York County, Nebraska - Biographical sketches, 1921 (part 2 of 13)

Otto B. Liedtke accompanied his father to Lincoln when the latter was filling the office of state auditor. A portion of his education was obtained in the public schools of York and he completed his school course at Lincoln, after which lie moved to Kansas City and worked at his trade as a harness-maker for about three years. At the end of that period he returned to York and worked at his trade for a year. He then accepted an appointment in the office of the clerk of the district court and served for one year, after which he returned to the old homestead and there pursued agricultural operations up to 1916, when he retired to Thayer. During his active years on the farm he had been engaged in general farming and stock raising, adding gradually to his holdings as he prospered in his work and he is now the owner of two hundred and eighty acres which he brought to an excellent state of improvement. He employed modern methods and utilized modern machinery in the conduct of his agricultural operations, with the result that he converted it into a most valuable and productive farming property.

On February 36, 1887, Mr. Liedtke was united in marriage to Miss Anna A. Fewins and to that union three children were born : Frederick, a farmer, of York county ; Frank, who operates the home farm ; and Yesta, the wife of Castle Brewer, of York. Mr. Liedtke has given his consistent support to the principles of the republican party and has been actively identified with the public affairs of Y^ork county for several years. He served as county supervisor for four years. He has been township clerk and is now filling the office of township assessor, the duties of which office he is performing with fidelity and ability. He is affiliated with the Masonic order at Gresham. The county is fortunate in having his services in connection with its important growth and development and is proud to number liim among its citizens.

Burwell Spurlock has been a resident of !v!"ebraska for sixty-five years and his active life has been one of service and usefulness to his fellowmen.

Burwell Spurlock was born in Wayne county, Virginia, June 28, 1835, where his parents were also born, ami Avhilc the son was too young to remember the family home was established in Illinois and later in Iowa. In the latter state the subject of this review was reared on a pioneer farm, obtaining his early education by the light of the old-fashioned fireplace. At the age of eighteen he found employment in a store at Glenwood, Iowa, where he worked one year and with the wages thus earned attended Iowa Wesleyan University for a term of six months. April 1, 1856, before he had reached his majority, he arrived at Plattsmouth, Nebraska, and entered the employ of a business firm which had recently located there. Having become a Christian in early boyhood and having formed a strong aversion to the use of intoxicating beverages, for a time in the mixed population he seemed an anomaly. But he had been taught at home to be respectful and courteous to all, irrespective of class, color or station. Observing these rules he safely passed through the crucial test, and won the respect and friendship of all classes, without making a single compromise to their ways. His parents became residents of Nebraska City in 1858, and here they both passed away, the father at the age of eighty-one and the mother in her nineties.

November 1, 1860, Burwell Spurlock was married to Miss Isabella S. Davis, who was born in Nodaway county, Missouri, January 21, 1843. Her father, William H. Davis, became a pioneer settler of Cass county, Nebraska, coming here before the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill and bought from the Indians the privilege of selecting his claim. He joined with a few friends in hiring private teachers to instruct their children and in 1855 erected on his own land probably the first schoolhouse built in Cass county. In 1858 his daughter was engaged to teach the neighborhood school, which she did in an acceptable manner, and although but fifteen years old had grown boys and girls for her pupils. After her marriage she became active in the social and religious life of the young city of Plattsmouth, and soon after was selected as corresponding secretary of the Christian Commission. In this position she rendered excellent service and aided materially in gathering supplies for the wounded and dying in southern hospitals. In the early temperance work of the state she took an active part as editor of the Olive Branch, and of a temperance column in the Plattsmouth Herald. About this time she organized a corps of eighty boys known as the Cold Water Army. Many of these became prominent in the civic and commercial life of the state. She was prominent in the organization of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, was chosen corresponding secretary of the state department, and sent as the first delegate from Nebraska to the national executive meeting at Cincinnati, Ohio. For many years she was prominent in the work of the Woman's Home Missionary Society of the Methodist church and this work led to the establishment of a home and industrial school for boys and girls located at York, Nebraska, known as "Mothers' Jewels' Home," in the management of which she assisted her husband until her death, which occurred October 14, 1906.

After his marriage Mr. Spurlock continued in mercantile pursuits in one form or another until elected county clerk and recorder in the fall of 1860. After the expiration of his first term - two years - he was renominated and elected for a second term. Then afterwards two other terms, in each succeeding convention receiving the nomination by acclamation. In his last election, after the famous election contest over the Rockbluff matter, his majority was greater than at any previous election. Many democrats voted for him. He was importuned by the leading and best men in the republican party to become a candidate for the fifth term, but jiositively decliued. Also after this he was urged by prominent and influential men in the state to become a candidate for secretary of state, but he declined this also.

To show the character of the man and his loyalty to his convictions, mention must be made of the Rockbluff affair. Of this affair it may be said that, as relating to Spurlock it has the distinction of being the only time in his life that his integrity or purity of motive was ever questioned. As related to the interest and progress of Nebraska it is one of the most important events in its history. The following brief facts are taken from an extensive account of the affair, prepared by Eev. David Marquette, a pioneer Methodist minister in Nebraska.

"There was an election held June 2, 1866. Primarily, the issue was the admission of Nebraska as a state; incidentally, the election of state officers, legislators, and congressmen were involved, the legislature to select two United States senators. The election was held under great excitement and bitter feeling. A class of people then known as Missouri refugees, that is, people whose sympathies were with the South during the war, but who, being too cowardly to fight for the Confederate flag, had run away from the scene of war and had settled at Eockbluffl and other places in Nebraska. They were not only considered rebels, by the Unionists, but were a tough set. They had settled in Eockbluffl in such numbers that they had complete control of the election machinery, having elected their own judges and clerks of election. Spurlock was county clerk and shared in the general distrust in which these people were held and before the election expected some crookedness. To guard against it as far as possible he had sent them written instructions regarding the law. He was not surprised the next morning to find that his pre-election suspicions were confirmed with rumors of gross irregularities at the polls in Eockbluff precinct. When old-time residents of the precinct came to him and protested against having the vote counted he became convinced that the vote should be thrown out. But later when it became apparent, through the slowly incoming returns from the county and territory, that the result in the territory depended upon the vote in Cass county, and that in Cass county it depended upon the vote in Eockbluffl precinct, and further that the official action of the board of canvassers of which he was ex-officio a member, and his own action as county clerk in giving certificates of election to members of the legislature, which in turn would determine the question of the admission of the state into the union and the political complexion of the legislature which would determine who would be the United States senators. Burwell Spurlock had ])ressing upon him a responsibility that comes to few men, and which few men would feel more keenly than he, Upon consulting legal advice he was told that he would have to act as his own judgment and conscience dictated. Tlie result was that the vote of Eockbluffl precinct was thrown out and certificates of election given to the re])ublican candidates. A contest was called for, the matter placed in the proper committees in the legislature, and some of the ablest attorneys of the state were employed. Mr. Spurlock's action was sustained by the legislative committee and further proof of his vindication is attested by the fact that at the next election he was given a larger majority than had ever before been accorded him."

After his term of office expired he again entered upon mercantile pursuits and for twenty years continued to reside at Plattsmouth. In 18!)1 he was made superintendent of ''Mothers' Jewels' Home" in York and for twenty-seven years conducted the affairs of this institution in a very able manner. He is still a resident of York and is one of the few remaining Territorial Pioneers of Nebraska.

Mr. and Mrs. Spurlock became the parents of two children : William Wesley, who died in childhood; and George M., an attorney of York, Nebraska.

Daniel W. Baker

Farming interests of York county find a worthy representative in the person of Daniel W. Baker, who is living on section 29, Morton township, where he has an excellent farm of two hundred acres. In former years he was an active member of the state legislature, serving the jicople of his district and of the state with fidelity and ability. He was l)orn in Fulton county, Pennsylvania, September 25, 185-1, a son of Jacob and Maria (Bergstresser) Baker, natives of Pennsylvania; the former was born November 7, 1814, and died September 16, 1879. The mother was born March 4, 1819, and passed away December 13, 1886. Jacob Baker taught school in the Keystone state during his early years and also farmed for a time. In 1871 the trend of migration being headed for the west, he set out for Nebraska and settled in York county, later buying a tract of railroad land, doing his trading at Seward. He built a frame house twelve by sixteen feet, and it is claimed that it was the first of its kind put up in the district. He proceeded to develop and improve the railroad land which he had acquired and soon had the place in a state of cultivation, doing general farming and raising stock. It was on this holding that he and his wife spent their last days. They were the parents of two children : Francis A., a York county farmer, and Daniel W., the subject of this sketch. His wife was an ardent supporter of the activities of the Methodist church, on whose services she was a constant attendant. His political allegiance was extended to the republican party, but he never sought public office.

Daniel W. Baker, an ea.stern man by birth and training, displays in his life the spirit of enterprise and progress which have ever been a dominant factor in the upbuilding of that section of the country. He was educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania and later attended the Juniata Institute Academy of that state. He accompanied his parents to York county in 1874 and in that year taught school in the district schools of what is now Thayer township and also in Morton township. He helped his father in the farming operations on the home place and later decided to make the life of an agriculturist his ultimate goal. He began on his present place in 1880, applied himself diligently to learning the best and most profitable methods of conducting agricultural affairs, progressed as time went on, and is now the owner of a fine place of two hundred acres on which general farming and stock raising is carried on. He has brought the fields under a high state of cultivation and upon the farm there are substantial buildings which indicate the care and supervision of the owner. He seems to lose sight of nothing that should be accomplished in the work of further developing his place and his labors have brought substantial results.

April 13, 1879, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Esther A. Black, a native of Pennsylvania, and of that union the following children have been born: Ray, living in Keensburg, Colorado; Frank, a farmer in York county; Edward A., living in Kimball county, Nebraska; Charles A., of Big Springs; Grant, of Enumelaw, Washington; Ella, wife of H. P. Harrington; Ira L., of Washington; Clyde, of York county; Oliver P., Pearl, William M., Earl, Floyd and Wayne, all at home. Mr. Baker is a member of the Masonic order and a Knight Templar. He has been active and influential in republican politics for many years and has held office in the state legislature for three terms - 1907-09-11, his successive re-elections to the house at once proclaiming his legislative ability and popularity. He made an excellent record while serving his district and in 1913 was appointed to the office of sergeant-at-arms in the state senate, his services in this highly important position being fully appreciated by the members of the senate, the officials and the public. He served as a member of the county board for four years and a further mark of favor was conferred upon him when he became precinct assessor, an office of which he was the incumbent for five terms. He discharged the duties of these various offices with great efficiency and faithfulness and is spoken of by his friends and contemporaries as a man of well rounded character and finely balanced mind.

William J. Lanyon

The son of William J. Lanyon, residing in Stewart t(iu'nship, York county, pays fitting tribute to his memory in preserving the record of his life in this history of the county and district. He was born in Linden, Iowa county, Wisconsin, February 2, 1843, a son of Simon and Mary (Batten) Lanyon, both natives of the parish of St. Alban, Cornwall, England, where they were married in 1838. A short time after their marriage they immigrated to America and later located in Iowa county, Wisconsin, and at Linden, that state, the father followed his trade of l^lacksmitb, continuing to reside there until 1853. Later he moved to Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and there his last days were spent. Mr. and Mrs. Simon Lanyon were the parents of six children, all of whom are now dead.

William J. Lanyon was educated in the schools of Linden and at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and lived in the home of his parents until reaching young manhood. When he was twenty-nine years old he started out for himself, and in April, 1872, came to York county and looked over the district with a view to settling here. He preempted a tract of land but lost the place in consequence of his absence while making the return journey to Wisconsin for his family. However, in tlie spring of the same year he started with his family from Wisconsin and drove through to York county, bringing three horses as part of his equipment. He settled on section 24 in Stewart township, selecting the northeast quarter of the section for his holding. He improved and developed the farm and was doing splendidly until the grasshoppers destroyed his crops. He held tliis place for thirty-tliree months under squatter's rights and then homesteaded one eighty acres and tinilicr claimed the other eighty acres, and later homesteaded and jjroved up. He erected a frame house, fourteen feet by twenty-two feet, hauling the lund)er from CoJumljus and Lincoln and he continued to reside there until 1.SS3 when he sold out to advantage. ;\Ir. Lanyon then bought a half section of land in the southwest quarter of section 22. and on this there were some small improvements in the form of frame houses.

breeding of Shorthorn cattle and Perclieron horses. He liDii.uht imported mares from France and in this way developed a line of Inisiness from which he derived handsome returns, and he was one of the first breeders of Percheron horses in this part of the state to see great possil)ilities in using imported animals for breeding purposes. His son, Irving H.. is following his father's work on the farm and in every respect is proving a worthy representative. He is largely engaged in the breeding of blooded horses and cattle, in which he has considerable investments, and his enterprise, as in the case of his father, is being substantially rewarded. He is a stockholder in the First Xational Bank of Gresham and in the Farmers State Bank of Thayer. The extent and importance of his business interests have made Iiim widely and favoral)ly known and his life record should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, indicating what may be accomplished by honorable effort. He is prominent in Masonic circles and is a Knight Templar, while in other directioiis he gives of his time and ability to the furtherance of all projects intended to advance the moral and material welfare of the community.

On March 8, 1866, Mr. Lanyon was united in marriage to Elizaljeth J. James, a native of Camborne, Cornwall, England, born on October 26, 1843, a daughter of Joseph and Jane (Rogers) James, also natives of Cornwall. They came to the United States in 18-18 and settled at Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Lanyon became the parents of the following children: Mary L., of Gresham; Irving H., now operating his father's place; Morris S., of Pittslnirg, Kansas; Reulien J., of Harra, Oklahoma; William J.y of * Oklahoma City ;.>^iuly J-, of Gresham, and Carrie B., who died in infancy The parents were'«i,enT[bera:of the Methodist Episcopal church and in social life occupied a very prOljiinent position. He was a member of the Masonic order and in- politics supported the republican party and for a time served as township treasurer. . In 1,9 17 he retired from the farm arid moved to Gresham where he passed away in^fttne, 1918, being then in his seventyfifth year. His wife predeceased him by five years, her death taking place in June, 1913. Mr. Lanyon, as one of the pioneers of the county, as a man who performed many good deeds in his day, will always lie remembered and held in the highest respect.

Hieam S. Plessingee

Hiram S. Plessinger is now and has been for years a representative agriculturist of York county, owning and cultivating a compact and well-kept farm of one hundred and sixty-six acres of valuable land on section 18, New York township. He was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, June 16, 1878, a son of Joseph and Jane (McDaniel) Plessinger. natives of the Keystone State, near to the borders of which they spent their last days.

Joseph Plessinger was for many years engaged in farming operations in Pennsylvania and continued in that line up to 1883 when he came to York county. On settling here he bought and operated land in Arborville township but lived in the village of Arborville, which at that time was beginning to come into some prominence as a business and residence neighborhood. After working the place for some years he sold out and moved to Box Butte county, Neliraska, where he remained for two years, at the end of that period returning to Arborville where he passed away at the old home. Mr. Plessinger and his wife became the parents of ten children, nine of whom are living, three of the latter being residents of York county: Mrs. F. L. Bedient, of Bradshaw; Mrs. John Blair, of Arborville, and Hiram S. J. N. and Mrs. A. W. Shaffer are residents of Polk county. Mr. and Mrs. Plessinger were members- of the Christian church, in the good works of which they were active participants and were ever ready to assist in ]jroniotiiig all movements calculated to advance the moral progress of their adopted county. He was a republican in politics and was a consistent supporter of the principles and policies of the ])arty. Coming to York county as he did in humble circumstances he attained a fair measure of success and left behind him a good name and character worthy of emulation.

In 188.S. when Hiram S. Plessinger was but five years old, he accompanied his ]iarents to York county, was reared on his father's place and was educated in the village schools of Arborville. On the completion of his school course he began to work at farming and commenced by renting land in Arborville township, continuing to operate in this way for three years. He then purchased farm land securing eighty acres in Lockridge township, which he held for a time and subsequently sold at a good price, then bought another place of eighty acres in the same township. Mr. Plessinger secured his present holding containing one hundred and sixty-six acres in 1918. It is a well developed, farm where he carries on general farming and stock raising, the entire holdirig being under his own immediate supervision, thus entailing a large outlay of physical energy on his part. He raises pure-blooded Shorthorn cattle, the quality being unsurpassed in the district, and in all of his agricultural operations he is primarily progressive.

In 1900 Mr. Plessinger was united in marriage to Sylvia Darling, born in Arborville township, a daughter of David Darling, a well-known homesteader in that township where his last days were spent. One son has been born to the union, Eoy David, now eleven years old. The Plessinger family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of York and take a praiseworthy interest in its work. He supports the republican party in political affairs and for a time served the cause of education as a member of the local school board, his activity in this line being commendable. He has a wide acquaintance in the county in which practically all of his life has been spent and his sterling worth is indicated in the fact that his stanchest friends are those who have known hiui intimately since boyhood.

AMlliam \\'. Wyckoff, an attorney of York who is also engaged in the abstract business, was born in La Salle county, Illinois, July l.J, 18.38, his parents being Alfonso and Lovina (Beresford) Wyckoff, the former a native of Brown county, Ohio, while the latter was one of the first white children born in La Salle county, Illinois, her natal year being 1828. Her father was one of the first settlers of La Salle county, while "William Wyekoff, the grandfather in the paternal line, arrived in 18.38. He was born in Ohio and died a few years after reaching Illinois. The father was but eight years of age when, in 1838, he accompanied his parents to

Illinois where he was reared on a farm. When a young man he went to California iu 1851 making the trip largely by boat. He was a carpenter by trade, and after reaching the Pacific coast engaged in the building of yiining machinery, remaining for three years in the far west when he returned with a capital of three thousand dollars saved from his earnings. After rejoining his family iu Illinois he removed with them to York county, Nebraska, in 1880, and purchased a frame building at the northwest corner of the square in the city of York. Tearing down this store he erected a brick building upon the lot and also put up a second irick business block. He opened a drug store which he conducted successfully until 1887 and then sold out. In 1895 he removed to southern California where his last days w'ere spent, his death occurring in 1915 when he was eighty-five years of age. His wife died in York in 1890. Their family numbered four children of whom three are living. Helen L. ; was a teacher iu the schools of Omaha for thirty-five years, but has now retired from the profession and is living in Berkeley, California. William AV. is the second of the family; Florence deceased, became the wife of M. D. Cameron; Eilla L., twin sister of Florence, is the wife of Charles M. Boynton of Berkeley, California, who is manager of the coast branch of the Kawneer Manufacturing Company of Niles, Michigan. The religious faith of the family was that of the Congregational church and the father was a minister of this church, taking a most helpful part in church work in addition to his various activities along other lines. He did much for York and her upbuilding, at all times supporting those interests and activities which were of greatest benefit to the community. He was mayor during the time the city hall was built and the city waterworks installed, and he gave his political allegiance to the republican party at all times, believing in its principles most thoroughly. He was chaplain of the Sixty-eighth Illinois A'olunteer Infantry during the Civil war, serving for three years, and he was afterward a member of the Grand Army of the Eepublic.

William W. Wyckoff, after attending the common schools, was graduated from a college of pharmacy in Chicago, in 1880, and then joined his father in the conduct of the drug store in York, with which he was associated until 1887 when the business was sold. He then turned his attention to the abstract business in which he is still engaged. At the same time he took up the study of law, w^as admitted to practice in 1895, and has since followed his profession. He was admitted to practice in all of the courts and throughout the intervening years has tried all kinds of cases and tried them well, being a strong, resourceful lawyer. He is also associate judge of the county court and has held the position for four years. He lias the only set of abstract books in York county, and aside from his activity in this field he has for the past thirty years, or since its organization, been a director of the York Mutual Building & Loan Association.

In 1887 occurred the marriage of William W. Wyckoff and Miss Mary L. Baldwin, who was born in Sandwich, Illinois, a daughter of Franklin Baldwin, who came to Nebraska in 1883, settling in York county. The father was a real estate and abstract man and both he and his w'ife passed away iu York. Mr. and Mrs. Wyckoff have one child, Marjorie, the wife of Brown C. Woodbury, who is connected with the Liggett Lumber Company of York. Mr. and Mrs. Wyckoff are members of the Congregational church, and he is well known in fraternal circles being connected with Masonic lodge, Knights of Pythias and Elks, and in the last named he has been exalted ruler. He is likewise a member of the United Work- mon. The Wooclnien of the World and the IJcival Hiiiiihiiider?. He belongs to the ('oimiiercial Chib, and to the C'ountrv Cliili and Rotary Club and he is keenly a])preeiative of the social amenities of life. In pdlitics he has been a republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. For sixteen years he served as city attorney and for three years was a member of the board of supervisors, serving as its chairman for one year. H.e is now for the fourth year a member of the I)oard of eilucation aiul is its secretary, and he manifests the keenest interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of city and county, his aid and influence toeing at all times on the side of advancement.

Frank L. Propst

County treasurer Frank L. Propst wlio resides in York, was born on the 1st of December, 1885, in Rowan county, North Carolina, the son of Lawson E. and Diana (Goodman) Propst. The father was a North Carolinian, born in that state on the 19th of January, 1861, and later removed to Illinois where he w-as married. He and his wife settled in North Carolina and there he engaged in farming and contracting. He is still enjoying the best of health and continues to reside on his farm. The mother, who was a native of Illinois, died in 11)16. Twelve children were born of this union : Paul E., whose birth occurred on the 4th of December, 1883, is engaged as government civil engineer at Martha, Texas; Frank L., the subject of this sketch; Willie Elmer, whose birth occurred April 3, 1887, is a railroad conductor and resides in Illinois; Effie May, born January 3, 1889, is the wife of William F. Flinckinger, a station agent, and they reside at St. Michael; Viola, born on the 11th of September, 1890, is the wife of A. J. Renneker of Memphis, Tennessee, who is engaged in the tailoring business; Charles H., whose natal day was August 22, 1S91, is engaged in farming in Young county; Bessie Ruth, born on the 28th of December, 1891,ms holding a position as bookkeeper in Waco, Texas, as is also Bertha Marie, who was born on the 23rd of August, 1897; Johnnie V., born March 30, 1900, died in infancy; George Lee. liorn in 1902, is working on the farm of his brother in York county; Glen Arthur, born on the 29th of July, 1905, resides with his father; and Dorris Lawson, born July 22, 1908, is at home. They are all faithful members of tlie Evangelical Lutheran church. The maternal grandfather, Moses Goodman, was one of the pioneers of Illinois having driven overland with his parents at an early day with ox teams. When the Civil war broke out he entered the southern army and served in the position of general until he received injuries which retired him from active service, and from the results of which he soon after died.

Few were the educational advantages offered, but Frank L. Propst was not to be deterred in his effort to obtain knowledge and he faithfully attended the little log cabin schoolhouse with its l)oards for seats. When the family removed to Illinois he attended the country and village schools and it was only after he had completed every course of study offered that he put his textbooks aside. He then worked for his father on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he left the ]iarental roof and went to Joneslxiro, Arkansas, where he worked on a lumber farm for eighteen months. In 1907 he went to Nebraska on a visit and

Ijeing much impressed with the progressiveuess of the country and the many opportunities ottered, decided to make the state his home and here he has resided ever since. Mr. Propst had practically nothing when he settled in Y'ork county and for tliree years he engaged as a farm laborer. His next venture was in the restaurant and confectionery business at Waco, which he successfully conducted for eighteen months, and at the termination of that period he entered the service of the Farmers and Traders Bank at Waco as assistant cashier. For four years he served in that capacity and then for another four years served as deputy county treasurer. In 1918 he was elected to the oflfice of treasurer and is still holding this position.

In 1913 Mr. Proi)st was united in nuirriage to Miss Ella M. Beckord, a daughter of Robert Beckord wliose sketch appears on another page of this work. Of this union two children have been l)orn : Margaret Lucille, aged four years; and Robert Lawson, thirteen months old. Mr. and Mrs. Propst are members of the Methodist Episcopal churcli and lie is president of the Metliodist Brotherhood. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Since age conferred upon Mr. Propst the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party. His success is due to his persistent eft'ort, 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.

Henry Schlechte

Henry Schlechte whose death occurred in 1917 at the age of seventy years, was one of York county's earliest pioneers. He was born in Germany a son of Carl Schlechte, and in 1845 came to the United States, crossing in an old sailing vessel and being several weeks on the w-ater. On landing in this country he went to St. Louis and for a month was employed on a farm in that vicinity. In 187"? he came to Neljraska, settling in York county where he honiesteaded on section 2, Beaver township. His home on this place was of sod with a board floor and his barn and other outbuildings were of sod. He set out an orchard and put his land in cultivation but in 1871: his crops were entirely destroyed by grasshoppers. He was forced to burn cornstalks during the winter months and when the severe blizzards came he brought his cattle into the house to keep them from freezing. There were few pioneer hardslii]js he did not experience, but his courage and grim determination overcame all obstacles. At the time of his death he was in possession of six liuiidred and eighty acres in Y^ork county besides owning some Kansas and Idaho land.

In York county in 1875 occurred the marriage of Mr. Schlechte to Miss Ann Tieken, also a native of Germany, and to them sixteen children were born : C. G. L., who is farming in Y'ork county ; Katie, the wife of Henry Wiese, a farmer in Seward county; Lena, the wife of Charles Staehr, a farmer of Waco township; Anna, the wife of Carl Uffelnian, engaged in farming in Y'ork countv; Ernest, a Y'ork county fanner; Rieke, the wife of Antone Wiemken of Canada who is engaged in fanning; William, engaged in the garage business at Waco; George, who is farming in Canada : Mary, the wife of Max Keller, a farmer in Canada ; Louis, who is living at home; Henry and Alex who are residing at home; Eva and Lawrence of Canada; Sopliia, the wife of Traugot Wunderlich, a teacher in Chicago; and Bertha, the wife of Louis Wenz, who is engaged in farming in Colorado. The first member of the family, C. G. L., was born in York county in 1876. He received his education in the county of his birth and later attended the State Agricultural school at Lincoln. In 1901 he started into general farming and stock raising, in which line of work he is very successful.

Mr. Schlechte was a man of sterling characteristics that endeared him to all with whom he came in contact. He never had occasion to regret his determination to leave his native land and he lived to prosper in his undertakings and witness the marvelous growth and development of this great state. He was familiar -irith every phase of pioneer life and with the complete story of the early development of York county, and in his passing the community mourned the loss of one of its representative pioneer citizens.

Frederick Maronde

In the front rank of those who have advanced the civilization of York county Frederick Maronde has led the way to the substantial development, progress and upbuilding of this {-ommunity where he still makes his liome. He was born in Germany, December 14, ISI-l, the son of John Maronde. His childhood was spent in his native country where he received his education, but when lie grew to manhood and learned of the opportunities for a young man in the United States he determined to come to this country to seek his fortune. In 1869 he came to America and secured work in Cliicago where he remained until 188.5, when he settled in York county.

In 1872 he bought railroad land in Xew York township, and when he came here in 188.5 lie built a frame shack and began to cultivate the land that is now considered one of the finest farms in the county. There were many hardships to be endured but he met them bravely and overcame them one by one, emerging from the drought period of 1893 and 1894 with very little to show for his years of toil, but courageous, none the le.ss. His success is shown by the fact that he is now the owner of four hundred and sixty-five acres of rich farm land, where there are three well improved sets of farm buildings. In 1913 Mr. Maronde retired from active farming and moved to York, where he has a comfortable home.

He was married in 1874 to Miss Caroline Sansig, a native of Germany, and to this union have been born nine children : Anna, who is the wife of August Keating, resides on a farm in York county ; Bertha, the wife of Godfrey Keating, lives on a farm in York county ; Ernest, is a farmer in York county ; Emma, the wife of William Stover, resides on the old lionie place; Louis is engaged in agricultural pursuits in York county ; Martha is the wife of August Craig of York county ; Ida is the wife of Paul Wise, who lives on a farm in York county; Lena is the wife of Otto Young, and living on a farm in York county; and Lizzie, who is married to Carl Schroeder, is residing on a farm in York county.

Mr. Maronde and his family are members of the Lutheran church and in polities Mr. Maronde gives his support to the republican party. His life has been one of continuous activitv in wliich has been accorded due recognition of labor and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of the county. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of agriculture and stock raising and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its development.

Thomas Henahan

Thomas Henahan, one of the most prosperous residents of York county, has made his home in McCool for many years, giving his attention largely to the supervision of his investments and business interests. Mr. Henahan is widely recognized as a self-made man and one who deserves great credit for his success and constant progress which are the result of individual merit. He was born in County Mayo, Ireland, Dec. 21, 1847, the son of Thomas and Delila (Welch) Henahan, natives of Ireland who have since passed away in that country. He was one of eight children, all of whom have passed away except one sister, Mary, who is living in Cleveland, Ohio.

The early youth of Thomas Henahan was spent in Ireland, where at the age of fifteen he was apprenticed as a clerk in a dry goods store, his father having payed thirty pounds as a guarantee of the boy's honesty. After three years employment in this place he joined the Royal Irish constabulary, a semi-military organization, remaining with them for three years, when he left Ireland and came to America to seek his fortune in the land that promised so much to the ambitious youth. His first employment was secured with A. T. Stewart, of New York city, who at his death wa.s reputed to be the richest individual in the world. Mr. Henahan cast his first presidential vote for Horace Greeley, and he took that gentleman's advice and came west to Lincoln, Nebraska, and then to York county where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land from a C!ivil war soldier who had not made a success of farming. This property was in the vicinity of what is now known as McFadden township, York county, where he resided seven years. When the town of McCool was in its infancy he purchased a store built by Vanderhoof, and became one of the first merchants of the town, where he conducted his business for twenty years. The original store was an old frame building which was replaced by the second brick building in the town. Mr. Henahan can remember the days when he came to York by team, when the curling smoke emerging from the ground pointed out the dugout homes of the pioneers, and he has reason to be proud that he was one of those who braved the hardships of the pioneer settler, deserving great credit for what he has accomplished since coming to the new world.

Mr. Henahan was married to Hannah Rea, a native of Illinois, and they have reared three nieces of Mr. Henahan, having no children of their own. The children who are all married now, are: Mrs. J. A. Dinsmore, of McCool, Nebraska; Mrs. Earl Hovse, of Haxton, Colorado; and Mrs. J. T. Burns, who lives at Holyoke, Colorado.

Mr. Henahan is a public spirited man and has always recognized his duties to his fellowmen, in many ways contributing to the benefit of the community. In politics Mr. Henahan is a democrat, and has held various oflRces in the county liaviiig 1)0011 11 iiu'iiilxT ul' tlio si-lii.inl liuanl. tlio \illage board and for six years was on the hoard of su|iervisors of tlie county. Mr. Henahan was an early day postmaster in McCool. lie now enjoys prosperity and as a result of his diligence and untiring efforts is the owner of valuable property including four hundred and eighty acres of rich farm land in the county. Mr. Henahan has carefully and successfully managed his work, and now in splendid health at the age of seventythree he enjoys the fruit of his years of well directed effort.

Dr. Orville M. Moore, who since 1896 has been a representative of the medical profession at York, his ability and fidelity to the highest standards of the profession gaining him distinction as one of the representative physicians of the state, was born at Eipley, Brown county, Illinois, July 30, 18.59, his parents being S. V. and Laura A. (Morris) Moore. The family comes of English and Scotch ancestry. John Moore, the great-grandfather of Dr. Moore, went from England to Scotland, where he married Annie MacNair. Jq1w> Moore was an officer in the British army and came to America to t3ke-'.part'in the French and Indian war. He settled in this country, and when the War^fg? Ijii^ependence broke out, joined the American forces and was made' a' captain. Three months after the death of John Moore, a son was born to his widow and soon afterward her death occurred, while her brother, Archie MacNair, retitrned to S'p,p/|and. John and Annie (MacNair) Moore were also the parents of two daughters, Ma^ry, called Polly, and Jane, called Jinnie. John Moore, the s.on born after Tiis' fathers death, became identified with agricultural interests in Ohio during pioneer times and there maintained his home and reared his family, his death occurring in that state. His son, S. V. Moore, was born in the Buckeye state but removed to Illinois, and it was at Ripley that he met and married Laura A. Morris, a native of Virginia. She was a daughter of D. D. Morris, who was born in New Y'^ork city but died in Illinois. He was a tailor by trade. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. S. V. Moore lived in Illinois until 1869 when they came to York county. He took a homestead north of the present site of Bradshaw and built a sod house upon u hill overlooking the valley of Lincoln creek. He had studied and practised medicine in his Illinois home but had not intended to follow the profession in Nebraska. But the .need of his neighbors was so great and the demand for the help he could give so urgent, tliat he gradually yielded and soon found himself with a practise extending over the most of York county and parts of Polk and Hamilton. If a call to a sick bed came in plowing time the plow must be left in the furrow till the sick were visited; if a winter storm was brewing the wife and children must be left to care for themselves and the stock as best they could until the doctor-father could reach home again. In many cases the only compensation Dr. Moore received was the deep gratitude of his patients. 'J'hcrc was little to pay with, and it was not, unwillingness but lack of means which left him unrewarded.

Ill addition to liis services to the community as a physician Dr. Moore was active in the organization of the county and in assisting in the establishment of religious and educational opportunities for the settlers. He was a member of the

Astor, Lenox And

He engaged in the hardware business at Bradshaw from 1884 until 1898 and then removed to York, making his home with his son, Dr. Moore, until his death. To Mr. and Mrs. Moore were born four children, but only two are living, the younger being Alice, the wife of C. S. Byrnes, a dentist of York. Mr. Moore was a member of the Congregational church and was also a faithful foiluwor of the Masonic order. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, but in later life he maintained a somewhat independent political course. For two terms, from 1875 until 1877, he served in the state legislature and was defeated for congress by James Laird in 1882. He took keen interest in political questions, was a forceful and earnest speaker and the strength and validity of his arguments were widely acknowledged.

Orville M. Moore was educated in the common schools of Illinois and Nebraska and for one term attended the York Seminary. He was reared to the occupation of farming, which he followed until 1880 when he began preparation for a professional career by entering the Bennett Medical College of Chicago. He was gi-aduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1884, and located for practice at Bradshaw, Nebraska. There he built up a good practice, enjoying liberal support from the first. There were four physicians in Bradshaw when he located there and only one remaining when he left. In 1896 he removed to York and" established gerrerab practice in connection vnth Dr. G. W. Shidler, which association was maintained until Dr. Shidlers death. Dr. Moore then became associated with' tM' 'son? of his former partner, G. P. Shidler, and the firm name is now Moore, Shifller & King. They are recognized as eminent physicians of this part of. the slate. They engage in clinical work and also conduct a well equipped hospitBlC i Dr. Moore devotes much of his time to surgery and has taken post-graduate work in the New York Post-Graduate Medical School, which he attended in 1891, -and also in the Chicago Post-Graduate School and at Mayo Brothers Hospital at Rochester, Minnesota. In fact, he has embraced every opportunity to broaden his knowledge and promote his efficiency and his professional interests and activities have long been of an important character. He is a member of the York County and Nebraska State Medical Societies and at one time was president of the State Eclectic Society. He likewise belongs to the American Medical Association and has served as the president of the county organization. Ho is now devoting practically all of his time to his professional duties and interests and is one of the oldest physicians of the county. His practice is now very large and important.

On the 24th of June, 1903, Dr. Moore was married to Miss Marion D. Carpenter, a native of Massachusetts and a daughter of W. A. Carpenter, who was a pioneer of York and became manager of the creamery company here. To Dr. and Mrs. Moore have been born three children: Robert H., Marion Ruth and Orville M., aged respectively sixteen, ten and eight years. Mrs. Moore is a mendjer of the Congregational church. Dr. Moore is affiliated with the York Rite bodies of Masonry and is a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is also connected with the Royal Highlanders, while his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He takes a decided interest in the Rotary Chib of which he was the first president, and cooperates in all those forces which make for the material, intellectual, social and moral progress of the community. His career has ever heen actuated hy advanced standards, and not to know Orville M. Moore in York is to argue one's self unknown.

Robert Henderson

Among the citizens of York wIkj are living retired after many years of diligently directed and jjrofitable activity in business fields is Robert Henderson, who for a long period was actively engaged in farming in Nebraska but is now enjoying a well earned rest. He was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, January 16, 1850, and is a son of David and Helen (Brown) Henderson, both of whom were natives of Scotland, their marriage, however, being celebrated in Liverpool, England. The father was born December 21, 1813, and the mother's birth occurred June 11, 1811. They came to the United States in 1841: and made their way to Rock county, Wisconsin, where the father engaged in business as a carpenter and cabinetmaker. In 1866 he removed with his family to York county, Nebraska, and here secured a homestead claim, erected a hewn log house with one room downstairs and one room upstairs, and spent his remaining days upon this land, and his son John also homesteaded at that time. The land upon which David Henderson settled is now section twenty, Henderson township. He was one of the first settlers when Henderson township was organized and it was named in his honor. There were no settlers in the district at that period and the Indians were more numerous than the white men. They would hunt and trap around the homestead and there they endured together the hardships and privations of pioneer life. In his political views Mr. Henderson was a republican and held most strongly to its belief. He occupied various township offices and in an early day filled the position of county commissioner ^id assessor. Death called him in March, 1890, while his wife survived until September 10, 1893. They were the parents of eight children: John, who died in 1896 ; Mary, the deceased wife of Daniel C4eorge, who was also a homesteader in Henderson township ; Jeanette, who is the widow of E. D. Copsey, and lives in York; Agnes, who became the wife of Rollen Shepherd, and died in 1905; Robert; Nellie, who makes her home in York with her brother Robert, and is the widow of W. I). Young who died in lSS(i, and who was a bridge builder and contractor ol' this section of the state; Elizabeth, who resides with her brother Robert ; and Thomas, who died in infancy. The parents were members of the Presbyterian ( liiii-ch and in that faith reared tiieir family.

-Robert Henderson obtained his early education in rural scliools of Wisconsin. He was reared on the home farm and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He came with the family to Nebraska and when twenty-one years of age homesteaded. He first lived in a dugout on his land and later built a frame house. He continued to reside on that farm w^th his sister imtil ]!(li9, when he rented the old home place and took up b.is abode in York. For a long period he had carefully cngagi'd in farming and liad brought liis fields under a high state of cultivation, making his place a very productive one. He is now enjoying a well ciirned rest, the fruits of his former toils bringing to him all of the comforts and conveniences of life.

Mr. Henderson is a reinihliean and has held several political offices, having heen supervisor of the county for eight years and acted as chairman of the ijoard for several years during that period. He was also elected to the state legislature and through one term was active in framing the laws of the commonwealth. He was also elected county treasurer and filled that position for two terms, at the end of which time he retired and has since taken no active part in political or business affairs.

Mr. Henderson began living in a modest way and passed through all .the struggles incidental to the settlement of the frontier and the development of new farms. In the early days game was plentiful and he frequently indulged his love of hunting. Through one winter in young manhood he devoted his time to hunting buffaloes. On one occasion his companion, Will Collins, wounded a buffalo which then started in pursuit of him, but Mr. Henderson shot the animal and thus saved the life of his friend. On another occasion he was hunting with a companion who shot a buffalo but did not kill him. The man's horse stumbled and the buffalo was just ready to kill the hunter when Mr. Henderson's trusty rifle pierced the lungs of the buffalo, and again he was instrumental in saving a life. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. The town of Henderson was named for his father and throughout the intervening period since the arrival of the family in the state, the Hendersons have ever taken active parts in promoting the work of development and improvement. Mr. Henderson was a member of the state legislature when Governor Holcomb occupied the executive office, at which time there were but si.xteen republican legislators, the remainder of the assemblymen being populist. Mr. Henderson has at all times borne his part in the work of progress and improvement.

George Henton

Many changes have taken place in York county since George Henton came here, and he is deserving of a place in this volume for having been a pioneer and an honored veteran of the Civil war.

George Henton was born at Logansport, Cass county, Indiana, August 30, 1844. His parents were John Rigney and Mary (McCurry) Henton. The father was a native of Virginia and in young manhood went to Kentucky where he met and married the mother of our subject. In 1830 he went to Cass county, Indiana, when there were but one or two log houses in Logansport. He put in a dam and sawmill, sawed the lumber, made and burned the brick and erected one of the first brick residences in that part of the country. He took up land and engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years with good success. In 1866 he moved to Plattsmoutli, Nebraska, where his death occurred the next year. The mother survived for many years passing away in 1887. She was a native of North Carolina and tradition says her uncle, Samuel McCurry, was a teamster in the Revolutionery war and aided in the defeat of Braddock. The paternal grandfather was George Henton, probably a native of England.

George ITenton was the youngest of seven children. He and his sister Ovanda who lives with a daughter at Minatare, Nebraska, are the onlv members of the family now living. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native county and attended the public schools until he was sixteen years of age. He then began learning the carpenter trade at which he was employed until President Lincoln called for seventy-five thousand troops in April, 1861, and on the fourth of June George Henton, not yet seventeen years of age, enlisted in Company G, Fifteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years or during the wai-. The regiment was organized at Indianapolis and three weeks later they went to Virginia and participated in the battles of Greenbrier and Elk Water, after which they went to Camp Wyckliff, Kentucky. In the spring of ]8()2 they were among the first troops to arrive at Nashville, Tennessee, and soon after proceeded to Pittsburg Landing, where they arrived just about, the time that memorable fight ended. He followed Beauregard's retreating army to Corinth and then was sent back to Louisville in pursuit of General Bragg. When that general turned back across Kentucky the engagement at Berryville took place in which Mr. Henton participated. He then went to Nashville where he was encamped for some time, his next scene of active fighting being at Stone Eiver. Being on detached service Mr. Henton was with the Tenth Indiana Battery during the first day's fighting but was with his own regiment the second day. After this battle they went into camp at Murfreesboro, and shortly afterward were ordered to Chattanooga. He took part in the battle of Missionary Ridge. Of the three hundred and thirty-four men who went into this battle two hundred two were killed or wounded. Of his own company but seven returned to tell the tale. Shortly after this battle an attack of pneumonia made it necessary for Mr. Henton to be sent to the hosiiital at Nashville, and on his recovery he remained at the barracks at Nashville until the expiration of his terar of enlistment. He was mustered out at Indianapolis, Indiana, June 25, 1864. He returned home and attended school until the spring of 1865, when he again enlisted, this time in the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Indiana Infantry. He remained in camp at Indianapolis until the latter part of .\\>vi\ and was then onlered to Washington, and from there to Alexandria, Virginia, for guard duty, but two weeks later was sent to Dover, Delaware, where he was discharged August 4, 1865. Although he saw so much active service and participated in some of the fiercest battles of the war he was never wounded nor captured, although at Missionary Eidge he was knocked down by an exjdodcd shell and came out of the fight with several bullet holes in his clothes.

After the war he returned home and in 1S(;(i a((din|iniiied his parents on their removal to Plattsmouth, Nebraska. He worked at the carpenter trade until 0^12. when he started for Franklin county, Nebraska, with the intention of taking a homestead. Stopping at York on the way he learned that a elaim in this county has been vacated by a Civil war soldier and that it could be had. For fear the former claimant might return Mr. Henton had almut deciiled not to take it when he learned that another was about to lay claim to the land. Hastening to Lincoln he filed on the southwest quarter of section 34, Baker township. Returning to Plattsmouth he shipped his household goods to Fairmonl and hired a team to haul a load of hi nil Hi- to the place he had selected for a home. The land was wholly unimproved and he erected a frame dwelling fourteen feet by fourteen feet, and in this they made their home for six years. Then the house which still stands and which has served all these years was built. For many years Mr. Henton successfully engaged in fai'iiiiiig but for some years past has lived retired.

On October 6, 1868, in Cass county, N'ebraska, occurred the marriage of (ieorge Heiiton and Miss Lydia Eikenbary who was Ixirn at Burlington, Iowa, May 11, 1844. Her parents were Samuel and Martha (Crawford) Eikenbary the former born in Preble county, Ohio, and the latter in Union county, Indiana. They were early settlers of Cass county, Nebraska, coming there in 1856. Samuel Eikenljary served in the territorial legislature when the capital of the state was Omaha.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Henton has been blessed with the birth of four children, three of whom are living: Frank E. resides in Alberta, Canada; Ethel is the wife of Herbert Harris, a dentist of Auburn, Nebraska ; Madge passed away at the age of two and a half years; and George Earl, a physician of Portland, Oregon.

Mr. Henton has been a republican since casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln at his second election. For many years he has maintained pleasant relations with his army comrades by membership in Eobert Anderson Post, ii. A. R., at York. Mrs. Henton is a member of the Christian church.

It would be impossible to find a more devoted couple than ilr. and Mrs. Henton, who have traveled life's pathway together for more than fifty-two years, and still reside on the old farm where they located forty-eight years ago. Time and fortune have dealt kindly with them and no worthy cause ever seeks their aid in vain. Mr. Henton has been as faithful to duty in days of peace as when he followed the stars and stripes on the battle fields of the south.

Jacob P. Kegiek

Jacob P. Kegier a well known and enterprising farmer of York county where he operates a splendid farm of one hundred and eighty acres, is a native of Kussia, born in that country April 7, 1874, a son of Peter and Kathrino (Quiring) Kegier, both also of Russian birth. In 1876 they crossed the Atlantic and first located in Minnesota, remained in that state for a short time and then migrated to Nebraska and settled on a farm. Some years later the family went to Oklahoma and there the father passed away and the mother is still living, being well advanced in years. To their marriage twelve children were born, six of whom arc living.

Jacob P. Eegier was reared in Nebraska and attended the common schools of the state. He grew to manhood with the usual advantages of a boy of that period and after he had attained his majority started on his career as a farmer and has been engaged in agricultural pursuits ever since with good results, becoming one of the well-to-do men of his community. He has a well kept and highly improved holding of one hundred and eighty acres devoted to general farming and stock raising, and he ranks as one of the progressive farmers of the district. His place is located on section 20, Brown township, and he has been utilizing modern machinery and skilled methods in the operation of his holdings, wdiich is now one of the most valuable farm properties in the district.

In 1897 Mr. Eegier was united in marriage to Miss Kathrine Goertzen, a native of Hamilton county, Nebraska, and a daughter of Isaac ami Agnes Goertzen, both born in Russia and came to America in the early 70's the father dying some years later while the mother is still living aged seventy. Mr. and Mrs. Eegier have become the parents of five eliildieii : J\^iitliriiie, the wife of Joliii D. Quiring, a farmer, of York county; Agnes, living at lioine ; .Jacob E.; Daniel E. and Heinrich E. The Regier family are members of the Mennonite churcli anil take an active part in all church work. He supports the re]iul)liean party ami has served his district on the school board. Mr. Regier enjoys an enviable reputation as a selfmade 7nan whose success is the merited reward of his unremitting industry and .?onnd business judgment.

Georoe W. France

George W. France, attorney at York, is a native of that place having been born there on the 10th of April, 1879. His father was George B. France who was prominent among the lawmakers of the county. The death of the senior Jlr. France occurred on the Kith of August, 1914, after a life of unselfish devotion to service of the public and to his home and family. He was a native of Pennsylvania, born in that state January 10, 1837, and was over seventy-seven years of age at tlie time of his death. Mr. France was reared on a, farm and was enrolled at Oberlin College in 1S61, when the Civil war interrupted his studies. On the 1.5th of August, 1862, he enlisted in the 'J'wenty-first Indiana Battery and participated in several battles. One year after his enlistment he was seriously wounded by an accidental explosion of jKiwder, and was discharged, returning to Oberlin College, where lie graduated with honor in 1867. Immediately after his graduation he entered the law department of the University of Michigan and was graduated therefrom a year later. In 1869 lie came to Nebraska and opened a law office at Milford, which was then the county seat of Seward county. In the same year he was elected to the office of county superintendent of Seward county, then embracing the territory which was organized into York county in 1870. For six year he held the position of superintendent of schools, at the expiration of that period removing to York. In 1874 he had married Miss Edith Courtright of Milford and they made their home in York until Mr. France's death. In 1879 and 1880 Mr France was mayor of York and served the public to the entire satisfaction of all. In 1879 he formed a partnership with S. H. Sedgwick, at one time judge of the supreme court of tlie state, under the firm name of France & Sedgwick, and subsequently formed a partnership with N. V. Harlan, the firm name being France & Harlan. When liis son, George W. France, was admitted to the bar he took him into partnershi]> and the firm became France & France. For many years George B. France enjoyed a large practice and was widely known throughout the state as a criminal lawyer. He was a tliirty-third degree Mason and stood high in that ancient order, and was grand master of the state at one time. He was reared in the faith of the Christian church, but while attending Oberlin College he embraced the Congregational faith. In the death of Mr. France the community suffered a great loss, for he was a kind and faithful friend and a good and active citizen.

George W. France, following in his father's footsteps, decided to make law his life work, and after graduating from the University of Nebraska in 1903, he began practice with his father and continued in this connection until the death of the former. He is now practicing alone and has built up a hirge clientage, gaining for himself the reputation aud respect enjoyed by his father. In the conduct of criminal eases he is proving his ability, for he was lawyer for the defense in the latest murder trial in York county, the second case of that kind ever brought up in the county.

On the 23rd of June, 1!>03, Mr. France was united in marriage to Miss Jane M. Morrow who is a native of Iowa. Three children have lieen born to this union, namely: Grace Edith, aged ten years; Jane Winnifred, aged eight years, and Mary Elizabeth, deceased. The family are members of the Congregational church and prominent in all activities of that organization. Mr. France is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Elks, being past exalted ruler. He is also a member of tlie York Country Club. In politics he is a stanch supporter of the republican party but has never been very active. In addition to his professional duties he takes much interest in his farm and in the civic improvements of his community and is a citizen of whom York has a right to feel proud.

Ray Coombs

Ray Coombs, who follows farming in York county is a representative business man whose wise use of time and opportunities has gained for him a place among the prosperous agriculturists of this part of the state. He was born in York county. May, 9, 1880, a son of John and Elizabetli (Keckley) Coombs, the former born in England, and came to the United States in the early 70's, and the latter a daughter of William Keckley who was an early settler in York county. The mother is now residing in Portland, Oregon.

When John Coombs came from England and made Nebraska his destination, eventually coming to York county, this part of the state was sparsely settled and was in a primitive condition. He took a homestead of eighty acres in Thayer township, where he was one of the first to settle, and immediately proceeded to get his place in order. It was all raw land without any improvements and his first house and also his first barns were of sod construction. There were no local facilities for the purchas^e of household commodities and other reciuirements, and everything had to be hauk^d from Seward. Later he bought another place south of Benedict and adjoining tliat town, but during the grasshopper visitation all the growing crops on the holding were destroyed. However, he set to work to retrieve his fortunes and at last had the satisfaction of having his hibors rewarded in the enjoyment of a secure competence. He died in 1910, being then in his sixtieth year. He was the father of three children : Margaret, wife of John Welch, of Portland, Oregon; May, who married James Marks of Montana; and Ray the subject of this sketch.

Ray Coombs acquired an education in the district schools near his father's farm and through the period of his boyhood and youth aided in the work of the fields, early becoming familiar with the arduous tasks incident to the development and cultivation of the crops. He started farming on the place on which he now resides and since it has come into his possession has improved and increased its earning power to a very appreciable extent. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising and feeds live stock for the market, in the latter line being very successful.

He started buying aiul shipping live stock iit 13ene(li<-t and devutes ;dl of his time to the farm and to his stock, his steady application in tliis connection phiciug hira in tile fi'ont rank among the leading agriculturists of the townsliip. His methods are most progressive, his business affairs are s_ystematically liamlled ami in nil things he displays sound judgment as M-ell as unfaltering enterprise.

Tn 1906 ilr. ('()ombs was united in marriage to Mabel Eeady, a native of Illinois, and to this union six childicn hue lieen born: \\'rmni, deceased: Cliei-yl. Ivlitb, Marion, Alden and Koland, all of whom live with their parents. Mrs. ('oon)bs is a memlier of the Unitarian church and of the Order of Rebekah, while in the social atfaii's of her community she takes a practical pait. Ml'. Coombs is alliliated with the Independent Order of Odd l<>llows and with the -Klks, gi\ing considerable attention to the interests of these ])opular organizations. In ])olitics his leanings are toward the republican party but lie exercises the right to vote independently where he feels that party lines are not of as great importance as the necessities of the hour. He and his wife have an e.xtensive circle of friends throughout the locality and are widely recognizeil as people of gennine personal worth.

A. Fred Robson

Prominent among the most alert and progressive farmers of York county is A. Fred Robson who is the owner of extensive and valuable holdings in Thayer, his entire land interests amounting to seven hundred and twenty acres. He was b(u-n in the City of Lincoln, England, January 7, 1848, and w'as educated in the schools of that city. When he was fourteen years old he began working at the machinist's trade, for the first year his wages being one dollar a week, and for each successive year of his seven years' apprenticeship he received a small automatic advance, this being the trade custom at that time in England, lie then workcil as a journevman at his trade for one year, during this period saving enough nioiiev to enable liini to ]iay bis passage to America.

In 1870, being then in his twenty-second year, Mr. Robson immigrated to this country and landed at Portland, Maine, going thence to Omaha where he worked on the construction of the Omaha bridge across the Missouri river for about two years. He then turned "liis attention to farming and in the spring of 1872 came to York county and took a homestead of eighty acres in Thayer township and is still residing on his original holding. He erected a small frame house and began to break the ground, remaining, however, but a short time. He returned to Omaha aiid operated a steam shovel during the summer and then went back to the homestead and resumed farm work. From the very beginning of his life as a farmer Mr. Robson prospered in all his undertakings and as he went along added to bis laiul interests until he finally became the owner of seven hundred and twenty acres of prime land on which he erected a fine set of buildings. His chief line of activity on the farm apart from the cultivation of general crops was the raising of Shorthorn cattle. He has been actuated by a spirit of progressiveness in all he has accomplished and there have been but few leisure hours in his life, which has been one continuous round of energy and industry, these factors being largely responsible for his success.

On January 4, 1878, Mr. Robson was united in marriage to Miss Frances A. Porter, a native of Bristol, England, who came to iVmerica with her mother, her brotlier William and her sisters Lucy and Sarah, in the summer of 1872, being then thirteen years old. They settled on a homestead in Thayer township, York county, and there the family erected a frame house, in which they lived for some years. Tlie mother later returned to England, where she is now living at the age of eighty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Robson became the parents of the following children : Augustus, who lives in Montana : Vinnie, the wife of Harry Hustead, of Omaha: Edith, the wife of Christian Farley, of Thayer township; Annie, who died in her twenty-sixth year; William, who lives in Kimball, Nebraska; Roy, who passed away at thirteen years of age; Evylin, the wife of Rolla Mace, living in Nebraska ; John, who resides in Thayer township ; Herman, also in Thayer township; Rhoda, the wife of Glen Warner, of Polk county, Nebraska, and Mary and Albert, living at home. Mrs. Robson is a m^nber of the Methodist Episcopal church, while her activities in community affairs during her long residence in the county have endeared her to a wide circle of friends by whom she is held in the highest esteem. Mr. Robson has for years given attention to public affairs and has served as school director and treasurer of his school district, his interest in the cause of education being a valuable factor in promoting the welfare of the schools in Thayer township.

Milton M. Wildman, for many years an a-tto-rney of York and prominent in the political affairs of his community, was born in Piatt county, Illinois, in 1856, a son of Thomas and Mary J. (Longuecker) Wildnran, the former a native of New York state and the latter of Kentucky. They came to Illinois in their youth, where they met and were married and settled in that state on a farm. Mr. Wildman held a number of township offices and was a stanch supporter of the principles for which the rei^ublican party is sponsor. Three children were born of this union, of which the sxxbject of this sketch is the second. One child, David, is a retired farmer of York and the other is deceased. The paternal grandfather of Milton M. Wildman was Jonathan AYildman, a native of New York state who later removed to Ohio where he resided until his death. The maternal grandfather, David Longnecker, was of English origin, but removed tn Illinois where he was living at the time of his death.

In the acquirement of an education Milton M. Wildman attended the country schools of Illinois, took a short course in a college at Ladoga, Indiana, and taught school three years in Illinois. In ]882 he came to Nebraska and for the first three years of his residence in this state taught school and farmed. He then became desirous of becoming a lawyer and with that object in view read law in an attorney's office at York, after which he entered the Ann Arbor Law School and was graduated from this institution in 1888. He began to practice in York in partnership with C. S. Rainbolt, in which connection he continued for a short time and then launched into the practice on his own account and has since continued alone, except for a short time with G. W. Bemis.

Oog Histoey Of York Couxty

On the 30th of March, 1881, Mr. Wihlmnn was married to Miss Martha A. Yalentine, a native of Ohio and a daughter of John Yalentine who removed from Illinois to Nebraska where his death occurred. Four children have been born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wildman: Holland Roscoe, a dentist in York; Blaine Cecil, a teacher in the dental department of the Nebraska State University; Ethel Louise, a teacher; and Elsie Pearl, a teacher. These young people are graduates of the York high school and each received a college education. They are all members of the Congregational church and citizens of whom the state may be justly proud.

ilr. Wildman has always been active in the work of tlie Congregational church and has served on the board of trustees and on the board of directors of that organization for a number of years. He also taught the men's class for several years. Fraternally he is a member of the ilodern "Woodman and Eoyal Highlanders and politically he is a republican. In the support of his party he has always been very active and has held several public offices. He has served as county judge and city and county attorney and in 1919 was a member of the state legislature. He has been a member of the city council and has acted as city clerk. With this record of ])olitical activity behind him he is now a candidate for district judge and as he has ahvavs carried a splendid vote in this county he e.xpeets to carry a good vote in the judicial district. The success that Mr. AVildman enjoys today is the result of his own labors, for when he came to Nebraska he had practically nothing except a grim determination and the courage to stand back of it. Now in addition to the income from his large practice he owns two good pieces -of business property and also some city property. In every phase of his life, whether as lawyer, business man or citizen, he has displayed thorough reliability as well as enterprise and in many ways has contributed to the material, political and moral development of the community.

George W. Sheeck

Among the enterprising and progressive business men of York George A^ . Shreck is numbered, lie is now conducting a i-eal estate and insurance agency and in this capacity lias won a clientage of large and gratifying proportions. He arrived in York county in early manhood having just enough money to reach his destination, and the .success which he has achieved through the intervening years has been tlic direct result of his energy, enterprise and sound judgment.

Mr. Shreck was born in Harrison county, Indiana, August 6, 1857, a son of Philip and Sarah A. (Reed) Shreck, who were natives of Yirginia and Indiana respectively. Ilis father was a son of George Shreck wlm removed to Indiana in 1835 and purchased land in this state. He was a carpenter by trade and worked along that line in addition to the development of the fields. A great-grandfather of George AV. Shreck was William Deatrick. who removed from Virginia to Indiana at a very early day and on three different occasions made the trip between the two states on horseback. William Eeed. the maternal grandfather of George W. Shreck, was born in North Carolina, and he, too, became a pioneer settler of Indiana, where he followed farming to the time of his death. The father journeyed across the country with team and wagon from the Old Dominion to the Hoosier state. He was reared on a farm and made agriculture his life work, remaining a resident of Indiana till called to his final rest. He possessed, however, considerable mechanical skill, and in early life learned the blacksmith trade and afterward conducted a blacksmith shop on his farm. He also built wagons biit repairing was the principal part of his work in that connection. It was in Indiana that he married Miss Eeed and both have passed away. They were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in his political views Philip Shreck was a republican. During the Civil war he served as a member of the Home Guard and was captured by Morgan. He had enlisted in the volunteer army and raised a company, but was rejected on account of physical disability. To Mr. and Mrs. Philip Shreck were born nine children of whom seven are living: George W. ; J. R., who is engaged in the real estate business in Portland, Oregon ; W. A., a practicing physician of Bertrand, ^ Nebraska: Emma, the wife of Jacob P. Smith, who is living on a farm in York county; Mary P., the wife of Blithe Ludlow, a farmer of Medford, Oklahoma; Amzi J., a farmer of Aberdeen, Idaho; and Anna B., who is a professional nurse of York.

George W. Shreck obtained his early education in the schools of Harrison county, Indiana, and was reared on the home farm, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He learned the blacksmith's trade in early life and when twenty-one years of age removed to Waco, Nebraska, where he established a smithy. The old building which was put up in 1878 is still standing. He continued in active business in Waco for three years and in 188-i removed to York. His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, called him to public office. He was deputy sheriff for five years and was afterward three times elected to the office of sheriff. In 190.5 he was elected state senator, representing the district being comprised of Fillmore and York counties. He was made postmaster under President Roosevelt, occupying the position for eight years. After his term expired he once more engaged in the real estate business, and there is nu man more thoroughly familiar with property conditions and values in York than Mr. Shreck. At all times he has been most loyal to public duties and has made a most excellent record in office. He now devotes most of his time to the real estate and fire insurance business, and while he largely handles local property he also deals to some extent in Colorado lands. Mr. Shreck is a director of the First National Bank and as a business man is most widely and favorably known.

In Indiana Mr. Shreck was married to Miss Miranda Melton who passed away in 1879, and he next wedded Laura Melton of the same state. Two sons have been born of this marriage : Charles D., who is an electrician of York ; and Jay, who is engaged in the newspaper business in Chicago, being now connected with the Exhibitors Herald. He has been well trained for this work, and was formerly identified with the Chicago Tribune and with the Record-Herald. The mother of these sons died in 1917. Later Mr. Shreck wedded Dora Knight, his present wife.

Mr. Shreck is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and has become a Knight Templar and member of the Mystic Shrine. He is also connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and has filled all of the chairs in the latter. He has also rendered official service to his church having been recording steward keeper of finance for twenty-two years, and has also been a member of tlie board of trustees for a number of years. He has also been secretary and president of the Commercial Club of York, and secretarj' of the York Agricultural Society. He has thus coojjerated in many agencies which have had to do with the upbuilding and progress of the district in which he makes his home, and his contribution thereto has been extensive and valuable. He is everywhere spoken of in terms of high regard by reason of the sterling worth of his character and his devotion to the public welfare.

Prepared by comprehensive study and diligent attention to duty Dr. W. X. Hylton has won for himself a distinguished position in the ranks of the medical profession in York county and surrounding district. He has wisely utilized his native talents and as the years have gone on his reading and research have kept him in touch with the trend of medical scientific attainment. He was born in Xew Virginia, Iowa, May 22, 1862, a son of George W. and Letitia (Irwin) Hylton, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Ireland, both of whom are now living retired and are well advanced in years.

CTeorge W. Hylton, who followed farming in his native state, went to Iowa in the latter 50's and conducted a general merchandise store in New Virginia where he also served as postmaster for a time and was one of the best known men of that place. In 1873 he set out for Cass county, Nebraska, and drove overland from Iowa, crossing the river at Nebraska City by ferry on March 1 of that year, and after a perilous journey reached his destination, where he acquired a homestead. In that part of the country he put up one of the first houses and it was composed of part sod and part frame, the hauling of lumber and other necessaries having to be done from Unadilla and South Bend, Nebraska. He proved up on the homestead and proceeded without delay to improve and develop its fields, planting and cultivating crops only to find that as a result of the grasshopper visitation he lost everything, a somewhat similar result following the advent of several blizzards. Apart from these disasters he was successful in his agricultural o])erations and continued along farming lines for several years, finally disposing of the homestead. In 1910 Mr. Hylton retired from active farm life and moved to Ehnwood, Nebraska, and bought a tract of land in that neighborhood, which he still owns. He is now eighty-three years old while his wife is in her seventy-ninth year. They became the parents of the following children : Alfred, who died in California j W. N., subject of this sketch; Harry, engaged in the practice of medicine at Brown ville, Nebraska; Mary, deceased; Mattie, the wife of Dr. G. G. Douglas, of Ehnwood; Anna, the widow of Frank Richardson, of Elmwood ; Cora, the wife of William Gerbeling, of Nuckols county, Nebraska ; Lucy, the wife of Edw^ard Gustin, of Elmwood, and Grace, who teaches in Blue Hill high school. The parents are members of the Methodist church, to the teachings of which they have ever conformed. He gives his political support to the republican party and in purely local affairs he has always been a consistent advocate of progress.

Dr. W. N. Hylton was a young lad when his parents left Iowa in 1ST2 and he secured his preliminary education in the schools of Elmwood, Nebraska, later enter- ing the Nebraska State University, from which institution lie was graduated in 1886 with the degree of M. D. He began the practice of his profession in that year, locating at Valparaiso, Nebraska, where he remained for one year. In 1887 Dr. Hylton came to Gresham and continued his practice, which as time passed and as he became better known gradually grew to large proportions and in the intervening years he has won a place in the front ranks of the medical practitioners of this part of the state. In 1898 he took a post-graduate course at Chicago, thus gaining broad and valuable practical experience along professional lines. His ability is pronounced and he has gained a most creditable name and place in a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit. He is a member of the American Medical Association and of the Nebraska and York County Medical Associations. Dr. Hylton is interested in business affairs as leisure from his prbfessional duties permits. In 1906 he became president of the First National Bank of Gresham and has been serving in that capacity ever since. In 1908 he was responsible for the installation of the lighting plant in Gresham which has been a success and proved an immense boon to the public, and in other directions he has given of his time and ability to the advancement of the town and district. However, the demands of his profes.sion leave him but little time for other work and to the duties of his practice he gives his best efforts.

In 1892 Dr. Hylton was united in marriage to Lula Lanphere, a daughter of Henry C. Lanphere, and to this union three children have been born : Harry, who holds the office of vice president of the First National Bank ; Helen, a graduate of the Gresham and York high schools, and the University Conservatory of Music at Lincoln, is now head of the piano department of the Peru Normal ; and George W., attending the Nebraska State University. During the World war Dr. Hylton joined the volunteer medical service attached to the United States military department. In politics he espouses the cause of the republican party and has held local offices from time to time. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, with the Woodmen of the World and the Modern Woodmen of America, in the affairs of all of which he takes a vital interest. The doctor and his wife are prominent in the social life of Gresham, where she is recognized as a lady of culture and refinement.

George Fisher

George Fisher is a retired farmer and Civil war veteran residing at Bradshaw, York county. He has passed the eighty-third milestone on life's journey and well deserves the rest which has come to him for it is the reward of persistent, earnest and intelligently directed effort in former years. He was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, October 6, 1837, a son of Fredrick and Catherine (Shilling) Fisher, both natives of Germany, where the father had Ijeen a farmer for many years.

George Fisher came to America when fifteen years of age, the voyage being made on an old sailing vessel which spent sixty days in crossing the Atlantic to New York. After arriving in this country he went to Brandonville, Maryland, and started to work at the saddlery trade, binding himself to the owner of the business for one year. He then migrated to Pennsylvania and engaged in farm labor in that state, remaining in tlie employ of one family for twenty-two years. When lie first went to Pennsylvania he attended the district schools to learn the language, etc. Shortly after the outltreak of the Civil war Mr. Fisher enlisted in Pennsylvania for service in the Federal army and became a member of Company E, Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry. He was mustered into the service at Uniontown, October 4, 1861, and was with the Union forces for three years and three months, during this period having seen much active service and was in some of the hottest engagements of the war, without, however, having received any dangerous or serious wounds. He was honoraljly discharged and returned to the farm work he was doing in Pennsylvania when he entered the army.

In 1881 Mr. Fisher went to Illinois and remained there for three years; at the end of that period, or in 1884, he came to Nebraska and settled in York county, buying a tract of land in Arborville township. He built a frame house on his holding and began to cultivate and develop the fields, his general farming and stock raising soon coming to a standard which placed jiim among the representative and progressive farmers of the township. As he prospered he added more land to his original holding and continued to bring the latter to an excellent state of improvement, finally disposing of the place he first bought, but still retains ownership in two hundred acres, most of which he rents. In 1909 Mr. Fisher retired from active connection with farm life and now lives in Bradshaw. He utilized every chance for judicious investment and never lost faith in the future of this district, for he readily appreciated the fact that nature was kind to this region and had placed before man numerous opportunities for successful business in this section.

In 1867, while residing in Pennsylvania, Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Martha Eockwell, a native of the Keystone state, and they became the parents of six children: Catherine, the wife of Joseph Picthall; Thomas, who lives in Arborville township ; Charles, living in Cheyenne, Wyoming, a preacher of the Congregational church ; Albert, who practices medicine at Bismarck, North Dakota ; Dora E., the wife of'Charles Swauson, a York county farmer, and Walter J., who lives on the old home place. Mr. Fisher and his wife are earnest members of the Congregational church and he is affiliated with Rickets Post, Grand Army of the Eepublic. Politi- ' cally he is a republican, giving stalwart support to the party, while in 1920 Mrs. Fi.sher recorded her first vote in the national elections of that year, casting it for the republican party. Mr. Fisher is a self-made man, having come to this country empty-handed but through the opportunities here offered and his industry and good management he has gained financial independence. He has reached an advanced age but is still keen of mind and is accorded the honor due those who have left behind them the record of a long and honorable life.

Thomas Kieby

The history of the pioneer settlement of York would not be complete without the record of Thomas Kirby, one of the few early residents who still live on their homesteads. Thomas Kirby was born near Dublin, Ireland, in 1844, and was brought to the United States by an uncle when he was very young. His youth was spent in New York city l)ut his educatinu was acquired in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.