Dixon County, Nebraska - Chapter 13, 1896

Chapter 13

Assessments, Population, Improved Land, Fruit and Forest Trees, Marriages, Births and Deaths, from Organization of the County to the Present Time - Lists of County Officers, Clerks, Treasurers, Commissioners and Supervisors, Probate and County Judges, Sheriffs and Superintendents of Public Instruction, County Attorneys, Clerks of Court and Surveyors, from the First Until Now.

Dixon County, which commenced with nothing except brains and energy, has now much to show. The first settlers found when they came in the spring of 1856, a wild, unbroken and unimproved country peopled only by Indians. The whites who came were poor, having in a great majority of instances scarcely any money and a very meager supply of goods or other property.

Had an assessment been made in the summer of 1856 of the taxable property in the country which afterward became Dixon County, the value would of course have been expressed by a cypher. Starting thus at zero in 1856 let us see how the county has developed since then.

On May 1. 1856, nobody; January 1, 1857, estimated at from 150 to 200; January 1, 1858, according to old esttlers there were from 300 to 400 people here. Then hard times came on and for a few years the population decreased somewhat.

In I860 there were only 240 residents in the county and there was little increase until after the year of the great drouth, 1864, then it commenced gaining rapidly, and in 1870 was 1,345.

Taking into consideration the numerous vicissitudes and drawbacks, the drouth, grasshoppers and failures of crops during several years, and the consequent discouragement and moving away of many of the people, the progress as to population, has been beyond the average of the counties of the state.

Starting at zero in 1856, we find that half way on the journey from that date to the present time there were 18,- 500 acres of land under cultivation, 12,700 acres fenced, 6,000 fruit trees and about 1,250.000 forest trees had been planted, of which 1.000.000 were cottonwoods, and the remainder were soft maples, walnuts and box elders. This was a good showing for the first nineteen years, hut the next nineteen years show a much greater advance.

It appears from the above that during the first nineteen years, there was an average of nearly one thousand acres improved every year. In contrast with this during the next nineteen years, the average number of acres of land improved per year was over six thousand.

A much more wonderful rate of increase may be seen by comparing the fruit and forest trees planted during the two periods. During the first nineteen years. 6,000 fruit trees and 1,250,000 forest trees did not evince a very energetic desire to have orchards and sheltering groves, and the showing is insignificant when compared with what was done in the next nineteen years.

During the latter period, instead of a trifle over 300 fruit trees per year, the average planted annually wTas 14,768, and the forest trees came up to the enormous average of 223,600 per year.

In may seem almost impossible that these figures are true, but they are obtained from records and reports in the county clerk's office and may therefore be depended upon as reliable.

rrhe rii*st assessment was made in 1859, and as we are told by the assessor there being no record on the subject extant, the valuation was about $4,800.

From 1859 to 1864, live years, - there is nothing written or verbal to give any certain information as to what the valuations were. Old residents tell us that assessments were made and that during at least two of the live years, the valuations were even less than they were in 1859. The hardness of the times had driven away many, and money was scarce and improvements few. The first assessment after 1859, of which we can find authentic information, was that of 1864.

This was the most disastrous year of all, yet the assessed valuation loomed up in great proportions, viz: $44,S54. This enormous increase of valuation after all the previous poverty stricken years, was of course not occasioned by any increased prosperity on the part of the actual settlers. But great quantities of land had been bought from the government by non-resident speculators, and it was mainly this land, and probably at as large a price as the assessor's conscience would permit, which swelled the valuation to such large figures. In that year the number of acres assessed was 15,239, and it is safe to say that not a tenth of it was owned by actual residents of the county.

In 1865 the valuation was $48,863. Not a very wonderful advance over that of the previous year, but at the time the assessment was made in the spring, settlers had barely emerged from the terrible fifteen months of drouth, which came near wrecking the county and driving everybody out of it, and of course during the time that lasted, dragging down the values of lands and improvements to their lowest ebb.

The next assessment, spring of 1866 - everything booming again the valuation rose to $64,204. From this time forward there was a very rapid increase. The following are the figures:

From 1S71 to 1S74, inclusive, the yearly increase of valuation was from $100,000 to $150,000. People were evidently enjoying most prosperous years.

In 1875, however, things went the other way for a time. The grasshoppers had come in the summer of 1S74, and had made a clean sweep of every growing thing. People were discouraged again, - many sold out at half price and moved away, and the value of property fell. Hence, in 1S75 the assessed valuation tumbled from $717,620, as it was the year before, down to $587,331, being a shrinkage of $130,289.

However, in 1876, the scare was mainly over, property went up in value again, and the assessed valuation jumped up to $780,515, being about $13,000 above what it had been in 1S74.

In 1S77 the valuation was $990,268, showing the enormous increase of $2511,753 over that of the previous year. The next two years the valuation went down again. The figures are as follows:

For the past eight years the valuation has increased but little. This was not occasioned by the county standing still in its efforts for wealth. The actual increase in value has been as great as during the most prosperous years of the county, but the rates of assessment were greatly reduced, and the assessed valuation was kept in the neighborhood of $ 1,5()0,IK 10, each year.

The records of the marriages in the county, after its organization, are not complete during the first one or two years. According to the books in the county judge's office the first couple married in the county was S. B. Stough and Helena Ernst on May 15, 1861. That they were not the first is shown by the memory of old residents who claim that from thirty to forty had been married previous to that time, the record of which has been lost.

From the records in existence it appears that nine hundred and seventy-live marriages have taken place in the county since May 15. 1861. If thirty-five couples had been married before that date, Dixon county has had one thousand and fifty-three marriages since its first settlement up to the present time. In the past few years the number of marriages per year has greatly increased. In 1892 there were sixty-one, in 1893 seventy-nine, in 1894 forty-eight.

As to births and deaths there are no records from which to obtain information From the best evidence that can be had it is presumed that there have been not less than two thousand, eight hundred births in the county since its organization and nineteen hundred deaths, the births being much greater in number than the deaths. The difference being eight hundred and fifty, it is plain that so far as health and longevity are concerned, this country is fully equal to Minnesota, where the annual death rate is about nine out of every thousand.

County Clerks

W. 1). Long, elected in October, 1869, and continued to September (}, 1870, when he resigned and T. J. Welty was appointed to till the vacancy.

County Treasurers

John Malone was elected in December, 1858. He was the first treasurer of the county. Held the office until October 1 1. 1859, and was re-elected for two years and until October. 1861.

Leander Davis from October, 1863, to spring of 1865, when he resigned and moved to Sioux City and W. P. Hey don was appointed to fill the vacancy.

Commissioners And Supervisors

At the first election held in 1858, John Cavanagh, H. A. Fuller and J. Massinger were elected commissioners until the next general election in October, 1859.

Previous to this time the commissioners commenced in October, as soon as the vote was canvassed. Afterwards they took the office on the 1st day of January.

1889 G. 0. Acres, chairman. Concord; A. Drager, Ponca City; M. B. DeWitt, Ponca township; W. A. Matteson, Galena; Nels Johnson. Hooker: H. Richards. New Castle; J. H. Addison, Daily; J. H. Cole. Otter Creek; A. W. Rose, Ionia: C. Mitchell. Clark; J. F. Pomeroy, Springbank; P. A. Dempsey. Silver Creek; James Monier, Emerson; Philo Graves. Wakefield; and William Johnson, Logan.

1S90 J. F. Pomeroy, Springbank. chairman: A. Drager, Ponca City: M. B. DeWitt, Ponca township; A. H. Ellyson. Ionia; J. H. Addison, Daily; M. A. Vaughn, Galena: R. A. Poole, Emerson: J. W. Hypse. Logan; A. S. Palmer. New Castle: Nels Johnson: Hooker: J. H. Cole. Otter Creek: C.

1S1I1 .). F. Pomeroy, chairman, Spring-bank; A. Drager, Ponca City; A. Davis, Ponca township; .). H. Addison. Daily; A. 8. Palmer, New Castle; Philo Craves, Wakefield; A. II. Ellyson, Ionia; M. C. Vaughn, Galena; P. A. Dempsey, Silver Creek; It. 1). Hall. Concord; S. Roberts, Otter Creek; J. Sullivan, Clark; ,1. W. Hypse, Logan; K. A. Poole. Emerson; A. C. (Iran, Hooker.

1895 - To October 18 of that year, J. D. Stough. Ponca City, chairman; Daniel Crowley. Galena; James Tobin, New- Castle; Frank A. Hypse. Logan; M. Conway, Daily; W. A. Morgan, Springbank; Wm. Sweeney. Emerson; T. -I. Ryan, Ionia; Wm. Thompson, Concord; Perry Dempster, Clark; A. N. Gran, Hooker: C. T. Barto, Wakefield; C. W. Schram, Silver Creek ;M. B. De Witt, Ponca township; and H.J. Stinger, Otter Creek.

On October 18, 1895, under the new law relating to supervisions and township organization, the number of supervisors was reduced to seven. These were chosen bv lot from the old hoard. The supervisors thus chosen were J. I). Stough, representing District No. 1, comprising Ponca City; T. -I. Ryan, District No. 2, Ponca Township, Ionia and New Castle: C. VY. Schram, District No. 3, Silver Creek, Daily and Hooker; Perry Dempster, District No. 4, Clark, Concord and Logan; C. T. Barto, District No. 5, Wakefield; W. A.Morgan, District No. (i. Springbank and Galena, and Wm. Sweeney, District No. 7. Emerson and Otter Creek. These held their offices until January 1. 18-96, and were then succeeded by E. ,1. Berry, District No. 1; A. S. Palmer, District No. 2; C. W. Schram, District No. 3; C. Wischoff, District No. 4; C. T. Barto, District No. 5; W. A. Morgan, District No. (>. and A, Isenberg, District No. 7.

Superintendents Of Schools

The first sheriff elected in the county was 0. F. Putnam. He was elected in December, 1S5S, and held the office until October, 1859, when R. H. Wilbur was elected for two years. Mr. Wilbur only retained the office until the next spring, and Richard Higgin was appointed to till the vacancy, and held the office in 1861. J. Clark, James Barrett and C. F. Putnam, each held the office a part of the time in 1862. Putnam held the office from October, 1862, to October. 1863.

C. F. Putnam, from October, 1864, to October, 1865. He held the office either as principal or deputy most of the time since the county was organized.

County Attorneys

\Y. F. Norris was elected for two years, commencing January 1. 1888. He resigned at the end of a year and J. J. McAllister was appointed to fill the vacancy.

Clerks Of The District Court Chapteb Xiv

Members of the Legislature Sent From Dixon County District Judges J. B. Barnes and W. F. Norris Schools and Scholars The First Deed Recorded in the County Crist Mills and Saw Mills and Other Manufactories.

Those who were sent by Dixon county to the legislature were generally men of the requisite energy and ability to till the important positions of law makers. Before Nebraska became a state this county was represented in the territorial legislature by three of its citizens, viz: D. T. Bramble, in 1858; N. S. Porter, in 1864, and R. H. Wilbur, in 1S65. All these gentlemen did well for their constituents, so well, indeed, that Messrs. Porter and Wilbur were sent there again after stateship was adopted, and Mr. Bramble for his efficient efforts in the organization of the county would undoubtedly have been again elected if he had remained here. He removed to Yankton, where he died a few years ago.

After Nebraska became a state, Mr. Porter was elected state senator in 1866 and again in 1868, and Mi-. Wilbur was a representative in 1866. Oliver Baltzley was the representative in 1868, and was followed by Mr. Wilbur in 1872. As to politics, Porter and Baltzley were republicans and Wilbur a democrat.

In the fall of 1876, -I. P. Walters, democrat, was elected representative for two years, at the end of which time he was succeeded by W. H. Yanderbilt, republican of Silver Creek.

In 1878 O. P. Snllenberger, democrat, was elected to the senate. He then and since has resided in Ponca. Previously he lived in Ionia and in company with Messrs. Newton and Landon had a large mill there. As senator, as well as in the office of county commissioner, Mr. Snllenberger gave good

A. S. Palmer, republican, was elected to the house in 1880 and re-elected in 1882. He was, and is a farmer residing a few miles from New Castle, well educated, able and popular. - and frequently served the county in various responsible offices.

\Y. F. X orris, republican, became senator in 1882. He had been educated at West Point Military Academy and afterwards served in the army seveial years and until he resigned and came to Ponca to engage in the practice of law.

He was suceeded in 1SSC>. by P. Gt. Wright, democrat, a resident of Galena township. Mr. Wright had formerly been a member of the legislature of Iowa, and his experience there as well as his sound judgment and earnest efforts enabled him to pass through the legislative ordeal with credit. Mr. Wright was several times an efficient county commissioner and supervisor. He died at his home near Martinsburg, June 30, 1891. He had been a resident of Dixon county about fourteen years. He was a just and honorable man and had many friends.

In 1SSS, A. D. Whitford of Springbank. republican, was the representative. Mr. Whitford was a prosperous farmer of Springbank where he had lived since 1871. He was followed by P. E. Rohan, elected in 1890. Mr. Rohan was a member of the party now known as the --populist." He was a farmer living a few miles from New Castle and has resided there many years.

In 1890, H. P. Shumway, republican, one of the most prominent and popular members of that party in the district, was elected to the senate. Mr, Shumway resides in Wakefield where he is conspicuous by his energy and success in business and by his popularity in social life.

In 1892, E. E. Ellis, republican, of Springbank township, was elected representative. He settled in Springbank in 1869 and now has a tine farm of 280 acres three miles from Allen. He was an efficient member of the house.

Iii 1894, George Matteson, a prominent republican citizen of Ponca township, became representative. Mr. Matteson is a farmer and is an active and successful business man. As a legislator he gave entire satisfaction.

John B. Barnes, a native of Ohio and a soldier in an Ohio regiment during the war, located in Ponca and was admitted to the bar in 1S78. In W7"> he was elected district attorney and served as such i . the spring of 1879, when he was appointed district judge by Gov. Nance to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation Oi Judge Valentine, and in the fall of that year he was elected to that office by a large majority. Judge Barnes now resides at Norfolk. He was an able judge and is a successful lawyer lavinga large practice.

W. F. Norris. who, as previa -1 r- .entioned, was a state senator for this county one term and afterwards county attorney, was in 1SS7 elected district judge and in 1891 was reelected to the same office, his second term expiring January 1, 1896. Judge Norris during hi eight years on the bench gained the respect and esteem of the district and earned the reputation of being an honorable and upright judge.

Both Judge Barnes and dge Norris are republicans and were elected by that party. Politics, however, so far as judges are concerned, is beginning to be regarded by the people of advanced thought as of little importance. If a man has the requisite ability and honesty and is clear beaded and impartial, the question whether he believes in a high tariff or low, or is a si' L6 to 1 advocate or a gold bug,

After having thus briefly alluded to those who have been furnished by Dixon county to till legislative and judicial offices, the next important matter to notice are the schools, without due instruction in which, legislative ami judicial honors would be few indeed.

As to the schools in Dixon county in an early day. there is on that subject as on many others pertaining to county affairs, a most discouraging lack of information. That there were schools during the first few years of the county, there

In 1869 there were ten school districts and two hundred and twenty-nine children of school age in the county. In 1870 there were twelve school districts and three hundred and thirty-four scholars; in 1871, seventeen districts and five hundred and sixty-five scholars, and in IS72. twenty-one districts and seven hundred and six scholars. This rapid increase it is needless to follo\, office it to say that schools and scholars were growing in numbers in proportion to the growth of everything " ;e in the county. As a matter of course, at such a rate of speed, such numbers have now swelled into quite gigantic proportions.

At this time, (fall of .895), instead of ten school districts and two hundred and + -entvnine scholars as in 1S69, Dixon county has seventy-eign school districts, ninety-three schools, about one hundred teachers and three thousand, four hundred and sixty-four scholars.

Every summer since 1878 a teachers' institute has been held, during which the ser " ^s of some of the best and most advanced instructors m the state are obtained, and those designing to teach in the county are required by the superintendent to attend. At the institute held this year 1 1895) one hundred and nine teachers were in attendance.

With such earnest efforts to have competent teachers, it is needless to say that Dixon coir has good schools and as a consequence good scholars.

What a wonderful concrast there is between the schools of the present west and their improved methods of instruction, and the old fashioned "deestrict" schools of New York and New England, thirty-five years ago.

A few "odds and ends" entirely disconnected and not appropriately fitting into any other chapter we will insert here, as some or all of them may be of interest.

The first deed made and recorded in Dixon county after its organization in 1858, was from Wm. Bigley to Murtha Gorman. The deed was dated December 21, 1859, (a short time after the first election of county officers) and was re-

Dixon county's large tracts of timber alongthe Missouri and the generally great and certain crops of wheat and corn, brought about the establishing, from first to last, of numerous grist and saw mills.

Whitcomb's saw mill on the river bottom near Ponca was the pioneer and was followed by the grist mill of Stough Brothers at Ponca and the mill of L. T. Hill at Ionia, all of which have been previously described.

Among the saw mills in the timber along the Missouri was that of .Joseph Stobaugh near Ionia in '68, and that of Elias Warner in '69 which latter has continued to this time. A saw mill on the Aoway. about two miles below Ponca. was built by Jonathan Martin in 1S7<>.

George Matteson. from 1S74 to a few years ago. was engaged extensivelv in that business. His mill was in the timber near the river, and between Ponca and Ionia.

All the above mills were run by steam power excepting Stough Brothers' mill at Ponca and Martin's mill two miles below. The mill at Ponca. when the country became older and the increase of business demanded it. developed into the extensive roller mills built by Stough and Mikesell and afterwards owned by the Ponca Mill Company. Steam and water were both used as motive powers. The mill was burned in the winter of 1893 and has not been rebuilt.

At Wakefield is the well known flouring mill of .1. 0. Milligan. It does an immense business and is under excellent management. There is also a large mill at Emerson and another at Dixon. The mill at Martinsburg and the new mill at New Castle are first-class in machinery and have a large patronage.

In Ionia. T. J. Ryan has a steam syrup factory fitted up with the best machinery and latest improvements, in which he made about live thousand gallons of sorghum syrup in '94 and and the same in '1)5.

At Dixon a very large creamery has been in successful operation for a year past, and at Waterbury another was completed in the summer of '95. There are also several smaller establishments of the same kind in various parts of the county and doing good business. All such institutions are generally made profitable to the owners and they are certainly a help to the county at large.

The immense water powers along South Creek. Aoway and Logan, are capable of turning many more wheels than they now do, and it is to be hoped the time is not distant when the water of those rapid streams, now in a great measure going to waste, will be utilized.

In addition to excellent schools the county has many churches and benevolent societies. The rude school and church buildings of the pioneers, as good as they could have at that time, have given place to structures wherein refinement and good taste are conspicuous. All the various educational, moral and intellectual efforts in the county have been added to and improved from year to year, and now it is hardly possible to find a better condition of society than Dixon county is favored with.

As the pioneers and old settlers look back to the hardships they passed through in early days, they see the marked contrast between what life was then and what it is now. And while amid their former hard but adventurous frontier life they probably enjoyed as much real happiness as at the present time, they realize that in material comforts and educational and social advantages the present is superior to the past.

This county, since its organization, suffered from a grasshopper raid in 1S74 and a severe drouth in 1S(>4. and another and milder drouth in 1.S94. thirty years after. This is a good showing: three bad years out of the thirty-nine years of the county. Such drawbacks occurring only at long intervals, are no excuse for despair. There is no country which has less failures of crops and the great majority have more.

In the preceding pages, the gradual growth of Ponca from a houseless town site to a brisk business town is seen. As previously stated, the location is most favorable for a large place, being at the junction of the valleys of South Creek and Aoway, and surrounded by a rich agricultural country.

The proprietors of Ponca were not only wise in making its location near the timber and at the confluence to two such fertile valleys as Aoway and South Creek, thereby to a great extent commanding the trade of both and of their tributaries, but they showed good judgment in the selection of a place where is a water power which surpasses any on this side of the Missouri within a hundred miles. With these natural advantages, a prosperous future was reasonably expected.

Its growth was slow for many years. Its plat of 320 acres looked forlorn in its solitude, and though big in its framework was most lean and lank in its filling. It did indeed move ahead slow. So slow that for several years it required a marvellous imagination to see that it moved at all. In 1S73, seventeen years after it first saw light, Ponca had a population of possibly 2(H). At that length of time ago, a Sabbath day quiet brooded over the town, which was then a mere hamlet compared with what it now is. Then, what little there was of it, was quickly seen. As you crossed the bridge, coming from Sioux City, you saw Mr. Bigley's hotel, (the Valley House.) and Stough & Brothers' grist mill, and as you passed on you came successively to F. Gould's grocery, the county clerk's office, the stores of S. Gamble and Stough & Mikesell, the which, together with two or three shops, comprised the business part of the place. Itsdwelling houses were few, and all its business establishments from its stores down to its blacksmith shop could be counted on the fingers of the two hands.

From 1873 to 1876 the town improved a little faster than before. Another blacksmith shop was started. Somebody also built a barn. A lean-to was added to the town grocery. One man built a new fence and painted his house. Another proposed, in the bright near future, to build a hog house. Thus enjoying present prosperity and anticipations of the future, Ponca drifted along the stream of time.

When the narrow gauge railroad arrived, the town moved a little faster than before, though not as rapidly as it would with a more desirable road. When that road, after a few years, fell into the hands of a rich and energetic company and was built over and given standard gauge, new iron and better cars. Ponca really had for the first time, the prosperity which a good road brings. Its growth, hitherto slow, rapidly increased, and new enterprises and new arrivals of people became frequent.

From year to year its energy and good fortune continued. Old business houses and residences surrendered their locations to those which were more commodious and elegant. The spacious brick store which Stough & Mikesell built in 1S77, established the popularity of brick for buildings and such within a few years took the place of many of the humble business structures of earlier days.

Now. the four corners at the intersection of East and Third streets, are adorned by large blocks, fully equal to what are usual in very much larger towns. From that intersection west along Third street, and south on East street, business buildings thus elegantly constructed, are with few exceptions general.

The first brick store built by Stough & Mikesell, has doubled its former size. From there along the north side of Third street, is almost a continuous line of elegant business houses to Ionia street where S. P. Mikesell's palatial establishment is located. The same splendid array of buildings is seen on much of the opposite side of Third street and on East street. This part of town where the Stoughs, Mikesell, Davey and Gamble do business, is nearly every day a crowded scene of activity.

At the foot of East street stood the great mill built by Stough and Mikesell, and which was burned nearly three years ago. It was an imposing structure, and added greatly

Outside the business part of town many fine residences claim attention. Good taste has generally prevailed in building them and in the arrangements around them. Twentyfive years ago the entire town could not boast of more than a score of trees: now it has at least ten thousand. They til 1 most of the lots which are occupied and beautify the sides of nearly every street. These, with the shrubbery, vines, gardens and flowrer beds, and the neatness displayed in all, have made Ponca homelike and enjoyable. Pictures of a few of such line residences are seen in this book and each tells a story of refinement.

The same good taste is displayed in the building and adornment of the churches, in the school houses and grounds around them, in the grading of the streets, in the building and repair of sidewalks and crossings, and in the clean and orderly methods by which the whole are supervised. All this has been the gradual outcome of a slow growth of twentyfive years. The other tine towns of the county will in a short time enjoy the same attractive adornments, indeed, with the energy and ambition of the residents, the question of trees, vines, flowers and shrubbery is only one of the time required for their growth.

Of these, the Stough Bros., Mikesell and Davey have been in business many years. Stough and Mikesell commenced as partners in 1869 in the store on Third street now occupied by Eames & Searing, and removed in 1S77 to their brick store then recently finished. They dissolved in 1886, Mr. Stough retaining the location and soon after Mr. Mikesell built the fine place he has since occupied. Mr. Davey has been in the mercantile business twenty years, and has a large establishment on East street. Mr. Gamble came here in 1872 and was clerk for S. Gamble and Stough & Mikesell until January, 1 SSI, and has since been in business for himself. He has a

Lutheran Church, Ponca Dr. S. B. Stough'S Residence

Eames & Searing, R. P. Armstrong, A. 0. Bladen, I. Conner and A. W. Beeson have well stocked stores for groceries, notions, etc. Eames & Searing commenced in 1890, and now do a large business. Mr. Bladen opened his store in April, 1895, and Mr. Beeson in February, 1894. Mr. Armstrong came to Dixon county in the fall of 1N70 and located on a homestead in Clark township, and several years later removed to Ponca, and in September, 1883, opened his present store. Charles Schroer commenced with a bakery in 1885, and in connection has now a restaurant and a good business and location.

Ponca's has three good hotels, viz: The Valley House, the "Hotel Rakow" and the Merchants. The Valley House is the oldest hotel in town. It was bought of Leander Davis many years ago by Wm, Bigley and kept until his death in 1878, and since by his widow Mrs. Bigley. Mr. and Mrs. Bigley were among the early settlers and their hotel was a prominent and popular stopping place. The "Hotel Rakow" is a large and elegant brick building on Third street, bought by A. F. Rakow in April, 1895, of J. F. Smith. The Merchants Hotel was built nineteen years ago and is now owned by Ceo. Bolton, formerly of Daily Branch. There was a fourth hotel, the Central House, a commodious and popular establishment, built by S. Gamble in 1877. It was burned in January, 1895, and Mr. Rakow, the proprietor, afterwards purchased the "Hotel Rakow" as above stated.

Among its prosperous institutions, Ponca has three drug stores, two millinery establishments, two hardware stores, a furniture store, a harness shop, two markets, etc.

The oldest drug store in town is that of T. R, Orr. It was started in 1876 by L. Kryger and afterwards sold to M.O. Ayers, and by him in 1878, disposed to Mr. Orr who came from Chicago a short time before. With the exception of about two years, he has continued the business ever since. His partner is F. G. Hebron who came here in 1884. Another drug store is that of J. D. Forbes who bought it in the spring of 1893 and has since continued it. Another popular druggist is W. M. Mahoney who purchased in October, 1893, the

The oldest millinery store is that of Mrs. M. B. Biggins who commenced about nineteen years ago, and another store of the kind has been kept by Miss Rogers several years.

As to the hardware stores, that ofWm. Auge is the oldest in town. Mr. Auge came to Dixon county in November, bS()7, and located on a farm in Silver Creek. From there he moved to Ponca eighteen years ago, and engaged in the hardware business with James Hobbs. Seven years afterwards Mr. Hobbs retired, and Mr. 4uge, (with an interval of one year.) continued the business from that time to this with great success. Mr. Auge is president of the Security Bank of Ponca and is a prosperous and reliable citizen. Mr. Hobbs came to Ponca about twenty-four years ago and was in the hardware business most of the time until he sold out to Mr. Auge. He went to Grilroy, Cal.. since then, and is engaged in fruit raising. The other hardware store in Ponca, is that of L. Baltzly who has had it several years.

The furniture store is that of J. A. Mohr who commenced that business in the spring of 1886 with James Hobbs, and since 1887 has continued it alone and with a prosperous trade.

Ponca's harness establishment is owned by E. J. Berry, who, with his father, cams here from Illinois in March. 1873, and commenced that business in 1882. For that purpose he had a tine building on East street, which in January. '95 was burned with most of its contents. He has since rebuilt. Mr. Berry was mayor in 1888 and has served as councilman several terms. He is now the supervisor of the first district of the county.

The oldest market in town is owned by Lister & Logan who have been together in business since 1SS7. .1. H. Logan came here in 1878 from Dakota county, and has been engaged in buying grain much of the time. He was appointed postmaster by President Harrison and gave entire satisfaction during his term of four years. His partner Wm. Lister came from Illinois in May, 1S75, and has been in the market business most of the time since 1879. Has been mayor of the city two terms and is a reliable and much esteemed citizen. Speaking of the mayorality we will state that his next door neighbor in business, Mr. Searing, of the firm of Eames & Searing, also was one of Ponca's most popular and efficient mayors, his term ending in May, 1895.

The most prominent dealer in farm machinery is August Bauer who came to Ponca in 1881 and commenced business the same year. He has two large buildings on Third street (115 by 25 feet and 70 by 28 feet,) both of which are occupied by an extensive stock. Has been councilman of the Third ward for two years, and is a good business man.

Ponca's jeweler is E. W. Gray, who first came here in 1883, was absent from '84 to '91, since when he has had a successful business in his line.

The two barber shops are those of A. M. Coats, commenced in 1S83, and U. P. Kauffman in 1892. Both are good citizens and shave with keen razors. Mr. Coats does business in a large brick building which he built on Third street a few years ago.

Ponca had three banks, the First National, Dixon County and Security, up to 1893 when the First National bank went up the spout to the distress of depositors and the disgrace of its managers. The Bank of Dixon county was started in 1881 and the Security bank in 1890.

One of Ponca's prominent young men is T. A. Berry who came here in 1890 and has since been manager of the Edwards and Bradford Lumber Company at this place, and in the large business he transacts has become very popular.

H. C. Howe, who came here in 1881, and M. I. Mellon in 1886, the former the cashier of the Dixon county bank and the latter filling a similar position in the Security bank, are among Ponca's progressive young men of business.

(I. C. Hamilton, the photographer, located here in 1888 and has since remained. A number of his excellent pictures are seen in this history.

The lumber dealers are Edwards «fe Bradford and Francis & Son. An advertisement for Edwards & Bradford is on one of the last pages of this book.

J. J. Mccarthy'S Residence Dr. J. W. Porter

Ponca's postmaster is R. R. MacMullen, who was appointed by President Cleveland about a year ago. Major MacMullen is an old army officer with an honorable record and is an excellent postmaster. Among the postmasters in the past have been N. S. Porter. E. D. Higgins. A Reynolds, Harry Dorsey, W. T. Chapman, I. Conner, J. H. Logan and after him the present incumbent. The office has in the past twenty years increased largely in business and is now a presidential office.

This being a county seat, it is the natural home of attorneys. Among the first were Barnes Brothers and W. E. Garitt, who did a leading business for several years. The present attorneys are J. J. McCarthy, A. E. Barnes, J. M. Hench. A. G. Kingsbury, C. A. Kingsbury, J. V. Pearson and T. J. Welty.

Concerning J. J. McCarthy a more extended notice is given elsewhere. A. E. Barnes came here in 1S77 from Ohio; studied law in the office of his brother Judge Barnes and was afterwards one of the firm. He is now one of the most prominent and successful lawyers in this part of the state. J. M. Hench, a well-read and able lawyer, came to Allen from the east in 1893 and from there to Ponca in 1S94, since when he has been in the office with Mr. Barnes and has had a first-class practice. A. G. Kingsbury has been in practice since 1S77 except one year while at Ann Arbor law school, where he graduated in 1895. C. A. Kingsbury studied law with A. Gr. Kingsbury and was admitted a few years ago. T. .1. Welty. also became an attorney several years ago, and has recently opened an office. John V. Pearson, who graduated at the Ann Arbor law school a year ago, was in the office of J. J. McCarthy until August. 1895, when he became one of the teachers of the Ponca high school.

Here are the names of a few of the old settlers, most of whom are not elsewhere mentioned. Nearly all were identified with Ponca village, though a few resided in Ponca township:

C. W. Todd, machinist and builder, '58 to '90. Helen M. Todd, sister, of some literary ability and teacher in music, now in Vermont; C. W. is in Wyoming. James Rueker, father-in-law to John Enders, came here in '67, now in Washington. C. M. Drake, 70 to 74, had a collegiate course and given much to music, natural philosophy and evolution, is now in California and is devoting his time to study. Dr. J. K. Addis, '69 to death in 74. John Lawrence, '69, now in Wayne county. Oliver Baltzley, member of legislature '68, carpenter and builder, now in southern part of Nebraska. Kreiger, druggist. Avery Barber and family, '(7, died in '92. LaFollette. M. Wigton. W. B. Douthi't, Mr. Fero, first harness shop, 70, returned to New York in 74; his son John now here. C. W. Smith, '69, resides here now. W. C. Smith, former county judge. Wesley Mattison, came in '65, died in '93, wagon maker and mechanic. J. W. Jones, real estate agent, 79, now in Missouri. Frederic Higgins and family, 70, died in '88. Geo. Russel, from Independence, Iowa, 70, died in '94. J. McQuaid, 70, died in '91. William McDonald, 70, died in 77. B. O. Smith, '68, died in '87. James Smith, his son, now resides in Dakota county. Geo. Conrad, '(7, died in '98; his wife still living. Charles B. Conrad, '(7, moved to Iowa in '94. Win. Henchbarger, '64 to '89. A. G. Wheeler, '68, went to Australia in '95. Joseph Porter, '(7, died February, '68; wife, Martha, died in 70. W. Freeburn, '69, moved to Washington Territory in 77. Rev. Walter Clark. 71. J.Peters, 71 to '92. Lorenzo Smith. '(7 to present time. James Hammell, mason and bricklayer, '60. J. Perrigoue and J. Brewer, philosophers and explorers. Dr. Hughes and family. 75 to 77. Ed. Healy, lawyer. A. A. Porter, furniture store and builder, '()Sto'95.

In addition to the above, some of those doing business here during a part or all the time since 1870, but now dead, moved away or gone into other business, were: J. P. Hingtgen, merchant; F. M. Hewett, bricklayer; F. Pletsch and J. Volkmar, boots and shoes; Mr. Gallagher, tailor; J. U. LaFollette, wagon maker; C. W. Bates, G. D. Russell, F. N. Johnson and W. Hunter, blacksmiths; J. Krause and Chas. Metz, harness makers; Dean Palen, John Lawrence, A. A. Thompson and Mr. Green, livery; H. Ernst and A. and F. A.

Porter, furniture; S. Gamble, Fred Gould, C. S. Ford and .!. A. Mikesell, merchants; T. C. West, Rose & Potter and Dr. Wyckoff, druggists; A. H. Gould, hardware; E. and E. Barding, B. W. Powers, E. D. Higgins, 0. M. Childs, Miss West, groceries and restaurants; Stough Bros. & Welty, bankers; 0. P. Sullenberger, Central House; J. F. Myers, Valley House; Jones & Moore, W. P. Heydon, J. Leach, D. Hurley and J. W. Radford, farm machinery; 0. L. Parke, musical instruments; Mrs. Addis and Miss Feauto, millinery; Leach & Drew, wheat buyers; the Herley Bros., lime burners; Guy R. Wilbur and W. E. Butler, lawyers; Dr. Rowe, physician; etc., etc.

We have been aide to obtain brief histories of a few of the pioneers who first settled in Ponca and vicinity and also of some of the later generation.

Among them was Wm. Bigley Jr., who lived in Ponca and vicinity twenty-one years and died here, March 27, 1878. He was born in County Westmeath, Ireland, and came to Philadelphia. Pa., when he was nine years old and remained there until he came to this county. He and his brother, James Bigley, (an account of whose murder at Sioux City has been given in a preceding chapter) were men of activity and push, and greatly helped the growth of the town and county. At his death Wm. Bigley left a wife and three children, and James Bigley a wife.

Another early settler was Edward Serry. He came from Iowa in 1856 and first located on a claim (near John Roden's place) five miles from Ponca. He was the first clerk of the Squatters Club and court, which ruled this part of the country for several years. One of his duties under squatter rule was to allot half a section of land to every new settler. This held good only until the land was surveyed and brought into market in 1857. Mr. Serry was county clerk several terms and in that office became very popular. He died about twenty-five years ago leaving a wife and several children, the oldest of whom, John Serry, now lives in Vermillion, S. 1).

John Stough was horn in Westmorland county, Penn., September L2, 1828. He was raised on a farm, and in 1852 moved to Ohio. In '54 and '55 he taught school in Tuscaroras county, that state. In 1856 came to Ponca where he has nearly all the time since heen one of the most prominent of the business men in farming, merchandise, milling, building and various other useful enterprises, among which, during a few years past he has had a large interest in an extensive cold storage establishment in Sioux City. As a matter of course, good management has given success and he is now considered one of the wealthiest citizens of the county. Mr. Stough was married in 1862 to Elisabeth Ernst. Have had seven children, three of whom are now living. In county and city affairs, Mr. Stough has been safe and reliable in the matters intrusted to his care. He was one of the county commissioners for five years, (1865 to and including 1869), and was mayor of Ponca for two years.

S. II Stough. born September 13, 1826, and like his brothers, was raised on a farm. He came to Nebraska in 1856, a few months before his brother John. Like him he has been engaged in various pursuits and with profitable results. Across the Missouri in Dakota he had for several years a large mill which did an extensive business. He was also connected with a bank at Elk Point and until a year ago was president of the Security bank at Ponca. In company with John and Jacob Stough, he has been in the mercantile and milling business in Ponca. All these with farming, building, and his duties as surveyor for the county most of the time, have given him active life. Dr. Stough was married in 1861 to Helena Ernst. They have had five children, four of whom: are living. They live in a fine house on Third street, a picture of which is given herein.

Jacob Stongh, born in 1 S82, came here in 1S57 and has been indentified with his brothers in business most of the time since. Like them he is wealthy and is one of the heavy stockholders of the Security bank. He was married to Anna Sheffel, and has two children.

John Sstough Mks. John Stough

Stough has a tine business education and is very popular in the county. For two years he has been chairman of the board of supervisors, and was this fall. 1895, elected county treasurer.

Judge Edward Arnold was born near Cork, Ireland, May 1. 1822. Came to New York in 1S45, and soon after moved to Massachusetts, where for several years he was engaged in cotton manufacturing. Came to Ponca in spring of 1857. At the time he came, Ponca was a part of Dakota county, and he was elected in the fall of '57, superintendent of public instruction for that county. Was first clerk of Dixon county after its organization in 1858. In '62, enlisted in Company I. First Nebraska Cavalry, and served twelve months. In '7(> and '77, was the first judge under the new constitution. Was a man of tine education and ability, and was prominent in county and town affairs. Had a large farm where he resided many years and up to the time of his death, about a mile west of Ponca. He died in 1893, greatly respected and regretted by the citizens of the county. He left a wife and two sons.

Francis Freeman, came to Ponca in '57, and lived there to the time of his death. May 5, 1886. Age. 73 years. He was a worthy and honest citizen with many friends. Two of his daughters now live in the residence he built on Front street.

Wm. Long, formerly a soldier, came to Ponca about 1865 and became clerk for Wm. and James Bigley in their hotel and store. He was a good penman and was well acquainted with western business, and was a clear headed and influential helper in building up the place. He moved away in 1870 and now lives in the southern part of the state.

Another of the first settlers of Ponca and Dixon county was E. M. Bisbee. He was born at Westtield. Chautauqua county. New York, and lived there and at Jamestown, N. Y.. until in company with N. S. Porter and C. W. Todd, he came to Ponca, arriving in 1S5S, where he resided most of the time until his death, March 27. 1893, aged about 61 years. When he first came here he found few white people and towns, and generally an uncultived country. It was the home of Indians and buffaloes and remote from eastern civilization and society. For a number of years he was a farmer and also worked at his trade of millright. He gradually saw the country around him settle up and improve, saw the Indian and buffalo disappear, farms opened and cultivated, and houses, churches and towns built. In 1863, he was unanimously elected county clerk and held the office until 1865, and afterwards from October, 1870, to October, 1871, and from 1876 to 1885. It was not very a lucrative office at first, and the records required no safes or vaults, and in fact needed no other office than his hat; hence, as it was a frontier custom to wear one's hat during all waking hours, it could he safely said that "Honest Old Ned." as he was culled, was always in his office and ready for business. At his death he left a wife and six sons and daughters, of whom five are now living, viz: Mrs. J. N. Hoskinson, Mrs. E. C. Ollerman and Mrs. F. Hebron, and Carl and Clarence Bis bee.

John M. Davey, now and formany years an honorable merchant and citizen of Ponca, was born in Washington county, Wisconsin, in 1845 and lived in that state until his twentyeighth year. He then came to Nebraska, and located on Elk Creek. Dakota county. After two years, he removed to Ponca. (1875,) where he has been in the mercantile business most of the time since. His large store. (25 by ^<> feet.) is on East street, and from t'.ie first he has had a large patronage and a wide circle of friends. Mr. Davey married thirty-three years ago a lady who died at the end of six years. His present wife, to whom he was married nineteen years ago. was Mary McCormick whose parents resided in Dakota county. He has had ten children, three by his first wife and seven by his second. Mi'. Davey has an attractive and homelike residence just outside of Ponca. In financial affairs he has been very successful and is now a large land owner in Dakota and Dixon counties.

X. S. Porter was born in 1832 in the town of Poland. Chautauqua county. N. Y. Lived in that county until 20 years old, and then with his father went to Pennsylvania to build mills. Stayed there three years and returned to Jamestown and was foreman in the mill business until 1857. Then with E. M. Bisbee and C. W. Todd came west. They spent the winter of 1857-'58in Wisconsin, and in '58 came to Ponca. and soon after he bought the claim he now lives on. From '58 to "70. worked mainly at mill building. Was married in 1868 to Louisa Tiffany of Jamestown. N. Y. Have had four children, three sons and one daughter, two of whom, Albert and Joseph are now living. His wife died November 16, 1883. In '(r2 and '63 he enlisted and helped to recruit and organize Company 1 of the First Nebraska Cavalry. Was mustered out in fall of '63. In '(>4 was a member of the territorial legislature, and in '66 was elected senator to the state legislature and re-elected in '68. Was in the mercantile business with S. Gamble or alone, in "(ill, "70. 71. Was county commissioner four years and was elected inspector of prisons for two year. From '79 was agent at the Fort Peck Indian Agency. Montana, for four years; was appointed by President Cleveland, in 1886, to allot lands to Indians on Indian territory and re-appointed by President Harrison and served three years. Has since remained at Ponca. Mr. Porter has had a busy and responsible life.

Samuel Gamble, was one of the early settlers of Northern Nebraska. First residing in Dakota county and afterwards and up to the time of his death in Dixon, he was in both for many years a prominent citizen, closely connected with their history, enterprise and business. He was born August S. 1817, in Westmorland county, Penn..grew to manhood there, and lived in that county more than half his life. Was married April '22, 1842, to Mrs. Eleanor McCauley Adair, with whom, sixteen years afterwards, in 1S")H, he removed to Dakota county, this state. At the time of his death. September 2. 1SSS. he had been a resident of Nebraska for over thirty-one years, and it may be assumed that like all first settlers of a new country, he and his wife endured for a time, perhaps for years, the privations and hardships incident to frontier life. In 1866 he was afflicted by the death ef his wife, who died on the "20th of April of that year, after a married life of about twentv-four years. During his residence in Dakota county, Mr. Gamble's correct business methods and merits in wmatever position he was placed, gained him from the first, the confidence of the citizens. He was for several years a county commissioner, and afterwards was sheriff for six years. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I of the First Nebraska Cavalry, and as quartermaster served thirteen months. During his service his regiment was most of the time on the western frontier assisting to quell the Indian outbreak which was then so desperate, especially in Minnesota and parts of Dakota, and which occasioned the wildest terror and panic in the then sparsely settled comities of North Nebraska. In 1S(>7. Mr. Gamble married Miss Celestie Manard. In that year he removed to Ponca and engaged in the mercantile business which he continued until 1S77.

I\. H. Pomeroy, was born in Stenben county. N. Y .. September 11). 1844. Landed in Dixon county. September 19, 1868. Located on the southwest quarter of section 21. township 28, range 5. (Springbank township.) The 160 acres he first took he still retains. Was county commissioner three years. ('81, '82, '83) and has been county treasurer two terms, his present term ending in January. IS96. Mr. Pomeroy has been an influential and useful citizen for the county. Mainly through his efforts, the attempt to rebond the county to pay the old narrow gauge railroad bonds was defeated, thereby saving the county near $100,000. He was married, March 15, 1868, to Agatha 1). Chapel, of Springgrove. Wis. They have had five children, four of whom are living.

John McKinley was born in County Antrim. Ireland, in 1833. He came across the ocean in '51. and for a while was at Williamsburg, N. Y., where he shoveled dirt and graded streets. From there he went to Connecticut, near New Haven, and worked on a farm and in a saw mill. Returned to New York again and quarried stone one winter. Then went to Philadelphia; worked at various things there and out in the country until 1S07, when he came to Dixon county. First took a claim on the Jourdan branch (in the South Creek region), and held it down a year, and then went to St. Louis, Mo., and from there to New Orleans and other places in Louisiana. Returned here and entered 160 acres seven miles from Ponca, up West Creek, and lived there four or five years. Then traded that place for the one he now lives on adjoining Ponca. He has 280 acres. He was a reliable and efficient county commissioner and held that office three years, '77, '78, '79. He was married in 1861 and has one son and three daughters.

Mrs. K. H. Pomeroy

lived on a farm except when at school. When 19 years old he commenced teaching mathematics in the Albion (Wis.) Academy, where there were fifteen teachers and 300 scholars. Taught two years. When 21 years old he came to David City, Neb., and taught school and studied law. In 1882, came to Emerson and went into the law and real estate business. Built a residence and store, and Emerson's first newspaper office, and was connected with its first paper, the "Emerson Echo." Has been in the mercantile business at Emerson, with Theodore Kuntz for several years past, and president of the German American Bank since it started in 1892. Married June. 1SS4, to Nelly McGowan of Seward county, Neb. Have five children, all living. Elected county attorney in 1890 and has held it ever since, his present term expiring a year hence. Removed to Ponca in 1SS9. As county attorney he has been thorough and successful, and has given excellent satisfaction.

John A. Mohr was born in Clayton county. Iowa, and in Clayton and Delaware counties lived twenty-six years, during the last few years of which he was largely engaged in manufacturing and bridge building. He removed to Ponca in September. 1881, and has remained here, actively occupied since then. He was engaged in merchandise three and onehalf years, and afterwards in 1886, went into the furniture business with James Hobbs. In 1887, he bought out Mi-. Hobbs. and has since continued in the same business. During the time, he also built agreatnimiber of the excellent bridges which the board of supervisors have wisely supplied the county. Mr. Mohr was mayor of Ponca during one year, from May, '93, to May. '1)4. and has been on the school board seven years, all of the time except one year as director.) and his present term expires two years hence. He was married in February. 1SS5, to Maggie -I. McKinley. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. .John McKinley of Ponca. and has two children boys. Mr. Mohr has been very popular with the citizens by reason of his efforts in advocating improvements and enterprises which were beneficial to the city and county. He has done a large and honorable business and his store has an immense stockof goods and a great community of patrons.

L78 History Of Dixon County, Nebraska

Asa \Y. Rose was born in Norwich. Connecticut, in 1847. His parents removed to Muscatine. Iowa, in 1854, where they resided for one year when they removed by team to what is now Rock Falls in Cerro Grordo county, Iowa,, and two years later settled upon their farm near Plymouth in same county until 1866. The subjectof this sketch enlisted in Company M. 1st Iowa cavalry and served two years and eight months and was discharged at St. Louis at the close of the war. when he returned home, and the next year with his parents removed to Union county. Dakota, where they settled upon homesteads in the western part of the county on the hanks of the Missouri, opposite the town of Ionia. In 1868, he was married to Almira J. Bishop, who died a few months later. In the winter of 1869 he removed to Ionia, where he with a Mi1. Leavens opened a general store. In December, 1870, he was married to Carrie L. Hill, daughter of L. T. Hill of Ionia, where they resided until 1SS9, when they removed to Ponca township, where they have since resided. In January, 1893, Mr. Rose was appointed county judge pro tern, by the board of county supervisors during the illness of Judge Reynolds, and in duly of the same year upon the death of Judge Reynolds was appointed county judge. In the fall of the same year was elected to the same office and in November. 1895, was again elected, breaking the record and receiving the largest vote ever cast for any one man in Dixon

Carrie L. Rose, the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. T. Hill, was born in Boston, Mass.. in 1853. With her parents, came to Davenport, Iowa, in '56 and to Ionia in '59, where in 70 she was married to Asa W. Rose. In the spring of 1892, Mrs. Rose with her children removed to Soquel, Cal., in the hopes that the health of their eldest daughter Alice E. Rose might be benefitted. Their hopes were not realized, for in October of the same year she died at that place, aged 20 years. Mrs. Rose and children remained at Soquel until the fall of 1894 when they returned to Ponca.

M. F. Richards came here from McHenry county, Mich., in 1885, and is a most reliable resident. He has been city marshal, and for a year past deputy sheriff, and has been appointed deputy by Sheriff Hart for the term commencing Jan. 1. '96.

Judge A. W. Rose Mrs. A. W. Rose

W. W. Cooper was born in Sauk county, Wisconsin, July 8, I860. His father owned a large farm on which he worked until the age of 21. He attended common school winters and worked on the farm the balance of the year, till 17 years old, when he finished the "Course of Study for Country Schools" and attended Spring Green high school one term. In the following spring he attended teachers' examination and secured third grade certificate and the following winter taught his first term of school. He continued to teach in winter and work on farm in summer until spring of 1SS2, when he, with two other brothers, went west and settled in Spink county, S. D., and took a claim and remained there two years, when, owing to complete failure of crops, he returned to his home in Wisconsin and again taught school in winter and worked at other work in summer. In 1886 he again came west and accepted a position with his brother in the office of county auditor at Canton, S. D., which he held two years, when he resigned to accept the position of deputy treasurer, which he held till spring of 1893, when he resigned the position and came to Ponca and opened a real estate and abstract office. August 1, 1892, he was married to Miss Eva A. Prince at Canton, S. D. Mr. Cooper was elected in the fall of 1895 to the office of clerk of the district court for Dixon county, commencing his duties in January, 1896.

W. P. Logan, a prominent young business man, now of New Castle, was born at Troy. Kansas, Nov. 29, 1868, and came to Nebraska at an early age with his parents and to Ponca a few years ago. Was employed in the Farmers and Merchants bank and First National of Ponca from 1SS5 to 1893, and was city treasurer in 1S92. In March, '93, was elected cashier of the Farmers State bank at New Castle, of which he was one of the organizers and stockholders, and to which place he removed. Mr. Logan was largely instrumental in the building of the new $4,00(1 school house there recently, while director of the district. He is now serving his second term as village treasurer of that place. Mr. Logan is a young man of tine attainments which are shown in his efforts for the up-building of New Castle. He was married, December 28. 1S90, to Gail Conner, of Ponca. and now has two children.

14. ls:}(.). Received a preparatory education for college, at Eldersridge Academy, and entered the Sophomore class, Pennsylvania College, in 1861. Left the junior class in 1863 and joined the 26th Regiment of Pennsylvania volunteers. commanded by Col. Jennings.

After the battle of Gettysburg he was appointed clerk in the ordinance office, war department, Washington. Resigned this position in the fall of 1865, and came to Nebraska in March. 1866. Was a resident of Dakota City and Sioux City three years. In dune. 1869, located in Ponca and entered the mercantile business with John Stough under the firm name of Stough & Mikesell. On January 1. 1886, the firm was dissolved, and in September of the same year, Mr. Mikesell opened the large store (38 x 100 feet) which he had previously built and which he has occupied from that time to the present. Mr. Mikesell is one of the most successful and reliable merchants in the county, and in other pursuits as well as merchandise, has an immense business. In education and executive ability he probably has no superiors in the county. At New Castle, Mr. M. has another extensive mercantile establishment of which J. M. Hoskinson is manager. Mr. Mikesell has a wife and three grown up sons. A view of his large residence, as well as his portrait, are seen on the following pages.

P. McCabe has been an excellent and popular sheriff four years, his term ending January 1. 1896. He came to this country at an early day. and has a large and valuable farm on which as in other business he has been successful.

J. I). Harris, who has been the clerk of the district court for several years, resides a stone's throw outside the city limits, where he and his family have a pleasant home. Mr. Harris has also been deputy county clerk several terms, and in official business of that kind, it is not likely he can be excelled.

Dr. J. M. O'Connell has been a successful physician at this place for the past fifteen years, and has the confidence of the people and a large practice.

S. P. Mikesell'S Residence, Ponca

Bion H. Culver was horn in Granby township, Oswego county. X. V.. in 1857. In 1860, his parents removed to a farm near Dixon, 111., where his father died in 1865. In 1870, he and his mother came to Nebraska and lived on a homestead near Pleasant Dale, in Seward county, till the fall of 1S75. While living here he attended school in district No. 17 about eight months, the only public school he ever attended. In the spring of 1875, passed examination before the county superintendent of Lancaster county and received his first teacher's certificate. In September, 1875, he entered the State University as a student, He worked his way through an eight-year course at the University by occasionally teaching, and graduated with the class of 1883, receiving the degree of B. S. After graduating he was elected principal of the public schools at Kulo. He served a short time, and was then called back to his alma mater, the State University, to take the responsible position of instructor in modern languages. He held this position for three years after which he went to Denver to take a position as teacher but failing health compelled him to abandon school entirely for some time. In 1888, he went to Europe to complete his studies in the languages. While there he attended a post-graduate course of lectures at the Bavarian Royal University at Munich, Germany. Since returning to America has been constantly engaged in school work and is now serving his fifth year as principal of the Ponca public schools. Prof. Culver was married Aug. 1). 1893, to Miss Cynthia J. Culp of Constantine, Mich., who for several years has been the efficient assistant principal of the Ponca high school.

Dr. J. W. Porter was born in Chautauqua county, Newr York, and came to Ponca in 186S. He was elected county judge in October, 71. and held that office until January 1. 1876. Since then he has had a very successful practice as a physician. He has a wife and four children.

T. J. Welty came to Ponca in 1869. Was a farmer at first, then a merchant, and afterwards gave excellent satisfaction as county clerk for five years.

J. Hewett came to Dixon county at an earlv day. First settled in Silver Creek and afterwards removed to Ponca, where he now resides. Has had various city offices and is much respected by the citizens.

T. -I. Sheibley, was born in Duncannon, Perry county, Pa., July 12, 1845. Was raised on a farm and lived there till April 19, 1861, when he enlisted at Duncannon in Company B of the First Pennsylvania Rifles. (Bucktails,) and was discharged, November 19, 1864, at Harrisburg, Pa, During all the time he was in the army, he was in active service and in many engagements. He participated in the battles of Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862; Gaines Mill, Va., dune 27; Charles City Cross Roads. Va., June 30; the second battle of Bull Run, Va., August 29 and 30; South Mountain. Md.. September 14; Antietam, Md., September 16 and 17; Fredericksburg, Va., December 13; all the above being in 1862. In 1863 he was in the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 2 and 3. where he was slightly wounded. Was in the Mine Run campaign in December, 1863, and in the battle of Spottsylvania Court House May 8 and 9, 1864, where he lost a leg. That ended his military career. He was discharged in the November following. The "Bucktails." celebrated as among the bravest troops on the northern side, were skirmishing and scouting nearly all the time and at the end of the war over three-fourths of them had been killed or wounded. Mr. Sheibley on his discharge, returned to Duncannon. where, from June, 1865, he was postmaster until May 15, 1869. He was elected register and recorder of Perry county in October, '1)1), and held the office three years. In June '73. removed to Dixon county and settled on the southeast quarter, section 8, township 28, range 6, (Otter Creek township. I He now has 320 acres there. In October, 1885, on account of ill health of wife, removed to Florida and returned to Ponca in June, 1SS7. Was elected county clerk of Dixon county. November 5. 1889, and was re-elected in '91 and '1)3, during the six years, holding the office with ability and to the entire satisfaction of all, being, indeed, one of the most thorough officers the county has ever had. He was married July <>. 1872, to Sarah Wertz of Landesburg, Pa.. They have one daughter, Miss Anna Sheibley. who has been deputy county clerk for four years, and who. in knowledge of the office ami in business accomplishments, has few superiors.

There are a great many more citizens of Ponca who are deserving of special notices, but the extraordinary length of this chapter requires that the list be abridged.

Of those residents of Ponca not thus far mentioned but deserving of it and only lack of room preventing, are J. W. Armstrong. Wm. Austin, J. H. Cole. F. Conrad. E. B. Campbell. L. J Coyle. (the agent at the railroad depot,) Thomas Crew. Daniel and Michael Donlin who are further mentioned in the part relating to Ponca township, Wm. Dnllaghan the present efficient city marshal, A. J. Deal. Nate Heyden, (). L. Longmire, Fay and Selim Mattison. C. H. Marble, T. S. Myers. M. M. Myers, Albert Meyer, John McClary, P. J. Morris, A. J. Phillips. J. N. Peel, James Hush, Mr. Rogers. W. E. Pogue, Henry Shett'el, Jacob Sailor, Lee and Cy. Sincenbaiigh. J. Thompkins, J. P. Travis, etc., etc.

Ponca has five churches, viz: The Lutheran, which has hid the following pastors. Dr. W. Kuhns of Omaha came in lStf"). followed in '67 by Prof. Samuel Aughey a short time and after him Rev. J. F. Kuhlman from 78 to 78, followed by Revs. (I. H. Schnnr. A. B. Schrader. Samuel Smith and W. C. McCool. An elegant church, one of the finest in this part of the state, was erected in 1892.

The Presbyterian church, organized in 1S71. has had the the following pastors in the order here given: Revs. W. H. Clark, Chapman. R. L. Wheeler, 1 12 years.) Smith. Craves and Young. The society has a fine church well fitted up and furnished.

A large and commodious Catholic church was built in 1890, and its pastors have been. Fathers Schmit, Hanley and Geary. This and the other churches named have large congregations, and are prominent in good works and in the promotion of morals.

As has been previously mentioned, Ponca's large school building was built and took the place of the old one, in 1S7S. Tt has since been doubled in size, and a smaller school building erected on another street. For several years past, from six to eight teachers have been employed nine months in the year. The school is graded and the teachers are well skilled, and with the lagre number of scholars, improvement is rapid and satisfactory.

The city council for this year are G. L. Wood, mayor; W. VV. Cooper, clerk; and M. M. Sencenbaugh, A. J. Phillips. M. 1. Mellon, E. E. Halstead. E. J. Berry and Julius Drager, councilmen.

Chapteb Xvi

The region comprising the township of Ionia is bounded on the north and east by the Missouri river, south by the townships of New Castle and Ponca, and west by Hooker. Except the bottom land along the river, the country is rough and hilly, but all. whether hill or valley, has excellent soil, good water, and, especially on the bottoms, large tracts of valuable timber. The township has now about 550 inhabitants. It has had no village since the town site of Ionia was swept away by the river. The only reminders of that unfortunate place now remaining, are the Ionia ferryboat which, as near as may be. still traverses its ancient path across the river, and the Ionia post office a mile or two east of where old Ionia stood. To this part of the county the notice of settlers was attracted at an early day, and at one time, as we have seen in the preceding pages, Ionia was a place of much importance and business. Among those who have been in the past or are at present prominent in Ionia, are the following:

L. T. Hill was born in West Concord. Vt.. in 1823. Vwis married to Sarah J. Smith in Boston, Mass.. in 1852, and in 1857 they removed from Boston to Davenport, Iowa, where he was engaged in business until the spring of 1859 when he came to Ionia, that town site having been purchased for him the year before by the Messrs. Pierce. To the building up of Ionia, Mr. Hill, with energy and success devoted several years, and saw it advance from a naked town site to a prosperous place of business, with a population of several hundred. A more extended account of its growth has been given elsewhere. During the Indian scare of 1863, Mr. Hill was away from home and his wife refused to leave the place, herself and family being the only ones in that part of the comity that were not frightened away. In 1861, with the assistance of John Taffe, then delegate in congress from Nebraska, Mr. Hill succeeded in establishing a post office at Ionia, and at the same time a post office at Vermillion, Dakota the latter being the first post office established in that territory. In 1881, Mr. Hill, with his family removed to Canton, Dakota, where he btiilt a large grist mill, and where he resided until 1892. Tn that year he went to California where some of his children had preceded him and where ho now resides. During all the years that he lived in Ionia, his doors were always open to any and all who chanced to come that way, and his hospitality knew no bounds. Mr. Hill was a prominent citizen of Dixon county during his residence here. He was probate judge for several years.

Henry M.Pierce and his father, J. J. Pierce, were fitted out by L. T. Hill in Davenport in 1858 and employed by him to come west and locate a town site somewhere in the wilds of Nebraska, and the same year they secured the town site of Ionia which had been previously located. Mr. Hill joining them the following year. J. J. Pierce died in North Bend in this county about twenty years ago. Henry M. Pierce is now living in Sioux City, Iowa.

Nelson Feauto and Isaac Feauto, brothers, settled upon the farm now owned by J. F. Gibbs, northwest of Ionia in 1861. Isaac Feauto died upon the place he located in 1872. The wife of Nelson Feauto died and was buried upon their farm in 1870, and he died at St. Helena, Cedar county in 1890. Both brothers left large families. Nelson Feauto, Jr., of Emerson, is the only descendant of the two families living in the county.

Charles H. Smith, came with L. T. Hill to Ionia in 1859, was married in 1862 to Clarissa Pierce, and now resides on his farm of over 200 acres near the original town site of Ionia. He has for several years past been postmaster at the Ionia post office. He has the finest farm and the finest buildings in all that part of of the county and has raised a family of eight children, seven of whom are living, and three are married and settled near him.

lived with their son, C. H. Smith, and where Grandma Smith died in 1878 and Grandpa Smith in 1880 at the ages of 78 and 86 years respectively. Both were buried in the Ionia cemetery. They enjoyed the distinction of being the oldest couple in the county for several years.

Joseph Stefani settled in Ionia township in 1859 upon the place now owned by J. F. Gibbs and was married to Betsey Sutherland in 1S69. He conducted a general store in Ionia in 1872 and 1873 and removed to Burb.mk, Dakota, in '73, near which place he now resides.

In 1870 William B., Allen H. and John W. Ellyson, brothers, settled in Ionia, and together built the first steam ferry in operation in the county. They are now all prosperous farmers in Ionia township. A. H. Ellyson was county commissioner and supervisor several terms.

Edward Newton and family settled in Ionia in 1869. He with Bosley and Landon leased and run the Ionia steam saw and grist mills of L. T. Hill for live years. Bosley retiring, 0. P. Sullenberger took his place in the firm the second year. Mr. Newton is now a successful farmer, living upon one of his farms in Ponca township.

Dexter Rice settled with his family upon the place now owned by A. H. Ellyson in Ionia township in 1866, removing from there in 1S7B to a valuable farm in Hooker township where he now lives.

Benjamin, James P. and Sylvester Cook, brothers, settled near Ionia in 1864. Benjamin removed, went to Iowa in '86 and remained there. James P. removed to Ponca in 1880 and lias since lived there, and Sylvester still resides, a well to do farmer, upon his farm in Ionia township.

T. J. Ryan, the supervisor of Ionia at this time (1895), came to that township in 1SS1 from Dakota and devoted himself to farming and stock raising with great success. He now owns 1.120 acres, a large share of it being rich Missouri river bottom land, 450 acres of which are under cultivation, 300 acres of timber and the balance meadow and pasture. His farm has two good houses, several large farm barns, one of them being SoxlOO feet, two flowing wells, respectively

407 and 265 feel drop, the first wells of the kind in the county, a steam saw mill, and in connection a steam syrup factory, all with the best machinery and latest improvements, in which he made 5,000 gallons of sorghum syrup in "1)4 and the same in '(.>~>. He is one of the most progressive and independent of Dixon county farmers and cannot be worth less than $35,000. His family consists of a wife, one son and six daughters. See his portrait elsewhere.

Amasa Pettit, supervisor in '92 and '1)8. came from Dakota about 1885. He has 2(MI acres of bottom land and is a good farmer in good circumstances. He has a large family.

John F. Gibbs is one of Dixon county's best citizens, resides in Ionia, where he and his sons own 600 acres of excellent valley land. Mr. Gibbs was a member of tin1 board of supervisors in 1887-8.

Rev. W. S. Bates, a much esteemed former resident of Ionia, died at Nevada. Iowa, October 28, 1879. He was superintendent of schools for Dixon County during 72-78-74 and 75.

As a matter of course there are many more farmers in the township, thickly settled as it is, than those we have mentioned above. Among them are Elias Warner, quite an old settler and who. in addition to farming, has had a mill since L869; M. L. Smathers, Andrew Spellacy, etc., etc. The names of others have not been furnished us.

Ionia township has good school houses and the schools are generally well attended and have efficient teachers. Ionia used to be celebrated for its valuable timber, its volcano, its towm and its hospitable citizens. Of the timber there is yet much remaining, although the best has been cut off and made into lumber. The volcano and the townsite are now both buried in mud at the bottom of the Missouri river and the hospitality and good society of an excellent class of citizens alone remain.

The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. I, T. Hill, will by their many former friends ami neighbors in Ionia, be seen with pleasure, and they will be found on the next pages. They will bring back the remembrance of old times and the hardships and pleasures of frontier lite.

Mrs. L. T. Hill

Charles F. Putnam, one of the most respected of the pioneers, was born in Cavendish, Vt.,in 1835. Went to Massachusetts in '46, came to Ponca in '56, and made his home there or in Ponca township ever since. Roughed it in early times with the rest of the settlers. Lived in Ponca one year, then took as a homestead a place now owned by -I. G. Crowell, a mile west of Jeff. Wilbur's farm. The farm he now owns and has lived on for the past twelve years contains ISO acres, and is well located and cultivated. Mi-. Putnam was the first sheriff of the county, and has since usefully rilled several offices. He is in every respect a worthy citizen and highly esteemed throughout the county. His excellent memory of past events has greatly assisted in the preparation of this history. Mr. Putnam is married and has two sons and one daughter.

A Davis, another pioneer, came to this county January 3, 1861, and first located at Ponca. In the fall of '65 he w7as elected county treasurer, and held that office year after year by the almost unanimous consent of the citizens, until January. 1876 ten years. Much of the time, Mr. Davis, like Bisbee, carried his office in his hat, yet with such extreme carefulness, that every cent received was promptly accounted for. A few years ago he removed to Ponca township, wdiere, on an excellent farm and with a clear conscience, he passes his honorable days with his family in peace and comfort,

M. B. Dewitt came here in 1866, took a homestead and now lives on what was the old Beardshear homestead. He and his children have 510 acres well cultivated and good buildings. Has a wife and 4 sons and 3 daughters. He was sheriff five terms, and supervisor six years. His portrait appears with those of the supervisors of 1895. In the preceding pages some of his experiences as sheriff appear in connection with the Mat Miller trial and the Indians who murdered Munson.

Samuel Biggerstaff, 1864, lived and died in Ponca township. Owned 160 acres. Thomas Stobaugjh and Joseph Morehouse came with Biggerstaff. Morehouse is dead and Stobaugh in Missouri.

S. H. Coats, I867r came from Iowa, was county surveyor several years and had a farm near Sheriff Hewitt's. He was prominent in county affairs and a useful citizen. He went to the Black Hills about 1875.

John Roden is one of the wealthiest men in the county.. He has several hundred acres where he lives, and is largely engaged in farming and stock raising. He was one of the early settlers of the county, coming here in 1856.

David Carnell came with Mr. Dewitt, his brother-in-law. and settled near him. He died many years ago, leaving a large family. His widow married Charles Barber.

(Jeorge Mattison was an early settler and is a prominent farmer and business man. For several years he was in the milling business and is now largely engaged in farming, buying and shipping cattle, etc. He has a large farm, tine house and improvements where he and his family reside, and has the respect and esteem of the county at large. He was elected to the legislature a year ago and served his constituents with ability and success.

B. H. Beller and his' brothers, E. Beller and Phil Heller, came here at an early day. They first located in the township and B. H. now resides there. The others have removed to Ponca city. B. H. Beller wa; sheriff of the county in 1S74 and 1875. All are respected and worthy citizens.

"Old Mam' Shook, as he was called, came here in 1862 from Sioux City and lived in the timber several years. He died about twenty-six years ago.

John Enders came in the fall of '65 and his brother, Jesse Enders, about '()(>. Both are farmers and both have valuable farms and improvements. They have families and are in comfortable circumstances.

Benjamin Sencenbaugh, the father of Lee Sencenbaugh and Cy Sencenbaugh of Ponca city, located about 1866 in Ponca township on a homestead adjoining and south of the Donlin place, (a mile east of town). Late in the fall of '69, while digging a well, and when at a depth of forty feet the hoisting box tilled with dirt came loose and fell that distance upon him. injuring him so severely that he died that night. He was a good and industrious man and much liked in the community.

Daniel Donlin. from Bear Creek. Iowa, settled near where Martinsburg now is. in June, 1856. He lived there till February 18, 1866, and was then frozen to death in a blizzard while returning from a trip to Sioux City. (An account of this is given elsewhere.) He left a wife and ten children. In March, 1886, his wife and a part of her family removed to their farm of 160 acres, about one and one-half miles east of Ponca. and has lived there since. Two of the sons, D. F. Donlin and Mike Donlin. live and are in business in Ponca; Wm, and Thomas Donlin at Martinsburg, and James and John on the farm east of Ponca.

Wm. O'Connor came from Erie, Pa., in 1863. Bought the place where he now lives, in October of that year. Left and went to Iowa after buying the land and was there five years. Married in Iowa in 1865. Came back here in 1868 and bought Adam Smith's farm south of Ponca. Lived there ever since '68. Has six children, all living and all born here but one. Mr. O'Conner knew President Garfield in L848, when both were drivers on the canal in Ohio. Mr. O'Conner is noted as having an excellent memory and education.

John McKinley and Judge Arnold, both of whom have been in a great measure identified with Ponca township, have brief sketches in the chapter relating to Ponca city.

Wm. Shea was a soldier in the regular army from 1835, for near twenty years. Was stationed at Fort Randall in 1861, and from there went south and came back in 1864. Soon after, he took a homestead of 160 acres in this township, adjoining the Arnold farm, and bought eighty acres more on which he lived. He died in 1882. He had no family. The farm is now owned by Wm. O'Conner.

D. P. Sherwood came here from the east with his family in 1876, and bought and located on the farm of Phil Beller. about a mile northwest of Ponca. The same year he commenced raising an orchard. Since then he has added to the first quarter section until he now has 7*20 acres, hill and \ alley, well watered and suitably divided into fields by several miles of fence. Since the first also, he has devoted his attention largely to orchards and fruit. He has now over 8,000 fruit trees, mainly apple, 5,000 of which are old enough to bear. His trees are divided into four orchards, in the first of which, about 1.000 trees are seventeen years old. In addition to apple trees, he has pear, plum and cherry trees and a large number of choice grape vines. He has demonstrated that fruit, and good fruit, can be raised here in abundance and with profit. Mr. Sherwood deserves the friendly remembrance of the citizens of the county for the persistence with which he has, in the face of difficulties, short crops and many discouragements, kept to his determination to have a great fruit farm. Within a few years, when all his great army of trees are bearing, the result will be thousands of bushels per year. It is to be hoped he will live to see and enjoy the daw Mr. Sherwood is married and has a large family of sons and daughters.

Charles Frederick Blecker came from Prussia in 1862. Stopped in Pennsylvania seven years and then came to this township. Wm. Blecker and August Blecker came with him. Wm. died after being here a year, and August moved to Iowa about sixteen years ago. Charles bought a farm of 160 acres and paid $310 for it. He has now 480 acres well improved and in as fine a location as the county affords. Has three sons, two of whom Robert and Charles A., are married and have good farms near by, and one daughter, married to Fred Rogosh, who lives on West Creek.

H. F Brown has a large farm, highly improved and cultivated, a fine residence, and groves, fruit trees and grape vines in splendid condition, about two miles northwest of town. Mr. Brown came here a few years ago and has since been prominent in public affairs.

M. Huddleston owned and ran the ferry across the Missouri at Sioux City in 1857 and conveyed across a large number of the people who at that time came to Dixon county. He afterwards went to Niobrara and in 1864 came here and bought of John Stough the farm he afterwards lived on up to about four years ago, when he sold it to the Ponca Driving & Fair Association for fairgrounds, racecourse, etc. Mr. Huddleston was never married. A short time before he came here, his brother, Wm. Huddleston. became a resident of Ponca, and lived there much of the time since then. Both are men who have a multitude of friends and without an enemy in the world.

A. Reynolds, up to his death about two years ago, resided for several years on his farm, a short distance northwest of Ponca. He was county judge in '90, '91, '92 and '93, and performed the duties of the office acceptably. 'He had also been supervisor of Ponca township in 1886, and some years before was postmaster at Ponca. He left a wife and several children, who still reside on the pleasant farm owned by him.

E. W. Shaw came from New York in 1S79. Started a harness shop in Ponca and then bought a farm two miles east. He has 383 acres, well improved, and is a successful farmer.

W. F. Robinson and family came here from Meigs county, Ohio, in April. 1890. Wm. Scott and J. D. Kautz (sons-in-law of Mr. Robinson.) and their families came with him. All live in Ponca township. Robinson has 160 acres, and Scott and Mr. Kautz 200 each. Mr. R. has a wife and nine sons and daughters, six of whom are married.

Antone Engle, came to Ponca township about 1872 and is a successful farmer. He was one of the county commissioners in 1883 and 1884, two years, at the end of which time he resigned.

S14 History Of Dixon County, Nebraska

0. Waterman came in 1883 from [da county. Iowa, where he had been auditor and clerk forten years. He first bought 10f> acres here, and now owns 401), all fenced and improved.. Has a wife and eight sons and daughters, all married except two.

An institution that in a County of so much abundance is next to useless, is the county poor farm. The farm is in Ponca township and is situated three miles west of Ponca on the Silvercreek road and contains 160 acres of good land. The house is 24x50 feet, and two stories high, containing 18 rooms. The grounds around the house are artistically arranged ami attractively tilled with shade trees, vines, etc. The building was completed in the summer of 1894 and on the 1st of November of that year was opened. R. P. Williams, an energetic farmer of Otter Creek, was appointed superintendent and remained a year giving good satisfaction by his excellent management. During the time there were from two to three inmates.

The names of other of the residents of Ponca township are doubtless also deserving of mention. These brief notices in all townships are furnished us by those who are acquainted with the residents, but of course they have been liable to forget many of them.