York County, Nebraska - The whole text, 1913 (part 4 of 4)

In the fall of '69 Martin Poizin drove from Milwaukee, Wis., and homesteaded on the divide between the river and Beaver Creek, on section 4. This family began their pioneer life with great misfortunes. While building his house, Mr. Poizin with his wife and seven children lived in the house with Charley Scholtz, a German who was then living alone on his homestead. The house being completed in February, Mr. Poizin started to move, no bridges being on the river. He intended to cross on a ford on Henry Chatterton's farm. The snow was going early that spring, the river was high. Mr. Poizin was not aware of danger, and drove into the swollen stream, the wagon overturned, family, horses and goods were floating down the stream. Fortunately Mr. Chatterton was nearby, and someway heard their cries and came to the rescue. The youngest child, a little boy about two years old was drowned, and the household goods badly damaged.

Mr. Poizin was an industrious man and soon had his little farm improved. In the spring of 1873 he drove to Lincoln with a load of wheat, arriving late in the evening. He proceeded to buy his supplies in order to start honie early the next morning. The streets were not lighted a6d Mr. Poizin fell into an excavation on 0 street, between 8th and 9th streets, and received injuries from which he died in a few days after returning home. Thus leaving his wife and children to face the problems incidental to a pioneer life alone.

York County of today possible. Many states have contributed to the county, thus bringing in different ideals for every state sends her people into a new land with the impress of herself upon their character.

From Wisconsin also come the first settlers along the Beaver Creek. A. G. Corey and R. Clark drove from Kekoshin, Wis., during the summer of '68. They, in common with all who came at that time were looking for land with timber and water, so located near the creek. Mr. Clark left Nebraska some years ago, and Mr. Corey is now living at Fairfield, Nebr.

Isaac Ong, with his family came from Illinois in the fall of '68. He also homesteaded on sec. 18, near McCool. Mr. Ong proceeded to dig his house into a bank, as was the custom. The summer of '69 was a season of much rain, great heavy rain storms that brought floods of water down the ravines, and also demonstrated the fact that the Nebraska farmer must provide a better roof for his house than a few slabs covered with dirt if he would keep things in the dry.

Mr. and Mrs. Ong were awakened one night by a rushing of water at the door. Soon the house was covered with twQ feet of water, they sat on the beds watching for coming events. Mr. Ong had brought him from Illinois, a decoy duck; as it was the custom to stow many things not in use under the bed, tliat decoy duck was placed there. The water ran high, when out from under the bed the duck came swimming serenely around, apparently perfectly at home. This time the water having come from a rain storm, quickly subsided, leaving only a very muddy floor which, being of Mother earth was sometime in drying.

Mr. William Ong, quite an aged man had also come west with his son. He was the first squire in York county and did quite a business in the matrimonial line, in fact, with Judge Moore to issue the license and Squire Ong to perform the ceremony, south York county people began

Dentists and doctors were absent for some years, but people did have the ague and tooth ache, the first must be cured by patent medicine or endured for long weeks, and it was usually endured. Of course people could go to Milford, where lived a doctor, to have a tooth extracted, and so the tooth ache was also endured.

Mr. Levi Dean had a very painful tooth, one of the kind that keeps jumping, for days and for weeks he had no rest. A big swede by the name of Peter Johnson was living with Mr. Dean. He was a jolly fellow, full of jokes and persuaded Mr. Dean to allow him to pull the tooth with a pair of bullet molds. Of course, a local anesthetic was at that time an unheard of thing, even by professional "toothpullers" and Johnson had but one idea, and that was to get the tooth out, he was much stronger than Mr. Dean, he knew he could hold him and extract the tooth at the same time. He put that bullet mold into the tooth with a grip firm as steel. Mr. Dean tried to scream. He kicked and rolled onto the floor, but that swede was bound to conquer, the tooth came at last, but Mr. Dean always thought that the cure was worse than the disease.

During the summer of '69 Dr. Dewese located on a homestead near Mr. McFadden's and was for many years the family physician for the people. During the fall and winter of 70-71 the typhoid fever became prevalent, several deaths occured, and many families were afflicted. Everyone was glad to have in the community a doctor so competent as was this kind unassuming Dr. Dewese, who made long trips over the prairies regardless of the storms, and very often with no prospects of any fee. He was truly a doctor of the people and for the people, in full sympathy with their sufferings and privations.

lie went back to Lincoln, to work, not being able to find any laud then to homestead. He had two friends who had homesteaded the southwest quarter of sec. 24, township 11, range 2, west. They relinquished their right in his favor and he homesteaded it in the spring of '71. Moved out in September into a sod house 10x12. In December with a foot of ice on the floor they put down straw with carpet over it and lived very comfortable, keeping one boarder.

The next spring he built a sod house on his homestead which was 12x24 and lived there through the grasshopper raid and big April blizzard, had a nice field of corn shooting for ears when the grasshoppers came, like a great black cloud by night and left it not a foot high. They took everything but sweet potatoes and rutabagas and potatoes. He had to drive to Lincoln for everything to live on. In the April storm had to take the cow, chickens and turkeys in the house. However, we were a happy family, one baby was born November 11, 1871.

The long cold winter of 1866-7 with the deep snow leveling the entire country into a white unbroken plain, was a lonely one to the two homesteaders in what is now McFadden township. Jerry Stanton and his son-in-law, Fernando McFadden, who had located near the present location of McCool, during the preceeding summer.

Mr. Stanton was so commonly called *' Uncle Jerry," that we can hardl}^ recognize him by any other name. His dugout (house and stable) were dug into the bank just north of the road that now comes into McCool from the east; probably near where Mr. Wright's poultry yards are located. Mr. W. H. Taylor was visiting Uncle Jerry when the snow began to melt. One night they were awakened by the sound of rushing water, and soon discovered that the river had risen to such a height as to make it impossible to remain in the dugout. Uncle Jerry's furniture was not of the kind that would be greatly injured by the flood. His bedding and provisions could even be carried on to a higher plain, but he had something more valuable than furniture

Stacked in the corner of his home, and that was several bushels of red wheat, which he had recently purchased at the "Mills Ranch" near the present town of Row, Nebr., l>aying two dolhirs per bushel for it and hauling it about sixty. miles. That wheat must be saved, it represented money and labor and spoke prophetically of coming wealth. The river ran rapidly but the men worked heroically. The wheat was loaded into the wagon, provisions and bedding were piled on top. Daylight did not reveal a promising landscape. Every creek and ravine had become a rushing torrent - to cross the river to McFadden's was impossible, to go east to Gilmore's was also dangerous, as the swollen creek could not be crossed with a wagon.

They started north after reaching the divide, Mr. Taylor went east, reaching Gilmore's in safety, while Uncle Jerry with the precious burden landed at the old Millspauch ranch, near sundown, where Mr. John Harris w.is at that time living alone, selling a few supplies to tlie travellers along the old road.

A bountiful yield of wheat richly repaid Uncle Jerry for his trouble, but the old dugout was so nearly destroyed that he soon built a nice little log house. Uncle Jerry was a true nobleman, he loved company, and his mind was a storehouse from which he could draw many on interesting tale of his trip across the plains to California in the Fifties, and the days when he was a ''Waggoner on the Old Pike" in Pennsylvania. Truly a country should become great, whose pioneer age was developed by characters like this, and the best monument the present York county could erect in honor of the past deeds worthy the memory of such men as Uncle Jerry Stanton and his companions, would only be a fitting tribute to them.

Death came even in the ])i()neer age and we think that ])erhaiJS, the first white woman l)urried in York county was Mrs. Eliza McFadden, youngest daughter of Uncle Jerry Stanton, and sister of Mrs. Kate Stark who now resides in McCool, a sweet delicate young woman who was beloved by many. Her death occun-ed in November, 18(i8, having been sick many months with tuberculosis of the lungs.

The kindly interest of the early settlers in each other was evident from the fact that often during her long illness many went from Beaver Crossing to Mrs. McFadden's home to help care for her. Neighbors were few, doctors and nurses far away, but those kind-hearted pioneers were so incessant in their care that the sick one wanted for nothing. On a bright November afternoon the funeral services were held. The pine casket had been made lovely by sympathetic hands, and as the November sun was sinking in the west, friends carried her tenderly from the home she had helped to rear, and laid her to rest. The old house has long since become a thing of the past, but the traveler who crosses the river on the old McFadden bridge can see a little grave on Mr. Kountz's farm, just south of the river. This marks the resting place of Mrs. Eliza Stanton-McFadden, the first among that great number to pass away. Women of whom we think, with a becoming reverence for their sacrifice and toil, has given to us the beautiful country of which we are so proud.

Sometimes in thought we erect a granite monument on which in letter of gold we can behold the names of the women of that age. The Mesdames Henderson, George, Dixon, McFadden, Bussard, Hollock, Deemfe, Gilmore and Anderson; but the monument is not needed, their names cannot be forgotten, for they did their part so well that their lives are inseparately woven into the history and character of York County.

H. W. Hoffmaster was born in Jeiferson County, Virginia, September 17th, 1853. He remained with his parents until the spring of 1876. His father, John W. Hoffmaster, who died in Benedict some years ago, was in the Confederate army, under the great chieftain, Stonewall Jackson, and so it was that the young Horace saw much of the movements of the two armies in the Valley of Mrginia. First the Grey and then the Blue, would sweep up the Shenandoah Valley leaving death and destruction in its wake.

York Coinity, Nebraska in 1879. Here he purchased 80 acres of land on the southwest quarter of section 20- T. 12 N. range 2, W. now lying in Thayer township.

In 1882, he returned to his old Virginia home and brought away his bride, in the person of an old-time schoolmate, Miss Alice 0. Albin, and here he has lived happily ever since.

In 1897 he sold his farm and bought the residence of S. P. Striker in Benedict, and has been one of the prominent figures in this community for the past sixteen years. In his earlier years among us, he was a thresher, and is credited with having consumed more tough old chickens than any other man in the county, and always seemed to thrive on the diet.

He has lived to see the old sod-house disappear, and the land increase in value from $5.00 an acre to $200.00 per acre. This he considers to be the most wonderful thing in his experience in this state. He has a family of six grown children, having lost two in infancy. And here it is no more than just to him that we should say that he has reared as nice and respectable lot of young people as is to be found anywhere. As long as he lived on the farm, he was kept in the office of school director. In the great McKiegan year he made the political mistake of his life by running on the republican ticket for supervisor of Thayer Tp. After the ballots were counted, it did not appear that he had been running so you could notice it.

For two years he had the key to the strongbox holding the cash belonging to Morton Township, and will likely hold this position as long as he cares to. Like all good men he has one weakness - he does love a good joke, and there is never a day passes over his head that he does not rake up something to be used in keeping his old neighbor, the P. M. in mind that H. W. Hoffmaster is yet among the living.

present county seat, Washington Court house. Mr. Powell's grandfather was a Welchman who came to this country many years ago, and finally located in Virginia, where his father, John Powell was born and reared. Mr. Powell's father and possibly his grandfather moved to Ohio in the last century, where his father married a German girl by name of Polly Miller, and William was the last of six children, he being the only boy. When about one year of age he lost his mother, and really never knew a mother's loving care, but had the good fortune to be taken by an excellent family, that of Hugh Kankin, with whom he lived until he was 14 years of age. At that age he ventured out into the big world to do for himself still making his home with Mr. Eankin when out of employment. When Powell had reached the age of 13, Mrs. Rankin, (her husband had died) sold her farm in Ohio, and removed to a farm near Peru, Indiana. At the age of 15 he got employment as an engineer in a steam sawmill, and worked at this vocation until the breaking out of the Civil War. On August 25th,

He participated in the battles of Mumfordsville, Shilob, Berryville and Stoneriver or Murfreesboro, as it is best known. This great battle was fought December 31,

1862, and January 1st, 1863. There was a heavy cold rain falling the first day and night, and the exposure at this time was too much for many of the boys and they sulfered from bad colds and pneumonia. Among those who went down with pneumonia was Mr. Powell, who was a very sick man for weeks, and when once convalescent was discharged as totally disabled, and it was a close call for him as he did not recover from the effects of this illness entirely for ten years. On reaching his home near Peru, Ind., he found himself just in time to hear his funeral sermon preached at the country church. He had been reported killed at the Stone-river, and his old friends at home were about to do the last honors to his name. They were very glad to change the sermon to one of thanksgiving for his safe return.

tlier west into a higher and dryer climate, and so, he moved to Iowa, stopping>in Jefferson County, near the little town of Batavia. He was so much helped by the change (this was in August, 1863) that by September 20th, 1864, he had mustered up courage to marry. The bride was the comely widow, Mrs. Sarah A. Marlowe, whose husband had died in battle at Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Mrs. Marlowe had one child, a little girl, Edith, who lived with Mr. and Mrs. Powell until her marriage to Edward Radley, and was well known to all the old settlers in northern York county.

For the first eight years of his married life, Mr. Powell farmed in Iowa, but in 1872, in company with J. H. Daggy, he came to York county, and homesteaded the northeast quarter of section 6, in town 12, range 2, in Thayer township. Mr. Daggy selected the N. W. quarter of the same section. They returned to Iowa and making sale there, packed up what they cared to keep and loaded their families into covered wagons took to the road leading to York county, where they arrived about Nov. 25, 1872.

Mr. Powell rented a farm of the late Captain J. B. Read, who though a Confederate Veteran, i^roved to be a good neighbor and friend. During the following winter, the neighbors took Powell and Daggy with them to the Platte river, some thirty miles to the northwest, for loads of wood. It was one of those trips that one of Mr. Daggy's horses broke loose in the night. Hank heard the animal making tracks away from their camp and whiningly complained to Bill, "There is that dratted old fool of a Jimhorse, he is going straight back to Iowa, and will swim the Missouri river and snag his fool-self to death, and then what will I do for a horse to put in my crop with.'* Old Jim, however, did not go far but returned to his mate, and he was a glad sight to Daggy, when he went out the next morning.

The one event that remains the clearest in the memories of the old settlers is the Great Easter Blizzard of April 13-14-15, 1873. For three days the storm was so severe that Mr. Powell was unable to reach his stable and care for his live-stock. He expected to find them all dead, but upon reaching the stable after the storm had some-

After the snow had all gone Powell and Daggy built sod-houses and moved upon their own land in June, 1873. They had put in a little wheat and a little sod-corn, which yielded very fairly, and they were much encouraged, but the following summer the Grasshoppers came down upon Nebraska, and cleaned up the corn and all the garden stuff, and that was the blow that "almost killed father." The "Hoppers" laid millions of eggs in the ground and this looked as if it were not possible to raise anything another year. One Sunday during the fall, Mr. M. Sovereign and familj^ were visiting with the Daggy 's, and Milt and Hank were walking out over the place, they stopped and made an estimate of the number of grasshopper eggs to the square inch, the number was near 4,000 to the square inch.

This settled the matter in their minds. The next week they pulled back for Iowa, but on counting the eggs over there, they found as many if not more, and so it was the next spring found them both on their Nebraska claims again. The "hoppers" came twice more, but did not injure us so badly as in 1874, and in a few years all had thrown off the grasshopper scare, and we have not seen them since.

Mr. Powell is the father of eight children - all of them living - and now having passed the three score and ten, he is taking life easy in his comfortable little cottage in Benedict with his good wife at his side.

Charles LeCount, whose French ancestors settled in this country in colonial times, was born in New York State, June 9, 1827. Amanda Jane Littlefield was born in Vermont, August 20, 1834. Her grandmother, Lois Stark Littlefield, was a relative of General Stark, and members of the family served in the Green Mountain and Ticonderoga campaigns of the Eevolutionary war.

Charles LeCount. and Amanda Jane Littlefield were married in Dodge County, Wisconsin. Four children were born to them: Adelaide A. (born July 17, 1855), John C, Charles A., and Laura M. The family moved to York County, Nebraska, in 1869, and homesteaded on section 24-10-1. Afterwards, Charles LeCount moved to York and engaged in the hardware business. He was elected a member of the town council, and served as chairman of the board during the early temperance fight. Some of the sessions of the council lasted all night and the women brought the men their breakfasts in the morning. Charles LeCount stood firm for temperance and was one of those who led in the fight to make York a clean city. He was also treasurer of the York School district for many years and laid out the addition to the city of York which bears his name. In 1885 he sold his business and settled in the south. He and his wife died in Waycross, Ga., aged 79 and 77 years respectively.

His daughter, Adelaide A. LeCount, was educated in the common schools and at Doane Academy, Crete, Nebr. She taught school in York County and was married to William Wray March 18, 1875. William Wray was born in Janesville, Wis., February 3rd, 1852. He was the third son of John Wray (a stone mason, born in England) and Hannah Glendenning Wray (born in Scotland). At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed and learned the blacksmith trade. When 20 years of age (inl872) he came overland to Nebraska and established a shop of his own in the east part of York County. He moved his business to York after his marriage and worked continually at his trade until his sudden death, which occurred October 20, 1906 while at work in his shop. He was a good workman and a man of exceptional qualities of mind and heart.

Charles LeCount Wray, the oldest son of William and Adelaide A. Wray, was born in York, Nebraska, January 22, 1877. He graduated from York High School in June 1897, and completed his education at York College, the state University, and Northwestern University, He began teaching in the country schools of York county, later became principal of the Utica schools, then assistant in York High

Arthur G. Wray, the second son of William and Adelaide A. Wray, was born in York, Nebraska, March 14, 1880, and graduated from York High School, in June 1898. He won the state high school declamatory contest for York in May 1898. Afterwards studied law and attended the Baptist College at Grand Island, making his way by teaching in the preparatory department and boarding himself. When twenty years of age he passed the bar examination before the supreme' court. Although the youngest in a large class, he was in a close race for first place. The supreme court withheld his certificate until he was of legal age, and he continued in college in the meantime. A year later he began active practice of the law in York and was in partnership with Merton Meeker and Frederick C. Power. He held positions under appointments of the state senate and the supreme court in 1905 and 1906, and was elected judge of York County in 1907. Re-elected in 1909, and again in 1911, and is now serving his third term as county judge. He was married June 30, 1909, to Miss Clara R. Gifford (a graduate of the class of 1898 Y. H. S. and one of the teachers in the York schools). They have one boy, Merton Gifford Wray, born December 10, 1911. In 1912, Judge Wray was elected chairman of the first state convention of the progressive party; a delegate at large to the national convention at Chicago, August 5, 1912; and represented Nebraska on the national platform committee of the progressive party. In June 1913, he was elected a trustee of Grand Island College, and the first president of the York Church Federation.

William B. Wray, the third son of William and Adelaide A. AVray, was born "at York, Nebraska, June 23, 1884. He did not complete his high school course but left school to learn a trade. He moved to Cass County and is now in business for himself at Elmwood, Nebr. He married Miss Myrtle Gustin of that place, and they are the parents of three boys: Bruce, Arthur G., and Wallace W.

Philip Rnch was born in Strassburg, France in the winter of 1855. When bnt a boy of fifteen he decided to heed the solicitation of an older brother in America and also leave the home land.

After a storm tossed voyage lasting eighty-eight days he was finally landed in New York, March 4, 1856. A stranger in a strange land, weary and disappointed that the brother did not meet him. He had grown weary of waiting for the vessel so long overdue and left the city, bnt the same kind hand of Providence that has many times since protected him placed him among friends who gave him work and helped locate his brother in Buffalo. From here he worked his way westward until in the spring of '61 he was working on a farm where the city of iVlpha, 111., now stands. When word reached the farm that Lincoln had called for 75 thousand volunteers, withput a moment's hesitation he threw down his ax and said "I am going." Accordingly in May, '61 he enlisted for three years in Co. D., 17 111., where he served until the battle of Vicksburg. Here he was wounded in the left side a little above the region of the heart. As soon as he was able he was given a furlough and sent home. He was only down but not out for before the wound was fairly healed he had reinlisted for three years more or until the close of the war. At this time his regiment was consolidated with Co. E of the Eighth, 111., where he served until he was mustered out in May, 1866. Some of the important battles in whi<'h he participated were the battles of Fredrickstown, Ft. Donaldson, Shiloh Corinth, Mobile, Spanish fort, and many others. After receiving his discharge he returned to Illionis and went to work on the same farm from which he enlisted. He was married Januarv 14, 1868 to Miss Mary E. Calkins of Viola, 111., where they lived until 1872, when they decided to take Greeley's advice and ''Go west." Late in the fall he hitched a span of well matched iron grays to a covered wagon and started' for Nebraska, finally locating a quarter section on Section 8 in the northwest part of York county. After filing his homestead papers he drove back to Illinois to stay until spring. Again in February he started overland for his Nebraska homestead, crossed the Mississippii and Missouri rivers on the ice and traveled for days with the thermometer at 15 degrees below zero. On reaching the homestead he at once began preperations for the dugout, hauling what lumber he used from Fairmont, the nearest railroad station at that time, and wood for fuel from the Platte River, then he drove back as far as Plattsmouth to meet the wife and children, a son and daughter. Reaching the homestead once more just the day before the memorable April Blizzard. This was a trying time, but not so heartbreaking as when the grasshoppers literailj^ devoured, everything a few years later. Another son and daughter came to bless this union. The younger daughter was called to her last resting place when she was about 23 years of age, The younger son has been living on the old homestead in a substantial farm house, built many years ago to take the place of the old dugout. Since Mr. and Mrs. Ruch moved to their home in Bradshaw, where they now reside, their daughter living near them and the oldest son lives on a farm near Arborville.

York has no more loyal citizens and no truer lover than H. C. Kleinschmidt, the veteran merchant. He has lived here since 1871 when he came as a boy in search of health. He was in at the beginning and knows York as it has been and as it is now and it suits him, even though it has faults. By accident pure and simple Mr. Kleinschmidt was led into the land of reminiscense the other morning and though he will probably be surprised to know that some of the things he said have found their way into print he will not regard the fact as a breach of confidence when he realizes how deeply interesting the tales of other days are to the generation of later comers to Nebraska.

Mr. Kleinschmidt has a good memory for things which happened man}^ years ago. He recalls vividly the experiences of his childhood when his father, a minister in the Ger- man Methodist church, was obliged to travel a four* weeks circuit leaving his wife and children alone in a little home on the banks of the Missouri river in Missouri. He remembers how beautiful the woods were and how full of game, and the deer that used to come to the house at night and gaze in at the candles standing lighted by the windows. He remembers how when five years old he, with his brother, was lost for two days and two nights in the forests near the great river and wandered cold and hungry until found by their distracted parents. With- such a pioneer bringing up it is no wonder that as a young man Mr. Kleinschmidt sought a home on Nebraska prairies. In the fall of 1871 he and his partner, Mr. Bramstedt, paid twenty-five dollars to the South Platte land company for a lot on what is now the west side of the square. There the young men erected a two story frame store building. This stood about midway in the block. The lumber was hauled from Lincoln. It cost $60 a thousand and the price of hauling it to York' was $12 per thousand more. Later the same material could have been purchased for $25 per thousand on the ground, but Mr. Kleinschmidt found that settlers were regarded as an easy mark by dealers at the sources of supply in those days. The land office and Mrs. Wilson's millinery store were other buildings on the street with the new general store and the county court house was a sod building located west of where the First National bank now stands. J. H. and F. O. Bell kept a store on the Hannis corner too.

There proved to be more trade than money in the new country. People were obliged to eat and be clothed whether they had the where-with-all or not. The new firm had the goods and let them go to supply need, taking in return what they could get. When Mr. Kleinschmidt wants to indulge in day dreams he speculates as to what he would do if he had the $17,000 which he estimates he donated towards the support of the first settlers of York county.

"I loaned one man the money to square up with Uncle Sam for his claim," he said. "Now he owns five quarters of York county land and I am still selling prunes."

ful and the spirit of helpfulness and brotherly kindness was alive. The neighbors knew each other's joys and sorrows in a much greater degree than is possible now and everybody was sociable and friendly. On the arrival of a stranger from that indefinite place known as ''the east" the business men and residents in the little town were wont to gather about the new comer and give him a hearty welcome without questioning too closely into his past. When trouble came everybody joined hands and kind hearts found ways of showing sympathy.

The people did not have money to spend for luxuries then. Mr. Kleinschmidt bought a box of oranges in the early summer of 1872, thinking that the settlers would enjoy them as a "treat" for the Fourth of July. But half that box of oranges spoiled because the demand was so light. One kind of fruit never failed to sell. Dried currants were a staple. The grocer bought them by the barrel. The homesteader took them out by the dollars worth. Currant pie and currant sauce appeared on the tables of all men from the northern to the southern limits of the county and everybody liked currants.

In 1877 Mr. Kleinschm^idt built the cottage on north Lincoln avenue where he now lives. When he bought the land on which his home was placed he paid at the rate of five dollars a lot. He does not want to sell his home, but if he did, the price would be a trifle higher. During his forty one years in York Mr. Kleinschmidt has had experience in the merchandise business, in banking and as deputy county clerk. He has had a hand in the making of the community and whether he ever gets all the credit belonging to him for his share in the good work or not he is satisfied with results, and when he goes away from York for a visit declares he is always glad to get back.

David Henderson, one of the sturdy pioneers of York county, came to Nebraska in the year 1866 in company with, his family and located in the extreme south west part of the countv.

He was a native of Scotland, born 1813 in Pertli-sliire, often referred to as "the fairest country in all Scotland." When a youth he served an apprenticeship of seven years, as cabinet maker, and like Adam Bede, "became a workman of skill." When nineteen years of age he went to Liverpool, England, and worked with the large firm of Miller and Blakie. In 1837, was marrired to Helen Brown of Glasgow Scotland. The three eldest children; John, Mary and Janet, were born in Liverpool. In the year 1844, in company with his brother-in-law, John Brown, and others, he emigrated to America. They settled in and near Janesville, W^is., where he took contracts for buildings, leaving many land marks. The times offered some inducements to buy land. He then bought a farm in Green county. Wis., where he lived until coming to Nebraska. His children, Agnes, Robert and Nellie were born in Janesville; Elizabeth in Green county.

On being questioned why he came west so late in life he might have said, "how far the strings of love do pull us." His son-in-law, Daniel George, was preparing to go west. This meant a separation of the family as Mrs. George and her sister, Janet, were soon to follow.

Soon the farm was sold and preparations were made for the long journey. He, the most eager to start. Five families were soon on their way, crossing the Missouri river in a ferry boat. The last of June found them camped at West Mills, near Camden for a few days rest and recreation. Here they spent the first 4th of July in Nebraska. Soon the men of the party made a trip farther west, leaving the freight road and following the Blue river. Here they found well known early settlers who kindly helped them locale clniius where wood and water were plentiful. Nel)raska City being the nearest land office, it was necessary to make a return trip to secure their land. This being accomplished, they resumed their journey, via., of the Jack Smith and Jack Stone ranches, since made historic. After traveling some distance west of these places they left the freight road and went south west, over trackless prairies. No bridges in sight! Fording streams became a pastime. When near the close of a hot July day, the travelers sighted

After this, frequent trips were made to Nebraska City and Brownville for the purchase of provisions and stock for the new farm. Soon a hewn log-house of no mean proportions was built and by the 5th of December all were comfortably housed. Autumn weather was beautiful as it always is in Nebraska. Strolling bands of Pawnees were frequent visitors in their bright picturesque garb, riding fleet footed ponies. It made a sight at once novel and interesting. Never harmful or troublesome, and were really missed when they came no more. The following spring began the realities of opening up the soil, and planting trees. Civilization began to dawn after the advent of a few more families.

The Rev. Davis, a Baptist minister and old friend from Montecello, Wis., preached the first sermon in the new log house. The latter became a hostellery for all. From far and near, came the tide of imigration, all were made welcome if not comfortable. First school was kept in a small house belonging to K. D. Copsey and taught by Mrs. Jarvis Chaffa. David Henderson built the first frame school house with a promise of help by the neighbors. Sunday school was held in the houses, people attending from a long distance. Mrs. Henderson, though never quite reconcilled to the idea of bringing her family to the frontier, was ever ready to lend her time and talent for the good of the Young people. Her hearty greetings and kindly ways enlivened many occasions.

She made firm friends of people in search of new homes and often, as David's teams were the only ones available, they made long pilgrimages with them to locate some new homesteader.

Suffering and hardships were unknown, trials and enbarrassments were many. He came quite well equipped for farming; six good horses, money enough to tide him over for a few jenrs. For an example of the high cost of living, Robert and the present Mrs. E. D. Copsey went to Porcupine station for the mail and to bring a fresh supply of groceries. A small store was kept by two brothers by the name of Higgins. They bought a sack of flour which cost nine dollars, and a piece of very dark complexioned bacon, which the less sagacious brother said "had been kept on the roof of the sod house," and for which they paid 40c per pound.

Often such men as F. A, Bidwell, Fred Roper, and Moses Sydenhom sojourned with them, partaking of their hospitality - such as it was - and gave a helping hand in organizing her beloved Sunday school. At one time the late H. T. Clark of Omaha, when passing through the country gave her the first S. S. library.

Time changes were rung in and Mr. Henderson in his 75th year, made a voyage to Melbourne, Australia, to visit a younger brother. This seemed to round out and complete the last years of his life as he had a pleasant voyage and most delightful company. After returning, lived like a patriarch of old, surrounded by his children and grand children. But it was not long for either to live. They had the "courage of their convictions." This was indeed a great country which they saw develop beyond their highest expectations.

Nellie H. Young

E. D. Copsey was born at Litchfield, N. Y., April 1, 1841 Came with his parents to Crawford county, Wis. Enlisted in the 8th Wisconsin Reg. in '61. Served three years; then re-enlisted in a N. Y. regiment where he served one year. At the expiration of his service he went back to Wisconsin where he engaged in farming for one year, but the "call of the wild" was stronger than the broken home ties, and in the spring of 1867 with a party of friends and their families he came to York County, Nebraska and filed on a homestead in the southwest corner of the county near the Blue river. Oct. 26th he was married to Janet Henderson, daughter of David Henderson, the senior pioneer of that township. From that date begins the story of We, I & Co. In addition to our homestead, we bought a quarter section of R. R. land at nine dollars per acre on ten years time, onr first house built of logs was neither roomy or elegant, but we "buildecl better than we knew," and it soon gave place to a commodous and comfortable frame dwelling, which we occupied for 25 years, and left it with some regrets. "Into all lives, some rain must fall." We had our share, but on the whole there was more of sunshine than shadow. Life did not always flow along like a song, but we were young; had strong hearts and willing hands. We had reverses; sometimes a little discouraged, but never waded so far in the "Slough of Despond" that we could not wade back. We were too busy. We did not have the time. Time went on, and many of our old frieinds and neighbors followed us, and met with a warm welcome. Strangers came and ties of friendship were formed that were only broken when one by one many dropped by the wayside. Our four children, three sons and one daughter, grew up and are following the trail we blazed for them so long ago. I cannot close this short bit of history without a word for my father and mother. Past middle age when they came here, my father went bravely to work to im})rove his land and make a home. We younger people little appreciated the fact that he was sowing for others to rea}). With the help of his two sons, and my younger sisters, a fine farm home was built and belongs to the family yet. Mother was very homesick the first year, but the next summer brought her sister, Mrs. Waddle and family and other friends. Then it began to seem like home. She was happy and contented. Their hospitality was only bounded by the size of their house, and many were the strangers that were housed and feed at their home- Father, mother, one brother and one sister have crossed the bar. Five are left of a family of seven who came in ^66. "Soon, we too will hear the last strong call" and hope to meet them again. After a lapse of fortyseven years, we can look back to the time when we stood, like children ])laying by the bank of a river, watching the golden sand as it floated by but, never realizing that it was golden. We, unthinkingly, were making history. Other hands are taking up the work where we are laying it down, and making York cotinty as it has always been, the best county in Nebraska.

T. W. Smith

Thomas William Smith \Yas born at Ormstown, Province of Quebeck, Canada, Nov. V2th, 1853, and immigrated to Grundy County, IIL, April 18()9, married Fannie Lincoln at Morrison, III., in 1873 and moved to York Countv, Nebraska, April 18, 1874, and purchased the N. W. V^ 21- 9-3 from the B. & M. R, R. Co., and began his pioneer life by building a sod house and buying a yoke of oxen, and has "grown up with the country" and now not only owns his own original farm, but owns 500 acres of improved farms in York County, besides one of the best residences in York.

Mr. Smith has also interested himself in public affairs, was a delegate to the first Democratic Convention ever held in York County; this convention was held in 1878, William Armstrong was Chairman and John Etherly, Secretary. The delegates were Elias Gilmore, John P. Cook, Ed. Bates, Peter H. Pursel, Josiah Lichtenberger, Dick Brabham, Phil Bold, Ben Willis, Bert Campbell and T. W. Smith; of the 12 members of that convention only three are at this date (May 1913) living, Ben Willis, Ed. Bates and T. W. Smith.

Mr. Smith was a member of the Board of County Supervisors 1885 and 1886, and was chairman of the Board the last year though a large majority of the Board were republicans.

In 1887 Mr. Smith, G. W. Post and Lee Love bought the Blue River Bank at McCool and he was elected Vice President and has held that position in the bank ever since, and for the last seven years has been a Director in the First National Bank of York.

In 1887 Mr. Smith was employed by the K. C. & 0. R. R., in buying its Right of Way through York County and it was through his influence' the road was built from Henderson east to McCool, and he secured the location of the village of McCool Junction (the road was first surveyed direct from Henderson to York). Mr. Smith was the first to place the town lots on the market.

After the town of McCool was established he moved to the place and for 17 years was engaged in the grain business, and for 23 years was the popular auctioneer in York County, in the mean time he moved to York and in 1905 was elected a member of the City Council and served on the council for two years, the last year, 1906 he ably assisted in securing the first paving district for the city.

In 1909 Governor Shallenberger appointed Mr. Smith warden of the State Penitentiary and his administration was commended by both political ])arties, he, for the first time in the history of the institution, put it on a paying basis, and when Mr. Smith made his final report, its showing of the successful management of the penitentiary awakened an interest in other states, and a second edition of the report had to be issued to supply the demand.

Daniel George was born in Hampshire, England, Nov. 25th, 1835, and came to America with his father, mother and six brothers in the fall of 1839. They settled in Green County, Wis. He and his brother grew to manhood in what was then a wild new country. They walked four miles to school, the school house being a log building; and* as lads, drove freight wagons drawn by oxen, hauling lead ore one way, and merchandise the other between Chicago and Milwaukee. Chicago at that time was a few shanties, and the conveyance that met the traveler at the landing' on the lake shore, was drawn by an ox. When Dan grew to mans estate he followed farming as an occupation. He was married to Mary Henderson Dec. 31, 1859 and in the spring of 1864 he went with his family to Crawford County, Wis., where he had an 80 acre farm of poor hilly clay land. He lived there until he enlisted in Co. K 46 Wis- Vol. Infantry. He was honorably discharged in Sept. 1865 and as "Uncle Sam" had promised his soldiers a farm, thought it a good time to go after it. Accordingly he sold his hilly farm, packed his family and belongings into a prairie Bchooner, drawn by two yoke of oxen and started out to find a new home in the county drained hj the Big Blue Eiver, that had been described in letters written by two

The little company of twenty people, six men, five women, five children, three young ladies and a lad of sixteen years started from the old home in Wisconsin, May 19, 1866, traveling in wagons drawn by horses and oxen. They landed near the site of their future homes in the southwest corner of York County, July 8 of the same year. When the county was organized, Dan, with his relatives, came across the prairie to be at the organization. There were no roads and twenty miles seemed farther than twice that many over a road.

He carried his rifle, thinking he might see something to shoot, an elk, antelope or deer, and got back home sometime during the night following the day of the organization. He lived on the farm "Uncle Sam" gave him thirtysix years lived to see the treeless prairies dotted with groves and covered with comfortable farm homes, towns and cities. On account of failing health he sold the farm that he considered too good to rent, and moved to the city of York, where he died October 21, 1905, being survived by his aged wife and three daughters.

Rose George Wright

Hon. J. B. Steward, son of Isaac Steward (who on May 2 1913 celebrated his one hundredth birthday at Selma, California) was born in York County, Pennsylvania on April 14, 1850, where he grew to manhood on a farm, attending the country schools during the winter. Shortly before he reached majority he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Meads. The young couple saw clearly that if ever they were to have a home worthy of the name, it would be necessary to go West where land was both cheaper and better, made u]) their minds to lose no time. So, in the Autumn of 1870, they came as far toward sunset as Columbus Junction, Iowa. Here Mr. Steward worked on a farm as a hired man for two years. At this time there was a stream of "Movers" trekking- across Iowa to the Government lands of Nebraska. Again the Stewards concluded that it would be wise to go West and finally grow up with the country. It was now pretty well along in the winter of 1872, but they loaded up a covered wagon and with a cow or two they started "for the promised land." March 8th, 1873, they halted upon the identical piece of land now occupied by Mr. Steward, and which has been his home eve since. Here he took otf his covered wagoii-box, and in this he lived until his house was completed. On the morning of the third day after his arrival, he noticed a wagonload of men driving along the west line of the section and going North. In an hour or two later, he noticed two wagon loads of men coming down from the North and they drove onto his land and up to where he was camped. They constituted the Vigilance Committee, so they said, and he had squated on a piece of land that was claimed by another man. He must vamoose, and that quickly, for they would not tolerate claim jumping. Mr. Steward called their attention to the fact that there was no filing on this land on record at the Lincoln Land office, and he would not vamoose a little bit. He was no claim jumper and they had not better accuse him of that again. It was plain to these gentlemen that they had run against a snag, and they changed tunes, now saying that he had best go peaceably for none of them would neighbor with him. The change was so sudden and so great that J. B. smelled a mice, and smilingly told them as tough as it would be to live without neighbors, he would try to get along without them, perhaps other people would come after awhile who would not be so particular. This little speech convinced them that Steward meant to stay, and here they hauled down their flag and said they might as well all be friends, and one of the party sold him a ton of good hay, and getting his pay in cash departed in the best of spirits. The facts were that a certain family in which* there were four men were trying to keep all the land on this section covered up until they could legally enter it either as tree claims or ]U'e-emptions for there was but one Soldier in the family and the others could only homestead eighty acres each. Strange to relate there never was any further trouble with these men, and every one of them became fast friends of

J. B. Steward and ko remained as long as they, lived in York County. Of course the Steward family had their share of grief in the faster storm of xVpril 13, 1873. They had been located less than five weeks when this new sort of snow storm hit them, and the flour was all gone, no cornmeal and not a great deal of coffee left in the can. It was starve or eat potatoes, and for four days, John says, they had nothing but potatoes, salt and coffee. For years Mr. Steward couhl not see potatoes brought upon his table without weeping, and even to this day, he regards the Irish potatoes as the most sacred thing in the vegetable kingdom.

They prospered as did their neighbors, had their pleasures and hardships, and rejoiced in the possession of a spot that they could call "home."

But a cloud fell upon that happy little family, the wife and mother sickened and died. You who, today, are possessed of every comfort that money can buy, little realize what that death meant to a man with three small children living in a sod house on these, then bleak prairies. Mary Steward was buried on the plat of land now owned by Dist. No. 43 in Polk County, but was removed later when the Benedict cemetery was laid out.

A year later in 1878, Mr. Steward was married to Mrs- Margaret Bobo who for all these intervening years has been a faithful wife to him and a good mother to all of his children. There were three children by the first wife and four by the second. Two of his first family have died, but all of the second wife's children are yet living.

Like most ambitious men, Mr. Steward thought he would like a flyer in jDolitics and so when McKeighan ran for Congress in 1890, Mr. Steward made the race for the legislature and was elected to the lower house from York County. Here he served on the Finance, Public Lands c^' Buildings, Penitentiary and Miscellaneous Committees, making a good record. One hitch at politics satisfied J. B. that it was no place for an honest man, and he straiglitway quit the deal, believing thiit he could make more money on the farm and make it easier. In 1892, Gov. Boyd appointed him as one of the eight commissioners to represent Ne- braska at the Chicago Exposition, and for two years he gave much of his time, serving as one of two men who built the Nebraska building. As soon as the State building was completed, the Chief Commissioner for Nebraska sent out appeals to the various counties to send in Exhibits of their farm and manufactured products. Not more than half a dozen counties had responded until Chief Com. Gameau realized that the building was too small by half and called his entire committee in to consult as to what should be done. He was in favor of sending out circular letters to the other counties that there was no more room and that they should not send their exhibits. This he thought, would be all that was necessary. Understanding human nature, Mr. Steward here craved a few minutes to make his say,which was to the effect that such a letter would surely bring an exhibit, and a large one, too, from every county in the state. The majority of those present agreed with Mr. Steward and thanked him for saving their lives. It was plain that the only course was to not say a word to anyone about lack of room but take chances on any more coming in. This proved to be the solution of the matter for not another county reported. In 1908, Mr. Steward was elected President of the Nebraska Mutual Life Ins. Company, now located at Hastings, Nebraska., which he had helped organize in Stromsburg some ten years before. He has been twice re-elected to this office, and has had the satisfaction of helping to build up one of the most creditable of our State companies. Mr. Steward yet lives where he unloaded his emigrant wagon in March, 1873, and if he attains the age of his good old father, will be with us nearly forty yers. Here's hoping that he will.

Robt. W. Henderson came to Nebraska with his parents in 1866 when but a youth. Having left schools and boyhood companion far away he began a new life on the frontier. Owing to the very different surroundings, time seemed to pass away very quickly- His experience proved quite conclusively that all learning is not found in colleges and schools. The one boy on horseback was often found available for making hardy trips back and forth to Milford and Camden for the uijiil until arrangements could be made with the stage drivers to bring it from Porcupine Station, a distance of twelve mile. For some time he served in the capicity of guide to the traveler and friend to the women and children. Game was plentiful; elk, antelope and wild turkey. On two different occasions l)uffalo were seen from the door. The winter of 1867 D. George, R. Fairbank and Robt. when on a hunting tour shot a fine elk near where the town of Stockham, Neb. now is. A noteworthy instance when neighbor Chaffees fine young team, strayed away and he had searched in vain for days with the help of other men, until strength and means were nearly exhausted. As a last resort he asked Robt. to assist. They quickly mounted horses and started in a northeasterly direction and after reaching what is now called the Baker farm, near York, they struck a trail made by a lariet rope, drawn by one of the horses. This formed a slight ridge in the snow which they followed as far as the Platte River when just at dark they found the horses grazing through the snow Here they started a camp fire, intending to spend the night by it, when finally a light glimmed faintly in a window some distance away. They again started out, on the way to the house. Here they found two young men living, who bade them come in, and they were given comfortable lodging and a place for their horses. This was near where Central City now stands. The next day they reached home, tired and hungry, but victorious. Later on, when funds ran low, it became necessary for the young men to find employment on the Platte. On one occasion James Cummings, Robt. Waddel, Robt. Henderson and an "old timer" by the name of Harris, wishing to cross the Platte near Grand Island when the water was very high, they constructed a raft which was to carry their clothing. John Harris being a good swimmer, engaged to pull the raft by a rope held by his teeth, they to follow after by holding on behind. They were stranded on an island for several hours. Cummings saw his boots float away in the waters of the Platte never to return. However, they succeeded in reaching shore, none tlie worse for their experience. When the Sioux made the memorable raid on the Campbell ranch ho went to the Platte on horseback. He saw wliile there the desohited homes of settlers. A mother lying dead, her infant child playing in her blood. Another occasion while herding cattle for Fred Evans of Grand Island it was rumored that a great gathering of Indians were on the Blue river. He became anxious for the safety of the folks at home and abandoned work and started alone on horseback, well armed to be sure, thirty-five miles of treeless, trackless prairie, momentnrialy ex]iecting to meet a band of red men but on reaching the settlement, found that several hundred Indians had been there, but were gone- and had been friendly to the whites. Among them being the great chief, Peta-le-sharu. As farms grew more productive he turned his attention to stock raising, buying and shipping, as well as feeding, being his chosen vocation- He has filled offices of trust and honor, both County and State, with credit to himself and constituents. . Here through privations and deeds of noble daring, men found character of high standard, they need no other monument than these, their works, the wonder of the West.

For answer to a request for my experience during the pioneer days in York county, I will say, it was not that we were intending to profit by Horace Greeley's advice to *'Go West and grow up with the country" that brought us to Nebraska. We drifted in, as it were, intending to go on to California. We drove from Omaha by w^ay of Fremont, over the Prairie from which the grass had recently been burned, and late one Sunday afternoon in April, 1870, we stopped at D. T-. Moore's and asked for shelter for the night. It set in for a good rain, which continued for three days and during that time my husband, J. B. Read decided lie would settle here. We pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres three miles north of York, built a two roomed sod house, a sod stable, dug a cave and had a well dug. AVe had to go to Lincoln for our housekeeping outfit and I tried every place while there, to buy feathers enough for two i)illows, but not an ounce could I find, so when I returned home I made hay i)illows and a hay bed which we used until we could get our bed and bedding shipped to us, which was a long tedious task, owinn" to our lack of mail facilities and so far from a railroad. We received our mail at Beaver Crossing and only once a week, and it was there we sent our letters to be mailed. Upon one occasion when I was so anxious to get that precions bed and bedding here, I found myself without letter paper, but a letter must be sent, so it was written on light brown wrapping paper.

Prairie chickens were numerous and my husband, being a good marksman, we enjoyed many a feast on wild game. And here, I will relate my own experience in the * 'chase." One day, seeing a deer enter a ravine and her fawn by her side, I was filled with a wild desire to capture that baby deer. So I started out with a dog, and when I came to the ravine the old deer bounded away over the Prairie with the dog in pursuit. After searching the weeds for a while I saw this little deer had slipped out and was going in the direction its mother had gone. Then came a race that I realized must be a "home stretch" from the beginning and I threw off my bonnet and bent every energy to the task. When within a few yards from it the little animal seemed to realize its danger and dropped in the grass to hide. I took it home and it became my companion in many rambles over the prairies.

When we had been here a year, grief came to us in the death of our three months old babe, our tirst born. No coft'in could be ]U"ocured nearer than Plattsmouth, so we sought the service of a carpenter, and that it might not look so much like a pine box, I sent a broad cloth cloak to cover it, but there were no tacks with which to fasten the cloth in place; none to be found nearer than Seward. Pins were cut in two and by crossing them made to do service. Another difficulty arose when time to close the coffin, there were no sci-pws with which to fasten the lid. Judge Moore took one of his doors from the hinges that the screws might be used.

After paying for our hundred and sixty acres, we homesteaded an eighty two miles farther north and virtually began again at the bottom of the ladder to build, break prairie and plant trees.

saw while there the desolated homes of settlers. A mother lying dead, her infant child playing in her blood. Another occasion while herding cattle for Fred Evans of Grand Island it was rumored that a great gathering of Indians were on the Bine river. He became anxious for the safety of the folks at home and abandoned work and started alone on horseback, well armed to be sure, thirty-five miles of treeless, trackless }3rairie, momentarialy expecting to meet a band of red men but on reaching the settlement, found that several hundred Indians had been there, but were gone- and had been friendly to the whites. Among them being the great chief, Peta-le-sharu. As farms grew more productive he turned his attention to stock raising, buying and shipping, as well as feeding, being his chosen vocation- He has filled offices of trust and honor, both County and State, with credit to himself and constituents. . Here through privations and deeds of noble daring, men found character of high standard, they need no other monument than these, their works, the wonder of the West.

For answer to a request for my experience during the pioneer days in York county, I will say, it was not that we were intending to profit by Horace Greeley's advice to "Go West and grow up with the country" that brought us to Nebraska. We drifted in, as it were, intending to go on to California. We drove from Omaha by way of Fremont, over the Prairie from which the grass had recently been burned, and late one Sunday afternoon in April, 1870, we stopped at D. T-. Moore's and asked for shelter for the night. It set in for a good rain, which continued for three days and during that time my husband, J. B. Read decided he would settle here. We pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres three miles north of York, built a two roomed sod house, a sod stable, dug a cave and had a well dug. We had to go to Lincoln for our housekeeping outfit and I tried every place while there, to buy feathers enough for two pillows, but not an ounce could I find, so when I returned home I made hay ]ullows and a hay bed which we used until we could get our bed and bedding shipped to us, which was a long tedious task, owing to our lack of mail facilities and so far from a railroad. We received our mail at Beaver Crossing and only once a week, and it was there we sent our letters to be mailed. Upon one occasion when I was so anxious to get that precious bed and bedding here, I found myself without letter paper, but a letter must be sent, so it was written on light brown wrapping paper.

Prairie chickens were numerous and my husband, being a good marksman, we enjoyed many a feast on wild game. And here, I will relate my own experience in the ''chase." One day, seeing a deer enter a ravine and her fawn by her side, I was filled with a wild desire to capture that baby deer. So I started out with a dog, and when I came to the ravine the old deer bounded away over the Prairie with the dog in pursuit. After searching the weeds for a while I saw this little deer had slipped out and was going in the direction its mother had gone. Then came a race that I realized must be a "home stretch" from the beginning and I threw otf my bonnet and bent every energy to the task. When within a few yards from it the little animal seemed to realize its danger and dropped in the grass to hide. I took it home and it became my companion in many rambles over the prairies.

When we had been here a year, grief came to us in the death of our three months old babe, our first born. No coffin could be procured nearer than Plattsmouth, so we sought the service of a carpenter, and that it might not look so much like a pine box, I sent a broad cloth cloak to cover it, but there were no tacks with which to fasten the cloth in place; none to be found nearer than Seward. Pins were cut in two and by crossing them made to do service. Another dit^'iculty arose when time to close the coffin, there were no sci'ows with which to fasten the lid. Judge Moore took one of his doors from the hinges that the screws might be used.

After paying for our hundred and sixty acres, we homesteaded an eighty two miles farther north and virtually began again at the bottom of the ladder to build, break X)rairie and plant trees.

Of the hardships and privations that were the common lot of all who came in the early days, I will not write, it is too well known to those who stood so loyally together on the bleak, bhick waste of the York County of that day.

Mrs. Cap. J. B. Read

Alfonso D. Wyckoff, son of Asher and Armarilla Wyckoff, was born in Brown County, Ohio, June 17th, 1830 and in 1838 removed with his parents to Putnam County, Illinois, where he spent his early life, being apprenticed to a cabinet maker when he was sixteen years of age. He joined the early gold seekers making the trip to California by the way of the Nicaraugua Route in 1852. The sailing vessel on which he took passage on the Pacific being blown out of its course, finally put in at Honolulu where Mr. Wyckoff remained for six months, afterwards working his way to California as ship-carpenter on a sailing vessel After working in the mines and at cari)entering in California he returned to Illinois in 1855 and spent four years in acquiring a collegiate education at Wheaton College; he then entered the ministry, and was ordained in the Congregational church in 1863. He entered the army as Chaplain of the 64th. 111., Vol. Inf., serving until the close of the war; returning to Illinois he served as pastor at different ])laces until 1872, when his eyesight having failed he was com})elled to give u]) the ministry, and after engaging in the furniture business for a year or two he went into the drug business with his brother in the town of Chebanse, Iroquois County, Illinois. He moved from this place to Roberts, Ford County, Illinois, and from there came to York in 1880, purchasing the building and drugstore of Dr, W. H. Geer. In 1883 he erected the brick building now standing at No. 103 East Sixth Street, which was one of the first brick buildings to be l)uilt in the city. Mr. AVyckoff retired from active business in 1888, disposing of his interest in the drug business to Dr. A. J- Rvan.

Mr Wyckoff was married in 1852 to Lovina Beresford, who died in York in the year 1890. His children are Helen L Wvckoff, who has been a teacher in the Omaha schools for nearly thirty years; W. W. Wyckoff, a well known resident of the city of York; Flora M. Cameron, who died m 1894, and Rilla L. Boynton now residing with her husband, C M Boynton, in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Wyckoff was married to Mrs. Sarah M. McGraw in 1893, and m 1894 removed to Southern California where he is now living m Escondido, San Diego County.

The writer of this sketch was born in Woodford County 111 May 18th, 1832; in 1846 moved to McClean County, 111., with his father, who was an M. D., and who died m 1849 with cholera. On September 8th, 1859, the writer was married to Mrs. Sarah Price Stillwell, the mother of three children; two boys and one girl; the boys both having died in infancy, the girl (now Mrs. C. S. Hesser) lives m York, Nebraska. To Mr. and Mrs. Parker were born seven children, three girls and four boys, one girl died of whooping cough at five weeks of age, the others are all living. Mrs. Parker died March the first 1901, aged 66 years. She was a member of the Christian church and lived a Christian life. Mr. Parker enlisted in Co- H. 94th 111. Inft., August 1st, 1862 and served in the army until August 9th, 1865. He' moved to Iowa in the fall of 1865, and in 1868 moved to Nebraska and seti/ed on Sec. 34, Town 12, N. Range 2, W., April 14th, 1869, where he still resides. At the organization of the county, one precinct voted at his house, there were cast in said 'precinct, 71 votes. This precinct (No. 3) embraced the entire north half of the county. Mrs. C- S. Hesser of York still has the old ballot box used at that election. The writer thinking York was too far away to go there for the mail, concluded to have a P. O. nearer, so he and Mr. Chancy Akin petitioned for a mail route from Seward to Mr. Akins house, asking for three Post Offices; one at a place called Palo with A. H. Rockers as Postmaster, one at Parkers, called Thayer with Parker for Postmaster, and one at Akins, called Akius Mills with Chancy Akin for Postmaster. The petition was granted. When the C- & N. W. R. R. was built in 1887 the villiao'e of Thayer was laid out and named after the P. 0. nearby. The village has a population of 200, bnt is too near York to grow very large, is a good business jjoint, has one wat^r mill, two elevators, one lumber yard, one flour house, one implement house, one drug store, two hardware stores, two general merchandise stores, one cream station, one butcher shop, one barber sho]!, one blacksmith shop, one livery barn, one bank, a good depot, good electric light plant, good school building, and schools that include the 9th grade. The village also has three churches; the M. E. Church, German Lutheran and Presbyterian. The village also has a public hall, a M. W. A. Hall and the Township Hall is located in the village. Our Dr. Douglas looks after our health and we think him a good Dr. and a fine citizen. We have no saloons and our citizens being of high moral character, we never expect a saloon. The village has never been incorporated, but there is some talk now along that line.

Harvey Pickrel was born at Galesburg, 111., Dec. 31st, 1842. At the age of 20 he enlisted in Co. A., 14th 111. Cav., and served through the war, participating in the battles of Knoxville, Tenn., Macon, Ga., Atlanta, Ga., Look-out Mountain and several smaller fights. On returning from the war he remained at Galesburg till 1872. He came to Seward county, Nebraska, and the same year came to York county and homesteaded the N W.. Vi 20-10-1 and owns his old homestead together with enough land adjoining to make a farm of 400 acres, besides land in other places. Mr. Pickrel was always fond of horses, enlisted in the cavalry, and in an early day shi])ped into this county more than oOO head, buying and selling continually. He engaged in the fine trotting stock business and still has some of the best horses in York county. Pie, early, made a good race track on his farm, had a good speed barn and blacksmith shop, has had great sport in racing horses and has enjoyed the sport so well he is still at it. Says lie lias lost many ^ood race horses, but thinks they will come to him in the next world. He raced the first horses over the York race tracks, Osceola race tracks, and Seward race tracks-; constructed and run the first race horses over the David City race tracks. Mr. Pickrel, in an early day used Lincoln avenue from the bridge to where the depot is for racing. Frank Southworth, an old sport, used to join with him in the fun. Mr. Pickrel also fed cattle in connection with his farming. His home, in an early day, was quite a resort for dances, says the dances drew big crowds and they frequently used the barn for dances. Says that one night while the dance was going on two Irishmen, Dawson and Keefe got filled up a little too much and got into a fight over religion, one was a Catholic and the other an Orangeman, the fight did not interfere with the dance but was a kind of a side show, the fight went merrily on till Keefe got licked and the Orangeman wore the ribbon and that ended the scrap. In those days they had no money to l^ay lawyers so did not appeal to the courts, but fought it out. Mr. Pickrel says when the country was being settled, he met a woman on the prairie carrying a bucket of watei'. He asked her what she was packing water for? She replied they had no well, and was getting water for dinner, said the nearest well where she got the water was two miles away. Mr. Pickrel has retired from active farming and lives in his nice home in York, but still owns and operates a horse barn, and says he intends to stay in the horse business as long as he lives.

Retired farmer, York, Neb., is a native of Wilkesbarre, county. Pa., where he was born October 26, 1835, son of Jacob and Hannah (Hannis) Detrick both of German lineage, and the former a contractor and builder, who moved to Iowa in 185(3 and engaged in farming. Horton M. Detrick enlisted in the Civil War in September, 1861, in Company D, 4th Iowa volunteer cavalry. In 1863 he reenli steel in the same regiment and served until the close of the war. In the last battle of the war at Columbus, Ga., he was wounded. He was mustered out at Atlanta, Ga., August 10, 1865. He resided in Iowa until the spring of 1870, when he moved to

Nebraska and liomesteaded in York comity. Mr. Detrick is a rejnibliean in polities. He served for six years continuoiisly as a member of the York county board, representing the city of York; as a member of the York city council, and as postmaster of York from 1890 to 1895 by appointment of President Harrison. In 1902 he was elected to the lower house of the state legislature from the 38th district and was reelected in 1904. During the first session he served as chairman of the Soldiers' Home committee, and as a member of the committees on jmblic lands and buildings, the judiciary, and county organization. During the second session he served as chairman of the committee on claims and a member of the Soldiers' Home committee. Mr. Detrick is a member of York lodge No. 35, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the G. A. R., Robert Anderson post 32, of York. Mr. Detrick was married in Iowa October 25, 1865 to Miss Jennie C. Andrews, a native of Vermont. They are the parents of five children: Effie E., a graduate of Wesleyan University, is now Assistant Registrar in said University; Jesse W., who has been in the U. S. Mail service for 13 years, is now assistant to Chief Clerk in the Railway Mail Service, with headquarters at Los Angeles, Cal.; Estella N., who was City Librarian at York for nine years, is now married to R. E. Lynds, their home is at Los Angeles, Cal.; Hiram E., now of the firm of Jerome & Detrick, Druggists, York, Neb.; and Lulu, who was deputy. County Superintendant for four years, is now married to M. S. Hargraves. Their home is at Alliance Nebr.

George F. Corcoran, was born at Rockford, Illinois, January 13» 1862, and settled with his parents in York county in Februrary, 1879. The home place was on section 27 in what is now Leroy townshi]). Here he assisted on the farm for a few years and taught district school. During busy times he assisted in the office of the county treasurer at different times during the time J. W. Bennett was county treasurer, commencing in 1882. Shortly thereafter he became interested in the York Democrat and indentified

Was active in the oi'g-anization of the volunteer fire department in the city and was for many years its chief, and also served as a member of the city council.

Was appointed Court' Reporter by District Judge Robert Wheeler in January IF'92, and served four years, and in 1896 was engaged in practi?e of law in York, and for a part of that year identified with the first national campaign of W. J. Bryan for president.

In January, 1897 was appointed stenographer to Attorney General C. J. Smyth, and later appointed by him to the position of Assistant Attorney General, which position lie resigned in 1900 to again become Court Reporter with Judge B. F. Good, in which position he remained for eight years, and in November 1907 was elected to the office of Judge of the District Court of the same district, and in November, 1911 was reelected and is now serving his second term as judge of the district.

Has been prominently connected with the organization of the York Commercial Club, York Chautauqua, the York Base Ball club, the Elks, and other similar organizations.