York County, Nebraska - Biographical sketches, 1921 (part 12 of 13)

In the acquirement of an education W. Edgar Thompson attended the schools of Y^ork where he had come in 1883 when but three years of age. On putting his textbooks aside he engaged in farming which occupation he has followed the greater part of his life. He is now the possessor of a large ranch in the sand-hills of Cherry county on which he raises a number of full blooded cattle and last spring he made some very successful sales. Mr. Thompson also has an interest in the West Side ]\Ieat Market in Y'ork and is recognized as one of the leadinsr business men of that place.

On the 5th of October, 1904, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Elsie Weir, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of William and Mary Weir. Her parents came to York county in 1898 and the father engaged in farming until his death. Mrs. Weir is now residing at the home of her daughter. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson three chihlren have been born, two of whom are living, namely: Howard, fourteen years of age; and Glenn. Laurence died at the age of one and one-half years. The Thompson family are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church in the various activities of which Mrs. Thompson takes a prominent part.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Thompson the right of franchise he has given his allegiance to the republican party which has found in him a stalwart advocate. For four years he was a member of the city council and when residing on his farm served as township treasurer. Fraternally he belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Woodmen. In 1018 he built a beautiful home in York at 720 Hutchinson avenue and here he resides. The greater part of Mr. Thompson's time is devoted to his farming and stock raising and his life work has been crowned with successful achievement, making him today one of the most prosperous residents of his section of the state.

David Runs

David Kuns, a pioneer farmer of York county, Nebraska, now residing in California, was born in Clinton county, Indiana, November 23, 1850, the .son of Henry and Caroline (Spidle) Kuns, who were born near Dayton, Ohio. Henry Kuns moved to Indiana when he was a young man, locating on a farm near Delphi. He was one of the pioneer farmers of that region and after cultivating and clearing a woodland farm sold it and moved to Clinton county, Indiana, and later to Piatt county. Illinois. He became a prosperous agriculturalist in that state and in 18;'>0 reinoved to California where he passed away in 1892. His wife's demise occurred two years previous.

David Kuns was reared on the farm in Indiana and later in Illinois, and was educated in the common schools there. When he reached manhood he was put in charge of one of his father's farms where he was very successful. In 1877 he came to York county, Nebraska, and bought a section of railroad land in McFadden township, where he established his home the following year. Interested in new and better methods of farming and alert to suggestions that might lead to the improvement of agricultural pursuits, lie was a very successful farmer and stockman, when he retired about ten years ago having to his credit eight hundred acres of good land in York county, and a ranch of twenty-five hundred acres in Greeley county, Nebraska. Mr. Kuns is now a resident of California.

He was married in 187.5 to Miss Catherine Klinzman, a native of Pennsylvania, who was brought by her parents to Livingston county, Illinois, when a child. She is the daiighter of Christian and Minnie (Kratz) Klinzman, natives of Germany who came to the United States in 1853 and after moving to Iowa, located in Illinois. ;Mr. and Mrs. Kuns are the parents of ten children ; C. F., a farmer who resides in York county, Nebraska; Harvey A., who is engaged in the insurance business in Iowa ; Jesse, who passed away ; John, who resides in Iowa ; Dorothy, who lives with her parents in California; Ray, who is superintendent of schools in Superior, Nebraska ; Esther, the wife of Peter Dayton, who resides in California : Roy, who is engaged in farming in Imperial Valley, California : Nellie, who lives

Mr. Kiins exerei.ses his right of franchise in support of men and measures of the republican party, believing firmly in its principles. He is a man who stands for progressiveness in puldic affairs of the community wherein he is a resident, and gives his aid and intiuence to all measures and projects which he believes to be of public worth.

Joseph Walker

A retired farmer and representative citizen of York is Joseph Walker, who forty-nine years ago came to this country acquiring a homestead. His success may be attributed to his persistent effort, and determination and energy have enabled him to overcome obstacles and difficulties in his path. Those who know him and have watched his course in every relation of life entertain for him warm respect and high regard.

Joseph Walker was born in Pennsylvania August IS, 1849, a son of John and Jane (Miller) Walker, both natives of the same state in which they were also married. The father entered the Civil war, joining Company F, Fifty-third Illinois Regiment, having removed to Illinois from Oliio, where he had lived for a number of years, preceding the outbreak of the war. For four years he served in the Union army and was neither captured nor wounded. His death occurred during the war in a hospital at Quincy, Illinois. Nine children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Walker, five of whom are living : Phoebe is the widow of Isaac T. Smith and she is at present residing in Kansas; Sarah E. is the widow of John H. Haney and resides in York. Her husband's death occurred some years ago in York. He had seen active service during the Civil war and received the commission of lieutenant; Joseph is another son; John is a retired farmer living in York; and Rebecca Ann is the wife of George Foltz, an old soldier, and they reside in York. The four children wlio are deceased are Mary Ann, who died in Ohio at the age of eighteen; James, whose death occurred as the result of wounds received at Pittsburgh Landing; Christ, who died when nineteen years of age in Illinois; and David, wliose death occurred in 1915. He had served three years in the Civil war. David and Phoebe were twins. The Walker family were brought up in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church.

In the acquirement of an education Joseph Walker attended the district schools of Illinois and after putting his textbooks aside engaged in farming. This occupation he has followed throughout his life. In 1871 he came to York county and acquired a homestead. He immediately set about to improve his land, allowing no obstacles, however great, to ob.struct his path. His first house was built of sod but some time later he erected a frame house and later built a larger and more modern residence. He devoted a measure of his time to raising full blooded hogs and other live stock and in this line was particularly successful. He is now the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of land in York county and considered one of the most progressive farmers of the vicinity.

Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Elizabeth Klone on the old homestead of her father. She was born in New York state, a daughter of Albert and Annie

E. Klone, both natives of Germany. They removed to York county in 187], where the father acquired a homestead on wliich they resided until their deaths. Mrs. Walker was the fifth in order of birth of a family of seven children born to this union. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have become parents of five children, four of whom are living : William, who is managing one of his father's farms in York county ; Ida, the wife of James Bergin who owns a farm in York county; Ambrose, a real estate dealer in Denver, Colorado; and Edward, who resides on his father's homestead. Brunson, the third member of the family, died at the age of twenty-nine years.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Walker the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party and the principles for which it stands. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and prominent in the affairs of that organization. In 191.3 Mr. Walker purchased a nice home in York and here he is now residing retired. He is in every sense of the word a self-made man.

John Lindquist

After a useful and well spent life John Lindquist, who for many years had been identified with agricultural and public affairs of York county, passed away in 1916, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was born in Sweden, February 26, 1837, and in that country acquired a knowledge of farming operations. When he was thirty-two years old, in 1869, he immigrated to America and landed in New York, going thence to Princeton, Illinois, where he worked on farms for a time. Later he rented a tract of land and worked it on his own account for about nine years, in the meantime saving his money with a view to purchasing a holding for himself.

It was in 1880 when York county was being slowly developed that John Lindquist came here and bought one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land. For a brief period after taking over the holding he lived in the homes of neighbors and later built himself a small frame house. He broke the land and divided it into fields of convenient size by well kept fences, put up substantial buildings as he prospered and utilized the best improved machinery in carrying on the work of the farm. He planted trees and set out orchards, but most of the latter died out. He burned corn and cornstalks for fuel and chopped wood on the creek for the same purpose. His general farming and stock raising gave him satisfactory results, and these results were secured only by his unremitting attention to the work. His success in York county induced him to purchase one hundred and sixty acres in South Dakota, and this in time proved a sound investment. He also owned city property in Ctresham. After many years on the home farm he retired to Gresham and there passed away July 6, 1916, leaving behind him a good name and a character worthy of emulation. While his business interests were extensive and important lie always found time to co-operate in plans and measures intended to advance tlie ])ublic good.

While living in Princeton, Illinois, he was married in 1887 to Emma Anderson, a native of Sweden, and that union resulted in the birth of the following children:

Anna J., tlie wife of Clarence Tliompson, a York county farmer; Ida C, who married John Britteil of Woodhine, Iowa; Harry, who farms the old home place; John E., a farmer of York county who was in the United States service during the World war, belonging to Company H, S. A. T. C; Frank A., who lives in Gresham, and was in United States service, Company G, S. A. T. C, at University Farm, Lincoln, Nebraska; and Jennie, who lives with her mother.

Mr. Lindquist adhered to the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal cliureh in the faith of which he was brought up. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party and served as treasurer of school district No. 35 for nine years, the cause of education having always found in him a stalwart champion. He was one of the influential men of his community, his opinions carrying weight regarding jjulilic affairs. His life record should serve to inspire and encourage others.

Christian H. Rolling, Se

Christian H. Kolling is a retired farmer of York, who in the course of an active life acquired a very substantial competence that now enables him to rest from further labors in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He was born in Mayenfeld, Hanover, Germany, October 7, 1841, a son of Frederick and Dorothy (Bosnian) Kolling, who were natives of Germany. The father was a well-to-do farmer who died in his native land about 1870. The mother followed her sou to America in 1881 and spent her last days in his home in this country, where her death occurred when she had reached the advanced age of ninety-three years. They were the parents of four children of whom only two are living, the elder being Mrs. Sophia Seegers, who was still living in Germany when word was last received from her. The religious faith of the family was that of the Lutheran church.

Christian H. Kolling obtained a liberal education in the schools of his native country. On coming to York county November 8, 1880, he purcliased two hundred and forty acres of land in Lockridge township and afterward purchased another one hundred and sixty acre tract. On this farm he reared his family and for many years carried on the work of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. His labors greatly promoted the productiveness of the land. He also engaged in raising hogs, cattle and other live stock, raising and feeding from one hundred and fifty to two hundred head of hogs annually, and from fifty to one hundred head of cattle. He sold his land in York county a few years ago but still owns a half section in Kansas. In 1894 he purchased a nice home at .534 Thompson avenne and in 189.5 he retired from the farm, removing to York. Mr. Kolling was more fortunate than most of the pioneer farmers of the county for he had made a splendid start when he came to Nebraska. Through hard work and close application he has constantly increased his fortunes and has become one of the prosperous citizens of this section of the country. Before leaving his native country Mr. Kolling served for five years in the German army and participated in the Franco- Prussian war of 1870.

On the 26th of July, 1867, at Hoist, Germany, Mr. Kolling was married to Sophia Dorothe Marie Bremer, a daughter of Henry Christian and Catherine

To ilr. and Mrs. Kolling have been born- four children of whom three are living: Henry Frederick Christian, born April "26, 1868, has for thirty years been cashier of the City National Bank of York. He is married and has two children, Henry and Delia; Dorotha Wilhelmena Louisa Catherine Sophie, the second of the family, is the wife of Sherman Bensen of York, who is engaged in the real estate business, and they have two children, Howard and Olive ; Christian Conrad Frederick died in infancy; Doras Dorotha Sophia Frie(hi, twin of Christian, is at home and acts as housekee])er for her father. She is a graduate of the York high school. Mr. Kolling was originally a Lutheran but is now a member of the Methodist Episco])al church. For many years tlie family has resided in Nebraska, and here Mr. Kolling has enjoyed excellent business opportunities which he has improved, thus advancing step by step toward the goal of success until he is now numbered among the more substantial retired farmers of York county.

Herman Ziemke

Herman Ziemke is practically a self-made man who has gained a creditable position among the representative and prosperous farmers of York county. He arrived in this section of the state almost empty-handed but saw the opportunities here offered and has utilized them to good advantage. He is now the owner of a valuable farm projierty of four hundred and forty acres on section 33, Stewart township. He was born in Germany, January 27, 1870, a son of John and Willielmina (Stroschin) Ziemke, also natives of Germany and in that country both passed their last days.

It was in 1894 that Herman Ziemke came to Baltimore, Maryland, and in April of the same year he reached York county. During the droughts of that year he worked on a thrasher and stacked straw for seventy-tive cents per day. In the next year he worked for sixty-five cents a day and in 1806 shucked corn at a dollar a day, from these meager earnings managing to save something with winch to realize his ambition to acquire a farm of his own. He started farming on his own account by renting laud and carried on general farming and stock raising, in these two branches of agricultural activity meeting with considerable success. He continued renting until 18!)i) when he purchased eighty acres located in New York township, the place at that time having but a small frame house on it and here he and his family lived for about eight years and then sold out to advantage. In 1907 Mr. Ziemke bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Stewart township, the holding at the time he acquired it having but small improvements. Fiion that place he has since resided and has made many valuable improvements, its splendid appearance being indicative of the care and labor which he has bestowed upon it. His entire property consists of four hundred and forty acres and on this, in addition to the successful cultivation of general crops, he raises a good grade of live stock and feeds large numbers of cattle and hogs for the markets. He is now one of the substantial farmers of this section of the state and the result achieved is due to his industry, his perseverance and his determination.

Before leaving Germany in 1894 Mr. Ziemke was united in marriage to Sophia Wiese, also a native of Germany, and to their union five eliildren have been born: John, Ida, Otto and Helen, all at home with their parents, and Fred, who died when two years old. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Ziemke is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Thayer. The family are members of the Lutheran church, to the upkeep of which they are liberal subscribers. He votes an independent ticket in political affairs and in matters of local import lends his aid and influence to such movements as are calculated to improve the moral and material welfare of the community in which he and his wife have large numbers of sincere friends.

Orsenus M. Doty

A long life of usefulness and service was brought to an end on the liJth of July, 1918, when Orsenus M. Doty, a veteran of the Civil war, 'died at his home in York. His death was the occasion of widespread grief in the community, for during his residence in York he had made many friends.

Orsenus M. Doty was born in Lenawee county, Michigan, February 19, 1841, a son of Isaac and Lucretia (Bruce) Doty, both natives of Massachusetts. At an early day they removed to Michigan where the father engaged in farming. He was a dyer in the textile mills in Massachusetts. The ancestry of the family is one to be proud of for the line is traceable to Edward Doty, who came to this country on the Mayflower.

In the acquirement of his education 0. M. Doty attended the schools of Michigan and when in early manhood the Civil war threw its shadow over the land Mr. Doty was among the first to enlist in the service of the Union. He joined the old Fourth Michigan Infantry and served until after the battle of Gettysburg. In this battle he was severely wounded in the hip and shoulder which caused him to be a cripple for the remainder of his life. At the close of the war he returned to his home in Michigan. He was a decorator and painter by trade and at times was able to do a little of this kind of work. In 1870 he removed to Illinois where he was married and in 1882 he and his wife came to York county, where they continued to live until his death. Mr. Doty owned eighty acres of land in New York township, the income from whicli, together with a large pension, enabled him to be financially independent in his last years. He bought a house on Lincoln avenue where they lived for thirty-five years, and where Mrs. Doty still resides and she is still in possession of the land. For a number of years Mr. Doty was paralyzed, lieing unable to feed himself, but throughout all of his suffering he remained cheerful and on his demise a keen loss was felt by all of his friends and acquaintances in the community.

On March 10, 1870, soon after coming to Illinois, Mr. Doty was united in marriage to Miss Nellie A. Gibler who was born in Stephenson county, Illinois, in 1849. Her parents were John and Elizabeth (Wagner) Gibler, the former a native of Maryland. They were married in Pennsylvania and removed to Ohio where they resided for some time, coming to Illinois in 1844 where they remained the rest of their lives. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gibler, of whom Mrs. Doty was the seventh in order of birth. The death of Mr. Gibler occurred in 1872 at the ago of sixty-nine years and his wife died in the same year at the age of fifty-nine. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Doty two children were born, namely : Mark, wlio for twenty years traveled for the Broadhead Woolen Mills, is now traveling for a large silk company in Xew York city, and who now makes his home in Jamestown, New Y'ork ; and Jennie, who is the wife of Ora Tucker who is in the stockyards at Omaha, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker are the parents of four girls: Jessie, twenty years of age; Louise, aged nineteen years: ^lary, who is three years of age; and Jacquelin, one year old.

Throughout his life Mr. Doty gave his allegiance to the republican party and was well informed on the questions and issues of the day, and he was a member of the Masonic order. He was badly disabled by the wounds received in the Civil war and which unfitted hiiu for work, but he was a man of strong character, of firm purpose and of high idsals and he lived to see his life crowned with successful achievement. Mrs. Doty, for many years his stanch and devoted helpmeet, is a highly esteemed citizen of the community.

Ct. C. Norquest, who is actively engaged in farming in McFadden township, York county, is a native of Sweden, coming to this country at the age of seven with his parents. His father was John Norquest, who was born in Sweden, coming to America in 1869 where he worked on the railroad in Iowa and Nebraska, later taking up a homestead in 1871 on the southwest quarter of section thirty-two, in wiiat is now LeRoy township. His first home was the primitive dngout which was rather more of a hole in the ground than a house. Later this property was traded to his cousin for a farm of eighty acres where he made his home the rest of his life, passing away at the age of sixty-eight. His wife, who is now eighty-two years of age, still lives on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Norquest are the parents of seven children, five of whom were born in Sweden, and two born in America. They are: John, who is employed at the Moline Plow Company, and resides in Moline, Illinois; Peter, who lives in Kansas; C. C, who is engaged in farming in York county; Emma, the wife of Oscar Swanson, who lives in Bradshaw, York county; Ingrid, the wife of Nels Nelson, of York county; Gus G., who died, leaving a widow and family : and a daughter who passed away in 1898.

When his father came to York county C. C. Norquest was ten years old. He remembers very well the trip from Sweden, when they went from thir native town to Malma, Sweden, thence to Copenhagen, to Hull, England, overland to Liverpool where they boarded a ves.sel bound for the United States, landing at Castle Garden, wliere they took a train for Lincoln, and went from there to Fairmont. Here it was tliat a man named Ellis took them to their new honu^ in a wairon, witli a little hay in the bottom of the box. The conveyance was not very comfortable and it was midnight when they arrived at the little hut that was to be their new home. Y'ork was but a small village at that time, having two stores and a blacksmith shop, and Mr. Norquest remembers roaming over the prairies as a barefoot boy and seeing oxen and horses hitched to the same plow. During the day the fai-nici' unyoked the tixcn and let them feed on the ])rairies grass which was abundant. Antelopes and coyotes were numerous in those days and the black flies were a pestilence that disturbed the oxen and horses. Mr. Xorquest recalls an amusing incident that occurred when a yoke of oxen belonging to an old settler named Peter Feeny, ran away while on a journey to York. Mr. Xorc|uest's motheiwas in the wagon with a basket of eggs which she was taking to market, and she and the contents of her basket were spilled along the road, much to the amusement of Mr. Feeny who was an Irishman with a generous sense of humor, for he stood on the road ami laughed at the result of the accident with what seemed to be imcalled for mirth.

In 1898 Mr. Xorquest began farming with eighty acres and today he owns two hundred and forty acres of well improved land, which is the reward of his zeal aiul untiring efforts. For fourteen years he managed a threshing machine outfit in the county. He was married to Miss Ida Pierson, a native of Sweden whose parents passed away when she was a child. To this union have been born eleven children, nine of whom are living at home, two having died in childhood : Ellen who passed away; Era, Paul, Albert, June, Frank, Charles, Rodna, Elkins and Wilbur. The Xorquest family are members of the Lutheran church at McCool Junction. In politics Mr. Xorquest is independent, preferring to give his support to the movements he deems most worthy and to the men best fitted to fill the offices. For several years he has been a member of the school board, and stands for the things which are of vital worth to the community, the commonwealth and the country, and his aid and influence are always given on the side of right, progress and improvement.

Robert V. Grewell

For twenty-seven years Robert V. Grewell has been a resident of York county and is widely recognized as a prominent and successful farmer. He is now living retired in York where he is an active and representative citizen.

Robert V. Grewell was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on the 14th of January, 1847, a .son of Thomas I), and Xancy (Wilson) Grewell. His parents were both Ohioans and the father was a successful carpenter. For some years they resided in Iowa and in 1870 removed to Xebraska, settling in Saline county where they acquired a homestead. During the Civil war the father drove mules for the government. He had two sons in the war also, John W. and H. C. At the age of ninety-two years Thomas D. Grewell passed away and the mother died at the advanced age of ninety-five years. Xine children were born to them of whom eight are living. Robert V. Grewell was the fourth in order of birth and is the only member of the family residing in York county. The parents were both consistent members of the United Brethren churcli and he was a stanch supporter of the republican party. The grandfather of the subject of this review was John Grewell who was a native of Ohio and a prominent man in his community. The maternal grandfather was Robert Wilson, a native of Ireland. He came to this country at an early age and his death occurred in Ohio at the age of one hundred and three years.

In the acquirement of an education Robert V. (irewell attended the schools in Iowa. After putting his textbooks aside he worked out on a farm, driving oxen and breaking the ground. In 18(56 lie made a trip i'mni Nebraska City to Denver with an ox team and lie assisted in the building of the Union Pacific railway, being present when the golden spike was driven. In the spring of 1870 he settled in Saline county and there he homesteaded and married. He sold his farm in this county in 18IK3 and removed to York county where he purchased a farm consisting of three hundred and twenty acres in Baker township. This farm has been well cultivated and imiiroved and is considered one of the finest in tlie county. He has never resided on his farm, however, preferring to make his home in York. He is now retired and living at 722 East avenue.

In April (if the year 1871 Mr. Grewell was united in marriage to Mi.ss Lizzie Dawson, a daughter of Isaac and Berthena Dawson. Her father was a native of Kentucky and they were both pioneer settlers iu Saline county, coming to that county in 1869. Both of them are now deceased, having died at their home there. Mr. and Mrs. Grewell have become parents of three children, namely: Thomas, who is engaged in the furniture business in York ; Mertle, who is deceased ; and Willie, also deceased.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Grew'ell the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party and is always well informed on the questions and issues of the day. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the United Brethren church and take an active part in the affairs of that organization. Mr. Grewell is recognized as a man of much business ability and is one of York's most representative citizens.

Since 1901) ]\I. L. Warner, who was for many years a farmer in Polk county, Nebraska, has resided retired in York. He was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, near Mercersburg, January 2.5, 1847, a son of William and Hannah (Miley) Warner, further mention of whom is made in the sketcli of Clarence H. AVarner, to be found elsewhere in this work.

M. L. Warner received his education in the country schools of Pennsylvania and for some time engaged in farming after putting his textbooks aside. He learned the harness maker's trade, however, and followed this line of work for a period of eleven years in Illinois and Iowa. In 1873 he came to Nebraska and settled in Eiehardson county but spent the following year working at his trade in Fremont and various places in Omaha. In 1875 he removed to Polk county, bought land and farmed it for over thirty-five years. In 1909 he came to York, deciding to retire from active life and Iniilt a nice honie at 1631 Iowa avenue. He sold the land in Polk county before coming to York and is now the owner of a quarter section of fine land in York county, in McFadden township.

On the oth of December, 190.5, Mr. Warner was united in marriage to Miss Jane Ilauhiian, a native of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Herman and Jlalinda (Warner) Haulman. Her father wa.s a blacksmith and spent his entire life in Pennsylvania.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Warner 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 but has neither sought nor desired public otRce. Mr. Warner was thrown upon his own resources early in life and the success which he now enjoys is attributable to his own diligence and labor. He is one of York's representative and progressive citizens.

Mrs. Lillie May Gilmore Hunt

There is no tribute too great to be paid to the pioneer mothers of this and other states who endured years of hardship that we might live in a land of peace and plenty. Their lives were for the most part uneventful, tilled with the labor of love for their luisbands and children. There were few hardships of those early pioneer days with which Mrs. Lillie May Gilmore Hunt was not familiar. She was born on the 3rd of June, 1866, at Bluevale. Y^ork county, and was the first white child born in that county. Nebraska at that time was still a territory. Her parents, Jacob Rush and Catherine (Barrows) Gilmore, had come to Y'ork county after the Civil war, her father having acquired a homestead on the southeast quarter of section 7, township 9, range 1. He came to Nebraska in the fall of 1865 and in April of the following year her mother and her sister who is now Mrs. Ella Gilmore Button, came to Nebraska by way of steamboat down the Illinois river to Cairo, then down the Mississippi to St. Louis, across the Missouri river to St. Joseph and from there up the Missouri river to Nebraska City. There Jacob E. Gilmore met them with an ox team and wagon, and they were several days in driving from there to the home in York county, a distance of over a hundred miles. The farm on which Mrs. Hunt was born June 3, 1866, is still owned by her uncle S. Gilmore, who came to York county in the fall of that year from his home at Wenona, Marshall county, Illinois. Further mention of Jacob Rush Gilmore is made elsewhere in this work.

Mrs. Hunt received her education in the common schools of Y''ork county and on the 27th of December, 1885, was united in marriage in the Christian church at Bluevale to John Edward Hunt of Fairmont, the Rev. W. H. Pardee, a well known Christian minister of the early days in York and Fillmore counties, performing the ceremony. For several years following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hunt resided in Fairmont, thence removing to Alliance where they lived for a period of eight years, subsequently removing to Bayard. For twenty-three years Mrs. Hunt has resided in this town where she is much respected and beloved by her many friends. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bayard several children were born, all of them now prominent citizens of their various communities : Susy Bell Hunt is the wife of Arthur Jones of Grand Island, Nebraska; John Edward Hunt enlisted for service in the World war and left Bayard September 31, 1D17, for Camp Funston, Kansas. He was later ordered overseas with the Eighty-ninth Division and was wounded in action at the battle of Chateau Thierry, July 21, 1918. After some time in a hospital behind the lines he was again sent to the front and was gassed on the 3rd of October, 1918. After being released from the liospital the second time he was sent with the army of occupation to Germany where he remained until August, 1919, when he returned to the states, receiving his discharge and returning home September 11, 1919. He is now married to Miss

Etliel Dorothy Lewcllen of Lincoln who for several years was stenographer for the Territorial Pioneer Association and also for the ^lississippi Valley Historical Association. They are making their home in Bayard. Another member of the family to serve in the World war was C Everette Hunt who went to Camp Funston, September 21. 1917, where he remained for eleven months when he was discharged on account of ill health. He returned to Iiis home on the 20th of August, 15)18. He is now in the employ of J. L. Mullen of Lincoln, operating a dray line in the drainage district at Gordon, Nebraska. Nellie Hattie is now Mrs. Leslie Allen and resides with her mother on the home farm two miles east of Bayard. Two more children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, both of whom died in infancy. The death of Mr. Hunt occurred on May 2, 1916, and was a severe blow to the community where he was recognized as a representative citizen.

Other members of the Gilmore family living besides Mrs. Hunt are the father, who is residing in Corning, California : a sister, Mrs. Ella Button of Davis Creek, California; another sister, Mrs. Adelie Underwood, is residing in Grand Valley, Colorado ; a brother, Otis E. Gilmore, is living in Geneva ; and Mrs. Susy Fouse makes her home in Diichesne, Utah. The gi'eater part of Mrs. Hunt's life has been spent on a farm, and she was a most important factor in contributing to the success of her husband, ilanifold duties made a great demand upon her time but she was never too bu.sy to take a little time to read and keep up with the trend of the times. She is active in the interests of the community in which she makes her home and in which she has many friends who recognize her true personal worth and .sterling traits of character.

Henry Branz, Jr

Henry Branz. Jr., long identified with agricultural interests in York county, is the owner of one of the well improved farms of the county, his place being on section 24, Stewart township, where he has two hundred and eighty acres of rich and valuable land. He was born near Peoria, Illinois, March 25, 1871, a son of Henry and Annie (Mahl) Branz, both natives of Germany, where the former was born in May, 1834. The marriage of these parents took place in Germany and they came to America in 1863, living in the state of Illinois for many years and coming to York county in 1882. A more extended account of Henry Branz, Sr., will be found elsewhere in this work in the review of Ernest Branz.

Henry Branz, Jr., accompanied his parents to York county from Illinois and completed his education in the public schools of the county. He was reared in his father's home in Stewart township and assisted for many years in carr\'ing on the work of the home farm, there becoming thoroughly grounded in all the important features of agricultural life. In 1905 he moved to the farm on which he now resides and ever since has kept in close touch with the trend of modern progress along agricultural lines and his valuable farm property of two hundred and eighty acres indicates his careful supervision and progressive methods. He has carried out many excellent improvements on his place and devotes a large portion of his time to the raising of grain and the feeding of live stock, in both

Mr. Branz is recognized as one of the prominent citizens of the county who has gained a gratifying measure of success, owing to his close application and untiring energy. His efforts have been a contributing factor in bringing about the splendid results that have been achieved in making this part of Nebraska a notable agricultural belt and well adapted to grain raising.

John W. Miller

John W. Miller, for many years a fanner in York county, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1868, a son of William and Barbara (Traub) Miller. The father was born in Pennsylvania in 1837 and died in 1899 at the age of sixty-two years and the mother who was born in the same state in 1844, is now residing in California. For a number of years Mr. and Mrs. Miller lived on a farm in Pennsylvania and in the spring of 1872 came west to York county. Here they lived for some time and then moved to Benedict, in which village the father's death occurred. At the time of Mr. Miller's death he had in his possession but eighty acres of his original one hundred and sixty homestead acres. He was recognized throughout the community in which he resided as a prominent and successful farmer and he held various township offices which he filled with ability. During the Civil war he served in a Pennsylvania regiment and was twice wounded in the leg. He also had two fingers shot off of one hand. During his early residence in York county lie was postmaster at Cressell. In the passing of Mr. Miller York county lost one of its pioneer and progressive citizens.

In the acquirement of an education John W. Miller attended the district schools of York. He did not have the chance to obtain much education, however, for as the oldest of a family of children he was called upon to assist in the support of the family. Therefore at an early age he began to woi'k out by the month on various farms and for eight years continued this work, at the termination of which time he purchased eighty acres of land and engaged in farming on his own account. The experience which he had gained in working for others stood him in good stead and he was so successful in this venture that he gradually increased his land possessions until he is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land located east of Benedict. In 1893 he was married and he and his wife resided on the farm until the spring of 1920 when they purchased a home at 709 East avenue, York, and Mr. Miller retired from active business life.

In the spring of 1893 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Derner, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Joseph and Emma Willard (Blair) Derner. Her parents were also natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Yoi'k county in 1879. The father had a quarter section of land which he later sold and removed to York where he engaged in the carpenter business for some time. Mr. and Mrs. Derner are now living retired. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Miller three children have been born, namely: Evan Edgar; Roy Williams; and Ora Pauline. Evan Edgar graduated from the Benedict schools and then took a course in a conmiercial college in York. He later married Vera Robertson and they are now residing on the fatlier's home place. Roy Williams graduated from the high school at Lincoln, Nebraska, and he is now employed in a storage station. Ora Pauline is in her last year at York high school.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Miller the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party and is always well versed on all of the important questions and issues of the day. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in which order he has filled all of the chairs; the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; and the ilodern Woodmen. Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Rebekahs. They are likewise consistent members of the Lutheran church. The success which Mr. Miller now enjoys is the result of his own diligence and labor and though he has been a resident of York but a short time he is regarded as one of its most progressive and representative citizens.

Jacob Rush Gilmore

One of the earliest pioneers of York county, Nebraska, was Jacob Rush Gilmore, who is now residing in Corning, California, enjoying the reward of a life wisely and usefully spent. He was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, August 12, 1834, a son of Elias and Huldah (Rush) Gilmore, both natives of Pennsylvania in which state the birth of the former occurred on the 12th of March, 1812, while the latter was born November 1, 1816. Mrs. Gilmore was a descendant of Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The Gilmore family came from their Pennsylvania home to Illinois shortly before the outbreak of the Civil war, after the close of which conflict they removed to Nebraska, settling in York county in 1866. They were one of the early pioneer families of that state.

The education of Jacob Rush Gilmore was obtained in the common schools of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and in early manhood he removed to Illinois with his parents, from which state he enlisted for service in the Civil war. On the 18th of April, 1861, he joined Company C, Twentieth Illinois Infantry, at Pontiac, for three months' service, at the end of which time he reenlisted at Joliet, Illinois, for three years' active service. He reenlisted for the second time at Blackriver, Mississippi, on the 4th of January, 1864, and on the !)th of April, 1865, was discharged at Goldsboro, North Carolina, on account of wounds. He was with Sherman on his march from Atlanta to the sea and participated in the following battles and skirmishes: Frederickstown, Forts Henry aiul Donaldson, Shiloh, Burton's Lane, Thompson's Hill, Raymond, Clinton, Jackson, Champion Hill, invasion of Yicksburg, and was wounded in charge at Ft. Hill in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain and Atlanta. After the war he removed to York county and established the first postoffice at Bluevale in 1866. This was the first office, in this county and he held the position of postmaster for a period of about nine years. In 1899 he went to Colorado, his wife having died, and soon after his arrival in Perkins county, that state, he was again wed. For several years he made his home in Colorado and then removed to California where he still resides, leading a quiet life after the many years of his adventurous life as soldier and pioneer.

On the 17th of April, 1860, in ^Marshall county, Illinois, Mr. Gilmore was united in marriage to Mi.ss Catherine Elizabeth Barrows, a daughter of P. A. and

Mary Ann Barrows. To this union the following children Were born : Ella, who is the wife of S. J. Button : Lillie May, who is now Mrs. Hunt; Adelie, who is the wife of J. L. Underwood ; Susy, the wife of Probus Fouse ; and 0. E. Gilmore who married Miss Hanna Uphouse. The death of Mrs. Gilmore occurred in York county in 1883. Mr. Gilmore's second marriage was in Perkins county, Colorado, when he wedded Miss Elizabeth Bivens. To this marriage five children were born: Raymond, Myrtle, Orville, James, and Percy.

Mr. Gilmo're has always given his support to the republican party, having firm belief in the principles of this party as factors in good government. He has been a consistent member of the Christian church. At the advanced age of eighty-three years Mr. Gilmore is residing in Corning, California, an honored and respected citizen.

For thirteen years George Ragan has been a resident of York and he is now residing in his home at 1833 Grant avenue, enjoying the fruits of a life of diligence and industry.

George Ragan was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, January 20, 1S16, a son of John and Sarah (Curtis) Ragan, the former a native of Pennsylvania while the latter was born in Ohio. Their marriage took place in Ohio and at an early date they removed to Illinois where their deaths occurred, he passing away in 1870 and she in 1849. Six children were born to them of whom only the subject of this review, George Ragan, is living. On the outbreak of the Civil war John Ragan volunteered and was in active service for some time. Politically he was a member of the republican party and was well informed on all the questions and issues of the day.

George Ragan received his education in the schools of Dewitt county, Illinois, and in 1864 entered into the Civil war, serving until its close. At the termination of the war he returned to Illinois and engaged in farming. In 1883 he came to York county where he bought land in Lockridge township and still owns this land consisting of one hundred and twenty acres. His wife is also owner of forty acres. When he took possession of the farm there was a small frame house on it and he immediately erected a barn and other outbuildings. Mr. Ragan and his family resided on this farm until January, 1907, when they removed to York where he had purchased a nice home at 1823 Grant avenue. Here Mr. Ragan has since resided, enjoying the fruits of a life of diligence and many hardships.

In 1880 Mr. Ragan was united in marriage to Miss Sophie Miller, who was born near St. Louis, Missouri, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Burri) Miller. Her parents were born in Germany, coming to this country in their early life and settling in St. Louis where they were married. For a number of years they resided in Missouri and then removed to Sangamon county and subsequently to Tazewell county, Illinois. In 1SS4 they removed to York county where the father bought land. Mrs. Miller's death occurred on the home place, while Mr. Miller are living, namely: Mrs. Ragan, the wife of the subject of this review; Frank, who is a bridge contractor residing in Springfield, Illinois; William, engaged in passed away in York. Seven cliiklren were born to that union of whom only five tlie real estate business in York; Henrv, who is fanning in York county; and Edwin, who is a well known dentist in York. Mr. and Mrs. Ragau have no children.

Mr. Ragan gives his allegiance to the republican part}', in the interests of wliich he takes an' active part. He is a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ragan are members of the United Brethren church and she is a member of various church societies of that organization. When Mr. Ragan started out into the business world he had nothing to rely upon except his ability to work hard and a strong determination to succeed. He went through all the pioneer hardships of the early days, overcoming obstacles that would have crushed many a man. It was not long until he had his farm out of debt and then forged steadily ahead until today he is financially independent. During the years of his residence in Yoi-k Mr. Ragan has made many and fast friends and he is recognized throughout the community as one of York's most representative citizens.

Maetix Pieper

Martin Pieper, who follows farming on section 23, Beaver township, was born in the house which is now his home on the 18th of August, 1899, a son of William and Wilhelmina (Wellmann) Pieper, extended mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work.

Martin Pieper received liis education in the schools of his native county (York) and early in life engaged in farming. He has always remained on the homestead of one hundred and sixty acres and is now managing it for his mother. He owns eighty acres of fine land in Seward county.

On the 11th of February, 1911, Mr. Pieper was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Brackhan, a daughter of Christ and Wilhelmina (Xowack) Brackhau, early settlers of this county who are still residing on a farm in Beaver township. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pieper one child has been born : Clarence. The religious faith of the family is that of the Lutheran church and Mr. Pieper votes with the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. Mr. Pieper is employing the progressive and enterprising characteristics of the west to liis farm work and has already gained a gratifying aiiKumt of prosperity.

Fred Xehser

Fred Xehser, a prosperous and well known farmer for many years identified with agricultural operations in York county, as well as having commercial interests in Gresham, is a native of Iowa, born in Clayton county, February 27, 1860, - a son of Lewis and Mary (^lyer) Xehser, both natives of Germany. The parents came to America in 1855, making the voyage on an old sailing vessel, the passage occupying thirty-one days. Lewis Xehser was one of a party of five hundred comprised of all kinds of tradesmen, who located at Communia, Iowa, and there they became a colony settlement, pursuing their usual avocations and also engaging in agricultural operations. He proceeded to clear a tract of land, removing all the timber and subsequently succeeded in getting one hundred and twenty-five acres into condition for the raising of crops. He used oxen and was the first in the district to buy a horse team for working the land. His efforts in the cultivation of his fields were uniformly successful and he had the satisfaction of seeing the prairie soil yield to the plow and harrow and produce in abundance. His personal part in bringing about these results will stand to his credit for many generations. He died on the farm at the age of seventy years and his wife passed away in 1890.

Fred Nehser was educated in the common schools of his native county and was reared on his father's place, assisting in the labors of the farm. His early youth and young manhood were uneventful amid the surroundings of the farm home and he continued to work along steadily until his thirty-third year. It was in 189.3 that Mr. Xehser came to York county and settled in Gresham. He bought one hundred and twenty acres of land on which a small frame house stood and successfully operated this place, doing general fanning and stock raising, being for thre^ years engaged in the buying and shipping of live stock which yielded financial results of a substantial character. He made some valuable improvements on his land and employed the most modern machinery in the work of the farm. Aside from his land interests he established and directed the Xehser Creamery, at the end of two years selling out to a firm at Aurora. Later in connection with his farming activities he commenced the breeding of Poland China hogs and shorthorn cattle and in this line, as in his other enterprises, his labors were adequately rewarded. The call of opportunity has ever been to him a call to action and one to which he has readily responded, herein lying the secret of his success.

In 1897 Mr. Xehser was united in marriage to Hattie Wolford and to that union three children have been born : Eaymond, who died at the age of one year and ten days ; James, who served in the Students Army Training Corps, at Hastings, Xebraska; and Lillian, who is attending high school. Mr. Xehser votes an independent ticket and is much interested in everything that pertains to the public welfare and cooperates heartily in those measures and movements which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.

Silas M. Saever

Since 1915, Silas M. Sarver has been engaged in the coal business in York, and is recognized as one of the prominent citizens of that community. He was born in Morgan county, Ohio, February 21, 1857, his parents being Jacob and Rosa (Ahle) Sarver, the former bom in Butte county, Pennsylvania, while the latter was a native of Germany. Their marriage was celebrated in Pennsylvania and in the early fifties they emigrated to Ohio where he engaged in farming. In March, 1864, they removed to Kansas where he had purchased some land and resided there until 1886, and for some time he was superintendent of the county farm. Mr. Sarver had been successful in his farming ventures and in 1886 they removed to York, spending their last days in retirement. He was a stanch supporter of tlie republican party and belonged to the United Brethren church, while his wife was a member of the Congregational church. During the Civil war Mr. Sarver answered his country's call to arms and was a participant in many of the important battles of the war and iu Morgan's raid. His death occurred in York and Mrs. 8arver passed away in April, 1!)20, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. Two children were born to this union : Silas M., the subject of this review; and Rosa Brott, who is the wife of H. W. Brott, of York. Jacob Sarver, the grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania, lived and died there, and was one of the prominent men of his community.

The education received by Silas M. Sarver was very limited and as he was reared on a farm he followed that occupation, going to western Kansas where he homesteaded. In 1883 he sold his home and the following year came to York county where he lived on rented land for two years. In the spring of 1886 he removed to the City of York and worked in a lumber-yard there seventeen years for one employer and ten years for another. In 1915 he went into the coal business on his own account, selling all kinds of coal. He also owns two farms in western Nebraska iu which he takes not a little interest. The success which Mr. Sarver is now enjoying is the result of his invincible courage and diligence. When he and his wife first settled in York they had practically nothing. He had made no money on the farms, for his crops had been ruined by hail and it was only by the hardest of work and the most careful saving that they finally got ahead. Some men would have broken under the immense strain suffered by Mr. Sarver, but he was determined to win out and today he is reaping his reward.

In the fall of 1883 Mr. Sarver was united in marriage to Miss Emma Walters, a native of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Her parents came to Nebraska from Iowa and her father, William Walters, is still residing in York. The mother passed away some years ago. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Sarver, one child, Elmer Roy, has been born. He is now residing in Denver, Colorado, where he conducts a drug store. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Sarver gives his allegiance to the republican party but has neither sought nor desired public office. Diligence and persistency of purpose are numbered among his stalwart characteristics and his life record, which is an open book that all mav read, has brouicht him high standing and popularity.

John Ittner

For fortv-two years John Ittner engaged in the brick business in York, in which line of work he was so successful that he is now residing retired at 410 East Si.xth street, financially independent.

John Ittner was born on a farm owned by a former i)resident - William Henry Harrison - in Jliami county, Ohio, on the 21st of January, 1812. His parents were John and Mary (Friday) Ittner, the former was born in Germany in 1806 and died in 1853, while the latter was born on the Canary islands in 1818 and died in' 1913. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ittner took place in Cincinnati, Ohio, where they had both removed at an early day and in 181-1: they removed to St. Louis where the father followed the trade of a baker for a number of years. They then removed to St. Paul and tliere the father conducted a bakery until his death. Nine children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ittner, four of whom are living, namely: Anthony, who has a brickyard near Belleville, Illinois; John, the subject of this review; Nicholas, who lives retired in Apopka, Florida; and George, who has an orange grove at St. Petersburg, Florida. One son, Benjamin, served through the Civil war as a member of Co. J, Eighth Missouri Regiment. The grandfather of John Ittner was born in Germany and the maternal grandfather Friday, while crossing from Germany to the United States, was ship- , wrecked and remained on the Canary islands for a period of six months. He then secured passage to the United States and his first employment in this country was for the Longworth family in Cincinnati, Ohio.

John Ittner was reared in St. Louis and there received his education. On the 20th of August, 1861, he entered the service of the Union army, joining Company B, Fremont's Body Guard. He served for the most part in Missouri but was captured and taken prisoner in November, 1861. Some time later he was paroled but did not reenter the service. He then learned the trade of brick-making and brick-laying and followed it successfully until his retirement. In the spring of 1878 he came to York and started the first brick-making establishment there. Until 1904 he engaged in brick-making after which time he turned his attention to brick-laying. For sixteen years he continued in that line of work, becoming well known throughout the community, but in the spring of 11)20 he decided to retire and is now living in his home which he erected in 11)07, at 410 East Sixth street, enjoying the success derived from a life of diligence and industry.

On the 1st of March, 1869, Mr. Ittner was united in marriage to Miss AiTgusta Debro Hoyt, who was born in Milan, Erie county, Ohio, November 1, 1842, and died on the 1st of October, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Ittner were the parents of five children, two of whom are living, namely: Augusta; and Edna. Augusta 'graduated from the grade and high school of York and is now living at home with her father. For five years she has been serving on the library Iward. Edna graduated from the York high school and the State University and she is now assistant principal of the York high school. Mrs. Ittner was reared in the faith of the Universalist church but was not a member of that church.

Politically Mr. Ittner has followed an independent course ever since the election of Cleveland. Although he has devoted the greater part of his time to his business he served as councilman of the second ward for some time, having been appointed to this position by Mayor A. D. Wyckoif. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In the development of his business interests Mr. Ittner employed only the fairest and most lionorable of methods and York is fortunate indeed in having him for a citizen.

Robert A. Clark

Robert A. Clark, who since 1913 has been living retired in Bradshaw, York county, after many years of successful farming, is a native of Virginia, born in Berkeley county, October 24, 1841. When he was seven years of age his parents moved to Ohio and settled in Champaign county, where they lived until 1857, in that year going to Marshall county, Illinois, and in that state Robert A. Clark grew to manhood, liaving early started to earn his own living. On August G, 1862, Mr. Clark enlisted in Company B, 86th Illinois Infantry, and served as a member of that company iu the Civil war, his service covering about three years. During that period he was in some thirteen engagements and battles, notably those of Atlanta, Chickamauga and Stone River and was slightly wounded on three different occasions. His regiment was a unit of the Fourteenth x\rmy Corps and he was with General Sherman on the famous march to the sea. He partici- %pated in the grand review at Washington, D. C, and was finally mustered out, receiving his honorable discharge. Following the close of his military service he returned to Illinois and took up farming, so continuing for about twenty-five years, during that period acquiring a sound knowledge of agricultural operations and his labors bringing satisfactory results.

It was in 1890 tluit Mr. Clark came to York county and settled in Arborville township where he purchased two hundred acres of land for which he paid twentyfive dollars per acre. There were not many improvements on the place when he took it and he immediately proceeded to improve and develop the holding, erecting substantial buildings and otherwise increasing its value until he finally brought it to a condition the equal of any in the township. He met with considerable success, the outcome largely of his business-like methods, the soil yielding him results proportionate to the energy and skill which he brought to bear on the undertaking. At length, feeling that he had earned a rest, he retired in lOi;! and now leaves to others the active work of the fields. In that year he moved to Bradshaw, where he has a comfortable home, spending the evening of a busy life in domestic peace, surrounded by numerous friends who have naught but good to say of him.

On Mifich 7, 1869, Mr. Chirk was united iu marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bramble, a native of ileggs county, Ohio, and to their union four children were born : William R., living in Custer county, is the father of seven children; Edwin J., the father of three children; Pearl, the third of Mr. Clark's childreu; and Harry B., the fourth, who is the father of two children. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have five great-grandchildren. Mr. Clark is a member of the (Jrand Army post at Bradshaw, being dee]3ly interested in that patriotic organization. He has always voted the republican ticket, but has never been a seeker after public office. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church and in community affairs the weight of their influence has been given to those movements designed to advance the moral and material welfare of the people.

Wilbur W. Feaster

Wilbur W. Feaster has been prominent in the business circles of A'ork county for over twenty years. He has engaged in farming and stock raising, the carpenter business and since February, 1920, has been active in insurance and real estate circles.

Wilbur W. Feaster was born July 23, 1875, in Rock Island county, Illinois, a son of John H. and Nancy J. (Walker) Feaster. The father was born in Maryland in 1841 and his death occurred in 1890, while the mother was born in 1848 in Eock Island county, lUiuois, and is still living. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Feaster took place in Illinois and there the father engaged in farming for some time before removing to Saline county, Nebraska, in 1881. He purchased a farm in tiiis county on which he resided until two years before his death when he retired and removed to Friend. Mr. Feaster was a veteran of the Civil war, serving over four years. He was a member of Company G, Seventy-fifth Illinois Regiment, and while in active service with his company received a wound in his shoulder which later in life caused paralysis and resulted in his death. Two children were born to this union : Frederick K. and Wilbur W., the subject of this review. Frederick K. is now residing in the state of Washington. He has engaged in the hotel business, has managed a store, and has farmed. Mr. and Mrs. Feaster were consistent members of the United Brethren church and Mrs. Feaster still takes an active interest in the organization. The father was a member of the democratic party which found in him a stanch advocate. Mr. Feaster came to Nebraska with practically no financial backing. His possessions consisted of three horses and it was necessary for him to go into debt for his land. However, by hard labor and careful saving he managed to get a start and from then on steadily progressed until at the time of his death he was financially independent. The grandfather of Wilbur W. Feaster, who was Jonathan Feaster, was born in Maryland and came to Nebraska with his son John. His death occurred in 1882 in Saline county at the age of eighty-seven years. The maternal grandfather, Hiram Walker, was a native of Kentucky and came to Illinois at an early day. He engaged in farming in that state, was very successful and tliere his death occurred.

In the acquirement of an education Wilbur H. Feaster attended the high school in Friend for three years and York College for a period of two years. He began life as a farmer and purchased a farm in Saline county. He sold this farm some time later for a substantial sum and in 1900 removed to York county. For four years he engaged in the live stock business in York at the termination of which time he engaged in carpentering. While engaged in this line of work he was elected to the office of county recorder by a large majority and he held this position for a period of five years. At the expiration of his term of office he again resumed the carpentering business but in February, 1920, became interested in real estate and insurance. In this line of work he is proving his ability and his business is steadily growing.

On Christmas day of the year 1900 Mr. Feaster was united in marriage to Miss E. Grace Foster, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Joel H. and Rebecca Foster. Her parents removed from New York state to Illinois and in 1893 came to Nebraska, settling in York county, where they died. Mr. and Mrs. Feaster have become parents of five children: Dorothy, who is attending York College; Donald, attending school; Reatha and Wallace Rex, who are in school; and Burton, who is four years of age.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Feaster the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the democratic party. Although the greater part of his time has been devoted to liis business he served York as postmaster during nine months of the year 1913 and at present is serving on the city council. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Woodmen; Highlanders; Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and in each order he is an exemplary member. Both he and Mrs.- Feaster are members of the Presbyterian church ami active in the various affairs of that organization. Mr. Feaster is widely recognized as one of York county's representative citizens and business men.

William Reetz

For almost four decades ^^"illialll Eeetz has been a resident of York county and during that long period has made valuable contributions to the work of development and progress in this part of the state and has won a substantial measure of business success being now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land. He was born in Germany, March 16, 1864, a son of Carl and Henrietta Eeetz, also natives of Germany, who in 1882 immigrated with their family to this country. Following his arrival at tlie port of New York Carl Eeetz started for Nebraska and settled in York county, buying a farm of eighty acres located in Stewart township for which he paid the sum of eight hundred dollars. It was wild land, without improvements of any description, and there he lived with his family in a dugout of two rooms for three years, tilling the soil and developing the place.

William Eeetz was educated in the schools of Germany where he remained until he was eighteen years old, when he accompanied his parents to York county. He worked on his father's place until he was twenty-four years old, at that time his father giving him a team, harness and wagon to enable him to start work on his own account. He began by renting land and worked steadily for many years in this way, saving his money and later was in a position to purchase eighty acres in Thayer township, paying fourteen hundred dollars for the land on which he continued to reside for three years. He then bought one hundred and sixty acres on which he and his family lived for ten years, after which he moved to Saline county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres, residing in that county for one year. He returned to Stewart township and bought a (piai'ter section of land which he operated for five years with considerable success. He next bought a quarter section in Thayer township but never took up residence on that holding and later moved to the holding on which he now resides, consisting of one hundred and sixty-two and one-half acres, located on section 31, Stewart township. Here he is actively engaged in general farming and the feeding of stock for market and has met with a substantial measure of success. He is now the owner of over four hundred acres of excellent land laid out in three separate holdings, a quarter section being in Bradshaw township, a quarter section in Thayer township and the home farm on which he is residing, with splendid buildings on all three farms. His farming operations have been conducted along modern lines and with good farming machinery and everything about his place indicates his careful supervision and his practical and progressive methods.

Mr. Eeetz was united in marriage to Augusta Hoffman and to that union eight children were born: Fred, Lizzie, Otto, William, Eena, Emma, Louise and Varner. The family attends the services of the Lutheran church, in the faith of which tlie parents were reared. Mr. Eeetz exercises independent action in political affairs and at all times has been actuated by a desire to promote the public welfare along sane ami sound lines. He is a self-nuule man, whose success in life is due to his own unaided efforts and he is now regarded as one of the enterprising farmers of York county.

Oscar Froid

Oscar Froid, deceased, was for many years identified with the shoe business in York. He was born in Sweden, October 7, 1853, and died in York on the 2nd of December, 1899. His father lived and died in Sweden where he followed the occupations of farmer and soldier. The mother, however, after her husband's death came to the United States with her little family and her death occurred in Boulder, Colorado, where she had made her home for a number of years. Six children had been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Froid, of whom Oscar the subject of this review was the third in order of birtli. Five children came to this country to make their liome. The Froid family were reared in the faith of the Lutheran church.

Oscar Froid obtained his early education in his native land and at the age of fourteen years came to this country with his mother, brothers and sisters and settled in Jefferson county, Iowa. Later they removed to Boulder, Colorado, and in 1881 Oscar Froid came to York county. Here he engaged in the grocery business for a number of years but later sold out and launched into the shoe business, in which he was engaged at the time of his death. He had learned the trade of shoe-making in his native country at the age of seven years and he proved so adept at this line of work that his business soon grew to large proportions. He was a man of strong character, of firm purpose and of high ideals and his life work was crowned with successful achievement.

In 1877 Mr. Froid was united in marriage to Miss Tillie Sandall, a native of Jefferson county, Iowa, and a daughter of Fred Olsen, but was reared by John Sandal), her mother being a Sandall and these were her grandparents. Her father was a pioneer of York county and prominent throughout that county. Eight children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Froid, namely: Clarence M.; Viola; Ivan; Windell; Paul; Elon; Irene; and Waldo. Clarence M. is a physician and surgeon of prominence in Denver, Colorado. He received his medical education at the Northwestern University, Chicago, and in Denver. Dr. Froid has one child, a daughter Carroll, who is ten years of age ; Viola is the wife of Bert Miller who is engaged in fanning near McCool. She has become the mother of four children, namely: George, Clarence, Irene Marie and Raymond; Ivan is living at home with his mother and is employed in the post office; Windell is also living at home. He is manager of the Rystrom Implement Company, at York ; Paul has rented his mother's farm near McCool and here resides. He married Miss Lillie Donivan; Elon resides in York where he is a mail carrier. His wife was Miss Bessie Roberts and they arc the parents of three children : Clarice, Elaine, and Robert Oscar; Irene is a stenographer residing in Laurel; Waldo, the last member of the family, is living at home with his mother.

When age conferred upon Mr. Froid the right of franchise he supported the democratic party which found in him a stalwart advocate. Fraternally he belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Ancient Order of United Workmen ; the Woodmen ; and the Knights of Pythias. He was likewise a consistent member of the Congregational church. Following the death of her husband Mrs. Froid purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near McCool on which one of her sons resides. The farm is well cultivated and improved and is one of the finest in the county. Mrs. Froid is prominent in the activities of her comnninitv and is residing with her (^lildren at her home, 2120 Nebraska avenue.

Business enterprise at Y''ork finds a worthy representative in John McFadden who for over twenty years has been agent for the Chicago and Northwestern Kailroad there. He was born in Ireland on the 6th of June, 1865, a son of John and Margaret B. (Conroy) McFadden, also natives of that country. The father's birth occurred in 183-t and he died at the age of fifty-five years, while the mother who was liorn in 1830 passed away at the age of sixty-two years. They spent their entire lives in Ireland where the father was a blacksmith, making their home at Athlone on the river Shannon. Mr. McFadden was veiy successful in his line of work and he and his wife were respected citizens of the community in which they resided. They were both consistent members of the Catholic church.

John McFadden received his education in Ireland and in his early youth learned telegraphy. Tales reaching him of the wonderful opportiinities oflered in the new world he decided to try his fortune in this country with the result that in 1884 he arrived in I'ork county. His previous experience as a telegraph operator had l)een in connection with his duties in the postoffice as clerk in Ireland and it was his desire to continue the former line of work in this country. He made inquiries into the situation and found that the code was entirely different from the one he had learned and it was therefore necessary for him to master the new one before he could successfully handle a like position in this country. He set to work, soon mastered the new code, and accepted a position with the Burlington Kailroad, working at various places. Some time later he entered into the service of the Chicago & Northwestern Eailroad and was agent at David City for a number of years. In 1900 he came to Y'ork where he became agent for the Northwestern and has since held that position. Coming to this country with nothing but the knowledge of telegraphy, a strong determination and a laudable ambit-ion, he has gradually advanced until he is now widely recognized throughout the county as a capable and successful man.

Mr. McFadden has been twice married. In 1893 he was united in marriage to Miss Ora Winters and to them one daughter, Theresa, was born. She is now the wife of Ijowell G. Crownover, a civil engineer, and they reside in Bridegport, Nebraska. Mr. Crownover is employed by the state. In 189.5 Mrs. McFadden died and in 1918 Mr. McFadden was again wed, this time to Miss Geraldine Grippen, a native of Illinois. Mrs. McFadden is a member of the Congregatioiuil church, in the activities of which she takes a prominent part.

Since age conferred upon Mr. McFadden the right of franchise he has given his allegiance to the republican party which has found in him a stanch advocate.

He has never asiJired to political office, however, but has devoted his whole attention to his business interests. Fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having passed through all of the chairs of both orders. He is likewise a prominent and active member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America. He has by reason of his own diligence become financially independent and he owns a half section of some of the finest land in Kimball county. Mr. McFadden is known to be a booster of York and his aid may be counted upon in any movement for the further improvement and development of his community.

Clarence F. Gearhart

Clarence F. Gearhart, deceased, was for a number of years prominent in the rural life of York county. He was born in Pennsylvania, a son of Mayberry and Catherine Gearhart, both natives of that state where they spent their entire lives, and there his death occurred.

In the acquirement of an education Clarence F. Gearhart attended the common schools of his native state and after putting his textbooks aside engaged in farming on his father's land. He remained on this farm for several years but when reaching young manhood came to York county and purchased a farm on which he remained for one year, at the end of which time he returned to Pennsylvania. About 1880 he again settled in York county and lived on his farm with his family for three years. TKis land he purchased at a low price and after cultivation and improvement it was considered one of the finest farms in the county. He raised some full-blooded stock and soon became financially independent. He remained on his farm in York county for three years, at the termination of which time he again returned to Pennsylvania where his death occurred a short time afterward.

Mr. Gearhart was united in nuirriage to Miss Lessie Bird, a native of Montour county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of William and Jane (Vastine) Bird. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and lived there until they died. The father was a fanner in that state and a prominent man in his community. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bird, three of whom are living: Mrs. Gearhart, the widow of the subject of this review; Rufus, a retired farmer residing at Riverside, Pennsylvania ; and Howard, wlio is engaged in the insurance and real estate business in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Bird family were reared in the faith of the Baptist church and the father was a democrat in politics. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gearhart two children were born : Minnie, the wife of Elting Mead, a coal man of York; and Magdalene, the wife of 6. E. Peterson, a designer for Cusack. After the death of her husband Mrs. Gearhart removed to the home of her daughter in York and remained there for some time. She then bought a nice home at 921 Lincoln avenue and here she now resides. She owns two hundred and seventy-six acres of land and has managed successfully her husband's various business affairs. She has rented the two farms to a Mr. Norman for a year. Mrs. Gearhart has proved to be a woman of much business ability and she is a highly respected citizen in the community. She is a consistent member of the Christian

Throughout his entire life Mr. Gearhart was a member of the republican party which found in him a stalwart advocate. His success was the result of his own unaided effort and determination to let no obstacle, however great, obstruct his path.

James M. Hyde

During the years in which .James il. Hyde resided in York county he made for himself many friends who recognized his true per.sonal worth, sterling traits of character, industry and integrity. He was a native son of Ireland, his birth having occurred there in 1843 and his death took place in 1887 on his homestead in York county. He was a son of Joe and Margaret (Steven) Hyde, both natives of Ireland where they spent their entire lives.

James M. Hyde received his education in his native country and in 1873 determined to come to the United States with the result that he landed in New York in the latter part of the same year. Eor some time he was employed in a brewery but in 1880 came to York county where he purchased eighty acres of railroad land in Waco township, later buying an additional eighty acres. His first home on this land was of sod and consisted of one room with board floor and dirt roof. His barn was built of straw. This land he immediately set about to cultivate, breaking it with a horse team, and he also set out a large orchard most of which was later destroyed. There were few of the pioner hardships of those early days with which he was not familiar. Mr. Hyde had paid the sum of thirteen hundred dollars for one eighty acre tract and seven hundred and eighty dollars for the other and at the time of his death was heavily in debt. This burden then devolved upon the shoulders of his widow who with seven children, the oldest of whom was but seven years old, survived. Mrs. Hyde with grim courage and determination set about to pay off these debts and she offered her services to the neighbors whom she helped shuck corn. Pew women are gifted with the resourcefulness of Mrs. Hyde and this in addition to her industry and close a])plication soon enabled her to clear the land of all debts. She is still in possession of the one hundred and sixty acres which is regarded as some of the finest land in the county.

In January, 187(5, Mr. Hyde was married in Ireland to Miss Mary McClure and to them seven children were born: Anna, the wife of William Stewart of Waco township; Maggie, who is the wife of James MeClure, engaged in dairy farming; Mamy, deceased; James M., who is farming the old home place; John AV., who is farming in Cheyenne county: Alexander and Samuel, deceased.

The political allegiance of Mr. Hyde was given to the republican party, in the interests of which he took an active part. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church of Utica, in which organization Mrs. Hyde still takes a prominent part. Mr. Hyde never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world and as a pioneer he contributed toward material ujDbuilding along agricultural lines. He was known to be a progressive and industrious citizen and ever loyal to American ideals and standards.

Histoey Of Yoek Coitnty 1341

Characterized by a spirit of commercial activity, E. E. Franz has won a place among the substantial and progressive business men of Liishton, York county, where he has operated a store for more than eight years. He was born in Hall county, Nebraska, October 23, 1887, a son of Fred and Eose (George) Franz.

E. E. Franz was reared in York county and received his education in the public schools of the county and lived with his parents until he had attained his majority. He then turned his attention to business pursuits and became engaged as a clerk in a general store at Lushton remaining thus occupied for several years, during this period becoming thoroughly infonned in the details of mercantile affairs as transacted in the store from day to day. He accumulated sufficient money to justify him in embarking in business for himself and he purchased as a growing concern the store in which he had been employed and for the past eight years has owned and operated the place with satisfactory financial results, due to his business methods and progressive spirit. Mr. Franz has an up-to-date general store, the business under his direction has been carefully operated, and he has ever recognized the fact that that business is most worthy of support which most carefully safeguards the interests of its customers. He is now fully established in the mercantile life of Lushton.

Mr. Franz was united in marriage in 1909 to Miss May Smith and they have become the parents of two children : Cecil E. and Constantine I. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served on the town board for some years, his efforts for civic betterment being actuated by a broad breadth of view intended to secure the greatest good to the greatest number. He and his wife are highly esteemed in the part of the county where they reside and have a circle of friends almost coextensive with their circle of acquaintances. The future career of Mr. Franz bids fair to be one of continued and expanding achievement.

Chaeles Hill

Charles Hill, a retired farmer and landowner of York, was born in York county, England, June 4, 1840, a .son of Charles and Mary (Train) Hill, also natives of that county. His father engaged in farming in the old country and there his mother died. In 1851 the father determined to come to the United States, with the result that he sailed from his native land in the same year and on reaching this country settled in Clinton county, Iowa. He purchased land whereon he farmed until 1876 when his death occurred at the age of seventy-six years. Two children had been born to this union of whom Charles Hill, the subject of this review, is the only one living. Mr. Hill gave his allegiance to the republican party and he held various township offices. The paternal grandfather of the subject of this review was Charles Hill and the maternal grandfather Christopher Train.

The early life of Charles Hill was spent in York county, England, where he obtained a part of his edneation. At the age of eleven years he came to the United States with his father and resided on a farm in Iowa for a number of years. On the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Hill was among the first to volunteer his services and in August of the year 1861 he joined Company A, Eighth Iowa Infantry. For some months he served with his company when he was discharged because of disability. About six months later, however, on regaining his health he joined Company D, Twenty-sixth Iowa Infantry. He served throughout the remainder of the war in this company and received his final discharge at Washington. Mr. Hill is a veteran of many of the important battles of that war, among them the second battle of Wilson Creek, Pea Eidge, Shiloh, Vieksburg, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, being wounded in this last engagement. For some time he was in a hospital but after his wounds healed sufficiently he again joined his company and participated in the battles of Big Shanty, Atlanta, Marietta, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. Following the close of the war he removed to York county in the spring of 1870 and acquired a homestead. His first home on this land was indeed primitive for it was nothing more than a dugout. It was some time before he occupied a sod house and his first frame house was not erected until 1878. While in Iowa Mr. Hill's marriage had taken place and in 1875 he and his wife went to Oregon and on the return trip drove from Portland to Xebraska in a wagon which was drawn by two horses and t^'o mules. This trip was made during the Sioux Indian trouble. His homestead in York county he successfully cultivated and improved and suffered but little loss from the droughts and the grasshoppers. Mr. Hill steadily increased his acreage until he now has over two hundred and forty acres of well improved land throughout the county. In 1917 Mr. Hill removed to York and purchased a nice home at 1803 Nebraska avenue where he is now residing having retired from active life. The greater part of his life since coming to the United States has been spent in Nebraska but for nine years he resided at Del Orta, Colorado, where he owned a farm and some town property.

In 1867 in Iowa ocurred the marriage of Mr. Hill and Miss Rosanna Echelbarker, a native of Ohio, born in Richland county in 1850. She was a daughter of Jacob and Keziah (Slagel) Echelbarker, the former a native of Ohio while the latter was born in Indiana. They removed to Illinois in 1853 and to Iowa in 1863 where the father followed his trade as carpenter and also engaged in farming. Eleven children have been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hill, namely: Nellie, the wife of John Antliony, who was formerly a farmer and is now a drayman at Brown's Valley, Missouri : L. D., residing in York county was the first white child born in Lockridge township, York county; C. Wayne, who is engaged in farming near Polk; Melville, who is farming near Polk; 0. B., who is farming on his father's farm ; Lavina, the wife of George C. Grovesner, who is engaged in stock raising at Aurora; Orlin Y., who is living on his father's farm near York; ]\Ierlin, farming in York county; May Belle, who is the wife of Floyd Masters, a farmer in Merrick county; Zeta, who is employed in the telephone office at York; and Ava, who resides in Omaha and is employed in the Union Pacific Telegraph office there. Merlin entered into service in the World war in June, 1917, and went to France with the Rainbow division. He received his training at Camp Lewis

Since age conferred upon Mr. Hill the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the democratic party in the interests of which he takes an active part and he is also a memlicr of the Grand Army of the Republic. He has always been a stanch advocate of education and good roads and to those ends served as school director and road overseer. Mr. Hill had no financial assistance on starting out in life for himself and has won whatever success he has achieved at the price of earnest, self-denying effort, his record proving what may be accomplished through close application, persistent energy and indefatigable industry.

Eev. Andeeav Edwaeds

A life devoted to the welfare and service of his fellowmen has made the memory of Rev. Andrew Edwards revered and honored wherever he was known.

He was born in England October 10, 1828, and died April 7, 1915.' His parents passed away in England, in which country the son was reared and educated. On crossing the Atlantic he first settled in Eochester, New York, where he remained for three months and then went to Canada. He attended Victoria College at Coburg, Canada, and was ordained to the ministry of the Wesleyan Methodist church in 1853 and served the church of his choice for thirty-five years. He was liberally educated and had excellent command of the English language, was a brilliant talker, clear thinker and logical reasoner and his utterances never failed to impress those who heard him.