Hall County, Nebraska - Chapter 28, 1920 (part 1 of 16)

Chapter 28

FRED HEDDE, whose name at one time represented some of Grand Island's most important interests, passed out of life in honorable old age, leaving behind him many material evidences of business enterprise and efficiency and a record of vigorous and upright manhood and useful citizenship.

Fred Hedde was born in one of the provinces of Germany, September 11, 1818. He had better educational opportunities than had many in his class in life and was permitted to develop his talents along the lines of his ambition, so that, when he came to the United States, at the age of thirty-six, he was already an experienced practitioner in the law. He was one of the intelligent, thinking men who left Germany in 1854, seeking a wider freedom in America. After reaching the United States he settled in the city of Davenport, Iowa, but in 1857 he decided on an agricultural life and located on a farm in Hall County, near Wood River. The quiet routine however of farm life very soon grew too monotonous for a man of such brilliant mind, and in a very short time he gave up rural activities and came to Grand Island. As he was possessed of capital, and was far-sighted in a business way, he invested in property, buying the corner lot on Third and Locust streets, for which he paid $2,000. On this land he afterwards put up a substantial threestory building, which is occupied by prominent business firms on the ground floor, while the upper stories are utilized as business offices. Before leaving Germany, Mr. Hedde had been a contributor to the newspapers ; this love for joiu-nalism remained with him and when the opportunity came for the purchase of the Grand Island Independent, he rescued it from bankruptcy. Subsequently he founded the Daily Independent and conducted this newspaper with ability for many years, finally selling it in 1891 to a stock company. He was a Republican of sturdy type but never accepted political honors of any kind. He was a generous, charitable man, a member and liberal sustainer of the Lutheran church, but in his religious life as in other ways, he was always liberal-minded. His life was extended beyond that of many of his contemporaries, his death occuring in 1908.

In 1884 Mr. Hedde married Miss Louise Spethman, who was born in Germany and was brought to America by her parents when a child of five years. They were John and Melvina (Spethman) Spethman, who settled first in Iowa but came later to Nebraska and both died in this state. Mrs. Hedde is a member of the English Lutheran church. She is a woman of many accomplishments and since the death of Mr. Hedde has developed surprising business capacity. Disposing of her newspaper interests in the stock company, she took charge of the property and through her practical management and excellent judgment, has added greatly to its value and extension. Entirely on her own initiative, she has built a large annex to the building formerly mentioned and has fitted it up in first class modern style, making this corner a creditable index of the city's business prosperity. She is interested in many charities and especially in those at the present time connected with war work, her interest in»tlie same has justly been stimulated because seven of her nephews are serving in the United States army. The names of these young heroes are: Albert and Walter Fretag. the former bearing the rank of lieutenant,Frank Spethman, Arthur Roeser, Henr}' Vieregg, and Fred and William Houck. Another military man in the family is Mrs, Hedde's brother. Leopold Spethman, who was a soldier in 1861 in the Union army in the Civil War.

ROBERT J. BARR. - "The boy is the father of the man," is a quotation with which every one is familiar, and impresses one with the importance of giving the boys every advantage in the matter of precept and education. That this was realized in the early days as well as at the present time, may be gleaned from the stories told by the early settlers, who, in relating their experiences in the early settlement of the county, tell us that the first thing they did after the home was provided was to arrange for a place for the children to attend school. In view of the fact that large sums are expended to provide buildings and equipment, how necessary it is that care be taken to provide competent instructors in our institutions of learning. To have served a community like Grand Island for thirty-seven years as head of its public school system, is at once conclusive evidence of ability and a duty well performed. The subject of this record has been superintendent of the Grand Island public schools continuously since 1882, and we doubt if such a case is known of elsewhere.

Robert J. Barr is a native of Michigan, and was born at Grand Rapids, October 29, 1849. His parents were Jackson B. and LaMantha (Brink) Barr, and were farming people who spent their entire lives in Michigan. Their son received his education in the public schools of central Michigan, and taught his first school in 1868, when only nineteen years of age. He graduated from the State Normal College in 1873, and from that time to the present day has devoted himself entirely to educational work. After having charge of various schools in his native state, he came to Grand Island in 1882, and has been continuously at the head of the city's public school system since that time. Under his management the schools have taken front rank among the schools of the state, and their reputation has added largely to the attendance from outside districts.

September 4, 1878, Mr. Barr was married to Miss Eva A. Bellows, and they have one son, Dr. Albert S. who enlisted in September, 1917, and, after service in the hospitals of Camp Greenleaf, Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, and Camp Greene, Charlotte, North Carolina, was over seas in the hospitals in France, where he served a year.

Mr. Barr is a republican in politics and a Mason, belonging to Ashlar Lodge No. 33 A. F. & A. M., Deuel Chapter No. 11, R. A. M., Mt. Lebanon Commandery No. 6 and Tangier Temple. Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

HON. OTHMAN A. ABBOTT. - A member of one of the oldest American families, an honored veteran of the Civil War, an exmember of the Nebraska Senate, first lieutenant-governor of this state, and a leading member of the legal profession, Hon. Othman A. Abbott occupies a distinguished place among his fellow-men and is justly accounted one of the foremost of Grand Island's distinguished citizens. He was born September 19, 1842, at Hatley, County Stanstead, Quebec, Canada, a son of Abiel B. and Sarah (Young) Abbott, and is directly descended from ancestors who came from England to America as early as 1643. In that year they settled at Andover, Massachusetts, where the old Abbott homestead is one of the famous landmarks of the country, and after two and threequarters centuries, still remains in the hands of the same family. This family has contributed many brilliant and distinguished men and women to the professions, not the least of whom is Othman A. Abbott, of Grand Island.

From the home in Canada, where the family had temporarily resided, the parents of Judge Abbott removed to DeKalb County, Illinois, and there the youth divided his time between work on the home farm and attendance at the local schools, including the high school at Belvidere. He was still residing there at the outbreak of the Civil War, and in 1861 enlisted in Company I, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, beginning a military career which lasted four years, three months and twenty- nine days, which was crowded with feats of courage, soldierly conduct and absolute fidelity to duty. His early military experiences included participation in the battles of General Curtis' campaign in Missouri and Arkansas, and subsequently his regiment was assigned to the guarding of the Memphis & Charlestown Railway. He was wounded in the right arm at Pontotoc, Mississippi, and was subsequently with General Thomas at Nashville, at which battle he received his second wound, a gun-shot through the left side. His gallantry and valor had earned recognition even before this, and February 23, 1865 he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant, his advancement to the rank of first lieutenant coming May 23d following. His record throughout the long period of his service was one filled with brave and daring deeds.

While in the army he found time from his duties to commence the study of law, and after receiving his honorable discharge, upon his return to Belvidere he entered the office of Ira M. Moore, where he spent two more years in preparation. He was duly admitted to the bar in 1867, and not long thereafter came to Nebraska selecting Grand Island as his home, a community in which he was des- tined to establish a name and reputation far beyond that of many contemporaries. His legal acumen and ability soon brought him to the forefront among the younger lawyers of his day, and as he took an interest and active part in republican politics, in 1871 he was elected as a member of the Constitutional Convention. The following year he was chosen to complete an unexpired term in the State Senate, and in 1875 he was again elected a member of the Constitutional Convention. By this time he had become a figure of state-wide reputation, and in 1876 was elected as the first lieutenant-governor of Nebraska, in which office he discharged his duties with dignity and distinguished ability. He has also served as county attorney of Hall County, and numerous other honors have come to him in recognition of his great abilities and splendid personal qualities. For a number of years past he has devoted himself exclusively to the practicing of law, and is ranked among the most capable members of his profession in his part of the state.

Judge Abbott married, February 9, 1873, Miss Elizabeth M. Griffin, of Sycamore, Illinois, a woman in every way qualified to be the helpmate of so capable a man. She is a graduate of Rockford (Illinois) College, and a woman of marked intellectuality and literary ability, who has been president of the Grand Island Library Board since its organization. Four children have been born to Judge and Mrs. Abbott: Othman A. Jr., a court reporter ; Edith, a writer and educator of Chicago, and one of the heads of the School of Civics and Philanthropy under the Sage and Carnegie foundations, holding chairs in civics and philanthropy at the University of Chicago, one of whose several books, "Women in Industry," has been favorably received by press and public ; Grace, recently an advisor for the War Labor Policy Board, at Washington, D. C. She is a graduate of the College at Grand Island and of the State University, and for many years was superintendent of the League for the Protection of Immigrants established and maintained by weahhy Chicago people. Later she was appointed as assistant of Miss Lathrop to enforce the child labor law, afterward held unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of the United States, and is now under employment of War Labor Board in connection with her labor in children's bureau. Miss Abbott was sent to Europe by the government with Miss Lathrop and is still in Europe but expects to return soon ; and Arthur G., a graduate of the University of Chicago, class of 1906, who after several years of law

Mrs. Abbott is a member of the Unitarian church. The Judge is a Scottish Rite Mason and belongs to the Loyal Legion and the Grand Army of the Republic. He is a firm supporter of the principles of the Republican party.

HON. GEORGE C. HUMPHREY. - The name of Humphrey or Humphreys, is a very old and honorable English name, derived from the first name Humphrey. This is one of the several names of Germanic origin beginning with the syllable, hun or hum, supposed by some to be derived from the old race of Huns. The fact seems to be however, that it was taken from the old word "Hun" meaning stake, which was used as a weapon or support. The compound Hunifred, which was the earliest form of Humphrey, means support of peace.

Although at the present time there seems to be a somewhat differentiation between the name Humphrey and Humphreys, the distinction was not drawn in this country until a recent date, and many times different sons of the same father would use the two forms.

The most extensive branch of the family in the new world look to one Michael Humphrey for the origin of the name on these shores. He came here some time about 1643 : not for religious motives - for he styled himself a "Member of the Church of England" - but for motives of self betterment. His home in England was Lyme, Dorsetshire, where his father Samuel, and his mother Susannah, long hoped and prayed for their son's return.

Michael settled in Massaco, now known as Simsbury, Mass., and married Susannah Grant. Her father was a man of property in Simsbury, of whom General U. S. Grant was the seventh! in descent. Michael and Susannah's seven children all married, the five daughters uniting with the families of Lewis, Bumham, Shipman, Graham, and Bull. Their sons. Sergeant John, who was born in 1650, and Lieutenant Samuel, who was bom in 1656, married Marry Mills, and Hannah Griffin respectively. Lieutenant Samuel was the great grandfather of Benjamin Humphrey, who was the father of William Humphrey, who was the father of Benjamin Humphrey, born in Steuben County, New York, in the year 1805, and the father of George C. Humphrey, subject of this sketch, who was bom at Coolville, Athens County, Ohio, January 28, 1846. His mother's maiden name was

Anna Oakley. Of this family there were thirteen children, nine sons and four daughters namely, William Bennett, Miles Oakley, Susannah, Mary Jane, Abraham, Elihu Lewis, John Pratt. Mathew Dodder, Francis Marion, Benjamin, George Currier, Charlotte Ann, and Caroline Alice. The ancient arms of the Humphrey family in England are blazoned: sable, three ostrich feathers argent : the crest is a demi-griffin, wings holding between claws, ducal crown.

Benjamin Humphrey, George's father, died January 4, 1850, and his mother passed from life October 12, 1859. George at the age of five years, was bound out to Josephus Tucker - second cousin of J. Randolph Tucker of Revolutionary fame at whose home he remained until thirteen years of age, then resided with James Elliott one year, then with Jacob Smith one and a half years; leaving on November 14, 1861, he enlisted at Camp Wool, Athens, Ohio, as a private in Company B 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry for three years, being at the time fifteen years, nine months and sixteen days of age. He was discharged January 1, 1864, at Folly Island, Couth Carolina. Reenlisted on the same date for the duration of the war, receiving his final discharge May 19, 1865, at the cessation of hostilities, having served three years six months and five days.

George Humphrey was promoted to the rank of corporal November 20, 1862 - on July 2, 1863, he was captured at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, being helcl a prisoner thirty days, eleven days of that time on Belle Island near Richmond, Virginia. Upon his release he was again advanced, being appointed sergeant August 31, 1864.

During his life in the army he was engaged in the battles of Monterey, Shaws Ridge, McDowell, Franklin, Strasburgh, Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, Freeman's Ford, White Sulphur Springs, Waterloo Bridge, Second Bull Run, Aldie, and Chancellorsville, Virginia, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Camp Baldwin, Gainsville, Florida, and Johns Island, S. C, but was never wounded. In February, 1866, he left Ohio for Junction City, Kansas, where he remained until June of that year, going thence to Newton, Iowa, remaining there until February, 1874, when he removed to Nebraska. He married Miss Margaret Jane Parrott at her home near Coolville, Ohio, November 5, 1868. To reach his bride he drove alone with a mule team and spring wagon from Iowa to Ohio in twenty-two days, was married and started back on November 8, having his wife and her sister Caroline along on the return journey, arriving at his home in Iowa, December 5, 'having spent twenty-six days on the way - camping out every night ! Some honeymoon ?

Of this union there were born five sons and four daughters, Charles J., George H., Florence Gertrude, Paul V., Mary O., J. Leslie, Anna Maude, Claude T. and Iva Blanche. All the children are living except Anna Maude who died in 1886. Mr. Humphrey filed on a one hundred and sixty acre homestead, N. E. 1/4 section 22-9-10 South Platte Township, Hall County, March 4, 1874, later he purchased from the Union Pacific Railroad Company S. E. 1/4 section 15, adjoining the old homestead and still owns the same property. Mrs. Humphrey died February 15, 1899. As his farm was rented he moved to Grand Island in October, 1901. He remarried in Omaha January 18, 1902, Mrs. Charlotte D. Flowers, who died March 13, 1916. There were no children by the second wife.

Mr. Humphrey has held the following offices in Hall County: member county board of supervisors, 1894-1895, representative 27th Session of Nebraska Legislature, 1901, deputy collector internal revenue. District of Nebraska, 1902 to" 1915 inclusive, a period of service lasting thirteen years and seven months.

He( was elected county assessor of Hall County in the fall of 1916, for a term of four years. He is not an educated man, not having had the advantage of a high school or college course; having had only a common school education such as was provided in schools in those early days, perhaps but three months in the winter, and a part of three months in the summer. He attended one term the winter of 1865-1866, after the war closed. Observation and experience in and of the world is a very good teacher, so it is often found, and Mr. Humphrey availed himself of every advantage for self improvement.

In politics, a staunch Republican, he was just old enough to cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. In religion, a Protestant, he was a charter member of the First Congregational church of Doniphan Nebraska, but is now a member of the First Congregational church in Grand Island.

He was instrumental in securing an appropriation from the City of Grand Island for the beautiful Soldiers and Sailors monument which was erected on the Court House grounds in 1913. A generous man, he is always ready to contribute to funds for any good purpose in the city or elsewhere. At the present time he resides at 103 East Eighth street, with his two daughters Gertrude and Blanche.

ERNEST WEBSTER AUGUSTINE. - Among the younger generation of Grand Island business men who have not only taken a prominent part in commercial affairs but have also contributed of their abilities, enthusiasm and energies to the forwarding of civic matters and general movements for the public welfare, one of the more prominent is E. W. Augustine, general manager of the Augustine Company, manufacturers of art calendars and advertising specialties. He is a native son of Nebraska, born at Bruning, September 13, 1886, his father being Irving Milton Augustine, a review of whose career will be found on another page of this work.

Mr. Augustine's education was secured in the public schools of Grand Island and Grand Island College. He was brought up in the atmosphere of a printing office, for in 1896 his father had started what was known as the Grand Island Free Press, a newspaper which he published for several years, but of which he disposed after realizing the opportunities offered by the art calendar and advertising specialties field. With the organization of the Augustine Company, the son became actively interested in its affairs, and it was greatly due to his active and energetic work that the firm was able to prosper and flourish from the start. In 1908, when the business was valued at approximately $3,000, he bought a half interest and assumed the duties of general manager, and under his regime in this position the concern has grown and developed until today, after ten years, it is conservatively valued at $150,000. The Augustine Company at this time occupies and operates a large, modern, fully-equipped plant, and its products are distributed over fifteen states of the Union. Mr. Augustine is a man of marked ability in his field ; he is possessed of unique and progressive ideas and imbued with the spirit of business aggressiveness - a man coming under the heading of being a "live wire." His business interests are large and important, as aside from the work of the Augustine Company he is identified with other commercial affairs being a director of the Commercial State Bank of Grand Island, but notwithstanding his varied commercial activities he has always been able to find time to devote to the interests and welfare of his adopted community, and at present is vice-president of the local Young Men's Christian Association and is active in the Commercial Club. For twelve years he has been treasurer of the English Lutheran church, in the work of which he has always taken a helpful part, and of which Mrs. Augustine is also a member. She belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star, while her husband is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He supports the Democratic party at elections.

Mr. Augustine married June 17, 1910, Miss Parmelia M. Spethman, who was born at North Loup, Nebraska ; the daughter of Dietric Spethman, a wagon-maker by trade, who came to Grand Island a number of years ago and is now engaged in the automobile business. Mr. and Mrs. Augustine are the parents of two children : Mercedes Alice, who was born in 1912: and Webster Pershing, born in 1918.

GUS E. NEUMANN, now serving his second term as county treasurer of Hall County, has been prominent in public life here for a number of years. He has been a resident of the United States for thirty-two years, and of the state of Nebraska for the same length of time. The high esteem in which he is held both personally and officially by his neighbors and fellow citizens testifies to his stability of character and true ideals of good citizenship. Treasurer Neumann was born in Germany, in July, 1876. He is a son of Ernest and Johanna (Grabs) Nuemann.

Ernest Neumann was born in Bohemia, then a province belonging to the Austrian monarchy, and, although he married a woman of German birth, maintained his home in Bohemia during the larger part of his life before emigrating with his family to the United States in 1887. He had served in the Bohemian anny but had never learned a trade that he could make available in the busy country to which he had come in middle life, and therefore during the eight years that he longer survived, he engaged in various industries as a general laborer. His death ocsurred in 1895 in Grand Island, Nebraska, to which place he had come in the fall of

1887. His widow survives and lives with her daughter in Niagara Falls, New York. There were three children in the family: William, who lives in Germany ; Mrs. Christ Baier, a resident of Niagara Falls ; and Gus E.

A boy of eleven years when the family came to Grand Island, Gus E. Neumann attended school here for a short time before starting to work in a printing office where he learned the trade and continued work as a printer from 1888 until 1908. In the meantime Mr. Neumann became acquainted with many men of affairs in the county and had also become intelligently interested in politics, many questions concerning the permanent development of Hall County being political issues.

His first adventure in business for himself was in 1898, when he purchased the N-ebraska Courier, a republican paper, from the late Henry Gam.

In 1890 he sold the paper and joined a number of other young men who had, from time to time, been fellow-employes, in the organization of a stock company for the purchase of The Independent. He actively participated in the publication of the paper until his health forbade, early in 1909. In July of that year he was compelled to undergo a serious operation and upon the advice of his physician has never resumed his former work.

Mr. Neumann has for twenty years been actively engaged in the work of the city's volunteer fire department and has done much gratuitous service to the city in this capacity. For five years he was the secretary of the department and for two years its chief ; and since the organization of a partially paid de- . partment has been assistant chief, being in charge of the volunteers, whenever the latter are called for assistance.

In 1911 he was elected county clerk and was continued in that office until January, 1917, when he assumed the duties of county treasurer, to which office he had been elected on the Republican ticket in the previous campaign. With such reliable, industrious and efficient public officials as Mr. Neumann, Hall County is bound to make rapid strides forward.

In 1897, Mr. Neumann married Miss Edith Wutzler, a native of Grand Island, Nebraska; the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wutzler, for many years an employee in the Union Pacific car shops. Mr. and Mrs. Neumann have two children, a daughter and son. The former, Irma, is the wife of William Reece, a soldier in the United States army in 1918; and Ernest F., who, at time of writing, is in the United States navy on a ship in the harbor of SanFrancisco. Mr. Neumann and his family belong to the English Lutheran church. He is identified with the leading fraternal organizations of the country, these including the Masonic, in which he has reached the Royal Arch degree, the Odd Fellows, the Elks and the Eagles, and he has been president of the last named fraternity at Grand Island.

JULIUS GUENDEL. - A former citizen of Grand Island well known and one who enjoyed the good will of all, was the late Julius Guendel. He was born in Hohenstein, Ernsthal. Saxony, Germany, August 5, 1865, and died in Grand Island in 1909.

Julius Guendel left his native land when he was sixteen years old to accompany his brother Richard to the United States. Soon after reaching America they came to Grand Island, Nebraska. Julius was without capital and thus had to work his way to a competency from the bottom of the ladder. He was industrious and honest and after working for a time as a farm hand went to the Pacific Coast where for two years he was engaged on the construction of the Oregon Short Line Railroad and then came back to Grand Island to enter the employ of Chris Rathman. Still later he was in the retail liquor business. He was kind and generous and there are many who recall him with grateful emotion.

Mr. Guendel married March 11, 1888, Miss Anna Bauer, who was born in Saxony, Germany. She is a daughter of WilHam and Wilhelrnina (Rahm) Bauer. Her father died in Germany but her mother subsequently came to Grand Island. Mrs. Guendel reached Ne braska just one year before her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Guendel had four children, the survivors being: A. J., Emil R., who was in the jewelry business for a number of years in Alliance, Nebraska, but is now in the employ of the Nebraska State Bank; Florence, who resides with her mother in the old home. Mr. Guendel was a member of the Liederkranz Society, the Eagles, the Plattsdeutch Verein, the sons of Herman and the LTnited Travelers LTnion.

ARTHUR J. GUENDEL. - No community can alYord unsafe banks, therefore a well sustained banking institution argues for its stability to the average man who is not willing to entrust his capital to individuals of haphazard reputation or without proper safeguards. Among the list of banking institu- tions that accommodate the citizens of Hall County not one stands higher as safe, sound and reliable than the Nebraska State Bank, of Grand Island. There are many older banking institutions but none that heve been more prosperous or have a sounder financial foundation.

Arthur J. Guendel, cashier of the Nebraska State Bank of Grand Island, was bom in this city, July 13, 1880. He is a son of Julius and Anna Guendel, old settlers of the county. Being a native son he was reared in Grand Island and educated in the schools of his home city and at a very early age decided upon his future career. When only sixteen he entered a bank as a clerk and continued in a clerical capacity until the opportunity came for investment and a larger measure of responsibility. In April, 1917 he assisted in the organization of the Nebraska State Bank and became its first cashier, A. E. Cady, Jr., being vice-president. This institution has a capital of $75,000 with deposits of $680,000, the bank officers and entire board of directors representing a large aggregate of capital. The business is conducted along safe, conservative lines and has had a steadying influence during the past year when values of all kinds have been disturbed on account of the World War.

Mr. Guendel married in 1914, Miss Julia Nay, who was bom and educated in Grand Island and is a daughter of Coleman Nay, a native of Ireland who in his youth came to Grand Island. He became a man of importance here and for many years was active in political circles. Mrs. Guendel is a member of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Guendel devotes himself closely to business relating to his own particular field, but nevertheless finds time to perform every duty demanded by good citizenship.

HERMAN HEHNKE, one of Grand Island's successful business men, has been a resident of this city since he was fourteen years old, and for twenty-six years has been in the hardware business. He is vice-president and general manager of the widely known firm of capitalists operating as the Hehnke-Lohmann Company, of Grand Island.

Herman Hehnke was born in Gennany, June 21, 1868. His parents were Herman and Mary (Schreder) Hehnke, both of whom were natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States settling in Grand Island and here the father worked at first as a carpenter and later was a contractor and still later went into the hardware business in which he was interested up to the time of his death. There are many substantial buildings in Grand Island that stand as testimonials of his mechanical skill or of the honest carrying out of his building contracts. Among these are the Episcopal church, the Grand Island Business College and the University block. He was a Democrat in politics. Six of his seven sons survive, Gustave, the fifth, having died; the others are as follows : Hemian, Otto, an architect, resides in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska; Hugo, who is a resident of Cairo, Nebraska, where he is manager of the Cairo Mercantile Company, a branch of the Hehnke-Lohmann Company of Grand Island ; Carl, connected in business with his brother Herman ; John, a carpenter at Grand Island ; and William, who has charge of the furnace department of the above named business.

Herman Hehnke was a school boy when he came with his parents to Grand Island and continued his studies, first in Grand Island College and afterward in a college at Lincoln. He has been in the hardware business ever since completing his education, devoting his entire time to his present concern which is one of the largest in Nebraska, handling general hardware of every kind, furnaces, paints and varnish He owns the business quarters, a substantial three-story building with dimensions of thirty-three by one hundred feet, the entire building being utilized by The Hehnke-Lohmann Company. The business career of this firm has been honorable in character and its policy is accepted by upright business men over a wide territory and it is mentioned as one of the old and representative mercantile firms of the county.

Mr. Hehnke married, in 1882, Miss Emma Aye, who died in 1911, being the mother of five daughters, namely : Freda, Ella, Lillian, Estella and Helen, all of whom survive except Ella. In 1915 Mr. Hehnke married Mrs. Anna Neubert and one daughter, Marielles, has been born to them. Mr. Hehnke is a Republican in his political affiliations and is an active citizen, serving honestly and efficiently at times on the board of aldermen, his business advice making him a very valuable member of the city council. He is a director of the Nebraska State Bank at Grand Island. For many years he has been a Mason.

PETER R. JENSEN, a substantial business man of Grand Island, owning and conducting a large grocery store on the north side of the city, has had experience in several in- dustrial lines apart from this business since he came to America at the age of eighteen. Mr. Jensen is well known in Hall County, to which he came in 1886.

He was born in Denmark, August 3, 1867, the son of Jens Andersen and Marie Jensen, the former of whom was bom in Slagelse and the latter in Horsens, Denmark. Both died in that country. The father was a machinist. Both parents were members of the Lutheran church. They had twelve children but none came to the United States except Peter R., who is the youngest of the five living members of the family. He attended school until he was fourteen years of age and then went on a sea-going ship, being for two and a half years on the water. He returned home, only to leave again as soon as he was eighteen years of age. After reaching the United States Mr. Jensen worked his way to Kansas City but shoTtly afterward went to Colorado to work in a mine there for very satisfactory wages. In 1886 he came to Grand Island being employed for two years at the boilemiaker's trade. He then accepted a position with the Grand Island Street Car Company and had the distinction of operating the first car on the line, and remained with the company for eight years. Upon severing his connection with the street car company he became connected with the retail liquor business and after serving for seven years behind the bar, bought a saloon which he conducted for eleven years. When Nebraska laws were changed and the state became dry, Mr. Jensen embarked in the grocery business and has built up a fine trade.

Mr. Jensen married in June, 1896, Miss Anna E. Hansen, who was born in Denmark. They have four children : Lloyd, who is a clerk in the office of the Union Pacific Railroad at Grand Island ; Louis, who is a ranchman in Burbank, Washington ; Alarie who assists her father in the grocery store; and Anders who is a schoolboy. Mr. Jensen and his family belong to the Lutheran church. In his f)olitical views he is a Democrat.

THOMAS E. BRADSTREET, president of the Bradstreet & Clemens Company, Grand Island, has long been identified with many substantial business interests in Nebraska. He is equally prominent in public afifairs and is at present serving as a member of the upper house of the Nebraska legislature.

children and the only member living in Nebraska. His parents were William and Mary (Redman) Bradstreet, both of whom were bom in the state of New York and were married there. In 1858 they removed to Iowa and honisteaded. where they passed the rest of their busy, useful, unpretentious lives. The father directed his afifairs with honesty and good judgment and was considered a sucessful farmer and cattle feeder in Buchanan County. In his political views he was a Democrat, and of the i\Iethodist Episcopal faith, he reared his children in that religious body.

Although brought up a farmer boy Thomas E. Bradstreet had educational advantages and after his primary school course was completed he sought other opportunities altemating his studies with work on the fanii ; later he attended a business college at Dubuque. Iowa, and at Waterloo. After working on a fann during two summers for $15 a month, Mr. Bradstreet went to Cedar County where he taught one temi in the Elkhorn district, and subsequently taught one term in O'Brien County. Early in 1886 Mr. Bradstreet rented a farm in that county, following his marriage, and continued on that fami for three years before removing to Sioux City, Iowa. After one year with D. H. Talbott on a ranch, he engaged in the dairy- business in Sioux City, an enterprise carried on for the next twelve years with much success, but his next business venture proved that other business qualities than those he possesed were needed in the cattle feeding industry, for within four years Mr. Bradstreet had practically buried a capital of $20,000. The balance quickly swung however, when he went into a line of business with which he was familiar and for which he was well equipped, since 1903 no resident of Hall County having prospered more substantially in the horse business. He has greatly enlarged the original scope of his enterprise and is now at the head of the Bradstreet & Clemens Company which own much valuable property at Grand Island. He owns all the barns used by lease from him, of the Grand Island Horse & Mule Company, and the Blain Horse, Mule & Cattle Company, which cover a large area. He is concerned along other business lines and was the originator and is pr'esident of the Equine Packing Company, now known as the Grand Island "Packing Company.

Mr. Bradstreet married, in 1886, Miss Luella M. Biddinger, who was born at Independence, Iowa, and is a daughter of James Biddinger, a substantial farmeV there. ' Mrs. Bradstreet is a highly educated woman. During the time she and' Mr. Bradstreet resided on the farm in O'Brien County, she also taught school. Mrs. Bradstreet passed away February 5, 1919 at Lincoln, being buried in Grand Island February 7th. She was a member of the O. E. S. Mr. and Mrs. Bradstreet had three children; two sons survive; Archie L.. associated with his father in business ; and Deo, who has been with the American Expeditionary Force in France since June, 1918, taking a gallant part in the great army of successes in September, a non-commissioned officer, being coporal of his company.

Although Mr. Bradstreet is a Republican in his political sentiments, his personal popularity carried him into office in a Democratic stronghold, in the fall of 1918. He could not be unmindful of the great honor tendered him but apparently made little personal effort at campaigning, having left his home but three times for that purpose. His fellow citizens feel that their interests are safeguarded by a man of Senator Bradstreet's character.

He served in the state legislature in 1919, taking a very active part in demanding increased facilities for the Soldiers Home at Grand Island. He instigated a probe of existing conditions that resulted in several sweeping changes in the personnel and administrative policies of the State Board of Control of Public Institutions of the state of Nebraska. Senator Bradstreet also rendered invaluable service on the Roads and Highway Committee and numerous other committees. He advanced the idea that while the new $5,000,000 state capital is being built the old building should be retained intact and the new building located on the north end of the present grounds and two blocks adjacent, to be acquired for that purpose. His contention that this would save the state approximately $1,000,000 in rental and other expenses, may yet prove sound.

JULIUS BOECK, who has had long experience in the confectionery business and is a practical candy manufacturer, is one of Grand Island's substantial citizens. He has maintained his home in this city since 1883 and in 1912 erected his handsome residence at No. 509 West First street. Mr. Boeck is a member of the city council and has served three years on the Grand Island school board.

Julius Boeck was born in Schleswig, Germany, July 23, 1865. His parents were Professor Heinrich Albert and Henrietta (Herman) Boeck, both of whom were born and died in Germany. Of their nine children, six are living, three of whom reside in the United States. Julius Boeck has a brother, John, who is a physician of Boise City, Idaho ; and a sister, Dora, who lives at Phoenix, Arizona, the widow of Albert Geyler. By the time he was fifteen years old because of his father's attention to his education, Julius Boeck was well advanced in his studies and also was a youth of business enterprise. At that time he came alone to the United States and soon found employment in an Iowa drug store. From there he went to Boulder, Colorado, where he remained in the drug business with his brother for five years. In 1883 he came to Grand Island, Nebraska, and for two years was a clerk for the firm of Viet & Roeser then worked for Mr. Roeser alone for two )'ears before he went into the grocery business for himself finally establishing his own confectionery business. Mr. Boeck then went on the road and represented the Dolan Fruit Company for two years. Following this he became travelling salesman for the Omaha Candy Company and continued in that relation for the next fifteen years. During this time Mr. Boeck prudently husbanded his resources and in 1907 began the manufacture of candy, operating as the Elting Candy Company. He met with success in this enterprise but his plant was destroyed by fire in June, 1918, since which time business has not been resumed, largely on account of the shortage of sugar. At present he is a member of the travelling staff of the Mueller-Keller Candy Company, of Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Mr. Boeck married, in 1886, Miss Dora Iveis, who was born at Springfield, Illinois, a daughter of Cornelius Iveis, who has conducted a hotel and grocery in Grand Island for four years. Mr. and Mrs. Boeck have had four children, namely; Emma Henrietta, a bookkeeper and cashier in her father's candy factory ; Pearl Alfreda, a teacher in the public schools; Edith Rebecca, a cashier in a sugar factory; and Helen, who died at the age of two years. Mr. Boeck and his family belong to the Lutheran church. He is an active factor in the local Republican politics, and on many occasions has served in public office with great efficiency. He belongs to a number of fraternial organizations, among these being the Odd Fellows, the Elks, the American Order of United Workmen, the Maccabees and the United Commercial Travelers.

spent his entire life here. From humble beginnings, through his own efforts he has become financially independent, in the meanwhile honestly earning the general esteem in which he is held. He is president and general manager of the Grand Island Storage Company, which has been in operation here since 1903.

William Spangenberger was born in Grand Island, August 22, 1869. His parents were Fred and Louise (Budde) Spangenberger, natives of Germany who came to Grand Island in 1865 living here the remainder of their days. For two years after reaching Hall County, the father engaged in freighting, then entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad and during the rest of his life worked in the roundhouse. He had eight children; the following six surviving: Pauline, the wife of Charles Hengen, of Lafayette, Indiana; Louise, living in Grand Island ; William, a well known business man of this city ; Fred, a railroad man; Carrie, the wife of George Carman, of Omaha ; and Otto, bookkeeper for, and interested in the Grand Island Storage Company. Air. Spangenberger is a Republican in politics and fraternally belongs to the Odd Fellows and the Royal Highlanders. He married Anna Norbeck, a native of Sweden ; they have an adopted child, Inis. The eldest of the family, Dora, who died at Grand Island in 1916, was the wife of Nick Hengen.

William Spangenberger attended school in Grand Island but his people were poor and he Tiad to go to work in early boyhood, his first job being herding cattle. Afterward he was employed on a farm for a time and then entered the LTnion Pacific Company's employ in the freight house in Grand Island, where he remained for twenty years. Even after he had invested his savings in a business of his own, he remained seven more years with the railroad company. In 1903, with his brother Otto, ]\Ir. Spangenberger started the Grand Island Storage Co., which later was incorporated at $20,000. He has been president and general manager of the concern ever since. This business has been developed into a large enterprise, a forwarding and dray line business being carried on in connection with the work at the storage plant.

I\Ir. Spangenberger married, in 1893, Miss Anna Reinecke, who was born in Grand Island, a daughter of Charles and Susan (Williams) Reinecke. Mr. Reinecke was a railroad man who came to Grand Island in 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Spangenberger have one daughter, Ruth, the wife of Conrad Ross, who is a brickmason by trade. They now live in Omaha and have two children : Mabel and Bettie. Mr. Spangenberger is a Republican in politics. He belongs to the Royal Highlanders and was a charter member of the local organization. In addition to his business interests above stated, he is a stockholder in another of Grand Island's substantial concerns which has been built up - - the Grand Island Hide & Fur Company.

MAX J. EGGE, optician, is one of Grand Island's best known business men. He is a representative of a sturdy race of pioneers who settled in Hall County a half century ago. Max J. Egge was born near Grand Island, Nebraska, May 4, 1871. His parents, both of whom have long since passed out of life, were Adolph and Ottilie Egge. They were married in the city of Omaha, Nebraska, and came to Hall County in 1868, taking up a homestead east of Grand Island.

Max J. Egge was one year old when his parents came to this section of Nebraska. For a number of years after locating here his father w^orked as foreman of what was known as the State Central Mill, for Henry Koenig. Through industry, sobriety and frugality he accumulated enough capital to enable him to embark in business for himself. Subsequently be became a substantial coal merchant and a business man of importance in Grand Island. He took an interest in public affairs and politically was identified with the Republican party. The Lutheran church received his support. Of his four children the survivors are : Max J., Carl, a resident of Minneapolis, is superintendent of the railway mail service and for a number of years was a post office inspector; and Marie, the widow of R. V. Pistorius, lives in Grand Island.

After completing the high school course in Grand Island Max J. Egge found himself at liberty to choose the vocation he preferred above others and during the next few years learned the intricacies of the jewelry business, including the grinding and fitting of lenses. From 1893 to 1896 he was in the jewelry business at Cortland, Nebraska, and then came to Grand Island to establish a business house along the same lines. In recent years he sold his store and now devotes all his time to optical work, in which profession he enjoys the confidence of the community. Mr. Egge is somewhat prominent in Republican politics. He served four years as chairman of the Republican central committee and at present is serving in the office of city treasurer. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity, is a

Knight Templar and Shriner, and belongs to Lodge No. 604 Elks in Grand Island. In 1899 he married Miss Ada Casad, of Cortland, Nebraska. She is a member of the Christian and he of the Lutheran church.

THOMAS OLIVER CROMWELL HARRISON, one of Hall County's distinguished citizens, formerly serving with great judicial honor on the bench and as a member of the Nebraska State Senate, is an eminent member of his profession in Grand Island and the dean of the bar of the county. For many years he has been a notable figure in the court room and perhaps only less so in public affairs pertaining to community, county and state.

Judge Harrison was born in New Burlington, Clinton County, Ohio, May 22, 1849. His parents were Peter and Salvania (Lovekin) Harrison, the former of whom was a native of England while the latter was born near Frederick, Maryland. Their marriage took place at Springfield, Ohio. They became the parents of eight children. But two of these survive. Judge Harrison and his brother Charles Harrison, a farmer residing in Greene County, Ohio. Peter Harrison was a manufacturer of furniture and for many years he conducted his furniture store at New Burlington, in the meanwhile also attending to his duties as a minister, first in the Wesleyan and later in the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a man of strong convictions and undoubtedly some of his admirable qualities descended to his children; he early became a strong anti-slavery man, an Abolitionist. Upon the formation of the Republican party he found himself in sympathy with that organization. In 1872 he came to Hall County, Nebraska, and for some years served as one of the board of county commissioners and also served one term in the state legislature. His wife had died in Ohio prior to his coming to the West. His death occured in Grand Island.

The boyhood of Judge Harrison was spent in southern Ohio where he attended the common schools and later took a course in the Normal school at Lebanon. Before leaving Ohio he had read law under the preceptorship of his uncle, R. A. Harrison, at London. He was admitted to the Nebraska bar after reaching Hall County in 1873. For a short time he taught school and then entered into practice and for forty-five years has been identified with the courts of this state. He early became interested in public afifairs so that political offices were soon tendered him, his first acceptance being the position of deputy county treasurer, in which capacity he served one term. In the meanwhile he made rapid headway at the bar being elected judge of the county court and served continuously in that office for eight years ; subsequently, for the same period he served as police judge, and still later, for eight years was judge of the district court, having jurisdiction over eleven counties. Judicial experience is one of the most valuable qualifications of a judge and his fellow citizens appreciated this fact and proved their appreciation by electing him judge of the supreme court of the state, in which exalted office Judge Harrision served with intellectual vigor and sound judgment for six years. Judge Harrison was elected state senator, representing Hall and Hamilton counties, and during his term in the General Assembly, he reflected still further credit upon himself and his constituents. Since retiring from public life, Judge Harrison has continued his law practice in Grand Island also serving as attorney for the city school board.

Judge Harrison married, in 1880, Miss Mary C. Laine, who was born in the state of New York. She is a member of the Presbyterian church. The Judge is prominent in Masonic circles being a Knight Templar and also a Shriner. Although he is the only representative of his family in Hall County, at one time three of his brothers lived here, W. H., Richard L. and Charles. Harrison township in Hall County was named in honor of his familv.

ERNEST G. KROGER, of Grand Island, is an able member of the bar, one of the younger leaders of the city democracy, and a citizen who has already impressed the force and straightforwardness of his character upon the legislation of his adopted community. During the past nine years he has been a practitioner in this city, and during the greater part of that time has acted in the capacity of police judge, an office in which he has given evidence of the possession of marked judicial and executive ability.

Judge Kroger was born at North Bend, Nebraska, February 15, 1888, a son of John and Mary (Docekal) Kroger, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Austria- Hungary. Both his father and mother came to the United States as children of fourteen years with their respective parents, the families settling in Nebraska. For a number of years during his early life John Kroger was engaged in railroading, but eventually turned his attention to fanning in Hamilton County, where he became the possessor of 160 acres of land and developed a well-cultivated and highly-improved farm. There his death occurred after a successful and honorable career, his widow still making her home on the property which she had helped her husband to develop. They were the parents of five children : Ida, the wife of George Wurtz, a Hamilton County farmer; William, engaged in farming in Polk County, Nebraska ; Ernest G., Adolph, farming in Hamilton County; and Lillian, who is single and makes her home with her mother on the homestead. The family belongs to the Lutheran church. In his political views, John Kroger was a democrat.

Ernest G. Kroger received his early education in the public schools of York County, Nebraska, following which he attended Concordia College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for two years. Deciding upon the law as the medium through which to work out his life's success, he became a student at the State University, Lincoln, Nebraska. He was an earnest, industrious student being duly graduated from that institution with his degree after three years of study, and in 1909 was admitted to the bar. At that time he came to Grand Island to enter upon the practice of his profession. In April, 1911, he was elected police judge, an office which he has since filled with rare ability, dignity and justice. He has been engaged in active practice, interspersed with his activities in Democratic politics and civic movements. Care and precision mark; the preparation of all his cases of whatever nature, his thoroughness of preparation insuring a convincing and clear presentation of whatever subject comes before him for adjustment. Judge Kroger is a member of several clubs and fraternal organizations, and with his family attends the Lutheran church.

On September 29, 1909, Judge Kroger married at Polk, Nebraska, Miss Kathryn Niermann, who was born in Polk County. To this union there have been born three children: Roscoe, in 1910; Orville, in 1912; and Eleanor, in 1917.

RUSSELL L. GEER. - One of the business concerns in Grand Island that commands attention because of its long continuance, substantial character and commercial integrity is the Geer Company, of which Russell L. Geer is president. He was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, October 25, 1887, the son of L. T. Geer, an extended sketch of whom will be found in this work.

Russell L. Geer obtained his education in the pulic schools of Grand Island and was graduated from the high school in 1906. Instead of taking advantage of open opportunity whereby he might have won collegiate laurels, he illustrated his democratic principles by accepting work in his father's office in order to learn the company business through practical experience. After two years there Mr. Geer went to Kansas City where for four years he was employed as estimator for the American Sash & Door Company, returning then to Grand Island, where he became associated officially with the Geer Comany, accepting the presidency of the organization. The stock of this company is owned by Mr. Geer. his father and his brother. The business of this company' is one of large volume and wide trade connection.

Mr. Geer married, in 1912, Miss Ruth Hinsen, who was born in Walnut, Crawford County, Kansas, where she was educated and carefully reared. She is a member of the Christian church, in Kansas City. Mr. Geer was reared in the Congregational church. In politics he is a sturdy Republican but no seeker for public honors for himself, the quiet, steady pursuit of business bringing him the satisfaction and remuneration that afford contentment, without the cares attached to political preferment. He and his wife take part in the city's pleasant social life and are members of the Grand Island Country Club.

JOHN ALLAN. - A resident of Hall County for forty-five years, John Allan has the distinction, of being head of the firm that has the only abstract business in the county. During his long residence here he has seen much public service, and through this, as well as through his various business interests, has been a helpful factor in building up and developing this thriving part of the state.

Mr. Allan was born May 30, 1850, in Scotland. He is a son of John and Margaret (Watson) Allan, who passed their entire lives in the land of their birth, where they were engaged in agricultural pursuits. They were highly respected people of their community and devout members of the Scotch Prsbyterian church and through their example and teachings reared a family which survives to reflect credit upon their rearing. Of the thirteen children, eleven are living, but only four are residents of the United States: John, James, who is a resident of Wood River, Nebraska; Mrs. Jessie Wilson, of Doniphan, this state ; and Henry, formerly a resident of Hall County and for eight years clerk of the district court, but now a resident of Seattle, Washington.

John Allan received his education in the public schools of his native land. He was reared to an agricultural life, but the opportunites for advancement did not seem to be promising enough in the place of his birth and he decided to try his fortunes in the land across the waters. He was le&s than nineteen years of age when he arrived in this country, February 4, 1869, and was only twenty-three years old when he came to Hall County. For eight years following his arrival he was engaged in teaching school at Wood River, but at the end of that period secured employment in the court house at Grand Island. Two years later he was elected to the office of district clerk, which he filled with such ability that he was retained in office by consecutive elections until he had established an incumbency of sixteen years. In the meantime, in 1884, he had founded a small abstract business, which he built up gradually until it assumed large proportions, and at the expiration of his final term of office he began to give the business his undivided attention. The firm of John Allan & Son is now one of the large and important business concerns of the county seat and the only abstract business in Hall County. While abstracts are given the greater part of Mr. Allan's attention, he also handles real estate, insurance and loans, and is known as an astute and careful man of business, an excellent judge of land values, and a man of the highest probity and integrity. A Republican in his political views, in addition to the service mentioned above, he has contributed to his community his labors in the offices of deputy county clerk and deputy clerk of the district court. His fraternal affiliation is with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which order he is past grand master. With the members of his family, he belongs to the Episcopal church.

Mr. Allan was married June 18, 1885, at Grand Island, to Miss Fannie L. Garrett, who was born in Iowa, and of their children, three are living; Leo G., who was his father's partner in business, a former member of the Nebraska National Guards, who is now captain of Company M, 134th Infantry, A. E. F., France ; Elsie M., who is assisting in her father's office during the absence of her brothers ; and Rex J., who in April 1918, enlisted in the United States Navy, and is now stationed at Brooklyn, New York. Prior to enlistment he was attending the Colorado School of

CHARLES HENRY TULLY, identified with the interests of Hall County, Nebraska, for over forty years, is a representative citi- - zen of Grand Island and has had much to do with the development of its commercial affairs. He has been one of the publicspirited men who have given encouragement to civic progress along every line. Beginning at the foot of the ladder and climbing by the aid of character and industry, Mr. Tully has done much for himself as well as for Grand Island.

Mr. Tully was born at Rome, Oneida County, New York, June 21, 1853. His parents, William Henry and Annette (Bates) Tully, were also natives of New York. In 1859 they removed to the northern part of Indiana where for many years afterward his father engaged in the practice of medicine at Warsaw. He died March 13, 1919, aged ninety-five years, eight months and one day. He was one of the most venerable residents of Arkansas City, Kansas, having resided there with his daughter. The mother of Mr. Tully died in 1913, at the age eighty-six years. The parents had six children born to them as follows : F. M., a retired resident of Long Beach, California; A. A., in business at Omaha, Nebraska ; C. H., F. F. a shoe merchant in Grand Island ; W. D., a fruit farmer in the state of Washington ; and Clara C, the wife of W. W. Spencer, a dealer in real estate at Arkansas City, Kansas.

Before the family removed to Indiana Mr. Tully had attended school, but the greater part of his education was secured at Warsaw. After he put his books aside, the young man determined at first to enter one of the professions, but a few months of study of dentistry convinced him that a different vocation would be more congenial. Therefore, in 1875, with three others, Mr. Tully crossed the country with a team and covered wagon to Columbus, in Platte County, Nebraska. Shortly afterward he preempted land in Greeley County, Nebraska, on which he remained until 1878, when he came to Grand Island. Here he went to work for John L. Means, with whom he later went into partnership, under the name of Means & Tully Contractors & Bridge Builders. During the many years that this association lasted, the firm built many bridges in Nebraska and Colorado. It was during this time, in May, 1897, that he began, in a small way, to manufacture wire fence and y\t the present time Mr. TuUy is the sole proprietor of the enterprise and devotes his time to manufacturing wire fencing and a wholesale business in nails, bank wire and steel gates. The greater part of his trade is in Nebraska and yet he has a growing list in Idaho and Wyoming. Mr. Tully has invested largely in Grand Island property. Of this one half block is on East Seventh street. In 1881 he built his handsome residence and also a most attractive one for his son.

Mr. Tully in February, 1888, married Miss Jennie M. Brown, who was born in Illinois. Her father was an officer in the Civil War who had settled near Central City in 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Tully have two children : Charles Franklin who is general manager of the fathers business ; and Inez, the wife of Paul R. Robinson. Mr. Robinson is cashier of a bank at Kramer, Nebraska. For many years Mr. Tully has been active in the work of the Congregational church. From the time of its organization he has been identified with the Y. M. C. A. He belongs to the Grand Island Home Guards, is a Knight Templar Mason, an Elk and a Knight of Pythias. Of the last named order he is past chancellor. In politics he is a staunch Republican. Mr. Tully has been a member of the library board for thirteen years and is one of the executive committee of the Red Cross and commercial club.

JOHN TORPEY. - Few names are better or more favorably known in the horse and cattle industry throughout Nebraska and adjacent states than that of John Torpey. He has devoted his entire business life to this line, beginning in boyhood, a love and knowledge of horses that early brought him into the first rank as a jockey, determined the choice of career in which he has met with great success.

John Torpey was bom in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, February 22, 1870, the third in a family of five sons born to William and Ellen (Lee) Torpey. His. parents were natives of Ireland but were brought to the United States in childhood. His mother is deceased but his father, for many years a farmer in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, now lives retired at Radnor, having reached his eighty-fifth year. He has always been a faithful member of the Roman Catholic church. Aside from John, his other sons were: William, in the milk business at Radnor; James, who died in 1905; Thomas, a contractor and builder of East St. Louis, Illinois; and Robert, who is interested in rubber manufacturing at Norristown, Pennsylvania.

After completing the public school course at Radnor, John Torpey started into the horse and cattle business, in the meanwhile becoming an expert horseman and through his skill in horsemanship he attracted wide attention and became well known afterward in the racing field as a favorite jockey. From those early days to the present Mr. Torpey has continued in the horse business. His first partner was Thomas H. Haley; they remained together for three years. After that partnership was dissolved, Mr. Torpey took charge of a sales barn for Ivan C. Walker, at Norristown, and two years later was sent as a purchasing agent to East St. Louis, Illinois, eighteen months later going to St. Paul, Minnesota, where for three years he bought cattle for Mr. Walker ; during the six years he remained in his employ, he visited all the important stock markets in the West. Mr. Torpey then came to Nebraska and entered into a partnership at Columbus with A. C. Scott. They opened a sales and feed barn and he remained in Columbus for three years before coming to Grand Island. Here he opened a first class feed barn which he operated until November, 1912, when he assisted in the organization of the Grand Island Horse & Mule Company, the four parties interested being: A. C. Scott, A. H. Langmann. W. S. Fletcher (of Loup City), and John Torpey. The comany does a general horse and mule commission business and Mr. Torpey has been manager ever since the enterprise was started.

Mr. Torpey married, December 16, 1916, Miss Lillian Hinz, who was born in Grand Island. They are members of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Torpey has never been very active in politics, business affairs possessing more interest for him, but he never neglects his citizenship privileges and, like his father, casts his vote with the Democratic party.

NELSON BRIGGS DOLSEN, manager of the J. H. Yost Lumber Company, has been a resident of Grand Island for less than a decade, nevertheless, he is well and favorably known here through his business enterprise and all-around good citizenship. During his entire business career he has been associated with lumber interests, as was his father successfully before him. Mr. Dolsen was bom in

Canada, in 1864. His parents were John L. and Anna E. (Pratt) Dolsen, the former of whom was born in Canada and the latter in Vermont. In 1866 the Dolsen family came to the United States and settled at Bay City, Michigan, where the parents united with the Presbyterian church. They had nine children, four of these survive.

Nelson Briggs Dolsen obtained his education in the public schools of Bay City and after completing the high school course went into the lumber business with his father. He remained in Michigan until 1887, then spent about a year in Oregon and for eighteen months was an inspector for the LInion Pacific Railroad. In 1888 he located at Silver Creek, in Merrick County, Nebraska, where he remained er^lgaged in a lumber business for twelve years, being manager for the Chicago Lumber Company. For the next seven years Mr. Dolsen was interested in Norfolk, Madison County, transferring his lumber interests then to Hastings, in Adams County, where he remained for two years. In 1911 he came to Grand Island to take charge of the J. H. Yost Lumber Company's yard and has remained a resident of Grand Island ever since. He has taken a responsible citizen's interest in local matters but is not a politician. The business of the company, of which he is a stockholder as well as manager, claims the greater part of his time. He votes the Republican ticket.

Mr. Dolsen married in 1891. Miss Josephine Milliman, who was born in Illinois the daughter of M. W. Milliman, an early settler and stockman at Silver Creek. They have two children : Frederick M. and Bessie Pratt, the former of whom is a graduate of the Grand Island High School, in which the latter is yet a student. i\Ir. Dolsen and his family are members of the Episcopal church. He is a Royal Arch Mason and is past high priest of his

HENRY GLADE. - Representing the milling interests of Hall County, one of the most prominent concerns is that operating under the name of Henry Glade Milling Company. For more than thirty-five years this name has stood for high quality of product, purity of material and honorable business policy, and while the founder of the business has long since passed to his final rest, the name and policy of the business are being preserved by his capable and energetic sons. At the same time they are perpetuating the reputation established by their honored father.

Henry Glade, the founder of the business, was one of the men who richly deserved the title of self-made. He was born in Hanover, Germany, November 20, 1844, the youngest of a family of twelve children, and when four or five years of age was brought by his parents to the United States. The trip was made in a sailing vessel and after thirteen weeks on the ocean they landed at New Orleans and from there went to St. Louis, Missouri. Shortly after their arrival here the father died and not long after this the mother was called to the home beyond, so that the youth was left practically among strangers and was thrown upon his own resources at an early age. For many years he was compelled to stage a continued struggle agaist discouraging conditions. His education v/as of the most ordinary kind and as a boy he made his way to Dubuque, Iowa, where he learned the milling business and was only a boy of fourteen when placed in charge of a mill. He built the mill at Swiss Valley, Iowa and continued in the milling business in Iowa until 1878, when on the 22nd of December of that year he came to Nebraska and engaged in the same line at Columbus. In 1882 with George Etting and William Mc- Quade he built a mill at David City, Nebraska. In 1883 he came to Grand Island and purchased the Koenig and Wiebe mill. Mr. Glade at that time had little save his experience and a small capital which he had accumulated. He entered vigorously and confidently into the milling field in this growing locality! and through the sheer force of his own ability, energy and perseverance built up a substantial business. The old mill was torn down and a new one was erected of modern character and put in operation January 1. 1884, and from that time until his" death'. December 18, 1910, Henry Glade was the directing head of this important enterprise. He was one of the community's most highly esteemed citizens. His reputation in business circles was of the best. In politics he was independent, though he never cared for public life, his business interests and his family connections completely satisfying him. He was a devout member of the Lutheran church.

Mr. Glade married April 26, 1866, at Bellevue, Iowa, Miss Catherine Etting, a sister of Albert Etting. They became the parents of six children. Mrs. Glade passed away February 28, 1886 and seven years later Mr. Glade married Louisa A. Brown.

Of the six children five are living : August A; Christina W., the widow of Ed Kiefer, a resident of Lincoln ; Fred M. ; Filbert A. ; and Arthur W.

In the death of Henry Glade Grand Island lost one of her worthiest citizens who for thirty-three years had been a resident here and during the whole course of a busy life was a man of stable character. In editorial comment on his death the Grand Island Independent had this to say of Mr. Glade : "Probably no man so active in business for over thirty years in Grand Island, is known less in public life. Mr. Glade belonged to no fraternal orders or societies of any kind and when he was not at work he was at home. He was a hard working man all his life and probably nothing contributed more to his success."

August A. Glade was born near Dubuque, Iowa, December 20, 1868. He was educated in the public schools, and was but fifteen years of age at the time he joined the concern of which his father was the head, and of which August A. is now treasurer and bookkeeper. He is one of the highly esteemed business men of Grand Island, is an active factor in civic affairs, and in politics is an independent Democrat. He married Miss Nellie Andrews, who was born in Kansas and prior to her marriage resided during the greater part of her life at Abilene. They are the parents of two children: George C. and Catherine. Mrs. Glade is a member of the Christian Science church.

Fred M. Glade was bom near Dubuque, Iowa, January 25 1876, and received his education in the public schools of Grand Island. He entered his fathers mill at an early age, but his business career was frequently interrupted by his activities in baseball. Like his brothers, he had been an athlete from boyhood, and he soon developed such prowess that he entered the national pastime as a professional. In 1898 he joined the Fort Worth, Texas, club, and in 1900 was purchased by the Des Moines club of the Western League. While there his work attracted the attention of one of the scouts of the Chicago Cubs team, which bought him from Des Moines in 1902, but a place on that famous National League team was not found for him and he finished the year with Saint Joseph, of the Western League. He continued with Saint Joe during 1903, but in 1904 returned to "fast company," being purchased by the Saint Louis club in the American League. It was while with this club that he had his best seasons, remaining on the roster of that team during 1904, 1905, 1906 and 1907, in which years he became a great favorite among the fans of the Mound City. In 1908 he was sold to the New York team of the American League, and that was his last appearance in the spangles. At the end of the season he retired from the diamond to enter the milling business with his brothers. His business record has been an excellent one, and it has been largely through his aggressive and energetic work that the enterprise has prospered so greatly. Mr. Glade maintains an independent stand in politics, preferring to use his own choice in picking candidates. He married Miss Dixie Husband, who was born near Fulton, Missouri. They are the parents of two children: Frederick, born in 1909; and Henry Dixon, born in 1911. Mrs. Glade is a Christian Scientist and is first reader in the church in Grand Island.

Filbert A. Glade was bom near Columbus, Nebraska, June 22, 1880, and his entire life from the time he left school has been passed in connection with the milling business. He is now a partner in the Henry Glade Milling Company. He married Mary Lightner, of Abilene, Kansas, and has one son: Henry Arthur. Mr. Glade is a capable man of business and a factor in various civic movements promulgated for the benefit of the general community.

Arthur W. Glade, head miller in the Hendy Glade Mills, was born in Grand Island, May 4, 1885, and, like his brothers, has had his entire business experience with the family company. Also like them he is a public-spirited citizen, and is popular with a wide circle of acquaintances, which is another family characteristic. He married Miss Nellie Dobson, of Abilene, Kansas. They have one daughter, Elizabeth, who was born in 1908.

The Henry Glade Milling Company's mill has a capacity of four hundred and fifty barrels per day, and the product is shipped through the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Pennslyvania, Iowa and Michigan. During the final year of the war, the mills furnished much flour for the United States Government. The brothers devote all their time to the business, which under their management, has become one of the essential manufacturing adjuncts of Grand Island.

CARL H. MENCK. - The family of Carl H. Menck came to Hall County sixty-two years ago. This section of the state has been represented by him during this time. During this period he has aided in developing the land, in building the school houses and in supporting the church. Mr. Menck was born on a farm in Hall County, December 2, 1868. His parents. Christian and Ernestine (Harding)

Menck were bom in Germany. Of his father's family Emilie, August C. and Carl H. are living. His father was born May 31, 1831 and died November 8, 1909. .His mother was born May 25, 1828 and died October 23, 1911. Christian H. Menck came to Hall County in 1857 and took up a claim. He was the first of a German colony. Carl's father and mother were maried in 1858 and lived to celebrate their golden, wedding September 21, 1908. They removed from, the farm to Grand Island in 1890. The members of the family still own the farm. The father and mother were both members of the Lutheran church. Christian Menck was one of the founders of the Liederkranz society. He filled several township offices and voted with the Democratic party.

The subject of this sketch obtained his education in the public schools and in a business college. His first business position was that of bookkeeper for the Grand Island Lumber Company. He was in this position from July, 1888 to 1894 when he was elected city clerk. He held this office three years and in 1897 he was elected county clerk. He served in that important office two terms. When he left the clerk's office he turned his attention to banking, being assistant cashier of the Commercial State Bank. He served in this capacity until 1908 when he was elected cashier. This office he still holds. This is one of the many sound banking institutions of the state having a capital of $150,000, surplus $35,000 and average deposits of $100,000. As cashier of the bank Mr. Menck has the confidence of the public.

In 1892 Mr. Menck married Miss Amelia Boehm who was a sister of Theodore Boehm of this county. Mrs. Menck died June 19, 1903 leaving two children : Harold C. and Lydia C. Menck. The son entered military service. May 28, 1918 as a member of Company D, three hundred and thirty-eighth machine gun batallion, eighty-eighth division which landed in England August 29, 1918, and in France, September 1, 1918. The batallion was under artillery fire in the front line trenches.

The daughter. Miss Lydia C. Menck, is a graduate of the high school and the Grand Island Conservatory of Music and is a teacher of vocal music. Both son and daughter are members of the Lutheran church as were also their mother. Mr. Menck is a Democrat in politics, is public spirited and is interested in all the progressive movements in Grand Island and Hall County. He is serving his third term as a member of the school board. He is greatly interested in athletic sports and has been connected for a long time with the Plattsdeutch and Liederkranz societies and is a member of some of the leading fraternal orders. He has takeii the council degree in Masonry, is a Shriner, is treasurer of the Royal Arch body and a member of the Masonic building association. He is, also, past exalted ruler of the Elks and is chairman of the building association of that organization. He has represented the Knights of Pythias in the Grand Lodge of that order. He is a typical American business man, being capable and resourceful. He is wise enough to combine recreation with stern duties.

ARTHUR H. LANGMAN, who has many important business interests in Nebraska and other sections, reflects credit on Grand Island, for this is his place of birth, schooling and residence. The business success that has made his name so widely known, has been secured by persistently following an industrious path in a common sense way, making use of the practical talents that nature bestowed,, and with good judgment never assuming responsibilities too heavy to carry.

Arthur H. Langman was born at Grand Island, Nebraska, March 20, 1882, a son of Fred and Margaret (Rief) Langman. The parents of Mr. Langman were born in Germany, but emigrated to the United, States where the mother died in 1883. The father homesteaded in Hall County when he first came to Nebraska, continuing to live on his land until 1908, when he retired to Grand Island. He has been a resident of the United States since 1869 and many years ago was admitted to full citizenship. He votes with the Republican party, and he is a member of the Lutheran church. His two sons live in Nebraska, Fred and Arthur H., the former of whom was clerk of the county court in Hall County, for ten years. He now conducts a garage at Potter, Nebraska. The one daughter, Lena, is the wife of J. L. Converse, who is a traveling salesman and lives in the city of New York.

Arthur H. Langman worked on his father's farm in boyhood and attended school. He then drove a grocery wagon for Frank Olsen for a. time, in the meanwhile applying himself to the study of bookkeeping, after mastering this, he took charge of the books and accounts of Thomas E. Bradstreet. Being alert as to private business opportunities he soon proved excellent business judgment in the buying and shipping of horses to the Grand Island market. For some years he was a member of the Bradstreet firm but later sold his interest to assist in the organization of the Grand Island Horse & Mule Company, of which he is vice-president. Mr. Langman is also president of the Walker-Langman Land & Live Stock Company, of Elbert County, Colorado, having a valuable ranch there and additionally owns an extensive farm in Kimball County, Nebraska. He has property at other points and his garage at Potter, Nebraska, with dimensions of one hudred and fifty by seventy-five feet, is one of the finest in western Nebraska.

Mr. Langman was married in 1910, to Miss Daisy Pleffelfinger, who was born at Grand Island, a daughter of Jerome O. Hefifelfinger, who is interested in the Chicago Hide & Fur Company at Grand Island. Mr. and Mrs. Langman have one son Arthur Jerome. They are members of the Episcopal church, and fraternally he is identified with the Elks.

HIRAM J. PALMER, who is one of the best known residents of Grand Island, for forty years has been active in the substantial development and political life of Hall County. Although now living somewhat retired, for many years there were few important county matters agitated, in which he did not prove his right to be considered an intelligent, earnest and honest citizen, and the universal esteem in which he is now held is a just tribute to his worth. Mr. Palmer is one of the representative men of Hall County.

Hiram J. Palmer is of English ancestry, his grandparents having come to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania. He was born in the Keystone state, August 21, 1849, one of a family of seven children bom to Freeman and Mary (Raught) Palmer. Both parents were born in Pennsylvania and died there. Of the five surviving children, Hiram J. is the only one living in Hall County. Freeman Palmer was a farmer all his life. In early political life a Whig, upon the formation of the Republican party he united with that organization. Both he and wife belonged to the Baptist church.

In the country schools near his father's farm, Hiram J. Palmer obtained his education and remained on the home place until he was twenty-five years old, engaged in the usual farm industries and learning to be a competent judge of stock. In 1875 he came to Dodge County, Nebraska, and resided for nearly four years at Fremont, doing well in the business of buying and selling stock. In 1879 he came to Grand Island and during the following twelve years he was in the horse and mule business, his operations being heavy in the shipping of mules and horses to Hall County where they were needed by settlers from Missouri, Illinois and Iowa. Mr. Palmer retired then from the stock business and embarked in the brokerage business with Walter Bacon. He had come to Nebraska on borrowed capital but had prospered greatly and was able about this time to go back to Pennsylvania and buy his father's farm. Later he disposed of that property but still has valuable farm land, owning 600 acres in Custer County, Nebraska.

April 16, 1877, Mr. Palmer was married to Miss Eva A. Griffin, who was born in Iowa. Mrs. Palmer's parents were Dr. S. W. and Matilda (Maxfield) Griffin, natives of Pennsylvania who became residents of Marshall County, Iowa, before the advent of railroads into that county. The doctor taught school and became the first county superintendent of schools of that county. He enlisted there for service in the Civil War, acting as assistant surgeon in the army, having taken up the practice of medicine. After the war they returned to Pennsylvania where they both died. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have had eight children, namely: Harry E.. who operates a wholesale and retail feed store at Ogden, Utah; Mabel, who lives with her parents ; Jay, who is in the ice business at Grand Island; Grace, who died at the age of sixteen years ; Hazel, who is with her parents awaiting the return of her gallant soldier husband from France, Captain William R. Gilchrist, who entered the United States' service with that rank in April, 1918; Helen, who is the wife of Walter Schourup, who is with a heating plant firm in Grand Island ; George S., whose memory will ever be tenderly preserved by his grateful country, was a soldier in the American Expeditionary Force and was killed September 15, 1918; and Herbert, who has been with his army comrades in France since August, 1918. Mrs. Palmer and the children are members of the Episcopal church. In politics a zealous Republican, Mr. Palmer has served on the county executive committee and for four years was county treasurer of Hall County. In Grand Island affairs he has taken deep interest and as a member of the city council secured many reforms in the city government. He served one term as president of the Hall County Agricultural Society and many years on the board and for seven years at the State Agricultural Fair he was one of the judges. He has been a director of the First National Bank of Grand Island since the organization of that institution. In Masonry he is a Knight Templar and is also a Shriner and additionally belongs to the order of Elks.

HENRY REESE, the mention of whose name in Grand Island brings forth testimonials of high esteem, has spent a large part of his long and useful life here. Even a partial record of his struggles and business successes makes interesting reading. He came practically without capital and through his own industry and provident saving, gradually accumulated means imtil now he may be classed with the substantial men of this city. He takes pride in the fact that his work was always well done and that at no time in his life have men doubted his honesty.

Henry Reese was born near the city of Kiel, Holstein, Germany, December 7, 1846, a son of John and Dora Reese, who were bom in the same German province. His mother died in 1855 but the father lived to be eightysix years old, passing away in 1905. Of the three children two survive and both are residents of Grand Island, Henry and Christian, the latter being a tailor by trade. Henry Reese had the usual school advantages of his class in his native land up- to the age of fifteen years. He came to the United States and landed at Davenport, Iowa, where many Germans had already settled. May 16, 1870. He found work on a farm near that city. He had heard reports of this western countn' and his birthday the following year found him in Hall County, where he again engaged in farm work until March, 1872. Then for several months he worked in a railroad boarding house and from there, in October, 1872, accepted employment for his board and lodging until March 15, 1873. In the meanwhile Mr. Reese had become accustomed to the ways and language of the people among whom he sought to make his home, and they, in turn began to appreciate his willing industry and his faithful attendance on every duty to which he was assigned. In 1873 he began work for R. C. Jordan, first in the warehouse and later behind the counter of the O. K. store, with whom he continued for a year without any definite agreement as to wages. Fortunately Mr. Jordan proved to be as honest as himself and Mr. Reese was abundantly satisfied when he received the sum of $400 for his labor, exclusive of his board and lodging. After this settlement he continued with Mr. Jordan for three years and six weeks on the same salary basis. Having thereby saved some money, in

May, 1876, Mr. Reese embarked in business for himself, in the produce line and handled eggs, butter and poultry and prospered to such an extent that by 1877 he was able to put up a small house on Fourth street, which he utilized as a dwelling in the rear and as business quarters in the front. Before moving into a larger place he had already begun the handling of groceries, in which line he continued for a number of years. Finally he erected a substantial two-story brick business house on Walnut street. With some changes he continued to be identified with the grocery trade until 1907, when he retired. In addition to his Walnut street property he owns another valuable two-story brick building on Second street.

On July 30, 1876, Mr. Reese was united in marriage with Anna Tramm, who was born in Holstein, Germany, and died at Grand Island, February 4, 1911. The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Reese was manifested by their connection with the Lutheran church. They had four children, namely : Bernhardt, born May 1, 1877, and died Nevember 24, 1884; George, born July 23, 1878 and died January 28, 1911 : Harry, now living in Florida, born February 14, 1880, and Bertha, born August 31, 1882, the wife of Gus Krueger of Grand Island.

Mr. Reese has been very active in the order of Odd Fellows. He was over fifty years of age when he was initiated in Grand Island Lodge No 22, in which he has passed all the chairs and has been a representative to the grand lodge in Omaha, Lincoln and Nebraska City. His first office in the lodge was that of trustee and- afterward was installing officer and installed lodges in dift'erent communities in Hall County. In politics he has been a Republican and on that party ticket was elected a member of the city council. After serving one term he declined further political honors.

HENRY VIEREGG, one of Grand Island's most respected citizens, has been retired from active business pursuits for some years, but formerly he was engaged in several enterprises that helped to develop the city's commercial supremacy. He was born in the village of Gardersdorf, Holstein, Germany, December 22, 1840, one of a family of five children born to Hans and Elsie (Kruse) Vieregg.