Hall County, Nebraska - Chapter 28, 1920 (part 10 of 16)

Shriner, and belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Since retiring from professional work, Dr. Spence has more time to devote to her literary labors. At one time she was interested in preparing a county history', but found the work involved too much time and effort in connection with other undertakings she had in hand. Both she and husband are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

JOHN M. HANSSEN, one of Washington township's best known and most resptected citizens, continues to live on a part of the old family homestead in Hall County, to which he was brought by his parents forty-seven years ago. The Hanssen family has been one of the solid, substantial and progressive families of this section ever since it was established here.

John M. Hanssen was born in Holstein, Germany, December 30, 1864. His parents were Ties and Louise (Neubert) Hanssen, natives of Germany, where his father was a day laborer and bee keeper. In April, 1870, the family landed in the United States. They resided in Chicago until June, 1872, when they came to Hall County, where the father bought eighty acres in Washington township, south of Grand Island. At the time of his death, in February, 1911, he was considered a man of financial independence. He was quiet, hardworking and honest, never identifying himself with any political organization but being faithful as a member of the Lutheran church. A warm neighborly feeling existed between him and William Stolley, another prominent early settler. The mother of Mr. Hanssen died at his home on June 10, 1918. There were but two children in the family : John j\I. and Henry G. The latter is an engineer on the Texas Pacific Railroad and lives at Marshall, Texas. He married Ella P. Gilbert, of Paducah, Kentucky.

John M. Hanssen, familiarly known to his many friends as "Hannes" was educated in the public schools and the Grand Island Business college. In addition to his agricultural activities, he is secretary of the Grand Island Mutual Assessment Association, fire and storm insurance. This company was originated by William Stolley and Peter Heesch in 1892, and now has about $5,000,000 insurance on the books. The company has had only five assessments for losses and expenses, in twenty-seven years, and seven losses in that time, a very remarkable showing. Mr. Hanssen has been secretary since October,

On July 6, 1903, Mr. Hanssen married Miss Catherine Hein, a daughter of Casper and Magdalene (Voss) Hein, natives of Germany, who came to the United States and to Chicago, in 1868, and to Hall County in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Hanssen have one son, Arnold H., who resides with his parents.

Mr. Hanssen owns a large park which he devotes to the growing of cedar trees. A lover of birds, these trees have given him an opportunity to study scientifically a species that winters in the trees, coming here from northern Canada. He has discovered many facts from his study of his little wild pets. It seems that the seeds of these trees so greedily devoured by the birds, are thereby rendered ripe for planting, the digestive organs of the birds softening the hard outer shell that would resist the elements for several years. In all matters pertaining to the welfare of the township, Mr. Hanssen keeps well posted. In his political convictions he is a Socialist and he has served several terms on the township board. He belongs to the Farmers Union and the Nonpartisan League, and to the old social organizations in Grand Island that were founded there by the early German settlers.

FREDERICK E. LOESCHER, showing a large amount of enterprise in the management of his farm industries in Lake township, belongs to a pioneer family of Hall County that has prospered, and been respected here for forty-five years. Mr. Loescher was born in Hall County, April 13, 1893, the son of Frederick F. and Dora (Raatz) Loescher, natives of Germany. The father was born October 11, 1845 and was brought to the United States in 1850. He was reared in Wisconsin and enlisted from that state as a soldier in the Civil War. After leaving the army he was a farmer in Winnebago County, near Oshkosh until 1874, when he came to Hall County, where he now owns two hundred and forty acres of fine land. He retired from his fami in 1910 and lived in Grand Island for two years but resumed farming once more and continued actively engaged until March, 1918, when he retired to Grand Island a second time. Of his thirteen children.' Frederick E. is the youngest of the surv'ivors, the others being: William, who lives in Lake township, married Ella Spotholt ; Agnes, the wife of Ernest Wagner; Minnie, the wife of Fred Hengen, of Omaha; Herman, who lives at Belgrave, Nebraska, married Rose Peters, and Charles and Laura, both of whom live in Grand Island ; Bertha is the wife of Albert Niemoth, of Lake township; Emma, who died in April, 1918, was the wife of Edward Niemoth, and Frank, the ninth in order of birth, died July 29, 1915.

Frederick E. Loescher was educated in the, public schools of Washington township, and the Grand Island Business College. He entertains very progressive ideas about farming and is willing to work hard to carry them out. ]\Iodern methods and modern machinery are made use of and Mr. Loescher is proving the value of both. He is carrying on general farming and stockraising. On Februar}' 10, 1918, he married Miss Olga Lohmann, a daughter of William and Mary (Dickman) Lohmann, who are residents of Merrick County. They have one child, Myrtle, who was born November 30, 1918. They are members of the Lutheran church. In politics he is independent but is identified with the Farmers Union and is interested in everything that, promises penrianent benefit to the farmers of Hall County.

CHARLES H. METTENBRINK, probably one of Lake township's most progressive farmers, is also one of the largest landowners in this part of Hall County. It may be said further, that these fine farms and herds of registered cattle did not come to him by inheritance, but as the result of the hard work of a persevering farmer who possesses more than the usual amount of sober business judgment.

Charles H. Mettenbrink was born in Westphalia, Germany, April 9, 1854. His parents were Frederick W. and Anna M. (Schwendeniek) Mettenbrink, natives of Germany who spent their entire lives there. The father was a farmer and raised cattle, and for the times, was considered well to do. Of their eight children three live in Germany, the other five having homes in Nebraska, Charles H. being the eldest of these. He has two sisters and one brother in Hall County: Anna M., the wife of Casper Hongsermeier. of Lake township; Katherine, the wife of Henry Ansmer; William, who is dead ; and Frederick, who lives near Grand Island. The parents were faithful members of the Lutheran church and reared their children in this religious body.

When his school days were over, Charles H. Mettenbrink worked as a farmer in Germany until 1881, when he came to the United States, reaching Hall County in the fall of that year. The following four years he was employed on farms and prudently saved his earnings, then, in partnership with his brother-in-law bought three hundred and twenty acres of land. For a time they operated the entire tract together but later evenly divided it. He now owns eight hundred acres, all valuable property, devoting a large amount of attention to the cattle business, raising on an average, two car loads, and from one to two car loads of calves a year. When he settled on his home place it was bare of improvements, but through industry and thrift he soon made notable changes through setting out trees and erecting substantial buildings. As already mentioned, he is doing an immense business in cattle and his opinions are worth listening to when he announces a preference for White Face registered cattle, of which he has a valuable herd.

In April, 1885, Mr. Mettenbrink returned to Germany and was there united in marriage with Miss Mary Ostermeier, who died August 20, 1894. She was a daughter of Henry and Elsie (Esem) Ostermeier, who spen t their lives in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. ]\Iettenbrink had five children born to them : Mary, the wife of Casper Meier, of Merrick County, Nebraska ; Charles who assists his father ; Emma, the wife of Herman Huepner ; and Elsie and Henry, both of whom live at home. For his second wife Mr. Mettenbrink married Miss Louisa Obermeier, of Germany, who is deceased. Mr. Mettenbrink and family are members of the Lutheran church. He is a Republican in politics and has political influence in township affairs but has never been willing to accept any public office. Mr. Mettenbrink has made three visits to Germany since he first came to the United States.

ALEXANDER AHRENS. one of the progressive farmers and good business men of Lake township, is a native, having spent his entire life in Hall County, where his birth took place July 2, 1876. His parents were Henry and Magdalene Ahrens, the former of whom was born in Germany, December 5, 1839, and the latter, November 1, 1847. They came to the United States in 1868 and to Nebraska in 1871, where the father homesteaded. Assisted by the mother of Mr. Ahrens. the father prospered in spite of many early hardships, and at the time of his accidental death, in 1885, he owned a large estate.

Alexander Ahrens was but a lad when he was left fatherless. His mother, a woman of great energy and executive ability proved equal to the responsibilities suddenly placed upon her, and not only reared her young children carefully and judiciously, but ably managed the farm, and, as the sons grew into manhood, guided and joined them in adding to the already ample estate. Mr. Ahrens operates his farm of one hundred and eighty acres, which is well stocked and highly improved. His second farm, the old August C. F. Wendt estate, containing one hundred and forty acres, he rents out. His brother, Henry C. Ahrens, is also a large farmer in Lake township. The mother, after an enjoyable visit to Germany, in 1907, took up her 'residence in Grand Island, where she has a comfortable and attractive home and is within a pleasant social circle. On March 6, 1914, Mr. Ahrens married Miss Sofine Lorenzen, a daughter of Falquardt and Marline (Bonson) Lorenzen, residents of Germany. They have two most engaging little children, Walter and Anita. Mr. and Mrs. Ahrens are active members of the Lutheran church. He has always been affiliated with the Republican party but has never been willing to accept any political office. He belongs to the Farmers Union and the Non-Partisan League, and is identified also with a German social organization in Grand Island.

CARL DEICHMANN, who came to the United States in 1866, and to Hall County, Nebraska, in 1878, is one of Lake township's best known residents. He belongs to the group of old settlers, who, through their industry and sound judgment made conditions easier for later pioneers, who now intelligently relate many facts of early days that might well be given a place on the page of history.

Carl Deichmann was born in the province of Hanover,' Germany, October 12, 1848, a son of Carl H. and Mary (Stottenberg) Deichmann, who lived and died in Germany. His father was an official in government operated copper mines of that country. Of their seven children Carl and a brother came to the United States, the latter being now deceased. In his boyhood a certain amount of schooling was given every youth in Germany, and following this, when about seventeen years old, Carl came to the United States. For about a year after reaching this country he lived in New York and then was variously employed in other eastern states until 1878, when he came to Hall County. He rented land for several years and then bought the farm of one hundred and sixty acres on which he yet lives. Here he has followed farming and has been an extensive stockraiser. In a general way he suffered with others in the climatic changes that made the life of a farmer in the early 'nineties a more or less unprofitable vocation, taken in conjunction with the severe winters, during which, on one occasion, Mr. Deichmann found the snow fifteen feet in depth. Mn, Deichmann first married Miss Kate Westermann, who died in 1888, the mother of three children, the two survivors being: Freda, the wife of Fred Harris, who lives in California, and Emma, the wife of George Cooper, of Omaha. His second marriage was to Aliss Mary Marsham, and they have had six children : Ella, the wife of Fritz Bergholtz, of Grand Island ; Carl, who went to France as a soldier with the American Expeditionary Force ; Anna, the wife of Jesse Schroeder. of Grand Island, and Albert; Bruno and Freie, all of whom are at home. Mr. Deichmann is not a member of any political party preferring to cast an independent vote. He is a member of the Plattsdeutch society in Grand Island.

FREDERICK :\IOELLER, one of the public spirited residents and most prosperous farmers of Lake township has been road overseer for the past seven years and has efficiently filled other public offices. Mr. Moeller, born in the city of New York, Alay 16, 1875, was five years old when he was brought to Hall County, which has since been the home of his choice.

The parents of Mr. Moeller were H. C. and Wilhelmina (Koester) Moeller, the former of whom was born in Germanv Tune 22, 1850, and the latter August 8, 1849. \Vhen fourteen years old the father became a sailor following the sea life for five years, and was but nineteen years old when he came to the United States in 1869. At first he found work in an iron foundry in the city of New York. Afterward he learned to be a meat cutter. On March 11, 1881, he came to Hall County, bought land in Lake township, developed and improved it and continued its active operation until 1912, when he retired. He was an important factor in county politics as a Republican, was assessor many years and for six years was supervisor, during the time that a supervisor from each township made up the board. He married during the time he lived in New York, Miss Wilhelmine Koester, who came to the United States in 1866. Ten children were born to them, the survivors being: Frederick, who lives in Lake township ; Anna, the wife of George Mader, of Prairie Creek township; Lena, the wife of Max Schultz, of Washington township; Minnie, the wife of Otto Geisenhagen,

Frederick Moeller started to attend school when six years old, although he had to walk a distance of three and a half miles to the nearest school house. Ordinarily this was not considered too much of a task for sturdy little country boys, but Mr. Moeller tells of one occasion when it almost meant loss of life. On May 22, 1882, he started to school in company with Jacob Lorentzen, both boys being barefooted. During the day clouds gathered, the sky became a steely gray and snow began to fall, and when the little barefooted lads were on their way home they had to wade through five inches of snow, Jacob carrying his younger companion a part of the way. Mr. Moeller has been engaged in agricultural pursuits since boyhood. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of fine land, gained through his own efforts. This farm is well improved, has substantial buildings including a fine residence, which has every modern convenience, except a heating plant. On November 8, 1900, Mr. Moeller married IMiss ^linnie Rauert. She is the daughter of Matthew and Elsie (Sieck) Rauert, pioneers in Hall County, who now live retired in Grand Island. Mrs. Moeller is the eldest child and only daughter of her parents, while Mr. Moeller is the oldest child and only son of his parents. Another interesting coincidence in the family came to light some years ago, when the mother of Mr. Moeller and the father of Mrs. Moeller chanced to be talking of their coming to the United States. They discovered that) thirty years ago they had crossed the Atlantic ocean in the same sailing vessel, which required forty-nine days to make the voyage. Mr. and Mrs. Moeller have two children : George A. and Elsie. In all public afl:'airs Mr. Moeller takes the interest of a good and intelligent citizen and is ever ready to co-operate for the general welfare. In national politics he is a Republican, but in local campaigns votes independently. He is a member of the Nonpartisan League and the Farmers Union, being secretary of the latter organization.

JOHN G. ROBY, proprietor of the well known place of entertainment. Harmony Hall Amusement Park, in Hall County, and also engaged in large farming operations in Deuel County, Nebraska, was born in Hall County, August 17, 1881, a son of Frederick Roby, an extended sketch of the Roby family being found in this work.

John G. Roby obtained his education in his native county. On July 20, 1904, he married Miss Helen M. Hagge, a daughter of William A. and Caroline (Moeller) Hagge, who were among the earliest pioneers of Hall County. Mrs. Roby was graduated from the Grand Island High School in the class of 1895. She is a woman of fine education and holds a teacher's permanent certificate because of her acquirements. Prior to her marriage she taught school for six years, two years in Grand Island. Mr. and Mrs. Roby have four children: Leota C, born August 2, 1905; J. Frederick, born January 4, 1908; Nelda J., born October 8, 1909, and William H. bom January 7, 1913.

After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Roby settled on the Roby farm, which he operated until 1913, when they moved into Grand Island, where he conducted a retail liquor business for eighteen months. He then engaged in the automobile business, selling the Chevrolet cars for a year, at the end of which time he bought Harmony Hall and continues in the amusement business, not exclusively, however, for he has recently purchased a section of land in Deuel county, which he is operating with a farm tractor. Mr. Roby is a man of great enterprise. He belongs to the Sons of Herman, the Plattsduetch society, the Farmers Union and the Nonpartisan League.

OSCAR A. SMITH. - To the settlement of Hall and many other well developed counties' of Nebraska, the great state of Pennsylvania contributed in no small degree. It was from that state the late Oscar A. Smith, who was well known and highly esteemed in Grand Island, came to Hall forty-five years ago. He was born in Columbus, Warren County, Pennsylvania, January 9, 1849, the son of William and Roxy (Bardwell) Smith, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, where he died in 1861, and the latter in New York, the spring of 1892. They had two sons : Walter and Oscar A., the fornier of whom lives in Pennsylvania.

Oscar A. Smith had school advantages in youth and remained in his native neighborhood for some years after his father's death. He possessed a pioneering and courageous spirit, however, and in early manhood de-. termined to seek his fortune much farther afield. With this idea, in association with a comrade of similar ambitions, he procured a boat and started from the headwaters of the Clarendon river for Central America. The youths floated as far as the Allegheny river, when they were dissauded by friends from pursuing their journey to such a distant point, it being represented to them that adventure and business opportunity could be found much nearer home. Thus it came about that tliey landed in Hall County, Nebraska, in May, 1874. j\'lr. Smith engaged in freighting to Fort Niobrara, and in the same year homesteaded in Custer County, living in Grand Island while proving up on his claim. He retained his Custer County land until 1916. Frequently he related stories of early days, some tragic and some amusing. There were many Indians in Hall County when he first came here and many were savage as well as treacherous. The settlers learned to be suspicious. He told that on one -occasion, a group of freighters were gathered in their cabin when the furious barking of their dog on the outside caused a not unnatural fear that an Indian with his ready tomahawk, was lurking near. As was their custom, the men drew lots as to which one should investigate the trouble, the choice falling on Mr. Smith. As soon as he warily ventured into the open, he knew that the supposed Indian was nothing more dangerous than the very prevalent little musteline mammal - a skunk.

On January 17, 1892, Mr. Smith married Miss Margaret Elizabeth Baird, at New Helena, Nebraska. Her parents, now deceased, were John F., and Mary E. (Conn) Baird, natives" of Kentucky. For over twenty years Mrs. Smith's father was postmaster of New Helena and for four years his wife was postmistress at the same place. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith : Walter, who resides with his mother, was born December 30, 1892; Oscar Talmadge, who was born October 17, 1894, went to Europe as a soldier with the American Expeditionary Force, returned home in July, 1919; Victor B., who was born June 9, 1897, is connected with the Nebraska Mercantile Company in Grand Island, and Laura C, who resides with her mother. On December 12, 1911, Mr. Smith and family came to Grand Island, establishing their home at West Lawn. Here Mr. Smith died March 11, 1918. While residing in Custer County he was active in many ways, being a prominent figure in Broken Bow, where he was a charter member of the Masonic lodge. He was a Democrat in his political affiliation and always loyal to party and friends but would never accept any public office for himself except membership on the school board, on which he served some years from a sense of duty. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Christian church.

AUGUST SCHIMMER. - The Schimmer family has been one of importance in Hall County for many years, noted not only for success in farming and stockraising, but also business energ)- and political efficiency. One of its best known members is August Schimmer, who owns valuable farm land in Washington township, who is serving in his third term as township clerk. He was born in Hall County, July 30, 1874.

The parents of Mr. Schimmer were Henry and Christina (Heesch) Schimmer, natives of Germany who came to the United States and to Hall County, Nebraska, when young. Henry Schimmer secured a homestead and tree claim, and the rest of his life was spent on this land, his death occuring in January, 1908, at the age of sixty-two years. He worked hard in improving his property and on two occasions suffered great loss from fire. The beautiful trees that form a grove around the residence, were set out by Henry Schimmer, and now give protection from the winter winds and provide grateful shade in summer. The grove provides an abundance of firewood, and Mr. Schimmer has used over 25,000 feet of lumber from the fallen timber. Henry Schimmer possessed the confidence and respect of his neighbors at all times, and for a number of years served as school director and as township clerk. Of his ten children, August is the eldest of the six survivors, the others being : Henry, who lives in Hamilton County ; John, who lives at Custer City, Oklahoma ; Otto, who lives in Nebraska ; Berny, in Hall County, and Minnie, who is the wife of Christian Hartwig.

August Schimmer obtained his education in the schools of Washington township, and has always lived on the old homestead. He owns 157 acres of highly improved land, on which he carries on general farming and stockraising, prospering exceedingly as he deserves to do.

On March 1, 1899, Mr. Schimmer was united in marriage to Miss Clara Ewoldt. They have the following children : Eddie, Helene, Augusta and Henry. Although an independent voter, Mr. Schimmer was elected to the office of township clerk on the Republican ticket, his personal popularity being a factor, which continues, as evidenced by his being twice re-elected. He has always been a great friend of the public schools and for six years served as school director, and it may be here noted that his school district has no trouble in carrying off scholarship honors.

fire insurance company, which resuhed in the organization of the Holsatia Fire Insurance Company, a mutual affair, which carries risks in Hall and adjoining counties and has been a boon to many of its members. It was organized by Henr\' and Martin Schimmer, the former being treasurer during the rest of his life, his son August succeeding him in office. Martin Schimmer is president o'^ the company, and Frederick Thommsen, of Alda township, is secretary. It was through this company that the fanners of this section for three successive years were saved from losing their entire crops, the years 1884, 1885 and 1886. Mr. Schimmer belongs to the Non-Partisan League and the Farmers Union, is also a member of the Plattsdeutch Verein, a German social organization, at Grand Island.

FREDERICK T. LOESCHER, one of the oldest citizens of Hall County, and held in high regard, was born in the province of Reus, Germany, October 15, 1844. His parents were John G. and Christina (Sermann) Loescher. The father was a carpenter in Germany. He came to the United States with his family in May, 1850, and lived four years in Calumet County, Wisconsin, then removed to Winnebago County. In 1875 he came to Hall County, purchasing the farm on which his son Frederick now lives. He died in September, 1877, and the mother died November 24, 1887. Of their seven children all died in infancy except Frederick T. ,

When Frederick T. Loescher accompanied his parents to Hall County, he was thirty-one years old, having had farm experience in Wisconsin. He has lived since on the farm his father bought in 1875, but retired in March, 1918, having lived on this farm continuously with the exception of two years. He can recall not only early days in Hall County, but many interesting incidents of pioneer experience in Wisconsin. During the early days here he relates how each family was entitled to five bushels of wheat and as that cereal was so scarce, his mother ground seeds of weeds into a flour that made a palatable bread but was uninviting on account of its black color. The family, however, seemed to thrive on potato pancakes. The home was twentyfive miles from a town and they traveled with oxen. The first few years in Hall County were discouraging on account of the grasshopper invasions. He relates that once, on visiting the Loup River, he found the water thick with the insects. All such experiences and hardshrips have long since passed away,

On November 24, 1870, Mr. Loescher married Miss Louise D. Raatz, a daughter of Christian and Wilhelmina (Schroeder) Raatz. Thirteen children were born to them : William who lives in Lake township, married Ella Spotholt; Agnes, the wife of Ernest Wagner; Bertha, the wife of Albert Niemoth ; jNIinnie, the wife of Fred Hengen ; Emma, deceased, was the wife of Edward Niemoth ; Herman, who lives at Belgrade, Nebraska, married Rose Peters ; Chrales and Laura, who live in Grand Island; Frank, who died July 29, 1915; Frederick E., who lives on his father's farm, and three who died in infancy.

A. P. DRAKE. - In the passage of almost a half century, change comes about in a community as well as in an individual, and marked indeed is the change that has come over Hall County within that period. With the coming here of young men of vigor and enterprise, the wild prairie became cultivated farms, the homes of an industrious, contented people, who have become representative of Nebraska's best citizenship. One who has taken an active part in the agricultural development of Hall County is A. P. Drake, whose valuable farm fs situated in Wood River township.

A. P. Drake was born in Lake County Illinois, October 10, 1849. His parents were John C. and Mary E. (Ganvood) Drake, the former of whom was born in Maine and the latter in Pennsylvania. They had two children: A. P. and Alice J. The latter resides in South Dakota, the widow of William Thompson, one of the early engineers on the Union Pacific Railroad. For many years the father was a prosperous farmer in Illinois.

In his native neighborhood, Mr. Drake had school advantages in boyhood and remained at home with his father until 1871, when he came to Hall County, taking up a homestead the same year. He contended with early hardships here as did his neighbors, but never lost courage, and now owns one hundred and sixty acres of some of the finest land in Wood River township. He has all of his land under profitable cultivation and his improvements have kept pace with the development of the soil. While proving up on his land, Mr. Drake drove a stage between Sidney and Deadwood for five years, and in that business saw much adventure and faced many dangers. His recollections and stories of those early days are exceedingly interesting.

On December 29, 1876, Mr. Drake married ]\'Iiss Susan C. King, who was born in Illinois. They have three children: Julia May, the wife of Louis Stoup, of Montana; John C, the home farmer, and Alice Gertrude, the wife of William Brauer, of Wood River township. In politics Mr. Drake has always been a staunch Republican. He is known all over the county and is held in high regard.

MARTIN L. WISEMAN, Jr., a thoroughly experienced farmer, is successfully operating one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land which makes him one of the substantial men of Wood River township. He was born in Frederick County, Maryland, the son of Martin Luther and Martha A. (Ray) Wiseman. His mother died in 1882 but his father survives and is yet active in agricultural life, being an extensive farmer in Hall County.

Martin Luther Wiseman, Jr., came with his father to Hall County in 1886 and obtained his schooling here. From boyhood he has followed farm pursuits and all through the experiences that have later come to him in the management of his own property, he has been glad that he had early and thorough training along agricultural lines. To operate profitably a farm in modem days a man does not have to be a college graduate, but he must have much knowledge that very often has never appeared on any college curriculum, hence practical training and years of experience are valuable possessions. Mr. Wiseman is not specializing to any extent, general farming covering his activities.

On February 26, 1902, Mr. Wiseman married Miss Bessie Cross, whose people came to Hall County in 1894. They have three interesting, intelligent children : Edith, Mildred and Ruth. Mr. Wiseman and his family are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he votes independently. He is a Mason in good standing and belongs also to the Woodmen of the World.

JAMES HENRY ELIJAH, a highly respected citizen and substantial farmer of Wood River township, has been a resident of Hall County for nineteen years. He came here in 1903, bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Wood River township and has made of this a highly productive farm.

former was bom in Delaware County, New York and the latter in Scotland, in 1836. The mother of Mr. Elijah is deceased, but her father survives and resides in the home of his son a part of the time at Clarence, Iowa, being now a man of venerable age. In his active years he worked at the carpenter trade, and in Iowa, at one time, was an extensive raiser of'stock in Cedar County. Mr. Elijah was reared on a farm in Iowa and for thirty years was in the cattle business in Montana, and still retains his interests in the stock business there. The family have lived in Hall County and in Montana since the year they bought the farm.

On June 26, 1901, James H. Elijah married Miss Nellie Sylvester, who was born in Cedar County, Iowa, August 12, 1871. Her parents were Peter Bent and Catherine (McKibben) Sylvester, natives of New York. The father of Mrs. Elijah died in 1918. The mother still resides there. Mr. and Mrs. Elijah have six children : Harold, Leonard, James, Ralph, David and Catherine, all living with their parents on the well improved home farm. Mrs. Elijah had educational advantages in Iowa, and is a member of the Presbyterian church.

HANS WIESE, one of the older German settlers of Wood River township, has carried on general farming here for many years. He owns five hundred and forty acres of well improved land. He has not only set a good example in industry and frugality, but has never been lacking in those qualities that have made him a good citizen and a friendly neighbor.

Plans Wiese was bom in Germany, October 8, 1843. His parents were Paul and Bertha (Spiet) Wiese. He was the youngest born of their six children, the others being: Celia, who is deceased, the wife of Henry Wiese, also deceased ; James, who is deceased ; Peter, who lives in Hall County; Anna, deceased, who was the wife of Henry Wiese, also deceased, and Margaret, who is the widow of James Dibbins. In his native land, Hans Wiese worked as a laborer until 1864 when he came to the United States. He settled first in Scott County, Iowa, and from there came to Hall County, Nebraska, in 1871, purchasing railroad land in Wood River township. He has placed excellent improvements on his land, and could easily sell his entire five hundred and forty acres for many times the amount he paid for it.

the wife of Julius C. Strasser, of Hall County; William, who lives on the home place; Charles, deceased ; Matilda, the wife of Frank Strasser, and August, who lives in Lexington in Dawson County. Mr. Wiese is an independent voter. He has been a member of the Lutheran church since his youth. He has seen wonderful changes in this section since he first came here, having passed through the hardships and privations of the early days to now enjoy during his sunset years a well deserved competency. Many of the contemporary pioneers of his day have passed away but he lives to enjoy the innovations of the present day.

ALBERT E. LUEBS. - In some sections of Nebraska where intelligent and ambitious young men live, the fostering of agriculture is well under way. This is to be seen in the number of well cultivated farms and fine large herds of blooded cattle. Where some exceptionally well developed properties arouse unusual interest, the owner or operator is, in all probability, a progressive young man, who has had training in an agricultural school, and his activities are directed according to scientific methods. The visitor in Hall County may meet just such an enthusiastic and trained farmer as this in Albert E. Luebs, who is carrying on general farming in Wood River township.

Albert E. Luebs is a Nebraskan, born in Hall County, January 27, 1891. His father, Henry Luebs, who lives retired in Grand Island, was a prominent farmer and stockraiser in Hall County for many years. Albert E. is a son of his second marriage. The Luebs are all men of sterling character and through marriage are connected with many other leading old families of the county. After Albert E. Luebs completed his public school education, he entered the agricultural department of the State University at Lincoln, where he spent three useful years. LTpon his return home he rented three hundred acres of well improved land from his father, who owns many acres of farm land in the county. Here the young farmer is putting his acquired knowledge into practice with most gratifying results, having been very successful in all he has undertaken.

On February 20, 1918, Mr. Luebs married Miss Olive Smeaton, who was born in Hall County, to which her parents came many years ago in pioneer days. Mr. and Mrs. Luebs are members of the Lutheran church. He is an active member of the Grange and is interested in all matters and movements that promise to be of benefit to agricultural progress. He is also a member of the order of Royal Highlanders.

DANIEL ELROY HARVEY WISEMAN. - It was from Maryland that the Wiseman family came to Hall County where it is now quite numerous. For generations the Wisemans have been noted for their success in agricultrual pursuits. A well known member of this highly respected family is Daniel Elroy Harvey Wiseman, who owns one hundred and twenty acres of well improved land situated in section 28, Wood River township. Mr. Wiseman was bom in Frederick County, Maryland, June 10, 1882, a son of Martin Luther and Martha A. (Ray) Wiseman, who came to Hall County in 1886.

Daniel E. H. Wiseman obtained his education in Hall County, and from boyhood he has been connected with farming, first with his father and afterward on his own account. He is wide awake and progressive and is carrying on his agricultural operations with entire success. In 1903 he married M|iss Maude E. Burmood. They have two sons : Harvey E. and Glenn Lee, both of whom are attending school. Mr. Wiseman and family attend the Presbyterian church. He devotes comparatively little time to politics, taking more interest in his farm and stock than political campaigns. He is a good, quiet, peaceable citizen who can always be depended upon in times of real necessity. He owns a herd of registered Jersey cows and is specializing in Poland-China hogs.

ADOLPH KRUSE, whose valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres is situated in Center township, is the representative of an old pioneer family of Hall County that has been highly respected here and has been usefully concerned in agricultural efforts for many years. The Kruse family has never desired political prominence, but it has taken some pride in its reputation as steady and honest, and as strong in its support of the Lutheran church.

Adolph Krtise is a native of this section, born in Hall County, Nebraska, September 12, 1877, a son of Henry Kruse. After attending school in boyhood, he assisted his father on the farm and in the course of time became a farmer on his own account. He not only carries on general farming but raises many fine horses and operates his own land and an additional eighty acres which he rents. He is one of the well informed farmers m his township, making practical and successful application of his knowledge to insure the profitable carrying out of his farm enterprises. On April 5, 1905, Mr. Kruse married Miss Katie Kearns. They are members of the Lutheran church.

GEORGE NICHOLAS RAUERT, who devotes his time and attention to raising cattle and hogs, together with general farming, is well known in Hall County, where his life has been passed. He is a representative of one of the early pioneer families of the county, his grandparents coming here with their children, in 1866. Since then the family has been identified with land development here, and its reputation for successful agricultural effort is second to none in the county.

George Rauert was born in Hall County, June 27, 1882, and is a son of James and Anna (Tagge) Rauert, the latter of whom died September 11, 1895. The father of Mr.' Rauert was born in Germany in 1851, accompanied his parents to the United States when fifteen years old, assisted his mother after the early death of his father, and now lives retired in Grand Island, in which city he owns a comfortable home. From boyhood George Rauert has followed farm pursuits. He has recently purchased one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land, situated in Mayfield township, and while he gives careful attention to general fanning, the raising of fine cattle and hogs is made a leading feature.

In 1908 Mr. Rauert married Miss Minnie Behring. They have four children : Ida, Louis, Albert and Lillie, all residing at home and with their parents regularly attending religious services in the Lutheran church. Mr. Rauert is a fine, upstanding citizen of Mayfield township, being always ready to promote her best interests, but has never been actively concerned in political matters. He belongs to several German social organizations that were established many years ago in Grand Island.

MARTIN L. WISEMAN, one of Hall County's highly respected citizens, has been a resident for many years of Wood River township, where he owns well improved property. Mr. Wiseman was born in Frederick County, Maryland, March 16, 1850, the son of Daniel and Catherine (Palmer) Wiseman, who spent their lives in Maryland. Of their eight children four are living; Martin Luther is the second bom. The others are: Mary, who lives with her brother, Martin Luther; John P., who lives at Knoxville, Maryland, and Samuel, who lives in Loup County, Nebraska. The parents were members of the Lutheran church.

Martin Luther Wiseman went to work on a farm as soon as his school days were over. Farm wages were very low in Marj'land at that time, and Mr. Wiseman worked on a neighbor's farm for three dollars a month. In the course of time he became interested in the opportunities ofl:ered in western lands and this led him to Hall County, in 1886. He was not quite satisfied at first and in 1887 went to Colorado, but in 1889 returned to Hall County. He broke up the prairie sod on what is called the Burkhert farm, moved onto the same and rented that land for seventeen years. Mr. Wiseman's farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Wood River township is well adapted to general farming and dairying. He has always been thorough in his farm methods and now enjoys well merited prosjierity.

In Maryland, in 1872, Mr. Wiseman married Miss Martha A. Ray, who died in 1882. They had the following children : Marcia Ellen, the wife of A. Kinney, of Salt Lake; R. S., who lives in Wood River township ; Caroline ; Catherine, the wife of Aden Able, of Sioux County; A. S., a farmer in Wood River township; Gilmore, who lives in Wood River; Martin Luther, Jr., who is a farmer in Wood River township, and Daniel, also a farmer in Wood River township. The mother of this family was a member of the Reformed church. Mr. Wiseman is an elder in the Presbyterian church. He belongs to the order of Odd Fellows, and is a Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner.

RUDOLPH H. LUEBS, one of Hall County's best qualified and most progressive agriculturists, is a member of a prominent Hall County family. His birth took place here October 6, 1886. His father, Henr>- Luebs, a highly respected retired citizen of Grand Island, was born in Germany, in 1845, and came to the United States in young manhood. For many years he was successfully engaged in fanning in Hall County.

Rudolph H. Luebs attended the public schools in his native county, after which he entered the agricultural school at Lincoln, from which he was graduated with credit in 1909. Thus well prepared for the many problems every farmer has to face, Rudolph Henry Luebs took upon himself the responsibility of operating one of the largest farms in this part of the county, consisting of three hundred and twenty acres of highly improved land, which he rents from his father. He has been trained to work systematically and with thoroughness and the success that is attending him demonstrates his agricultural wisdom as well as his business capacity. He is making a specialty of thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle and the only kind of hogs he deems worth raising are the Poland China variety, which he has found very profitable.

On November 16, 1916, Mr. Luebs married Miss Hattie Persson, who also belongs to an old Hall County family. They are active members of the Lutheran church at Wood River. Mr. Luebs is independent in his political views, but is very much interested in all worthy enterprises in the county that are in any way related to agricultural life and industry. He is a valued member of the Grange and is foremost in county fair promotion. He has served four years as a director of the County Fair association. He belongs to the order of Royal Highlanders.

AUGUST RAUERT, a member of one of the oldest pioneer families of Hall County, was born here February 27, 1889. He is a son of Matthew and Elsie (Siek) Rauert, the former of whom came to the United States and to Hall County with his parents in 1866. For many years Matthew Rauert was a leading farmer in the county but now lives retired in Grand Island, where he is held in much esteem.

August Rauert attended the public schools through boyhood, in the meanwhile assisting his father and getting practical training that has made him a capable farmer and able to carry on profitably his large agricultural operations. He owns eighty acres of excellent land, all well improved, and from his father rents two hundred and twenty-two acres. He makes a feature of raising Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs. Mr. Rauert has the reputation of being one of the most successful farmers and stockraisers in this section.

On March 6, 1912, August Rauert married Miss Martha Boldt, whose people came to Hall County in the early days. Mr. Rauert and his wife have two children: Frederick and Viola, both of whom attend school. The family belongs to the Lutheran church. Mr. Rauert has never found time to enter into politics very actively and has no desire for public ofiice. He

HENRY DAVISON, who has been a resident of Hall County, Nebraska, since early manhood, came here from a state that has contributed largely to the county's best citizenship and he is justly proud of being a native of Illinois. He was bom in Tazewell County, May 2, 1857, the son of Minor A. and Mary (Cornelius) Davison, who came to Hall County in 1879, where the father bought a tract of railroad land, and at the time of his death was the owner of eighty acres that had been greatly advanced in value because of the improvements he had made. The mother died January 21, 1890, aged forty-eighty years, being survived by her husband who passed away August 14, 1896, aged sixty-one years.

Henry Davison was reared on a farm in Tazewell County, Illinois, and obtained his education in the public schools in that locality. When the family removed to Nebraska he accompanied them, purchasing first a tract of eighty acres of school land, to which, with buisness acumen, he subsequently added until he now owns four hundred and forty acres in Hall County, all of which is highly improved. Mr. Davison carried on general farming, growing crops and raising stock, until 1914, when he moved into Grand Island and took possession of his handsome residence here.

In 1881 Mr. Davison married Miss Rachel Malissa McCabe, who was also born in Illinois, and of their ten children the following survive : Etta Belle, the wife of William Dangler; Edith, the wife of Orville Hutton, a farmer in Center township. Hall County ; Roy, a farmer in Center township ; Earl E., who lives in Center township ; Gladys and Wayne W., both of whom reside at home. Mr. Davison and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he has always been affiliated with the Republican party and in earlier days was active in many party movements although he never consented to hold political office. Mr. Davison is well known in Hall County and as man and citizen is held in high regard.

WILLIAM FAGAN, one of Hall County's well known residents and owner of a fine farm in Center township, is a native of Canada where he was born September 15, 1865, the eldest of a family of nine children

About 1867 the parents of Mr. Fagan removed to the United States and the father engaged in farming in Illinois. In 1892 he came to Hall County, Nebraska, where he took up a homestead and also secured a quarter section of land in Prairie Creek township, on which he resided until his death in February, 1902, at which time he owned four hundred acres of fine land. Both parents were members of the Roman Catholic church. Of their children besides William, the following are living: Patrick, manager of Taylor's ranch in Hall County ; Katherine, the wife of Jefferson Norris, of Illinois ; Mary, who lives at Hot Springs, South Dakota; Annie, who has been a teachei^ in Lake township for twenty years, where she is much beloved; Jennie, the wife of George Buckingham of Chicago; and Margaret, the wife of Edward Landrigan, af Ravenna, Nebraska.

William Fagan was young when the family removed to Illinois. He attended school there and worked for his father and other farmers until 1892, when he came to Nebraska, locating in Hall County. At first he helped his father on the home farm, at times he also worked on the neighboring farms and in the course of time bought his present well developed and finely improved property consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, situated in section 6, Center township. For seventeen years he was manager of the Taylor ranch in Hall County, prior to coming to the McDonald ranch, of which he has been manager for the past three years, these being the largest ranches in the county.

On September 16, 1890, Mr. Fagan married Miss Ellen Walsh, who was born in Illinois and they have four children, namely: Annie, the wife of Lloyd W. O'Halleron, of Howard County, Nebraska ; John, who operates his father's farm ; William, in the United States navy ; and Ella, who makes her home in Grand Island. Mr. Fagan and family are members of the Roman Catholic church. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Elks and the Modern Woodmen.

HERMAN LUEBS, a prominent farmer and extensive raiser of cattle and hogs, owns two hundred and ninety acres of fine land which he devotes to these purposes. He is well known all over Hall County. He was born on his father's farm in Hall County, September 24, 1875.

The parents of Mr. Luebs were Henry and Sophia (Plauth) Luebs, the latter of whom died in January, 1883. They had eight children, and those besides Herman who are living are the following: Emma, the wife of Henry Kamps, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Nicholas, who lives in Oklahoma, and John, who lived in Wood River township, Hall County. The father of Mr. Luebs was born in Germany in 1845, who emigrated to America many years ago and for many years was a very successful farmer and stockman m Hall County. He owns a fine residence in Grand Island, in which he has lived since he retired some years ago.

Herman Luebs had school privileges in his boyhood but was little more than a boy when he began to be of great assistance to his father on the homestead. Mr. Luebs has never desired to embark in any other business than the one in which he has done so well, ahhough It has often been one of hard work and worry. He has his land well improved and modern methods and expensive farm machinery are made use of in carrying on his farm industries On March 25, 1915, he married Miss Rose Holhng, a daughter of Peter Holling, who came to Hall County as an early settler. Mr. and Mrs. Luebs are members of the Lutheran church. He is independent in his political opinions, but is an interested and valued member of the Grange at Wood River.

CHARLES RAUERT, whose farming operations carried on in Prairie Creek township for some years have been satisfactory from every point of view, is an enterprising young man with progressive ideas. He has been a farmer all his life and has knowledge and experience to back him in his undertakings. It is probable that in a very few years Mr. Rauert may have one of the finest herds of thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle in this section of the state.

Charles Rauert was born in Hall County, Nebraska, August 31, 1883, the eldest of a family of four children born to Matthew and Elsie (Siek) Rauert, the former of whom came to the United States with his parents in 1866 and immediately located in Hall County. The grandfather died in the same year. The father of Mr. Rauert now lives retired in G rand Island, but retains the ownership of his valuable farms in the county, one of which Charles Rauert rents from his father. He has one hundred and sixty acres and devotes the land to general farming and stockraising, giving particular attention to- Duroc-Jersey hogs,

In 1908 Mr. Rauert married Miss Elsie Seim, and they have four children : Erma, Arthur, Elvira and Edna, the older children already making a fine record at school. Mr. and Mrs. Rauert are members of the Lutheran church. They have a wide acquaintance and many friends. Mr. Rauert is not identified with any political party but is active and interested in township matters that concern the general walfare, casting his vote at local elections, according to his own well matured judgment.

FRANZ WIECK. - Many of the fine productive farms of Hall County would never have reached their present value without the patient industry and unusual efficiency df the owners, who made their improvement the main business of hfe. Such a man was, the late Franz Wieck, who came here in 1893 and took up a homestead. During his subsequent life no one could have been more industrious and the success he experienced was well deserved.

Franz Wieck was born in Germany, November 29, 1865, a son of Franz and Catherine Wieck, who spent their lives in Germany. After schooldays were passed and military service was over, the young man came to the United States in order to take advantage of the government offer of homesteads in the western part of the country. Immediately after reaching Hall County, he secured a homestead, settling happily on it where he remained a continuous resident until the time of his death, which occurred April 20, 1915, leaving an estate of one hundred and sixty acres of finely improved land.

In 1895 Mr. Wieck married Miss Anna Hargens, and they became the parents of the following children : Margaret, Martha, John, Alma,. Alfred, Ernest, Clara, Alice and Rosa, all of whom reside on the farm with their mother. In religious faith he was a Lutheran. He took no particular interest in politics, but he belonged to one of the old German social organizations in Grand Island, in which he was very highly esteemed.

ABRAHAM W. LEISER, who has been a resident of Hall County for thirty five years, is a representative citizen of Center township and an exceedingly prosperous farmer. When Mr. Leiser came to the county he had very little in the way of- earthly goods, but he had courage, health and energy, and with the determination to make use of them to the best advantage, pushed forward and now is one of the most substantial farmers of the county. Mr. Leiser set a good example as a young man and, as is usually the case, has never had cause to regret his early industrious efforts and much self denial.

Abraham W. Leiser was born in Pennsylvania, March 12, 1863, the son of David and Rebecca (Trump) Leiser, natives of the same state. They had the following children : George, who lives in Grand Island ; Anne, who lives in Grand Island ; Abraham W., who lives in Center township; Sadie, who died in infancy; and Melvin, who is deceased. In his youthful days, Abraham W. Leiser attended school in Michigan and also in Missouri. In 1884 he came to Hall County with the intention of making this his permanent home. His first purchase of land was a tract of eighty acres, to which he has added from time to time until now he owns two hundred and forty acres of well improved land, his home farm being situated in section three. Center township, within easy market distance of Grand Island. He has always carried on general farming, having no particular specialties but an abundance of staple crops.

On January 17, 1888, Mr. Leiser married Miss Melvina Eager, whose people were very early settlers in Hall County. They have had four children, two sons and two daughters, namely : Alvin, a farmer in Center township ; Rebecca, the wife of William Vocke ; and Floyd and Helen, both of whom live at home. In politics Mr. Leiser is a Democrat, having served as deputy sheriff four years under Jim Dunkle, and is always ready to support his political friends but has never desired public ofiice for himself.

JACOB SHOEMAKER. - When the early settlers of Hall County, who have passed away are called to mind, there is great reason to remember Jacob Shoemaker. He came here almost a half century ago when all this beautiful country was practically a prairie. Although at that time already a man of middle life, such was his industry that he succeeded in accumulating a large property and he became also one of the county's most useful and respected citizens. His honest name is perpetuated by a large family of children, almost all of whom belong and add to the fine citizenship of Nebraska.

County, Nebraska, December H, 1895. His parents were Daniel and Margaret (Witt) Shoemaker, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. Jacob Shoemaker obtained his education in the subscription schools, and being strong and sturdy in his youth, his father urged him to learn the carpenter trade, which at that time included much heavy work that is now done by the allied trades. He continued carpenter work until he came as far Avest as Iowa, after which, until the close of his active life, he was interested in farming. In 1871 he came as a homesteader to Hall County, and years of uninterrupted industry followed during which he acquired five hundred and twenty acres of land. He neglected no opportunity to improve his home property and when he built his house it was reputed to be the most commodious in the county and for years was a landmark, showing for miles across the treeless prairie. Without any of the scientific knowledge that has so greatly assisted the modern farmer, he perseveringly carried on his operations with the practical good sense and agricultural knowledge that experience had brought him, and was considered one of the most successful farmers in Center township.

October 28, 1849 Jacob Shoemaker and Sarah Ann Brunt were united in marriage. She was born December 6, 1832, a native of Rush, Madison County, Indiana. To them were born children as follows : William B., who lives at Chapman, Nebraska ; Clara, the wife of Cyrus Kellogg, of Chapman ; Albert E., who lives at Burwell, Nebraska; Belle, who resides on the old homestead ; Jesse, who lives at Oconto, Nebraska ; Samuel M., who resides on the homestead ; George, a farmer near Burwell ; Eva, the wife of F. M. Cavender, of Ainsworth, Nebraska ; Anna, the wife of Henry Rathmann, of Holdrege, Nebraska; and Edna, the wife of Harry Lenon, and they live in Arizona. Mr. Shoemaker was a Republican in his political views. He was reared in a Quaker community and attended their meetings in his youth, but in later life became a member of the Christian church and the family assisted in its support in Hall County.

JAMES RAUERT, who now lives retired in Grand Island, surrounded with comforts suitable to his age and position in life, has been a resident of Hall County for many years, brought here by his parents in early pioneer days when Nebraska was still considered a part of the Great American Desert.

Mr. Rauert has seen wonderful changes take place during his life in the county, where he and his brothers have been very successful along agricultural lines.

James Rauert was born in Germany, May 1, 1851, a son of Jacob Mat and Anna (Madiensen) Rauert, who came to the United States and Hall County, Nebraska, in 1866. In that same year the father died and the five children had to assume much responsibility when young in order to assist their mother in keeping the family together. From early boyhood James Rauert followed farming until he retired from active life, moving then to Grand Island, in which city he is greatly respected. He owns one hundred and twenty acres of well improved land, together with his attractive city residence, and is counted one of the county's men of ample fortune.

In 1877 James Rauert married Miss Anna Tagge, whose parents were early settlers in Hall County, and they have three sons, William, George and John, the eldest of whom lives in Idaho, the youngest has charge of the home farm and George operates his own farm. They are all fine young men who reflect credit on their parents and the community. The beloved wife and mother passed away September 11, 1895. Mr. Rauert is a member of the Lutheran church.

HENRY F. LUEBS. - Grand Island is the home of many retired farmers and has no better citizenship than these men of means, resources and wholesome life. They are, too, usually men of sound judgment and their advice is not to be despised when matters of city importance are up for consideration, especially the expenditure of public funds. In order to make their farming operations profitable, they had to be frugal and foresighted, and their methods might solve many civic problems. A dependable citizen of this class is found in Henry Luebs, who resides in his fine residence in Grand Island, after many years as a farmer in Hall County, where he owns over eight hundred acres of well improved land in Wood River and Alda townships.

Henry Luebs was born in Germany, September 6, 1845, the fifth in a family of six children born to John and Dorothy (Schoel) Luebs, the others being as follows : Malie, Anna, Lena, Frederick and Amelia, all of whom live in Germany except the oldest, who went to Australia many years ago, and Frederick, who like his next younger brother, came to Nebraska. After Henry Luebs landed in the United States in 1874 he first located in Iowa and from there, on the eleventh of November of the same year, came to Hall County. The beginning of his present large property was when he acquired eighty acres of railroad land, and to the development and cultivation of his land as it increased through subsequent purchases, he devoted many years. He became one of the best general farmers in his section, growing heavy crops and raising much fine stock.

1883. Of their eight children, the following are living: Emma, the wife of Henry Kamps, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Nicholas, who lives in Oklahoma ; Herman, a farmer in Wood River township, and John, who also lives in Wood River township. On December 19,

1884, Mr. Luebs contracted his second marriage, with Annie Plauth, a sister of the first Mrs. Luebs, and of the ten children born to them eight are living: Rosa, who lives at Grand Island ; Rudolph, a farmer in Wood River township on the old farm ; August, who lives at Lincoln; Elbert, a farmer; Henry, who lives in Milwaukee, and Alma, Alfred and Marie, all of whom reside at home. The family belongs to the Lutheran church.

HENRY SCHROEDER. - There are few general farmers and stockraisers in Wood River township. Hall County, who have done better in a business way within the same space of time, than has Henry Schroeder. He started with nothing and now owns one of the large, well developed farms here and is a shipper of cattle and hogs.

Henry Schroeder was born September 10, 1873, at Syracuse, New York. His parents were Frederick and Sophia Schroeder, who were born, reared and married in Germany. In 1872 they emigated from the old country for the greater opportunities aflforded in America, settling first near Syracuse, New York, soon after arriving in the United States, where the father worked as a farmer. The family came to Hall County, Nebraska, in 1881. In speaking of the early days here in reference to himself, Henry Schroeder says he was educated mainly in the school of hard knocks, which may be interpreted as having little other schooling and few advantages of any kind. Therefore it is creditable that through his own efl:'orts and thrift he has become a man of independent means and owns a farm of four hundred and twenty acres. He has it substantially improved, also the result of his own industry and progressive ideas. He has worked very hard and still devotes himself closely to his farm industries which he finds more and more profitable. He raises and disposes of about twenty-five head of good grade cattle and forty head of hogs annually.

Mr. Schroeder married Miss Bettie Miller, who was born and reared in Hall County. They have a fine family of four sons and one daughter, namely: William, who lives on the home farm; Frederick, married Etta Schwieger, who is also a farmer; and Elsie, Harry and Louis, all of whom live at home. Mr. Schroeder and his older sons are Republicans. The entire family is highly esteemed throughout Wood River township.

AMOS W. JOBE, one of the progressive young farmers of Hall County, who is intelligently interested in agriculture generally, and most particularly in the section where he is very successfully operating a farm of eighty acres, has spent his entire life in Hall County. He was born in Center township, November 19, 1897, and is a son of the late Simeon C. and Mahala P, (Mackey) Jobe.

Simeon C. Jobe was born at Griggsville, in Pike County, Illinois, where he grew up on a farm, and farming was his business all his life. He served as a soldier during the Civil War, a member of Company I, Thirty-third Illinois Infantry, and at the time of his death was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Jobe was married first to Susan B. Pollack, of Griggsville, Illinois and by that union there were six children: Priscilla, now Mrs. Nichols, and they have two children, Gladys and Harold, both college graduates, Harold is now receiving military training in Texas ; Hattie Jane, a graduate of the high school in 1873, lives in Colorado; Charles S., who lives in Dalton, Nebraska, has four children, Ada and Estyl, and two are dead, Roscoe and Alice; Nettie F., the wife of Lute Tobias, in Eugene, Oregon, is the mother of two boys, Kenneth and Merle, and two children who died when quite small, William and Eva. The mother died in 1883. In Illinois Mr. Jobe married for his second wife Miss Mahala P. l\Iackey, who was born in Randolph County, Illinois. He parents were William and Mary E. (Stanley) Mackey, who lived and" died in Illinois. Her father was a Baptist in religious faith, while her mother belonged to the Methodist church. When Mr. and Mrs Jobe came to Hall County in the eighties, Mr. Jobe brought with him considerable capital, at least $1,000, and did not feel compelled to hasten permanent settlement, but in 1900 he invested and his family have been benefitted by the good judgment he used when he purchased the Deal property, a valuable farm. He was one of the first residents in this section of Nebraska to raise fine hogs and winter wheat, both proving satisfactory enterprises. At the time of his death, at the age of sixty-three years, he was looked upon as a successful business man as well as a most worthy citizen. His widow, and three children survive: Walter E., in business at Duncan ; Ruth, a popular and efficient teacher in the public schools in District No. 29 ; and Amos W., who is making use of his excellent education in carrying on his extensive operations on the farm. He realizes the responsibillity that, in these days, rests upon the young farmers of the nation and is doing his best. The son and two daughters both graduated from the high school of Grand Island, the former in 1917 and the latter in 1913, the youngest of a class of fifty-two and the only members of the class who have been to all the alumni meetings.

AUGUSTINE C. DENMAN is one of Hall County's most respected residents. He has spent forty-five years in this part of Nebraska, and has been active and useful in all things concerning the welfare of Alda township, where he bought land in 1872.

Augustine C. Denman was born in 1840, in Ohio. In 1872 he came to Hall County, and in the following year married Mary H. Phillips. She was born in England and brought to the United States when one year old. To 'this marriage the following children were bom ; Frank, who is in the farm implement business at Alda, Nebraska; Mrs Maude Olsen, who lives in Hall County ; Edward E., who is operating his father's farm; Nettie, who resides at home ; Arthur, who lives at Alda ; Mrs. Alice Dolstrom, and Mrs. Jane Stimpfig, both of whom live at Grand Island; and two who are deceased.

When Mr. Denman came to Hall County he was practically without capital, but, taking advantage of the opportunities presented here for acquiring financial independence, he gradually advanced his fortune through industry and good judgment, and today is one of the substantial men of the county. He is a stockholder in the Farmers State Bank of Alda, also in the State Bank of Grand Island, owns stock in the leading hotel property at

Grand Island, and has one of the best developed farms in Alda township. This farm has been taken over by his son Edward E. Denman, who is having marked success in the business of feeding cattle and hogs. Mrs. Denman is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Alda, Nebraska.

JOHN C. RAUERT, one of the younger generation of the prominent family of his name in Hall County, is maintaining the reputation that this family has enjoyed for years as successful agriculturists. He is a young man of much enterprise and in conducting his farm operations shows love for his vocation as well as a scientific knowledge concerning it.

John C. Rauert was born in Hall County, Nebraska, November 14, 1891, a son of James and Anna (Tagge) Rauert, the latter of whom died September 11, 1895. Mr. Rauert has two brothers, William and George, the former of whom lives in Idaho, and the latter in Hall County. The father, who was born in Germany, May 1, 1851, now lives retired in Grand Island, where he owns improved property.

After his school days were over, John C. Rauert settled down to farming, sensibly choosing the most important vocation in the world, and to this he has devoted his best efforts. The one hundred and twenty acres he is so profitably operating, he has under rental from his father. He has no particular specialties, general crop and a moderate amount of stockraising engaging his attention. He is an intelligent, well informed farmer and keeps thoroughly posted on agricultural as well as other questions of the day, through reading and exchanging views with others.

On January 20, 1916, Mr. Rauert married Miss Anna Stoltenberg, and they have three children : Caroline, Beulah and Lola. Mr. and Mrs. Rauert are members of the Lutheran church. He belongs to several German social organizations at Grand Island.

OTTO F. WIESE, who successfully carries on large farming operations in Alda township, Hall County, belongs to a prominent family here, whose settlement dates from 1869. Mr. Wiese was born in Hall County, April 12, 1882. His father, Fritz Wiese, was born in Holstein, Gemiany, January 21, 1844. Several members of the family came with him to the United States in 1869.

County and homesteaded a claim containing eighty acres. When he reached here he had $2.50. Now he owns six hundred and fiftytwo acres of land, two hundred and ninety two being in his home farm in Alda township, two hundred in Wood River township, and one hundred and sixty in Mayfield township. He remembers when the Indians were often seen traveling through this section. For many years he was an active farmer but is now retired. For twelve years he was treasurer of the school board. It sounds strange to hear a capitalist like Mr. Wiese tell of the time he did not have money enough to buy coffee for himself and wife, but this was the case for several years after their marriage in 1872. Two sons, William H. and John F. are of his first marriage and two sons and two daughters were born to his second marriage : Mrs. Dora Lillenthal, who lives in Nebraska ; Mrs. Augusta Arp, who lives near Abbott, Nebraska ; Emil, who lives near Wood River ; and Otto F., who resides on the home place with his father.

Otto F. Wiese obtained his education in the Hall County schools and has followed farming as a chosen vocation. He is operating his father's farm in Alda township and gives much attention to good stock, raising two car loads of hogs yearly. He has the reputation of being one of the best all around farmers in this part of the county.

Otto F. Wiese married Miss Mary Neubert, born near Sand Krog, Hall County, the daughter of John and Widke Neubert, both of whom are deceased. They have three children : Augusta, Mamie and Mildred, aged fourteen, eleven and nine years respectively. Mr. Wiese has never accepted any public office except that of school moderator, in which office he served nine years. He is an independent voter.

HENRY PETERS, a very successful general farmer and highly respected citizen of Center township, has been a resident of Hall County since 1882 and in the interim has built up a comfortable fortune. He was born in Germany, January 24, 1866, and is a son of Claus and Katherine (Kroger) Peters.

The parents of Mr. Peters spent their lives in Germany where the father was a small farmer. They had four children, Henry being the youngest and the only one in Hall County. The others are : Anna, who lives in Germany ; Katherine, who is the wife of John Kruse ; and John, who is in Gennany.

when he came to the United States, spending his first few months in the new country where he hoped to make his home, in Peoria, Illinois. He wanted to be a farmer but the price of land in the neighborhood surrounding Peoria was rather discouraging and therefore he came west and late in the year reached Hall County. Here he found the land also beyond his means but even then the price was reasonable, and with determination he went to work to accumulate enough money to enable him to invest. He worked and saved, sometimes even going barefooted, and through rigid economy and without any outside help, earned the money with which he bought his one hundred and sixty acres of land. Its improvement was only a matter of time and now Mr. Peters is one of the township's substantial men, owning a valuable property, and looked up to as a solid, wise and dependable man. During this time Mr. Peters went to Iowa where he was married and they farmed there for six years.

In 1895, Mr. Peters inarried Miss Amelia Dengler, who Was born in Iowa, both her parents were bom in Germany but came to America when young and were married in Iowa. There are four children in the Peters family: Claus A., who lives in Center township; Henry William a resident of Merrick County ; and August John and Laura Amelia, both of whom live at home. Mr. Peters and his family are members of the Lutheran church. Claus A. was notified to get ready for military training at Camp Funston but on account of the "flu" did not, when ready for Camp Kearney, the signing of peace kept him at home.

HENRY BUETTNER, the fortunate owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres which is situated in Alda township, was born at Grand Island, Nebraska September 15, 1867, and has lived in Hall County all his life. His parents were Louis and Catherine (Wiese) Buettner.

Louis Buettner, father of Henry, was born in Germany but from the age of seventeen, lived in the United States. Just following the great Chicago fire he visited that stricken city on his way westward. After reaching Nebraska, he bought railroad land which, through his industr}% was made valuable, and to his first purchase he had added until at the time of his death he owned two hundred and twenty acres, all of which he had improved. He belonged to several fraternal organizations and was a Lutheran in religious faith. Of his nine children, Henry is the eldest, the other survivors being: Augusta, the wife of Charles Beberness ; William, who lives in Alda township ; Gustave, on duty on the coast of South Carolina, as a member of the United States Marine corps; Theresa, the wife of Arthur Reher, of Pine BlulT, Laramie County Wyoming; and Louis, who resides with his brother William in Alda township. The father died in 1900, but the mother survives and resides on the old homestead in Alda township.

Henry Buettner obtained his education in the public schools and is a well informed man. He has never taken any strong stand in politics and because of his business cares, has never been willing to accept a public office. He has always been interested in church and school progress and in road improvement. Few farms in the township give evidence of more careful cultivation, and all his home surroundings are comfortable.

On October 8, 1903, Mr. Buettner married Miss Lena Beberniss, a daughter of John Beberniss, an old settler in' Hall County. They have three children, namely: Helen, Alfred and Ethel, all of whom live at home. Mr. Buettner and his family belong to the Lutheran church. He is a member of the order of Modern Woodmen at Alda.

IRA GIBSON, one of the representative citizens of Center township, has been unusually successful as a farmer and stockraiser in Hall County, although he began his business life in an entirely different direction. For years he has been known as a successful railroad contractor from Montana to Texas.

Ira Gibson was born in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, July 7, 1857, the eldest of a family of thirteen children born to James J. and Mary (McKinley) Gibson, the other survivors being: William, who lives in California ; Mrs. Ella Grey, who lives in Kansas City; James, a resident of Le Mars, Iowa; Frank, whose home is in Ohio ; Mrs. Anna May Doughty, of Minnesota; Mrs. Margaret Hensen, who lives in Ohio ; and Susan and Minnie, both of whom live in Minnesota. The mother of this family died in the fall of 1860, but the father survived into old age and was vigorous in mind and body when his death occured in 1915, following his ninetieth birthday. In many ways he was a remarkable man. He made a success of his business of farming, was a leader in beneficial movements in his community, an earnest Presbyterian, a Mason in good standing and a most zealous Republican.

Ira Gibson had excellent educational advantages, his father being a man of liberal mind, and after creditably completing the high school course he entered the Pennsylvania School of Mines, from which technical institution he was graduated. He then went into the contracting business and in visiting western territory, came to Hall County in 1888. Having lost on some of his contracts, at this time he was practically without capital, a condition that he soon overcame however through industry and then resumed contracting and completed the Billings branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. After that he was with other western roads as stated above. In 1899 he bought a farm in Hall County, and five years later established his permanent home on it, and now owns a half section of valuable land. He has handled stock extensively and the measure of his profits may be estimated by the fact that in the past years he has turned off $57,000 worth. His handsome residence is modern in every particular and all surroundings are in keeping, it being an ideal rural home.

In 1880 Mr. Gibson married Miss Martha Ellis, who was born in Canada, and they have had two children : Grace, who is deceased ; and Maude, the wife of T. A. McCullough, a representative of an old pioneer family of Hall County. Mrs. Gibson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Gibson is a Master Mason, belongs to the United Workmen and Maccabees. Politically he is a Republican of no uncertain type, revering the traditions of his party in the past, and firm in his confidence in its principles in the present.

JOHN F. WIESE, a properousi general farmer of Hall County, owning land in Alda township that in pioneer days could have been bought for $6 an acre, that is now valued at over $200 an acre, has spent almost all his life in the United States, being only two years old when his parents, Fritz and Leiza Wiese brought him from Germany, January 23, 1869. He grew up and attended school in Davenport, Iowa, and from there came to Hall County in 1885, with the intention of settling permanently, but, like many others, had but little capital and it was a hard struggle before he acquired his farm of eighty acres situated on section twenty-one, Alda township, on Rural Free Delivery Route No. 1, Alda. Mr. Wiese has always been a steady, hardworking man and the success that has come to him is well deserved. His business has been general farming and it is one he thoroughly understands

In 1894 Mr. Wiese married Miss Mary Knuth. A sketch of her family will be found on another page of this work. This estimable lady died March 2, 1918, having bravely and cheerfully faced many hardships with her husband in early days. She was the beloved mother of seven children, six of whom are living: Carl, who lives in Alda township; Dora, employed away from home; Emma, the wife of Julius Mathiesen, a farmer in Washington township; and Anna, George and Fritz, all of whom live at home. As a business man and neigbor, Mr. Wiese stands well in his township, he being one of the men of whom it may be said that his word is as good as his bond.

ROBERT BERG. - It is gratifying to those who take an interest in Hall County, that -the old pioneer names may still be found in connection with the lands secured through much hardship by the original owners. An example is found in Robert Berg, one of the successful farmers here, who has always lived on the homestead and has continued the industries his father followed for many years.

Robert Berg was bom in Boone County, Nebraska, in 1884 and accompanied his parents to Hall County in his childhood. They were Olaf and Louise Berg. The father was a native of Sweden and the mother of Norway, who came to the United States in the fifties and were early settlers in Hall County. They had two children, Robert and Lawrence. Olaf Berg was a man of industry and good business judgment. His first purchase of land in Hall County was fifty-six acres, which strained his resources at that time, but before he died he owned two hundred and sixteen acres, all secured through his own efforts.

Robert Berg obtained his education in the Hall County schools. He and his brother are partners in operating the old home farm. He belongs to the order of Modern Woodmen.

ROGER H. BARNARD, a successful young farmer of Hall County and a man of sterling character, represents one of the old families of the county. He was born in Hall County, May 17, 1892, and is one of the two children of Alfred and Mida (Rumbarger) Barnard. His father was born in Ohio. His mother was a native of Hall County. Both died here, the father in November, 1900, and the mother in 1909. Mr. Barnard has one sister, Sophia, the wife of Melvin Stellins.

Roger H. Barnard has always lived on the old homestead. His father came to Hall County when a young man and acquired one hundred and sixty acres of land which he improved and cultivated until his death. The mother of Mr. Barnard was an excellent business woman and following her husband's death, purchased forty acres of valuable land, Roger H. now owning the entire two hundred acres. He is a well educated young man and is carrying on his farm industries in an intelligent, sensible way that speaks well for the future.

On August 2, 1916, Mr. Barnard married Miss Ruby Franz, whose parents were early and substantial settlers in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Barnard have two children, a daughter and son : Mina and Alfred, who are certain to have both social and educational advantages as soon as they are old enough to receive them. Mr. and Mrs. Barnard are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in that connection and elsewhere are held in high esteem. Mr. Barnard is interested in all matters pertaining to Center township's progress, but takes no active part in political campaigns.

Mr. Prince was born at Pierpont, Ohio, September 4, 1864, and was a son of A. W. Prince, now deceased. He attended the public schools of his native city and in 1882 entered Hillsdale College where he received the degree of A. B. in 1886. He then took up the study of law in the office of Harwood. Ames and Kelly, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and was admitted to the bar in 1888. He located in Grand Island the same year where he has enjoyed a continually growing practice.

December 26, 1888, at Ulysses, Nebraska, Mr. Prince was united in marriage to Miss Carrie B. Roberts. Her father Thomas R. Roberts was a native of Wales and became one of the first settlers of Des Moines, Iowa. He is a cousin of General Lord Roberts of the English anny.

Mr. and Mrs. Prince have four children: Harold A., who is in partnership with his father; Mrs. Hazel M. Bolton, of Schuyler, Nebraska; C. Roberta, a graduate of the Grand

BAYARD H. PAINE. - Judge Bayard H. Paine, was elected Judge of the Eleventh Judicial District in 1916 and has enjoyed his work very much in this widely extended district of eleven counties.

Bayard H. Paine was born on a farm near Painesville, Ohio, April 27, 1872, and is a son of Ira T. and Ella M. Paine, mentioned elsewhere in this volume.

Judge Paine attended the Grand Island schools and graduated from the high school with the class of 1889. He then entered Northwestern University, at Evanston, Illinois, where he received his B.Sc. degree in 1894. For one year he was superintedent of schools at North Loup. From 1895 to 1898 he was assistant principal of the Grand Island schools. From 1898 to 1904 he was court reporter for Judge John R. Thompson and in the latter year he entered upon the practice of law, continuing this until elected to the bench in 1916. He served the city of Grand Island as police judge from 1907 to 1911. From 1906 to 1917 he was referee in bankruptcy for fourteen counties in Nebraska. Aside from strictly professional lines his name is found on the directorate of several financial institutions, including the following: The First National Bank of Grand Island, Cairo State Bank, Alda State Bank and the Bank of Doniphan. He is secretary of the Paine and Fishburn Granite Company.

At Grand Island January 15, 1902, occurred the marriage of Bayard H. Paine and Miss Grace Bentley, a daughter of Charles F. Bentley. ]\Irs. Paine was the first graduate of the Grand Island Baptist College in 1895, and also attended Mt. Vernon Seminar}-, Washington, D. C. Prior to her marriage she taught four years in the Grand Island high school. j\lr. and Mrs Paine are the parents of three children: Grace, Charles B .and Bayard H., Jr.

The family are members of the First Methodist church, and the Judge has twice been a delegate to its general conference, first to Los Angeles in 1904 and to Baltimore in 1908. For several years he was a trustee of Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Fraternally Judge Paine is a Mason belonging to Ashlar Lodge A. F. & A. M and has crossed the sands of the desert and is a member of the Tangier Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the B. P. O. Elks and several other fraternal orders.

In all things pertaining to the moral, intellectual and educational well-being of the community he gives generously of his time and means'. For five years he capably served as a member of the school board and the Public Library Board. For many years he was secretary and later vice-president and director of the Y. M. C. A. and served as presidentof that organization four years during which time the new building was erected.

ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL. - The modern hospital is not only the highest development of science for the alleviation and cure of the ailments of mankind, a wonderful organization into which the best thought and experience of experts at work the world over have entered, but it is also a great philanthropic enterprise. Particularly is this true in regard to an institution such as St. Francis Hospital at Grand Island.

The building and grounds of St. Francis Hospital cover four city blocks. It was founded in 1886, under the direction of Sister ]\Iagdelene, representing the Francisan Sisters of the Roman Catholic faith, long established at Lafayette, Indiana. The original building is still standing but in 1911 was greatly enlarged. At first it accommodated but twentyfive patients and eight nurses, but now comfortable quarters are provided for one hundred patients and twenty-one nurses. All the rooms above the basement have been equipped and are suplied by private individuals, and plans are on foot for still further extension of the hospital's public usefulness. In addition to a first class operating room, equal to any in equipment in the city, the hospital owns an X-ray machine that is not excelled in the state.

St. Francis Hospital is under the direct supervision of Mother Superior Blanca, who came first to Grand Island in 1891 and has occupied her present office since 1905. Father Long is chaplain of the hospital. This institution is doing a great work in giving scientific care to the sick, ill in mind or body. While it is generously supported, it would be unjust to fail to mention its charitable work, its free maternity ward, its loving care of little children and its benevolence to those of whom one of the highest dignitaries of the church has said: "To comfort the poor, the sick and the unfortunate; to bring the blessed light of joy and peace and hope into the dark places of the earth, is the highest and noblest work that can be done by man."

JOHN LEO CLEARY. - A large amount of personal ability and popularity is made manifest in determining the status of John Leo Cleary, who is serving his second term as mayor of the city of Grand Island, and as chief executive stands as an exponent of those vital and progressive policies that inevitably conserve the best interests of the community.

John Leo Cleary is a native son of Hall County, born in Grand Island, October 17, 1878. He is a son of James and Johanna (Danahy) Cleary, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The son was educated in the public schools of Grand Island and later became a student at Notre Dame University in Indiana. He then entered the law department of the State University of Nebraska at Lincoln from which he graduated with the class of 1902. He at once entered upon the practice of law in Grand Island, where he has staged his activities as a lawyer and public official in such a way as to inure greatly and conspicuously to the futherance of the civic and material development of the city and county.

June 9, 1910, was solemnized the marriage of John Leo Cleary and Miss Frances Jane Cunningham. Mrs. Cleary is a native of Ohio and accompanied her parents to Grand Island in 1903 and prior to her marriage ser\'ed as public librarian. Mr. and Mrs. Cleary have one child. Frances Jane.

GEORGE L. ROUSE, JR., who has been very successrul in his farming operations in Center township. Hall County, in which he has been engaged since his school period ended, was born in this county, March 24, 1875, and is a son of George L. and Susana (Rexroad) Rouse, the former of whom was born in Ohio and the latter in Illinois.

When a young man the father of Mr. Rouse went to Illinois and as he was well educated, was engaged there in teaching school until 1872 when he came to Hall County, Nebraska. Here he invested in railroad land, which he secured at $4 an acre, in its purchase displaying considerable business foresight. He returned then to Illinois and taught school there for another year, at the end of which time he came back to Hall County and still resides here. He owns an entire section of land which has a high market value. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the A. O. U. W.

George L. Rouse, Jr., obtained his education in the public schools. He has carried on general farming under the best conditions, for many years, and is convinced that intelligent methods of farming will make this the greatest farm products section in the state.

Mr. Rouse married Miss Alice Davison, whose parents came also from Illinois to Nebraska. They have five children: Warren, Mildred, Margaret, Mary and Wilma. Mr. Rouse belongs to two fraternal orders that have many active members in Hall County among representative people, the A. O. U. W. and the Yoemen. He is not a politician.