Railroad. In May, 1885,
he went to Custer county, Nebraska, where he secured a homestead, on which he
made the necessary improvements that won for him the title to the land. That
place was situated six miles from the present site of Mason City but at that time
no railroad had been built through the district. When the railroad was built Mr.
Bowker became the first agent at that point and returned to his old occupation.
Later he deeded his land to his wife's parents and it has since been their home.
In 1900 Mr. Bowker abandoned railroad work and embarked in merchandising at
Ravenna, Buffalo county, in which he continued for three years. He then became
an assistant in the county treasurer's office under M. N. Troupe and in 1907 he
was elected clerk of the district court, to which office he was reelected and is now
serving for the second term, making a most excellent record in the position by
the prompt, capable and systematic manner in which he discharges his duties.
Into other fields he has also extended his activities. In 191 1 he was appointed
126 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
by the Kearney Commercial Club as chairman of a committee to see about
estabhshing a canning company at this place. The project was reported upon
favorably, a company was organized and since that time Mr. Bowker has been
its secretary. He is also the owner of a small tract of land, on which he
installed the first irrigating system in Buffalo county. This he has converted
into a truck farm and plant nursery, which he conducts with the aid of his sons
under the name of the Bowker Plant Nursery. His business affairs are always
wisely directed and his energy and enterprise enable him to overcome all the
difficulties and obstacles in his path and work his way steadily upward.
On the ist of March, 1885, Mr. Bowker was united in marriage to Miss Rosa
B. Mercer, of Jasper county, Iowa, and to them were born twelve children :
Chauncey Pearl and Grace, both now deceased ; J. Sherman ; Ethel B., the wife of
Stanley McCormack; Charles; Harold; Edward, deceased; Mabel, the wife of
BertDady; Elwood; Vera; Wesley; and Kenneth.
Mrs. Bowker is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Bowker
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias.
Both are widely known in Kearney and other parts of the county and have a circle
of friends almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintance. In a review
of his life it will be noticed that from an early age he has depended upon his
own resources and that his advancement has been won at the price of earnest,
self-denying labor. Working his way steadily upward, he has gained a position
in business circles that is the direct result of persistent, earnest and intelligently
directed effort and his substantial qualities are recognized and appreciated by
many with whom he comes in contact.
SWAN FARRIS.
The history of Swan Farris is the record of a self-made man who owes his
advancement entirely to his ability, enterprise and determination, and his record
proves that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously. Moreover,
he has reached out into the broader realms of thought, keeping in touch with many
modern questions and problems, and is today a most interesting as well as vener-
able gentleman, his mind being a storehouse of valuable information and remin-
iscence. A native of Sweden, he was born in Skanay, June 12, 1836, a son of
Farris and Swanberg (Olsen) Handricks. The father was born in the village
of Trolle-Ljungby, Sweden, June 13, 1804, and was a carpenter and building
contractor of his native town. There he passed away May 4, 1863, and after his
demise his widow came to the new world, joining her son Swan at his home in
Galesburg, Illinois, where she died October 21, 1867.
Swan Farris, an only child, was reared in Sweden and obtained his educa-
tion in the graded and high schools of Trolle-Ljungby. At the age of seventeen
years he went to Copenhagen, Denmark, to learn the trade of stone engraving,
remaining there for two years, and on one of his frequent visits home to his
parents in Sweden he met a party of neighbors who were his old schoolmates,
who were coming to America. They induced him to join them and he left the old
home village in the spring of 1856, when nineteen years of age, to come to the
SWAX FARRIS
t
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 129
new world. He spent nine weeks on a sailing vessel, after which he landed in
New York city, passing through the old immigrant station of Castle Garden. After
a few days spent in the eastern metropolis he made his way to Chicago by rail,
canal and the Great Lakes. He recalls the fact that the railroad train made such
slow time that some of the boys of the party left the train, picked apples in an
orchard near the track and again caught the train.
]\Ir. Farris remained in Chicago for several weeks, but not finding employ-
ment, went to Moline, Illinois, where he obtained a situation with the John Deere
Plow Company, making parts of plows. After two years he left that position
and began to work as a raftsman, running rafts on the Mississippi river from
Black River, Wisconsin, to Alton, Illinois. He was afterward cabin waiter on
Mississippi river steamboats and gradually drifted to the contracting business,
building levees along the Mississippi in the states of Mississippi and Louisiana.
He built canal ditches and did other such work and afterward became an express
driver in New Orleans, conveying negro slaves from Arcade Hall in that city,
the slave market place, to the railroad and boat landings as they were being
shipped to their new owners. This was a responsible job owing to the value of
the negroes in his charge. In 1859 he left New Orleans and went to Utica,
Mississippi, where he again engaged in the contracting business, building ponds
and dams on the cotton plantations to hold the water for the cattle to drink. When
war was declared, as he was not a believer in slavery, he left the south and
removed to Galesburg, Illinois, where he conducted a restaurant and bought
and sold land. In connection with a business associate he purchased in 1878 ten
thousand acres of good land in Phelps county, Nebraska, but his health began to
fail and he sold most of his land again for about two dollars and seventy-five
cents per acre, having paid for it two dollars and fifty cents.
Mr. Farris made five trips back to his old home in Sweden and while on one
of these visits his father died May 4. 1863. He then brought his mother back
with him to the new world and they established their home at Galesburg, Illinois.
Mr. Farris still owns one and a half sections of the ten thousand acres of land
which he and his partner purchased in Phelps county in 1878 and his landed
possessions also include one and a half sections in Buffalo county, four hundred
and eighty acres of this being on section 17, Odessa township, and eighty acres
on section 18, Odessa township. He also has a quarter section in Holland county,
Nebraska, near Scandinavia. All this land is improved and much of it has been
brought under cultivation, while some is used as pasture land. All is rented to
good tenants and from his property Mr. Farris derives a substantial annual
income. He has never personally cultivated the land, for he is not a farmer.
On leaving Galesburg, Illinois, he removed to Chicago, where he remained for
four years, and on the advice of his physician that he seek a change of climate
for the benefit of his health, he removed to> Kearney in 1888 and purchased a
handsome residence at 18 10 Seventh avenue, where he lives retired save for the
supervision which he gives to his invested interests. His investments have been
most judiciously made and notable success has crowned his efforts.
In the fall of 1863 Swan Farris was married to Miss Ellen Isapson, a
native of Sweden, their wedding being celebrated in Galesburg, Illinois. She
died a year later and at Galesburg, on the 9th of September, 1869, Mr. Farris
wedded Miss CeciHa Petersen, who passed away at Kearney, March 30, 1913.
130 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
Mr. Farris is a member of the Lutheran church at Kearney and has always
given his poHtical allegiance to the republican party. He possesses one of the
fine libraries of the state. He has many books that he has purchased on his
trips through Europe, including seventy-five volumes which are very old and
rare editions. One is a textbook on religion, published January 15, 1496. He also
has a history of Rome printed in the Latin language at Venice, Italy, in August,
1475. The book published in 1496, a volume of large size, still has its original
binding, but the history of Rome was rebound in the sixteenth century. Of the
seventy-five volumes none was published subsequent to 1550. He also has
many small Bibles, prayer books and other volumes of that character which are
more than four hundred years old and most of these have the original binding.
They are printed in German and Latin languages, both of which Mr. Farris
reads. He also has in his library some books written by hand by the old monks
before printing was invented. He possesses one of the world's rarest collections
of coins of all nations, some of which were issued before the Christian era and
all collected by him prior to forty years ago. These include copper, gold and
silver coins and he has almost a complete set of Scandinavian coins, including
four of the old plate coins six by four inches and a quarter of an inch thick. Some
of these date back to the eighth century. Of the rare plate coins he secured three
in Sweden and one in Germany. Sweden is the only nation that ever used a
copper coin that was not round. His collection is valued at many thousands of
dollars and Mr. Farris has exhibited the collection at various times He keeps
the coins in the safe deposit vault in the bank at Kearney, as they are worth too
much to be in his home.
Mr. Farris has arranged by his will that his valuable library of old books and
his collection of coins shall be given to some Swedish institution of learning. He
has no living relatives and he intends that his estate shall go to some charitable
or religious institution which in his opinion will do the most possible good with
it. He is a man of religious tendencies, actuated in all that he does by his Chris-
tian faith and belief and is most charitable, again and again extending a helping
hand where aid is needed. He is a public-spirited citizen, at all times aiding in
matters for the benefit of his community. He enjoys excellent health at the age
of eighty years and is one of Buffalo county's most honored and valued citizens,
a man with whom association means expansion and elevation.
ANDREW KNOBEL.
Andrew Knobel, deceased, was one of the pioneer settlers of Buft'alo county,
who during the years of his active life here followed the occupation of farming
and contributed in substantial measure to the agricultural development of the
district. A native of Switzerland, he was born in Canton Glarus in October,
1837, and when a young man came to the United States, settling in New York.
Five years later he sent for his sweetheart to join him and they were married
in the state of New York. She bore the maiden name of Katharina Hefti and was
born in Canton Glarus, December 10, 1842, being twenty-one years of age when
she crossed the Atlantic to the new world. She had worked in a muslin factory
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 131
in Switzerland but saw no bright outlook for a business future there and desired
to get away.
Air. Knobel was employed as a coachman in New York and after carefully
saving his earnings he purchased a little tract of land of four acres, upon which
they established their home. While living thereon he worked by the day at a wage
of a dollar and a half. Later they removed to Wisconsin, but soon afterward
returned to New York and in 1880 they arrived in Buffalo county, Nebraska,
influenced to make this change by the fact that Mrs. Knobel had a sister and a
brother-in-law, John Streif, living in this county. They made the journey by
train to Buffalo county and for a short period remained in the home of Mr.
Streif, after which they purchased the farm upon which the family has since
resided. It was a tract of railroad land and the people who had previously
owned it had abandoned it.
Mr. Knobel purchased the property and for five years he and his family
occupied a sod house. There was also a sod stable upon the place giving shelter
to his stock. He was a good manager and hard worker and in time became a
successful farmer. He was building the present frame residence, which was
almost completed, when he caught cold and died within four days, passing away
in the latter part of October, 1891.
Several years ago Mrs. Knobel became convinced that the Bible authorized
the observance of Saturday as the real Sabbath and since that time she has
been identified with the Seventh Day Adventists and Mr. Knobel also adopted
the same belief. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Knobel : Andrew,
who lives with his mother and owns and cultivates five hundred acres of land;
David, who is married and follows farming on a tract of eight acres belonging
to his mother in Elm Creek township ; Fred, who is married and follows farm-
ing in Odessa township ; and Libby, the wife of Tom Elliott, a resident farmer
of Odessa township.
Mrs. Knobel tells many interesting tales concerning pioneer times. On one
occasion, before experience had taught them the lesson, her husband set fire to the
stubble on their place. The wind was in the south and swept the blaze across the
fields like a race horse. The thatch roof on the stable caught fire and the building
was destroyed, but neighbors rushed in and saved the sod house. A couple of
chickens belonging to the family living on the place were burned to death and a
young dog was tied in the stable with a chain. No one thought of the animal, so
he too became a sacrifice to the carelessness and inexperience of the easterners.
When the family left New York Mr. Knobel was told that he must carry a
gun, feeling that it was unsafe to penetrate so far into the west unprotected.
Accordingly he bought a gun and carried it over his shoulder, but it proved to be
a nuisance on many occasions, for the conductors would not allow it to be taken
into the coach but would take charge of it on the train until it was handed back
to Air. Knobel when he had reached his destination. Many of the old settlers had
little ambition and therefore failed to make good in their new suroundings, not
being willing to endure the hardships and trials which are always incidents of
pioneer life. In those days cornmeal mush was the staple article of diet. Soon
after arriving Mrs. Knobel attended a quilting, at which her companions of the
party asked her if the family were eating mush. She did not even know what the
dish was but she did not plead ignorance, saying simply that they had not eaten
132 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
any as yet. They told her that she would have to eventually come to it, but the
family went to work, raised wheat, had it ground and have never yet had to resort
to the dish mentioned. Mrs. Knobel has continuously lived upon the old home
farm, which was willed to her by her husband. It comprises one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Odessa township, in addition to which she owns another
eighty acre tract in Elm Creek township.
Her parents, Andrew and Elizabeth Hefti, came to Buffalo county when Mn
and Mrs. Knobel removed here and both her father and mother passed away in this
coimty. Mrs. Knobel is still hale and hearty and enjoys excellent health, although
she has now passed the seventy-third milestone on life's journey. There is no
feature of pioneer life in Buffalo county with which she is not familiar and her
experiences, if told in detail, would constitute a most interesting volume, giving
an excellent picture of conditions which existed here in the early days.
WALTER KNUTZEN.
Walter Knutzen, a prominent contractor of Kearney who has been promi-
nently identified with important building operations in this part of the state, is
one of those citizens whose lives indicate what may be accomplished by young
men of foreign birth who seek the opportunities of the new world and who are
ruled in their activities by enterprise and energy. Mr. Knutzen was born near
Mandal, Norway, November 8, 1848, and there spent the days of his boyhood
and youth. He began to learn cabinetmaking when sixteen years of age, devot-
ing five years to the trade, after which he shipped as a sailor before the mast,
sailing between ports of England, United States, Canada, France and Holland
for two years. In the spring of 1872 he came to New York and thence went
by coast steamer to Savannah, Georgia. After a short time he removed to Buf-
falo, New York, and sailed upon the Great Lakes for a season. In 1872 he made
his way to Chicago, where he spent two years working at the carpenter's trade.
He afterward removed to Houghton county, Michigan, where he followed car-
pentering for five years and also took some contracts. He then returned to the
old home and married. A few months later, or in May, 1879, he arrived in
Kearney, which was then a small town, and here he has since engaged in con-
tracting, being very closely identified with the building operations of the city
throughout the intervening period covering thirty-seven years. For four years
he engaged in contract work in Colorado but during that period regarded Kearney
as his home. He built the high school at Fort Collins, Colorado, also the State
Normal School at Greeley and, in fact, was accorded a large number of con-
tracts in that state. In Kearney he has probably erected more buildings than
any other one man and has received contracts in otlfer parts of the state. He
erected a fine high school building in Kearney and many substantial and beautiful
structures stand as monuments to his skill and enterprise.
In 1879 i" Norway Mr. Knutzen was married to Miss Abelone Jensen, who
was also born at Mandal, Norway, and they have become the parents of five
children: Annie C, at home; Julia P., a teacher at Helena, Montana; Agnes, a
teacher in the Nebraska State Normal School ; Henry, a student in the Nebraska
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 133
University; and Harriet, who is in the State Normal. The children have been
provided with excellent educational advantages and all are graduates of the
high school. Mr. Knutzen is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He has many substantial qualities, among
which are the sterling characteristics of industry, reliabihty, progressiveness
and determination. His life has been well spent and he has been the architect
and builder of his own fortune.
FRED A. NYE.
The bar of Buffalo county has for twenty-eight years numbered Fred A. Nye
among its members and his position has ever been an honored one. Ability has
brought him steadily to the front and his powers as an advocate have connected
him with much of the important litigation heard in the courts of middle western
Nebraska. A native of Iowa, he was born in Muscatine county, June 26, 1862,
a son of Alfred and Sarah R. (Silverthorn) Nye. The ancestral line is traced
back to Benjamin Nye, who came from England in 1635, in young manhood, and
established his home in the village of Sandwich, Barnstable county, Massachu-
setts. He was the progenitor of the family in the new world and among his
descendants were those who served with the colonies in their struggle for inde-
pendence. The father was a farmer and dealt extensively in stock. In 1885
the family first came to Buffalo county, not with the intention of making a loca-
tion at that time but more with the view of a possible return. The same year
they made their way back to Iowa and in 1886 the father passed away in that
state. Mrs. Nye with her youngest son, Fred A. (the other children having
then reached years of maturity and located elsewhere), removed to Buffalo
county and established her permanent home, settling in Kearney in 1888. There
she continued to reside until called to her final rest in 1902.
Fred A. Nye was reared on the old homestead farm in Iowa and obtained
his primary education in the district schools and in the academy at Wilton. Later
his parents removed to Iowa City in order to accord him the benefit of educa-
tional opportunities there, after which he matriculated in the State University
in September, 1883. He completed the full four years' course and was graduated
with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. He not only pursued that course
but also took work in law which enabled him to graduate from the law depart-
ment in the year 1888.
Mr. Nye began his professional career in Kearney in the following August
and has continued in active practice here since that time. No dreary novitiate
awaited him. He made steady progress, study and broadening experience quali-
fying him for active professional duties. Careful analysis enables him to readily
ascertain the relation between cause and effect and his reasoning is characterized
by terse and decisive logic, while in argument he is strong and in expression
is clear and felicitous.
On the 17th of May, 1893, Mr. Nye was married to Miss Helena M. Barlow,
of Keriton, Ohio, and they have become the parents of six children, Lucile E.,
Maurice Barlow, John H., Mary N., Sarah Gertrude and Benjamin I. Mrs. Nye
134 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Nye, who belongs to the
democratic party, has taken an active part in shaping the political history of the
community but has never save on one occasion aspired to political preferment.
This exception was when in 1896 he became county attorney, to which office he
was reelected, serving for two terms, or four years. He is a member of Phi
Kappa Psi, a college fraternity, and he possesses attractive social qualities which
render him popular, while his ability has gained for him a foremost place in the
ranks of the legal profession in his county.
JOHN M. BAYLEY.
Among the retired farmers living at Gibbon is John M. Bayley, who is widely
known and highly esteemed throughout the county. His birth occurred at Clin-
ton, Wayne county, Pennsylvania, on the 28th of January, 1836, and his parents
were William and Mary Ann (Morse) Bayley, both natives of Massachusetts.
Their marriage was celebrated in that state and they resided there until 1814,
when they removed to Pennsylvania, where the father became a landowner and
engaged in farming. Both he and his wife passed away in that state.
John M. Bayley is one of a family of eight children, all of whom grew to
maturity, but only four are now living. He was educated in his native state
and remained under the parental roof until 1857, when he removed to Nebraska
and located upon a farm in the vicinity of Table Rock. A year later he sold that
place and returned to Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1871, in which year
he came to Buffalo county, Nebraska, with the soldiers free homestead colony.
He settled upon a farm on section 22, Shelton township, and for thirty-four years
devoted his time and attention to the operation and development of that place. As
the years passed his capital increased, for he was an efficient farmer and man-
aged his affairs well, and in 1905, feeling that he had accumulated a competence,
he retired and removed to Gibbon, where he is now living. He still owns three
hundred and sixty-eight acres of land in Shelton township and also holds title
to his fine residence in Gibbon.
Mr. Bayley was married in i860 to Miss Adaline A. Adams, whose birth
occurred in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, and who is a daughter of Lester P.
and Margaret T. (Cooper) Adams, both natives of the state of New York. In
1830 they went to Pennsylvania and located on a farm there, where they passed
their remaining days. Mrs. Bayley is the only one living of a family of eleven
children. She had six brothers at the front at the same time during the Civil
war and one died while in the army. Mr. and Mrs. Bayley are the parents of
five children, namely; Harriet T., deceased; Lester W., who is farming in
Buffalo county ; John A., who is living on a farm in Washington state ; Mabel,
the wife of Henry J. Clifton, now of Red Elm, South Dakota ; and Nettie, who
married S. A. A. Walker. Previous to her marriage Mrs. Bayley taught school
for eight terms in Pennsylvania and was very successful in that profession.
Mr. Bayley supports the republican party at the polls and served on the
school board for a number of years in addition to holding the office of road super-
visor. His wife holds membership in the Presbyterian church. He went to the
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MRS. JOHN M. BAYLEY
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 139
defense of the Union at the time of the Civil war, enlisting in Company E, One
Hundred and Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and remained in
the army until he was honorably discharged at Philadelphia in August, 1863. His
brother Edgar died while in the service. Our subject began his career with
practically nothing but is now a man of independent means, his enterprise, good
judgment and hard work having brought him financial success.
THOMAS J. PARRISH.
No history of Buffalo county would be complete without extended reference
to Thomas J. Parrish, who is one of the most extensive landowners in this part of
the state, having about two thousand acres in the northern part of Buffalo county,
whereon he and his sons are extensively engaged in farming and stock raising.
He was born in Shelby county, Indiana, September 28, 1848, and was there
reared and educated, attending the public schools. His youthful days were spent
upon the home farm until he was about seventeen years of age, when he left home
and began clerking in a hardware store in Franklin, Indiana, there remaining
until 1874, which year witnessed his arrival in Kearney. He became identified
with the business interests of the city as a clerk in the hardware store of V. B.
Clarke, with whom he spent five years. The county seat at that time was a small
village just emerging into some commercial importance. During that period he
secured a homestead and timber claim in Sartoria township, proved up the
property, secured title thereto and is still owner of the land. In 1879 he embarked
in the#hardware business on his own account and continued in active connection
with the trade until 1885, when he sold his store and turned his attention to the
live stock business, although he continued to make his home in Kearney. He
purchased railroad land until he now owns about two thousand acres, his holdings
making him one of the extensive landowners of the county. He breeds pure
blooded Polled Angus cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, conducting the business on a
very large scale, his annual shipments constituting one of the important features
of the live stock industry in this part of the state.
Mr. Parrish was united in marriage tO' Miss Letitia Megran, a native of
Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where she was reared and educated. They have four
children as follows : Frank M., who is associated with his father in the operation
of his ranch; Leo M., who is engaged in business as an insurance collector of
Boise, Idaho; Jay M., a practicing attorney of Boise, Idaho; and Ina M., who is
the wife of Frank L. Empey, of Kearney. Mr. and Mrs. Parrish also have five
grandchildren.
Politically Mr. Parrish is a republican but was reared in the faith of the
democratic party. He has never cared to accept office, as his time has been fully
occupied by business affairs. He has not confined his attention solely to his farm-
ing, stock raising and merchandising interests, for he has been a stockholder in
the cotton mill, also in a military school, in a bank and in other enterprises which
have contributed to the welfare and improvement of the community and at the
same time have constituted a source of individual success. Fraternally he is
connected with the Masonic order, in which he has attained high rank and is now
Vol. n— 7
140 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
a member of the Mystic Shrine at Omaha. He and his wife hold membership in
the Presbyterian church. Wherever he is known he is held in high esteem because
of his activity, his thorough reliability and many other sterling traits of character
such as command confidence, goodwill and high regard in every land and clime.
BERNIE F. HENLINE.
Bernie F. Henline is the popular and capable young cashier of the Commercial
Bank of Gibbon. A native of Illinois, he was born in McLean county on the 3d of
June, 1886, of the marriage of Ira F. and Sina I. (Arbuckle) Henline, both of
whom were likewise born in the Prairie state. In 1888 they removed to Buffalo
county, Nebraska, and located upon a farm, which the father operated for a
number of years. The mother has passed away but he is still living and now
makes his home in Kearney. They became the parents of four children, all of
whom survive.
Bernie F. Henline attended the common schools and prepared for entering
the business world by taking a commercial course in the Kearney State Normal.
He then entered the employ of the Commercial National Bank at Kearney, where
he held the office of assistant cashier, but in 191 2 he was made cashier of the
Commercial Bank of Gibbon, the policy of which he has since controlled. He
understands the many ways in which a bank may contribute to the legitimate
business development of a community and has made the Commercial Bank an
important factor in the business life of Gibbon and has at the same time safe-
guarded the funds of the stockholders and depositors. He is a director in the
bank and owns forty-five per cent of the stock of the institution. He also holds
title to a good residence property at Kearney.
In igo8 occurred the marriage of Mr. Henline and Miss Nellie Welland; and
they have three children, Paul W., Robert J. and an infant unnamed. Mr.
Henline supports the republican party and is now serving as a member of the town
board. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of
Pythias, the Elks, the Highlanders and the Mystic Workers of the World and is
popular both within and without those organizations. His wife is a communicant
of the Episcopal church. He has depended for his success upon a careful study of
banking, close attention to all phases of the business of the institution with which
he is connected, enterprise and integrity, and his influence in financial circles has
steadily increased as his worth has become more widely known.
HON. JAMES E. MILLER.
As a member of the Nebraska senate Hon. James E. Miller made a record of
legislative service resulting in permanent good to the state and, moreover, he is
known as a man of rugged honesty and unsullied rectitude, his character worth
gaining him the high position which he occupies today in public regard. For a
long period he was identified with agricultural interests but is now living retired
HISTORY OF 13UFFALO COUNTY 141
in Kearney, having gained in former years the measure of success which now
provides him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.
Mr. Miller was born at Tarentum, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, on the
28th of May, 1837, and is therefore nearing the eightieth milestone on life's
journey. He is a son of James ]\Iiller, a grandson of Gideon Miller and a great-
grandson of Gideon Miller, Sr. The progenitor of the family in America was
probably of English birth and at all events it is known that the family has been
represented on this side of the Atlantic from a period antedating the Revo-
lutionary war. They became residents of western Pennsylvania at an early day,
when the Indians were numerous in that section of the country. Gideon Miller,
Jr., married Miss Rachel Coe, a daughter of Benjamin Coe, who was an officer of
the Revolutionary war and in recognition of his services was given a grant of
four hundred acres of land on Bull creek in Allegheny county. James Miller in
1826 aided in laying out the town of Tarentum, where he conducted a store,
operated a grist and saw mill and also served as postmaster. There the youngest
of his children, James E. Miller, was born, and it is said that his was the first
birth in Tarentum. Having arrived at years of maturity, James Miller wedded
Nellie McConnell and they had a family of five children, of whom but one is now
living.
With his parents James E. Miller removed to Scott county, Iowa, in 1844,
when that state was still under territorial rule, and there he grew to manhood. The
year after the arrival of the family in that locality both his father and mother
died. They were pioneer settlers of the locality, being among the first to establish
a home in Scott county.
James E. Miller had but little opportunity to secure an education and there
were few pleasures in his youth, for he was left an orphan when but eight years of
age and instead of being sheltered by parental care and love during his youthful
days he was forced to spend his time among people who cared more for what he
could do for them than for what they could do for him. Necessity forced him to
work for others until he reached the age of eighteen years, when he started out
to earn his livelihood unhampered by the restrictions of those whom he served.
For two years he worked for himself and during that period practiced the closest
economy as well as industry, thereby earning enough to enable him to pay his
tuition at Knox College Academy in Galesburg, Illinois. When he had reached
the age of twenty he had saved enough money to buy four yoke of oxen, with
which he broke the prairie for two years.
In i860 Mr. Miller became a victim of the gold fever and with a company
from eastern Iowa crossed the ]\Iissouri river at Nebraska City, where the com-
pany divided. A part of the number took the Platte valley route, passing through
Nebraska before Lincoln was founded. They proceeded by way of Fort Kearney
and saw thousands of buft'aloes, in fact such great herds crossed their path that
at times they were detained on their journey, having to wait until the animals went
on. At length they reached their destination, near Pikes Peak, but in that fall
Mr. Miller returned to civilization in time to vote for Abraham Lincoln. It was
his intention to go again to the gold fields in the following spring but the unsettled
condition of the times prior to the Civil war decided him to the contrary.
On the 25th of November, 1861, his patriotic spirit aroused, Mr. Miller
enlisted in Company B, Second Iowa A^olunteer Infantry, with which he served
142 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
for three years and eight months and was then honorably discharged at Louis-
ville, Kentucky, on the 12th of July, 1865. He participated in every battle and
campaign of his regiment, including Fort Donelson, Shiloh, the siege of Corinth,
luka, the second battle of Corinth and thence proceeded to Chattanooga after the
battles of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. It was at this time that he
with his companions reenlisted and they joined Sherman's army in time to par-
ticipate in the Atlanta campaign, taking part in the battles of Altoona Pass,
Peachtree Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Jonesboro, and in fact all of the principal
engagements up to and including the capture of Atlanta. Mr. Aliller was with
Sherman on the famous march to the sea, participating in the siege and capture of
Savannah. He thence proceeded northward through the Carolinas, taking part
in the battle of Bentonville and finally concluding his military career by par-
ticipating in the grand review at Washington, where thousands of victorious
soldiers marched through the streets of the capital amid cheering thousands who
welcomed their return.
After the war Mr. Miller returned to Iowa and engaged in farming in that
state until 1873, when he came to Buffalo county, Nebraska, and homesteaded a
quarter section in Cedar township. He first built a sod house and in the early
days experienced all of the hardships of pioneer times. For thirty-one years he
lived upon that place and witnessed the transformation of the county from a great
expanse of unbroken prairie to a thickly settled, prosperous district showing all
of the improved conditions of modern times. Year by year he carefully tilled the
soil and converted his land into productive fields, becoming the owner of one of
the fine farm properties of the county. In 1904 he sold his homestead place and
removed to Monmouth, Illinois, to be near his daughter, who was attending
college there. In 191 1, however, he returned to Buffalo county and settled in
Kearney, where he has since lived, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and
richly deserves.
On the i6th of March, 1866, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Ann
J. Duncan, a daughter of James and Jane (Wilson) Duncan, who were at that
time farming people of Scott county, Iowa. Mrs. Miller was born in Allegheny
county, P'ennsylvania, March 16, 1845, and in April, 1855, went with her parents
to Scott county, Iowa, where she remained until after her marriage. Together
Mr. and Mrs. Miller have lived in happiness for the golden period of fifty years.
Nine children have been born to them : John A. ; James C. ; Lorena Jane, the wife
of John J. Foster ; William Van, who died in infancy ; Frank G. ; Fred D. ; Louis
D., who died in infancy; George C. ; and Grace E.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the United Presbyterian church.
In politics he was an ardent republican and is now a progressive democrat. In
1898 and again in 1900 he was elected to the state senate by a fusion of the
democrat and populist parties and while serving in the upper house of the state
legislature he became connected with many important measures which have had
to do with the betterment of the state. His efforts therein were of permanent
good, for he carefully considered each question which came up for settlement and
supported only such measures as his judgment told him were of worth to the
commonwealth. He introduced and secured the enactment of a statute providing
that in all public schools in the state there should be taught "the elementary
principles of agriculture, including a fair knowledge of the habits and structure
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 143
of common plants, insects, birds and c|uadmpeds." Nebraska was the first state
to provide for the teaching of agriculture in the public schools. His political
integrity, like his rectitude in other relations of life, remained unquestioned. He
has ever held to the highest standards of manhood, has never used intoxicants,
has never been known to take advantage of his fellowmen in any business trans-
action nor sought to lessen the opportunities of a fellow traveler on life's journey.
On the contrary he had held to the highest principles and in every possible way
has endeavored to assist others.
WILLIAM SCHLATTMANN.
William Schlattmann, who carries on general farming on section 25, Center
township, manifests a progressive spirit in all that he undertakes and by well
defined efl'ort and capable management he has won a place among the substan-
tial farmers of the county, now giving his attention to the operation of five
hundred and sixty acres of land. lie was born in Germany on the 20th of
March, 1871, a son of Henry Schlattmann, who died in Germany. In 1882, when
a little lad of eleven years, his son William came to the United States with a
neighbor's family and after arriving in the new world took up his abode with
an uncle, W^illiam Frede, who lived in Yates county, Nebraska. He remained
with his uncle for about four years, after which he secured employment as a
farm hand in the neighborhood, being thus engaged until 1892. In that year
Mr. Schlattmann was united in marriage to Miss Emma Wlenke, a native of
Yates county, Nebraska. ITer father, Henry Wienke, came to this state from
Germany in 1871. The year following his marriage Mr. Schlattmann engaged
in the cultivation of a rented farm and in 1893 removed to Nuckolls county,
Nebraska, where he subsequently purchased land, making his home in that locality
for nine years. In 1902 he removed to Thayer county and in 1904 came to
Buft'alo county, where he purchased his present home place of three hundred and
twenty acres situated on section 25, Center township. Later he bought another
tract of one hundred and ten acres in Platte township, which he also owns. He
is one of the progressive and extensive farmers of Center township, for he
rents a tract of two hundred and forty acres near his home place, so that he is
now operating altogether five hundred and sixty acres of land, while his son
Henry rents and cultivates one hundred and sixty acres, and his daughter
Minnie, in cooperation with a lady friend, had one hundred and thirty acres of
wheat planted in 191 5.
To Mr. and Mrs. Schlattmann have been born twelve children, eleven of
whom are still living, as follows : Minnie, Henry W., Fred E., William H.,
Albert J., Edward, Annie, John, Lulu, Raymond and Arvid, all at home. 3ilrs.
Schlattmann is one of the typical home mothers who lives for her family and
their welfare and finds her greatest happiness in promoting the pleasure and
comfort of her children. Mr. Schlattmann has given his undivided attention to
his farming and stock raising interests and his energy and determination have
brought him to his present enviable position in business circles. Efi^ort intelli-
gently directed never fails to win its legitimate reward, and Mr. Schlattmann's
lU ' HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
life record proves what may be accomplished when there is the will to dare and
to do. Politically he is independent, supporting men and measures rather than
party. Fraternally he is identified with the Eagles, while his religious faith is
indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church, to which his wife and
children also belong.
HERMAN KAHLE.
That the district surrounding Kearney is a rich agricultural section is evidenced
in the fact that the city now contains many retired farmers — men who have care-
fully cultivated their fields and gained good returns therefrom. Moreover, the
careful husbanding of their resources has led to the attainment of success and
they are now numbered among the substantial agriculturists of the community.
Such a one is Herman Kahle, who in 1880 arrived in Nebraska and purchased a
relinquishment, after which he followed farming until the fall of 1904, when he
retired from active life and took up his abode in Kearney.
He was born in Hanover, Germany, December 23, 1848, and when about
eighteen years of age came to the United States, landing in New York in Novem-
ber, 1867. He at once made his way to Will county, IlHnois, where he had a
brother living, and there he worked upon a farm at husking corn for his brother
for a time. He afterward worked upon a farm in the employ of a cousin for a
year and continued to spend his time as a farm hand until he went to Chicago.
Fie secured employment in the suburb of Oak Park and was there at the time of
the great fire of 1871. He was employed in various ways, spending some time in
the service of an ice company, and while thus engaged was injured. He con-
tinued to work for others until 1874, when he was married and rented a farm at
Green Garden, Will county, Illinois, where he continued for six years.
In 1880 he came to Nebraska and purchased a relinquishment claim six miles
south of Kearney, upon which a squatter had previously settled. Mr. Kahle at
once began the further development and improvement of the place and thereon
continued to engage in farming until the fall of 1914, when he retired from active
business life. He had added an adjoining tract of one hundred and eight acres to
his farm and still later purchased one hundred and sixteen acres. He next
liought the Dugan farm of one hundred and sixty acres and still later another
tract of two hundred acres, so that he now owns altogether about eight hundred
acres in Buffalo and Kearney counties. His possessions thus became extensive
and include some very valuable farming land, which he has converted into rich
and productive fields, making the place one of the valuable farm properties of the
county.
On the 29th of January, 1874, Mr. Kahle was married to Miss Louisa
Buchmcir, who was born in Will county, Illinois, April 21, 1853, and was there
reared, coming to Nebraska with her husband in 1880. Seven children have
been born to them : Emma, the wife of August Busch, a resident farmer of
Buft'alo county; Anna, the wife of Ed Nuss, a farmer of Kearney county; John
and Frederick, who carry on general agricultural pursuits in Kearney county ;
>
a
'73
o
:^
o
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 147
Edith, who died at the age of fifteen years; and WilHam and Louis, who follow
farming in Kearney county.
Mr. and Mrs. Kahle are members of the Lutheran church, to the teachings
of which they are consistently loyal. In politics Mr. Kahle is a liberal democrat
but has never been an office seekeer. His entire life up to the time of his retire-
ment was given to farming and stock raising. He worked earnestly, made judi-
cious investments, directed his energies along well defined lines of labor, avoided
useless expenditure and, in a word, through the careful control of his business
interests gained substantial success.
W. B. LUKENBILL.
W. B. Lukenbill, a prosperous stock raiser and farmer of Gibbon township,
was born in Warren county, Iowa, on the 31st of March, 1864. His parents,
Henry and Elizabeth (Davis) Lukenbill, were natives respectively of Indiana
and Ohio but were married in Iowa, where both lived until called by death. To
them were born ten children, of whom nine are still living.
W. B. Lukenbill grew to manhood in his native state and received his educa-
tion in the public schools. Following his marriage he came to Buffalo county,
Nebraska, and bought his present home farm, which comprises one hundred and
sixty acres on section 34, Gibbon township. He also owns fifty-seven acres on
section 27, that township, and has brought all of his land to a high state of cultt-
\ation. Although he raises some grain he gives the greater part of his attention
to raising polled Durham cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, for which he seldom
fails to receive a high price as he studies the markets carefully.
Mr. Lukenbill was married in Iowa to Miss Lydia A. Heiny, a daughter of
G. W. and Mary Ann (Davis) Heiny, both of whom died in the Hawkeye state.
She is one of a family of seven children, of whom six are living, and by her
marriage has become the mother of two sons and a daughter, namely : George,
Birdie and Benjamin.
Mr. Lukenbill supports the candidates of the republican party at the polls
and has served his district acceptably as a member of the school board. He is
identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and has many friends both
within and without that organization. He and his wife are in comfortable cir-
cumstances and have made all that they have by hard work and good manage-
ment and are among the most highly esteemed residents of their township.
ALBERT C. KILLIAN.
Public interests of Kearney find a worthy representative in Albert C. Killian,
one of the representative merchants of the city and now president of the Kearney
Commercial Club. He took up his abode here in November, 191 1, and has since
been identified with its progress and prosperity. He is a native of Pittsburgh,
148 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
Pennsylvania, born August 8, 1867, and when but a year old he was brought to
Nebraska by his parents, Thomas and Katharine (Maresh) Killian, who secured
a homestead claim in the northwestern part of Saunders county. There he con-
tinued to reside until called to his final rest in 1882 and his widow passed away
in Wahoo in 1889.
The early boyhood days of Albert C. Killian were passed at work on the
farm, and when but eight years of age he was actively engaged in the work of
the fields, driving a team of horses in harrowing and in similar work. After
leaving the district schools he continued his education in the schools of Wahoo
between 1879 ^"^ 1883 and attended the Fremont Normal and Business College,
from which he was graduated with the class of 1886. For a year and a half he
was at Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska, where he was connected with the mercantile
establishment of Killian Brothers, and at the end of that period he was trans-
ferred to Wahoo, where he remained until November, 191 1, since which time he
has been a resident of Kearney. He continued at Wahoo for twenty-three years
and during the latter part of that period was secretary and treasurer of the firm
of Killian Brothers. He gained broad business experience in that connection
and was thus well qualified to carry on mercantile pursuits after his removal to
Kearney.
On the 2d of January, 1894, Mr. Killian was united in marriage to Miss
Nora C. Steen, by whom he has four children, as follows : Margaret L., a teacher
of domestic science and chemistry at Wayne, Nebraska ; Gertrude S. ; Dorothy
O. ; and John Steen. Mrs. Killian is past president of the Wahoo Chapter,
P. E. O., of Wahoo; is present president of Kearney Chapter, P. E. O. of
Kearney, and was elected state organizer of the P. E. O. society, one of the
largest exclusive ladies' secret organizations in the world, at the last annual con-
vention. She is also actively identified with the Eastern Star of the Masonic
order.
Mr. Killian belongs to the Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the T. P. A. In
politics he is a democrat and while living in Wahoo served two years on the
city council and seven and one-half years on the school board. His identification
with public interests in Kearney has been of an important character and that he
is a man of marked enterprise is indicated in the fact that he has been chosen
to the presidency of the Kearney Commercial Club. In this connection he is
studying the problems relative to the city's upbuilding along material lines and
to its municipal improvement. He utilizes practical methods while working
toward high ideals and the results he accomplishes are far-reaching and beneficial.
PATRICK WALSH.
On the 17th of November, 1902, the news spread through Shelton and Bufi'alo
county that Patrick Walsh had passed away. He was one of the county's best
known pioneer settlers and had been closely associated with the work of early
development, improvement and progress, taking an active part in planting the
seeds of civilization which in later years have borne ripe fruit. His death there-
fore was the occasion of deep and widespread regret and his history cannot fail
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 149
to prove of interest to many of our readers. He was born in County Sligo,
Ireland, and when about twenty-one years of age came to the United States,
settling in Mississippi near Kosciusko. There he was married on the 26th of
January, 1856, to Miss Agnes Welch, who was also a native of County Sligo and
was brought to the United States by her parents when about eight years of age.
Mr. Walsh afterward joined the army and in 1864 came to Buffalo county as a
member of Company D, Fifth United States Volunteer Infantry, which was sta-
tioned at Fort Kearney, where he remained until 1865, when he was mustered
out. The following year he was joined by his family, who made their way by
passenger train as far as Grand Island, at which point their few household effects
were loaded on a flat car and thus traveled to Buda, which at that time was the
terminus of the Union Pacific Railroad. They slept the first night under the shel-
ter of a load of hay. The following day they forded the Platte river with an ox
team and the family lived at the fort until the following ]\Iarch, when Sergeant
Cody prevailed upon them to remove to his squatter's claim at Wood River Center,
now Shelton. Thereon they made their temporary home until Mr. Walsh located
his homestead in 1869 on the present site of Shelton covering the northwest
cjuarter of section i, Shelton township.
After being discharged from the army Mr. Walsh took sub-contracts under
James E. Boyd, afterward governor of Nebraska, on the grading of the Union
Pacific as far west as Rawlins, Wyoming. While he had had but limited educa-
tional privileges, he always made excellent use of his opportunities and by read-
ing and observation added continually to his fund of knowledge. He became
quite a well educated man, was a fine penman, used excellent diction, and also
became a master in spelling. His worth was recognized throughout the com-
munity in which he made his home. He was closely identified with every move-
ment of a public nature that was of interest and benefit to the town of Shelton.
When he first located upon his claim Buffalo county was unorganized, although
the district was known by that name. In 1870 he and several of his neiglibors
who arrived about the same time that he did, petitioned for the organization of
Buffalo county and Governor Butler issued his proclamation establishing the
county and fixing the temporary county seat at Shelton, which was then known
as Wood River Center. Mr. Walsh was appointed probate judge of the new
county with authority to appoint county commissioners. He served in that
capacity until the first regular election, when he was elected to the same position.
He was also appointed deputy county clerk under ]\Iartin Slattery and after
the election the county treasurer failed to qualify and the county commissioners
appointed Mr. Walsh to that position. He then resigned the office of deputy
clerk but continued to act as judge and treasurer. He also filled the position of
superintendent of public instruction and he was afterward elected to the office of
county commissioner, in which capacity he displayed the same faithfulness to
duty that had marked his course in the other offices.
Mr. Walsh was largely instrumental in securing the establishment of the
postoffice at Shelton and continued to act as postmaster until 1879, within which
period, through his influence, the name of the town and postoffice was changed
to Shelton. It was Mr. Walsh who had the town of Shelton platted and it was
he who was at the head of every movement for the advancement of the interests
of the town. There was no project for the benefit and upbuilding of the com-
150 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
muiiity with which he was not associated and his aid and influence were at all
times given for public benefit and progress.
To Mr. and Mrs. Walsh were born nine children : J. P., who is deceased ;
J. T. and W. E., both of whom are residents of Omaha; Mrs. Mary Bills, who
lives in Fortuna, California; Mrs. Anna Michael, deceased; Rose, the wife of
Charles Frietenbach ; P. J., deceased, who resided in Laramie, Wyoming; Mrs.
Maggie Barney, of Oakland, California; and Ella, the deceased wife of Fred
Simpson, of Omaha.
The religious faith of Mr. Walsh was that of the Catholic church, in which
he was reared and to which he always loyally adhered. His political belief was
that of the democratic party and his allegiance thereto never faltered. He never
had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for in this
country he found the opportunities which he sought and which are always open
to ambitious, energetic young men. Gradually he worked his way upward, win-
ning not only material success but also the high regard and goodwill of all with
whom he came in contact, and his worth to the community in which he lived is
acknowledged by all who knew him.
JOHN A. LARIMER.
Many interests and activities connect JoRn A. Larimer with the public life of
Kearney and Bufi"alo county. He is engaged in the real estate business, is a
notary public and is serving on the board of supervisors. His life has been one
of intense and well directed activity and his sterling worth has led to his selection
for a number of public offices.
His birth occurred in Fayette county, Ohio, April 22, 1839, and he was nine
years of age when he removed to McLean county, Illinois, with his parents,
Robert and Elizabeth (Robinson) Larimer, who were natives of Union county.
Pennsylvania, where they were reared. In 1832 they removed to Fayette county,
Ohio, and in 1848 became residents of McLean county, Illinois, where Robert
Larimer, who was a tanner by trade, turned his attention to general agricultural
]mrsuits. For thirty-six years that county remained the home of the family,
during which period they were prominently identified with farming interests. In
1885 they arrived in Nebraska and settled in Center township about two and a
half miles northeast of Kearney. There Robert Larimer and his wife spent their
remaining days, being in active connection with agricultural interests until called
to their final rest. Mrs. Larimer passed away on the 19th of March, 1889, and
Mr. Larimer survived her only until the ist of September of the same year. They
were Presbyterians in religious faith and were earnest Christian people who
enjoyed and commanded the respect of all with whom they came in contact.
Their remains now repose in the old burying ground in McLean county, Illinois.
John A. Larimer was reared on his father's farm in Illinois, and his educa-
tion was acquired in the old time district school, but his opportunities in that
direction were extremely limited and he did not find it possible to attend school
for more than three months during the year and that was during the winter season
when it was not necessary to work in the fields. He walked two and a half miles
i
JOHN A. LARIMER
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 153
to school and thus acquired his educational training under considerable difficulties.
During the remainder of the year he was engaged in feeding cattle and in per-
forming the various duties incident to the cultivation of crops.
When civil wair threatened the destruction of the Union he enlisted on the
15th of August, 1861, as a member of Company C, Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer
Infantry, and was mustered in on the 226. of August. In chronological sequence
his military career covered the battle of Fredericktown, Missouri, after which he
joined General Curtis" army at Batesville, Arkansas, and then proceeded to
Helena and was in the engagement at Cache Creek, or Cotton Plant. In the
winter of 1862-3 he campaigned in southeastern Missouri and then fought in the
battles of Port Gibson, Champion Hills and Black River Bridge and the siege of
\'icksburg. From the last named place he followed up the retreating rebels to
Jackson, participating in the campaign of the Bayou Teche, and he afterward
proceeded to New Orleans, whence he was ordered to Brownsville, Texas, and
to Aransas Pass, and participated in the capture of Fort Esperanza. The troops
then moved to Idaho and to Port Lavaca, and on the 18th of April, 1864, the
members of the regiment veteranized and proceeded to New Orleans and after-
ward to Brashear City, Louisiana. On the i8th of March, 1865, they participated
in the Mobile expedition and took part in the reduction of Spanish Fort. They
then went to Montgomer^^ Alabama, and there received the welcome news of
the surrender of Generals Lee and Johnston. J\Ir. Larimer was mustered out at
Vicksburg, Mississippi, on the 24th of November. 1865, and was ordered to Camp
Butler, Illinois, where he received his final pay and was honorably discharged.
He had been promoted to the rank of sergeant and then to orderly sergeant.
Following the close of the war Mr. Larimer engaged in farming in Illinois
for a short time and later became the first merchant at Arrowsmith, that state,
where he also filled the office of postmaster from ]^Iarch, 1872, until July, 1885.
In the latter year he became a resident of Bufifalo county, Nebraska, where he
has since made his home. His attention was concentrated upon agricultural
interests until 1902, when he left his farm and has since resided in Kearney, where
at the present time he is engaged in the real estate business. He is thoroughly
well informed concerning property values, knows the property that is upon the
market and in the course of years has negotiated various important realty trans-
actions.
While living in Illinois, i\Ir. Larimer was married at Springfield, Ohio, on
the 13th of February, 1868, to Miss Elizabeth J. Cowan, who was born and
reared in that place. They have become the parents of six children : Edward C.
and Robert P., who reside in Kearney; William O., who met death in a railway
accident at Grand Island, in October, 1901 ; Anna and Cora, both of whom
died in early childhood in Illinois ; and John Harvey, who makes his home in
Pocatello, Idaho.
Mr. and Mrs. Larimer are members of the Presbyterian church and are loyal
to its teachings and principles. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and has been secretary of the lodge at Kearney for the
past twelve years. He maintains pleasant relationship with the "boys in blue"
as a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and when in companionship his
military comrades delight in recounting scenes and occurrences that marked the
progress of the war. In politics he has always been a stalwart republican and
154 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
while in Illinois he served for two terms as a member of the board of supervisors
of McLean county. In 1889 he was elected a member of the board of super-
visors of Buffalo county and is now serving his fifth term by reelection, a fact
indicative of his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him. He has
made a most excellent record, endeavoring at all times to further the public wel-
fare and care for public interests in a businesslike, progressive manner.
VIRGIL C. CHASE.
Virgil C. Chase came to Kearney in August, 1885, and on the ist of Septem-
ber of that year established a retail clothing business. He has since pursued the
even tenor of his way, and as one who knows him well expressed it, '"he can
always be relied upon to do the right thing in the right place and at the right
time." In other words, he has the qualities of the reliable, substantial, thorough-
going and enterprising business man and his work is therefore of value to the
community in which he lives. He was born in Franklin county, Kentucky, on
the 6th of December, 1858, and is one of a family of ten children, four of whom
are now living, who were born of the marriage of James A. and Jane (Johnson)
Chase, who were also natives of Kentucky. The father was a Cumberland Pres-
byterian minister and the great-grandfather was a member of the Lewis and
Clark expedition and made surveys through the Platte valley before the advent
of the white settlers. Rev. James A. Chase early became an abolitionist, and
owing to the fact that his father was an extensive slave owner, they became
estranged. During the Civil war he piloted the Union recruits through the
enemy's lines until they reached the Federal forces. All through his life he ga^e
his attention to ministerial work and was not denied the full harvest nor the
aftermath of his labors. He passed away in Lincoln, Illinois, in 1884, after a
residence there covering twenty years.
Virgil C. Chase was the eighth of nine sons and was the eighth in order of
birth among his father's ten children. When his parents removed to Illinois .
he was but a small lad and there he w^as reared to manhood, spending his boy-
hood days upon the home farm and attending the district schools. He later added
to his knowledge by study in the Lincoln University at Lincoln, Illinois, which
he entered in 1875 '^"'^ from which he was graduated in 1880 with the degree
of Bachelor of Philosophy. For two years he engaged in teaching school, after
which he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, filling a clerkship for three
years. At the end of that period he removed to Kearney and on the ist of Sep-
tember, 1885, opened a store for the sale of men's clothing and furnishings. He
has since continued the business with more than an average degree of success,
his prosperity being attributable to his close attention to business and his square
dealing with the public at all times. He has ever recognized the fact that satis-
fied customers are the best advertisement and he also attributes not a little of his
success to the wise counsel and assistance of his wife.
On the 27th of December, 1882, Mr. Chase was united in marriage to Miss
Lillian Zimmerman, of Ashmore, Illinois. To them have been born four chil-
dren, namely: Ruby, James Roy, Norma L. and \^irgil R. In his political views
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 155
Mr. Chase is a republican but has never in any sense been an aspirant for pubUc
office. His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, however, have
three times elected him a member of the city council and as a member of the
board of aldermen he has exercised his official prerogatives in support of many
progressive measures for the benefit of the community. He also served for two
terms as a member of the school board. While on the council he advocated all
important measures for the municipal welfare and labored effectively and
earnestly to decrease the bonded indebtedness of Kearney. He belongs to the
Commercial Club and cooperates also with its movements and projected plans
for municipal and material welfare in Kearney. Fraternally he is identified with
the iModern Woodmen and the Ancient Order of United Workmen and both
he and his wife are consistent and faithful members of the Presbyterian church,
in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested. In a word, their
influence is always on the side of progress and improvement and their labors
have been far-reaching and resultant.
JACOB SCHNOOR.
Jacob Schnoor, of Amherst, has been manager of the Gilcrist Lumber Com-
pany since its organization and is also the owner of farm property, on which he
is engaged in live stock dealing. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany,
January 12, 1867, a son of Claus and Cecelia Schnoor, who spent their entire
lives in the fatherland.
Jacob Schnoor was thrown upon his own resources when quite young and
was a youth of only sixteen years when he sailed from Germany for the new
world, making the voyage alone, since which time he has been dependent entirely
upon his own resources. He located first in Crawford county, Iowa, and in 1890
he arrived in Buffalo county, where he found employment with the Gilcrist Lum-
ber Company, which had just established business in Amherst following the
founding of the town. Mr. Schnoor has remained manager of the business
throughout this entire period, has carefully directed its interests and has developed
a trade of substantial and gratifying proportions. He is an enterprising and
progressive business man, ready to meet any emergency, and his substantial quali-
ties have made him well liked. In addition to his connection with the lumber
trade he is the owner of two hundred and four acres of land in Grant township
and he and his sons have engaged in stock farming. Mr. Schnoor has bought
and shipped stock for several years and has made that branch of his business
an important source of income.
It was in 1891 that Mr. Schnoor was united in marriage to Miss Betty Ken-
ney, who was born in Austria but was reared in this county. They have become
the parents of eight children: Arthur, who is, married and has homesteaded
in Wyoming; and Mayme, Walter, Frank, Theodore, John, Reba and Meta, all
at home. In his political views Mr. Schnoor is a republican, well versed on the
questions and issues of the day, but is not an office seeker. Fraternally he is
connected with the Modern Woodmen of America but his interest and activities
center chiefly upon his business, and his concentration, close application and
156 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
indefatigable energy have brought to him the substantial measure of success
which is today his and which ranks him with the representative residents of
Amherst and the county.
S. A. A. WALKER.
S. A. A. Walker, who is the owner of a well patronized hardware store in
Gibbon, is a Canadian by birth and his natal day was the 23d of March, 187^.
He is one of a family of ten children, all of whom are living and whose parents
are Robert and Margaret (Baird) Walker, natives respectively of Ireland and
Canada. In 1842 the father went to the Dominion with his parents and was
there reared and educated. He was married in Canada and continued to reside
there until 1884, when with his family he removed to Custer county, Nebraska,
whence ten years later he came to Buffalo county. While hving in Custer county
he engaged in farming but after removing to this county conducted a hotel in
Gibbon for four years and then retired.
S. A. A. Walker was reared under the parental roof and received a good
education, graduating from the high school at Gibbon. He entered the business
world as a clerk in the hardware store of L. J. Babcock and in 1901 purchased
the business from his employer. He has since conducted the store and his
comprehensive knowledge of the hardware business, combined with his natural
ability, has enabled him to manage his affairs successfully. He is accorded a
large and representative patronage and is ranked among the leading business
men of Gibbon. He also owns eleven lots and business and residence property
in Gibbon and derives a substantial addition to his income from his rents.
Mr. Walker was married in 1894 to Miss Nettie E. Bayley, a daughter of
J. M. and Adaline (Adams) Bayley, who were born in Pennsylvania but in 1871
removed to this county, where they are still living. Mrs. Walker is one of a
family of five children, of whom four survive. She has become the mother of
a son, Leroy Allen, who was born on the 24th of October, 1909.
Mr. Walker casts his ballot in support of the democratic party and for four
years was a member of the village board. He is identified with Granite Lodge,
No. 189, A. F. & A. M., in which he has filled all of the chairs, and with Gibbon
Lodge, No. 35, A. O. U. W., and in religious faith both he and his wife are
Presbyterians. He is widely known and highly esteemed not only because of
his energy and sound judgment but also because of his sterling integrity.
WILLIAM SCHRAMM.
William Schramm is the oldest merchant now living in Kearney. He has
made his home here for more than four decades and for more than three decades
has been actively engaged in the drug trade. His life history if written in detail
would give a most interesting account of the development of the west, for he
has lived in this section of the country from the time when the Indians were far
more numerous than the white settlers and when the government protected the
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 157
citizens and the travelers upon the western plains by the maintenance of a num-
ber of forts, the soldiers attempting to hold in check the depredations of the red
men upon life and property.
Mr. Schramm was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, January 31, 1843, ^^is
parents being John G. and Amelia E. (Lowell) Schramm, both of whom were
of German nativity. The father was reared in his native country and there
studied to become a chemist. He married in Germany and his children, five in
number, were all born in that country save the youngest. About the year 1840
he came to the United States with his family, crossing the ocean on one of the
slow-going vessels of that period. For a time he resided in Ohio and then
removed to Burlington, Iowa, where he died about 1851.
William Schramm was reared to manhood in Iowa and pursued his educa-
tion in the public schools of Burlington. When still quite young he became a
clerk in a drug store, but being in frail health the confinement of the store
proved detrimental to him and he therefore followed the advice of his physician
to go west and seek a more congenial climate that would enable him to remain
in the open. This was about the year 1863 and for a time he was employed as
a driver in freighting government goods between the frontier posts west of the
Missouri river. For two winters he traded with the old Jack Morrow outfit
among the Indians and learned to talk and understand their language fairly well.
This trading could be carried on only during the winter seasons, for in the sum-
mer months when the weather was favorable the Indians followed their nomadic
life, roaming around seeking game wherever it could be found and frequently
going upon the warpath. While thus engaged Mr. Schramm occasionally passed
through old Fort Kearney before the present city of Kearney was dreamed of.
Their trading or freighting route was mostly south of the Platte river.
In 1869 he went to Omaha and in April, 1872, he removed to what is now
Kearney, at that time a tiny hamlet containing but three buildings — a residence
built by Captain Anderson, who was afterward sheriff of the county; Dart's
grocery store and a building of four rooms so constructed that each room was
in the corner of a claim, so that the owners thereof could live upon and prove
up their claims and thus comply with the law which compelled residence upon
the property. Two of these owners were James A. and George E. Smith. Mr.
Schramm preempted a quarter section of land on Wood river and resided thereon
for a year and a half. In the fall of 1873 he came to Kearney and began packing
ice from Wood river. He also weighed coal and grain for the firm of More &
Seaman and for a short time he also conducted a furniture store and utilized his
three teams in draying. He was thus variously engaged until 1884, when he
opened a drug store and since that time has carried on the business, covering a
period of thirty-two years.
Mr. Schrai7im was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife on the 28th
of February, 191 1. There were six children born of that marriage: Oscar
Hugo, who died in 1891 ; William, who died in the early '70s, when about eighteen
months old ; Luella, who died at the age of ten years ; Jennie, who died when
three years of age; Herman H., who also died in early childhood; and Grace L..
now Mrs. J. A. Brink, of Denver, Colorado. On the 28th of September, 1913,
Mr. Schramm was united in marriage to Miss Essie B. Traver.
Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, and his religious
158 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
faith is indicated in his membership in the Presbyterian church. PoHtically he
is affiliated with no party, voting according to the dictates of his judgment. For
four years he served as city treasurer and at all times he has cooperated in plans
and movements for the upbuilding and benefit of the city in which he resides.
Here he has made his home for forty-two years and has witnessed every change
that has occurred in the development of Kearney from its infancy to the present
time. Men have come and gone until he is now the oldest living settler of the
place. He has prospered to a reasonable extent and at one time was the owner
of two drug stores, one of which, however, he sold to a clerk, S. A. D. Henline,
who likewise is now considered one of the early merchants of the town. There
is no phase of frontier life in Nebraska with which Mr. Schramm is not familiar,
and he relates many interesting incidents of the early days and of the events
which have shaped later progress and improvement.
DALLAS HENDERSON.
Dallas Henderson, actively engaged in farming in Center township and win-
ning success through well directed energy, was born March 27, 1876, in the town-
ship which is still his home, his parents being Abram and Lienor (Rught)
Henderson, who were natives of Illinois and Pennsylvania respectively. Follow-
ing the Civil war, Mr. Henderson removed to Misssouri and in 1872 came to
Buffalo county, which was then a frontier district, giving little indication of
future growth and improvement. He homesteaded a farm in Center township
and bore his part in the early development of the district, but in 1879 was
called to his final rest. His widow survives and is still living on the old home-
stead property which has now been her home for forty-four years.
Dallas Henderson is one of a family of eleven children, seven of whom are
still living. His youthful experiences were those which usually fall to the farm
lad, his time being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures
of the playground and the work of the fields. He continued at home until
eighteen years of age and then began teaching school. He afterward attended
the Lincoln Normal School for a year, but before that he spent four years as a
student in the Kearney Military School. With the outbreak of the Spanish-
American war in 1898 his patriotic spirit was aroused and he enlisted for
service in the Philippines as a member of Company I, First Nebraska Regiment.
He served for a year and was engaged in almost continuous fighting during that
period. He was wounded in the right leg and for six weeks remained in the
hospital. While at the front he was promoted to the rank of corporal, and at
the end of the year he received an honorable discharge. Mr. Henderson then
remained in the Philippines, where he engaged in teaching school for four years,
conducting the first night school taught on the Islands. In 1903 he returned to
his home in Nebraska and purchased a farm in Thornton township, on which
he lived for two years. He then sold that property and bought the farm of one
hundred and sixty acres whereon he now resides, the place being pleasantly
located on section 9, Center township. He has since concentrated his energies
upon the improvement of the place, has erected good buildings, has divided his
MK. AND MK,S. DALLAS HKXDERSDN
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 161
farm into fields of convenient size by well kept fences and is today the owner
of an excellent and desirable property. He makes a specialty of breeding and
raising Duroc- Jersey hogs and Plymouth Rock chickens and is quite successful in
that work, keeping some of the best stock to be found in the county.
In 1904 Mr. Henderson was united in marriage to Miss Mamie Williams,
who was born in Buffalo county, Nebraska, a daughter of Owen and Margaret
J. (Owens) Williams, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Hen-
derson have become the parents of three children, Laura Marie, Margaret E.
and Eugene C.
The parents attend the Presbyterian church and Mr. Henderson gives his
political allegiance to the progressive party. He is now serving as clerk of his
township and was school treasurer, and he is interested in all of the plans
and projects for the improvement of the community and the advancement of its
material, intellectual and moral progress. Fraternally he is connected with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America,
and he has also been initiated into the Masonic fraternity. He exemplifies in
his life the beneficent spirit of these organizations and is well known as a
man whose many sterling traits of character entitle him to warm regard.
RAY R. COOK.
Ray R. Cook, who is operating the old home farm of five hundred and twenty
acres on sections 34 and 35, Gibbon township, is recognized as a successful and
progressive agriculturist and as a factor in the development of the county along
material lines. He was born in Wisconsin on the 7th of April, 1868, a son of
Henry and Mary W. (Warner) Cook.
The father's birth occurred on the 4th of March, 1824, in Rutland, Vermont,
and his parents were Samuel and Chloe (Warner) Cook, both natives of the
state of New York. When their son Henry was twelve years of age they
removed to Buffalo, New York, and not long after taking up their residence in
that city both died of cholera. Henry Cook was then taken by his mother's
people, who cared for him until he reached manhood. He was one of the
California forty-niners and after his return from the coast he located in Chicago,
where, in 1853, he was married to Miss Mary W. Warner, a native of Erie
county. New York, and a daughter of Hyman Warner, a native of Vermont.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cook located on a farm near Marengo,
Illinois, but after living there for two or three years removed to Clinton, Wis-
consin, where the father was prominently identified with mercantile interests
for about eighteen years. In 1875 they came to Gibbon, Buffalo county,
Nebraska, and for several years followed mercantile pursuits here, but later
turned his attention to operating his farm in Gibbon township, where he resided
for some time. Subsequently he returned to Gibbon and engaged in the grain
business there until his demise, which occurred on the 20th of February, 1892.
He was widely known throughout the county and his death was deeply regretted
by his many friends. His widow owns three hundred and twenty acres of good
land in Gibbon township but resides in the town of Gibbon. She was reared in
162 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
the Congregational faith and throughout her Hfe has manifested great considera-
tion for others. By her marriage she became the mother of nine children, of
whom five are still living, namely: Hattie, at home; Frank H., who is a mer-
chant living at Buda, Nebraska; Ray R. ; Atto B., who is superintendent of
schools at Hugo, Colorado; and May E., at home.
Ray R. Cook accompanied his parents to this county in 1875 when about seven
years of age and here grew to manhood. During his boyhood and youth he
divided his time between attending the common and high schools and assisting
his father. Since attaining his majority he has operated the home farm, which
comprises five hundred and twenty acres of productive land on sections 34 and
35 Gibbon township. He specializes in breeding and feeding stock and as he
fully appreciates the importance of proper housing and scientific feeding his
stock are kept in fine condition and seldom fail to bring a good price on the
market.
Mr. Cook supports the republican party at the polls and for years has been
a member of the school board, proving very efficient in that capacity. He belongs
to Excalibar Lodge, No. 138, K. P., and Gibbon Lodge. No. 37, L O. O. F., in
which he has filled all of the chairs, and the teachings of those organizations con-
cerning human brotherhood find expression in his daily life. His energy and
ability have gained him gratifying success in his chosen occupation, and his
integrity has won him the sincere respect of all who have come in contact with
him.
GUSTAVE F. PRASCHER.
Gustave F. Prascher passed away May 31, 1904, and in his death Buft'alo
county lost a worthy and representative citizen. He was born in Prussia, Ger-
many, December 16, 1846, and his father, Frederick Prascher, was also a native
of that country. He pursued his education in the public schools and afterward
as a sailor went to sea, spending some time on sailing vessels of the early days.
He came to America in 1867, when twenty-one years of age, landing at New
York, whence he removed to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Avhere he worked in the lum-
ber camps, shipping lumber and doing other such work. He at length joined the
regular army, enlisting at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in the Ninth United States
Infantry, with which he served for five years, being engaged in active duty on the
frontier. He participated in some of the severe Indian campaigns in the Black
Hills of Dakota and was many times called upon to protect the Indian agents from
attack. He was promoted to the rank of corporal and was honorably discharged
in 1873 at Fort Laramie, Wyoming. He was afterward appointed government
teamster at Fort Laramie, which position he held for three years.
Having become imbued with the spirit of the west and recognizing the
excellent opportunities offered in the country's wide western domain, INTr.
Prascher determined to remain and purchased a relinquishment to one hundred
and sixty acres on section 4, Riverdale township. Buffalo county. Nebraska, which
tract had originally been the Miller claim. A few improvements had been made
upon it when it came into his possession and he continued the work of further
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 163
improvement and development, fenced the fields and brought his land to a high
state of cultivation. This property is still in the possession of the family and is
now being farmed by his eldest son, George Arthur. It was upon this place that
Mr. Prascher passed away, having given many years of his life to active agri-
cultural pursuits.
It was on the 27th of October, 1874, at Cheyenne, Wyoming, that Mr.
Prascher wedded Miss Amanda Johanna Swenson, a daughter of Swen Guneson.
She was born at Pasturp, Sweden, April 12, 1844, and came with some neighbors
to America in 1867, landing at New York, whence they made their way to Swede
Bend, Boonesboro, Iowa, remaining there for a year. She afterward became a
resident of Denison, Iowa, remaining with the families of Rev. Denison and
Judge Bassett for about two years. She then went to Omaha and afterward to
Evanston, Wyoming, but remained in the latter place for only a brief period. She
then made her way to Sidney, Nebraska, where she lived with the family of an
army ofificer and it was in this way that she formed the acquaintance of Mr.
Prascher, who was at that time a soldier. Mr. and Mrs. Prascher became the
parents of seven children, of whom Hilda, Harry, Emil Sanfred and Edward
Frederick, all died in infancy. George Arthur, now living on the old homestead,
wedded Miss Pearl Ball, and they have a son, Leonard Arthur. Lillie Alfreda is
the wife of Emil J. Neilson, a merchant of Riverdale, and they have a daughter,
Mildred. Ralph Leroy is connected with the grain elevator at Riverdale.
Mr. and Mrs. Prascher joined the Christian church in 1894 and the latter still
has connection therewith. Mr. Prascher also held membership in the Loyal Mystic
League at Kearney and for a number of years was a member of the school board
of Riverdale township. He filled the office of justice of the peace of Riverdale
for several terms and his record as a man and citizen is most commendable. Those
who knew him esteemed him for his sterling worth, for in every relation of life he
was upright and honorable. He ever led a busy and useful life. After his dis-
charge from the army he was a teamster in#the early days, driving a government
mule train between Fort D. A. Russell and Camp Carling, and also from Camp
Carling to Fort Laramie, Wyoming, in this way keeping soldiers at the outposts
supplied with provisions, clothing and other necessities. While thus engaged he
had to brave the elements of the weather, at times encountering severe storms and
he also had to guard his train from the attack of hostile Indians, for bands of
vSioux were roaming the plains, attacking the white settlers. Mr. and Mrs.
Prascher were living at Fort Laramie when the Custer massacre occurred in 1876
and he equipped the pack train of mules which carried the supplies of General
Crook's relief expedition, which went to the relief of General Custer. Colonel
W. F. Cody, better known as Buft'alo Bill, acted as guide for General Crook's
army from Fort Laramie to the Custer battlefield.
The honeymoon of Mr. and Mrs. Prascher was spent on a government mule
train. They left Camp Carling the day after their marriage, going to Fort
Laramie, whence they started for the Spotted Tail Indian agency, but hostile
Indians roaming the plains prevented the train from reaching its destination.
They were also delayed by a terrific storm when within a mile and a half of Fort
Laramie. The food supply became exhausted and all the men of the party went to
Fort Laramie for provisions and other necessities, leaving Mrs. Prascher behind
in a tent on the prairie all alone. During their absence the wind increased until it
164 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
reached the force of a tornado, tearing the tent to ribbons. She then wrapped
herself in buffalo robes, took her husband's pistol for protection against the
Indians and hid in the tall sage bushes until the return of the men from the fort.
They then continued their journey to the Red Cloud agency, where they arrived
on the same day the Indians went on the warpath. Red Cloud was the central
office of the agency where the main United States guard was located. The upris-
ing of the Sioux lasted three weeks. The six hundred soldiers stationed at the
agency could not handle the uprising and General Sherman came to their relief
and restored order and again raised the United States flag on the flag pole, the
Indians having torn it down as soon as the soldiers would put it up. The wedding
trip of Mr. and Mrs. Prascher was thus delayed three weeks during the uprising,
after which they continued to Spotted Tail agency. They were familiar with
every phase of frontier life in that Indian infested country, knew the habits, cus-
toms and treachery of the red men and experienced all the hardships, trials and
privations incident to pioneer existence. But they lived to witness remarkable
changes and to enjoy the benefits of a later civilization. Mr. Prascher was one
of those who aided in planting the seeds of improvement and progress in the west
and his name deserves prominent mention among the valued citizens of Buffalo
county, and no less than the men, the women of the pioneer epoch deserve the
praise and gratitude of those who have come after them and have shared the
benefits of their early toil.
WILLIAM O. KING.
William O. King is one of Kearney's substantial citizens, a quiet and careful
man of business, who has given close attention to his commercial interests during
the past seventeen years of his connection with mercantile circles. Thoroughness,
diligence and enterprise have characterized his course at all times and won for
him the respect, confidence and goodwill of those with whom he has been brought
in contact. He was born in Morgan county, Ohio, December 22, 1863, and is a
son of William and Ruth (Ball) King, who were also natives of Ohio. The
father was a farmer and followed that occupation throughout his entire active life.
In 1882 he removed with his family to Washington county, Kansas, where he
passed away in 1902, his widow surviving him unttil 191 1. They were the parents
of eleven children but only three are now living.
William O. King was reared to early manhood in his native state and assisted
in the work of the home farm. He also attended the district schools and when
nineteen years of age went to Kansas with his parents and there carried on gen-
eral agricultural ])ursuits until he reached the age of twenty-eight. Putting
aside the work of the fields, he turned his attention to merchandising and for six
years operated a "racket" store at Harrington, Kansas. In 1898 he came to
Kearney and embarked in the retail dry goods business, his stock also including
men's furnishings, boots and shoes. He began here in a small way but with the
passing of the years his business has gradually increased until he now has one of
the leading mercantile establishments of the city, carrying a large and carefully
selected line of goods. He has ever endeavored to please his customers and his
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 165
thoroughly reHable business methods have been one of the strong elements of his
growing prosperity. In other ways, too, he has been identified with the material
development and progress of Kearney and now in addition to his commercial
interests is vice president of the Farmers Bank.
In 1890 Mr. King was united in marriage to Miss Libbie A. Osterhout, of
Morrowville, Kansas, and they have three daughters, Maud, Ruth and Margaret.
Mrs. King is a member of the Congregational church and Mr. King belongs to
the Kearney Commercial Club, to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
He is in no sense a politician and his ballot is cast with regard to the capability of
the candidate or the value of a political measure rather than according to party
dictation. He has never sought nor desired public office, preferring to concentrate
his energies upon his business affairs, which have been carefully and wisely
directed and which have brought to him substantial and well merited success. All
who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, speak of him in terms of high
regard. He is entirely free from ostentation and display but is rich in those
qualities which in every land and clime awaken goodwill, confidence and high
esteem.
JOSEPH OWEN, Sr.
Joseph Owen, Sr., has been very successful as a farmer and has also found
time to take an active interest in public affairs. He lives on section 2, Shelton
township, and is widely known not only in that township but throughout the
county. A native of Manchester, England, he was born on the i6th of February,
1849, of the marriage of David and Elizabeth (Lloyd) Owen, both of whom were
born in Wales. In 1863 they came to the United States and made their way to
Buffalo county, Nebraska. The father died the following year and the mother
afterward made her home with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs.
Edward Oliver, who came to this county in i860.
Jo-seph Owen, Sr., was about fourteen years of age when he accompanied his
parents to this county and here he grew to manhood. He attended school in
England but after his removal to Nebraska his time was taken up with agri-
cultural pursuits. Following his father's death he made his home with his
brother-in-law, Edward Oliver, and w^orked for neighboring farmers. About
1869 he purchased the old Stage Station farm which adjoins his present home
place and there began his independent career as an agriculturist. Subsequently
he purchased a relinquishment on his present farm from his brother-in-law and
entered the place under the homestead law. In due time he proved up on the
claim and as the years have passed he has made many improvements upon it. The
land is in a high state of cultivation and as he is an excellent farmer he secures a
good income from his agricultural operations. He owns two hundred and forty
acres located near Shelton and is also financially interested in the Shelton State
Bank and in the Farmers Elevator at Shelton.
In 1 871 Mr. Owen was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ann Oliver, who
came to Nebraska in i860 with the Mormon colony. They have become the
166 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
parents of seven children, five of whom are Hving, namely: Elizabeth ]., now
j\Irs. W. D. Kirkland, of Omaha; xA.lice, the wife of Thomas G. Tritt, of Shelton;
Joseph, who is city marshal ; Ida B., who is the widow of Will Hall and resides
with her parents; and Anna, at home.
The republican party has a stalwart adherent in Mr. Owen, who has done
much work in its behalf. He has been called to public office a number of times
and has made an excellent record as a public servant. For two terms he was a
member of the county board of supervisors, of which he was chairman for three
years; for three terms was justice of the peace and refused to serve for the fourth
term; and he has also been road supervisor and assessor and held the office of
deputy sheriff under JohnX)liver. He fully recognizes the importance of a good
school system and for forty-fetx^^ears has J^rTtreasurer of school district No. i,
during which time he has done irifach to promote educational advancement in that
district. He is one of the most prominent members of Shelton Lodge, No. 141,
I. O. O. F., of which he has been permanent and recording secretary since 1886,
and of which he was the first noble grand. For fifteen years he has been financier
and master of the exchequer of Shelton Lodge, No. 92, K. P., and he is also con-
nected with Anchor Lodge, No. 14, A. O. U. W., and Kearney Lodge, No. 984,
B. P. O. E. The foregoing record of his life indicates that he has been active in
many lines, and his sterling worth is indicated in the fact that, although his circle
of acquaintanceship is very large, it is almost coextensive with the circle of his
friends.
LIENRY SLAUGHTER BELL, M. D.
Dr. Henry Slaughter Bell, actively engaged in the practice of medicine and
surgery at Kearney since the age of twenty-two years, was born near Branden-
burg, Kentucky, November 19, 1848. His father, George Gray Bell, was one of
a family of six children, five sons and one daughter, born of the marriage of
Henry and Polly (Slaughter) Bell, both natives of Culpeper county, Virginia,
the former born in 1782 and the latter in 1787. In early life, prior to their
marriage, they had crossed the Alleghany mountains and settled in Kentucky.
The grandfather of our subject died in 1851 and the grandmother in 1846. The
Doctor's father, who was a farmer and slaveowner, passed away in 1855, leaving
a young wife and three children, of whom Henry S. was the eldest. The others
were Fannie, then four years old, and Mary, only one year of age. The mother
was the youngest child of Daniel M. Jones, a prominent citizen and politician of
Meade county, Kentucky, who was elected to the state legislature for several
terms in succession. His wife was a member of the Lewis family. Both families
were from Virginia and, to use the negro expression, were regarded as "quality"
in Kentucky, this meaning that they were well bred and well-to-do families.
When left a widow Mrs. Bell had but little experience in affairs of the world,
but through the kindness of her brothers and brothers-in-law she was relieved of
much responsibility in the sale of several negroes and personal property — horses,
cattle, hogs, etc. At that time a young, healthy, adult negro sold at about one
thousand dollars. Mrs. Bell removed with her children to Louisville, Kentucky,
DR. HENRY S. BELL
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 169
her father having previously gone to that city in order to marry a widow who
was encumbered with several bad boys, children of her children. The Doctor's
mother soon realized that the environment was not such as would improve the
morals of her son and she turned him over to his uncle, John M. Bell, who had
reared his own family of one son and two daughters but was anxious to try
different plans with him. So Dr. Bell is the product of that rare opportunity of
'T'd do differently if it were to do over again." The Doctor stood the experi-
ence for six years, but when the Civil war broke out, on the pretext of visiting
his mother, who in the meantime had married again and located in Rockport,
Indiana, the boy was permitted to leave his uncle's and depart for his mother's
home. He made the trip on what was then known as one of the palatial Ohio
river packets and it was a great event to him. This was in 1863, when fifteen
vears of age. Instead of stopping at Rockport, Indiana, however, he remained
on the boat until it reached the end of its trip. On leaving the steamer the
Doctor enlisted on the i6th of December, 1863, in Company F, First Indiana
Cavalry. He was on duty at Fredericktown and at Belmont, Missouri, and then
went to Rich Mountain, Arkansas. He was with General Steele at Pine Bluff
and Helena and participated in the expedition up the Red river under General
Banks. His active service at length brought him to the time when he received
his honorable discharge at Duval's Bluff, Arkansas, on the 5th of July, 1865,
after the close of the war.
Dr. Bell then returned to his home in Indiana and entered Rockport College,
where he completed his more specifically literary education. Having determined
upon a professional career, he next entered Bellevue Medical College of New
York, from which he was graduated on the 30th of March, 1878, in which year he
began practice, locating at Decker Station, Indiana, where he remained for five
years. He afterward spent fifteen years in active practice at Paris, Illinois, and
in 1890 came to Kearney, where he has since remained, his ability bringing him
prominently to the front in the practice of medicine and surgery in this city.
Dr. Bell was married in 1873 to Miss Anna M. Barker, of Evansville, Indiana,
who died on the 20th of September, 1887, leaving two sons, Samuel Barker and
Robert N. The former is now engaged in farming near Evansville, Indiana, and
the latter is conducting a drug store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On the 6th
of December, 1888, Dr. Bell was again married, his second union being with Miss
Anna M. Smith, of Paris, Illinois, and to them have been born three children:
Henry S., who follows farming near Aurora, Illinois; Margery Shaw, now a
teacher in the public schools of Montpelier, Idaho; and Martha Elizabeth, sixteen
years of age, attending high school.
In politics Dr. Bell is a republican and was appointed physician to the State
Industrial School at Kearney by Governor Dietrich in 1898 and afterward by
Governor Mickey, serving for six years. He is a Knight Templar Mason and a
member of the Royal Highlanders as well as of Sedgewick Post, No. i, G. A. R.,
of Nebraska. He belongs to the American Medical Association, the Nebraska
State Medical Society and the Buffalo County Medical Society and of the last
named has been the president. He is much interested in all that pertains to
progress in his profession and also in everything that tends to promote the public
welfare, for he manifests the same spirit of loyalty in citizenship that he displayed
when as a youth he represented himself to be eighteen years of age in order that
170 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
he might serve his country upon the battlefields of the south. With him it has
always been "America first," and his example of loyalty as well as of profes-
sional activity and honor might well be followed.
CAPTAIN JOSEPHUS C. HEFFNER.
Captain Josephus C. Heffner, who is living retired in Kearney, is one of the
honored veterans of the Civil war. The same spirit of loyalty which prompted
his enlistment when the stability of the Union was threatened has ever been man-
ifest in his career, making him a most public-spirited citizen. He was born in
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, on the 2d of March, 1847, ^ son of Benjamin and
Elizabeth (Leightenteler) Heffner, who were also natives of the Keystone state,
where they spent their entire lives, the father there following the occupation of
farming.
Captain Hefl:'ner's boyhood was spent on the old homestead and his education
was acquired in the public schools, which he attended until the ist of April, 1865.
He then enlisted for service in the Civil war, joining the army when a youth of
but eighteen as a member of Company K, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry. He had enlisted in 1863, when but sixteen years of age, joining Com-
pany C of the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, but his father, feel-
ing that he was too young for active military duty, went to Washington and
through a personal talk with Abraham Lincoln secured his release. Two years
passed and he then again joined the army and while at the front he participated in
the battle of Chattanooga, receiving an honorable discharge at Harrisburg, Penn-
sylvania, December 16, 1865. In the war record his name was misspelled
Heiffner.
After receiving his discharge he returned home and two years later went to Oil
City, Pennsylvania, working in the oil fields. He had learned the blacksmith's
trade and he engaged in dressing tools in the oil fields, where he was also
employed as an engineer, remaining there until 1883, when he removed to Shelton,
Nebraska, where he operated a blacksmith shop for seven years. In 1889 he came
to Kearney, where he was appointed chief engineer of the State Reform School,
which position he held for twenty years. He was also chief engineer at the
Soldiers' Home at Grand Island. Nebraska, for a time but later retired and is
now enjoying a well earned rest. He is the owner of one hundred and sixty
acres of land seven miles north of Gibbon, which he rents and which brings to
him a good income.
On the 15th of June, 1876, Mr. Heffner was united in marriage to Miss Ida
Clara Maxwell, who was born in Clarion, Pennsylvania, November 25, 1855, a
daughter of Robert T. and Cynthiana (Pierce) Maxwell, who spent their entire
lives in the Keystone state. There Mrs. Heffner was reared and educated, pur-
suing a course of study in the State Normal School at Edinboro, Pennsylvania.
By her marriage she has become the mother of three sons, as follows : Ernest
M., who is a dental practitioner of Omaha; Clarence E., who practices dentistry
in Falls City, Nebraska, and who participated in the Spanish-American war as a
member of Troop E of Colonel Torey's Rough Riders; and Guy L.. who is
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 171
general auditor in the Chicago office of the Cudahy Packing Company. Reahzing
the value of education, Captain Heffner has sent two of his sons to the State
University. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church and they are both
held in high regard throughout the community. Fraternally he is connected with
the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Degree of Honor. He also be-
longed to the Grand Army posts at Shelton and at Bradford but at present is
not associated with any post. His wife, however, is a member of Sedgwick
Corps, No. I, W. R. C. He won his title in connection with the state military
service, having been first lieutenant and later captain in the State National Guard.
He has done splendid work in public service, has been equally efficient and loyal
in support of his country's best interests and as the years have gone on the
sterling worth of his character has endeared him to all with whom he has been
brouffht in contact.
JOHN A. WILT.
A farm of one hundred and sixty acres situated on section lo, Center town-
ship, pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it by its owner, John A.
Wilt, who is numbered among the pioneer settlers of Bufifalo county, having
made his home within its borders since 1871, or for a period of more than
forty-five years. He has reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey, his
birth having occurred in Maryland, February 18, 1836, his parents being George
and Margaret (Hackensmith) Wilt, the former a native of Adams county,
Pennsylvania, and the latter of Maryland. They were married in Maryland and
there spent their remaining days, rearing their family of six children in that state.
John A. Wilt is now the only survivor of the family. He was reared and
educated in Maryland and remained at home until he reached the age of nineteen
years, when he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until after the
outbreak of the Civil war. His patriotic spirit was aroused by the continued
attempt of the south to overthrow the Union and he enlisted as a private for
three years' service with Company G, Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry. He
participated in several hard fought battles and, though often in the thickest of
the fight, was never wounded nor injured. He was mustered out at York,
Pennsylvania, and returned home with a most creditable military record. While
he was never wounded, he was on one occasion captured and for three months
was incarcerated in Libby prison, so that he went through all the experiences
and hardships of southern army prison life.
When the war was over Mr. Wilt resumed work at his trade. He had been
married in Pennsylvania in 1859 ^o ^i^s Carrie H. Doll, a native of the Key-
stone state and a daughter of Jacob Doll. They continued to reside in the east
until 1866, when they removed to Dayton, Ohio, where they remained for five
years. In 1871 they arrived in Buffalo county, Nebraska and took up their abode
upon a farm near Kearney, Mr. Wilt securing a soldier's claim, on which he
remained until 1889. He then disposed of that property and purchased the farm
upon which he now resides, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of land on
section 10, Center township. This property he has since improved with fine
172 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
buildings and he has also been identified with building operations in Kearney^
doing much to promote the welfare of the city along that line. His has been an
active, busy and useful life fraught with good results, and his prosperity is well
deserved.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wilt have been born two children : Maggie, now the wife
of A. A. Nash ; and Cora, the wife of W. C. Nash, now of Portland, Oregon. In
his political views Mr. Wilt is a republican but has never been an office seeker.
He maintains pleasant relations with his old military comrades through his mem-
bership in the Grand Army of the Republic. He and his wife deserve great credit
for what they have accomplished, for their success is attributable entirely to
their own labor. Every phase of Buffalo county's development is familiar to
them, for they arrived here in pioneer times and have witnessed the changes which
have occurred, bringing the county to its present improved condition.
HENRY HERBST.
Henry Herbst is a retired farmer living in Amherst but for a long period
was actively and prominently identified with general agricultural pursuits, whereby
he won the competence that now supplies him with all of the comforts and some
of the luxuries of life. He has a wide acquaintance in Amherst and is acknowl-
edged among its most venerable citizens, for he has passed the eighty-fifth mile-
stone on life's journey, his birth having occurred in Mecklenburg, Germany, on
the 3d of November, 1830. There he spent the period of his minority and in
1857 bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the new world, spending
seven weeks upon the ocean ere the voyage was completed. He landed in New
York city but soon afterward made his way to Buffalo, New York, and in that
locality worked as a farm hand for a month in order to get money with which to
come to the west. He then made his way to Chicago and in that locality was
employed at farm labor at a wage of ten dollars per month.
In 1861 Mr. Herbst enlisted for service in the Civil war, putting aside all
business and personal considerations in order to aid his adopted country during
ihe darkest hour in her history. He joined Company C, Twenty-fourth Illinois
Volunteer Infantry, and served for four years and eight months. In the battle
of Chickamauga he was struck by a cannon ball in the shoulder and was left
on the field by his regiment, after which he was captured by the Confederate
forces and spent eighteen months in the prisons at Andersonville, Charleston and
Florence, Alabama, having a most horrible/ experience from lack of food and
all those comforts and sanitary conditions which are so necessary to health.
There were forty thousand prisoners and the death rate amounted to between
four and five hundred each day. When he was searched by the Confederates
before being thrown into prison he had a ten dollar bill, which was concealed
between the layers of the sole of his shoe, and this proved quite a help to him in
getting him things that he needed. When the war was over he received an
honorable discharge at Springfield, Illinois, and returned to his home with a
most creditable military record.
Mr. Herbst then took up his abode in Will county, Illinois, and was there
^jmiT^j'^i^ji -"
HENRY HERBST
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 175
married in 1866 to Miss Mary Turner, who was born in Germany but during
her infancy was taken to Will county. Some time after their marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Herbst removed to Benton county, Iowa, and in 1884 arrived in Buffalo
county, Nebraska, where he entered a homestead and also a tree claim in Scott
township. Upon his land he built a frame house and with characteristic energy
began" to till the soil and develop the farm, continuing to engage in general agri-
cultural pursuits there until three years ago, when he was obliged to give it up
on account of his age, having then reached the eighty-third milestone on life's
journey. He is today the oldest resident in this part of the county, but he has
lived an active life, has been a hard worker and is yet in excellent physical trim,
his only ailment being stiff' shoulders, the result of being hit by a rebel cannon
ball.
Mr. and Mrs. Herbst became the parents of eleven children, of whom five are
yet living; Mrs. Minnie Feldwoch, a resident of Grant township; Mary, the wife
of S. Tool, who is living in Callaway, Nebraska; Martha, the wife of Ed Lewis,
whose home is in Callaway, Nebraska ; Hulda, the wife of William Shate, resid-
ing in Cherry county, Nebraska ; and Henry W., who occupies the old home farm.
Mr. Herbst has always voted with the republican party since becoming a
naturalized American citizen. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church,
to which he has ever been most loyal, exemplifying in his life its teachings and
endeavoring at all times to live according to the golden rule. His many sub-
stantial qualities have given him firm hold upon the affectionate regard of his
fellow citizens and he is today one of the most venerable and honored resi-
dents of this part of the state.
JOHN S. MINTON.
John S. Minton is engaged in the automobile business at Kearney and his
agency here has become a profitable undertaking. He handles a number of well
known cars and his ability is manifest in the success which is attending him in his
undertaking. Iowa claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred at
Osceola, Clarke county, November 9, 1869. He was one of five children, of whom
two are now living, born to John H. and Elizabeth (Bush) Minton. The father
was a native of West Virginia and was a cabinet maker by trade but in his later
life turned his attention to farming. When a young man he left home and went
west to Boone county, Indiana, where about 1846 he was united in marriage to
Elizabeth Bush. In 1864 he removed to Osceola, Clarke county, Iowa, and in
1884 removed to Frontier county, Nebraska, where he spent his remaining days,
his death there occurring in 1891, while his wife passed away in 1896. He was a
man of marked force of character, possessing many sterling traits which gave him
a firm hold upon the regard and goodwill of those with whom he was associated.
For seven years he was a schoolteacher in Indiana and in Clarke county, Iowa,
he was honored with election to the offices of register of deeds and county clerk,
serving in the latter position for a number of years. His duties were most faith-
fully and capably discharged and his labors wrought for the benefit and upbuild-
ing of the community in which he made his home. Politically his allegiance was
176 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
given to the republican party and he was a stanch and faithful member of the
Christian church.
John S. Minton lived in Iowa to the age of fourteen years, spending his youth-
ful days upon a farm in Clarke county and in Osceola. He received his edu-
cational training in the district schools and after coming to Nebraska with his
parents learned the blacksmith's trade. In the spring of 1897 he arrived in
Kearney, where he began working at his trade, which he followed for a number
of years. In 1909 he embarked in the concrete and machinery business in partner-
ship with D. Wort under the firm style of Wort & Minton and with him in 191 1
he established an automobile agency, representing the Ford, Maxwell, Reo and
Oakland cars. They have si«ce conducted this business with growing success
and annually sell a large number of these different cars, their business having
grown to large and gratifying proportions. Mr. Minton thoroughly knows the
good points of every machine and his ability along commercial lines makes him
successful as a salesman.
On the i6th of August, 1898, ]\Ir. Minton was married to Miss Anna Bryant
and to them have been born three children. Earl, Dale and John H. Mrs. Minton
is a member of the Christian church and Mr. Minton belongs to the Masonic
fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Royal Highlanders.
In politics he is a republican but he does not seek nor desire office as it is his wish
to give his undivided attention to his business affairs and his close application and
unremitting energy constitute strong and potent forces in his growing sucesss.
W. H. BUCK.
W. H. Buck, engaged in business at Gibbon as a lumber dealer, belongs to that
class of enterprising, progressive men who recognize the fact that obstacles and
difficulties may be overcome by persistent, earnest effort, and when one avenue
of opportunty seems closed they can always carve out other paths whereby they
may reach the desired goal. Mr. Buck is a native son of New England, his birth
having occurred at Northfield, Vermont, on the loth of August, 1858. He is a
son of Bradley and Polly (Hopkins) Buck, both of whom were natives of Ver-
mont and are representatives of old New England families. The father devoted
his life to the occupation of farming and both he and his wife continued their
residence in Vermont until called to their final home.
W. H. Buck was reared on the old homestead and acquired his education in
the public schools. His youthful training was that of the farm and he devoted his
attention to the work of the fields until 1888, when he left home and made his way
to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. He was employed in various ways there for five
years and in August, 1886, came to Gibbon. Prior to his arrival here he had pur-
chased the lumber business of Fred W. Gray, of Omaha, and upon his removal to
this town he took possession of the business, which he has since successfully
managed and conducted, covering a period of almost thirty years. He is accorded
a liberal patronage, for his business methods are reliable and his enterprise unfal-
tering. He is also associated with financial interests as one of the stockholders of
the Exchange Bank of Gibbon, and he is the owner of three hundred and forty
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 177
acres of improved farm land near the town, from which he derives a gratifying
annual income.
In 1889 Mr. Buck was united in marriage to Miss Flora Woodruff, of
Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and to them have been born three children : Ella
Bernice, the wife of George E. De Wolf, superintendent of schools at North
Bend, Nebraska; James Bradley, who is associated with his father in the lumber
business; and Florence Beryl, who is attending the Wesleyan University at Lin-
coln, Nebraska.
Mr. Buck belongs to Gibbon Lodge, No. 2)7> I- O. O. F., and to the Modern
Woodmen. His political support is given to the republican party and he has
served in various town offices, the duties of which he has discharged with prompt-
ness and fidelity. His entire course, public and private, commends him to the
confidence and goodwill of all, and throughout Gibbon and his part of the county
he is spoken of in terms of high regard.
FRANK MAJOR.
For thirty-three years Frank Major has been a resident of Buft'alo county and
during the last sixteen years of this period has made his home in Kearney. He
has witnessed the greater part of the growth and development of this section of
the county as pioneer conditions have been replaced by the advantages of a
modern civilization. He is now engaged in contracting and carpentering at
Kearney and has erected some of the fine homes of the city.
His birth occurred in Yorkshire, England, February 29, 1840, and in his
native country he was reared to manhood. His opportunities in youth were some-
what limited, for at the age of thirteen years he began serving an apprenticeship
at the carpenter's trade and afterward worked as a journeyman. At that period it
was necessary to thoroughly master all the details of the business, for carpenter
work had not then become specialized and each individual must know how to do
all kinds of building. In 1865, in England, he was united in marriage to Miss
Mary A. Davison, and in 1870, accompanied by his wife and three children, he
sailed for America, landing at Toronto, Canada, on which day the youngest
child died.
xA.fter a short stay in Canada the family removed to Low Moor, Clinton
county, Iowa, where they maintained their home for thirteen years, during
which period Mr. Major worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1883 he came to
Nebraska and settled on a farm two miles south of the present site of Watertown
in Buffalo county. For seventeen years he resided upon that place, converting
it from a tract of wild prairie into richly cultivated fields, from which he annually
gathered rich crops. He carried on his farm work according to modern pro-
gressive methods and that his labors were at all tim.es practical is indicated in
the excellent crops which he gathered. In the year 1900 he removed to Kearney,
where he has since been engaged in contracting and carpentering. For the most
part his work has been confined to the building of residences and some of the fine
homes of Kearney have been erected by him.
To Mr. and Mrs. Major have been born eight children, but only four of the
178 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
number are now living: Kate, a school teacher; Charles, who conducts a grain
elevator at Watertown, Nebraska; Jessie, who is teaching school in Spokane,
Washington; and Frank, who is devoting his life to the work of the ministry.
The parents are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Since becoming a citizen of the United States Mr. Major has been
identified with all that has worked for the best interests of his adopted country.
He became a member of the Farmers' Alliance at its inception and afterward
became allied with the populist party. However, he has always maintained an
independent attitude in politics, voting according to the dictates of his judgment
rather than guiding his course by party ties. He has never had occasion to regret
his determination to come to the new world, for here he found the opportunities
which he sought and has gradually worked his way upward, being both 'the
architect and builder of his own fortune.
FREDERICK J. SWITZ.
Frederick J. Switz is one of the oldtime residents of Kearney km'^^^ecord
as a soldier and citizen well entitles him to representation in th^ '^mstory of
Bufifalo county. His entire course has been marked by loyalty to duty and by
fidelity to every trust reposed in him, and his course is worthy of the warmest
commendation. He is a native of the kingdom of Pi^ussia, his birth having
occurred in Spreewald, near the village of Borgsdorf, oh the 20th of* February,
1842. His father. Christian Switz, was a farmer in the old country' and for two
years served in the German army. He married Elizabeth Plashna and in the
year 1856, accompanied by his wife and six children, emigrated to the new world,
taking passage on board a sailing vessel bound for the United States. They
made a remarkably quick trip for that period, their voyage being terminated at
the end of thirty days. The family located in Cleveland, Ohio, and one of the
first things that Mr. Switz did after his arrival was to take out his first naturaliza-
tion papers. He became imbued with a love for his adopted country and when
treason threatened the disruption of the Union he volunteered his services in
its defense and was enrolled as a member of the Sixth Ohio Cavalry in Septem-
ber, 1861. He served for three years, or until the expiration of his term of,
enlistment, and was then honorably discharged. In the old country he knew
Franz Sigel, who was a general in the Union army during the Civil war,
and under him Mr. Switz served, acting as aide-de-camp a part of the time.
After the war he resumed farming, which he followed in different localities, and
his last days were spent in the Soldiers' Home in Washington. D. C. where he
passed away about the year 1892.
Frederick J. Switz was nearly fourteen years of age when he was brought to
this country by his parents. He had previously attended the public schools of
Germany and after reaching America he learned the trade of chair making in what
was then Newburg, Ohio, but is now a part of the eighteenth ward of Cleveland.
He devoted two years to the work, during which time he received four dollars a
month with his board and washing. He, too, espoused the cause of the Union
at the time of the Civil war, enlisting on the 19th of September, 1861, as a member
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 179
of Company G, Forty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, of which regiment James
A. Garfield, later president of the United States, was commander. He was
discharged December 2, 1864, after participating in the engagements at Middle
Creek, Kentucky, Cumberland Gap, Chickasaw Bluff, Arkansas Post, Grand Gulf,
Thompson Hill, Raymond, Champion's Hill, Big Black River, the siege of Vicks-
burg, the Red River Expedition under General Banks and the battle at Duvals
Bluff, Arkansas. He was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, and returned
home with a most creditable military record.
Mr. Switz then resumed work in the chair factory and his ability, industry
and honesty led to his promotion to the position of foreman. After three
years there spent he left his old employer to engage with another concern, and in
1869 went to Auburn, Alabama, where, under the firm name of Runnels & Switz,
he embarked in the manufacture of furniture. After spending five years there he
closed out the business and in February, 1874, came to Kearney, where he has
since lived. Here he purchased a small furniture establishment owned by a
Mr. Grant, and later he bought out the establishment of J. P. Johnson, consoli-
dating the two. For thirty-nine years he conducted a furniture and carpet busi-
ness and undertaking concern, and during this period he had at various times
seveateert^^npetitors, not one of whom was able to remain in business. He was
the first of the furniture dealers in Nebraska to add to that line a carpet depart-
ment. His long continuance with the trade indicates the success which is his.
In 1913 he disposed of his holdings and confined his attention thereafter to
retailing and jobbing paints, glass and wall paper, in which business he is still
engaged, incorporating -■fhe same under the name of the Switz Paint & Glass
Company. He is one of the few remaining early settlers of Kearney, having
arrived here when the city contained a population of but three hundred, and he
has not only witnessed its growth into the bustling, enterprising city of today,
but has contributed in large measure to its development.
On the 7th of August, 1872, Mr. Switz was married to ?^Iiss Emma A. Raw-
son, of Nebraska City, who died November 27, 1894. They were the parents
of three children: Arthur F., who died when about thirty-seven years of age;
Annie L., the wife of Charles W. Ashley, of Sioux City. Iowa ; and Bessie E., the
wife of C. D. Van Dyke, of Sioux City. For his second wife Mr. Switz chose
Mrs. Phoebe S. (Hotchkiss) Allen, the widow of Homer J. Allen.
While of foreign nativity, Mr Switz has no sympathy with the Kaiser in
the present war and is in every sense of the term a loyal American citizen, with
a love for the land of his adoption that is unshaken. His loyalty is evidenced
by the fact that he risked his life to preserve the Union and is further evidenced
in his long, honorable career and his support of all those interests wdiich are a
matter of civic virtue and civic pride. In his political belief he is a republican
and served as county coroner for six years during the pioneer period. In religious
faith he is a Congregationalist, and fraternally he is a [Mason, having become a
member of Iris Lodge, No. 229. A. F. & A. M., at Cleveland, Ohio, in November,
1868. He transferred his membership to Auburn, Alabama, and from there to
Kearney, and is one of the four surviving charter members of the blue lodge of
this city. He is also a member of the chapter and commandery and has served
as master of his lodge and as eminent commander of the Knights Templar. His
course in life has commended him to the confidence and goodwill of all and his
180 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
enterprise and industry in business have wrought along the lines of progress
and success, gaining him place among the substantial and honored residents of
Kearney. Those who know him esteem him highly and his life record should
serve as an example to all men of foreign birth who become citizens of the new
world and who owe undivided allegiance to the stars and stripes.
EDGAR LAFAYETTE TEMPLIX.
Edgar Lafayette Templin, part owner of the Shelton Clipper, was born at
Jonesboro, Washington county, Tennessee, on the 19th of November, 1879, and
for two years there lived with his parents, Elbert and Malinda (May) Templin,
who were natives of the same state, where they resided until 1881, when they
came to Nebraska, settling in Nemaha county. Two years later they removed
to Jefferson county, taking up their abode near Reynolds, where they resided until
1909, when they removed to O'Neill, where the mother's death occurred on the
13th of September, 1910. The father is still living there. In the family were
fourteen children, nine sons and five daughters, all of whom have reached years
of maturity and still survive — a notable family record.
Edgar L. Templin was reared and educated in Jefferson county, where he
attended the common schools, supplemented by a course in a commercial college
at Omaha, Nebraska. After leaving school he took up telegraphy, at which he
worked for about twelve years. He was employed by the Western Union Tele-
graph Company at Omaha during the last six years of that period and during the
last two years was traffic chief in the main office at Omaha. In the year 191 1 he
came to Shelton, where he engaged in the newspaper business in partnership with
C. C. Reed. This connection is still maintained in the ownership and conduct of
the Shelton Clipper, one of the leading country newspapers of the state.
On the loth of March, 1909, Mr. Templin was united in marriage to Miss
Hazel A. Reed, who was born in Buft'alo county, a daughter of F. D. and Hattie
Reed, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Templin attend the
Presbyterian church and he is also affiliated with the Knights of Pythias lodge
at Shelton. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is
now a member of the city council. He takes a deep and helpful interest in affairs
pertaining to the general good and his influence and support are given in behalf
of all those measures which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.
JOHN REDDY.
John Reddy was one of the most progressive and valued farmers and citizens
of Buffalo county until death called him, and his memory is yet cherished by
those who were his associates. He was born in County Sligo, Ireland, on the
25th of May, 1846, and at the age of sixteen years entered upon an apprentice-
shij) to the dry goods business, serving for five years in that connection in the
city of Sligo, after which he came to the United States and for a short time lived
JOHN REDDY
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HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 185
in New York city. He afterward removed to Vermont and subsequently became
a resident of Dunlap, Harrison county, Iowa.
While there he was married in June, 1871, to Miss Mary Lehan, a native of
County Cork, Ireland, who came to the United States with an older brother when
she was a maiden of but nine years. She was then placed in a convent at Salem,
Massachusetts, where she was educated.
In 1872 Mr. and Mrs. Reddy came to Gibbon, Nebraska, and for some time
he was in railroad service, continuing in that line of work for eight or ten years
after coming to the new world. He then purchased a farm adjoining Gibbon
and gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death,
which occurred on the 28th of May, 1902, his farm comprising four hundred
acres of^rich and valuable land, which is still in the possession of the family and
is one of the desirable properties of Buffalo county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Reddy were born six children, of whom five are hving:
NeUie, the wife of K. C. Baker, of Atoka, Oklahoma; Bernard E., who is engaged
in the music business in Kearney ; Roy, acting as station agent at David City,
Nebraska; Maud, the wife of Dr. S. D. Nixon, of Chicago, IlHnois; and Belle,
the wife of E. G. Tunks, of Gibbon, Nebraska.
In politics Mr. Reddy was a democrat and, while he did not seek political
office, he served for many years as a member of the school board and did much
to further the interests of education. He was a member of Granite Lodge, No.
189, A. F. & A. M., and was buried with Masonic honors when death terminated
his career. He had been a faithful exemplar of the craft and in every relation
of life was found true and honorable, faithfully discharging the duties that
devolved upon him and holding at all times to high principles. Mrs. Reddy still
survives her husband and occupies a beautiful home in Gibbon.
CLARENCE S. ROBINSON.
Clarence S. Robinson resides at No. 613 West Twenty-first street in Kearney
and is the owner of a valuable farm property on section 10, Divide Township, to
the development and supervision of which he gives his time and attention. He
was born in Iroquois county, Illinois, on the ist of February, 1859, and is a son
of John and Janette (Leighton) Robinson, the former a native of England and
the latter of Scotland. They came to the United States in young manhood and
womanhood, and were married in Danville, Illinois, after which they took up their
abode upon a farm in Vermilion county, Illinois, near the Iroquois county line.
There the father passed away in 1862 and following his demise the mother con-
tinued to reside upon the old homestead farm until 1890, when she took up her
abode in Ho.opeston, Illinois, where she remained up to the time of her death,
which occurred on the 13th of February, 1910.
Clarence S. Robinson was reared upon the home farm and acquired his edu-
cation in the common schools. As early as his sixteenth year he began farming
for himself as a renter in Iroquois county and since that time has depended
entirely upon his own resources. In 1884 he made a trip to Buffalo county,
Nebraska, and while here purchased the north half of section 9, Divide township.
186 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
In 1886 he returned to take up his permanent abode in this county and at
once began the development and improvement of his half section of land, remain-
ing upon his farm until 1903, when he removed to Kearney to educate his chil-
dren, since which time he has made his home in the city. In the meantime he
carefully and energetically conducted his farm work and as his financial resources
increased he added to his property until he is now the owner of seven hundred
and twenty acres of land all in one body in Divide township and comprising
some of the best land in the township. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Ele-
vator Company of Kearney and also of Riverdale, and is a stockholder in the
Kearney Telephone Company.
On June 8, 1887, Mr. Robinson was married to J\Iiss Roxana Charlton, of
Rusco township, this county, a daughter of Charles Charlton, who came to
Buffalo county from Christianburg, Virginia, in 1885, and took up a homestead
in Rusco township. He now resides in Yates Center, Kansas. For many years
he served as postmaster of Pleasanton, and he was widely and favorably known in
this county because of his close connection with its development and his thorough
I'eliability in business affairs.
To Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have been born six children : Laura, who is now
a teacher in the Kearney schools; Grace, the wife of H. D. Wagner, of Oregon,
Illinois ; Arthur, who is cultivating his father's farm ; Donald, who is employed
in Kearney; and Glen and Sidney, who are both in school. In his political views
Mr. Robinson is a democrat and has served as township clerk, as township treas-
urer and as a member of the school board, discharging the duties of these various
positions in a most creditable manner. He and his wife are members of the
Christian church and guide their lives according to its teachings. For a long
period Mr. Robinson has been known as one of the representative business men
and agriculturists of his community. After removing to the city he rented his
land for seven or eight years, but for the past four or five years has operated
one hundred and sixty acres himself and is now busily engaged in the active work
of tilling the fields and in the management of his property interests, his business
affairs being well directed, splendid success crowning his efforts.
A. T. REYNOLDS.
As cashier 01 the National Bank of Amherst, which he organized, A. T. Rey-
nolds occupies an important place in the financial circles of Buffalo county. He
is a native of Nebraska, his birth having occurred in Madison county in 1877, and
he is a son of D. F. and Emma (Twiss) Reynolds, who are now living in Lin-
coln. The father farmed for many years but has put aside the cares of active
life and is enjoying a period of well earned leisure.
A. T. Reynolds passed his boyhood upon the home farm in Madison county
and received his early education in the district schools. Subsequently he was
a student in the Fremont Normal School and in the State Normal School at
Peru and for three years thereafter engaged in teaching school. Later he entered
the insurance field but in 1903 he came to Amherst and organized the Farmers
State Bank, which was capitalized at five thousand dollars. The officers were:
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 187
A. U. Dann, president; R. L. Hart, vice president; and A. T. Reynolds, cashier.
In 1908 the institution was nationalized and since that time has been known
as the First National Bank of Amherst. The capital has been increased to
twenty-five thousand dollars and there is now a surplus of five thousand dollars.
The bank owns its own building, which is a substantial brick structure, and its
business is steadily increasing. The officers remain the same and the prosperity
of the institution is proof of their efficiency and sound judgment. The policy of
the bank has been such as to gain the confidence of the public and at the same
time to encourage the legitimate business expansion of the community.
Mr. Reynolds is a republican in politics. He is identified with the Masonic
blue lodge at Miller and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Amherst
and is popular both within and without those organizations. His business interests
demand the greater part of his time and yet he is always willing to cooperate
with various agencies in securing the material and civic advancement of Amherst.
Neither his ability nor integrity has ever been questioned and he is justly held
in high esteem wherever known.
RICHARD HIBBERD.
Richard Hibberd is a contractor and brick manufacturer of Kearney who has
won place among the substantial business men of the city. His activities are of
a character that contribute to public prosperity as well as to individual success and
his life record is an illustration of what may be accomplished when determination,
enterprise and laudable ambition point out the way. Mr. Hibberd is a native of
England, his birth having occurred in Staffordshire on the 12th of April, 1845,
his parents being John and Lucy (Baxter) Hibberd. The father was a hardwood
lumber dealer, but the mother's people were for many generations connected with
the business of brick manufacturing.
Richard Hibberd acquired a common school education and afterward learned
the rudiments of the brick industry with his maternal relatives. When a young
man of eighteen he came to America and after looking to some extent for a loca-
tion in the east he determined to seek the opportunities for a livelihood offered in
the interior. Accordingly he purchased an immigrant ticket to Chicago and thence
another ticket to Galena, Illinois. In passing through Sterling, en route to Galena,
the appearance of that place impressed him favorably, so he left the train, at
which time he had but five cents in his pocket. He found employment as a
farm hand at twenty dollars per month and after working for one month he
entered the service of General J. B. Steadman in the secret service of the Federal
army. He was not enlisted at that time owing to the fact that, being a foreigner
and resident of this country for but a short time, it was deemed unwise for him to
have any legal connection with the Union forces in case it happened that he
should be captured by the enemy. For a year and nine months he served in the
capacity of secret service man and in January, 1865, was mustered in as a mem-
ber of Company B, One Hundred and Forty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
Prior to this, however, he had done service in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia,
his work often being of a most important and hazardous character. After his
188 . HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
enlistment he went to the front at Dalton, Georgia, and was employed at picket
work along the route that General Sherman's army traversed the preceding year.
He ended his military career when mustered out at Savannah, Georgia, January
30, 1866, being paid off at Springfield, Illinois, on the 9th of February. He had
rendered valiant and valuable aid to his adopted land and there has never been
any citizen more loyal to American interests than has Richard Hibberd, who came
to America with the full intention of becoming a citizen of this country and not
giving to it a half-hearted allegiance.
The war over, Mr. Hibberd embarked in partnership with his brother, J. E.
Hibberd, in the business of manufacturing brick at Spring Hill, Whiteside county,
Illinois, and there remained for a year, after which he engaged in brickmaking
at various places. In 1868 he and his brother purchased a farm in Henry county,
Illinois, and in connection with the cultivation of their land continued brickmaking
for two years.
At the end of that time Richard Hibberd sold out and went to England on a
visit. While there, on the 28th of February, 1870, he married Miss Emma M.
Gould and in May of that year returned to America with his wife. For a time
he engaged in brickmaking in Geneseo, Illinois, and on the 17th of April, 1871,
he arrived in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he remained for six years, doing con-
tract work and also manufacturing brick. He afterward lived at Seward and at
David City, engaged in the same line of business, but in the meantime home-
steaded one hundred and sixty acres in York county. In July, 1880, he came to
Kearney, having taken the contract to complete the building of the State Reform
(now the Industrial) School, since which time he has made his home in this
city. For thirty-six years he has had more to do with the erection of public
buildings and business blocks throughout middle Nebraska than any other one
man. The school buildings of Kearney, the Methodist Episcopal, the Episcopal,
the Presbyterian and United Brethren churches of Kearney, the Odd Fellows
Hall, the Masonic Temple, Kearney Hall and many other structures in Kearney,
the Masonic Hall at Grand Island, the opera house at Hastings, the main building
of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Omaha and numerous others all stand as
monuments to the skill, enterprise and ability of Mr. Hibberd, who by reason
of the efficiency to which he has attained in his chosen field of labor has long
ranked as the foremost contractor of this part of the state.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hibberd have been born six children, as follows : John C,
a bricklayer of Kearney; Charles F., who is a bricklayer residing at North
Platte ; Elma B., principal of the Hawthorn school in Kearney ; Lucy C, who is
the wife of L. B. Clark, of Lincoln, Nebraska; W^illiam E., a bricklayer of Kear-
ney; and Adelbert L., who is a practicing physician of Miller, Buffalo county,
and is also a bricklayer by trade.
In politics Mr. Hibberd is independent, voting for men and measures rather
than for party. He served on the city council for one term but otherwise has
never sought or held public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon
his business affairs, which have been wisely directed and have brought to him nota-
ble and deserved success. His labors have constituted an important element in the
adornment of various cities, for he always holds to the highest architectural
standards and combines beauty with stability, utility and convenience. Starting
upon his business career in the new world with but a single nickel in his pocket
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 189
and today ranking with the most substantial citizens of central Nebraska, his
record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accom-
plished when there is the will to dare and to do. Moreover, his life record
is an indication of the fact that success and an honored name may be won
simultaneously.
JOHN GORDON.
John Gordon is engaged in business in Kearney as a coal dealer and was for-
merly for a long period station agent in this city, being a most popular and effi-
cient representative of the road. His friends — and they are many — speak of him
as a most obliging, kindly, helpful and courteous man and entertain for him
the warmest regard. He was born in Toronto, Canada, January i8, 1859, and
there spent the period of his boyhood and youth. When eighteen years of age
he learned telegraphy and while thus engaged he provided for his own support by
piling wood and in doing other work. When he had mastered the business he
became an operator and ticket agent at Park Hill, Canada, a town on the Grand
Trunk Railway, and there remained until 1884, when he crossed the border
into the United States, where competition is keener but where advancement is
more quickly secured. He made his way to McCook, Nebraska, but soon after-
ward accepted a position at Hagler, Nebraska, seven miles from the Colorado'
line on the Burlington road. He spent twelve years in station service for that
road, remaining for three years at Denver and afterward becoming agent at
Alliance, Nebraska, but his health failed and he then gave up his position,,
going to Detroit, where he was a traveling salesman, representing a wholesale
glove and mitten house. Three years were passed in that connection, after which
he removed to Friend, Nebraska, where he returned as station agent for four or
five years for the Burlington railroad. On the expiration of that period he came
to Kearney and was agent at this place for ten years, when again his health
failed. He was then made traveling freight and passenger agent out of Denver
but after a time he resigned and turned his attention to the coal trade. When
he gave up his position as station agent at Kearney the business men of the city
presented him with a diamond ring in which his name is engraved. He stood very
high with the railroad company, being one of its trusted employes, ever carefully
safeguarding the interests of the road and at the same time giving most courteous
treatment to its patrons, doing all in his power to further the interests and con-
venience of travelers.
On the 24th of June, 1885, in London, Canada, Mr. Gordon was united in
marriage to Miss Tillie Maddocks, who is a native of Plymouth, England, but
was brought to Canada when seven years of age. Since her marriage she has
lived in Nebraska and she is the mother of two children : Norma, who is a
teacher in the Gibbon schools ; and Paul, who is associated with his father in the
coal business.
Politically Mr. Gordon is a republican and keeps well informed on the ques-
tions and issues of the day but has never consented to accept office. He belongs
to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and he also has membership in the
190 ■ HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
Presbyterian church. His Hfe has been guided by sound principles and actuated
by high ideals, and all who know him attest his genuine worth and speak of the
high regard in which he is held.
FRANK E. BEEMAN.
Frank E. Beeman, practicing at the Kearney bar, is a native of Trumbull
county, Ohio, his natal day being September i, 1861. He is a son of Oliver
Keth Beeman, well remembered by many of the residents of Kearney, and is a
grandson of Ansel Beeman whose father, Nathaniel Beeman, was a resident of
Kent, Litchfield county, Connecticut. The family was established in America
by Symon Beeman who removed from Scotland to Springfield, Massachusetts,
in 1640. He was the father of Samuel whose son, Samuel, was the father of
Thomas, Sr. The last named went from Stonington, Connecticut, to Kent, that
state, in 1740. His son Ezekiel was the father of Nathaniel, who married
Rachel Keth. They became parents of two children. The younger, Ansel, born
in 1787, was left motherless when two years of age and when a youth of
seventeen years he drove an ox team through the wilderness to Ohio, becoming
a pioneer of the famous Western Reserve. There in 181 1 he married Anna
Maria Gibson, a daughter of Eleazer and Mary Gibson, the former having
been an officer of the Connecticut line during the Revolutionary war and for
his service he was granted a pension of eighty dollars per year during his life-
time. Seven children were born to Ansel Beeman and his wife, including Oliver
Keth Beeman, whose birth occurred in Mahoning county, Ohio, September 3,
1827, and he there grew to manhood. He acquired a good practical education
and started out in life as a district school-teacher. Being an exceptionally fine
penman he was often called upon to draw up legal documents such as wills,
deeds, conveyances, etc., and in time he obtained a practical knowledge of
ordinary legal procedure and practiced law in a small way. However, the
greater part of his life was devoted to farming and stock raising and he was
largely instrumental in introducing graded merino sheep and graded cattle in
his part of the country. In this way he accumulated a considerable amount of
this world's goods. On the 7th of February, 1856, he married Harriet P.
Misner, and in the year 1888 removed to Kearney, Nebraska, where he passed
his remaining days, his death occurring January 12, 191 5. The male members
of the Beeman family as far back as there is record of them were exceptionally
large and powerful, being noted for their great physical strength, and Oliver
Keth Beeman was no exception to this rule. His political allegiance was given
to the republican party and he held membership in the Masonic order. He was
a liberal contributor to religious work and helpful public enterprises and his
chief characteristic was his sturdy, rugged honesty and his unswerving integrity.
His widow survives him and yet resides in Kearney.
Frank E. Beeman came to Kearney a briefless lawyer in January, 1888, and
he was hard put in his early professional career to make his income keep up with
his living expenses. Probably his first case was when he was appointed by the
court to defend a man for attempted murder and while his client was justly
FRANK E. BEEMAN
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 193
sentenced to the penitentiary, the trial gave Mr. Beeman a standing at the bar
so that his legal career thenceforward was one of creditable success. He had
passed his boyhood days in his native state and for a time was a student at the
Western Reserve Seminary. In 1879 he taught school and to prepare for his
university course attended the high school at Ann Arbor, Michigan, from which
he was graduated on the 22d of June, 1883. In the fall of 1884 he matriculated
at the State University of Michigan, completing the classical course and receiving
the bachelor of arts degree in 1887. In conjunction with his other work he
attended the legal department of the university in 1886 and 1887 and in February
of the latter year, upon special examination, was admitted to the bar. He
spent the remainder of the year in Nebraska seeking a suitable location and at
length deciding upon Kearney, has since made this city his home.
Mr. Beeman's wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Irene Osborn, and
to whom he was married in 1884, died February 11, 1907, leaving two children,
Burke Osborn and Irene. Mr. Beeman is a member of the Phi Gamma Delta,
a college fraternity, and two fraternal organizations, the Knights of Pythias and
the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He ranks very high as a lawyer and
citizen. In his profession he is sound, clear minded and well trained, felicitous
and clear in argument, thoroughly in earnest, full of the vigor of conviction,
never abusive of his adversaries, imbued with the highest courtesy and yet a
foe worthy of the steel of the most able opponent.
H. J. DUNKIN.
H. J. Dunkin, who is filling the office of postmaster at Gibbon, was born at
Rossie, New York, on the 29th of July, 1855, and is a son of John and Ann Eva
Dunkin, both natives of England. They emigrated to America in 1852 and settled
in the state of New York, where the father passed away in 1855. Subsequently
the mother removed with her family to Vermont and in 1871 came to Bufialo
county, Nebraska, and took up her residence upon a farm. She died in 1901
in Gibbon.
H. J. Dunkin was one of a family of seven children born to his parents, of
whom four are living. He remained at home with his mother until he attained
his majority and during his boyhood and youth attended the public schools in the
acquirement of an education. In 1879, when about twenty-four years of age, he
became a traveling salesman and after devoting twelve years to that work was
for eight years engaged in the grocery business at Gibbon. He then sold out
and traveled for seventeen more years but in 19 15 was appointed postmaster of
Gibbon, which office he is now acceptably filling. He is prompt and systematic
in the performance of his work and is proving a popular official. He has been
successful financially and owns a business property and his residence in Gibbon.
In 1880 Mr. Dunkin was married to Miss Robbie Masters, who was bom in
Illinois, of the marriage of Benjamin F. and Lovina (Empie) Masters, the for-
mer of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Ohio. They were
early settlers of Illinois but subsequently removed to Custer county, Nebraska,
where the father passed away. The mother is still living and resides at Lincoln.
194 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
Mr. and Mrs. Dunkin have four children, namely : Walter, a resident of Kansas
City, Missouri; Gladys, the wife of C. C. Hall, of Portland, Oregon; Eva, de-
ceased; and Harry B., who is a graduate of the local high school and is now
assistant postmaster.
Mr. Dunkin supports the candidates and measures of the democratic party
at the polls and takes the interest of a good citizen in everything relating to the
public welfare. Fraternally he belongs to Granite Lodge, No. 189, A. F. & A. M.,
and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are well
known in Gibbon and their many admirable qualities have gained them the
respect and warm regard of those who have been closely associated with them.
DAVID WEBBERT.
The name of David Webbert is closely interwoven with the early history
of Kearney, for he left the impress of his individuality upon various activities
which have led to the development and upbuilding of this city and county. A
native of Carlisle, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, he was a son of John
Webbert, while his grandfather, a native of France, became the founder of the
family in the new world, arriving in America about the beginning of the nine-
teenth century. In early manhood David Webbert went to Dayton, Ohio, where
for many years he followed carpentering and contracting, and during that period
he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Arnold. In July, 1872, he arrived
in central Nebraska when the country was an almost unbroken expanse of wild
prairie. He took up his abode in Kearney, being among its first settlers, and
here he worked at his trade, his services being in constant demand in the growing
frontier village. Many of the buildings now standing were erected by him and
are still evidences of his skill and handiwork. He led a most industrious life
and was accounted one of the substantial citizens of his community.
Mr. Webbert was also a man of marked characteristics, decided in his
views and ever unfaltering in his support of his honest opinions. While living in
Ohio he was among the first to respond to the country's call for troops to put
down the rebellion and was enrolled for the hundred-days' service, while later
he was connected with the One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry. That he proved a valiant and loyal soldier is evidenced in the fact that
he was presented a "certificate of thanks" bearing the signature of the martyred
president, and on the strength of this he was granted a homestead a short dis-
tance east of Kearney, together with a pension. He was a quiet, unassuming,
unobstrusive man who attended strictly to his own business without interfering in
the affairs of his neighbors. He was also generous to a fault, often to his own
financial detriment. He was quiet and even tempered in disposition and always
attained his ends without serious friction. No man in the community was more
widely respected than he. Honest, industrious and law-abiding, he stood for all
that is best in American citizenship. His religious faith was evidenced by his
membership in the United Brethren church and his political indorsement was
given to the republican party. He died in July, 1894, survived by his widow,
and five children, namely: Lillie A., the wife of Frank S. Rhone, of Kearney;
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 195
Reuben R., a carpenter at Dayton, Ohio; Benjamin O., a carpenter of Kearney;
Henry A., of Kearney; and Henrietta, the wife of Charles E. Taylor, of
Dayton, Ohio.
HENRY A. WEBBERT.
Henry A. Webbert, still living at Kearney, was born at Dayton, Ohio, Febru-
ary 15, 1 87 1, but was reared and educated in the city which is now his home.
He began learning the printer's trade with Rhone Brothers on the 12th of April,
1886, and has followed that pursuit in many different localities, although always
considering Kearney his home. He is now conducting a general printing business
and is accorded a liberal patronage in that connection. He is also interested in
various other lines of endeavor and his sound judgment and keen discrimination
are regarded as valuable assets in any undertaking with which he becomes
identified.
On the 22d of March, 1893, Mr. Webbert was united in marriage to Miss
Hattie G. Taylor, by whom he has three children, David Arnold, Henry James
and Mary Louise. Mr. Webbert is well known in fraternal circles, being identi-
fied with the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He has
served as high priest of the Royal Arch chapter and as eminent commander for
the Knights Templar and does everything in his power to further the work of
the craft. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal church and his political
belief that of the republican party. He served for four years as assessor of
Kearney and at the present time is occupying the position of city treasurer,
discharging his duties promptly, systematically and capably. He was also one
of the organizers of the Buffalo County and Midway Fair Association, of which
he is now the treasurer, and he was a charter member and is a director of the
Kearney Commercial Club. He is also treasurer of the State Volunteer Firemen's
Association. His activities along many lines have been of benefit to the city in
which practically his entire life has been passed and he is a progressive, public-
spirited man who ever looks to the welfare and upbuilding of the district in which
he lives. The work instituted by the father in pioneer times is being carried on
by the son. so that the name of Webbert figures prominently in connection with
public affairs.
CHARLES H. PRATT.
Among the young business men of Riverdale whose enterprise is contributing
in large measure to the business development and general improvement of the
town is Charles H. Pratt, who is now cashier of the State Bank. Iowa claims
him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Sioux county on the 8th of
September, 1886, his parents being Thomas and Mary Hanna (White) Pratt,
who are farming people of this county. The family removed to Buffalo county
during the early boyhood of Charles H. Pratt, who was here reared and edu-
196 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
cated. He supplemented his early opportunities in that direction by a course in
the high school at Kearney and in the excellent business college of which that city
is justly proud. After thus receiving a thorough training he obtained a posi-
tion in the office of the county treasurer and in 1907 he came into the bank at
Riverdale, known as the State Bank, of which he has since been the cashier
and in which he now owns a controlling interest. He has been very active in its
management and has contributed in substantial measure to its success. He is one
of the well known and valued citizens of the town, where he owns a pleasant resi-
dence and two lots.
Mr. Pratt was married on the i6th of June, 191 5, to Miss Hilda G. Peterson, a
native of this county and a daughter of John O. and Othelia H. Peterson. The
father is deceased but the mother still resides on the old homestead farm, where
she has reared her family of five children. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt attend the Metho-
dist Episcopal church and he is well known in fraternal circles, belonging to the
Odd Fellows Lodge No. 352, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Ancient
Order of United Workmen and the Rebekah degree of the Odd Fellows. In
politics he is a republican and is now serving as treasurer of the school board at
Riverdale. His interest in community affairs is that of a public-spirited citizen
who cooperates in all plans and measures for the general good and puts forth
earnest effort to brins: to a successful conclusion whatever he undertakes.
CARLTON B. CASS.
Carlton B. Cass, the owner and editor of the Ravenna News, has made
the paper a factor of importance in the molding of public opinion and has at
all times sought to advance the community welfare. He is a native of New
York, his birth having occurred in Albany on the 9th of June, 1868. His parents,
Horatio G. and Mary J. (Babcock) Cass, were likewise born in the Empire state
and the father was a member of the faculty of the State Normal College for
some time. At length he left the educational field and engaged in the grocery
business in Albany but at the time of the panic of 1873 failed. Two years later
he removed to Hamilton county, Nebraska, and located at Aurora, where he
taught school for a while. Subsequently he turned his attention to the mason's
trade and for a number of years engaged in contracting. Still later he held the
office of water commissioner of Aurora for ten years and is still living there at
the age of seventy-five years. Following the death of the mother of our subject,
in 1870, he remarried and in 1885 lost his second wife.
Carlton B. Cass was about seven years of age when the family home was
established in Aurora, Nebraska, and received his education in the public schools
there. After putting aside his textbooks he entered the office of the Hamilton
County News and after serving his apprenticeship worked for two years as a
journeyman printer. In 1886 he came to Ravenna, Buffalo county, and estab-
lished the Ravenna Star, which he conducted for a year and then sold to his
competitor. He next went to Stratton, Hitchcock county, and founded the
Stratton Democrat, which he published for one year. He then returned to
Ravenna and took charge of the Ravenna News, having purchased a large
interest therein. After paying off a five hundred dollar mortgage on the plant
CAELTON B. CASS
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 199
he became the sole owner of the paper, which he has since pubhshed. The
paper has a circulation of a thousand and is ranked among the progressive,
reliable and well edited weeklies of this state. The plant is thoroughly modern
in its equipment and in addition to publishing the News Mr. Cass does a large
job business and has built up an enviable reputation for high class work.
On the 27th of January, 1900, Mr. Cass was married to Miss Theressa
Petrick, a daughter of Carl and Barbara (Wesley) Petrick, natives of Bohemia.
The father, who was a farmer, emigrated to America and located in Fillmore
county, Nebraska, in 1883. He purchased a section of land there which he
operated successfully until 1889, when he removed to Custer county, this state.
There he lived until his demise in 1901 and the following year his wife also
passed to the great beyond. Mr. and Mrs. Cass have five children, namely:
Mildred F., who was born December 27, 1900; H. Allen, born August 5, 1902;
Marion, August 9, 1904; Lyman, September 12, 1906; and Marjorie, August 11,
1908.
Mr. Cass has held the office of city clerk for more than twenty-five years,
and from 1890 until 1896 served ably as justice of the peace. He has been a
member of the school board for ten years, and was recently elected president of
the same. For a quarter of a century he has also been superintendent of the
cemetery and in all of his ofticial positions he has made a record creditable alike
to his ability and public spirit. Fraternally he is well known, belonging to the
Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Royal High-
landers, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Modern Brotherhood of
America. He is one of the leading citizens of Ravenna and never fails to use
his personal influence and that of his paper to promote the material and civic
?idvancement of the town.
JOHN D. LOEWENSTEIN.
John D. Loewenstein is a member of the city council at Kearney and one whose
record in office is most commendable, for he has brought to the discharge of his
duties sagacious business methods and has fought against all untried theories.
All recognize the effectiveness and value of his public service and reelection has
continued him in the office. His residence in Bufi^alo county dates from April,
1878, and for twenty-seven years of this time he was engaged in general farming
in Center township. His birth occurred in Birmingham, now a part of Pitts-
burgh, Pennsylvania, January 23, 1854, but he was only a year old when his
parents, Daniel and Elizabeth (Moesta) Loewenstein, removed to Iowa City,
Iowa, which was then the capital of the state, and there the father worked at his
trade of wagon making.
It was at that place that John D. Loewenstein was reared to manhood, acquir-
ing his education in the public schools, in which he passed through consecutive
grades until he became a high school student. After his textbooks were put aside
he spent four years at work at the wagon maker's trade in connection with his
father, and in young manhood he came to Buffalo county, Nebraska, arriving here
thirty-eight years ago. Soon after he reached his destination he purchased a
200 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
half section of railroad land in Center township for five dollars per acre and to
this he added from time to time until he now owns an entire section of land,
from which he derives a gratifying annual income. In 1878 he returned to Iowa,
was married, brought his bride to Buffalo county and has here since remained.
Year by year he carefully and systematically tilled the soil, converting his land
into highly cultivated and productive fields, and as the years passed on he man-
aged to acquire a handsome competence. Satisfied at length with what he had
attained in a business way, he left the farm and removed to Kearney, where he
has made his home since April, 1905, deriving a good annual income from his
farm property. '"
On the nth of December, 1878, in Iowa, Mr. Loewenstein was united in
marriage to Miss Mary A. Schmidt, and to them have been born nine children :
Daniel J., William H., Frank F., Alva, Christina, Ida, Henrietta, Amelia and
Clara Frances.
In his political views Mr. Loewenstein is an earnest democrat and in 1912
was elected a member of the city council, since which time he has served in that
body. He puts forth every effort to safeguard the interests of the city, is care-
ful in the expenditure of public moneys and yet avoids that useless retrenchment
which- Jiampers progress. In religious faith he is a Lutheran, and his life has
ever been ^jdi^d^y high and honorable principles which have made him a man
among men, respected and honored wherever known and most of all where he is
best known. '%
WILLIAM J. SMITH.
An excellent farm of two hundred and ten acres in Shelton township pays
tribute to the care and cultivation which its owner, William J. Smith, bestows
upon it, and its well kept appearance testifies to his enterprise and industry. He
was born in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, on the loth of October, 1858, of the
marriage of George and Jane (Stanley) Smith, both of whom were natives of
Pennsylvania, where the demise of the mother occurred. In the fall of 1872 the
father removed with his family to Buffalo county, Nebraska, and here purchased
three hundred and twenty acres of land, which he cultivated until his death. To
him and his wife were born five children, of whom three are still living.
William J. Smith was educated in the public schools of this county and
remained at home until he reached mature years, after which he purchased his
present farm, which comprises two hundred and ten acres on section 16, Shelton
township. He has made many improvements upon the place and has conserved
the fertility of the soil. He carries on general farming but gives the greater part
of his attention to stock raising, which he finds very profitable.
In 1881 occurred the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Tacy Walker, who.
was bom in Ohio and is a daughter of Samuel Walker, deceased. Her demise
occurred in 1899 and she was laid to rest in the Shelton cemetery. Besides her
husband she left four children : Frank Benson ; Laura B., the wife of Francis
Johnson ; and Tillie G., and Bessie, both at home. In 1901 Mr. Smith was again
married, Miss Nona Boyce becoming his wife. She is a native of West Vir-
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 201
ginia and is a daughter of Isaac Boyce, a resident of Colorado. To this union
five children have been born, namely: Louise E. ; Dale E.; Rachel, deceased;
John; and Stanley.
Mr. Smith supports the republican party at the polls and is now acceptably
filling the office of justice of the peace, while for a number of years he served
as a member of the school board. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, and both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church.
When he began his independent career Mr. Smith had no capital but he possessed
the more valuable assets of determination and energy and he has become one of
the substantial residents of Shelton township.
RICHARD SULLIVAN, D. O.
Dr. Richard Sullivan, who is conducting an infirmary of osteopathy at Kear-
ney, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on the 15th of April, 1872, and was
but four years of age when his parents removed with their family jtp; northwestern
Iowa, where he spent his youthful days and pu^ued a public, school^eaucation.
He was about eighteen years of age when h^ entered a drug .store, in 'which he
remained for three years, and during that time he also took up the study of
telegraphy, having two brothers who were operators. ¥ - afterward became sta-
tion master and operator at Smithland, Iowa, on the ± inois Central Railroad,
was also at Remsen and Fonda, Iowa, and for ten years was in Colorado, occupy-
ing positions as telegraph operator and. station agent. He made good in this con-
nection but sought a broader field of labor and entered the Amerijcan School of
Osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri, where he was graduated. He then located
for practice in Kearney in September, 1912, and has here successfully followed his
profession, doing excellent work as the years have gone on.
On the 17th of January, 1900, Dr. Sullivan was united in marriage to Miss
Effie Pratt, a native of Harlan, Shelby county, Iowa, by whom he has had two
children, namely: Pratt, who died in infancy; and Elaine, born September i,
1902, who is at home. In politics Dr. Sullivan is independent and fraternally he
is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of
Pythias. Laudable ambition has prompted him to take the forward steps in his
career and his course has been marked by a steady progression that is now bring-
ing him to the front in his chosen profession.
J. G. WALKER.
A high type of business enterprise is manifest in the commercial career of
T. G. Walker, a druggist of Gibbon, who was born in the province of Ontario,
Canada, on August 10, 1868, a son of Robert and Margaret (Baird) Walker.
The father was a native of Ireland and was brought to the United States by his
parents when a child of but three years. The mother was bom in Ontario. Fol-
lowing their marriage they located on a farm in Ontario and it was upon the
202 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
old homestead there that J. G. Walker was reared, while his educational oppor-
tunities were those afforded by the public schools of the neighborhood, supple-
mented by a high school course in Ontario and in Custer county, Nebraska. He
was sixteen years of age when he came with his father's family to this state.
Their goods were shipped to Grand Island and from that point J. G. Walker and
his brother John drove with wagon and team across the country to Sherman
county, where they lived for a year, devoting their attention to the cultivation
of their farm, which was situa^|^ just across the boundary line in Custer county.
The father had previously _^0^4 that land as a homestead claim and the
family bent their energies to the task of breaking the sod and cultivating the
wild prairie. In 1885 they took up their abode upon the homestead.
J. G. Walker continued to assist in the work of the farm until 1890, when he
went to Mason City, where he learned the drug business and there worked in
a drug store until 1896. He then took a course in pharmacy and was given
honorable mention in his class. Subsequently he came to Gibbon and engaged
in the drug business for himself, since which time he has conducted his store. He
has a well appointed establishment, carrying a large and carefully selected line
of drugs and druggists' sundries, and he has built up a good trade by reason of
honorable methods, unfaltering industry and laudable ambition. He is also the
owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Bowman county. North Dakota.
In August, 1900, Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Sybil N. Con-
verse, of Loup City, Sherman county, Nebraska, by whom he has four children,
namely: Marie, Margaret, Robert and Wilbur.
Mr. Walker is a republican in politics and has served on the village board
and on the school board, acting as president of the latter at the present time.
Fraternally he is identified with Granite Lodge, No. 189, A. F. & A. M. ; Omaha
Consistory, A. & A. S. R. ; and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He and
his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and sterling worth has gained
them an enviable place in public regard. Mr. Walker's residence in Nebraska
covers a period of almost a third of a century, during which time he has witnessed
notable changes and has borne his part in the work of general improvement and
advancement. He is never remiss in the duties of citizenship, never fails in his
obligations to his fellowmen and at all times stands for those things which are
most worth while in manhood and in citizenship.
E. G. TUNKS.
E. G. Tunks is successfully engaged in the real estate and insurance business
at Gibbon and has gained a place among the enterprising and able young business
men of his town. His birth occurred in Illinois on the 14th of June, 1886, and
he is a son of S. E. and Josephine (Kent) Tunks, both natives of that state. The
father is still living but the mother has passed away. They were the parents of
three children, of whom one is deceased.
E. G. Tunks was reared at home and received his education in the schools of
his native state but in 1900, when about fourteen years of age, he went to
Iowa, where he remained for four years. He was subsequently for a similar
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 203
period in South Dakota but in 1908 he came to Gibbon, Buffalo county, Nebraska,
and aided in instaUing the electric light plant here, of which he was manager
for some time. Subsequently, however, he entered the real estate and insurance
held, in which he has since been active, and he now handles much valuable
property annually and does a good business as an insurance agent.
On the 2d of June, 1909, Mr. Tunks was united in marriage to Miss Rena B.
Reddy, a native of this county and a daughter of John and Mary (Lehan) Reddy.
Her parents were both born in Ireland but ernigrated to the United States in
early life and in 1871 located on a farm in^^ft'alo county, where the father
passed away. The mother is still liv^g at the age of sixty-seven years. Mrs.
Tunks is one of a family of six children, of whom five survive, and by her
marriage has become the mother of a son, Lehan Kent, whose birth occurred on
the 14th of August, 191 5.
Mr. Tunks gives his political support to the republican party and discharges
to the full all of the obligations of citizenship. Fraternally he is connected with
Gibbon Lodge, No. 37, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all of the chairs, and
with Granite Lodge, No. 189, A. F. & A.. M., and in religious faith both he and
his wife are Presbyterians. The gratifying measure of prosperity which Mr.
Tunks has gained is the more creditable in that it is due solely to his own well
directed efforts, as he began his career without capital.
JAMES D. HAWTHORNE.
James D. Hawthorne, well known as a jeweler of Kearney, came to this city
in the spring of 1878 and has remained here continuously since, or for a period
of thirty-eight years. With the exception of one year he has been in business
at the same location throughout the entire time. Kearney upon his arrival was
a frontier town — a straggling village of about one thousand population. There
was no street lighting, no paving and the part of the town that lies in the vicinity
of the depot was built on stilts. Hf^>has witnessed the transformation of this
little frontier village into a modern city with all the advantages and opportunities
known to the enterprising western metropolis, and in the work of progress and
development he has borne his part, his labors being directly resultant along lines
of continued growth, development and improvement.
Mr. Hawthorne is of Canadian birth. He first opened his eyes to the light
of day at Thorold on the 23d of June, 1853, his parents being Sampson and Ann
(Curry) Hawthorne. The father was a miller by occupation and in 1866 came
to the United States, settling at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he and his wife spent
their remaining days.
It was there that James D. Hawthorne was reared to manhood and the public
schools afforded him his educational privileges. After his textbooks were put
aside he began learning the jeweler's trade and in 1878 when a young man of
twenty-five years he removed to Kearney and cast in his lot for weal or woe
with the Httle town that at that time did not present a very promising appearance
but which he believed might become a commercial center of some importance.
He began business here in a small way and the success which he has attained as
20i HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
the years have passed by has been due tO' close application, indefatigable industry
and thoroughly reliable business methods. He has increased his stock according
to the demands of the trade and has ever maintained one of the well appointed
jewelry establishments of the city.
Mr. Hawthorne was married in 1875 to Miss Linnie Gwinn, who died leaving
four children; Nellie, now the wife of Verne Black; Lillian, the wife of C. W.
Stoufer; Jay G. ; and Karl S. For his second wife Mr. Hawthorne chose Miss
Clara F. Gillmann, whom he wedded in February, 1907. He is a Knight Templar
Mason, a member of the Mystic Shrine, and also a member of the Order of the
Eastern Star, of which he is a past gra§d patron. In religious belief he is a
Protestant. He belongs to the Kearney Commercial Club and cooperates in all
of its plans and projects for the upbuilding and development of the city. He is
ever a courteous, affable, genial gentleman, quiet and unassuming in manner, but
possessed of those sterling qualities which win respect and honor in every land
and clime. His business integrity is above question and his entire commercial
career has been based upon the old adage that honesty is the best policy.
JASPER F. WALKER.
Jasper F. Walker, of Shelton, has practiced l^w for about a quarter of a
century and has gained a distinctly creditable place in his profession. He was
born in Hancock county, Indiana, on the 13th of September, 1847, ^ son of
Wiley and Eliza (Moore) Walker, natives respectively of North Carolina and
Vermont. The mother's birth occurred on the 8th of October, 1820, and when
fourteen years of age she removed to Indiana, where she began teaching at the
age of sixteen. Wiley Walker left North Carolina in 1833, when sixteen years
of age, and went to Indiana, where he remained until his demise on the 15th of
December, 1862. His wife survived for many years, dying on the 17th of
August, 1901, when almost eighty years of age, but never remarried.
That branch of the Walker family to which our subject belongs is of Scotch
origin and has been traced back to the seventeenth or eighteenth century to a
General Walker, who commanded at the siege of Derby. Robert Walker emi-
grated to America before the Revolutionary war and settled in North Carolina,
where his son, Robert Walker II, was born and grew to manhood. He was
married on the 7th of June, 1777, and became the father of Robert Walker III,
who had a family of sixteen children, thirteen of whom grew to mature years
and accompanied their father on his removal to Hancock county, Indiana, in the
early '30s. Most of them settled in that county and reared large families and
there are yet many representatives of the name there.
Jasper F. Walker received his education at the Battle Ground Collegiate Insti-
tute in Battle Ground, Indiana, a town which has grown up on the site of the
battle of Tippecanoe. For some time he engaged in teaching school, following
that profession in both Indiana and Nebraska. He removed to the latter state in
March, 1870, and settled on a homestead in Hall county, where he lived until
1889, when he became a resident of Shelton, Buffalo county. He abandoned
teaching for the practice of law and for about twenty-five years has been a
9tm..M
7 /f
MR. AND MRS. JASPER F. WALKER
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 207
member of the Nebraska bar. He has an intimate knowledge of statute law and
precedent, and the power of convincing argument makes his legal learning effec-
tive. He takes great pains in the preparation of his cases and his record shows
that he has won a large percentage of favorable verdicts.
Mr. Walker was married on the 9th of March, 1870, to Miss Joann McCord,
a daughter of Elias and Eliza McCord, of Hancock county, Indiana. Her father
was one of the leading farmers of that county and was also active in public affairs,
serving for several years as a member of the board of county commissioners.
He passed away in 1901, after surviving his wife for three decades, her demise
having occurred in 1871. Mrs. Walker was born October 10, 1849, ^^^ received
her education in the common schools of the Hoosier state. By her marriage she
has become the mother of three children: Sylvia Myrtle, now Mrs. George
W. Dawson; Daisy E., the wife of Edward L. Stubblefield; and Jesse C, who
married Agnes M. Mundle.
Mr. Walker supports the candidates and measures of the republican party
as he believes that its policies are based upon sound principles of government.
In 1891 he became a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and
since 1897 has belonged to the Loyal Mystic Legion. His ■ religious faith is
indicated by the fact that he holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church. When but sixteen years of age he joined the Indiana Legion, which
was a military organization formed subsequent to Morgan's raid of Indiana for
the purpose of preventing a repetition of the raid. He has always manifested
a praiseworthy concern for the public good and has been willing to cooperate
in the furtherance of projects for the advancement of his community and state.
LOUIS A. KOEPPE.
Louis A. Koeppe, known far and wide as an auctioneer and also engaged in
the handling of new and second-hand merchandise at Kearney, was born at
Neenah, Wisconsin, August 19, 1870, and was one of a family of six children,
four of whom are now living, whose parents were Bernhardt and Dorothy
(Schnella) Koeppe, natives of Germany. Both were born and reared in the
vicinity of Berlin and in that country the father learned and followed the milling
business. About the year 1866 he came to America and for a time engaged in
carpentering in Wisconsin, but his later life was devoted to general agricultural
pursuits. He removed from Wisconsin to Boulder, Colorado, but in the fall of
1872 bought a team of mares and a prairie schooner and, joining a wagon train,
in which were twenty-three other teams, traveled eastward through an Indian
infested country until he finally reached Buffalo county, Nebraska. Here he
secured both a homestead and timber claim in Divide township and thereon
resided for many years, passing through the usual experiences incident to fron-
tier life. He lived there during the period of Indian scares and the grasshopper
plague and the drought, all of which entailed hardships that are utterly unknown
to the present generation and of which they can form no adequate conception. It
was a time which tried men's souls, for in a measure life was unsafe and, more-
over, the early settlers had to see all their work upon the farms count for naught,
Vol. II — 10
208 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
for the grasshoppers descended upon their crops, leaving nothing green. Mr.
Koeppe finally went to California, where he passed away in 1897.
Louis A. Koeppe had none of the advantages offered the boy of the present'
day — the opportunities to secure an education and learn a trade or receive other
business equipment. He was reared to manhood on the old homestead claim
which his father had entered from the government and was put to work when but
a child, having to bear his part in the burden of contributing to the general sup-
port of the family. When eleven years of age his mother died and there thus
devolved upon him those burdens which would have been relieved had he had a
mother's counsel and care.
At nineteen years of age Mr. Koeppe embarked in the livestock business and
was gaining a good start when the bank at Kearney, in which his money was
deposited, failed and left him without a dollar. He gathered together from his
wrecked fortune sufficient means to take him to Bozeman, Montana, where, with
a capital of less than one hundred dollars he embarked in the new and second-
hand merchandise business. He there resided until 1899, with the exception of
about a year during that period, which he spent in Buffalo county. It was dur-
ing this time that he began crying sales and, possessing natural aptitude for the
work, he soon won a reputation as an auctioneer and his services were more and
more in demand in that connection. For the last seventeen years he has lived in
Kearney and has engaged in the handling of new and second-hand merchandise in
connection with the crying of sales. In the occupation of auctioneering he has
become widely and favorably known, not only in Buffalo but throughout many of
the adjacent counties. His life has been one of unfaltering industry, his entire
career being characterized by hard work and close application.
In 1897 occurred the marriage of Mr. Koeppe and Miss Minnie Schift'mann,
of Butte, Montana, and to them has been born a son, Arthur S. The family is
well known in Kearney, where they have resided for about two decades, and Mr.
Koeppe has a wide acquaintance throughout the state. He has an abundance of
vitality, a breezy manner, energy and alertness. He is quick at repartee, and his
ready word has been an important asset in his success.
ORLANDO McCONNAUGHEY.
Orlando McConnaughey, who owns an excellent farm on section 24, Gibbon
township, adjoining the town of Gibbon, at one time held title to seven hundred
and fifty acres of excellent land but has now disposed of a part of his property.
He was born near Hillsboro, in Highland county, Ohio, on the 2rst of December,
1847, ^ son of Andrew and Mary (Vance) McConnaughey, both natives of Penn-
sylvania. They were reared and married in that state but subsequently removed
to a farm in Highland county, Ohio, where they resided until called by death.
Orlando McConnaughey was educated in the district schools and during his
boyhood and youth also received valuable training in farm work through assisting
his father. In the spring of 1870 he purchased a small farm in his native county
and engaged in its operation until 1882, when he decided to take advantage of
the opportunities in the rapidly developing state of Nebraska and accordingly
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 209
came to Buffalo county, buying a section of land in Shelton township. Some
time later he purchased his present home farm adjoining the town of Gibbon,
which at one time comprised seven hundred and fifty acres. He has since dis-
posed of a part of this place but still owns three hundred and twenty acres. He
has been very successful, his well directed labors yielding him substantial returns
annually, and he ranks among the well-to-do men of his township.
Mr. McConnaughey was married on the 13th of January, 1870, to Miss Julia
A. Wilcoxon, who was born near Freeport, Illinois. They have become the par-
ents of five children, of whom three survive, namely: Thena C, the wife of W.
Boyd Smith, of Omaha; Hattie B., who married J. N. Ashburn, owner of the
Gibbon mills; and Eft'ie C, the wife of O. J. Milius, of Ralston, this state.
The republican party has a stanch adherent in Mr. McConnaughey, but he has
never sought ofiice, preferring to discharge his civic duties as a private citizen.
He holds membership in Granite Lodge, No. 189, A. F. & A. M., and in Nebraska
Consistory, No. i, A. & A. S. R., of Omaha. Both he and his wife are identified
with the Baptist church and he has served as a member of the board of trustees,
thus giving proof of his interest in the work of the organization. His life has con-
formed to high standards of morality, and his many admirable qualities have
gained him the respect and warm regard of those who have been associated with
him.
VICTOR L. JOHNSON.
Victor L. Johnson, cashier of the Shelton State Bank, has gained a place
among the bankers of Buffalo county that is distinctly creditable to his ability and
enterprise. He was born on the 20th of April, 1883, of the marriage of Nelson
W. and Agnes C. (Hare) Johnson, both of whom were born in the state of New
York, where the father passed away and where the mother is still living. They
became the parents of six children, of whom one is deceased.
Victor L. Johnson was reared and educated in the Empire state and remained
there until 1902, when, as a young man of about nineteen years, he came to
Shelton, Buffalo county, Nebraska, and entered the Shelton Bank as assistant
cashier, which office he held until 1905, when he went to Heartwell.. He was
cashier of the Heartwell State Bank until 191 2, in which year he accepted the
position of cashier of the Shelton State Bank, in which capacity he is still serving.
He is not only thoroughly familiar with banking routine but also understands
the underlying principles of banking and keeps in touch with financial conditions
throughout this section and in fact throughout the country at large. Under his
able management the bank has paid good dividends and has also furnished ample
security to the stockholders and depositors. He has gained a measure of success
that many a man older than he might well envy and he owns his comfortable and
attractive residence.
Mr. Johnson was married in 1907 to Miss Marie Reasoner, who was born in
Ashland, Nebraska, and they have become the parents of a daughter, Anna ^larie,
born September 28, 1913. Mr. Johnson gives his political support to the repub-
lican party and is now town treasurer. He belongs to Shelton Lodge, No. 99,
210 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
F. & A. M., in which he has filled all of the chairs, and in religious faith both he
and his wife are Presbyterians. They are well known and have many warm
friends, who esteem them highly for their admirable traits of character.
CASSIUS B. MANUEL.
Many tangible evidences of the public spirit of Cassius B. Manuel can be given
and so far-reaching and important has been his work in behalf of the community
in which he lives that no history of Buffalo county would be complete without the
record of his life. He was born in McKean county, Pennsylvania, on the 28th
of January, i860, and during his infancy was taken by his parents to Missouri,
in which state his early years were passed. His father, Benjamin F. Manuel, was
a son of Francis Manuel, a native of Portugal, iii which country the family name
was Emmanuel. Benjamin F. Manuel was born at Eastport, Maine, and after
serving an apprenticeship of seven years in Rochester, New York, became a con-
tractor and builder. He wedded Anna Barclay, a native of Shippen, New York,
and of English ancestry, being a direct descendant of Sir Robert Barclay. While
in Missouri the family resided at Mexico, Macon City, and at Glenwood, and it
was during this time that Mr. Manuel enlisted for service in the Union cause,
becoming a member of Company H, Third Iowa Cavalry. He was honorably
discharged in 1863 owing to injuries sustained in the service and returned to
Missouri, where he engaged in contracting and building. He also gave some
attention to farming and likewise established a brickyard, which he operated with
the aid of his sons. In September, 1872, he removed with his family to Howard
county, Nebraska, where he homesteaded a claim, residing thereon until the death
of his wife, which occurred in 1887. Later he removed to California, where he
passed away in 1900.
Cassius B. Manuel was little more than twelve years of age when the family
removed to Nebraska. His youthful days were spent in helping with the work of
the home farm and making brick. He well remembers the grasshopper plague
and the later droughts when the springtime promise of harvests was utterly
destroyed and the farmers had to face the condition of passing through season
after season without harvesting any crops.
When seventeen years of age Cassius B. Manuel spent a season with his father
and a brother in the Black Hills engaged in mining, in conducting a store, in
freighting supplies for the miners and in avoiding the hostile Indians. His edu-
cational training was completed in the State Normal College at Peru, Nebraska,
and in 1882 he taught his first school, which was near Clarks, Nebraska. A large
proportion of his subsequent life has been devoted to educational work and, hav-
ing been elected superintendent of the schools of Howard county, he served in
that position for four years. He has proven a most able educator, imparting
readily and clearly to others the knowledge that he has acquired, and his efforts
have been an important element in advancing the school system of the state.
In early boyhood Mr. Manuel became deeply interested in politics, at which
period his enthusiasm found expression in carrying a torch in political parades.
For a time he was editorial writer on the St. Paul Phonograph and afterward
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 211
became the owner of the St. Paul Press. At a subsequent date he purchased the
Phonograph and consoHdated the two papers under the name of the Phonograph-
Press. In conducting that journal he attained wide renown as a trenchant, force-
ful newspaper writer and his paper became an important factor in shaping polit-
ical belief. His activities also extended in other directions, for he became one of
the organizers of the Farmers Alliance and the populist party. In 1906 he was
chosen chairman of the populist state central committee, in which position he serv-
ed for six years. By appointment of Governor Shallenberger he became superin-
tendent of the State Industrial School for Boys at Kearney in 1909 and two years
later was reappointed, because of his fitness for the position, by Governor Aldrich,
who was of another political faith. The school was in a deplorable condition when
Mr. Manuel became superintendent, sanitary conditions were very bad, the morale
of the school was at a low ebb and it was conducted much after the manner of a
penal institution. There was also an utter lack of harmony between the officers
and the boys. Mr. Manuel at once set about to improve these conditions and bring
order out of chaos. Modern scientific methods improved the sanitation ; the boys
were no longer treated as felons ; and a bond of sympathy and helpfulness between
officers and boys wrought a marked change for the better. In fact, in every way
a great advancement was made from a humanitarian standpoint; an honor system
was inaugurated which had much to do with the improvement, for the boys felt
that fidelity to the school standards brought returns. In fact, the honor system
and the furlough introduced by Mr. Manuel resulted in reducing the number of
runaways and incorrigibles to a minimum. For four years Mr. Manuel con-
tinued at the head of this institution to its lasting good, to his own personal credit
and to the satisfaction of all concerned. Since that time he has been secretary,
treasurer and business manager of the Denzler-Manuel Furniture Company of
Kearney, of which he was one of the organizers.
On the 4th of May, 1886, Mr. Manuel was united in marriage to Miss Etta
Imes, and to them have been born four children : Bessie ; Ruth, now the wife of
Walter E. Wade of Downs, Kansas ; Ruby R. ; and Cassius Barclay, who died
July 4, 1910.
Mr. Manuel is a Knight Templar Mason and is also identified with the Ancient
Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. His has been a well spent life
fraught with good results for the benefit of his fellow townsmen and characterized
by broad humanitarianism. His course commends him to the honor and regard of
all and wherever he is known he is spoken of in terms of high regard.
O. E. LOWELL.
The operation of five hundred acres of excellent land which he owns affords
O. E. Lowell scope for his energy and enterprise, and his well directed labors
yield him a large financial return. A native of Missouri, he was born on the 12th
of January, 1862, of the marriage of Luther K. and Sarah Jane (Kirk) Lowell,
who were born respectively in Ohio and Michigan. The father served in the
Union army during the Civil war and died while at the front. Later the mother
married Abram Barrett, of Wisconsin, and in the fall of 1871 they removed to
212 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
Buffalo county, Nebraska, where she passed away. Our subject is the youngest
of three children, the others being : George L., a resident of Colorado ; and Maria
E., the wife of P. E. Mundal, of Hailey, Idaho.
O. E. Lowell attended the common schools in his boyhood but when fourteen
years of age began supporting himself. After working as a farm hand for a
few years he rented land and later took up a homestead, in Hitchcock county,
Nebraska. In 1889 he sold that place and coming to Buffalo county, purchased
his present home farm on section 10, Platte township. He proved successful as a
farmer from the hrst and as the years passed he invested his savings in additional
land and has acquired title to five hundred acres, all of which is well improved.
He raises both grain and stock but gives the greater part of his attention to
the latter branch of his business. He is also financially interested in the Farmers
Elevator Company at Gibbon.
Mr. Lowell was married in 1884 to Miss Sarah Zimmerman, and they have
become the parents of nine children, namely: Rhoda, deceased; Nettie B., at
home; Richard, residing at Kearney; Elsie M., the wife of Chester Smith; Otto
E. ; Elton E., at home ; Reuben ; Ruth L. ; and Jessie E.
Mr. Lowell exercises his right of franchise in support of the democratic party
and for more than twenty years he has held the ofifices of justice of the peace and
school director. Fraternally he belongs to the Workmen and the Grange, and
both he and his wife are identified with the United Brethern church — associa-
tions which indicate much concerning his interests. His business ability and
integrity are generally recognized, and personally he is popular.
EDWIN A. MILLER.
Edwin A. Miller, conducting business as a funeral director at Kearney, is well
known in Buffalo county, where he has been active in public affairs, serving
at one time as county clerk. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, January 26, i860,
and is one of the four surviving children in a family of seven, born of the mar-
riage of Frederick Miller and Lydia Aley, who were natives of Maryland and
Ohio respectively. The father was a farmer by occupation and Edwin A.
Miller was reared upon the old home farm. His educational opportunities were
only such as could be obtained in the district schools and even then he could
attend only in the winter seasons, as his' services were needed in the work of the
fields through the summer months. When eighteen years of age he began learning
the carpenter's trade but still continued to make his home with his parents. He
was identified with building operations and with farming for one year prior to
1884. On the 31st day of March, 1883, both his parents died of typhoid pneu-
monia, within fifteen minutes of each other.
In the following March Mr. Miller came west to Kearney, Nebraska, and at
once began work at the carpenter's trade in this city, continuing to follow that
occupation until 1891. During the succeeding two years he was connected with
the implement business. In 1894 he was engaged in the grain and feed business,
during the period when com sold as low as eight cents per bushel, and other grains
brought proportionate prices. He stored away thousands of bushels and in
EDWIN A. MILLER
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 215
December, 1901, he sold his corn and for four years thereafter was deputy county
clerk under A. V. Offill. In the fall of 1905 he was the successful nominee of
the republican party for the office of county clerk and after acceptably serving
for a term of two years his record was accorded public indorsement in a reelec-
tion, so that his connection with the office covered four years as deputy and four
additional years as clerk. He retired from the position on the 31st of December,
1909, with an excellent record, his course being marked by systematic methods,
capability and unfaltering fidelity. While yet filling the office of clerk in 1908
he opened an undertaking establishment, which he conducted for about a year
through an employe but since January, 1909, he has given his undivided attention
to the business and that he might better serve the public he took a course in a
Cincinnati college of embalming, from which he was granted a diploma in
May, 1 9 10.
On the 8th of October, 1889, Air. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe
A. Herbert, and to them have been born five children : Pearl E., the wife of
Harry T. Troupe; Florence A., the wife of Emil R. Parks; one who died in
infancy; Alberta M., who died at the age of seven and a half years; and
Clara Bell.
Mr. and Mrs. Aliller are members of the Presbyterian church and he is an
Odd Fellow, belonging to the subordinate lodge, encampment and the Rebekahs.
He is also serving as major of the First Battalion of the Second Regiment of the
Patriarchs Militant of that order. He has attained the Royal Arch degree in
Masonry and is a member of the Eastern Star, while on the membership rolls of
a number of insurance fraternal organizations his name is also found. He has
served consecutively for seventeen years as secretary of the Nebraska State
Volunteer Firemen's Association. He has led a busy and useful life charac-
terized by advancement along material lines and by fidelity to every duty. He
has a wide acquaintance and the favorable regard of many friends and in
Kearney is accounted a representative citizen.
FRED C. SCOTT.
Fred C. Scott, a prosperous hardware and furniture merchant of Kearney
whose business methods measure up to modern commercial standards and
exemplify the progressive spirit of the age, was born in Decatur county, Iowa,
December 5, 1861. His father, Josiah A. Scott, was a native of Ohio, where he
grew to manhood. He afterward became a resident of Pleasanton, Decatur
county, Iowa, settHng there just prior to the Civil war, and he was there engaged
in mercantile pursuits. While residing in that city he wedded Mary Bowman, a
representative of an old Virginia family, and after two children had been bom
to them they removed to Indiana, the father engaging in merchandising at Middle-
town, that state, for a time. Finally, however, he went to Anamosa, Iowa, with
his family and there passed away in the year 1892. His widow survives, yet
making her home in that city.
Fred C. Scott inherited many of his father's sterling attributes of character
and business ability. In his boyhood he became assistant in his father's hardware
216 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
store and learned from him the old adage that honesty is the best policy and that
the road to success is along the line of upright dealing. He learned too that correct
valuation must be placed upon opportunity, industry and determination. His
literary education was acquired in the schools of Middletown, Indiana, and of
Anamosa, Iowa, supplemented by a course in a commercial college in Chicago.
In March, 1888, he arrived in Nebraska and for seventeen years was engaged in
the hardware business at David City. While there he organized the David City
Telephone Company, of which he was the sole owner, this being one of the
earliest in the independent telephone field in this state.
In the year 1905 Mr. Scott removed to Kearney and since that time has made
this city his home, his attention being given to the furniture and hardware trade.
He has a well appointed store, carrying a large and carefully selected line in both
departments, and his earnest efforts to please his patrons, his reasonable prices
and his straightforward dealing have been the salient features in his growing
success. He is courteous and obliging and his life record proves that prosperity
and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
On the 25th of September, 1890, Air. Scott was united in marriage to Miss
Ella Prentice, of Anamosa, Iowa, and to them have been born three children:
Ruth Alda, Mary Elizabeth and Cree Prentice. The religious faith of the family
is that of the Methodist church, in which the parents and children hold member-
ship. Mr. Scott belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and his po-
litical indorsement is given to the democratic party. Anyone meeting him face to
face would know at once that he is an individual embodying all the elements of
what, in this country, we term "a square man," one in whom to have confidence,
a dependable man in any relation and in any emergency. He has never hesitated
to take a forward step when the way is open and, though content with what he
has attained as he has gone along, he has always been ready to make an advance.
Fortunate in possessing ability and character that inspire confidence in others,
the simple weight of his character and ability have carried him into important
relations.
LEWIS A. WIGHT.
Lewis A. Wight, of Gibbon, who is proving very efficient as the mail carrier
of rural route No. 2, was born in Henry county, Illinois, on the 4th of October,
i860. His parents, William K. and Sophia (Eastman) Wight, were natives
respectively of Lake county, Ohio, and of New York state. Their marriage
occurred in the Empire state, whence, in 1858, they removed to Henry county,
Illinois, where the father engaged in farming until 1886, when he came with his
family to this county and located upon a farm in Gibbon township. At length
he put aside the work of the fields and removed to Gibbon, where his demise
occurred December 9, 1903. To him and his wife were born seven children, of
whom six sons survive.
Lewis A. Wight remained at home for a number of years after attaining his
majority and devoted his time to assisting his father, but following his marriage in
1 891 he assumed charge of the operation of the homestead. He farmed success-
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 217
fully until 1905. He was then made carrier on route No. 3, but subsequently
transferred to No. 2 and removed to Gibbon, where he has since lived. Although
he gives the greater part of his time to the discharge of his duties as mail carrier,
he still owns eighty acres of land in Buffalo county and eighty acres in Sas-
katchewan, Canada, from which he derives a gratifying financial return. He also
holds title to his comfortable residence in Gibbon.
Mr. Wight was married in 1891 to Miss Minnie Fulmer, a native of New
York and a daughter of D. M. and Ellen E. (Longstreet) Fulmer, who were born
in that state but in 1880 came to this county. The father purchased land here and
devoted the remainder of his life to its cultivation. The mother is still living.
Mrs. Wight is one of a family of five children, all of whom survive. Mr. and
Mrs. Wight have no children of their own but have an adopted son, Clyde F.,
who is now attending the local high school.
Mr. Wight supports the republican party and has served as a member of the
town board. He has also served several years as member of the library board.
Fraternally he belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and both he and
his wife attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church. During the many
years of their residence in this county they have gained a wide acquaintanceship
and have made and retained a host of friends.
CHRISTIAN JACOBSON.
Among the residents of Kearney who have been enabled to put aside the
onerous duties of business life is Christian Jacobson, who for a considerable
period was identified with agricultural pursuits and afterward engaged in the
cement contracting business. His indefatigable energy and intelligently directed
effort brought him the success which now enables him to rest from further labor.
He was born in Denmark on the 19th of March, 1846, and there spent the period
of his boyhood and youth, his time being largely devoted to the acquirement of an
education. In May, 1866, when a young man of twenty years, he landed at New
York after a six weeks' voyage upon the Atlantic. He then made his way to New
Jersey, where for three months he was employed in a brickyard and on the
expiration of that period he removed to Davenport, Iowa, and later to Illinois,
where he was employed as a farm hand for two years. He afterward spent four
months in Omaha, Nebraska, and then returned to his old home in Denmark,
where he served for two years in the regular army and was also employed for two
years. The lure of America, however, was upon him and, returning to Illinois,
he secured employment on the farm on which he had previously worked for two
years. His second engagement covered seven years and during the last year of
that time he acted as foreman. Saving his money, for he was ambitious to engage
in business on his own account, he came to Buffalo county in 1879 and purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Divide township. This was railroad land
for which he paid five dollars per acre. With characteristic energy he began to
develop the wild prairie tract, added many modern improvements and brought his
fields to a high state of cultivation. He continued to follow farming and stock
raising successfully for many years and the sale of his crops, adding to his
218 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
income, enabled him to purchase more land from time to time until he became
the owner of eight hundred acres, which he successfully cultivated until 1904,
when he turned the farm over to his sons and retired from active agricultural
life. Removing to Kearney, he then engaged in the cement contracting business,
building sidewalks for about five years, during which time he put in miles and
miles of sidewalk and curbing. He was accorded a very liberal patronage in that
connection but at length put aside active business cares to enjoy a rest which he
had richly earned and fully deserves.
Mr. Jacobson has been married twice. On the 9th of March, 1875, he wedded
Miss Charlotta Peterson, who was born in Sweden and came to the United
States in 1872. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children, as
follows : Johanna, who is the wife of William CuUoch and lives in Colorado ;
Frederick William, who resides on his father's farm ; Eliza, who gave her hand in
marriage to Ed. S. Shovlain, of Buffalo county, Nebraska ; Carl A., who lives on
his father's farm; Walter C, a resident of Montana; Martin Elmer, who makes
his home in Idaho ; and Laura, who is the wife of Charles Robbins, a miller
of this county. The wife and mother passed away in July, 191 1, and on the 7th
of October, 191 4, Mr. Jacobson was again married, his second union being with
Miss Mary Kellam, who was born in Yorkshire, England, and' emigrated to the
United States when about sixteen years of age. In 1886 she took up her abode
in Kansas and in the year 1889 came to Kearney, Nebraska.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson attend the Episcopal church, Mrs. Jacobson having
been the organist there for years, and he exercises his right of franchise in sup-
port of the men and measures of the democratic party. He has served as school
director and was assessor for thirteen years and in all matters of citizenship
maintains a public-spirited attitude, supporting those plans and measures which
he deems of greatest value to the community. Actuated by a laudable ambition,
he has ever worked his way steadily upward and in his business career has used
only constructive methods, his path having never been strewn with the wreck of
other men's failures. Industry has been his watchword and it has brought him
success.
EMORY WYMAN.
Emory Wyman is now living retired at Gibbon but for many years was
actively identified with agricultural and with creamery interests. He has now
passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred at
Jamestown, New York, July 3, 1834. His parents were Ezra and Emeline
(Seymour) Wyman, who were also natives of New York. On leaving that state
they removed to Michigan, where they lived for eleven years and then became
residents of Wisconsin. Subsequently they returned to Jamestown, New York,
where they resided until 1861, when they once more went to Wisconsin, where
their remaining days were passed. In their family were eleven children, of
whom six brothers served in defense of the Union during the Civil war. Two
of the number died while at the front defending the stars and stripes and four
of them are now on the pension roll of the country.
I
EMORY WYMAX JX 1864
EMORY WY:\IAX
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 221
Emory Wyman started out to earn his own living when but a Httle lad of
seven years. His youthful days were largely spent in Wisconsin and his boy-
hood was a period of earnest and unremitting toil in which he had few advantages,
educational or otherwise. The need of his country aroused his patriotic spirit in
1861 and he offered his services to the government, enlisting as a member of
Company A, Sixth Wisconsin Infantry, with which he remained until 1862,
when he joined the Nineteenth Wisconsin Regiment and so served until 1864.
Although he participated in a number of the most hotly contested engagements
of the war, he was never wounded, nor was he ill in the hospital. In July, 1864,
he was overcome by the heat and never saw his regiment after that. When he
had partially recovered he was assigned to light duty as an invalid.
After being mustered out in Maryland Mr. Wyman returned to Wisconsin,
where he resided until 1880. He then removed to Clinton county, Iowa, where
he lived for one year and during that period had charge of four creameries. In
1882 he arrived in Shelton, Nebraska, and settled upon a farm in that locality,
devoting eighteen years to general agricultural pursuits. He then returned
to the village of Shelton, where he made his home until 1906, when he came to
Gibbon, where he has since lived.
Mr. Wyman has been married twice. In 1865 he wedded Miss Orra Tyler,
by whom he had six children, as follows : Albert L., superintendent of the
county farm of Buffalo county ; Bernett, who is also a resident of this county ;
Delia, who is the wife of John Icke, of Madison, Wisconsin; Frankie, who gave
her hand in marriage to Dr. J, E. Mettlin, of Bloomfield, Nebraska ; Grace, living
in Madison, Wisconsin, who is superintendent of the rural schools of Dane
county, that state ; and Cassius, deceased. The wife and mother passed away in
1902 and the following year Mr. Wyman was again married, his second union
being with Mrs. Margaret Henry, of Chicago. The latter is a devoted and
consistent member of the Christian church.
Mr. Wyman belongs to the Grand Army post at Shelton and thus maintains
pleasant relations with his military comrades. In politics he is a republican and
for years served as a member of the school board, while in 1889 he was elected
to represent his district in the state legislature. In former years he took an active
interest in politics and gave earnest aid and support to many measures for the
public good, but at the present time he is largely leaving all political as well as
business activities to others. However he still feels an interest in affairs of the
day and notably for one of his years keeps in touch with the trend of modern
thought and progress. He is now one of the venerable citizens of the county — a
man whose well spent life has made him worthy the goodwill and respect which
are accorded him.
RICHARD P. ZIMMERMAN.
Among the progressive and efficient farmers of Shelton township is Richard
P. Zimmerman, who owns an excellent farm on section 21. He was born in
Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, on the 25th of November, 1861, and is a son of
Adam W. and Louise E. (Miller) Zimmerman, natives of Pennsylvania, who
222 HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY
removed with their family to Buffalo county, Nebraska, in the fall of 1871. The
father homesteaded land on section 28, Shelton township, and devoted his time
to its cultivation and improvement until his demise on the 5th of September, 1908.
The mother survives and still lives on the homestead.
Richard P. Zimmerman was ten years of age at the time of the removal to
this state and received the greater part of his education in the district schools of
Buffalo county. About 1885 or 1886 he took charge of the home farm and also
operated rented land. Several years previously, in 1882, he had purchased eighty
acres on section 21, Shelton township, but he continued to live on the home place
until 1909, when he removed to his farm on section 21. He has added to his
holdings from time to time and now owns two hundred and eighty acres of
valuable land. He derives a good income from his agricultural pursuits and is
also a stockholder in the Independent Telephone Company of Shelton.
In 1892 Mr. Zimmerman was married to ]\liss Phillipena Vohland, of Shelton
township, a daughter of Lawrence Vohland, a well known farmer. Six children
have been born to this union, of whom five survive, namely: Irl R. L., Alva G.,
Reuel B., Lila G. and Lulu C, all of whom are at home. Blanch is deceased.
Mr. Zimmerman takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs and in
casting his ballet votes according to the dictates of his judgment and not accord-
ing to party lines. He and his wife are both members of the United Brethren
church and can be depended upon to aid in the furtherance of its work. He has
based his success upon industry, the careful planning of his work, and integrity
and the prosperity which he has gained is well deserved.
TIMOTHY J. TODD, D. D. S.
Dr. Timothy J. Todd, actively engaged in the practice of dentistry in Kearney
and also extending his professional efforts into other fields, is a son of Edwin R.
and Mary Ellen (Thomas) Todd. In 1856 his father homesteaded four miles west
of Plattsmouth and the farm which he there developed is still owned by the family
and is being operated by his youngest son. In the family were seven sons, one of
whom, G. W. Todd, is a dentist of Omaha, Nebraska. Another has passed away,
while the other four are following farming.
Of this number Dr. Timothy J. Todd was born in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, on
the 5th of March, 1879, and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth, attend-
ing the public and high schools. Determining upon a professional career, he
entered the Omaha Dental College, from which he was graduated in 1903. He
then began practice at Wahoo, Nebraska, where he remained until 19 12, when
he came to Kearney and has here since followed his profession.
On the 25th of May, 1904, Dr. Todd was married to Miss Minta Mauzy, of
Plattsmouth, Nebraska, who was born in Virginia but was reared and educated
in Plattsmouth. One son has been born of this marriage, Henri Edwin, ten years
of age.
Dr. Todd is very prominent in fraternal circles, being identified with a number
of organizations which are based upon the principle of mutual brotherliness and
HISTORY OF BUFFALO COUNTY 223
kindliness. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Dramatic Order of the
Knights of Khorassan, the Woodmen of the World, the Modern Woodmen of
America, the Knights and Ladies of Security and the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but he neither
seeks nor desires public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his
business affairs. He holds membership in the district, state and national dental
societies and thus keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the profession.
He has the latest improved instruments and appliances to facilitate his work and
his mechanical skill and ingenuity are an important factor in his success, while
added thereto he has comprehensive knowledge of the science of his profession.
JOHN H. SNYDER.
John H. Snyder is identified with farming interests in Center township, still
owning and occupying the old homestead property of eighty acres on section 6.
Mr. Snyder has always been a progressive and public-spirited citizen and his
loyalty to the country was manifest by his valiant service in the Civil war. He has
now passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey, his birth having occurred
in Germany, October lo, 1835, his parents being Valentine and Anna Snyder, who
were natives of the fatherland and there spent their entire lives. They had a
family of six children, all born in Germany.
John H. Snyder came to America when but twelve years of age with an
uncle, who located at Wheeling, West Virginia. After two years Mr. Snyder
removed to Ohio, where he continued until 1861, when, in response to the coun-
try's call for aid to crush out the rebellion in the south, he oft'ered his services to
the government, enlisting as a member of Company A, Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, with which he served for three and a half years. He participated in the
battle of Stone River, the battle of Chickamaugua and a number of other hotly
contested engagements, never faltering in the performance of his duty, whether on
the firing line or stationed on the lonely picket line. On one occasion he was
wounded in the left leg and at the close of the war he was mustered out at
Columbus, Ohio.
Air. Snyder continued to reside at Columbus until 1877, when he returned to
Germany, where he spent about four months. He then ca
