Hall County, Nebraska - Chapter 28, 1920 (part 4 of 16)

After his school period was over, Mr. Voss engaged in farming until 1885, when he came to Grand Island and began the manufacture of cigars, to which he has since devoted his attention. From time to time he has expanded the scope of his business until now it is one of large proportions, his factory turning out from 300,000 to 500,000 cigars' a year. On account of the excellence of his product he finds a ready market and there is a particularly

Mr. Voss married, in 1887, Miss Emma Wulf, who was born at Keil, Germany, and was brought to the United States by her parents when two years old. Mr. and Mrs. Voss have had the following children : Lena, who married Brewer Beck, of Grand Island; they have one child, Evelyn ; Fred, a railroad man ; Clara, who died at the age of seven years ; Harry, who is married and has one daughter, Ruth ; Ella, a bookkeeper ; Anna, who married Charles Westphal, a railroad man, has one child, Lorine; Gustave, a mechanic with an automobile concern ; Lola, employed in a leading Grand Island store; and Mable, Leona, Raymond, Margaret and Dorothy, all of whom are at home. Mr. Voss and family attend the English Lutheran church in Grand Island. The children. are much interested in the work of the Sunday school. In politics Mr. Voss is a Democrat and somewhat active in his party and, as mentioned above, is one of the county supervisors. Fraternally he belongs to the order of Eagles, the T. P. A., the Sons of Herman, the Liederkranz and the Plattsdeutchen, and was for many years president of the last named organization.

MAX JACOB VOSS, whose activities in dairy farming have brought him success and standing as a substantial citizen of his community in Hall County during recent years, is the owner of a property in Mayfield township that has been a family possession since 1872. It was in that year that his father, Fred Voss, a sketch of whose career appears on another page of this work, came to the United States from Germany, took up his residence in Hall County, where the greater part of his subsequent career has been passed. He still resides in the county and is in the enjoyment of a comfortable competence, gained through a long career of industry.

Max Jacob Voss was born at St. Libory, Howard County, Nebraska, April 5, 1883, a son of Fred and Wibke (Krone) Voss. He received his education in the public schools and in his youth and young manhood assisted his father in the cultivation of lands in Howard and Hall Counties, so that his training was entirely along agricultural lines. When it came time for him to adopt a vocation of his own and to enter upon his independent career, he selected farming and dairying as his occupations, and now is farming 200 acres of good land in Mayfield township, which belongs to his father, a part of which is the orgininal homestead secured by his father in 1872. Of recent years Mr. Voss has given more and more of his attention to dairy work, and now has a fine herd of thirty-five head of cattle, but while he has built up an extensive and profitable business in this connection, he is also engaged to some extent in general farming. His improvements are modern in character and in his work he expresses a tendency toward progressiveness. His standing as a business man is an excellent one and the quality of his citizenship has never been questioned. Mr. Voss is independent in his views upon political matters, and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He has never felt the need of fraternal connections to round out his enjoyment of life.

Mr. Voss was united in marriage with Lillian Young, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, daughter of S. Young, who is engaged in general farming in that county. They have no children of their own, but are rearing an adopted son, Joe.

Judge John Richard Thompson

JUDGE JOHN RICHARD THOMPSON was one of the prominent citizens of Grand Island where for more than thirty-six years he was a leading lawyer and served as judge of this district for three consecutive terms.

Mr. Thompson was born at Perryville, Ohio, August 6, 1850, a son of Eli and Eliza (Kirby) Thompson, both natives of Carroll County, Ohio, where they were married and where they made their home until 1864 when they became residents of Fayette County, Iowa. Here the mother passed away January 2, 1881, and eight years later the father came to Nebraska and secured a homestead in Custer County where he spent the remainder of his days, passing away February 3, 1903.

John R. Thompson attended the district school from three to six months each year until he was eighteen years of age. He then attended Upper Iowa University at Fayette, Iowa, but never completed a full course as he was dependent upon his own resources to defray his expenses, which he did by working upon a farm and teaching school. In 1875 he entered the law department of the University of Iowa at Iowa City, graduating in 1877, under the instruction of W. G. Hammond, a most able teacher, then chancellor of the University, and founder of the law department. He then joined his brother, W. H. Thompson, and engaged in the practice of law in their home town. Brush Creek, now Arlington, Iowa, where Thompson Brothers had opened an office the year before to earn the money needed to defray expenses to complete their law studies. In February, 1879, John R. opened an office in Grand Island, Nebraska, while the brother remained in Iowa. In June, 1881, W. H. came to Grand Island and the partnership continued until 1892, when John R. Thompson was elevated to the bench of the district court of the eleventh judicial district, consisting of eleven counties, where he served three successive terms of four years each. His decisions were always fair and impartial and he was held in the highest esteem by members of the bar and by all with whom he came in contact. After this he continued the practice of his profession until his death, September 29, 1915.

October 24, 1880, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie A. Pryse, of Iowa City. She passed away December 8, 1888. Judge Thompson was again married July 25, 1900, to Sarah A. Jones, of Iowa City, and her death occurred in Grand Island eleven years ago. Of the first marriage were bom five children: Callie E., wife of Dr. A. H. Farnsworth; Grace, the wife of Juhus Jones, of Grand Island ; Catherine, the wife of William Pyne, mayor and editor of a newspaper at Wendell, Idaho ; John P., a ranchman of Holt County, Nebraska ; and Elizabeth, the wife of Benjamin Musser, of New York.

Judge Thompson was a member of and liberal contributor to the First Methodist church of Grand Island, and a member of several fraternal organizations. He served the city and county as attorney and stood for all those things that helped to make for the betterment of the community. The city is indebted to Judge Thompson for the beautiful pubhc park known as "Pioneer Park" as it was largely through his persistent agitation that this tract was set aside as a park instead of being platted and sold for :i^esidence properties.

JOHN H. PAULSEN. - It may not be such a difficult matter to get ahead in the world when one has a host of friends and a full pocket book, but to gain position and public confidence without such help, and in a strange country and after early manhood has passed, indicates the possession of sterling personal qualities. The people of Grand Island know this well in the case of John H. Paulsen, who came here thirty seven years ago and for twenty of these years has continuously filled the office of keeper of the city jail.

entire lives were passed in Gennany. They were members of the Lutheran church. John H. attended school, then learned the cigarmaker's trade, an occupation he followed for small wages until he was thirty-two years old, when he decided to come to the United States where industrial opportunities were greater. He reached Grand Island, Nebraska, January 6, 1882 and at once found employment at his trade. He worked as a cigarmaker until 1887. As he took advantage of every opportuity that presented itself for the exercise of industry, material success was inevitable. About 1895 Mr. Paulsen was appointed city jailor and has continued in office notwithstanding many changes in the city administration.

Mr. Paulsen married March 24, 1878, Miss Margaret Voss, who was born in Holstein, Germany, a daughter of John and Katherine (Hermenson) Voss. Her parents came to Grand Island in 1881. Mrs. Paulsen has one brother, H. J. Voss, of Grand Island; and a sister, Mrs. Lena Soil, of Baker City, Oregon. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Paulsen : Gus, sexton of the Grand Island cemetery ; Anna, the wife of Henry Sievers, now retired and living in California ; Amanda, the wife of Richard Buentz, recorder of deeds in Hall County; Alvina, the wife' of Heny Paustian, of Denver, Colorado ; Harry, a salesman with the Nebraska Mercantile Company; Albert C, a soldier in France with the American Expeditionary Force, enlisting April 30, 1918; Mata, employed in the county recorder's office; and Alma, who resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Paulsen are interested in Christian Science and attend the church of that belief in Grand Island. In politics Mr. Paulsen maintains party independence, and fraternally he is identified with the Low German Society.

JOHN McLELLAN, one of Hall County's most influential citizens, is a member of the Nebraska state legislature, and is prominently identified with lumber interests in this state. He is a native of Scotland, but since the age of five years has lived in the United States, coming first to Hall County, Nebraska, in 1884.

Mr. McLellan was bom September 11, 1864, a son of James and Helen (Kelly) Mc- Lellan, natives of Scotland, who came to the United States to setle on an Illinois farm in 1869. The mother of Mr. McLellan died there, at the age of seventy-five years. The father died while visiting a brother in Oklahoma, being then eighty-three years of age. Of their nine children the following are living : Agnes, the wife of Wilford Fulk, a farmer in Illinois ; William, a retired farmer residing in Grand Island ; Peter, a fanner in Illinois ; John ; and James, who lives in Illinois. The father was a member of the Presbyterian church, was a Republican in politics, and for sixty years was a member of the Masonic fraternity.

John McLellan attended the public schools in Illinois. In 1884 he came to Hall County, Nebraska, but two years afterward accepted work on a ranch in Montana. A year later he returned to this state to enter a business college in Omaha, from which he was graduated in 1888, when he returned to Montana to accept a place as bookkeeper, retaining this position for about four years. He remained in Montana until 1903, engaged in mining and merchandising, then came back to Hall County and during the following four years engaged in farming and cattle feeding. In 1908 he removed to Alda to embark in the mercantile business, and in 1910 he organized the Alda Lumber Company, of which he is president. In 1912 he organized the Abbott Lumber and Grain Company and was president of that concern until it went out of business. He still continues active in the lumber industry and also maintains his interest in his farm properties.

'Mr. McLellan married December 18, 1892, Miss Mary Belle Juhnke, who was born at Knoxville, Tennessee, a daughter of August L. and Lamera Ellen (McCloud) Juhnke, the latter of whom was born in Tennessee and died in Hall County in July 1918. The father of Mrs. McLellan was born in Germany. He married in Tennessee and with his wife came to Hall County in 1872, having served in the Civil War as did also his father, Carl Juhnke, who took up a claim in Hall County. The parents of Mrs. McLellan came to Grand Island in 1878 and the father still lives here. He was one of the first conductors on the Union Pacific Railroad.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McLellan : Agnes, born near Helena, Montana, is a graduate of the Alda schools and is bookkeeper in the First National Bank ; Myrtle, bom at Gibbonsville, Idaho, married Russell Haldeman and they live on a farm in Hall County; John, who attended the Baptist College for two years, enlisted for Red Cross work in France but the armistice was declared before he was called into service; he was born in Butte, Montana; and Paul Edward, who was bom at Alda, Nebraska, is in school. Mr. McLellan and family are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Republican and in November, 1918, he was elected a member of the state legislature, his majority being far beyond the votes cast for the other candidates. He is a Knight Templar Mason and belongs to the A. O. U. W., in which order he has been interested for twenty-two years and at present is treasurer of the local organization. He was a member of the Supreme body in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. Mr. McLellan and family removed to Grand Island in July, 1918.

DAVID KAUFMANN, a widely known, highly respected and prosperous business man of Hall County, carries on several mercantile enterprises here, of which he is the founder. Mr. Kaufmann's success as a merchant is the result of industry coupled with good judgment. He started into business with but small capital, but has always been a careful buyer and able financier. He has made courtesy and the pleasure of customers important features of his business system. Hence it has followed that within the last thirteen years he has been forced to enlarge his quarters and increase his stock to accommodate a constantly increasing trade in Grand Island, and has also established a store in Kearney.

David Kaufmann was born in Germany, October 8, 1875. He attended the Gymnasium (high school) in his native land until he was graduated at the age of fifteen years. He was employed immediately after graduation as a clerk in a dry goods store in Elberfield. From 1891 to the present he has been actively engaged in buying and selling goods except for one year when he ser\'ed in the German army in 1903. When the opportunity presented itself he came to America. During the eight months he remained in New York he did such work as he could without being familiar with the English language, then came from New York City to Grand Island in March 1904. During the folowing two years he was employed by S. N. Wolbach, as a window trimmer. In 1906 he started into business himself establishing his five and ten cent store, and has continued in this line of merchandising ever since. For reasons above stated Mr. Kaufmann has made a success of his undertaking and he stands well not only with the purchasing public but also with his trade competitors because of his honorable methods.

Mr. Kaufmann is unmarried. He is a member of the Hebrew congregation. In politics he is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally he is an Elk and belongs to the Commercial Club, of which he served as president. He has co-operated most efficiently and

WALKER HAINLINE. - One of the flourishing business establishments at Grand Island is the Hainline Laundry, which has been developed from a very small beginning into one of the indispensible enterprises of the city. It represents the result of courage, unusual industry and perseverance, and from its start has remained the property of one family.

Walter Hainline, proprietor of the Hainline Laundry, was born in Pettis County, Missouri, January 14, 1878. His parents were Thomas M. and Mary (Bivins) Hainline, both of whom were bom in Kentucky. The mother, who lives at Grand Island, was bom August 3, 1854. The father, who died November 23, 1918, was aged sixty-nine years four months and twenty-one days. Thomas M,. Hainline resided in Missouri after marriage being engaged in teaming and hauling wood and coal. Not satisfied, however, with conditions there, in March, 1888, he came with his family to Grand Island, where he found employment in a laundry but his wages were not sufficiently ample to supply the needs of a growing family. He was fortunate in that he had a sensible, cheerful, willing wife a'nd she also went to work in the laundry, leaving the domestic affairs in the care of the children. In 1889 Mr. and Mrs. Hainline decided to start a laundry of their own. They had little capital but they had strength and industry, and it is doubtful if the fine work now turned out by the present laundry's modern patented machines, can surpass the careful hand work that first went out from the little Hainline laundry. It was in those days that Walker Hainline delivered and collected laundry on foot. In 1893 the Hainlines moved to North Platte to start a small laundry there and during the seven years they remained there were able to accumulate a small capital. In 1901 they came back to Grand Island opening a laundry in the building which is now the St. James hotel. Prosperity now smiled upon their efforts and in January, 1905, they erected their present fine modern laundry and thoioughly equipped it. Thomas M. Hainline retired from the business in 1914 and now Walter Hainline devotes his main attention to it, having a department equipped for dry cleaning, as one of the features of the new building. Walker Hainline had fewer educational opportunities in boyhood than many of his companions, but he has never regretted the discipline that taught him industrious and frugal habits when young. He gave his parents valuable assistance and his entire business career has been identitiied with laundry interests. Of the family of nine children, four died in infancy, the others being : William, a barber at Grand Island for twenty years, died in 1903 and is survived by a daughter, Hazel; Clara Belle, the wife of Patrick Cornfield, died in July, 1917, leaving two children, Florence and Reuben, live at St. Paul, INIinnesota ; Josephine, the wife of Wood White, an engineer on the Union Pacific for almost forty years, has one son, Major A. White, who is a student of medicine in Stanford University ; Walker; Margaret, who was married first to William Grandlove, had two children by that marriage, Mary and Covert. Her second marriage was to C. C. Hainline, who is manager of the shoe department of the Miller & Paine store. They have one son, Jack.

Mr. Hainline m'arried, June 10, 1908, Miss Anna Naylin, who was born at Auburn, Illinois, a daughter of Peter and Katherine (Carey) Naylin, natives of Ireland. He was a railroad man but they lived for three years on a farm near Wood River, Nebraska. Mr. Naylin is deceased but Mrs. Naylin lives at Grand Island. Mrs. Hainline is a member of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Hainline is prominent in the order of Elks, of which he is a trustee at Grand Island and is past exalted ruler of Lodge No. 604. He was reared in the Methodist Episcopal church and votes with the Democratic party as did his father.

ADOLPH W. STERNE. - Almost every line of business is creditably carried on in Grand Island. Larger cities might be proud of so complete an establishment as the clothing house of Adolph W. Sterne, because it is a leader in its line in Hall County. Mr. Sterne is an experienced man in the clothing industry having been engaged in this line in this city for the past thirty-one years.

Adolph W. Sterne was born in Gemiany, the son of Albert and Henrietta (Strousler) Sterne, both of whom passed their lives in the Fatherland. The father was in the grain business. They had eight children, four of whom came to the United States and four others are yet in Germany. Those in America are: Benjamin, a retired resident of Chicago; Mrs. Pollock, a widow, has a home in Chicago and one at Long Beach, California; Mrs. Simmons, a resident of Chicago ; and Adolph W., came to the United States in 1879.

at Clinton, Missouri, from 1879 until 1887, when he paid his first visit to Grand Island. In the following year he settled here permanently, becoming associated with the well known merchant, J. A. Woolstenholm, with whom he remained until January, 1918, when he bought the business. Since then he has enlarged and expanded it until he now has the best assorted and largest stock of clothing and furnishings in Hall County.

Mr. Sterne married, in 1891, Miss Nettie Woolstenholm. They have two children : Alice L., the wife of R. H. Thurston, the owner of a ranch in Box Butte County, npar Hemingford, Nebraska, and Mable Henrietta, a member of the faculty of the Nebraska State University. Miss Sterne is known over the state for her ability as an organizer. Domestic science and home demonstration are her particular lines of work in which she has been successful. Mr. Sterne is active in Republican politics, having been a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1908. In local affairs he is earnest and public spirited having served as a member of the city council from 1902 to 1908 assisting in much useful civic legislation. He is a life member of the Grand Island Masonic lodge.

PURLY ALLISON DENNON, proprietor of the Grand Island Model Laundry in Grand Island, belongs to one of the pioneer families of Hall County. For many years Mr. Dennon was connected with the Union Pacific Railroad and became widely and favorably known in several capacities.

He was born in Ross County, Ohio, January 12, 1861, the son of George W. and Jane (Motts) Dennon. They here bom, reared and married in Ohio and from there removed to Illinois and then to Nebraska, homesteading in Hall County in 1878. The father served as a soldier in the Civil War, pasing away in Grand Island in 1915. Mr. Dennon's mother survived until 1918. They had eight children, those living being the following: P. A.; J. W., a farmer in Cherry County, Nebraska; T. S., who operates a dairy in Grand Island, and C. C, with the Union Pacific Railroad in Grand Island. In politics the father was a Republican. During the Civil War he ser^^ed in the Union Army and as a veteran belonged to the Grand Army post in Grand Island.

Mr. Dennon obtained a district school education following which he learned the harnessmaking trade but afterward became a railroad man, a vocation he followed twenty- four years with the Union Pacific system as car inspector and seventeen years as foreman. In 1905 he embarked in the laundry business in Grand Island, organizing the Grand Island Model Laundry Company, of which he is president. The business is operated with a capital of $30,000. The company has commodious quarters at Nos. 220-222 East Third street, where all modern laundry equipments have been installed.

Although his laundry business engaged much of his time Mr. Dennon turned his mechanical ability to use as well. He learned the watch maker's trade and jewelry business, engaging in business in this occupation for six 3'ears, but when the United States entered the World War he responded to his country's call for men, enlisting in the navy January 28, 1918 as machinist mate first class, serving until discharged February 18, 1919.

Mr. Dennon married August 27, 1882, Miss Nellie Buzza, who was born in Illinois, a daughter of Stephen Buzza. Mrs. Dennon's father came to Hall County in the early eighties to become a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Dennon have had three children, two of whom survive, namely: Nellie Myrtle, the wife of W. L. Stockinger, a machinist with the Union Pacific, and they have two children, and Purly Sumner. Mr. Dennon was reared in the Alethodist Episcopal church. In politics he has always been a Republican and fraternally he belongs to the Grand Island lodge of Odd Fellows.

AUGUST MEYER, recognized as one of Grand Island's leading merchants, is the proprietor of a fine jewelry store. Mr. Meyer has built up his large establishment from humble beginnings and has succeeded because of his expert knowledge gained through thorough training, and has the confidence of the community because of honorable and upright business methods.

August Meyer was born in Switzerland, June 13, 1858, his parents being John and Verena (Gut) Meyer, who spent their entire lives in Switzerland. They had fourteen children but only three sons came to the United States : Robert, deceased ; Gotlieb, with his brother in the jewelr}' store in Grand Island, and August. The father was a watchmaker by trade, a vocation followed by four of his sons. He and his wife belonged to the State church of Switzerland.

1881. His brother was in the jewelry and watch business at Plattsburg, New York, where August was employed four years before coming to Grand Island. He was practically without' capital and inay be said to have worked his way up to his present affluence from a bench, his industry receiving a just reward as time passed on. Mr. Meyer still gives his main attention to his store although public affairs, to some extent claim a part of his time, his fellows citizens having elected him a member of the city council, where he served six years. In his political views he is a staunch Republican.

In 1881 Mr. Meyer married Miss Elizabeth Egg, also a native of Switzerland, and they have three sons : Robert, with his father in the store ; August H., who studied electrical engineering in the state university at Lincoln, is general manager of the Brj^an-Marsh Electric Company, Chicago, and Ernest J., who is first lieutenant of his company which has been with the American Expeditionary Force in France since January, 1918. As a member of the National Guards he also saw service on the Mexican border. Mr. Meyer and his family are members of the Presbyterian church.

EDWIN W. HURST, proprietor of the Hurst Sash & Door Company, has been identified with the business interests of Grand Island since 1903. Through well developed methods and strict recognition of commercial integrity, he has achieved a large degree of business success.

Edwin Wardell Hurst was born at Cadillac, Wexford County, Michigan, in August, 1880. His parents v.-ere T. B. and Jennie (Lyman) Hurst, both of whom are deceased. They were natives of Pennsylvania removing from that state to Michigan in 1875 where the father was engaged in the lumber industry. They had six children of whom the following survive ; Florence, the widow of L. C. Reber, lives in California, Elizabeth, the widow of H. L. Harrison, a resident of Portland, Oregon, and E. W,. who belongs to Grand Island. The parents of this family were members of the Presbyterian church. The father was a Republican.

Mr. Hurst's educational opportunities included high school advantages at Madison, Wisconsin, and one year in the university of that state. Following the close of his school days, Mr. Hurst engaged in the manufacture of sash and doors, for a time in Chicago and later in Kansas City. For eight years he was a commercial traveler over Nebraska, but in 1903 he settled permanently in Grand Island.

In 1915 he established his manufacturing plant here and devotes the greater part of his time to the management of affairs connected with it. The Hurst Sash & Door Company does an exclusive jobbing business, the products being distributed throughout Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana.

In 1906 Mr. Hurst married Miss Minedith Calvin of Chicago. They have no children. Mr. Hurst is a Republican in his political views, and fraternally he belongs to Lodge No. 604, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

FRED VOSS. - An illustration of the rewards obtainable through a life of integrity and persistent endeavor is found in the career of Fred Voss, now one of the substantial citizens of Mayfield township. When he first came to the United States, forty-seven years ago, Mr. Voss had practically nothing with which to begin life in a new country. Through the exercise of his native industry and the application of good management to his work, he has made a success of life and is now owner of a valuable farm of 280 acres, situated in section 23.

Fred Voss was bom May 1, 1846, in Holstein, Germany, and made his home in his native land until reaching the age of twenty-six years. He had the advantages of a public school education. The family finances were very modest and, there seeming to be little chance for him to acquire independence in the land of his birth, he decided to try his fortunes in the United States. Arriving in Hall County in 1872, he found himself under necessity of seeking whatever honorable employment he could find, being engaged at various occupations, principally farming, for others, until he had acquired sufficient funds to purchase a small property. This furnished the nucleus for his present splendid farm of 280 acres, which is located in section 23, Mayfield towqship. It is under a high state of cultivation, its productiveness having been developed through scientific treatment of the soil, while the use of power fann machinery and modern methods have contributed to Mr. Voss's success. Today he is accounted one of the substantial general fanners of his community and a man of intelligence and enlightened views on a number of subjects. In his political views, he takes an independent stand. Fraternal connections have held out no attractions for him. With his family, he belongs to the Lutheran church.

was united in Germany, died in 1877, and left one child: Lena, who is now the wife of Otto Dickman. In 1880 Mr. Voss was united in marriage with Wibke Krone. Four children were born to this union : John, who is deceased ; Max, is married and a farmer of Mayfield township ; Chris, in the United States mail service, at Omaha ; and Harry Herman, who is engaged in general farming in association with his father.

RAYMOND D. KINGSBURY. - There are few lines of business more essential to the comfort and health of a community than that carried on under the name of plumbing, and Grand Island is fortunate in this direction. Few cities of its size have better plumbing or heating service than is supplied by the Grand Island Plumbing Company, of which Raymond D. Kingsbury is president. He was born in Fillmore County, Nebraska, November 24, 1876. His father, Castello Kingsbury, was a native of Illinois, living there until after the close of the Civil War, when he removed with his family to Nebraska to settle in Fillmore County. He now lives retired in Portland, Oregon. He served three years in the Union army as a member of the Sixty-fourth Illinois volunteer infantry, being wounded at the battle of Shiloh, this injury making hospital treatment necessary. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, is a Republican in his political views, and is a member of the American Order of United Workmen. He married in Illinois, Mary Mott who was born in that state and died in Nebraska in 1910. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had four children, three of whom are living, namely ; Raymond D., president of the Grand Island Plumbing Company; Mildred, the wife of Coy Burnett, an attorney in practice at Portland, Oregon, and Maud, who resides in Portland where she is a professional nurse.

R. D. Kingsbury completed his educational training in the state university at Lincoln, from which he was graduated in 1901, after which he was connected for several years with the Burlington Railroad in the capacity of civil engineer. In 1904 he came to Grand Island with the intention of embarking in business and shortly afterward bought his uncle's plumbing establishment. The business was incorporated with a capital of $11,000, under the name of the Grand Island Plumbing Company, with Mr. Kingsbury as president, and D. O. Beckmann secretary and treasurer. Since incorporation the scope of the business has been yet further extended, so that today the concern is one of Grand Island's important enterprises. Ahhough Mr. Kingsbury owns a ranch situated in Wyoming, he devotes the most of his personal attention to his Grand Island interests.

Mr. Kingsbury married, in 1904, Miss Ruby D'Ment, who was bom in Iowa. They have two children : Carol and Carita, both of whom are attending school. In political sentiment Mr. Kingsbury has always been a Republican. He is a Knight Templar Mason and belongs to the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Kingsbury is a liberal contributor to benevolent objects and with his family belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.

Geer and Harrison where he remained one and a half years, then worked one year for Kruse Brothers, following this employment he began a contracting business of his own. In 1913 he organized the Nelson Lumber & Supply Company, which deals in lumber, coal and planing mill products. Their trade territory covers the state of Nebraska.

Mr. Nelson married in Denmark Miss Eliza Anderson, also a native of that country. They have three children, Lars, Sarah, and Norman. Mr. Nelson and his family belong to the Lutheran church. He votes with the Democratic party and is a member of the school board. Fraternally his associations are with the Danish Brotherhood and the M. B. A.

HERMAN NELSON, the head of the Nelson Lumber & Supply Company of Grand Island, is recognized as one of Grand Island's most enterprising business men. He came here practically without capital and has built up a fine business entirely through his own industry, and the success which has attended his efforts is well merited.

Herman Nelson was born in Denmark, January 23, 1880, the fifth in a family of six children born to his parents, Lars and Caspara Nelson. His father died on a little farm in Denmark, on which his mother yet lives. They had the following children : Jens P., who has resided in Nebraska for thirty-three years, lives on a farm north of York ; Lars and Marie, twins, the former of whom was accidentally drowned fourteen years ago, and the latter who is the wife of T. Norgard of Denmark; Edward, who resides with his mother in the old country ; Herman, who came to Grand Island in 1906; and Casper, who is engaged in the grocery business, also remains in Denmark. The father of this family was a man of importance in his district, having held the political office of inspector of one and one-quarter miles of coast along the North Sea, for a quarter of a century.

As a boy Hemian Nelson assisted in working the home farm and also was an aid to his father in watching and guarding the coast. He had common school advantages and then attended the high schol from 1897 until 1898, at the same time working as a carpenter's apprentice, thereby learning a trade that he has found exceedingly useful. In 1902 Mr. Nelson came to the United States, soon finding work on the Great Northern Railroad, being employed prior to coming to Grand Island, in bridge building at Clancy, Montana. After reaching this city in 1906 he went to work for

JOHN H. TRENT, vice president of the Nelson Lumber & Supply Company of Grand Island, has been a resident of Nebraska since he was eighteen years old, his parents being among the pioneers of 1882 in Hall County. The Trent name has been an honorable and respected one in this section ever since, although its founders here have passed away.

John H. Trent was born in Menard County, Illinois, B'ebruary 24, 1864. His parents were Williamson and Lydia A. (Jones) Trent, both of whom were born in Menard County, where the father was a substantial farmer for many years. Mr. Trent and his father were both born in the town of Old Salem, the home of Abraham Lincoln, the father was a personal friend and associate of Mr. Lincoln in early days. The west called Williamson Trent, however, and in 1882 he came to Hall County, Nebraska, and here the rest of his life was spent. In addition to farming he worked at bricklaying. He was a Democrat in politics. Both he and wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. A family of six children were born to Williamson and Lydia Trent. Of this family four are living: Alice, the wife of O. H. Ereyly, a retired farmer living at Hershey, Nebraska ; John H., a representative business man of Grand Island; Clarence, who carries on a confectionery business at Flershey, Nebraska ; and Ned, who conducts the New York Shining Parlor at Wichita Falls, Texas.

John H. Trent attended the public schools in Illinois and after coming to Nebraska spent one year in the high school at Doniphan. His earlier years were passed on a farm. After this he learned the blacksmith trade following which he came to Grand Island in 1895. He continued to work at this occupation until WO'-' a period of twenty years. In that year he became interested in the organization of the Nel- son Lumber and Supply Company, becoming vice president of the concern, which has proved a very successful business enterprise. It has grown to large proportions under able management, having formerly had lumber interests at Phillips and at present owns a concern at Cairo. Mr. Trent began life on his own account with but little capital, but has made steady progress and now owns, in addition to the interests above indicated, five quartersections of land in western Nebraska, valuable tracts in Colorado, and lands in Hall County. Mr. Trent married, in 1887, Miss Laura Fairbank, who was bom in Pennsylvania. They have no children. Politically he has always been affiliated with the Democratic party.

WILLIAM JOHNSON, well known and highly respected in Hall County, has lived within its confines since 1887. He is an expert blacksmith having worked continuously at his trade in Grand Island. By his industry he has not only set a commendable example, but also he has accumulated a comfortable fortune.

William Johnson was born in Denmark, January 23, 1860. His parents were Hans and Kittie Johnson, who passed their lives in Denmark. They were members of the Lutheran church. Of their five children, William was the only one to come to the United States. He attended school in his native land but as his father earned only the wages of a general laborer he had few advantages and from early boyhood cherished the hope of sometime coming to America. His opportunity came in 1881. When he reached the United States, he settled at Lansing, Michigan, where he found work in a blacksmith shop. Following this occupation he enlisted in the United States amiy following the vocation of a soldier for the next five years during the Indian troubles in Montana, California and old Mexico.

When released from the army, in 1887, Mr. Johnson came to Grand Island, to work as a blacksmith for C. E. Lykke, with whom he remained for eighteen years and then became associated with John H. Trent. Later he purchased a half interest in the business that he had assisted to establish.

Mr. Johnson married in 1886, Miss Katie Benson, who was born in Tennessee and died at Grand Island, June 5, 1915. Five children were born to them as follows : Robert, employed in a printing office at Kansas City ; Lloyd, with the American army in France, having served as a blacksmith in an engineer corps for the past eighteen months ; Archer, a machinist ; Marie, the wife of James Byard, an aviator connected with the Great Lakes training station, and Hazel, who resides with her father. Mr. Johnson and his family are members of the Roman Catholic church. There are many reasons why Mr. Johnson should take a deep interest in public affairs, and during the years of strife now happily ended, he was active in helpful ways wherever he found opportunity. In politics he is a Democrat.

LUDWIG ALBERT ZUEHLKE, the efficient and enterprising manager of the Hord Grain and Coal Company of Grand Island, has had a considerable amount of experience in other business lines, where he demonstrated his capacity to handle large interests. He was born in Germany, September 26, 1874.

The parents of Mr. Zuehlke were Ludwig and Augusta (Henkle) Zuehlke, natives of Gemany who emigrated to the United States, reaching Hall County, May 10, 1883. The father bought land from the railroad company on which the family resided for a number of years before the father retired from active life and moved to Grand Island. Here both father and mother died. Of their twelve children eleven are living, two of whom are in South Dakota, the other nine being distributed in Hall, Merrick and Holt counties, Nebraska. The parents were members of the Lutheran church.

Ludwig Albert Zuehlke was reared on his father's farm and attended school in a little white building situated seven miles north of Grand Island. For eight years after finishing his education he followed farming in Howard County, then homesteaded in the Rosebud reservation, in Boyd County, being one of the first white settlers to venture into that section at a time when Indians were to be seen every day. Three years later after selling his homestead he came to Grand Island, locating here in 1906, after which for some years he was engaged in a grocery business. He then took charge of the Hord Grain & Coal Company, of which he has since been manager.

Mr. Zuehlke married, October 1, 1892, Miss Johanna Barth, who was born in Merrick County, Nebraska. Her parents came to Nebraska in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Zuehlke have four children: Martha, Minnie, Harry and Arthur, all of whom live at home. The entire family belongs to the Trinity Lutheran church, situated on East Second street, Grand Island. Mr. Zuehlke is considered a valuable citizen, one who is strong in his support of law and order and liberal in benevolent movements.

HENRY HARRY, well and familiarly known as Colonel Harry, is a virile and progressive young man who has proved himself strong and resourceful in facing the responsibilities and problems that he has encountered in the developing of a well-established reputation as one of the reliable and popular business men of Hall County. He has been in the most significant sense the artificer of his own success. His advancement has been won through earnest and well ordered endeavors, the while he has at all times commanded inviolable place in popular confidence and good will. Colonel Harry is one of the versatile, successful and popular exponents of the vocation of auctioneer, and in this field his able services are much in demand throughout this section of the state. His residence and business headquarters are maintained in Grand Island.

Henry Harry was born in the fine old province of Westphalia, Germany ; the date of his nativity was August 18, 1880. He is a son of Henry and Caroline (Kurling) Harry, who were bom and reared in that same province but emigrated to the United States in 1884. The death of Mrs. Harry occurred within that year. She was born in 1856. Henry Harry, Sr., who now resides near Chapman, Merrick County, has been actively engaged in farm enterprises since 1900. He is one of the substantial and valued citizens of that locality. His political allegiance is given to the Democratic party and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, of which his wife likewise was a devout communicant. Of their two children Henry, Jr., of this review, is the elder, and the younger, Fred, in engaged in farming, at Chapman.

Henry Harry, Jr., was about four years old when his parents came from Germany to America and established their home in Howard County, Nebraska. The father later removed to Merrick County, where he now resides. In the public school of St. Libory, Howard County, Henry Harry, Jr., acquired his early educational discipline, being reared ka the sturdy service involved in farm life. Thus it naturally came about that his initial activities of independent order were those of a farm worker, in which connection he found employment by the month, after having run away from home for the purpose of thus proving his self-reliance and independent spirit.

Finally he was enabled to engage in a farm enterprise for himself. Energy and good judgment brought him success during the period of years that he was farming an entire section of land, in Hamilton County.

Reverting to the circumstances of the childhood of Colonel Harry, it is to be noted that his parents were in such limited financial condition that when they set forth for the United States they had not sufficient money to justify them in bringing their two little sons, who were cared for by a friend of the family until the father could make provision for their coming two or three years later. When about eighteen years of age Colonel Harry found employment on the farm of a German in Hamilton County. His employer was more given to indulgence in ardent spirits than to fair and reasonable treatment of his employes, and thus it came about that after working three days, at a wage of fifty cents a day, young Harry was discharged. With his little sum of three dollars, earned by hard work, he set forth to find another job. At Aurora he rented a room for twenty-five cents and paid an equal amount for his breakfast. To conserve his little sum of money, he went without dinner and supper that day. He went in turn to every farmer who hitched his team in the village and asked for work. Finally one man informed the youth that he had a brother who needed a man, and though Harry was only a boy he found employment with this brother, with whom he remained as long as the latter required a man for such farm service. For a year thereafter he was employed by a farmer named Schuster, and from his wages for that year he spent only seven and one-half dollars - the greater part for shoes and overalls and the remainder in the remarkable profligacy implied in his paying fifty cents for admittance to the Ringling Brothers circus, with five cents for the redoubtable circus lemonade and five cents for sausage, - which constituted his dinner on that momentous occasion. With his savings Mr. Harry purchased a corn sheller, but in its operation he met with negative financial success. Finally he went to Giltner, Flamilton County, where he engaged in the livery business, besides opening a dance hall in his livery barn. Through this dual enterprise he made several hundred dollars, and with this capital he rented 640 acres of land. In his vigorous activities as an agriculturist and stock-grower on this land he was succesful, and while he was thus engaged he conducted his first sale in the capacity of auctioneer. So successful was he in this sale that there came insistent demand for his services as an auction- eer, and eventually he found it expedient to adopt auctioneering as his vocation. He has become one of the best known and most successful auctioneers in this part of the state and his genial personality, coupled with his fair and honorable methods, have not only gained to him a wide circle of friends but have inured also to his splendid success in his chosen field of service. Of the scope and importance of his "professional" business an idea is conveyed when it is stated that in the winter of 1917-1918 Colonel Harry conducted two hundred and thirty-eight auction sales, from which he recieved in individual fees as high as two hundred and thirty dollars. His reputation as an auctioneer has far transcended mere local limitations, which is shown by the fact that he has been called upon to conduct sales not only in diverse sections of Nebraska, but also in Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and at St. Joseph, Missouri. Within the period of independent career Colonel Harry has owned a number of good farm properties in Nebraska. In Hall County he now owns a well improved and valuable landed estate of three hundred and sixty acres, for which he paid $14,000. He began life without money or influential friends, but by his own energy, initiative and well ordered endeavors he has achieved large and worthy success, together with unciualified popular esteem.

That a man who has thus marked the passing years with sucessful personal activities should also have full appreciation of civic duties and responsibilities, is a foregone conclusion. Thus Colonel Harry is always ready to lend his cooperation in the futherance of measures projected for the general good of the community, and he has also been especially loyal and liberal in the support of the various patriotic war agencies that have marked the nation's participation in the great world war. He has had no desire for political activity or public office, but gives staunch allegiance to the Democratic party. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Travelers' Protective Association. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. As an auctioneer Colonel Harry is retained continuously as salesman for the Grand Island Horse & Mule Company, at an annua! salary of $5,000. From his general services as an auctioneer he also recieves substantial returns. The Colonel is a worker, a thinker and a successful business man, and his many friends fully realize that he is accounting well for himself and to the world in all of the relations of life.

The 17th of October, 1906, recorded the marriage of Colonel Harry to Miss Bertha Stratmann, who was born and reared at Grand Island, her father, Frederick Stratmann, having been for a number of years engaged in farm enterprise in Hall County and having thereafter established himself in the agricultural-implement business in Grand Island. Colonel and Mrs. Harry have two winsome daughters, Dorothy and Virginia, both of whom are now attending the public schools of Grand Island,

WILLIAM F. KREHMKE, a representative citizen of Hall County, and a substantial business man of Grand Island, has been in the meat business here for almost twenty years. He is held in high regard in business, and enjoys equal confidence in political circles.

William F. Krehmke was bora at Grand Island, Nebraska, September 28, 1881. His parents were William and Caroline (Krehmke) Krehmke, both of whom are deceased. They came to the United States from Holstein, Germany, in 1869, being pioneer settlers at Grand Island, where the father engaged in a manufacturing business. He became a citizen and identfied himself with the Republican party. There were five children in the Krehmke family all of whom were sent to school and reared in the faith of the Lutheran church. Of these William was the fourth in order of birth, the others were: Christ, a railroad man at Grand Island ; Freda, the wife of Herny Horstman, a painter at Grand Island ; Au'giist, living in Sparta, Nevada, has a large transfer business ; and Minnie, the wife of John Rathman, a farmer in Kimball County, Nebraska.

William F. Krehmke attended the Grand Island public schools and afterward worked on a farm in Hall County for seven years, and for two years rode range in Kansas. He then returned to Grand Island to embark in his present business, his first shop being located on Second Street. In 1906 he sold that shop and in 1912 he moved to the commodious quarters he now occupies on North Pine street where he carries a heavy stock ; making a specialty of fine meats.

Mr. Krehnil<e married, October 4, 1911, in Grand Island, Miss Emma Conow, who was born in this city. They have two children; a six year old daughter, Evelyn, and a son, William Lyle, who is about one year old. Mr. and Mrs. Krehmke are members of the English Lutheran church. He is identified with both Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities having held the office of vice-grand in the latter. He has long been very active in Republican political circles ; serving for some years as a member of the city council, first by appointment and later by election. Personally he is very popular, a fact Hall County demonstrated when he was the Republican candidate for the state senate, in 1916, by giving him a remarkable vote. The district is normally Democratic but he carried his county by over one thousand votes being defeated by only three hundred votes. He is of genial temperament, is social in his instincts, and is one of the hearty supporters of the old German athletic societies of the city.

WILLIAM McLELLAN, who has spent many busy years in Hall County, now lives retired in Grand Island, where he is highly esteemed. He owns a large amount of property in the county. It is his privilege to direct the development and improvement of 1,560 acres of fine land. Mr. McLellan is a member of the board of directors of the Commercial State Bank.

William McLellan was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, January 4, 1860, a son of James and Helen (Kelly) McLellan, who were born, reared and married in Scotland. In 1866 James McLellan came to the United States locating in Illinois but early in the following year returned to Scotland to live there until 1869, when he came back to Illinois where he was occupied as a farmer and miner. In 1870 he was joined by his wife and six children. The mother died in Logan County, Illinois, while the father passed away in Krebs, Oklahoma. They had nine children of whom the following survive: Agnes, the wife of Wilfred Fulk, a retired farmer living in Lincoln, Illinois ; William, who lives retired in Grand Island, Nebraska ; Peter, living on a farm in Illinois ; John, a resident of Hall County ; and James, a farmer in Illinois. The parents of the "family were members of the Presbyterian church.

William McLellan attended school in Scotland and later in Logan County, Illinois. Prior to coming to Nebraska he worked by the month on a farm but after reaching Hall County in September, 1883, entered the employ of William Gilchrist, being employed on his farm through that fall and the following winter, when he rented a tract of land from Mr. Gilchrist which he operated for five years, when he bought an eighty acre farm of his own After that, Mr. McLellan devoted himself industriously to farming and stock raising, and as his methods met with success he gradually acquired additional land until in the course of years he has become a large landed proprietor. This has not come about without persistent industry and the exercise of business acumen of a high order. Others might not do so well in 'the space of thirty-six years, but Mr. Mc- Lellan has proved that it can be done, having honestly advanced from the status of a poor farm laborer, to that of an affluent citizen whose name is an asset to any financial institution with which he may be associated.

Mr. McLellan married in February, 1885, Miss Alice Juhnke, a native of Tennessee, a daughter of Carl Juhnke, who was born in Germany. He settled in Hall County in 1873 and died here. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McLellan, of whom the following are living: James, resides on a farm two miles west of Grand Island ; Rebecca, the wife of Henry Thomas, a farmer west of Grand Island ; Albert, who resides c n the home farm, married Mary Kelly; Ada, the wife of Walter Layman, a fanner near Alliance, Nebraska; William, with the American Expeditionary Force in France ; and Jennette, a student in the Grand Island high school. Mrs. Mc- Lellan died March 9, 1904. In politics Mr. McLellan is a Republican. He belonges to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and has taiken the advanced degrees in Masonry and is a Shriner.

THOMAS H. FRITTS. - Long before the world had any conception of the mighty uses to which electricity might sometime be applied, there were scientific investigators who gave close study to everything pertaining to this force as then known, and thereby made the discoveries that have been so revolutionary in almost every line of activity. It was about a quarter of a century ago that Thomas H. Fritts, well known in Grand Island, became interested in the electrical business, which interest has continued to the present day. He is vice-president of the Central Power Company of Grand Island. Thomas H. Fritts was born in Lyons, Burt County, Nebraska, November 3, 1872, a son of Gideon and Martha A. (Cockrell) Fritts. They were born and married in Ohio, moving from there to Burt County, Nebraska, in the early sixties. The father acquired land on which he lived until his death in 1912, which occurred at the age of eighty-four years. The mother still lives on the old home place. Of their seven children the following survive : William J., who lives on the old homestead in Burt County ; Mary, the wife of F. O. Eckleen, a retired citizen of

Lyons; Sylvia, the wife of E. B. Senter of Omaha; Thomas H., who has lived in Grand Island for the past thirteen years ; and Arcelia, who lives with her mother in Burt County Gideon Fritts was one of the founders of the Presbyterian church in Burt County and the first organized meeting was held in his house. He gave liberally for church purposes and was one of the largest donors to the church which yet stands on East Main street, Lyons. In his political convictions he was a Democrat. Before coming to Nebraska as a permanent resident, he had been a soldier in the Civil War and as long as he lived was a rigid supporter of temperance, law and order.

J\lr. Fritts had common school advantages and then went to work as an apprentice in the electrical business in South Omaha continuing in that line for several years, afterward becoming manager of the South Omaha Electric Light and Power Company. Following this an interval of two years passed when he was otherwise engaged but he returned to the electrical business and for five years had charge of a plant at Wayne, Nebraska. In June, 1906, he came to Grand Island and became manager and vice-president of the Central Power Company, in which he is financially interested. His time is largely taken up with the duties of this position as he has charge of all the company property in seventeen towns in Nebraska, which are supplied electrical power by this concern.

Mr. Fritts married in March, 1891, Miss Josephine Higley, who was born at Decatur, Nebraska, a daughter of Lewis D. Higley. who settled in the early eighties, in Burt County. Mr. and Mrs. Fritts have two children : Victor, connected with the Western Electric Company, Chicago, and Bernadine, the wife of Robert F. Pfeiffer, who is manager of the Central Power Company's plant at Kearney, Nebraska. Mr. Fritts is an earnest and publicspirited citizen but is not unduly active in politics. He is an independent voter. He is identified with Lodge No. 604 Elks in Grand Island.

JOHN KNICKREHM, a substantial and respected citizen of Grand Island, came here with his family about thirty-two years ago. Through industry he rapidly advanced his fortunes, and for the last twenty-one years he has been at the head of a business of his own.

John Knickrehm was born in Holstein, Germany, one of a family of six children born to his parents, John and Anna Knickrehm, who passed their lives in the old country. The boy was reared on a farm but desiring greater opportunities came to the United States, the only member of his family to emigrate from the native land, soon after reaching America located at Grand Island, in 1887. At first he accepted any work that he could secure to obtain money, shoveling many a load of coal. Later he worked in a lumber yard and then found employment in a grocery store, in which he was engaged continuously until 1898. In that year he embarked in the grocery business for himself, starting in the building he has occupied to the present time, on the north side of the city, where he has built up a substantial patronage.

Mr. Knickrehm married, in Germany, in 1884, Miss Christiana Dohrn. They have two sons, John and Carl, both of whom are with their father in the store. Mr. Knickrehm and family belong to the Lutheran church. He has always taken a good citizen's interest in the welfare of Grand Island and twice has served as a member of the city council, during both terms earnestly supporting useful civic measures. He is independent in his political views.

CHARLES T. McELROY, a representative business man of Grand Island, and a prominent, useful and loyal citizen,. was born at Middlesex, Vennont, April 30, 1873, but became a resident of Nebraska when only two years of age, being the only child of Frederick A. and Jenette (Thornton) Mc- Elroy, both of whom are deceased. They were' natives of Vermont and from there removed to Omaha, in 1875, and from there to Richland, living in the latter place ^during the grasshopper visitatiton. In 1876 the family came to Grand Island. While living in Richland, the father of Mr. McElroy \yas a railroad section foreman. After coming to this city he was made a car inspector, being in the employ of the Union Pacific Company for thirty-two years. The paternal grandfather of Mr. McElroy was William McElroy, whose ancestors came from Scotland. The maternal grandfather, Charles Thornton, who was born at Moretown, Washington County, Vermont, was a direct descendant of Matthew Thornton, one of the signers of the immortal Declaration of Independence.

To the excellent public schools of Grand Island, Charles T. McElroy is indebted for his sound educational training. After his school days were over he accepted a position as clerk in a dry goods house and thus became self supporting. Later he became associated with the Yellow Front shoe store, where he served as a clerk for twenty-one years, then acquired an interest in the business. This interest he sold in 1911 to enter a different line, becoming a member of the firm of Wingert & McElroy, in the culvert and sheet metal business. When this concern was organized as a stock company, in 1914, the present name of the Grand- Island Culvert & Metal Works was adopted. This has become one of Grand Island's important business enterprises, being amply financed and ably managed.

Mr. McElroy married, in July, 1901, Miss Bertha T. Guiou, a daughter of William Alfred Guiou, who came to Grand Island in 1891 and engaged in the lumber business. Mr. and Mrs. McElroy have four children: Tom, Frances, Robert and Elizabeth, all of whom live at home. The family belongs to the Episcopal church and both Mr. and Mrs. McElroy have been very active, particularly in all that pertains to the church music, Mr. McElroy being a member of the first vested choir.

Mr. McElroy is a member of the Spanish- American War, and has heartily and conscientiously entered into the various patriotic movements that the World War brought to the watchful attention of loyal Americans. He has military rank as a first lieutenant in the Home Guards, has served on the Liberty Loan committees, and is a member of the State Council of Defense. His political views make him a zealous Republican and for a number of years he has been actively interested in local political questions and has been committeeman of his ward. He is a member of the fraternal order of Elks, while in Masonry he has been advanced to high position, being a Knight Templar and a Shriner, past high priest and past eminent commander.

HENRY W. LOCKE, one of the younger business men of Grand Island, devotes himself closely to his rapidly growing photographic business, which he has maintained since 1915. He has shown himself enterprising, industrious and reliable, and has many personal as well as business friends in this city.

Henry W. Locke was bom in Prussia, August 1, 1890, a son of William and Anna (Pfautsch) Locke, natives of Prussia, the latter of whom died in 1902. Mr. Locke has a younger brother. Otto Locke,' who served in the German army during the World War. The father of Mr. Locke carries on an extensive plumbing business, in Prussia, giving employment to twenty-five men. He is a member of the Lutheran church.

After his period of school attendance was over in the elementary and high schools, Henry W. Locke entered the college from which he subsequently was graduated, after which he served four years in the navy and was then in the merchant marine service. This led to his attending a school of navigation and the securing of his license as an officer in the merchant marine. In 1911 he came to the United States landing at New York, in which city he remained for a time before coming to Nebraska. In 1915 he opened his photographic studio in Grand Island, and the artistic excellence of his work has made a favorable impression, bringing merited prosperity.

In 1915 Mr. Locke married Miss Marie Lohmann, who was born at Grand Island, Nebraska, a daughter of Fred Lohmann, who is associated with Herman Hehnke in the hardware business in this city. Mr. and ^Irs." Locke have two children : Frederick and Herbert. The family attends the Lutheran church. Mr. Locke is a Knight Templar, a member of the Elks, a Thirty-second degree Mason, and a Shriner. He gives his political support to the Democratic party.

MATTHEUS RAUERT. - An unusuaHy interesting story might be made, if details were known, of the life of Mattheus Rauert, who is one of the wealthy retired citizens of Grand Island, for it would tell of the steps by which a poor boy, early left fatherless in a strange land, made his way from the humblest circumstances to real affluence. j\Ir. Rauert is known and respected all over Hall County, where he has spent the greater part of his life.

Mattheus Rauert, like his parents, was bom in Holstein, then a part of Denmark, November 2, 1853. Their names were Jack and Anna (Madiensen) Rauert, and four others of their children are living: Nicholas, who lives at Grand Island ; James, who also lives retired at Grand Island; Jack, a citizen of Idaho ; and George, who resides in Praire Creek township. Hall County. In Denmark the father followed the business of fitting straw roofs on houses, but when he came to the United States with his family, in 1866, and immediately to Hall County, it was with the intention of becoming a farmer. He was taken ill, however, and died that year, leaving his family without any resources except what mother and children could provide for themselves. It was a hard situation to face, but the mother was a woman of resourcefulness and great strength of character, and she had trained her children to be thrifty as well as industrious.

Alattheus Rauert had limited educational advantages in his native land and later some schooling in Hall County but settlers were iew in the early years and opportunities for and kind of social life were meager. The boy played with Lidian children and grew to understand their language and ways. Alattheus was engaged in the retail meat business at Grand Island for four years but realized the opportunities offered by agricultural pursuits and bought a fami. He has always been a good business man and from the first was successful in his agricultural operations, which was ably demonstrated by the fact that before he retired he had become the owner of 720 acres of finely improved land, together with his handsome residence in Grand Island, in which he now lives.

December 3, 1878, Mattheus Rauert was united in marriage to Miss Elsie Sieck, who was born in Germany, October 6, 1853, whose parents were natives of Germany. To Mr. and- Mrs. Rauert four children have been bom : Charles, who, with his brothers, August and Richard L., carry on farming on the old home place, and Minnie, who is the wife of Fred Moller. Mr. Rauert has witnessed the great changes that have come in farm life, machinery taking the place of the horse and ox teams of the early days.

CHARLES J. PALjMER, who is an enterprising and prosperous business man of Grand Island, and an active and reputable citizen, was born in this city, July 10, 1882. He is the son of Hiram J. Palmer, a sketch of whom will be found in this work.

Charles J. Palmer attended the public schools of Grand Island and later had further educational advantages in the Baptist College. He has always been industrious, starting into business in boyhood and pursuing different lines as opportunity oft'ered in his home surroundings. He then went to Oklahoma, where he remained for a number of years. During that period he was interested in raising thoroughbred Poland China hogs. In 1905 he returned to Grand Island to become manager of an independent telephone company. He established the Palmer Delivery Company and since February, 1916, he has done a heavy ice business, probably having the largest trade in this necessary commodity in Grand Island.

Mr. Palmer married, July 15, 1904, Miss Olga F. Stolley, who is a daughter of William Stolley, a very early settler in Hall - County. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have three children: Lillian, Grace, and Richard Hiram, both daughters being in school. Mr. Palmer has always subscribed to the principles of the Republican party. Pie is a member of several fraternal organizations, belonging to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, No. 604, Grand Island, and the Loyal Order of Moose.

CHARLES I. McAllister, active in business circles at Grand Island, belongs to an old and prominent pioneer family. He was born in Grand Island, July 23, 1882, a son of Robert Henry and Mary (Frasier) ]\IcAllister, and a grandson of William McAllister, who was one of the earliest settlers in Merrick County. It is a part of local history that William McAllister was instrumental in establishing old Fort Sour Kraut, which was a haven to which the pioneers hurried when there was danger from the Indians. Late in life he removed to Grand Island and died there.

Robert Henry McAllister, father of Charles I., was born in Iowa, being a young child when his parents brought him to Nebraska. He was reared on his father's pioneer farm in Merrick County, from which he came to Hall County and /settled in Gr'and IsH,and where he engaged in building and contracting, erecting many of the first structures in this city. Later he was in the well digging and pump business. In 1883 he established the hardware business which has been carried on by the family up to the present time. He was not only an enterprising business man but was also active in civic affairs, and was a member of the city council for nine years. In politics he was a Republican; in religion an Episcopalian, and fraternally he belonged to the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the A. O. U. W. His death occurred in Grand Island in July, 1917. He married in this city Mary Frasier, who was born in Indiana. They had four children : Robert, in the hardware business in Grand Island ; Charles I., in the hardware business here; Wray, the wife of J. F. Egan, a traveling salesman for Swift & Company, and Mable, the wife of Walter Knicely, who is in the real estate business at Hastings, Nebraska.

store, being trained there along commercial lines, continuing until he enlisted for service in the World War, to receive his military training at Camp Pike, Arkansas. He was honorably discharged December 14, 1918. With his mother and brother Robert, he ow^ns the hardware business established by his father. In politics he is a Republican, and fraternally belongs to the local lodge of Elks.

ROBERT N. McAllister, part proprietor of the leading hardware store at Grand Island, and president of the Hardware Association of the State of Nebraska, is one of Grand Island's active and influential business men. He has been identified with this line of endeavor since early boyhood and his election to the office of head of the representative body in the state, indicates the esteem in which he is held by his associates.

Robert N. McAllister was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, July 9, 1881, a son of Robert H. and Mary ' (Frasier) McAllister. His father was born in Iowa and his mother in Indiana. Robert H. McAllister was brought to Nebraska in childhood by his father, William McAllister, who was among the first pioneers in Merrick County, securing a homestead there when many Indians yet remained in that section. Robert H. Mc- Allister became a man of prominence and capital in Grand Island, where he resided for many years, passing away in July, 1917. Of his four children, Robert N. was the first born.

Mr. McAllister obtained his education in the public schools and began to assist his father in the hardware store in boyhood, his father encouraging him in thrifty habits by paying a slight wage. Robert invested his savings in a building and loan association. In 1904 he became his father's partner and since the latter's death, the business has become the joint property of Robert N. and Charles I. McAllister and their mother. It is one of the largest hardware houses in Hall County.

On May 17, 1916, Mr. McAllister married Miss Rhoda D. Campbell, who was born in Pennsylvania. Mrs. McAllister belongs to the noble sisterhood of trained nurses and recently, during the influenza epidemic, rendered invaluable professional service in Grand Island. As a captain of Company M, Fifth Nebraska National Guards, Mr. ' McAllister served on the Mexican border from July 14, 1916, to February, 1917. He is a Royal Arch Mason, an Odd Fellow and has represented his lodge at the Grand Lodge, and an Elk.

He is a Republican in politics and has always taken an active interest in home afifairs, at one time accepting the position of chief of the fire department. He has represented the hardware state body in conventions in four states, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa and Colorado.

HARRY A. CAREY, a progressive and substantial business man of Grand Island and an expert in watch and jewelry repairing, came to this city in 1903 and since that time has been identified with this trade, having become the senior partner in the well known firm of Carey & Nietfield. They have a large, well stocked jewelry store, an efficient repair department and their judgment is relied on when jewelry values are under consideration.

Harry A. Carey was born at Walnut, Pottawattamie County, Iowa, in 1882. His parents are W. A. and Rose (Woods) Carey, who reside at Walnut, his father being a retired farmer. Of their three children, Harry A. is the oldest, the others being: Pearl, the wife of Victor Kreitz, of Des Moines, Iowa; and Gladys, the wife of Otto Hennings, a farmer in Pottawattamie County, Iowa.

Mr. Carey had public school advantages, being graduated from the Walnut High School in 1899. He was permitted to choose his own vocation and as he had a natural leaning toward mechanics, he decided to learn watchmaking and for that purpose entered a watch factory at Peoria, IlKnois. From there he came to Grand Island in 1903 and for the nine succeeding years worked for the well known jeweler. Max Egge. In 1912 Mr. Carey formed a business partnership with W. D. Nietfield, an association which has been continued along expanding lines ever since, under the firm style of Carey & Nietfield.

Mr. Carey married in 1903, Miss Edith Broughton, who was born at Walnut, Iowa. They have two daughters, Martha Janette and Mary Jane. In politics Mr. Carey is a Republican and is always prepared to defend his convictions but has never been active in public matters. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and also is a member of the Elks.

JOHN SASS, who worthily bears an old Hall County name, has spent almost his entire life here, although he was born in Wyoming, May 10, 1871. He was the second child in a family of nine, his parents being Detlef and Eliza (Kuhl) Sass, natives of Germany. The mother of Mr. Sass still survives, residing today on the old family homestead in Hall County. The father, a sturdy pioneer, came to Nebraska in early manhood, being one of the first nine men to settle in Hall County. He was married here and then removed to Wyoming, where the following five years were spent. On his return to Hall County he took up a homestead two miles southwest of Grand Island. He remained on that place for a number of years, devoting himself to its improvement. His death occurred in Oregon. During life he voted with the Democratic party, and with his wife belonged to the Lutheran church.

John , Sass attended the Grand Island schools, and having an inclination toward commercial life, attended a business college for two terms. For a number of years, however, he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, living on the farm. In the meanwhile he was wide awake to business opportunity and later accepted the management of the Third City Bottling Works which he has conducted with marked success to the present time. He has also had much to do with the rapid growth of 'the automobile industry in Hall County, and for some time has been very successful in handling, as agent, the Chevrolet cars. This encouraging prosperity has led to a recent business undertaking by which he has become district agent for twenty counties for the incomparable Allis-Chalmers Tractor, with the expectation of vigorously carrying on his activities in the near future.

^Ir. Sass married in June, 1916, Miss Winnie Schirkofsky, who was born in Germany, a daughter of William Schirkofsky, who now lives in Grand Island. Mr. and Mrs. Sass have no children. He is prominent in the councils of the Democratic party in Hall County and in 1915 was elected supervisor and was re-elected in 1917, an office he still efiiciently fills. He belongs to the Sons of Herman, to the Liederkranz and the Low Dutch Society.

KRANK O. KUNZE. - In Frank Kunze, proprietor of a fine harware business in Grand Island, is found a self-made man, one who has built up his fortunes through his own unassited eft'orts, which, as many men will testify, is not an easy thing to accomplish. It requires courage, industry and often the closest economy to get even an appreciable start in life, and those who do succeed should be given much credit when compared with those who have advanced under easier circumstances. Mr. Kunze has always been a busv man and has been connected with several

Frank Kunze was born in Saxony, Germany, May 29th, 1874. His parents were Julius and Caroline (Esche) Kunze, also natives of Germany, who spent their lives in their native land. They reared seven children of whom Frank and Reinhardt were the only ones to come to the United States. The latter is a substantial farmer in Hall County. The brothers were ambitious, attended school and worked on their father's farm in Germany. In 1894 Frank Kunze came alone to the United States immediately locating in Grand Island. For the first two years following he worked at such odd jobs as he could find and afterward was employed for three years on a farm. Subsequently he was engaged by Fred Roth as a barkeeper remaining with him four years before he embarked in the saloon business for himself, remaining in the retail liquor business in this city for the next nine years. In 1911 Mr. Kunze purchased the hardware store of Rudolph Pistorius and immediately began to add to his stock, open up new lines of trade, a policy he has continued and now has the satisfaction of knowing that in five years he has increased the volume of his business fully 200 per cent.

Mr. Kunze married, in 1904, Miss Louisa Engel, who was born in South Dakota, a daughter of August Engel, who came to Hall County in the early days, driving an ox team. He worked at the carpenter trade in Grand Island for some years and then went to South Dakota prospecting for gold and while there Mrs. Kunze was born. Later he returned to Grand Island and now lives with Mr. and Mrs. Kunze, who have two children : Clayton, who is eight years old, and Hazel, aged six years.

Mr. Kunze is a sound Requblican but has never been wilHng to accept a public office other than in a fratenral organization, serving eight years as secretary of the Sons of Herman, and at different times has held the office of president of the Liederkranz Society. He is a member and liberal supporter of the Lutheran church.

LOUIS E. UPPERMAN, an enterprising business man and dependable citizen of Grand Island, has been a resident of Hall County for many years, ably assisting in the development of prominent enterprises here, one of these being the implement business in which he was associated with George A. Leiser.

County, Ohio, August 26, 1856, the son of Conrad and CaroHne (Baumgarden) Upperman, both of whom were born in Germany. The mother was brought to the United States by her parents in childhood, while the father came later in young manhood. After reaching America he conducted hotels at Piqua and St. Mary's, Ohio. Mr. Upperman's mother died when he was eighteen months old, in consequence he was reared by his maternal grandfather, Frederick Baumgarden. His one sister, Emma, is the wife of John Mader, a farmer in Hall County. The parents were members of the Lutheran church.

Mr. Upperman attended the district scho^/ls when he was a boy but had no unusual i;ducational advantages. He grew up on his grandfather's farm bul^ was ambitious and started out for himself working by the month on farms until 1880, when he came to Hall County, purchasing school land. During the seven years he hved on this farm he endured the usual hardships of that early day and perhaps it was the realization of the necessity of good water for stock that turned his attention to the well and pump business. At the end of seven years in the country Mr. Upperman removed to Grand Island, engaged in the pump business which prospered and gradually began the handling of farm implements, subsequently entering into partnership with George A. Leiser. The firm name was Upperman & Leiser; the business had expanded until they had one of the largest houses in their line in the country. They erected a commodious and convenient building, with dimensions of sixty-six by one hundred and ten feet, two stories high with full basement using the entire structure. Having acquired a comfortable competency by industry and a successful business career, Mr. Upperman retired from active participation in business in 1919.

In 1881 occured the marriage of Louis Upperman to Miss Amy Haynes, who was born in Ohio. Tliey have one daughter, Lillie, who resides with her parents. Mr. Upperman and family belong to the Congregational church. In politics he is a Republican, and fraternally is an Odd Fellow.

J. B. PIZER, one of the leading merchants of Grand Island, has, through resistless energy and remarkably good management, within a space of eight years built up one of the largest mercantile concerns in Hall County. Before coming to this section he had been identified with the same business interests in

J. B. Pizer was born in Russian Poland, in 1866. His parents were Samuel and Rachel (Winlekman) Pizer, both of whom were born in the same province as their son and there the mother died. In those days the father was a man of means, having a large fann, keeping a store and lending money. Of the twelve children in the family six came to the United States, of whom four survive: Julius, who may be the wealthiest man in Lincoln County, a merchant, banker, ranch owner and stockman, living at North Platte ; Simon, a merchant at Sargent, Nebraska; Peter, a business man of Detroit, Michigan; and J. B.. who resides in Grand Island. Sol and Philip Pizer, oldeil brothers, came to the United States prior to 1898, the former having served in the Russian army throughout the Russohjapan war. He emigrated to the United States but three years later returned to Russia. At the outbreak of the World War he again entered the Russian army and the last time his American relatives heard from him, he wa^ held a prisoner of war in Germany. They have little hope that he is still living after life in a German prison camp. When Philip Pizer came to the United States he soon located in Waxcohe, Texas, where he engaged in merchandising until his death.

J. B. Pizer was but eighteen years of age when he left Poland alone to carve a career for himself in the United States. He knew nothing of the English language but had been carefully instructed in the Hebrew schools as his people belonged to the old order of the Jewish synagogue. With the quick intelligence that marks his race, Mr. Pizer rapidly assimilated knowledge, learning to accommodate himself to American customs. He settled first at North Platte, Nebraska, where he engaged in merchandising, going from there to Arcadia, where he conducted a store for three years, moving then to Sargent, where he was in the same business for the next three years. Mr. Pizer then embarked in the mercantile business in Hastings, purchasing the Davis store already established. He made a specialty of dealing in clothing, condvicting a large and satisfactory business during the next fifteen years. Later he added ladies' wear to his other lines. This store is now conducted by Mr. Pizer's son. After looking over the business field for a short time at Portland, Oregon, Mr. Pizer came back to Nebraska, buying in 1910 the M. Aven & Co. "Ready-to-Wear" store, since which time he has enlarged his quarters and expanded his stock until he now carries an extensive line of -desirable goods conforming in every way to modern accepted styles.

Air. Pizer married, in 1890, Miss Fannie Stock, of Detroit, INIichigan, who died in 1895, leaving two children : Philip, who has charge of the Hastings store, and Slildred, who lives at home. Mr. Pizer married a second time, in 1898, ]\Iiss Hattie Strieker, of Denver, Colorado. One son, Joseph, was born to this union, who is associated with his father in business, having just returned from a military school at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mr. Pizer and his family reside in their handsome residence on Walnut street, Grand Island. They belong to the Jewish congregation. In politics he is a Requblican, and fraternally is identified with the Elks, and the Modem Woodmen.

GEORGE J. BAUMANN, one of the oldest residents of Grand Island, was born and reared in this city, having been concerned in business enterprises here for many years. He has, also, served most acceptably in public office. Few men are better known in this section and none have a higher reputation for trustworthiness. Mr. Baumann is proprietor of the leading undertaking establishment at Grand Island.

George J. Baumann was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, jNIarch 24, 1873, a son of Henr\' and Martha (Preiss) Baumann, who came from Germany to Grand Island in 1866, being married here and reared a family of nine children : August, assistant post master of Grand Island for a number of years ; George J., who lives in Grand Island; Oscar and Herman, twins, both of whom are in the drug business, the former at Lincoln and the latter in Grand Island ; Nora, residing with her mother in California, is engaged in the millinery business; Anna, assistant auditor for a creamer)' company, lives in California ; Henrietta, associated with her sister in business, also lives in California ; and two children who died. The father of this family was a tailor in Grand Island who died here when his children were yet young. He was a member of the Catholic church.

The early death of his father placed heavy responsibilities on George J. Baumann in boyhood, and in order to meet these he worked industriously at various occupations, among them selling newspapers. Later he entered a photographic studio to learn the business, in which he continued for twenty-five years ; subsequently he conducted a store for two and a half years before accepting a position as commercial traveler for two years. Upon leaving the road he invested in an installment furniture house, buying the outstanding contracts, a business he conducted with marked success for three years. In 1913, in partnership with F. M. O'Malley, he engaged in the undertaking business, subsequently purchasing Mr. O'Malley's interest, and in September, 1917, formed his present partnership with F. G. Evans. They conduct an excellent undertaking business. Mr. Baumann is a registered embalmer, having attended the Des Moines School of Undertaking.

In November, 1904, occurred the marriage of Mr. Baumann and Miss Jaunita ]\Ietcalf, who was born at Laramie, Wyoming. Her father, A. J. Metcalf, is now a resident of Grand Island but formerly was engaged in the cattle industry in Wyoming. Mr. and Mrs. Baumann have four children ; Alfonso, John, Mary Juanita and Henry Bruce. The two older children are attending school. Mr. Baumann and his family are members of the Catholic church. In politics he is a Democrat. He has always felt the responsibility of citizenship, responding cheerfully to public demands upon his time, having served in local of^ces and has been both coroner and deputy coroner of Hall County. He belongs to the Yeomen, the Royal Highlanders, the Elks and the Knights of Columbus, being financial secretary of the last named organization.

ALFRED ANDERSON, veterinarian, has been engaged in the practice of his profession at Grand Island for a decade having built up a substantial reputation in this branch of medical science. His patronage comes from all over Hall County and on many occasions he has been of the greatest service to stock and cattle raisers.

Alfred Anderson was born June 17, 1874, in Seward County, Nebraska, a son of George W. and Anna R. (Kesselring) Anderson. They were natives of Pennslvania, bom, reared and married there, but desiring a wider field in a new country came to Nebraska, reaching Seward County in 1874, where the father took up a homestead, living on original grant until his death, having been for many years in very comfortable circumstances. He was a Republican in his political views and served in such public offices as road overseer, belonged to the order of Odd Fellows and was a faithful member of the United Brethren church. The mother of Dr. Anderson now lives in Seward. They had fifteen children,

Dr. Anderson attended the pubhc school named after his father, situated in the country two and a half miles west of Seward. He spent his earlier years on the farm and then took charge of the Seward Cereal mill, operating the same for seven years. In 1907 he entered the Kansas City Veterinary College as a student, being graduated from that institution in 1909, immediately coming to Grand Island to establish himself in his chosen profession.

In 1900 Dr. Anderson was married to Miss Mary Sanders, who was born at Bee, Nebraska. In politics Dr. Anderson is a Republican, and fraternally he belongs to the Elks and the Modern Woodmen.

EDWARD FRANCIS YOUNKIN. - The wholesale produce business is an essential part of a modern commercial life. To conduct it profitably, aside from the heavy initial investment, a dealer must possess a large amount of business wisdom, including a knowledge of the fluctuating markets of the world. An extensives enterprise of this kind is carried on in Grand Island by Edward F. Younkin, who is a heavy buyer of general produce which he ships both east and west. Like many another successful business man of today, Mr. Younkin has been the unassisted builder of his own fortune.

Edward F. Younkin was born in Davis County, Iowa, December 20, 1868. His parents were Moses and Fannie (Turner) Younkin, natives of the Keystone state, who in their youth came to Iowa where they met and were married. They had twelve children ; three of the six survivors live in Grand Island; Edward F., William S. and Albert T. The parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The father belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was a Republican in politics. He died on his farm in Iowa.

The country schools of Davis County, Iowa,, provided Mr. Younkin with a fair working education, and he remained on the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he went to Kansas and there became interested as buyer and shipper of poultry, working in this industry for different firms for five or six years. Realizing the profits to be made in this line, about 1901 Mr. Younkin embarked in the business for himself but prior to 1903 was a transcient buyer of car load lots throughout Nebraska and Kansas. When Mr. Younkin came here in 1903, he determined to make this city his ' headquarters because of the excellent shipping facilities afforded. In 1904 he embarked in a general produce business as a wholesale operator. Since then he has built up an immense concern, regularly shipping car load lots to New York City and to San Francisco. As his interests expanded Mr. Younkin needed assistance and now has his two brothers associated with him in the wholesale house. They both live in Grand Island.

Mr. Younkin married in 1903, Miss Gertrude Crawford of Grand Island, a daughter of G. S. Crawford, one of the older residents of this city, who conducted a meat business here for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Younkin have two children : Edyth and Thoel, both of whom attend the public schools. Mr. Younkin is a Republican in politics but has always found his business too engrossing to permit acceptance of any public responsibility beyond that carried by every loyal and public spirited citizen. He belongs to the order of Elks and to the Liederkranz, in Grand Island.