Hall County, Nebraska - Chapter 28, 1920 (part 12 of 16)

EDWIN F. NEWTON. - Each passing 3'ear marks the thinning of the ranks of the pioneers of Hall County, who journeyed here in covered wagons to live in sod houses while the first hard years of preparation and cultivation were being passed. Real interest attaches to the careers of these venerable men, for they were the forerunners of the civilization that has since been brought about ; theirs was the first work of development, which had to be done before Hall could take its place among the fertile, productive agricultural counties of the West. While he was not among the earliest settlers, Edwin F. Newton shared in the hardships, and passed through the same discouragements that beset those who first located. His arrival in Hall County was in 1887, but his early years here were attended by all the experiences that made life for the pioneers at the same time strenuous and interesting.

Mr. Newton was born November 26, 1849, in Painesville, Ohio, a son of Nathan B. and Margaret Newton, the former born in Ohio, August 29, 1819, and the latter in the same state, December 29, 1822. Following their marriage, the parents removed to Illinois, and subsequently to Seward County, Nebraska, where the wife and mother passed away in 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Newton drove from Illinois to Nebraska in a covered wagon. They lived in Seward County during the grasshopper scourge. In that year Nathan B. Newton came to Hall County, but after a short residence removed to Iowa, where his death occurred in 1894, when he had reached the ripe age of seventy-five years. In his younger years he had followed the life of a sailor but after leaving the sea learned the trade of a brick mason, but in later life took up farming a vocation in which he won a measure of success by reason of his industry, while at the same time he attained and held the friendship and esteem of those with whom he came into contact.

Edwin F. Newton was educated in the public schools and grew to manhood as a farmer's son. He married in Wisconsin, in 1872, Miss Melissa Robbins who was born in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, June 27, 1855, a daughter of Welcome and Mahala (Willits) Robbins. Mr. Robbins, who was a miner in Illinois, died at the age of eighty-one years in that state, while Mrs. Robbins passed away at the age of sixtyfour years. Following their union, Mr. and Mrs. Newton resided in Seward County, Nebraska, and were engaged in farming until 1887, at which time they took up their residence in a sod house, or "soddy." For several years they resided thus, while Mr. Nev^rton was engaged in doing preliminary work on his eighty acre tract, but eventually the little structure that they had known as home was replaced by a more pretentious residence, and this later also gave way to a comfortable dwelling, with which were made other improvements, both as to structures and machinery. The farm is now a model one and during his active years Mr. Newton cultivated the soil in a manner that made it highly productive. He died December 23, 1918, and the farm is now operated by his son. Mr. Newton is a Democratic voter and a member of the Modern Brotherhod of America.

Mr. and Mrs. Newton have been the parents of seven children: Alice, now Mrs. Beerup of Garden County, Nebraska; Minnie, now Mrs. Rickard of Hall County; Leon, now Mrs. Siebers of Chappel, Nebraska ; Mabel, now Mrs. Scarson, of Hall County ; Charles, who resides at home and operates the farm; Jessie, who is deceased ; and Macyl, Mrs. Hammond, of Davenport,' Iowa.

JASPER EGGERS. - Some men are destined never to leave the ordinary paths of life, but in pursuing simple and homely duties along them to accomplish as much perhaps as those whose responsibilities carry them into larger fields. One of the men who for years worked faithfully and well as a farmer and did much to raise agricultural standards in Hall County, is Jasper Eggers, who is now living in comfortable retirement in his home in Grand Island.

Eggers's mother, who died when he was two years old, was, prior to her union with his father, a Miss Behrens. Educated in the pubhc schools of his native land, Mr. Eggers had just passed his majority when he set sail for the United States. His first location was in Davenport, Iowa, where he worked on a farm for three years, but in 1872 came to Hall County and homesteaded eighty acres in Harrison township. To this he later added by purchase one hundred and sixty acres, and still owns this tract of two hundred and forty acres, all under a splendid state of cultivation and with permanent and modern improvements installed by him. He now has his fami rented and is living retired in his home at 721 West Louisa street, Grand Island. Mr. Eggers was a most industrious and painstaking agriculturist, won his success solely through individual eiifort, and at the same time obtained and held the esteem and confidence of those with whom he came in contact.

Mr. Eggers was united in marriage with Miss Lena Vitt, a native of Germany, where her parents were also bom, Mr. and Mrs. Eggers have had no children. Mrs. Eggers died and in 1912 Mr. Eggers married Christine Oltmann, a native of Schleswig-Holstein who canie to America when twenty-five years of age. They are faithful members of the Lutheran church. In past years Mr. Eggers has been a Democrat, but is inclining toward the socialist ticket.

EARL A. MECHAM. - Many of the substantial and rapidly progressing agriculturists of Hall County are those who either own or are carrying on operations on the homesteads taken up and formerly operated by their fathers, and in this class is found Earl A. Mecham, of Center township. He has been a resident of Hall County since the spring of 1907, and during the period that has intervened has made rapid strides toward the attainment of success and high standing.

Earl A. Mecham was bom at Kenesaw, Adams County, Nebraska, June 30, 1884, a son of Clinton P. Mecham, a sketch of whose career will be found on another page of this work. He was given the educational training securable in the public schools of Adams County, then attended the agricultural school of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln from which he graduated. He was brought up as a farmer's son, his boyhood and youth being passed in assisting his father in the work of the home place. Mr. Mecham came to Hall

County in the spring of 1907, and since that time has been engaged in general farming, at present being engaged in tilling one hundred and twenty acres of land belonging to his father, in section 7, Center township. Like other progressive men of his calling, Mr. Mecham uses modern methods. _ The fundamental industry of farming is becoming generally recognized as being so important as to loom up large among other vocations of the world, and not only are all the leading colleges and universities including agricultural departments in their courses of study, but there are numerous educational institutions practically devoted to agriculture alone. The government of each state, following the policy; of the national government, is giving attention to the encouragement of farmers, and the men who till the soil are feeling the effect of this universal impetus and working accordingly. With such examples, Mr. Mecham feels secure in the advisability and wisdom of using the most modern methods and machinery, and the results that he is obtaining from such a course substantiate his faith. Mr. Mecham takes an independent stand in regard to political questions, but is a supporter of good movements which benefit his community. The family belongs to the Methodist church at Alda.

Mr. Mecham married in Hastings, Nebraska, November 27, 1907, Nettie Ball, who was born in Adams County, September 26, 1886, a daughter of Daniel and Laura Ball, who are now residents of Hastings. Mr. Ball was born in 1854, at Richmond, Wayne County, Indiana, and up to the time of his retirement was an educator, teaching in schools at various places in the country, but principally at Kenesaw and Hastings, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Mecham are the parents of four children: Marion, who was born in 1911; Florence, who was bora in 1914; Lavonne, who was born in 1915, and Lucile, who was born in 1917.

JOHN W. DANGLER has been a resident of Hall County since 1906. Mr. Dangler belongs to the progressive class of men who are always eager to improve their properties according to the latest improved standards. In answer to his efforts the soil of this section makes quick response. He has not only been successful and progressive in his personal affairs, but as a citizen has been quick to support movements which are calculated to benefit his locality.

Daniel and Martha (Quisenberry) Dangler. The father was born in Ohio, November 30, 1843. As a young man he went to Logan County, Illinois, where he married a native of that county and settled down to a career in farming. After many years passed there, in 1882 he came to Hamilton County and purchased a quarter-section of land. On this he followed farming until his retirement, since which event he has been making his home with his son. Mr. and Mrs. Dangler were the parents of three children : John W. ; Anna, who resides at Fall City, Nebraska, and Belle, who is married and a resident of Newton, Iowa.

John W. Dangler was educated in the public schools of Logan County, Illinois, where he grew to manhood and engaged in farming. He was still a young man when he removed to Hamilton County, Nebraska, and settled down to a career as a general farmer. For the business of farming he was singularly fitted by nature, training and inclination. After several years in Hamilton County he bought land in Hall County, but did not move here until 1906, in which year he settled in section 10, Wood River township, where he has since made his home. At this time he is the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of valuable, productive and highly cultivated land, where he raises the standard crops and also engages in stockraising to some extent. He has a commodious and comfortable home, attractive and substantial barns and outbuildings and other modern improvements. The general air of prosperity which surrounds his farm testifies to his good management.

Mr. Dangler married in Hamilton County, Nebraska, December 26, 1900, Miss Etta Davison, born in Hall County, September 11, 1881. They are the parents of several children : Blanche E., Ethel M., Percy A., Leonard A. and Thelma O. For a sketch of the parents of Mrs. Davison, the reader is referred to the review of Henry Davison, to be found on another page of this work. Mr. Dangler is a Republican in his political affiliation. ^ A man who has never spared himself in working ahead, keen to embrace every opportunity, and able to plan good business combinations, he is one of the capable men of the Wood River Valley. He holds and merits the confidence of his associates. He and Mrs. Dangler are consistent members of the Methodist church.

EBER PAULK. - Hall County land has proved an excellent investment of both time and money, and those foresighted enough to secure farms before prices increased to their present quotations have been able to acquire a competence commensurate with their labors. One or those in the past whose good judgment in securing a location made it possible for him to pass his declining years in the midst of advantages and comfortable surroundings and left his family in excellent financial circumstances was the late Eber Paulk. His death occurred at his home in Wood River township April 20, 1919.

Eber Paulk was born June 20, 1849, in Athens County, Ohio, the son of Venus and Elizabeth (Balcom) Paulk, natives of Ohio who followed general farming all their lives in the Buckeye state. Eber Paulk received a public school education in Ohio and was reared on the home farm, where he assisted his father until the time of his marriage, when he located on another farm and established a home of his own. On October 30, 1879, he married Miss Lusy Ann Diff, who was born in Woods County, West Virginia, May 11, 1862. She was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Ray) Difif, the father a land dealer of West Virginia. Following his marriage, Mr. Paulk continued to make his home in Virginia until 1885, in which year he came to Hall County, Nebraska, and bought one htmdred and sixty acres of land seven miles north of Wood River, where he lived till seventeen years ago when he bought land in Wood River township, where the rest of his life was passed in the peaceful pursuits of tilling the soil and reaping the harvests. He was an industrious and persevering man, and through good management and the use of intelligence in his work secured a good farm and gained himself a position of securitv in the confidence of the people among whom his days were passed. He was independent in his political views, and a member of the Masonic lodge.

Mrs. Paulk, who survives her husband, is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of the home place. She is the mother of seven children: Clifton, who is married and lives at Pleasanton ; Elizabeth and Jerome, who are married and live in Hall County ; Genevieve, who is married and lives in Grand Island; Robert, who is deceased; Mamie, who lives at home, and Edna, who is married and lives in Hall County.

LLOYD M. HOWE. - That prosperity has attended the eft'orts of many of Hall County's agriculturists is not due to* any happy fortune or chance circumstances, but to a fortunate selection of location and persistent and intelligent working of the land. One of the sub- stantial farmers of this locality, whose prosperity is in the Wood River Valley, where he is widely known for his progressiveness and industry, is Lloyd M. Howe. Mr. Howe has passed his entire life in this county, being born December 10, 1875, a son of Frank E. Howe, a sketch of whose career appears on another page of this book.

Mr. Howe was reared on the home farm in Hall County, where he was given the advantages of attendance at the district schools. Later he pursued a high school course at Wood River, and then entered the Nebraska State University, but after one year gave up his college work and became a railroad mail clerk, a position which he held for eight years. He purchased his first land with his earnings in 1904, when he bought a tract of eighty acres, which he has since increased to two hundred and eighty acres. Li addition to this he is fanning his father's land, a homestead. He devotes himself principally to general farming. He made a success of his operations as a breeder of pure-bred stock. The greater part of the improvements now on the land were installed by Mr. Howe, who not only believes in modem methods of procedure but also in improved appearances and whose progressive ideas have served as a good example to others in his community. He has thereby contributed to the general welfare of the community. His property is situated in section 17, Wood River township, a community in which Mr. Howe has become favorably known for his public spirit and good citizenship as well as for the honorable manner in which he conducts his transactions. He is a Republican in his pohtical creed, and has served as a member of the school board of district No. 8 for three years.

Mr. Howe married Mary E. Behr, daughter of the late Henry and Marie (Bohn) Behr, natives of Germany, the latter of whom makes her home at Wood River. Two children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Howe : Mary and Anna.

MRS. CATHERINE CURRY, who is well known in Hall County and is one of the most highly esteemed residents of Wood River, is the widow of the late Owen Curry, who, at the time of his death, January 12, 1914, was one of the most substantial men of Hall County. He left behind him a fine family for whom he had amply provided, a large circle of friends who valued him highly, and a record of fahhful membership in the Roman Catholic church.

Mrs Curry was born at Llaverty, April 26, 1849, in Ireland. Her parents were John and Ellen Haverty, of county Kilkenny, Ireland, where her father was a small farmer. i\Irs. Curry was the fifth born in their family of eight children, the others being: James, John, Thomas, Mrs. Mary A. Quinn, Patrick, Mrs. Elizabeth Spohn, and Michael. In 1866 Mrs. Curry's two brothers, James and John, came to the United States and settled in Hall County. She had always lived in her home until that time but in 1867 her brothers in America sent for her and she came directly to their home in Hall County, afterward until her marriage, making her home with her brother James. The first money she ever earned was for work done in the family of F. C. Dodge, in Hall County.

On August 20, 1871, at Wood River, she was united in marriage to Owen Curry, who had procured the license in Bufl:'alo County, his being one of the first two licenses issued, the other was secured by County Judge Welsh. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. Father Ryan, who lived at Columbus, Nebraska, but had a small congregation at Wood River that he visited about once a month. Mr. Curry was also of Irish extraction and was one of a family of five children : Hugh, James, Peter, Owen and Mrs. Mary A. Goodin. Mr. and Mrs. Curry had eight children bom to them, as follows : James P., who is deceased ; Mary E., who is the wife of Frank O'Brien, of Portland, Oregon; Theresa, who was graduated as a trained nurse from a convent school at Council Blufifs, Iowa, resides with her mother when not professionally engaged ; John, who owns a farm in Hall County, married Grace Supten, and they have one daughter; Fannie, the wife of Millard Wickersham, owns a farm near Wood River and they have a son and a daughter; Delia, married Arthur Mattoone, a merchant in Portland, Oregon, and they have two sons; Anna is deceased, and Nellie, who is the wife of Joseph Knight, a farmer near Shelton, and they have two sons. Mr. Curry was a kind and generous father and it pleased him to be able to make his children comfortable and he provided them all with beautiful homes during his lifetime.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Curry moved to Willow Island and Mr. Curry went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad as section foreman, but two years later returned to the neighborhood of Wood River. He bought two hundred and eigthy acres of railroad land and in addition took up a homestead of eighty acres adjoining it, situated five miles west of Wood River, and it was there the family lived for many years. They did not have to bear many of the hardships that their neighbors had to endure because Mr. Curry had brought considerable capital with him when he came here, nevertheless he could not have accumulated nine hundred and sixty acres of rich Wood River bottom land, now worth $150 an acre, without industry and frugality in the huosehold. While he worked hard raising corn and stock and putting his surplus money into more land Mrs. Curry as a true helpmate, worked hard and the marketing of her butter, chickens and eggs provided necessities and many luxuries beside. Mrs. Curry owns a beautiful modern residence at Wood River and a large body of land, in addition having a generous income, a part of which she expends in charity. She is a devoted member of the Roman Catholic church as are all her children.

WILLIAM J. BURGER. - Few of the older residents of Doniphan are better known or more highly valued as good and upright citizens, than William J. Burger, who came very early to Hall County and for years has been prominent in its business affairs. While Mr. Burger has been mainly interested in the stock business, he has been successfully connected with other lines, since 1880, when he assisted in laying out the town of Doniphan, he has resided here and has been identified with its remarkable development.

Mr. Burger was born in Cedar County, Missouri, February 12, 1844. His parents were James L. and Nancy (Goodwin) Burger, the former of whom was born in Tennessee, in 1812, and the latter in North Carolina, in 1811. Of their eight children, William J. was fifth in order of birth, the others being as follows : Tolbert, who died in Cedar County, Missouri ; Halbert H., who died at Glenwood, Iowa; Caroline, deceased, was the wife of Robert Craig; Mitchell, who died at Red Oak, Iowa; Margaret, the wife of Thomas Young, lives in Hastings, Iowa; George E., who died at Doniphan, Nebraska; and Diantha, the wife of Martin White, died near Glenwood, Iowa. James L. Burger moved from Tennessee to Missouri, and from there to Mills County, Iowa, where he secured one hundred and sixty acres of government land under the pre-emption law, to which he subsequently added until he owned over three hundred acres. He improved his land and became a substantial citizen of Mills County, serving acceptably in township offices on many occasions. In 1862 he went to Colorado, where he spent one year, going then to Nebraska and buying a farm in Cass County, near Plattsniouth, where his death occurred in 1868. He was a Democrat in his political views, and both he and wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church.

William J. Burger attended the district schools in boyhood and grew up on his father's farm. In 1862 he accompanied his father to Colorado where they were associated in the cattle buisness for two years. In the fall of 1864 he came to Hall County and took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres and had a ranch on the freight road - the government trail - that ran form Nebraska City to Plattsmouth and thence to Denver, this ranch lying at an important junction. The Burgers suffered from Indian depredations as did other neighbors, who, at that time, were few and far between. On July 24, 1864, the Indians made a raid through this section, and conditions were so bad during the next few years that in the spring of 1868 Mr. Burger moved with his family to Plattsmouth, remaining there until 1870. Once more the family settled on the farm in Hall County and lived there until 1879, when, as noted above, removal was made to Doniphan. Mr. Burger immediately started a sale and livery stable, and in 1880 embarked in the mercantile business, this enterprise was continued under the firm name of W. J. Burger & Son until recently when they sold out. For a number of years Mr. Burger was active also in the grain business but stock has been his main interest and reliance, and his name still is a leading one in the industry. He is a large employer of labor, keeps only good, standard stock, feeds for market and aims to annually ship two cars of cattle and three cars of hogs. He owns five hundred and fifty acres of fine land, having the greater port of it under cultivation.

November 24, Thanksgiving Day, 1864, Mr. Burger was united in marriage to Miss Martha Creason, who was boni September 25, 1845, near Burlington, Iowa, a daughter of John and Abagail (Hillman) Creason, natives of Ohio. They were farming people and moved to Mills County, Iowa, later to Nemaha County, Nebraska; removing then to Hall County where their death occurred. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Burger: Charles A. and Rose B., both of whom are deceased ; Flora A., who is the wife of Benjamin F. Scudder, of Doniphan ; William, Frank J., and Emma, all of whom are deceased; Martha Jennette, the wife of Arnold Herrell, of University Place, Lancaster County, Nebraska; Albert D., associated with his father in the mercantile business at Doniphan ; James F., deaceased ; and Mary M., the wife of H. S. Knapp, of Lincoln, Nebraska.

At present Mr. Burger is independent in his political sentiments, but he was interested in the early days of the Populist party in that organization. For years he has served as a justice of the peace and for two terms was on the board of county commissioners. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. During the World War he was a willing and liberal contributor to the various movements and a hearty supporter of the government after war was declared.

JULIUS CAESAR STRASSER. - From a clerkship in a small general store in Alda to the ownership of four hundred and sixty acres of some of the best farming land in Hall County is the distance in position traveled by Julius Caesar Strasser since his arrival in Hall "County thirty-three years ago. His experience in the field of merchandising covered only three years or less, for in the spring of 1889 he added his name to the list of agriculturists whose activities center in Hall County, and in that field of endeavor worked out a gratifying success.

Mr. Strasser was born on the banks of the Mississippi river, at Bellevue, Jackson County, Iowa, August 22, 1864, a son of Adam and Catherine Strasser. Adam Strasser was a lumber merchant at Bellevue, with large interests in the industry being plied on the Mississippi and never left that community for the West. J. C. Strasser was reared in his home community, where he attended the public schools, remaining at home until after attaining his majority, when he left the parental roof, feeling that a better future awaited him farther to the West. He arrived at Alda, in Hall County, May 1, 1886, and there secured employment as clerk in the store of William Mitchel. He had been fitted for the position by a high school course and a commercial course in Elliott's Business College at Burlington, Iowa. He remained with Mr. Mitchel until July 5th of the same year, when he transferred his services to Hayden Brothers, a concern with which he was connected until the fall of 1888. In the meantime he had conserved his savings carefully, and. combining them with the small capital which he had brought with him from Iowa, he was able in the spring of 1889 to make the initial payment on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located in section 10, Wood River township. That formed the nucleus for his present holdings of four hundred and sixty acres, while Mrs. Strasser is the owner of an additional two hundred and forty arce tract. For years Mr. Strasser was engaged in general farming and stockraising, but at this time is retired, and rents his land. During the years of his activity he was accounted one of the progressive and substantial agriculturists of the Wood River Valley, and, with their modem improvements, his farms were considered by many as models.

About the time he settled on his farm, Mr. Strasser married, March 30, 1889, Miss Emma C. Wiese, daughter of Hans Wiese, of Wood River township. Three children have been born to this union: Matilda, a history and English student, class of 1919, at the University of Nebraska, who will teach in Wood River school the coming year; Ethel A., wife of Doctor H. Burgess, of Lincoln, and Florence, attending the Wood River high school. Mr. Strasser is independent in his political views. He has always been ready to assist with his abilities, his time and his means in any worthy movements having for its object the advancement of his locality. He is a particular friend of education, having served as a member of the local school board for a period of twelve years.

MARTIN HARDERS. - The career of Martin Harders in its demonstration of the value of industry and persistent endeavor as a means of attaining success, furnishes a valuable lesson for the youth of today who are entering upon their careers feeling that they are handicapped by the lack of the aids represented by money and influence. Mr. Harders, at the time of his entering upon an independent career, had only his native ability and determination to assist him; today he is one of the substantial citizens of Harrison township, where he lives in comfortable retirement on his six hundred acre fann.

Martin Hardens was born in Holstein, Germany, October 21, 1868, a son of Johann and Anna Harders, natives of that country who emigrated to the United States in 1880 and passed the rest of their lives as farming people in Hall County. The son, Martin, had attended the public schools in Germany and received some small instruction after arriving in Hall County, but his youth in this new country was largely filled with hard work, and the greater part of his education came from the school of experience. The family was not affluent as to financial circumstances, and accordingly when the young man started his independent life he was forced to rely upon his own resources. These were sufficient to enable him to buy a quarter-section of school land located in section 16, Harrison township, and to this he has since added, from time to time, through purchase and investment, until he now has six hundred acres. While for some years he followed farming almost exclusively, more recently he turned his attention to the cattle business, a field in which he achieved such success that he eventually retired, and is now living in his comfortable home, surrounded by everything desirable, a condition of afifairs far removed from those existing when he first began to make his own way. He is independent in his political belief and action, and is highly regarded in his community, as a dependable, useful and constructive citizen.

Mr. Harders was united in marriage in 1889 with Marguerite Kunk, a native of Germany, and to this union there have been born eleven children : Ella, now Mrs. Thompson, wife of a Cameron township farmer; John, carrying on farming in section 17, Harrison township ; Julius, operating on land situated just north of the home place in Harrison township ; Emil, who enlisted in Company H, One Hundred Thirty-fourth Infantry, was sent to Camp Cody, New Mexico, for training, assigned to the Thirty-second Division, with which he was sent to France, served in the ranks until the signing of the armistice and was subsequently sent back to the United States, arriving at New York City, May 20, 1919; Frieda, now Mrs. Hargins, of Abbott; Miss Edith, who resides with her parents ; Helga and Charley, who are attending school, and Hilda, Otto and Anna, who live at home.

EDMOND ADNARM KEARNEY. - A progressive representative of the fanning and stockraising interests of Hall County, Edmond Adnarm Kearney has been the architect of his own fortunes and has advanced himself to substantial position through the exercise of his own native attainments. He is now the owner of a well-cultivated farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located in section 3, Harrison township, and is accounted one of the men who have done much in a constructive way for the betterment and advancement of their adopted community.

enlisted for service in the Union army during the Civil War, and at the close of that struggle went to Illinois, where he followed farming until 1885. In that year he migrated to Hall County, where he resided four years, and then removed to Keya Paha County, this state, settling on a homestead, where he resided three years. Returning to Hall County, he resumed farming, and at the time of his retirement went to the Old Soldiers' Home at Grand Island, where he now resides.

Edmond A. Kearney was eleven years of age when he accompanied his parents to Hall County, and his education, which had been started in the public schools of Clay County, Illinois, was completed here and in Keya Paha County. He returned to Hall County with his father and began working out on various farms until he was able to accumulate enough to purchase a farm of his own. His present property, a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Harrison township, was bought in 1904, the year of the Portland (Oregon) Exposition. When he came to this fann it was lacking in all save the crudest improvements, and the modern ones which at present add value to the farm are of Mr. Kearney's installation. He carries on general fanning and raises some stock, and his success has been achieved through strictly honorable methods, so that his reputation is an excellent one. Politically, Mr. Kearney is independent.

Mr. Kearney married Miss Nielson, daughter of \ John and Josephine Nielson, of Salt Lake City, Utah, and they have one child : Ruth A., born in 1918. Mrs. Kearney is a member of the Mormon church.

WILLIAM L. HALDEMAN, who owns a valuable farm in Harrison township, Hall County, that has been developed and highly improved through his own efforts, came to this county thirty-five years ago and has always been considered one of the solid, dependable men of this section.

William L. Haldeman was born at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 9, 1854. His parents were James F. and Anna (Short) Haiderman, who were born in Ohio. In 1875 they moved from Muscatine, Iowa, to Hall County, settling near Alda, where both parents died, the father when aged seventy-four years, and the mother, seventy-one years. The latter was a member of the Episcopal church. William L. Halderman grew to manhood in Iowa, where he had common school advantages and practical training in business. In 1884 he joined his father in Hall County immediately investing in railroad lands situated in Harrison township, and from then until the present has been closely engaged in agricultural activities. For many years he has been exceedingly successful as a general farmer and has grown some stock and cattle. At present he is giving attention to a beautiful herd of Aberdeen Polled Angus cattle, that give evidence of being very profitable.

On Thanksgiving day. 1877, Mr. Halderman married Miss Isabel Harris, a daughter of Abraham and Isabel Harris, formerly of Avoca, Iowa, but now I deceased. Mr. and ^Irs. Halderman have three children, namely: Russell, E. K. and Anna, all of whom live in Grand Island. Mr. Halderman has never been active politically, but he takes much interest in his connection with the Masonic and Elk lodges, in Grand Island.

FRANCIS MERVIN WILES is one of the substantial and up-to-date farmers of Hall County, owning and operating a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres in sections eleven and twelve. Wood River township.

Mr. Wiles is a native of the neighboring state of Kansas, having been born at Alton, Osborne County, November 9, 1879. His father, Alverdo Wiles, is a native of New York state and now a resident of Doyle, California. The mother of our subject was Emily Vernon, a native of Iowa, who died in Kansas when Francis was eleven years old.

Young Wiles was early thrown upon his own resources and was reared on farms. He was seventeen years old when he came to Hall County where he found employment at farm labor. He carefully saved his earnings and was able to purchase eighty acres of land to which he later added a tract of similar size, this being improved and here he has made his home for the last seventeen years, being engaged in diversified farming with good success. He uses modern machinery in his farm operations and was the first to make use of the small tractor in the cultivation of his land.

December 19, 1900, occurred the marriage Francis M. Wiles and Miss Mabel Clair Rickard. She was bom in Hall County, a daughter of Lewis and Marie Antoinette (Fellows) Richard, the former of whom was born in New York and the latter was born at Flowerfield, Michigan. They were among the early settlers of Hall County where the father took a homestead and became one of the well-to-do men of the county. Both are now deceased.

living children : Pearl Gertrude, Earl Francis, Clyde Edwin, Milton Seth, Ralph Willard and Delmar Glenn. They lost two children: Arthur L. and Floyd Clarence.

The family are members of the Friends church at Alda, in which Mr. Wiles holds an official position. In politics he is a Republican and is an efficient member of the school board and a director in the Farmers State Bank of Alda.

JOHN SYLVESTER HAYSE, whose residence in Hall County dates from 1880, found few settlers earlier than himself in Harrison township, where he is one of the leading agriculturists. He came here in early manhood from Ohio, where, even then, neighborhoods were becoming crowded and the tocsin was being sounded of "Go west, young man, go west." He has never felt that he made any mistake in coming to Hall County, with its invigorating climate that gives urge to industry, and with soil that readily responds to proper cultivation.

John S. Hayse was born in Hancock County, Oliio, December 24, 1855. He was the only child born to the marriage of John Conrad and Sarah (Crouse) Hayse. His mother was a native of Pennsylvania who died in Ohio when aged thirty-nine years. His father was born in Germany and lived to be seventy years old. By a second marriage he had children and two daughters survive and reside in Ohio.

After his school period was over, John S. Hayse assisted on the home fann in Hancock County and remained in Ohio as a fanner for four years after his marriage. When he reached Hall County in 1880 his capital consisted of $50, with which he bought railroad land. For some years he found farming a rather hard proposition, as the methods to which he had been accustomed in Ohio were not altogether applicable to Nebraska soil, but he was earnest, steady and industrious and adjusted himself to changed conditions in the course of time, and at present owns one of the most productive eighty acre farms in Harrison township. He has kept abreast of the times in agricultural matters, makes use of modern machinery, tests his seed carefully and is particular concerning the quality of his stock. His farm buildings are substantial and the surroundings attractive and inviting.

In Ohio, on October 19, 1876, Mr. Hayse was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. Orwick, and they have had four children: Mrs. Nancy B. Foster, who lives near Doniphan; Otto E., a farmer near Wood River;

John E., at home, and Bertha May, who died when aged five years. For six years Mr. Hayse has been a school director and performs his duties conscientiously.

HENRY WESTPHAL, a prosperous general farmer in Hall County and the owner of a quarter section of land in Harrison township, was born in Holstein, Germany, May 31, 1858. His parents were Diedrick and Katrine Westphal, natives of Germany.

Henry Westphal was twenty-six years old when he came to the United States and immediately located in Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska. Like many other early settlers in the county, he was practically without capital, but he found work and was industrious and frugal and that is the explanation of his present ample fortune. Mr. Westphal has come to a time of life when it is no longer necessary for him to labor as in old days, but he still continues active and capably manages his farm as he has done for so many years. He has made substantial improvements on his property, carries on varied farming and raises some fine grade stock.

In 1880, Air. Westphal married Miss Katrine Christian, whose parents were residents of Hall County. They have had children as follows : August, Richard, Oscar, Mrs. Minnie Enspinger, Harry and Charles. Harry Wesiljphal, the fourth son, went) to Europe as a soldier with the American Expeditionary Forces, and is with the Army of Occupation in Germany. Mr. Westphal and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. The entire family is held in general esteem in Grand Island as well as in Harrison township.

JOHN MATHIAS TAGGE, who for fifty years has been a resident of Hall County, came here in youth, was quiet, industrious and efficient whether working for others or for himself, and now owns one of the best improved farms in Harrison township.

John Mathias Tagge was born in Holstein, Germany, May 23, 1850. His parents were Claus J. and Matilda Tagge, who were highly respected people in the section of Germany in which they hved. John M. Tagge was the first of the family to come to America and largely upon his report depended the emigration of his parents. He reached the United States in 1868, made his way from the eastern seaboard to Illinois and spent one year there working in the farming regions. After coming to Hall County in 1869, the young man realized the great opportunities offered here, and it is sure that a message speedily went across the Atlantic that brought his parents to the United States in 1870. After passing a short time in Iowa they came to Hall County and spent the rest of tlieir lives in Harrison township. At first John M. Tagge hired out to other settlers, but by 1872 he was able to buy land for himself. It was entirely unimproved and years of hard work had to be put behind him before Mr. Tagge felt able to increase his holdings, to the improvement of which he also devoted himself. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of valuable land, situated in section 1, Harrison township, three miles from Abbott which affords him fine market facilities, and here he carries on general farming very profitably. The results of thrift and good management may be seen on every side.

Mr. Tagge married Miss Emma Ruff, whose parents were Henry M. and Christina Ruff natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Tagge have nine children : Herman, a farmer operating two miles north of the homestead; John, who assists on the home farm ; William, who is a farmer in Cameron township ; Otto, who has returned home after eleven months service in France, with the American Expeditionary Forces, a soldier of whom his township is proud, and Freda, Amanda, Rudolph, Alfred and Arvenus, all of whom are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Tagge are members of the Lutheran church. The family is everywhere held in high regard.

JOHN RUSHEN, one of Hall County's well known and substantial farmers and stockmen, came first to Nebraska in 1878. Since then he has led a busy life, in which there have been ups and downs, and now resides on his well improved farm situated in South Loup township.

Born in Germany January 10, 1855, John Rushen was the eldest child of his parents, Jeorgen and Katherine (Stange) Rushen, the others being as follows: Mrs. Mary Kuehl, a widow, who lives at Valparaiso, Indiana; Mrs. Molly Foster, who' diedi at Chicago, Ilhnois, in 1906; Lena, who died during the voyage to America from Germany and was buried at sea, and Henry, who died in infancy. The parents were natives of Germany. The mother of the above named children died at the age of thirty-six years and to a second marriage of the father the following children were bom : Lena, Charles, James, Bertha and Emma, all of whom are living. The father was a wagonmaker by trade, an occupation in which he was engaged while living at first in Chicago. From there he removed to Porter County, Indiana, where he bought forty acres of land in what was known as the White Settlement, on which the family lived for two years when he sold it and bought another farm of forty acres situated three miles north of Valparaiso. Still later he bought additional land and put up a fine house and in 1878 died there.

John Rushen attended the public schools and helped his father on the Indiana farm. In 1878 he came to Lincoln, Nebraska, and at first herded cattle for $15 a month, and then became connected with Hass, Mitchell & Company, an association which continued for almost seven years. After leaving this concern he went into partnership with Geojge W. Dunham as game hunters and they made their headquarters at Denton in Lancaster County, a station between Crete and Lincoln, supplying game to the Lincoln markets. The next business venture of Mr. Rushen was the renting of a ranch in Buffalo County and stocking it with cattle but he never lived on the ranch but settled at Venango, in Perkins County and carried on an implement business there for six years. Unfortunate investments caused his failure in business and he determined then to return to Hall County. With a team of mules he conveyed his household goods from Venango to Denver and there loaded a car for Cairo. His finances at that time were at so low an ebb that he had to borrow one dollar to finish paying for the transportation, else the railroad would not have permitted him to unload.

As soon as settled at Cairo Mr. Rushen went into the well and pump business, found it profitable and afterward, when he had succeeded in honestly paying every cent of indebtedness that misfortune had brought upon him, he moved on a part of what was once the estate of his father-in-law, and has since followed an agricultural life here. His land is situated in section 35, South Loup township, where he has found the soil particularly well adapted for fruit growing and the raising of potatoes. During the past season Mr. Rushen's potato crop was considered the best that came to the Grand Island market. He set out trees of all kinds and at one time was credited with having the best orchard in the county. He devotes his one hundred and twenty acres to mixed farming and pays considerable attention to his grade of livestock.

Mr. Rushen married Miss Emma Mieth, October 16, 1883, who was born at Chicago, Illniois, March 26, 1864, a daughter of August and Mary (Pingle) Mieth, natives of Germany. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rushen were reared in the Lutheran church. He is an independent voter but not an indifferent one because he is a good citizen. For many years he has belonged to the order of Odd Fellows.

ELMER E. VEEDER. - In the untimely death of Elmer E. Veeder the county lost one of its substantial citizens and his family a loving helpmate. His death, which occurred at his home on the sixth of March, 1916, was caused from the accidental discharge of a gun while out hunting. Mr. Veeder had been a resident of the county for nearly forty years and he had improved and developed a splendid farm property in South Loup township. He was a native of Gloversville, New York, born June 19, 1861, a son of Seymour and Cordelia (Slawson) Veeder, natives of New York. They came to Nebraska, settling in Hall County in 1878, where both passed their lives. They bought raw prairie land, which the father improved until he had a fine farm.

Mr. Veeder was married in this township November 6, 1890, to Miss Bertha Mieth, a daughter of August Mieth, Sr., a record of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Veeder became the parents of three children, as follows: Francis A., who married Carrie Miks, now operates the home farm ; Earl M., and Esther E.

Mr. Veeder was one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of his community, and was held in the highest respect by all who knew him. He was a member of the A. O. U. W. and his remains were laid to rest in the Cairo cemetery.

RUDOLPH CLOCK was one of the highly respected citizens of Hall County and his death which occurred on his farm in South Loup township, February 24, 1917, was mourned by a host of friends as well as by his immediate family.

Rudolph Clock was born at Highland, Illinois, September 9, 1862. a son of Adolph and Anna (Iberg) Clock, the former a native of Basil, Switzerland, while the mother was born in Highland, Illinois, where they passed their lives. In 1888 Mr. Clock came to Nebraska, bought a fann and engaged in agricultural pursuits.

Mieth, a daughter of August Mieth, Sr., whose record as a pioneer will be found elsewhere in this history. They became the parents of two children : August and Anna Marie, who reside with their mother on the farm and assist in its operation.

Mr. Clock had been an invalid for many years but was successfully engaged in farming. He owned a well improved farm of eighty acres in South Loup township, where his widow and family still reside. She also owns eighty acres of her father's estate. He was a good man, a kind and loving father and held in the highest respect by all who knew him. He was reared in the Lutheran faith.

AUGUST MIETH, SR. - The man whose name introduces this record will long be remembered as one of the pioneers of Hall County, and one of its noble citizens who has long since passed to his reward.

August Mieth, Sr., was a native of Prussia, Germany, born April 5, 1829. His parents were Christ and Anna Mieth who spent their entire lives in their native land. The son attended the schools of that country and when a young man served an apprenticeship of four years and learned the blacksmith trade. He married Miss Theodora Wyka, a native of the same province and soon after this event they emigrated to America and first lived at Falls Villa, Connecticut, moving from there to BufTalo, New York. In 1855 he became a resident of Chicago. While residing there he helped build the first hearse in use in the city, remaining there until 1870 when he settled at Burlington, Illinois. He worked at his trade all these years and in 1880 came to Hall County, and purchased land in South Loup township, on which he made his home until his death which occurred May 21, 1890. He was a successful farmer and at the time of his death was the owner of six hundred acres of land. His first wife, who had one child, Mary, who lived but a short time, died while they were living in Chicago, and in that city he married, in 1860, Miss Mary Pingel, a native of Germany, who died in Burlington, Illinois. She was the mother of five children, as follows: August L., who became one of Hall County's prominent farmers and passed away February 10, 1914 ; Emma, the wife of John Rushen, residents of Hall County; Frederick E., who owns and occupies the old place ; Bertha, the widow of E. E. Veeder, and lives in Hall County, and Ida, the widow of Rudolph Clock, resides in Hall County.

sterling traits of character which in every clime win the admiration of all and he left his family not only large possessions of this world's goods but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. As a monument to the memory of a loving parent, the family have arranged for a beautiful portrait to appear in this volume.

CLINTON P. MECHAM, one of Hall County's representative men and substantial farmers, has large and valuable property interests here. His coming to the state dates back forty-one years when he was a youth of nineteen years, and the fact that before he reached his twentieth birthday, he had invested in eighty acres of land in Adams County is indicative of his intention to make this favored section his permanent home, living there for twenty-eight years, when in 1907 he sold and came to Hall County, locating in Center township where he bought three hundred and sixty acres where he has resided for twelve years. He has been a very prominent citizen and several times has been elected to offices of trust and responsibility in Adams County.

Clinton P. Mecham was born in Grundy County, Illinois, November 9, 1859. His parents were Alvin T. and Lucy (Booth) Mecham. Alvin T. Mecham was born in Pennsylvania and from there removed to Illinois. In 1850 he married Lucy Booth, who died at the age of sixty-five years. They had but two children : Mrs. Chloe Armitage, who lives in Grand Island, and Clinton P., who lives on his farm in Center township. In 1878 Mr. j\Iecham and his family came to Nebraska, settling first in Adams and afterward in Hall County. His death occurred at the age of eighty-one years. Clinton P. Mecham owns three hundred and sixty acres of fine land which he devotes to farming and livestock growing, taking particular interest in his thoroughbred Holstein herd, in which he has six head of pure bred cows.

On September 2, 1883, Mr. Mecham mari^ied Miss Martha Milligan, a daughter of Joseph and Martha (Parson) Milligan, the former of whom was born in Scotland and the latter in Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Mecham have had six children born to them : Earl A., a farmer near his father in Hall County; Floyd J., also a farmer in Hall County; Florence, deceased ; Mrs. Harry Genu, who lives near Wood River; Glenn rents part of the home farm and Blanche, who lives at home. Mr. Mecham and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His political affiliation is not defined because Mr. Mecham is a thoughtful, well informed man and prefers to vote according to his own judgment. For twelve years he served on the school board. He belongs to the order of Highlanders.

PETER HENNINGS, an enterprising and successful farmer m Center township, belongs to one of the early families of Hall County. He was born near Alda, in Hall County, January 28, 1885, a son of Claus and Katrina Hennings, both of whom were born in Germany. The latter still survives.

Although his practical father set him farm tasks when he was not more than nine years old, Peter Hennings went to school and made as fair progress as other country boys in his neighborhood. He has always taken an interest in his farm work and because of long experience understands every detail. He is operating his mother's farm, on which his father put substantial improvements, and gives considerable attention to raising Poland- China hogs. Mr. Hennings keeps well posted concerning agricultural matters and believes that a large measure of his success comes from his intelligent study of new methods as regards improved tillage, crop rotation and fertilization.

On January 27, 1915, Mr. Hennings married Miss Frieda Muhs, who was born and reared in Hall County where her parents still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Hennings have three interesting little children : Wilma, Edna and Harrold, aged respectively three, two and one. year. Mr. Hennings has never identified himself with any political party but he is a good citizen and is particularly vigilant concerning educational matters in his township and at present is serving in the office of moderator of school district No. 66. He and Mrs. Hennings maintain a very hospitable home and have a wide circle of friends.

ALBERT FELSKE, a reliable citizen and prosperous general farmer in Hall County, Nebraska, may almost be numbered with the county's native sons for he was only three years old when he was brought here by his parents, who were John and Henrietta (Ronke) Felske. They were natives of Germany who came to the United States in 1872, settling in Illinois and in that state their son Albert was born on October 29, 1877.

Abbott, and on that place Mr. Felske resided until his death in 1891. He was counted with the most careful and successful fanners in his section of the county. He and wife were highly respected by all who knew them.

Albert Felske attended school in boyhood and ever since has been engaged in farm pursuits, beginning to operate for himself in 1902. He owns eighty acres of well developed improved land on which he engages in general farming including the raising of some good stock. His surroundings indicate excellent management, much thrift and plenty, and the comforts that make a well regulated farm a very desirable place on which to live. Mr. Felske married Miss Enuiia Schoel, a daughter of Henry Schoel, a sketch of whom will be found in this work, the ceremony-taking place March 6, 1902. They have one child, Edgar, who lives with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Felske are members of the Lutheran church. In politics he maintains independent views and votes according to his own judgment.

WILLARD N. HILDEBRAND, one of the intelligent, progressive young farmers and stockraisers of Hall County, is doing quite a great deal along the line of agricultural improvement. He has adopted modern methods in all his farm work, and by example, is doing his best to raise stock standards here. He has charge of the homestead farm situated on section 29, town of Doniphan.

Mr. Hildebrand was bom September 9, 1900, in Woodford County, Illinois, and is a son of Jacob M. and Mary Frances Hildebrand. The father was bom at Afton, Virginia, was reared a farmer and lived there ipr twenty-two years, moved then to Woodford County, Illinois, and after living twentytwo years in that county, came to Hall County, Nebraska, in 1907. He purchased the present home farm which contains one hundred and sixty acres and resided on it until his death when aged sixty-two years. His burial was at Doniphan. The mother of Mr. Hildebrand lives on the homestead. There were four children in the family, namely : Arvilla M., who died in Illinois when twenty years old ; Myrtle M., who lived to the age of sixteen years also died in Illinois ; Carroll D., who was born at Benson, Illinois, is a theological student in the Wesleyan University at Lincoln, and Willard W., who resides with his mother on the farm.

fine livestock and aims to market ten head of Red Duroc-Jersey hogs, ten head of cattle, seven head of horses and five head of mules. He is not active in local politics, but is always ready to give assistance in movements for the general welfare. Both he and mother are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

WILLLAM C. MULLEN, a prominent citizen of Hall County, to which he came in 1871, following honorable service in the Civil War, owns a quarter section of valuable land situated in Center township, where he has been one of the foremost men for many years. Mr. Mullen was born in Sullivan County, New York, June 26, 1843.

The Mullen family was established early in the state of New York,, its first members probably coming from Ireland. The grandfather of William C. Mullen, Philip Mullen, fought in the Revolutionary War. The father of Mr. ]\Iullen, Philip Mullen, was bom in New York state, but his mother, Rachel (Canty) Mullen, was born in Wales and brought to this country when two years old. Five sons were born to them : Jordan, Darius, O. P.. John S. and Willam Canty, the last named being the only survivor.

William C. Mullen was only eighteen years old at the outbreak of the Civil War, in which he served until its close as a member of Company L, Fourteenth Illinois cavalry. He enlisted September 22, 1862, saw service under General Sherman, participating in the battles of Nashville, Cumberland Mountain and second battle 'of Clarksville. Being in the cavalry he took active part in many skirmishes Ijefore receiving his discharge, July 30, 1863. After the war ended he learned' the stone mason and bricklaying trade. In 1871 he determined to take advantage of the government's offer of land in Nebraska, came to Hall County and took up a hundred and sixty acre homestead to which section his father came also in 1873, securing a homestead of eighty acres. Like many other settlers at that time, Mr. Mullen came with no accumulated capital, all he owned being a team of horses. Through use of his team he managed to keep the wolf from the door during the first hard winter, and he- remembers starting out with a load of logs on one occasion, with but ten cents in his pocket, driving a distance of one hundred and fifty miles up the Loup River and being fortunate enough to sell his load to railroad builders. At one time he was captured by Indians and held captive for several hours but managed to escape and today some of these early experiences are told for the entertainment of friends. He experienced many hardships before he could get his land in a productive condition, but kept up his courage, did the best he could and set an example that was not altogether lost on his neighbors. In the course of time Mr. Mullen overcame early difficulties and at present is in the enjoyment of an ample fortune and has a beautiful home on his large estate in Center township. Mr. Mullen married Miss Mary Bussell, whose people came to Hall County from England when she was young. They have children as follows: Albert D., who lives at home ; Arthur, who lives in Kansas ; Philip, who resides in Sherman County, Nebraska; Charles, who lives at Cairo, Nebraska; George, the home farmer; Mrs. May Dumont, of Detroit, Michigan; Mrs. Lora Johansen, who lives in Grand Island; Mrs. Bertha Hightshoe, who lives at Eagle Bend, Minnesota; Mrs. Lula Culverson, who lives in Grand Island, and Maude, who lives with her parents. Mr. Mullen and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and attend services at Alda. For many years Mr. Mullen was active in the councils of the Republican party in Center township and is still staunchly identified with that political organization. For four years he served as school director of school district No. 39, and for five years was school treasurer, and he also has served in the office of constable. He has lived through a period of wonderful development in Hall County, and in every way within his power has done his part as a worthy and upright man and loval citizen.

ELMER ROBERT FRANZ, an extensive farmer in Hall County, has spent almost his entire life here and is a native of Nebraska. He was born in Hamilton County, March 21, 1877, and is a son of Robert B. and Amanda (Cox) Franz, natives of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, who were married in 1876. In 1865 the father of Mr. Franz came to the territory of Nebraska. He homesteaded in Hamilton County and the family resided there until 1885 then came to Alda township, Hall County.

Elmer Robert Franz was but eight years old when the family settled near Alda in Hall County. He is the Only surviving member now, both parents and three brothers, Roy, Otto and an infant, having passed away. He received the education offered by the public schools of this section and at an early day began to run a farm which vocation he has followed all his life and at present is operat- ing his own fami of eighty acres which adjoins Grand Island on the west, and three hundred and eleven acres which he rents in Alda township. He owns a large amount of first class farm machinery and his farm undertakings are conducted with great thoroughness. It is to enterprising fanners like Mr. Franz that the world is looking for the necessary increased production of food stuffs.

February 11, 1899, Mr. Franz married Miss one of the best improved farms in Alda township and whose parents live in Grand Island. They have one child, Mayme, who remains with her parents. Mr. Franz is not identified with any political party.

AUGUST L. MIETH. - In the death of August L. Mieth, Hall County lost one of its worthy citizens and his family a loving husband and father. Mr. Mieth was born in the city of Chicago, February 3, 1862, a son of August Mieth, Sr., of whom a record will be found on other pages of this volume. The son accompanied the family to Hall County in 1880 when the home was established in South Loup township on the farm where another son, Frederick, now resides. Upon reaching man's estate he wisely chose the occupation to which he had been reared and from the virgin prairie improved and developed one of the best farms in this section. A tract of four hundred and forty acres, with a fine country home, good barns and outbuildings, acres of orchard and shade trees, is the result of many years of persistent energy and good judgment on the part of its owner, and now left to be enjoyed by the family which mourns his loss.

Mr. Mieth was married in Cameron township September 13, 1880, to Miss Emma Stewart, a native of Lee County, Iowa. Her parents, Wm. J. and Maggie (Markwell) Stewart, were natives of Lee County, Iowa. They came to Hall County in 1872 and took a homestead in Cameron township. Both are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Mieth became the parents of seven children, six of whom are still living: Fred, Frank, Mary, Nathalie, Otto, Everett. Fred married Edna Waddington, and assists in the operation of the home farm. The other children are all at home.

Mr. Mieth early realized the value of pure bred stock and became a pioneer in the breeding and raising of pure bred hogs and cattle, and specimens from his farm found their way to many other states. He was one of the familiar figures at fairs, stock and poultry shows and public sales of pure bred stock and held many sales of pure bred Poland China hogs and Shorthorn cattle at his farm. When the Farmers State Bank was organized in Cairo, in 1911, he was one of the first to put his shoulder to the wheel, and was one of the first to become a stockholder in the institution, displaying the same public spirit that characterized the man in all movements that he thought would help make better the living conditions in his community. He was a member of the German Lutheran church.

Though the condition of his health was known to the immediate family, yet his passing was a surprise and a severe loss to the county, and left a place that can never be filled. A comfortable estate acquired by pioneer ruggedness, endurance and determination and a good name, are left to a' worthy helpmeet and family, and the world is better oft' for his having lived in it.

HENRY BECKER, well known in Hall County where his life has been spent, owns one of the best improved farms in Alda township, where he conducts agricultural operations with much success. He is a representative of one of the county's earliest families, having been born on the old Becker homestead near Grand Island, August 26, 1867.

The parents of Henry Becker were Fritz and Elizabeth (Danker) Becker, both of whom were born in Germany but became acquainted and were married after they reached Grand Island. Of their family of five children three sons are living: Charles, who follows the carpenter trade in Hershey, Lincoln County, Nebraska; Henry, a representative citizen of Alda township. Hall County, and August, who resides on the old homestead near Grand Island. Fritz Becker came to the United States in 1860 and homesteaded in Hall County among the early German settlers of that locality. He was an industrious, thrifty farmer, cultivating his land with thoroughness, and by the time that Nebraska became a state, was recognized as one of the stable and substantial men of Hall County.

Henry Becker grew up on his father's pioneer farm. He had fewer educational advantages than those reared in better organized settlements, but time has fairly remedied that and Mr. Becker is one of the best informed citizens of his township. He has followed farming all his life and owns one hundred and sixty-nine acres of valuable land, devoting it to general farm purposes.

father died. She was eleven years old when she accompanied her mother to the United States, where the latter subsequently married George Lorenzen. Mr. and Mrs. Becker have two sons, Carl and William, aged respectively seventeen and sixteen years. They are intelligent, well educated young men, and both are giving their father assistance on the home farm. Mr. Becker has never desired public ofifice and takes no very active interest in general politics.

WILLIAM ORANGE TYLER. - One of the early settlers in Hall County, was the late W. O. Tyler, who owned and operated a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated in section eight. South Platte township. This farm is well improved and still remains in the possession of the Tyler family.

W. O. Tyler was born in Orion, Michigan, August 3, 1845, and came to Hall County, in 1870. His parents were William E. and Charlotte (Nichols) Tyler, who removed from Michigan to Iowa shortly after the birth of their son. William E. Tyler served in an Iowa regiment through the last year of the Civil War, returning then to his farm in Iowa where the family retained residence until 1871 when removal was made to Hall County. Here Mr. Tyler homesteaded and continued on his land until 1884. W. O. Tyler took up a homestead in Hall County, which he developed, and as long as his state of health permitted, was active in its improvement. In 1881, however, his health broke down completely and he was forced to retire from the farm and finally, as stated above, went to California, where he spent three years. Mr. Tyler died in California, June 17, 1886.

After a short stay in Nebraska, Mr. Tyler returned to Iowa and soon afterward married Aliss Mary F. White. Her parents were John and Mar}' C. (Thrift) White, who were natives of North Carolina. They moved to Indiana in 1863, where they remained until 1867, when they came to Iowa, where Mr. White bought one hundred and sixty acres of land that he developed into a valuable property. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Tyler settled in Hall County and this has been her home ever since. She is well known in this section and is very highly esteemed. Two children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Tyler: Retson, who was born in 1875, is unmarried ; and Estella, the wife of Milo Karr. Mr. and Mrs. Karr have the following children: Helen, Lavern, Ada, Glenn and Lloyd, all of whom are attending school except the youngest.

WALTER RHOADES, a prosperous farmer and stockraiser of Hall County, owns eighty acres of fine land situated in section thirty-three, town of Doniphan. Mr. Rhoades was bom at Phillips, Hamilton County, Nebraska, July 4, 1888. His parents were William H. and Jennie Rhoades, both of whom were bom and reared in Illinois. They came from there to Hamilton County about thirtyfive years ago, when pioneer conditions prevailed here, and they shared in the hardships that tested and proved the courage and steadiness of the early settlers. Their lives were not unduly extended, the father dying when aged fifty-four years and the mother passing away at the age of fifty years, their burial being at Phillips.

Walter Rhoades grew up in Hamilton County and attended the public schools. For seven years he was in the employ of the Bell Telephone Company as a lineman, and his record shows that he was exceedingly efficient in the performance of his duties and maintained friendly relations with his employers as well as the patrons of the company. In 1913 he became a fanner and since then has devoted himself closely to his farm interests.

At Hastings, Nebraska, October 8, 1913, Mr. Rhoades married Miss Lulu May Williams, a daughter of C. W. and Viola Williams, residents of Hansen, Nebraska. Mr.- and Mrs. Rhoades have three children : Lawrence and Florence, twins, and Bettie Irene. They are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics Mr. Rhoades takes no very active part but, as a good, reliable citizen, he casts a vote according to his own judgment after carefully considering public questions for himself. For some years he has been associated in membership with the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World.

LEONARD EARL HUFFMAN, one of the alert young business men and enterprising farmers and stockraisers of Hall County, belongs to an old and substantial family here, and has spent his entire life in this county. He is well known and his reputation as a competent agriculturist and dependable, trustworthy young man is thoroughly established. Mr. Huffman was bom January 3, 1894, at Doniphan, Hall County, "Nebraska, a son of Elmer Albert and Amanda Ellen (Karmichael) Huffman, the former was bom in Clarke County, Iowa, in 1862. His parents were John and Margaret (Parkins) Huffman. He worked on his father's farm and attended the country schools in Iowa. When he came first to Nebraska he was glad to obtain work for $15 a month, while now he is a man of large means, owner of a fine residence in Hastings, and one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land. His first wife was Amanda Ellen Karmichael, and two sons were bom to them : Roy and Leonard Earl, both of whom are farmers in Hall County. Mr. Huft'man married second Myrtle Wilson. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in Hastings.

Leonard Earl Hufifman attended the public schools at Doniphan and was graduated from the high school. He assisted his father on the home farm until the latter retired and moved to Hastings, where he resides at No. 600 West Sixth street. He has been a resident of Nebraska since 1882. In 1916 Leonard E. Huffman went into business for himself and now rents two hundred acres of fine land from W. M. Rapp, of Hastings, on which he carries on general farming according to the latest improved methods. He owns a large amount of expensive farm machinery, for Mr. Huft'man is a farmer of modem type, and he has invested in first class stock, at the date of writing having eight head of Duroc -Jersey hogs, eight head of horses and five head of cattle, a fine showing for three years of operation.

Mr. Huffman married a woman born, reared and educated in Hall County, like himself. The ceremony that united him to Miss Myrtle Lawell was performed September 20, 1915. She is the youngest of a family of seven children born to George and Julia Lawell. Mr. and Mrs. Huft'man have one son. Jack Wilson. They belong to the Methodist Episcopal church at Doniphan.

HENRY N. MARTIN. - An early settler in Hall County is found in Henry Nathaniel Martin, who now lives retired in Hastings, Nebraska, after many years of successful effort as a general farmer and raiser of fine cattle. Mr. Martin was born in England in 1848, and was brought to the United States in 1851 by his parents, George and Ann (Owers) Martin. For one year the family lived in Ohio and then removed to McHenry County, Illinois, which remained the family home for nine years.

Henry N. Martin was thirteen years old when his people came as far west as Iowa, where they remained one year and then proceeded to Hall County, where his father took up a homestead in section thirteen, township eleven, residing on his homestead until his death. Within a few years Mr. Martin acquired a pre-emption claim for himself and subsequently bought other land when he believed the investment would be profitable, keeping on acquiring farms until he found himself one of the large landowners of the county. He now has eight hundred acres and all his property has been improved in a substantial manner, his farms are well stocked and as a rule they are cultivated according to scientific methods. Mr. Martin continued to manage and operate his land himself until 1911, when he retired and moved into Hastings, where he built a comfortable modem residence on North Kansas avenue.

In 1873 Mr. Martin married Miss Letitia Donald, a native of Morgan County, Illinois, and she became the mother of two children : Arthur A., who resides on one of his father's farms, married Pauline Hanson ; and Viola, the wife of A. M. Johnson, a native of Ohio, lives on one of Mr. Martin's farms. In 1879, Mr. Martin was married a second time to his present wife, who was Miss Sarah M. Donald, a sister of the first wife. Mr. Martin and his family are members of the Nazarene church. During his many years in Hall County, Mr. Martin has been a witness of wonderful changes, and he has borne a part in much of the development that has made this section of state rich in its agricultural industries and law abiding in its citizenship. He is very widely and commonly known as "Nat" Martin.

JAMES R. VARAH, a well known grain farmer of Hall County, belongs to a family that came to Nebraska full forty years ago and ever since has been represented here. He was born on the hometsead on which he yet lives, situated in section 23, town of Doniphan, November 14, 1886. His parents are Thomas and Erissa (Wisner) Varah, the latter of whom was born in La Salle County, Illinois. The father of Mr. Varah was born in 1857, at Syracuse, New York, was married in Illinois, and in 1879 came to Nebraska. He homesteaded in Hall County and for many years lived on this farm, then went into the real estate business and now lives retired in Hastings, Nebraska.

James R. Varah had common school advantages and has followed farming for himself since 1907, renting one hundred and sixty acres from his father. He devotes himself mainly to growing grain and sells his product as he makes no special feature of stockraising. For his own use and convenience he averages four head of cattle annually but no hogs, and a few horses and mules, all of first class grade. Mr. Varah's farm shows the efifect of careful husbandry, his farm machinery is of the best and his improvements are adequate and substantial. He owns stock in the mill and elevator at Doniphan.

At Hastings, Nebraska, April 29, 1908, Mr. Varah married Miss Mary Rothwell, one of a family of three children born to James and Mary Rothwell, both deceased. The father of Mrs. Varah was formerly a druggist at Trumbull, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Varah have five children: Lloyd, Curtis, Howard, Wayne and Norma, their ages ranging from nine to two years. Mrs. Varah is a memeber of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is an independent voter. He belongs to a family noted for its longevity, and his grandfather, who died in 1916, was eighty-three years old and had been a retired farmer at Central Square, Oswego County, New York, for many years. The grandmother still survives, being now in her eighty-sixth year.

FRED J. BUDDECKE, a prosperous general farmer in HaU County, is a native of Nebraska, born at Hayes Center, in Hayes County, September 6, 1891. His parents were Carl and Louise Buddecke, both of whom were born in Germany. They came to the United States in 1884, landing in the harbor of New York. From there they went to Toledo, Ohio, where three years were spent. From Toledo they came to Nebraska and the father secured a homestead near Hayes Center, proved up, then moved near Trumbull, in Clay County, dying in Hastings, January 9, 1917, at the age of sixty-four years. The mother is still living.

Fred J. Buddecke obtained his education in the public schools. He was reared on a farm and has been interested in farm pursuits all his life. In 1913 he started out on his own responsibihty, renting a tract of land which he operated successfully. Later he rented the farm he is now operating, situated in section twenty-four, town of Doniphan, belonging to the Buddecke estate. Here he has made many substantial improvements, has invested in first class farni machinery, follows modern methods and is making a great success of his venture. He handles standard stock only and at the time of writing has forty head of Duroc-Jersey hogs, four mules and twenty head of cattle, all ready for market.

Brummond, who have been residents of Hamilton County, Nebraska, for seven years, where Mr. Brummond is a farmer. i\Ir. and Mrs. Buddecke have one son, Norman, who is two years old. They attend the Lutheran church. Mr. Buddecke has been treasurer of school district No. 39 for four years and in many other ways has pfoved his good standing as a citizen. In politics he casts an independent vote.

OTIS TAGGART. - If an early beginning has anything to do with it, Otis Taggart, one of Hall County's prosperous farmers, should be very competent in his chosen vocation, for his efforts began when he was five years old. There are many small tasks on a well regulated farm that can easily be performed by the sturdy growing boys of the family, and Otis, as the second eldest son, was found very useful by his practical, sensible father, who has been a resident of Nebraska for the past thirty-six years.

Otis Taggart was born in Moultrie County, Illinois, May 4, 1878. His parents were David and Margaret Ellen Taggart, both deceased. His mother was born in Kentucky and his father in the city of New York. He served during the Civil War as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-third Illinois Infantry. After the war he returned to Illinois, was married and became a farmer in Moultrie County and in 1883 removed from there to Hall County, Nebraska, where his death occurred at the age of fift^'-three years. The mother survived until sixty-six years old, passing away near Doniphan. They were estimable people in every relation of life. Their four children survive: Otis, Edward, James and Nellie.

As above indicated, Mr. Taggart was reared on a farm. He attended the public schools and afterward worked as a farmer for others until 1900 when he rented land and since then has carried on agricultural industries on his own account. He is operating two hundred and forty acres, carrying on a general farming line. Mr. Taggart makes no special feature of stock raising but he always maintains a substantial supply on the farm, all of good grade, and at present has two fine milch cows, nine brood sows, some good horses and an extensive poultry yard containing about a thousand chickens, with a large proportion of Plymouth Rocks. In addition to his farm property, Mr. Taggart is interested in the Doniphan Elevator and Mill Company.

Mr. Taggart married Miss Edith Maud Cavanaugh, the youngest in a family of eight children born to Simon and Julia (Stansberry) Cavanaugh. The father of Mrs. Taggart was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, and the mother in Tennessee. Both are deceased. Mr. and I\Irs. Taggart have three children : Bonnie Maxine, Floyd Allen, and an infant. Mrs. Taggart is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Taggart carries insurance in the Bankers Life Company. He belongs to the order of Woodmen of the World. Mr. Taggart is an intelligent, progressive farmer, and is a good citizen of his county. He is known to be ever ready to co-operate with his neighbors for mutual benefit and for good government. Politically he casts an independent vote.

HENRY MOELLER. - There are many men now living in Nebraska who have built up comfortable fortunes since coming here. One of these is Henry Moeller, who owns a large body of valuable land situated in section twenty-five, Alda township, Hall County. Mr. Moeller is also one of the leading stockmen of this section.

Henrv' iMoeller was born in Holstein, Germany, July 26, 1861. His grandfather, Claus Moeller, was a highly educated man in Germany, a scientist and an astronomer. He never came to America as he was eighty-two years of age when his descendants set out for the United States in 1883. The parents of Henry Moeller were Henry and Margaret Moeller, who landed in the harbor of New York in 1883 and from there came to Davenport, Iowa. Later they removed to Harlan County, Nebraska, where both died on the home farm.

Before coming to the United States Henry Moeller had attended a public school. He assisted his father on the homestead in Harlan County and afterward operated his own farm there where he continued to live for many years. He now owns eight hundred and thirtythree acres of rich bottom land along the river, and his farm improvements are of a substantial character. He is a large cattle feeder and has two car loads of cattle ready for shipment, also about two car loads of hogs for market every year. Mr. Moeller's farm methods are thorough and practical and his luidertakings result profitably.

On March 29, 1895, in Hall County, Mr. ]\Ioeller married Miss Emma Boltz. They have seven children : John C, a soldier in the United States army, at Fort Douglas, Utah, connected with a hospital ambulance corps.

and Albert G., Elsie M., Clara, Hannah, Rosie and Nora, all of whom reside at home. Mr. Moeller and family belong to the Lutheran church. He is an independent voter. While living in Harlan County he served in the office of school treasurer for twenty-one years.

EDWARD BOLTZ. - In meeting the representative and substantial men of Hall County who came here as early settlers, much that is interesting and historically instructive is learned from the recital of their experiences. Very few of them came here with any considerable amount of capital, and their present state of comfortable independence is a result of their own industry, prudence and good judgment. Edward Boltz, one of the county's big feeders of cattle may be cited as an example.

Edward Boltz was born in Holstein, Germany, June 22, 1870, the son of Claus and Johanna Boltz, both of whom were natives of "the same country. They came to the United States with two children, in May, 1873, having incurred a debt of $200 in order to make the voyage. The father located in Hall County, Nebraska, on Schimmer's Lake, near Grand Island, where he engaged in farming until his accidental death, which was occasioned by a runaway team of horses. He was then fortyfive years of age and the father of nine children, the eldest being seventeen years old and the youngest aged but eighteen months. This calamity fell heavily on the mother and during the following years when pioneer hardships added to her troubles, all her resources of strength, cheerfulness and frugality were heavily taxed. Edward Boltz in recalling those times makes mention of the great snowstorm in the winter of 1888. He was eighteen years old at the time and when the storm assumed violence, started some distance away to get his brothers and sisters who were in the schoolhouse. Fortunately on the return he found a fence and only by following that, hand over hand, was he able to bring the little ones home safely. The mother survived to the age of sixty-four years.

Edward Boltz has always been a farmer and more or less interested in stock. He now owns three hundred and sixty acres of fine meadow land, for some of which he paid $SH and acre, which he now refuses to sell for $125 an acre. He has placed fine fann improvements here. For many years he has been an extensive feeder and now averages three cars of cattle annually and fifty head of hogs. All the horses he raises find a ready market. Mr. Boltz has experienced some hard times and would be sorry indeed to see a recurrence of the furious storms that once swept over this section of the country within his memory, or the return of such a devastating plague as the grasshoppers.

In 1897 Mr. Boltz married Miss Minnie Nubert. Her parents were residents of Hall County where her father died at the age of sixty-four years and her mother when seventy years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Boltz have seven children : Mrs. Freda Gulzow, who lives on a farm in Kimball County, Nebraska ; Mrs. Emma Mattisen, who resides on a farm near Overton, Nebraska; and Bertha, Amelia, Walter, Freddie and Gladys, all of whom are at home. The children have had school advantages and some of them have special talents. Mr. Boltz belongs to the South German societies and to the American Order of United Workmen. He is not particularly active in politics but occasionally has served in public office, for a number of years being especially efficient as supervisor of roads.

Hamilton County. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. McDowell have four children : Myrtle, the wife of John Gerdes ; Lilly, the wife of John Sullivan; Goldie, the wife of Fred Bentz ; and Flora, who resides with her parents.

In addition to his farm interests, Mr. Mc- Dowell is a stockholder and one of the board of directors in the Grain and Supply Company of Doniphan, a prospering enterprise. In politics he is a Democrat, and for years he has been a factor in educational affairs in his township, serving continuously for twenty years in the office of school moderator. For two years he was a member of the board of county highway commissioners and at the present time is serving in his fourth term as county supervisor, having charge of the highways of the county. In serving in these various importaiit offices, Mr. Mcl3owell has displayed the practical qualities that have made him successful in the management of his private affairs. He belongs to the order of Modern Woodmen and also to the Odd Fellows.

WILLIAM HENRY McDOWELL, whose fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres is situated in section eighteen. South Platte township, leads many farmers and stock raisers of Hall County because of his progressive ideas and enterprising methods. Not only is he successful in business affairs but he is of considerable prominence in public matters in the county, serving with marked efficiency in numerous important offices.

W. H. McDowell was born in Iowa, December 3, 1865. His father, Joseph McDowell, who was born in Indiana, died on his own farm in Iowa. His mother, Mrs. Mary (Jones) McDowell, is a resident of Grand Island. She also was born in Indiana. Mr. McDowell attended the public schools, first in Iowa and later in Nebraska. He has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. His farm is well improved. He raised Poland-China hogs, pure strain Percheron horses and Shorthorn cattle, conducting all his farm affairs carefully and scientifically. In January, 1919, Mr. Mc- Dowell, having gained a comfortable fortune decided to retire from the active management of his land and moved to Doniphan, where he now devotes his time to his commercial enterprises.

In Hamilton County, Nebraska, in 1883, Mr. McDowell married Miss Nancy Daniels, a daughter of Marion and Anna Daniels. The parents of Mrs. McDowell were natives of Ohio who came to Nebraska and settled in

HENRY GEORGE YOUNG, a resident of Hall County for many years, is a general farmer and extensive raiser of horses and mules, carrying on his various industries in section nine, town of Doniphan. He was born in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 16, 1873, the son of Henry and Jane (White) Young. Mr. Young has one brother, Robert, who lives on the home place in Hamilton County Nebraska.

The father of Henry George Young was born in Scotland and came to the United States in 1871. He settled in Pennsylvania where he was accidentally drowned when thirty-five years old. Mr. Young's mother was born in England and was twenty-five years old when she came to the United States. After the death of Mr. Young she married Isaac Chubb, in Illinois, and lived there one year when he died. Her third marriage was to Thomas McKee, who died in 1917. She resides at Lincoln, Nebraska. Her father Solomon White bought railroad land in Hamilton County, and Mrs. McKee owned two quarter sections bordering on Hall County. Mr. Young has heard his mother tell many stories of early days here, when the country was full of wild birds never seen now, and of many things that would be considered hardships at the present time but were not thought of as such in those days. When her mother wanted a sack of flour, she set off on foot for Doniphan, four and a half miles away, and carried it home in her arms. When Mrs. Mc- Kee wished to pay a social call, the necessity for walking several miles to do so, did not matter at all. Mr. McKee hauled his grain a distance of twenty miles, to Aurora. The family lived here at the time the railroad was constructed from Hastings to Aurora.

Henry G. Young rents a large amount of land from Mrs. George Bronell, comprising a half section and also a quarter section situated two miles from Doniphan. Here he carries on general farming, making use of his own improved farm machinery, and devotes much attention to raising Shorthorn cattle, Duroc hogs, horses and mules, making a feature, of the latter.

At Hastings, Nebraska, December 2L 1898, Mr. Young was united in marriage with Miss Alice Littell, who was born in Indiana, and died at the early age of thirty-five years, very generally mourned. Her parents were Joseph C. and Sarah Littell, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Littell was a prosperous farmer in Hamilton County. Mr. and Mrs. Young had five children born to them: George J., Orville E., Arthur J., Harold W., and Mable M., aged respectively, nineteen, seventeen, fifteen, thirteen and nine years. The little daughter attends school at Doniphan. Mr. Young is a member of the Congregational church, while Mrs. Young belonged to the Christian church.

JOHN HENRY BITTER, classed with the successful farmers of Hall County, has lived on his present place for twenty-three years, hence is widely known in his neighborhood, where apparently he can claim friendship with every one. That is a pretty fair test of character.