York County, Nebraska - Biographical sketches, 1921 (part 10 of 13)

Joseph G. Alden

Among the progressive and public s})irited citizens of York is Joseph G.- Alden, owner and editor of the York Re|)uhlican. His birth occurred on the Tth of September, ISTG, in Minneapolis, a son of William H. and Mary (Lightfoot) Alden. His parents were natives of New York state and were married in Tipton, Iowa, in 1873 where they resided for a few years. They then removed to Minneapolis where they lived a short time and in 1880 came to Nebraska settling in Aurora. For many years Mr. Alden conducted a store there in conjunction with his nephew, W. H. Fairchild, under the name of W. H. Fairchild & Coni])any. He was not accepted for active service during the Civil war because of being physically unfit, but he assisted in raising .several companies. William H. Alden was twice married, his second wife being Mary Lightfoot, and to this union si.x children were Iwrn, five of whom are living: Joseph G.. the subject of this review : J. H., who is manager of a store at Wahoo; Mrs. Jessie Ronin, whose husband is Charles A. Roiiin, a ]niinter and decorator residing in Aurora: Chester C, manager of a mercantile estaldishnient at Whitman; and Arthur A., who is engaged in the plumbing business at Aurora. To his first marriage two children were born, namely: W'illiam M., a retired merchant of Hyannis, Nebraska ; and Kate F., who is the wife of W. A. Hathaway, insurance man of Portland, Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Alden were consistent members of the Methodist Kinscopal church and he was a thirty-second degree Mason and a Knight Templar. Throughout his entire life he gave his allegiance to the republican party- Joseph G. Alden received his education in the schools of Aurora, graduating from the high school there in 1892. As soon as he put his textbooks aside he began learning the printing business on the Aurora Republican. He was so successful in this venture that in 1899 he bought the paper which he ran until 1907. His paper became very popular and was known throughout the surrounding counties as a fair . and honorable sheet. In 1902 he was appointed to the position of postmaster and served in this capacity for twelve years. For nine months Mr. Alden resided in Lincoln, but on the 1st of September, 1917, he came to York where he purchased the York Republican. This paper he is still successfully printing, being the editor as well as the owner of the sheet. In connection witli the paper he has a large job printing business.

In 1899 Mr. Alden was united in marriage to Miss Eloise Shean, of Aurora, a daughter of John Shean. For a number of years her father engaged in farming and was later engaged in the grocery and the implement business. Two children have come to make their home with Mr. and Mrs. Alden, namely; Joseph Maurice, sixteen years of age; and Marjorie, who is twelve years of age. Mr. Shean is now making his home with the Aldens.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Alden the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party and active in its interests. During the campaign of Judge S. H. Sedgwick in 1916 for supreme judge Mr. Alden served as campaign director. The family are members of the Christian Science church and Mr. and Mrs. Alden are readers in the York society. As editor of a newspaper, one of the most important institutions of town or city, it is necessary for Mr. Alden to be familiar with all local activities and as a result he is a member of the Rotary Club of which he is president and a member of the board of directors of the Commercial Club. He i^ also active in the social aflfairs of York and is a member of the York Country Club, serving as a member of its board of directors. The York Republican is a newspaper of the highest type, believes in fair play and progressiveness, and is one of the foremost republican papers of the state.

Gerhard Rempel

For many years Gerhard Rempel engaged in farming iu York county and his death which occurred January 28, 1900, at the age of fifty-four, came as a severe shock to his many friends throughout the community. Mr. Rempel was a native of Russia, born May 25, 1847, in the southern part of that country, where he received a common school education. After putting Iris textbooks aside he engaged in farming for some time and then worked in a flour mill. When the news of the marvelous opportunities offered in the new world reached his ears he determined to come to the United States with the result that he arrived in Sutton July 3, 1877. He bought eighty acres of railroad land, on which he built a house, twentyfour by thirty-four feet, and also frame barns. The necessai-y provisions were hauled from York and Sutton. The success which he attained along this line soon enabled him to ])urchase an additional eighty acres of land. Throughout his period of residence in this country he engaged in general iarniiug and t^tock raising, to which pursuits he devoted liis entire time and energy.

In Russia Mr. Rempel was married to Miss Katharina Epp, whose death occurred December 28, 1886, at the age of thirty-four. She was born February 16, 1853. To this union six cliildren were born, namely : Gerhard G., Jr. ; Cornelius, who is fanning in Saskatchewan, Canada ; Jacob, also farming in Canada ; Katharina, now the wife of John B. Peters of Canada; Gertrude, the wife of John A. Peters of Quincy, Washington, where he is engaged in farming; and Sarah, who is a trained nurse in the Mennonite hospital at Beatrice. Mr. Rempel was married the second time to Miss Elizabeth Wieler and five children were born to this union: Peter, Henry, John who is deceased, Isbrand and Elizabeth.

Gerhard G., Jr., has succeeded his father in farming in York county where he has a well improved place of two hundred and eighty acres. He is engaged in general farming and is considered one of the most progressive agriculturists in the community in which he resides. He was married February 7, 1901, to Miss Maria Thieszen born in York county, and they have eight children : Maria, Gerhard, Elizabeth, Katharina, Sarah, Jacob, Anna and Lena.

The political allegiance of Mr. Rempel was given to the republican party and he had a firm belief in the principles of that party as factors in good government. He was a consistent member of the Mennonite church in which faith his family was reared. As an active man who maintained an interest in the development of his community he served the public as road overseer for some time and was also school treasurer of district 37. During his residence in York county Mr. Rempel won the confidence, respect and goodwill of all with whom he came in contact and his death caused a feeling of deep bereavement in the vicinity in which he had for many years made his home.

Walter V. Macartney

Walter V. Macartney, president of the York Milling and Grain Company, was born in Colorado, on the 27th of January, 1881, a son of George G: and Josephine (Van Horn) Macartney, the former was born in Missouri and the latter was born in the state of New York. Afther their marriage, which took place in New York state, they removed to Colorado in 1878, settling at Denver where Mr. Macartney engaged in the carriage manufacturing business. The mother passed away in 1910 but the father is still living and resides with his son in York. Mr. Macartney enjoyed a great amount of success in the carriage manufacturing business, which he later gave up and became associated with tlie Colorado Southern Railroad Company, having charge of a department for a numljer of years. In 1910 he retired from active business. Both Mr. and J[rs. ^facartney were consistent members of the Episcopal church and he is still active in the interests of that organization. He has always been a stanch supporter of the republican party and is conversant on all of the leading questions of the day. Eight children were born to this union, three of whom are now living: Grace, the wife of F. W. Viele, a fruit farmer of Los Angeles, California ; Walter V., the subject of this review ; and George L., who is traffic manager for a large lumber concern in San Francisco.

Walter V . Macartney received his eilucation in the sclnxils of l)enver hut found it necessary to give up his studies and go to work. When the Spanish- American war broke out he was among the first to enlist and spent three years with General Funston in the Philippines. In 1IKI2 he returned to Denver and accepted a position as cashier and assistant manager of the Postal Telegraph Company, where he remained for a period of five years. He then entered the milling business in the employ of Washburn Crosby of Minneapolis, serving as branch manager of this concern for five years. At the termination of this time he went to Omaha becoming an employe of the Wells, Abbott, Nieman Company and worked for tliem six years. This concern owned the York mill and in 1914 he was sent to York to take charge. Some time later a stock company was organized which took over the mill in 1919, with a capital of one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. Mr. Macartney became president of the company, also serving as treasurer, L. S. Loonier, vice president, and 0. J. Diidek, secretary. The mill has a capacity of four hundred barrels and runs twenty-four hours a day. What flour is not sold in N'ebraska goes to West Virginia, Virginia, \c\v ^'ork and ilichigan.

In 1903 Mr. Macartney was united In nun ria'^'c to Miss Caroline Jones of Denver and to them four children lia\c been lioi'ii, namely: Caroline; Fredric ; Josephine; and Ella, 'i'lic niotln'i-, who was a consistent meml)er of the Episcop>al church, died in 191+. In 191.5 Mr. Macartney was again wed. this time to Mrs. Rosa (Cook) Carman of Chicago, a widow with one child, James Frederick. By his second marriage Mr. Macartney has two cliildicn : Mary Katherine and Jane Cook. The family are members of the P]pisco|)iil cliurcli.

Politically Mr. Macartney is a member of the ic|)ul)lican party in which he takes an active interest. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Macai'tncy is in every sense of the word a self-made man for only by dint of hard labor lie lia'^ gradually risen to the position in which lu- is now so ably serving.

Joe Mark Kilgore, D.

Perhaps no tnan thrdughout the state of Nebraska has done more for the promotion of osteo])athy than did Dr. Joe Mark Kilgore, deceased, who was for many years one of the most prominent members of that profession in York county. He was a native of Mexico, Missouri, born in that state ontthe 23rd of December, 1874. His death occurred in York, Decemljer 7, 1918, and at the news of his demise a widespread feeling of bereavement swept the community.

In the accjuirement of his education Dr. Kilgore attended the schools in Mexico, Missouri, and in due time entered the military academy at that place, from which he was graduated in June, 1893. After putting liis textbooks aside he taught school for five years, at the termination of which time he decided upon a professional career. Soon afterward he entered the American School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri, and he was graduated in this course in 190(1. He then removed to Nebraska and settled in York, where he commenced his practice, his popularity ever increasing until he had one of the largest practices in the state. He was ever active in the promotion of this profession in Nebraska, which for some time was looked upon witli suspicion, and he was also instrumental in getting a law passed in 1901 to enable the osteopaths to practice in this state. For a numlier of years he was a member of the state board of osteopaths and became well known in this connection. In addition to the prominence Dr. Kilgore enjoyed in professional circles he also took an active part in the business circles of York, being connected with a number of well known business enterprises. At the time of his death he owned stock in a large business block and was a director of the American State Bank. Believing land to be a safe investment Dr. Kilgore owned many acres in York county and also property in Oklahoma.

On the 18th of March, 1903, Dr. Kilgore was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Mary George, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Henderson) George, both of whom were natives of England. The father removed with his parents to Wisconsin at an early day and there he received his' education. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. George they came to Nebraska, settling in York county in 1866. Here they acquired a homestead and for the first summer made their home in a wagon. Some time later they built a log house which is still standing. Five children were born to this union, three of whom are living: Eve H., the widow of Mr. Hoisington, who is residing in Pendleton, Oregon ; Mrs. Gene Wright, whose husband is retired, and they are living in York; and Mrs. Kilgore, the widow of the subject of this review. Members of the George family were reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church. The father passed away in 1904 at the age of sixty-nine years and Mrs. George died at the age of seventy-four years, in 1914. To the union of Dr. and Mrs. Kilgore four children have been born: William Sherwood, aged sixteen years, who is a junior in high school ; Robert Nelson, fourteen years of age ; Herbert Hale, aged nine years ; and James who died an infant. The Kilgore family are members of the Christian church in the interests of which Mrs. Kilgore takes an active part. She is now residing in the home which her father and mother occupied at the time of their deaths, at 724 East Fifth street. She is financially independent, owning three farms in York county, one and one-half sections of land in Hays township and three hundred and twenty acres in Brown township.

Fraternally Dr. Kilgore was a member of the Masons, in which order he had obtained the thirty-second degree and was an active member of the Knights of Pythias. He was a consistent member of the Christian church and was prominent in the affairs of that organization. In the passing of Dr. Kilgore members of his profession suffered a severe loss as well as did York county in losing a representative citizen.

Edward W. Blender

Edward W. Blender is one of the younger group of York county farmers who is employing modern and progressive methods in the carrying out of his farming operations. He was born in York county, Nebraska, November 1, 1898, a son of Edward and Louise (Blessman) Blender, both natives of Germany. Elsewhere in this work will be found an extended account of the life and achievements of the father.

Edward W. Blender secured his edueatioii in the publie schools of York, the first school which he attended being of frame construction the lumber for which he helped to haul from Lincoln. During his younger years he lived with his parents on the farm and sometime after liis father's death began to apply himself to a study of agricultural operations with the object in view of becoming qualiiied to take charge of the home farm. At the age of twenty-two years he took over the responsibility of handling the details connected with the home farm and is now actively engaged in general farming and stock raising. He makes a specialty of pure-blooded Shorthorn cattle, a line of activity which was inaugurated by his father. He keeps the fields in the same high state of cultivation as did hir^ father before him.

Mr. Blender is a member of the Lutheran church and of the Independent Oi'der of Odd Fellows. In political affairs he supports the republican party in its policies and principles. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Benedict, in the Benedict Lumber & Fuel Company, and in the Farmers State Bank. The record which he has made thus far is very creditalile and is a clear indication of success in future activities.

Albeet B. Chatteeton

Albert B. Chatterton, city clerk of York, was born in riiiladeiphia, PennsylvaniM, Xovember 1, 1857, a son of Henry and Bathsheba (Fouse) Chatterton, the former a native of England, while the latter was born in Philadelphia, in which city their marriage was celebrated. In 186,") Mr. Chatterton removed to York county where he homesteaded, becoming one of the first settlers of this section of the state. He occupied his homestead to the time of his death and his first dwelling w^as a log house, while later he erected a frame residence. In the early days the Indians were numerous and game of various kinds was plentiful. For a great while there was no church in the neighborhood, so the settlers would meet in the home of one of the residents and hold service. Mrs. Chatterton survived her husband and spent her last days in York. They were parents of three children, of whom two are living: Mrs. Lillian Hedgecock, who is living at College View, Washington; and Albert B. The father was a member of the Episcopal church and his wife of the Presbyterian church. His political support was given to the republican party and he was always loyal in matters of citizenship. Prior to and during the Civil war he was an engineer in the navy, thus serving for eleven years.

Albert B. Chatterton was educated in the public schools of York and attended the first district school of the county. He afterward spent two years as a student in the Adventist College at Battle Creek. Michigan, and then took up the occupation of farming. He was married in York county to Miss Anna E. Shannon and tliey have a daughter, Flossie, the wife of Harry C. Hessler, of Pawnee City, Nebraska, who is editor of the Eepublican there. After his marriage Mr. Chatterton went to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he conducted a grocery store for two years and then returned to his farm, whereon he resided for a two-year period. In 1895 he took up his abode in York and was employed in a store for more than ten years. He was then elected city clerk and has since filled the office, making a most creditalile record by the prompt, capable and efficient manner in wliich he discharges his duties. He also bought and sold farm and city property in York county for several years and is now the owner of two nice business properties, from which he derives a good income. He also owns a large residence which is thoroughly modern. He is devoting his entire time to the business of the city and that he has made a most excellent record as city clerk is indicated by his long retention in the office. He has always been a republican in his political views, giving stalwart support to the party. Mr. and Mrs. Chatterton are members of the Presbyterian church and they are held in high esteem by all who know them. Mr. Chatterton has ever been keenly interested in the welfare and progress of York county and today has the distinction of being the oldest living settler within its borders, having for fifty-five years made his home here, so that he has witnessed its entire growth and development as the wild prairie lands have been transformed into productive farms, dotted here and there with thriving towns and villages in which are to be obtained all of the advantages and opportunities of the older east.

C. Burr Gaunt

A representative citizen and business man is C. Burr Gaunt, who has an exclusive Ford agency in York. He is a native of Iowa having been born in Bayard, on the 18th of June, 1886, a son of George C. and Josephine (Manville) Gaunt, both natives of that state. The father was a barber by trade and a band teacher. He was a great lover of music and wrote several pieces. His death occurred in 1893 and his widow who is still living, -resides at Bayard. Tliree cliildren were born to their marriage, two of whom are living: C. Burr, the subject of this review; and Gladys, the wife of Roy Slack, an insurance man of Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. Gaunt was a member of the Methodist Episcopal iliurch and Mrs. Gaunt is a consistent member of the same. He was a republican in jiolitics and fraternally belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Modern Woodmen of America.

C. Burr Gaunt acquired his education in the common schools of Bayard and was graduated from the high school there in lilOo. His first occupation on leaving school was that of telegraph operator in which capacity he served for the period of one year. He then went to Coloradn wlieri' he worked at various occupations and in 1908 came to Nebraska, settling in Omaha. Here he accepted a position as Ijookkeeper with Paxton and Gallagher Company, wholesale grocers, and remained in that service four and one-half years. His next position was as cashier in the office of the Bradford-Kennedy Lumber Company at Omaha, and at the termination of six months spent in their employ he became chief clerk of the Ford Motor Company. For four years he remained with tlu^ Ford Company in Omaha and on the 1st of September, 1917, came to York where he established the Ford Agency. In this venture he has been very successful and has most of the Ford business in York county. The business is carried on in a large brick building having over seventy-two hundred feet of floor space. In connection with the agency he also has a shop for the repairing of Ford cars.

In 1911 occurred the marriage of Mr. Gaunt and Miss Maude C. Fills, a native of Omaha and the daughter of Zack M. FIlis who is residing in that i>lace and has been a member of the municipal court. He has lived in Omaha for fifty years. Two children have been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gaunt, namely : Bernice, who is now attending school at the age of seven and one-half years; and Janis, twenty months old.

Fraternally Mr. Gaunt is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mrs. Gaunt is a member of the Kountze Memorial Lutheran church of Omaha. As a prominent business man Mr. Gaunt takes an active interest in all local affairs and is a member of the Rotary Club and the Commercial Club. He is also a member of the Y. M. C. A. In the social circles of York Mr. and Mrs. Gaunt are also prominent and he is secretary of the York Country Club, also on the entertainment committee of the Elk's lodge. The success which Mr. Gaunt now enjoys is the result of his own labor and diligence for he began to help in the support of the family when but seven years old, following the death of his father. He worked on a farm during the summer months, earning enough money to buy his clothes for the following school year. He has learned his lessons in the bitter school of experience, and profiting by them has become a man that any connnuuity would be proud to have as citizen.

Lewis C. Imm

Lewis C. Imm, for years identified with the farming and commercial life of York county, was born in Posen, Germany, January 22, 1845. He immigrated to America in 1863, the voyage occupying about six weeks. He first settled in Wisconsin and worked there in a sawmill and also rafted timber down the river to St. Louis. He came to Xebraska in 1871, making the journey by train to Columbus, going from that city to Seward county on foot. He found but one settler between his place and Columbus. Mr. Imm homesteaded eighty acres of land and put up a house composed of mud and straw, the walls being about eighteen inches thick with a dirt floor, while the barns were of sod with shingle roof. He had the help of an ox team in the breaking of the land and when that was completed he planted crops and in a short time had things going in good shape. Provisions had to be hauled from Lincoln and Columbus and fuel was obtained from the creek where timber was chopped for the purpose, at the same time corn and cornstalks were also used as fuel. As his farming prospered Mr. Imm added to his holding and at the time of his death in 1002 had a well improved place, the equal of any in the neighborhood. He passed away in his fifty-seventh year and his widow survived until 1919, when her death occurred at the age of seventy-four. They were the parents of six children : Robert C. ; Otto E., of South Dakota ; Louis, living in St. Joseph, Missouri ; Albert, who resides on a farm in South Dakota ; Martin, a carpenter, living in Ohio; and Clara, the wife of Fred Martin, a farmer living ip Temple, Texas. The parents were members of the Evangelical church, to whose teachings they were loyal. His political endorsement was given to the democratic party and he served as a member of the local school board for twenty-five years, his interest in educational affairs having been always of the most pronounced character.

Robert C. Imm received his preliminary education in the country schools of Utiea, Nebraska, and later attended the high schools of that phu-e, thus securing educational advantages beyond the opportunity of the average farm boy of the day. Fe worked for some years on his father's place and finally chose business life as a career and entered commercial pursuits at Gresham. Here he operated a general mercantile store under the style of Walford & Imm for twenty-four years, during that long period the business showing substantial advances, due in large measure to the keen business-like methods employed and to which Mr. Imm's talents generously contributed. Later Mr. Imm carried on the company as a private venture in his own name and when he finally ceased all connection with mercantile life he turned his attention to farming, moving to the holding in Stewart township, where he lived for some years and then sold out. He next bought the farm in Lockridge township on wliich he now lives and on which he carries on general farming and stock raising. His success in this line has been fully demonstrated and has been based upon the sure foundation of hard work and the most rigorous attention to the task in hand.

In 1892 Mr. Imm was united in marriage to Mina Heineke and they have become the parents of six children: Eva, the wife of C. F. Sherwood of Lincoln; Joseph, Ruth, O.scar and Charles, all at home; and Clara, who died when twenty-two years of age. Mr. Imm is a member of the Presbyterian church at York and is affiliated with the blue lodge of the Masonic order. While he is inclined to the principles of the democratic party he usually takes an independent attitude in political affairs. He has held practically all township offices and in the discharge of the duties of each position has earned a reputation for executive ability and efficiency. His many admirable qualities are generally recognized and there is no resident of the county more highly esteemed than he.

Mrs. Eliza Jane Hitchcock

Mrs. Eliza Jane Hitchcock, widow of the late Arnold Hitchcock, was born in Clay county, Indiana, a daughter of Thomas E. and Chloe (Adkins) Eads. Her parents were both natives of Kentucky and in their later life removed to Indiana, Iowa, and thence to Nebraska in 1871, where the father acquired a homestead on which he resided until his death. To this union thirteen children were born, three of whom are living: Mrs. Hitchcock, the subject of this review; William, who is a retired farmer of Dickinson county, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Dixon, a widow, residing in Minnesota. Mr. aiul Mrs. Eads were consistent members of the Baptist church and he was a stanch supporter of the democratic party.

In March, 1886, their daughter Eliza was united in marriage to William Kyle Atkison. Mr. Atkison was born in Ohio on the 2nd of Decendjer, 1840, a son of William Atkison also a native of Ohio. William K. Atkison received his education in the schools of Ohio, and spent all of his early life on a farm. In 1871 he came to York county and engaged in farming until 1893 when he removed to York where he retired. He was quite well-to-do, having made the greater part of his money in raising hogs. Politically Mr. Atkison was a stanch supporter of the democratic party and was fraternally affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His death occurred on the 24th of August, 1906, and in his passing York lost one of her representative citizens. On tlie 19th of October, 1909, his widow became the Avife of Arnold Hitchcock. Jlr. Hitchcock was born in Oliio. Marcli 'i:]. 1850,, and died March 3, IDl"). His early life was spent on a farm and his education was obtained in Ohio and Indiana in the country schools. In the early eifjhties he removed to York county and purchased a farm whereon lie resided for simie time and then sold it, and engaged in the grocery business in Scotia, Nebraska. Throughout his life he gave his allegiance to the democratic party and although he neither sought nor desired inihlic office, was always active in the interests of liis ]iarty. The religion of Mr. Hitchcock was of the Methodist Episcopal church. He retired from active business a short time before his death. Botli Mr. Atkison and Mr. Hitchcock were successful men and when they ])assed on York county sutlVrcil the loss of two prominent and progressive citizens.

Mrs. Hitchcock was the niotlier of four children by lier lirst marriage, all of whom are deceased: Oscar, who died at the age of nine years; Cornelia, who was one year of age when lier death occurred: Hattic, who was two years and four months old at the time of her death: and Beitba. who died at the age of thirteen years.

Mrs. Hitchcock suffered all tlie ])rivation of early pioneer life, having come to York county with her husband at an early day. .She is now residing in York in comfortable financial cii-cumstances, at 715 Burlington avenue, and is must active in the affairs of the Methodist church of which she is a member.

Lawrence C. Van Alen

A brief record of the life and activities of Lawrence C. Van Alen. wlm for years was identified with the agricultural development of York county, discloses a character worthy of esteem and emulation. He was born in Fulton county, New York, near Amsterdam, Decenrber 5, 1828, and his death occurred on April 26, 1899, when his passing was the occasion for very general and deep-felt regret, for he was a progressive business man, a loyal and patriotic citizen, a faithful friend and a devoted husband and father. He was a son of Cornelius Van Alen and wife, the former a native of New York state, whci-c hi' was engaged in farming and there spent all his life.

Lawrence C. Van Alen graduated from the high scIkmiI at .Tohnstmvn, New York, and at tlie age of twenty-one went to Califdrnia. making the voyage around Cape Horn, and finished his education at Stockton, a well known educational center in the (iolden state. Soine time later he opened a book and stationery store at Stockton and also served as county superintendent of schools in that iilace. After the termination of his official connection with the schools Mr. Van Alen returned to New York and was married to Felicia Harris, a native of Philadel])hia. The couple took up residence on his father's farm, where they lived foi- a time and where he assisted in carrying on the farming operations.

It was in 1870 that Mr. Van Alen came to York county and secured a homestead of eighty acres in Stewart township, ujxm which he erected a fi-ame cabin which served as a home until better days ensued. To reach his homestead he nuide the journey from Lincoln by wagon. He broke the ground and commenced to put up improvements, at the same time planting trees and setting out an orchard. He hauled lumber from Seward and built the first house erected in the immediate neighborhood, and gradually by persistent efforts he succeeded in his farming operations which were yielding satisfactory returns. Finding his financial condition to be sound he purchased a tract of railroad land in Polk county and on that place also carried on general farming and stock raising. At the time of his death he was the owner of two hundred and forty acres of excellent land on which he had put up two sets of improvements. During a prairie fire he lost a barn and was himself seriously injured, it being necessary to have one of his legs amputated above the knee.

To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Van Alen the following children were born: Clary K., deceased; Russell, who operates one of the old farms; Maude, the wife of Rev. J. W. Campbell, a minister now in California; Ardell, the wife of Gilbert Goudy, a York county farmer ; Olive, who married Lincoln W. Pigeon, of Sumner, Nebraska ; Eunice, a missionary, who served twelve years in Africa and is now among the Sioux Indians at Santee, Nebraska; and Ethel, now deceased, who married Rev. Herbert Course. Following the death of her husband Mrs. Van Alen moved into Gresham. They were members of the Presbyterian church, guiding their lives by its teachings and conforming their actions to its principles. He was a Mason and affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in both of M'liich he took a deep interest. He was a stanch democrat and served as township treasurer, in this office giving faithful and efficient service. He was a man of sound judgment, unassuming disposition and of genuine worth, and his energy and unquestioned integrity gained for liini the respect of his feliowmen.

John Adam Earth

A life of intense and well directed activity brought John Adam Earth, now deceased, to a position anuHig the successful farmers of York county. He was born in Newark, Ohio, March 11, 1858, and died in York county on the 6th of December, 1911. His parents were Michael and Mary Ann Earth, both natives of Wiirt tern berg, Germany. In 1849 the father went to California but was not successful there and subsequently removed to Ohio. He engaged in the milling business in that state but during one of the floods his mill was destroyed. He then removed to Illinois and here he and his wife resided until their deaths. For two years Michael Earth served in the Civil war.

In the acquirement of an education John Adam Earth attended the country schools of Illinois and after putting his textbooks aside engaged in farming. For some time he farmed in Illinois and in that state his marriage occurred. In 1892 he removed to Seward county where he purchased land which he later traded for a mill in Silver Creek. For five years he remained in the milling business and in 1901 removed to York county. Here he bought a farm consisting of one hundred and sixty acres in Leroy townshij), on which he resided until his death. Mrs. Earth is still in possession of the farm. In 1915 she removed to York and bought a piece of property at 314 College avenue, where she is now residing.

a native of Germany and a daughter of Franz and Mary (Sek'.er) Schall, botli of whom were born and died in Germany. The father was a successful merchant in the okl country. Mrs. Earth came to the United States with a brotfier, Charles, who was for some time a professor of music in St. Louis. Mrs. Earth is one of a family of five children, three of whom are living. She was a twin, her twin brother Joe Schall having been a successful farmer of York county. The Schall family were reared in the faith of the Catholic church. To the union of Mr. iind Mrs. Earth six children were born : Emma, the wife of G. U. Evans, who is a farmer in Wyoming; Carl, residing on a farm in Waco township, York county; Louise, the wife of George Snyder, a farmer in York county: Harry, who is living on the old homestead; Eertha, the wife of Fred H. Meyer, who is engaged in the music business in York; and Albert, who is on a homestead in Wyoming.

Mr. Earth was an independent in politics, voting for the man rather than for the party. He held the office of township treasurer for some time and was likewise on the school board for a number of years. He was a consistent member of the German Lutheran church and was one of the organizers of that church in the county. Mrs. Earth is a prominent member of the church and active in the interests of tliat organization. The success which Mr. Earth won came as the reward of persistent, earnest labor, and his life illustrates what can be accomplished through individual effort combined with ])ersistency of purpose.

Aexer E. Wilcox

A. E. Wilcox, for upwards of forty years identified with the agricultural life of York county, prior to which he had established a fine record for military service during the Civil war, is now living retired on his farm on section -i, Arborville township. He was born in Lenawee county, ^lichigan, February 17, 1846, a son of William C. and Mary Ann (Southard) Wilcox, the former a native of Xew York state and the latter born in Pennsylvania. The father for some years was an evangelist in Michigan and also worked at his trade of a millwright, while for a time he farmed and he also located several mills of Michigan. The parents pas.sed away many years ago in Michigan.

Eereft of his ])arents when he was thirteen years old Abner E. Wilcox had but slight opportunities for securing an education. When he was eighteen years of age he enlisted in Company G, Eighth Michigan Cavalry, which later was consolidated with Company H, and his entire service covered a period of seventeen months. He served as a .scout for a time and later was with General Sherman on the march to the sea. He lost his horse at Macon Ridge but obtained a remount in Kentucky and then became a member of the command led by (ieneral Thomas. He was one of two men left out of a company of sixty-three which went on a raiding expedition in Tennessee. This was in 186.5 when raiding parties descended on almost every county seat in Tennessee. Toward the end of the war he worked with detectives attached to the Pinkerton service and at the close of hostilities was honorably discharged and returned to the more peaceful pursuits of Civil life.

After his military service Mr. Wilcox learned the trade of a blacksmith in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and in 1871 went to Iowa and there resumed working at his trade as a millwriglit and for a time was employed in a sawmill close to the Missouri line. In tiie following year, 1873, he came to York county and took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Arborville township. All freighting had to be done from Lincoln and Seward, these places being the nearest market towns. His first house on the homestead was of the dugout variety and he also put up a smithy constructed of sod. He worked at his trade as a blacksmith for some years and made his own first plow with which to turn tlie sod of his holding. Finally, in 188-4, he abandoned his trade and from that date forward devoted all his energies to the work of the farm. He engaged in general farming and stock raising, at the same time feeding live stock for the markets, in this latter line meeting with much success. He gradually improved and developed his holding, put up good buildings and made the place the equal of any in the district. He is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land which is well improved and from which he derives splendid financial results. During the years of the grasshopper visitation he lost heavily, all his corn being destroyed. He has ever been possessed of sufficient courage to venture where favoring opportunity is presented and his judgment and even-.paced energy have carried him forward to the goal of success. It was the exercise of these qualities that brought him through his early trials and difficulties.

In January, 1878, Mr. Wilcox was united in marriage to Nettie A. Coon, a native of Wisconsin, and to their union nine children have been born: William J., an engineer on a United' States battleship, now in Spain; Grace, who lives in Exeter, Nebraska ; Maude, a trained nurse, now in Colorado ; Howard, who operates the old home farm; Walter, who runs a store in Idaho, also in service; Mary, a trained nurse in Omaha ; Frank, who served in the United States army ; Lemuel, a machine gunner, who was killed in Belleau Woods ; and Edson, who lives in York county. Mr. Wilcox had five children in the United States service at one time. Mr. Wilcox is a member of the Congregational church and in fraternal affiliation has been actively identified with the Masonic order for more than forty-four years in the state of Nebraska. His political support has ever been given to the republican party. He attended the first election in Arborville township and has never missed one in all the intervening period. As a member of the Urand Army of the Republic he has always displayed a warm interest in the work of his encampment and is now one of the few surviving "boys in blue" in this part of the state. Nearly fifty years have passed since Mr. Wilcox arrived in York county and he can look back over that period without regret and to the future without fear, for his has ever been an honorable life.

Charles F. Smith

Charles F. Smith, now deceased, was born in Germany July 10, 18-56, the son of Adam and Frederica Smith, natives of Germany, who came to this country when their son Charles was four years old and settled in Carroll county, Illinois, where they engaged in agricultural pursuits until they passed away.

Charles F. Smith was one of eight children, and spent his youth on his father's farm. In 1882 he moved to Audubon county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land whicli he cultivated until 1891 when he came to York county, Nebraska, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and made his home here until he passed away November 23, 1897.

He was married in Carroll county, Illinois, to Dorothea Daehler, the daughter of Henry and Eliza Daehler, natives of Germany who came to Carroll county and settled on a farm. After the death of her husband Mrs. Smith continued the management of the farm until eight years ago when she moved to McCool Junction. She has managed the property carefully and has shown herself to be a shrewd business woman, for she now owns one hundred and si.xty acres of land in West Blue township, in addition to the old home place. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Adam, who is married, is a farmer in West Blue township; Louis, who is a resident of California, is married ; Louisa B., who is the wife of H. P. Smith of McCool Junction; and Clara, who is married to R. W. Young, who is farming the old home place in McFadden township.

Mr. Smith was a member of the English Lutheran church to which his widow and family belongs. In politics he was a democrat and was always ready to give his support to worthy projects undertaken in behalf of the public. Mr. Smith was assessor of McEadden township two terms, and was on the school board several years. He was also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at McCool Junction. All who knew him had the highest regard for him and esteemed him an honest and honorable man whose word was as good as his bond. His death was a great loss to his family, who lost in him a beloved husband and father who always held at heart the welfare of those dear to him.

Elijah Jeefersox Underwood

Elijah Jefferson Underwood is one of the pioneer men of York county and makes his home in West Blue township, where he has a valuable and highly productive property that responds readily to the care and labor whicli he bestows upon it.

Mr. Underwood is a native of Appanoose county, Iowa, having been born in that state on the 1.5th of April, 1850, a son of Preston and Cassie Underwood. The father was born in Tennessee and when but a young man went to Missouri where he engaged in farming in Mercer county, and later in Harrison county, where his death occurred. The mother was killed by lightning when the subject of our review was but si.x weeks old. Mr. Underwood was then reared in the home of a family in AppanO(}se county. Iowa, and when eighteen years of age l)egan working on farms in the neighborhood of his home. Mr. ITnderwood lived in Iowa until 1877 and then came to Nebraska, settling in York county. He bought a relinquishment of eighty acres on section .30, West Blue townshi]), and this has been his home since. For four years he lived in a ]n'imitive sod house but today his farm, which now consists of si.x hundrcil acres, is one of the finest improved throughout the county. When Mr. Underwood first came to this county from Iowa he had a capital consisting of forty dollars and a team of mules. Throughout the intervening years he has traiisfornuMl his land fi-oni a wildei-ness of sagebrush to fertile fields and his enterprise has enabled him to overcome all obstacles and difficulties.

noose county, that state, and a dangliter of William Carrol and Harriet Jane (Miller) Baldridge. Her parents were natives of Tennessee and came to Iowa in 1849, where they were among the early settlers of Appanoose county. Her father died there. Mrs. Baldridge is still living at the advanced age of ninety-four years and resides with Mr. and Mrs. Underwood. Besides Mrs. Underwood, Mrs. Baldridge has another daughter living, Mrs. S. L. Smith, who also resides in the neighborhood and assists her sister in caring for and administering to the wants of their aged mother. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Underwood seven children have been born : Fred, who is engaged in farming in West Blue township ; Ed, a farmer of McFadden township; George, who is residing on the home place; Frank, whose death occurred two years ago and who is survived by a widow and four children; Maude, who is the wife of Julian Peterson of West Blue township; and Annie, who is residing at home. One died in childhood.

Mr. Underwood gives his allegiance to the republican party which finds in him a stanch advocate. Mrs. Underwood is a consistent memljer of the Methodist church. It has been forty-three years since Mr. Underwood came to York county, and during all of these years he has proved to be a good neighbor and friend and throughout the community he is familiarly known as "Jeff." Pioneer hardships and privations drew men together in the old days and the nickname was an outward token of the deep affection these hardy men had for one another. Not only has Mr. Underwood seen York county grow from a wild country with only a few white inhabitants to a rich agricultural country containing thousands of good homes and acres of growing towns, inhabited by an industrious, prosperous, enlightened and progressive people, but he has participated in and assisted the slow, persistent work of development which was necessary to produce a change which is so complete that it has come to be popularly referred to as magical.

Robert G. Gale

Since 1916 Robert G. Gale has been in the photographic business in York and in this short time has acquired the reputation of being one of the finest photographers in the county. He is a native son of Nebraska, born in Beatrice, in November, 1891, a son of Charles F. and Aldula (Garrison) Gale, both natives of the state of Illinois. Their marriage took place near Adams, Nebraska. The father came to Gage county in the seventies with his parents and settled on a farm near Adams. For two or three years he engaged in school-teaching and then for a period of sixteen years served as editor of the Express, a newspaper at Beatrice. He was active in all of the affairs of the community and for sixteen years before his death was secretary of the State Building & Loan Association. He also served on the city council of Beatrice for a number of years and was one of the leading prohibitionists of that place. His death occurred in 1917. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gale, five children were born: Clarence, who is in the photographic business in Beatrice; Laura, a school-teacher, who was principal of a school at Harvard, Nebraska, last year; Robert G., the subject of this review; Margaret Marie, a teacher of home economies in Tucson, Arizona; and Dorothy who works for her brother. The family were reared in the faith of the Metliodist Episcopal church and the father was a Woodman, a Highlander, and a stanch supporter of the republican party. At the time of liis death he was quite well-to-do. The grandfather of Robert G. Gale, George Gale, engaged in farming near Adams for many years until his death. The maternal grandfather, G. F. Garrison, was also a successful farmer and was one of the pioneer settlers of Gage county.

Robert G. Gale obtained his education in the schools of Beatrice and was graduated from the high school there in 1911. At an early age he took up the study of photography and for four years engaged in this line of business with his brother in Beatrice. He then decided to go into business on his own account with the result that in liiKi he came to York and opened a studio.- It was not long before he had established a large i)atronage, his work being of such cliaiacter as to attract favorable comment.

In 1912 Mr. Gale was united in marriage to Miss Pearl Monismith, a native of Glenville, Nebraska, and a daughter of William Monismith who was among the pioneer settlers of Adams county. Mr. and Mrs. Monismith are now residing on a farm in Clay county. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gale, two children have been born : Evelyn, who is attending school ; and Robert, aged three years.

Mr. and Mrs. Gale are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally he is affiliated with the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Highlanders. Although most of his time is devoted to his business he is always interested in any local activity or improvement, as is manifested by his membership in the Rotary Club and the Commercial Club. He is also a member of the Country Club and a devotee of golf, which is his favorite form of recreation.

Dr. Holland R. Wildman, a prominent dentist of York, was born on a farm four miles northwest of that place on tlie 1st of April, 1882, the son of M. M. and Martha A. (Valentine) Wildman, the former born in Piatt county, Illinois, while the later was born in Ohio. Further mention of Mr. and Mrs. M. M. Wildman is made elsewhere in this work.

Dr. Wildman received his early education in the schools of York and was graduated from the York high school in l!)0-t. Then deciding on a professional career he entered the college of dentistry of the University of Nebraska, from which he was graduated in 1907. While in the university he was active in student affairs and was a memlier of the Glee Club, making several trips. Following his graduation he entered into practice with J. A. Diffenbacher, a pioneer dentist of York, and remained in this connection for two years. At the termination of this time he decided to enter into practice on his own account and has since practiced alone.

On the 10th of October, 1907, Dr. Wildman was united in marriage to Miss Mvrta L. Worrell, a native of Kansas. She came to York at an early age with her parents, attended the schools of that place and graduated from the York high school. She taught school two years in York county country schools, two years at Waco, and two years in York. She is a member of the women's department of the Y. M. C. A. and active in Woman's club work. To the union of Dr. and Mrs. Wild-

The Wildman family are all consistent members of the Congregational church and for some time Dr. Wildman conducted the Glee t'lub and choir of that church. Fraternally he belongs to A. F. & A. M., No. 56, the Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templars, No. 17, and Sesostris Temple, of Lincoln. He is also a Knight of Pythias and a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In each of these orders he is an exemplary member. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise he has given his allegiance to the republican party, in the interests of which he has always taken an active part. As a prominent member of the dental profession he is a member of the Xi Psi Phi dental fraternity and of the Nebraska State Dental Society. He still devotes some of his time to a deeper study of his profession, taking post-graduate work under Dr. Arthur Smith of Chicago, Dr. D. D. Campbell of Kansas City, and Dr. H. H. Waite at the University of Nebraska. In the social circles of York Dr. and Mrs. Wildman also take an active part, being members of the Country Club and Mrs. Wildman takes a great interest in church affairs. She belongs to a number of church societies. For one term Dr. Wildman did lyceum work in York College in the Harmonic Male Quartet. Although Dr. Wil'dman engages in general practice for the most part he also specializes in surgery in wdiich line he has been very successful. As a professional man, business man or citizen, there is no more progressive man in York than Dr. \\'il(]iiiaii and he is highly respected throughout the comnamity.

John Reetz

Jolm Reetz, now living retired in York county after many years devoted to agricultural jDursuits, having come here with his parents in 1868, is a native of Minnesota, born June 24, 1861, a son of Martin Reetz, who was born in Germany where he spent his eaidy manhood. In 1855 he immigrated to America and settled in Chicago, working in that city during the summer and in the winter in the lumber camps of Michigan and Wisconsin. Two years later Martin Reetz went to Minnesota and there his son John Reetz was bom. He experienced all the vicissitudes of the pioneer immigrant and moved around the country a great deal, finally coming to Nebraska in 1868 and taking a homestead in York county. An extended reference to the life of Martin Reetz will be found under the name of Henry Reetz elsewhere in this work.

John Reetz accompanied his parents to York county in 1868 and was educated in the common schools of the county, the school conditions at that time being in a very primitive state, the period of tuition covering but three months and the schoolhouse itself being constructed of sod and minus desks for the use of the pupils. He lived with his parents and in early life started farming on his father's place, under his guidance soon developing into a skilled agriculturist. He is now the owner of eighty acres of excellent land and the entire place is in a fine state of improvement. A grove of cedar trees from the Platte river has been placed around the laud and an orchard which his father set out is in a healthy condition. Mr. Reetz carried on general farming and stock raising for a numljer of years, but

Apart from his eiglity acre farm Mr. Eeetz is the owner of considerable property in Thayer, in which city he also is identified with the Farmers Elevator. He was one of the organizers and is now a director of the Farmers State Bank of Thayer. He is a member of the Lutheran church and independent in politics. He relates that a party of Indians camped on his place some time ago as they were passing through the district and beggfed bread fnmi liim, which he readily supplied.

One of the best known and most prominent bankers of York county is R. S. Carscadden who was born in Wisconsin, March 15, 1877, a son of Richard and Clara (Sedgwick) Carscadden. The father was born in Canada in 1840 and died in York in 1890, while the mother w'as born in Illinois in 1845 and passed away in 1918. Richard Carscadden was a physician of much ability and was a graduate of the Rush Medical College and the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago. After the marriage of Dr. and Mrs. Carscadden, which took place in Illinois, they removed to Wisconsin and Dr. Carscadden began his practice at Sharon. He later practiced in De Pere for some time and then in 1879 came to York where he practiced until his death. Four children were born to this union of whom three are living: Mrs. E. G. Felton, whose husband is a prominent druggist in York; Mrs. J. E. Wilson, of Los Angeles, California; and R. S., the subject of this review. The family were reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church and Dr. Carscadden was a member of the Knights Templars. He was also a stanch prohibitionist. The grandfather of R. S. Carscadden, the subject of this review, was Robert Carscadden who was of Irish birth and later emigrated to Canada where he engaged in farming throughout his life.

When two years of age R. S. Carscadden removed from Wisconsin to York with his parents and received his education in the common schools of that place, graduating from the York high school in 1892. For two years he attended the University of Nebraska, until he was forced because of financial reverses to leave school and start to work. He secured a position in a drug store at York and remained in that capacity for a period of two years, at the termination of which time he entered into the service of the First National Bank in 1898. For three years he resided in Wiuo where he had bought an interest in the bank and then returned to York, organizing the German American Bank of which he became first cashier. In 1918 he was made vice president of the bank, a position which he still holds, and in the same year the name of the bank was changed to the American State Bank. The bank has a capital of fifty thousand dollars, a surplus jjrofit of twenty-five thousand dollars and an average deposit of eight Inmdred and fifty thousand dollars. In 1914 the stockliolders erected a large stone building which is not included in the capital stock. Besides Mr. Carscadden's interest in the bank as its vice president he a'so has interest in the American Trust Company aaid the American Bank Buihling Association.

Mr. and Mrs. Carscadden are consistent members of the Metliodist Episcopal church and take an active part in the various affairs of that organization. Since age conferred upon Mr. Carscadden the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party in the interests of which he has always taken an active part. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. The success of Mr. Carscadden is the result of his own diligence and labor, for he has gradually advanced until he is now one of the best known bankers in York county.

Charles M. Carpenter

Charles M. Carpenter, who has been a resident of York county for nearly thirtynine years, is the owner of a fine farm on section 4, Morton township, this being the place on which he originally settled. He was born in Sandwich, DeKalb county, Illinois, May 13, 1856, a son of Mrylin and Fidelia (Bliss) Carpenter, the former a blacksmith who followed that occupation during all the active years of his life.

Charles M. Carpenter was reared in his father's home and was educated in the public schools of his native town, where his father conducted a blacksmith shop in which the subject of this sketch worked until he was seventeen years old. When he was about nineteen he started on his own account and became a clerk in a country store, wliich line of activity he followed for three years. He then turned his attention to farm life and rented a tract of land in DeKalb county, Illinois, and there was engaged in agricultural operations for a further period of three years. It was in 1882 that Mr. Carpenter came to York county and settled on the farm on which he has been residing ever since, purchasing one hundred and sixty-five acres for which he paid twenty-six hundred dollars. When he took over the holding there was but one small frame house on it .and some sixty acres of the ground was broken. He made extensive improvements, fenced the farm and erected substantial buildings and has since given his undivided attention to the management of his fann. He passed through bad times and experienced the hardships of dry seasons ; however, lie weathered .all obstacles to success and is now enjoying the fruits of his industry and skill.

While living in Illinois Mr. Carjienter was united in marriage to Miss Lucy C. Dickenson, the ceremony taking place September 12, 1877, and to their union two children were born: Harriet, who became the wife of Henry Xelson ; and Myrlin, who married Annie Williamson, and they have three children ; Lucy, Ellen and Corinne, now deceased. The Nelson family live with her parents and Myrlin Carpenter resides on a part of the old home place. Mr. Charles Carpenter gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a consistent supporter of its policies and principles. For years he gave close attention to the development of educational facilities in his home district and for fifteen years served as a member of the school board, during that period much progress having been made for which he is Justly entitled to claim much credit. His interest in good roads was no less mnrked and he served as road overseer for two vears. He is a member of the Wood- men and of tlie Degree of Honor, in the affairs of these organizations displaying much interest. The greater part of his life has been spent in this section of the state and he has become imbued witli the spirit and enterprise that have led to the rapid and substantial upbuihling of this county and district.

Egbert Brown

RolDcrt Brown is a prosperous resident farmer of York county, owning and cultivating four hundred acres of well improved land on sections 15 and 22 in Stewart township. He is a native of Ireland, born in County Tyrone, October 31. 1860, a son of Robert and Mary (Cousins) Brown, also natives of the same county, where the former was born in 1817 and died May 22, 1892. The mother died in 1872 at the age of forty-seven.

While living in Ireland the elder Robert Brown studied with the view to entering tlie Baptist ministry, but he was never ordained. In 1865 he immigrated to the United States, accompanied by his family, the voyage being made in a sailing vessel from Liverpool, the entire journey to New York occupying four weeks. His first location was in Connecticut and there he took up gardening, in which he liad early training, as a means of livelihood, working at the time at Southport, Connecticut. After spending about two years in this line he went to Iowa in 1867 and settled in Cedar county, where he remained until 1871. In September, 1871, he made the overland trip from Iowa to Nebraska, came to York county and took a homestead of eighty acres in section 22, Stewart township, and on this he put up a sod house in which he resided for some time. His family did not come until the spring of 1873. All provisions and other goods had to be hauled from Columbus and Lincoln, and with roads in bad condition or in the entire absence of roads of any kind the hauling of goods was not exactly a pleasure. But the pioneer had to endure liardships of which the present generation has no concejjtion and Mr. Brown went about the breaking of his ground and the cultivation of crops as if conditions were ideal. Some two years later when success was beginning to attend his industry, the grasshopper plague visited York county and took all of his corn; thus at one fell swoop the fruits of his labor were destroyed. This disaster led to renewed activity and he ultimately had the satisfaction of having his homestead in excellent shape, liringing forth profitable crops, while at the same time cattle and hogs were successfully raised on the holding. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were the parents of the following children : John A., who died twenty years ago in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Alexander, who died in Iowa in 1869; Charles, living in Clinton. Iowa; Thomas, who passed away in York county in 1883 ; Robert, the subject of this sketch ; Margaret, who died in 1868 in Iowa ; Catherine Patterson, who died in York county in 1880; and Mary, living in York. Mr. Brown supported the democratic party.

Robert Brown was but a lad of five years when his father came to America and he was educated in the common schools of Iowa. He accompanied the family across the country from Iowa to Nebraska, the journey being made in a covered wagon, or "prairie schooner," while he followed behind driving six head of cattle. The party crossed the Missouri river on a ferry boat, the crossing being effected near where the Douglas street bridge of Omaha now stands, and there for the first time he saw a group of Indians who were engaged in cooking a meal on the sand bar. When the family settled in York county Mr. Brown lived with his parents and helped in the work of the farm and after his father's death in 1892 he took over the operation of the place, applied himself vigorously to its development and carried on general farming and feeding of live stock, in which branches he is still actively engaged. He feeds between two and three carloads of cattle and about the same amount of hogs each year, the financial results being of the most substantial character. He now operates four hundred acres of land, all well improved, on which he has a fine home around which he has planted a range of cedar trees which present a handsome appearance and testify to his excellent taste. His agricultural life has been an unbroken success, he is rightly regarded as one of the foremost farmers and is one of the best citizens of the county. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the democratic party but has never sought office for himself. He is a Shriner and a popular Mason and is a liberal contributor to all church work. During the World war he served on the local council of defense and assisted in other war activities.

One of the most successful and enterprising business men of York, is Fred M. Bost, who for nine years has conducted the York Laundry at that place. He is a native of Ohio, born in Henry county, that state, in 1880, the son of Joseph and Ella (Brillhart) Bost, the former a native of Pennsylvania, while the latter was born in Virginia. Their marriage occurred in Ohio and Joseph Bost followed farming until his death in 1881. One cliild, Fred M., the subject of this review, was bom to this union. Sometime after the death of her husband, Mrs. Bost was united in marriage to J. T. Turner. One daughter, Doris, has been born to this union. Mr. and Mrs. Bost were consistent members of the Christian church and throughout his life he gave his allegiance to the republican party. Joseph Bost, the paternal grandfather, was born in Virginia. He was among the fir.st to volunteer his services on the outbreak of the Civil war and his death occurred during his imprisonment in Libby prison. The maternal grandfather was John Brillhart, a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the early pioneers of Ohio.

In the acquirement of an education Fred M. Bost attended the common schixils of Ohio and in due time entered college for a period of one year, at Angola, Indiana. After putting his textbooks aside he engaged in fanning for a short time and in 1905 came to Xebraska, settling in Lincoln. He secured a position as foreman in a laundry there and for the three years he remained in that capacity he learned every phase of the business with the result that he went to Galva, Illinois, where he purchased a laundry, running it for a year. At the termination of this time he returned to Lincoln, but in 1911 came to York, again entering the laundry business on his own account. At first he conducted his laundry on a. small scale but this venture proved so successful that he gradually increased his facilities until he now occupies a building in the downtown district.

of Cauada. Her parents are luiw residing in Michigan, where her fatlier is engaged in carriage-making. One chikl, Wilson, aged ten years, has been born to tliis nnion. Mrs. Bost is prominent in the club circles of York and is a member of tlie Christian Science church.

Mr. Bost is an independent in politics and fraternally is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. Like other successful business men Mr. Bost takes an interest in the development and improvement of his community and to this end is an active member of the Eotary Club. Mr. Bo.«t is in every sense of the word a self-made man, having started into the business world with nothing more than a grim determination to win out. Xo obstacle, however great, was allowed to remain in his path and he is now sole owner and operator of one of tlie representative business interests of York.

\\illiain Pieper. deceased, was for many years one of the leading farmers of York county, his home being on section 23, Beaver township. Tie was born in Prussia, Xovemljer 10, 1840, and in 1874 came to America with his wife and their nine-months-old child. They came to York county, settling in Blue Vale, for Mrs. Pieper had an older brother who was already located in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Pieper had eighty dollars in cash when they came to York county and they purchased eighty acres of unimproved land on .section 2:3, Beaver township. For one year they resided in the sod house belonging to Mrs. Pieper's brother hut at the end of that time made a dugout on their own place. Sometime later they built a sod house and then the frame house which is still standing and in good condition although it was built thirty years ago. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pieper were hard workers. He would commence work in the fields as soon as dawn began to break and would quit only when darkness compelled him to do so. Mrs. Pieper took care of the house and did the chores around the farm so her husband could spend all of his time in the fields. He had purchased a cow and a yoke of steers and the first fall broke sixty acres of his land. He took his grain to the mill at Milford where he found a ready market. Mr. Pieper displayed good judgment in the cultivation of his land and his practical and progressive farm methods resulted in the harvesting of large crops annually. At the time of his death which took place on the 5th of March, 1901, he was in possession of a section of some of the finest land in the county. His death was a great shock to his family and friends, for it came as the result of injuries sustained when his team of horses ran away.

In 1872 in Prussia occurred the marriage of Mr. Pieper and iliss Wilhelmina Wellman, and they became the parents of ten children: Henry, who is residing on the old homestead; Fred, who is married and lives in Utica ; Johanna, who is the wife of J. H. Harms, a menliant at Utica; \\'il]iam, who is married and resides in Colorado; Adolph, who is married and is farming in York county; Martin, who is married and is managing the home farm for his motlier; and Edwin, who is married and is engaged in fanning in Seward county. Three other children died in early life. Mrs. Pie])er is residing on the old home )ilace and is eiijuviiig good health.

Mr. Pieper always gave his allegiance to the democratic party but neither sought nor desired public office. He was a consistent member of the Lutheran church. A life of intense and well directed energy brought to Mr. Pieper a substantial amount of success and as a man of upright character and sterling worth he contributed much to the agricultural development of the county.

Alfred T. Giauque

For forty years Alfred T. Giauque has been actively connected with farming and other interests of York county and is now residing practically retired at his home, 322 West 10th street, enjoying the fruits of a long life of diligence and labor.

Alfred T. Giauque was born April 3, 1842, at Berlin, Ohio, a son of Charles F. arid Abigail (Anderson) Giauque. The father was born in Switzerland in 1813 and died in Birmingham, Iowa, on the 23rd of September, 1808, where he was buried. The mother was a native of Pennsylvania, born in that state February 17, 182,1, and her death occurred on the 21st of July, 1909, at Birmingham, Iowa, where she is buried. Both parents came to Ohio at an early day and there met and were married, the marriage taking place in Berlin. In 1836 Charles F. Giauque came to America with his parents who settled in Buffalo, New York. Some time later Charles F. Giauque removed to Ohio where he engaged in carpentering and contracting. He was very proficient in his work and in 1853 removed to Birmingham, Iowa, where he continued in his trade, retiring at the advanced age of seventy-two years. Ten children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Giauque, five boys and five girls, five of whom are living: Alfred T., the subject of this review; Ulric F., who is residing retired at Tacoma, Washington ; Alonzo G., who is residing at Detroit where he is freight agent on the Michigan Central; and Eula, a widow who is residing on a homestead in Colorado. James D., is now residing in Cleveland, Ohio, a retired railroad man. For many years he was a conductor on the Michigan Central and was also chief clerk for the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern, at Cleveland. Mr. and Mrs. Giauque were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and the father was a member of the democratic party until after the Civil war when he became an adherent of the republican party. The grandfather of Alfred T. Giauque, John David Giauque, brought his family from Switzerland to America and settled in Buffalo, New York, where he spent the remainder of his life. The maternal grandfather, Stoddard Anderson, was born in County Downe. Ireland, was a well educated man and a fine weaver by trade. Inspired by the stories which he heard concerning America and her opportunities he came to the new world when a young man. He was married in Pennsylvania and then removed to Ohio, where he engaged in his trade and resided until his death.

In the acquirement of an education Alfred T. Giau(|ue attended the district schools of Iowa and the Birmingham Collegiate Institute where he remained until the outbreak of the Civil v.'ar. He immediately answered the call of his countrv and entered into the service of the Union on the 13th of September, 1861, joining Co. H. Fifth Iowa Infantry, with whicii he served for seven months. At the completion of this time his health became impaired from exposure and long niiirches and he returned home receiving liis honorable discharge on the 7th of April, 18(52. He was an ardent believer in the preservation of the Union and deeply regretted that the condition of his health obliged him to resign ere the close of the war. Eecovering his health Mr. CTiauqiie taught school during the winter months and during the summer months engaged in farming. For seven years he taught school and then decided to devote his entire time to farming. On the 16th of March, 1880, he came to York county where he purchased a farm on which he resided for nine years. He had a mortgage on this farm to the amount of sixteen hundred dollars and as a result of repeated crop failures due to hail, he sold the farm in 1889 and removed to York. He remained in York for just one year when he again commenced farming, buying a farm located two miles out of the town. For one year he lived on this farm, at the termination of that time removing to Benedict where he rented a farm on which he remained for four years. He then farmed for one year at Thayer, and eight years on a farm in Polk county, both being rented land, aiul subsequently removed to a farm near York. By this time his sons were married and desired to go into business for themselves. This resulted in Mr. Giauque's again taking up residence in York. He had no idea of retiring from active life, however, and obtained a position as mail carrier on Route 6, out of York. He held this position from January 16, 1905, to August 20, 1920, at which time he was retired on a pension. During the years of his service in this capacity he won the confidence and respect of all with whom he came in contact and the people along his route miss his cheery greetings and timely conversations. In 1906 he purchased a nice home at 322 West 10th street and here he now resides.

Mr. Giauque has also been efficient in another line of work, in which he is still active. For many years he has been a correspondent for various papers, starting this w6rk during his early teens. One of his first articles, written for the Keokuk, Iowa, paper, was highly commended. This article dealt with the formation of the republican party. He has been correspondent for the Keosauqua, Iowa, Republican ; the Van Buren Democrat of Bonaparte, Iowa ; the Birmingham Enterprise ; the Orange Judd Farmer; the C'larks, Xebraska, Enterprise; the Osceola Record: the Stromsburg News; and the Xew Teller and Republican paper of York. For over thirteen and one-half years he has been connected with the Republican and for two years with the Teller. He wrote an article each week called the Rural Rattle and he now writes a letter each week. In addition to the newspaper correspondence in which he has been so successful he has been working for the government as volunteer or cooperative weather observer for over twenty years.

In 1864 occurred the marriage of Mr. Giauque to Miss Sallie Simmons, who was born near Mount Pleasant, Iowa, on the 7th of June, 1844. Her parents were Andrew F. and Maria E. (Graliam) Simmons. The mother was born in Indiana, January 11, 1809, and her death occurred in Iowa. The father's birth occurred on the ocean when his parents were crossing from Ireland. His natal day was the 29th of March, 1804, and his death occurred at the home of his daughter in Nebraska, ilr. and Mrs. Simmons settled in Iowa at an early day and there engaged in fijrming. Mr. Simmons had been a miner in California in the early days and he was a well informed man. To the union of Mr. and !Mrs. Giauque, seven children have been born, five of whom are living: Bertha, the wife of J. S. Pruett of York; Ada, the wife of John M. Johnson who conducts an art store in York; Charles E., who is engaged in farming at Fort Morgan, Colorado; James A., who is residing on his farm seven miles southwest of York ; and Amy, the wife of X. R. Linburg, a farmer and bank president of Snyder, Colorado.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Giauque the right of franchise he has given his allegiance to the republican party and it has found in him a stanch advocate. He has always taken an active part in prohibition. In the activities of the Methodist Episcopal church Mr. and Mrs. Giauque take a prominent part, and he has been recording secretary of the official board in York for a period of nine years. Fraternally he is an exemplary member of the Modern Woodmen, and of the Grand Army of the Republic. His has been an upright and honorable life actuated by high purposes and fraught with good results, and the respect and high regard entertained for him are well merited.

Morelle B. King, who has been successfully engaged in the grocery business in York for a number of years, will soon leave for Omaha where he will take charge of the city salesmen for the firm known as the Mid State Wholesale Grocers. In the removal of Mr. King, York will lose one of its most progressive and representative citizens.

Morelle B. King was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of March, 1878, a son of Gilmore and Ida L. (Davis) King, the former a native of Pennsylvania, while the latter was born in New York state. Their marriage took place in Pennsylvania and in 1879 they removed to Nebraska settling at Fremont. Here the father engaged in the harness business until 1890 when he came to York, entering into the grocery, furniture and queensware business, in partnership with his brother, Bernard King. They later dissolved partnership and in 1904 Gilmore King and his wife removed to Omaha, where he was representative of a wholesale grocery company until his death which occurred in May, 1916. Five children were born to this union: Morelle B., the subject of this review; Bertha, the wife of George Swartz, foreman at the Medlar Printing Company of Omaha; Lora, wife of John King, a farmer in Wisconsin ; Velma, kindergarten teacher in an Omaha school ; and another child whose death occurred in infancy. Mr. King was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a republican in polities. Some time after the death of her husband Mrs. King married a Mr. Mason and she is still living in Omaha.

In the acquirement of his education Morelle B. King attended the schools of Fremont and York. After putting his textbooks aside he engaged in the grocery business, clerking in his father's store until he was seventeen years of age, at which time he left home and two years later went to Kansas City. For some time he had charge of the dry goods department in the Bee Hive store at that place and then removed to Omaha where he engaged in the grocery business for one year. For nine months he resided in Lincoln and then returned to York, starting into business with his father. At the age of twenty-five years he failed in this line of business and subseqiiently engaged in dairying in which he remained for a period of i^ine Fuccessful years. He built the Keystone Creamery in York and built up a large and lucrative trade. Withdrawing from this business at the end ol' nine years he again started in the grocery business and this time his venture proved more than successful. Starting on a small scale he has gradually increased his facilities until he is now occupying a large store. Within a short time, however, Mr. King eontemplates removing to Omaha where he will be connected with a new firm known as the Mid State Wholesale Grocers in the capacity of head of the city salesmen. The experience which Mr. King has had in this line of work will make him a very valuable man to the concern. For three years Mr. King in addition to his other business owned a cafeteria at Hastings, having a man to manage it for him, and he now owns a business block in York.

On the 12th of January, 1900, Mr. King was united in marriage to Miss Julia Miller, a native of York and a daughter of Fred Miller who was a German Methodist minister. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. King one daughter, Esther, has been born and she is now attending the University of Nebraska. The King family are all consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Fraternally Mr. King is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in which he takes an active part and he is also a prominent member of the Commercial Club. Mr. King is quite well-to-do and has made his money since he was twenty-five v^ears of age. One characteristic of Mr. King is hard work and his success today is attributable to his determination, perseverance and laudable ambition.

Frank L. Bedient

Frank L. Bedient, a pro.sperous and progressive land owner of York county, residing on section 35, Bradshaw township, is accounted one of the foremost farmers and successful stock raisers in this part of the state. He was born in Lee county, Hlinois, January 12, 1862, and received his education in the schools of his native county. From the age of sixteen onwards he has been engaged in farming operations, beginning his career by working out on farms by the month and saving his earnings with the ultimate object of acquiring land for himself. During the last year he worked in Illinois he raised corn for a farmer, the price paid him being ten cents a bushel, and in that year he made eight hundred dolkrs, which he put away as a «est egg for future use.

It was in 1884 that Mr. Bedient came to York county and settled in Arborville township, where he worked during one summer for Daniel Graves and in the following year rented land and continued as a renter for three years. He then decided on a more ambitious move and in partnership with his brother Charles boiight one Iiundred and sixty acres of land in Arborville township for which they paid twentv dollars per acre. There were no improvements on the holding and the brothers erected all necessary l)uilrlings and otherwise improved the place, on which they continued to reside until 1900. In that year they moved to Bradsliaw and began to deal in live stock, this venture like their farming operations proving a financial success. In 1901 they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of choice land adjoining Bradshaw, the purchase price of which was forty dollars per acre, and which they proceeded to improve and develop, finally making it one of the best kept and most valuable farms in that part of the county.

In 1919 Mr. Bedient bought the one hundred and sixty ac-re tract in Bradshaw on which he now lives, paying the high figure of fifty-tliree thousand dollars for it - land which he could liave purchased in 1901 for forty-five dollars an acre - the phenomenal increase in values in less than twenty years being thus shown. The brothers have been extensive dealers in live stock and also feeders for the market, the returns from this line yielding them large profits. Some few years ago Mr. Bedient bought out the interest of his brother Charles in their first purchase of one hundred and sixty acres and he is now the owner of two hundred and seventyfour acres in Bradshaw township and one hundred and sixty acres in Arborville township, the two holdings being among the most valuable land investments in the county. He has prospered as he deserves to prosper and his success is entirely attributable to his unremittin,g attention to his agricultural interests and to the business-like care and supervision which have marked his every movement since he commenced farm life.

On December 20, 1887, Mr. Bedient was united in marriage to Miss Emma Plessinger and to that union seven children have been born: Lucy, the wife of Van Stratton; Bertha, who married Arthur Starkey; Edith, the wife of J. Johnson; Orville, at home; Verna, the wife of Lloyd Gros; Charley, and Glenn. Mr. Bedient gives his unqualified support to the republican party, to whose policies he is a warm adherent, and he is a member of the Elks lodge at York. He has always preferred to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs and working steadily and persistently has gained a comfortable competence, being numbered among the leading and progressive agriculturists of York county.

Isaac J. Friesek

Isaac J. Friesen is one of tlie prominent farmers of York county, owning and cultivating two hundred acres of splendid land in Brown township. He was born in this county September 24, 1882, a son of Jacob and Anna Friesen, both natives of Eussia where they lived until 18?4, in that year immigrating to America. The family came to York county, settled on section 30, Brown, township, and there Peter Friesen erected a sod house in which they lived for several years. During his active life he was engaged in agricultural operations which he carried on with success, passing away in 1913, at an advanced age. The family consisted of ten children, seven of whom survive.

Isaac J. Friesen was educated in the schools of York county and was reared on his father's farm where he assisted in the agricultural operations and so continued until he reached his majority. He then began farming for himself and is now the owner of two hundred acres of excellent land, all of which is well improved, well fenced into suitable fields and has some substantial buildings erected on it. He utilizes the latest improved machinery and methods in carrying on his work, annually harvests good crops and is winning success as the years go by. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Henderson.

On December 5, 1905, Mr. Friesen was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Kroeker, a daughter of (ierhard and Elizabeth Kroeker, residents of York county. Mr. and Mrs. Friesen have become the parents of tliree children : Alliert I., lx)rn

September 15, 1906_; Herman, l)orn May 15, IflOil, and Mabel Anna, Iwrn August 21, 1915.' The family are members of the Bethesda church at Heiulersou and in social circles occupy a i>rominent position. He votes with the democratic party and is now serving as a member of the local school board. He stands for progress and improvement in all public afPairs and has ever displayed devotion to the county's welfare and upbuilding. His pronounced characteristics have gained for him a high position in the public esteem.

Elijah Bradwcll, deceased, was for a number of years prominent in the business circles of York. In 1902 he came to York, purchased the drug store of t'. M. Cowan and conducted this business until his death. His son Charles is now managing the store.

Elijah Bradwoll was a native of England, his birth having occurred at Bradwell on the 22nd of October, 1856. His death occurred in York, August 11, 1919, at the age of sixty-seven years. The parents of Mr. Bradwcll were Charles and Ann (Wright) Bradwcll, both natives of England in which country tliey died. The father engaged in lead mining and was overi^eer for his father. Seven children were born to this union, Elijah Bradwell, the subject of this review, being the only member of the family in the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Bradwell were consistent members of the Church of England.

In the acquirement of an education Elijah Bradwcll attended the common schools of England and in 1881 came to the United States, settling in Winchester, Illinois, for some time working in a coal mine. When he arrived in Illinois he had but five dollars ca])ital. Following his occupation as miner Mr. Bradwell clerked in a drug store for a while and then removed to Wyandotte, Kansas, where he bought property with the money he had managed to save. While in Illinois he was married and in 1886 they removed to Fairfield where he purchased a drug store. For a number of years he conducted this store, building up a large patronage. In fact, so successful was he in this venture that he determined to remove to a larger place, where he could conduct his store on a broader scale. As the result of this determination he removed to York in 1902. buying out the drug business of C. M. Cowan. It w^as not long before he had built up a large patronage here and soon became widely recognized as a business man of much ability and progressiveness. When his death occurred on the 11th of August, 1919, it was the occasion of deep regret to the community.