York County, Nebraska - Biographical sketches, 1921 (part 8 of 13)

Peter J. Ratzlaff was educated i]i the public and high schools of York county and was reared on his father's farm where, for some years he assisted in carrying on the agricultural operations. At the close of his high school course he entered college, receiving tuition for a period of one year. He then engaged in business on his own account and became identified with dairying, which he found to be a remunerative occupation. He remained in that business for three years when he sold out, and turned his attention to the mercantile trade, joining in partnership with George A. Friesen in Henderson, under the firm title of Friesen & Ratzlaff. The business handled is of a general character and the store is reputed to be one of the best of its kind in the town. Mr. Ratzlaff has proved himself an invaluable factor in expanding the business connections of the store and industry and perseverance are among the salient characteristics - shared equally by the partners - upon which the success so far attained has been built. He is the owner of a well-improved piece of land containing seventy-two and one half acres, located in York county, and from this he derives a substantial revenue, his income from all sources placing him in a position of secure independence,' this satisfactory condition being entirely due to his foresight and sagacity in handling business affairs.

In 1917 Mr. Ratzlaff was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Friesen, a daughter of Rev. P. J. Friesen who is now deceased, and to this union one son, Robert L. Ratzlaff, has been born. Mr. Ratzlaff' and his wife are faithful members of the Mennonite church, in whose teachings and doctrines they were reared and upon whose services they are regular attendants. They are widely and favorably kiKiwn in the community where they reside and they give practical aid to all movements designed to advaiu-e the welfare of the people as a whole. He lias no particular political party leanings and has never aspired to otKce; however, he ranks among those progressive citizens who give of their time and ability to further civic development by all legitimate methods, and in this as well as in his commercial relations he measures up to the highest standards of citizenship.

Thilandee Church

Philander Church, a veteran of the Civil war and a retired farmer residing in York, was born in Jefferson county, Xew* Y'ork, October 24, 1841, a son of John and Elizabeth (Hunt) Church, both natives of Ireland. The father died in 1842 and the mother fifteen years later, the death of the former occurring in Xew York, while the latter passed away in Iowa. Soon after their marriage, which took place in Ireland, they removed to tlie United States and in this country their two children were born, the subject of this review, Philander, being the only one living. Mr. and Mrs. Church were members of the Presbyterian church and he was a stanch supporter of the republican party. After the death of Mr. Cliurch his widow married again, this time to Samuel Negus, a native of Vermont, and to them four children were born, two of whom are living : Abbie, who is the wife of a Mr. Whittimore and lives in Seattle ; and Lucy, the wife of a Mr. Whittimore, who resides in Central City.

In the acquirement of his education Philander Church attended the schools in New York state and Iowa, having removed to the latter state with his mother in 1854. He began life as a farmer and followed that occupation until his retirement. On the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Church was among the first to volunteer his services to the Union army, with the result that in September, 1861, he joined Company K, Twelfth Iowa Regiment with which he served until receiving his discharge on the 20th of January, 1866. His regiment was a part of the western army. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg and at Fort DoneLson, and was captured at Shiloh, being imprisoned at various places in the south. For eight months he was held prisoner and was then exchanged, remaining with the army until 1866 when he was discharged with the rank of first corporal. He was also present at the battles of Tupelo, Mississippi ; Jackson, Mississippi ; Nashville, Tennessee: Mobile, Alabama; the Spanish Fort; and many others. After the close of the war he returned to Iowa, where he was married and in 1871 removed to York county acquiring a homestead. For thirty-five years Mr. Church and his wife lived on this homestead and in 1906 they sold the place and removed to York, where they are now residing, at 1603 Iowa avenue. Mr. Church owns considerable property in York, and has land in Texas in the oil district. Ntimerous gushers have been found near his Texas land and it is consequently of much value.

On his return to Iowa after the close of the Civil war Mr. Church was united in marriage to Miss Alice Hurlbutt, a native of Connecticut and a daughter of William and Sarah Hurlbutt, also natives of that state. Her parents came to Iowa in 1854 and the father engaged in the carpenter and contracting business for the remainder of his life. Mrs. Church is the second in order of birth in a family of four cliildren born to Mr. and Mrs. Hurlbutt. To the union of Mr. and Mrs.

Church seven children have been born, three of whom are living: Xellie, Jennie, and Julia. Nellie is the wife of George Tilden, of Stronisburg, an auctioneer, now working for the Harrison Murray Company. Two children have been born to them: Wallace and Donald; Jennie is the wife of Pirl Frazer, a farmer and stock raiser, and they are the parents of six children : Lloyd, Vesta, Iva, Laura, Dorothy, and Enola ; Julia, now Mrs. August Dreier, of York, has become the mother of two children: Albert and Alice. Mr. Dreier is manager of the outside work of the electric plant in York.

Politically Mr. Church is a stanch supporter of the republican party and of the principles for which it stands. For a number of years he was justice of the peace and for five years served on the county board of supervisors. Throughout the seventy-nine years of his life Mr. Church has witnessed the great advances made in civilization. His life has been one of labor and diligence and the success which he now enjoys is only his fair reward. Mr. and Mrs. Church are now retired, happy in the love of their children and grandchildren and in the respect and esteem of the community. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post.

Rev. H. Wijnderlich

One of the spiritual leaders in York county who is the abject of much affection and veneration is Rev. H. Wunderlich, pastor of the German Evangelical Lutheran John's congregation, at Beaver Creek. He was born in Spring, Texas, July 13, 1860, a son of Peter and Marie (Hofius) Wunderlich, both natives of Westphalia, Germany. His parents came to the United States when young people and met and were married in Texas. The father was killed in 1864 when an explosion destroyed the powder mill in which he was working. He had been in the employ of the government for some time. The mother is now also deceased.

Rev. H. Wunderlich received his early education in his native towTi and at the age of fourteen years entered Concordia College at P'ort Wayne, Indiana, where he remained for a period of six years. He then decided to enter the ministry and as a result went to the Evangelical Lutheran College in St. Ijouis for his theological training. His first charge was at Perry, Texas, where he ministered to the spiritual welfare of that community for a period of twenty years. In 1907 he came to his present charge at Beaver Creek and during the years of his residence has endeared himself to tlie hearts of his people. lie is pastor of a church with a membership of three hundred and sixty and is in charge of two schools of thirtysix and forty-two pupils respectively. Mr. Wunderlich has found his work a great physical and mental strain and he prepares the greatest part of his material on the typewriter.

Mr. \\'un(lcrlich was married in 'i'exas to Miss Bertha Klein, whose death occurred three years ago. They were the parents of twelve children, namely: Travengott and Theophile, who are teaching in Chicago: Alma, who is the wife of a Mr. Wanke, teacher in the schools of St. Louis; Ellen, a musician; Renata, who keeps house for the father ; Frieda, who is attending the state university at Lincoln; Walter and Arthur at home; I.,awrence, who is attending the high school

Mr. Wunderlich is a man of broad sympathies and the poor and needy have found in him a friend. It is widely acknowledged fact that the most important work to which a man can direct his energies is that of teaching, whether it be from the pulpit, from the lecture platfomi or from the schoolroom, and to this teaching of the gospel ilr. Wunderlich has devoted his time, energies and thought.

Citizen Ben Sox Ilithero

Citizen Benson Clithero is an honored resident of York. For many years he engaged in farming but retired from active life in 1901. He is a native of Belmont county, Ohio, having been born there on the 1st of February, 1846, son of J. 1). and Jemima R. (Rush) Clithero. His parents were botli born in Ohio and were married and died there. The father was a well-to-do farmer and one of the most progressive men in his coinmunity. Eleven children were born to this union, two of whom are living: Citizen B., the subject of this review; and Cyrus W., who lives in Kansas and is a retired farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Clithero were reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church in the affairs of which they took an active part. The father was known throughout the community as Bishop Clithero. The paternal grandfather was a native of England and the maternal grandfather, Isaac Rush, was born in Ohio.

In the acquirement of an education Citizen B. Clithero attended the schools of, Ohio. His first work after putting his textbooks aside was farming and he followed that occupation for the greater part of his life. He learned the carpenter's trade in early youth and in 186.5 went to Grundy county, Illinois, where he engaged in that line of work for a jjeriod of ten years. At the termination of that time he came to York county where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of Ignd. He moved onto this place in 1876. The land was unimproved and badly in need of cultivation. Along with his household goods he had brought enough timber to erect a small frame house, eighteen by twenty feet, and this was his home for about ten years. He later built a more modern home on the place and it is still standing. Subsequently he sold the old home place and purchased another piece of land in York county. He is now the owner of a quarter section of the finest land in the county, in McFadden township. In 1905 he removed to the city of Y^ork and purchased two lots, putting out shade trees. He built a modem home on one of the lots at 1202 Nebraska avenue and here he and Mrs. Clithero are residing. For four years before coming to York Mr. and Mrs. Clithero were residents of Benedict.

While Mr. Clithero was residing in Illinois he returned to Ohio for a short period and was at that time married to Miss Amanda M. Timberlake, a native of Noble county, Ohio, and a daughter of Nelson and Hannah Timberlake. Her parents were Ohioans and tlie father wlio was a carriage-maker, was killed when Mrs. Clithero was but a child. Five children have been born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Clithero, four of whom are living: Alice who is the wife of Willis Moul, a farmer near Fairmont : William, who is engaged in farming and vegetable trucking in Kimball county; Louis B.. who is farming in York county; and Mary

Louise, the wife of Otis M. Smith who is a very successful grain man of Omaha. Mr. Smith is president of the Updyke Grain Company. Mr. and Mrs. Clithero lost their youngest son, Romeo, in 1910. He was but twenty-six years of age and a young man of considerable ability. He was a graduate of the York high school in the activities of which he had always taken an active part. He was also the possessor of a splendid tenor voice.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Clithero the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party and the principles for which it stands. Although most of his time was spent in farming he served on the city council for a number of years. Fraternally he is a member of the Woodmen and takes an active interest in the order. Mr. and Mrs. Clithero are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Clithero has conducted the church ciioir for many years. For thirty years he has conducted the choirs of the various churches which he has attended. He is at present assistant chorister in the Sunday school and is likewise a class leader. He has served in this capacity for a period of thirty years. To every occupation undertaken he has given his entire attention and energy with the result tJiat his life is now crowned with successful achievement. He takes an active interest in tiic development and improvement of his community and Y'ork is fortunate in having him for a citizen.

Dietrich Peters

For four years Dietrich Peters, now deceased, was a prominent and progressive farmer of York county. He was born in southern Russia and died in this county in 1882 at the age of fifty-four years. He received his education in the common schools of his native land, engaged in farming for some time tiiere, and in 1878 came to the United States, settling in York county. Here he purchased a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres and also eighty acres of railroad land.

Dietrich Peters was married in his native land to Helena Fast, a native of Russia, whose deatli occurred in 1910 at the age of seventy-five years. Xine children were born to tliis union : Helena, who is now the wife of H. H. Epp, a fanuer of York county; Sarah, tiie wife of Isaac Bergen, farming in York county; Dietrich, deceased; Cornelius, farming in York county; Marguerite, the wife of Peter Hiebert, a farmer of Hamilton county; Jacob; John, farming in York county; Isaac, farming in York county; and Abraham, who is living in Henderson.

Deitrich Peters, whose name initiates this review, maintained an independent course in politics and his religious faith was that of the Mennonite church in which organization he always took a prominent part. The Peters family have taken a prominent and active part in the affairs of York county since their emigration here, and all of them are citizens of whom Y^ork county has a right to be proud.

Jacob D. Peters was eleven years of age when his parents removed to this country. He helped his father break the land of the homestead and received his education in the country schools of the county. He remained at home assisting his mother until he was twenty-seven years of age, at which time he bought eighty acres and started farming on his own account. He later bought one hundred and sixty acres which land he highly cultivated and improved. During the drought of '93,

''!)!, and '95 he raised no crops and it was necessary for him to burn cornstalks, corn and straw. In 1895 Jacob Peters was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Thieszen, a native of Russia whose death occurred in 1918. To this union four children were born : Mary, who was the wife of George Friesen, both of whom are now deceased, her death having occurred in 1918; and Fred, Aaron and Helena, at home. Some time after his wife's death Jacob Peters was again wed, Miss Sarah Harder becoming his wife. To this union one child, Sarah, has been born. The Peters family are members of the Mennonite church, of which Mr. Peters is a trustee. He maintains an independent course in politics supporting the man rather than the party. As an active man in the community he has served as road overseer and is director of school board district, number 37. Mr. Peters has always engaged in general farming and stock raising and is recognized as a representative agriculturist throughout the county.

Swax Ltnustrom

An eventful career has been that of Swan Lindstrom, who, of Swedish birth, came to America when he was about twenty years old, unaccompanied by any friends, and being of a progressive spirit speedily applied liimself to the new conditions and ultimately achieved success along agricultural lines. He was born in Sweden, July 33, 1849, a son of Swan and Josephine (Swanson) Lindstrom, also natives of that country where the father was a manufacturer of pig iron for many years.

Swau Lindstrom was educated in the schools of Sweden and when he was about twenty years old he decided to inmiigrate to this country. After his arrival in New York he went to Princeton, Illinois, and there worked at the carpenter trade which he had learned in Sweden and in that way made a living for several years. Altogether he spent eleven years in Illinois and three of these he devoted to farming, renting land for the purpose and materially increasing his income by laboring in the fields engaged in the cultivation of crops. In 1880 Mr. Lindstrom came to Nebraska and settled in Yoik county, but prior to coming he had bought eighty acres of land in Stewart township, for which he paid six dollars and ninety cents an acre. On taking possession of the holding he built a small frame house which now forms part of his home and put up a small frame barn, also planting large numbers of trees and otherwise improxing the place. He broke all the land and prospered in his farming operations from the beginning, his success inducing him in 1895 to buy a further tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which is in excellent condition. In 1893 he raised corn which yielded fifty bushels to the acre, this being regarded as a record crop at that time. When fuel was scarce he burned corn and cornstalks as substitute. There were ample supplies of prairie chickens and geese in the district and Mr Lindstrom relates that on one occasion he killed five geese in his cornfield with one shot. Being in York county for forty years he is familiar with all phases of the history of the district in its development and he rejoices in what has been accomplished as the work of improvement has been carried forward.

Ilanna Swauson, a native of Sweden, and to their union four children have been born: S. A., a farmer, of Stewart township; John M., of Gresham, working as a carpenter ; Frank, who farms in Stewart township ; and C. A., w'ho conducts a mercantile business in Gresham. The family are members of the Methodist church and are earnest advocates of its teachings.

Mr. Lindstrom in his political views is a stanch democrat and served on the county board at the time the present courthouse was being built. Intere.sted in the cause of education he has served as a school director in district 35 for over thirtyfive years, and in other directions he has given unstintingly of his help to all projects intended to serve the public welfare. For some time past he has been renting the greater part of his land, and from this source derives a handsome income. He retains ten acres for his own use, on which he carries on farming. The period of his residence in York county covers four decades and he has won a place among its esteemed and representative citizens.

William Staehe

One of the most successful farmers and largest landowners in York county is William Staehr, who has resided in this county since he was a boy of ten years. He was born in Oldenburg, Germany, October 15, 1863, a son of Carsten Staehr, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work.

The early education of William Staehr was obtained in his native town in Germany and he was but ten years of age when he removed with his parents to the United States, settling in York county. He has vivid recollections of the early pioneer days and of his first home in this country - a dugout. He assisted in farming in the early days, being so small that he had to stand on tiptoe to grasp the handles of the plow while his brother drove the oxen. When he was twentyfive years of age he began farming on his own account and four years later with the assistance of his father purchased one hundred acres of land, the improvements on the land consisting of a small house and shed for a stable. Today he is in possession of twenty acres in addition to his four eighty-acre tracts. He has a fine set of buildings on each of his farms and is widely recognized throughout the surrounding country as a successful and progressive farmer. Mr. Staehr recollects the awful cold winters when he first came to York county, there Ijeing days at a time when no member of the household would venture out-of-doors. During these cold, stormy spells the oxen were put in the dugout to keep them from freezing.

Mr. Staehr at an early age was united in marriage to Miss Mary Huffschneider, a native of York county, and a daughter of Henry Huffschneider. Her father, who is now deceased, was an early settler of York county. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Staehr, ten children were born, eight of whom are living: Bertha, who is the wife of Carl Stuhr; John, who is married and lives in N'orth Dakota; Martin, who is married and residing on one of his fathers farms; Emma, who is employed at Lincoln; and Walter, Dora, Elsie, and Edmond who are at home. Two children died in early childhood.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Staehr the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party and the principles for which it stands. He is also well informed on the topics of the day. The Staehr family are all consistent members of the Lutheran church, attending the church at Beaver Creek, and Mr. Staelir is serving his second year as elder in the local church. A life of intense and well directed activity has bro\ight Mr. Staehr to a position among the most successful farmers of York countv.

Edgar A. Wells

Edgar A. Wells, a retired farmer and stock raiser who in former years was most actively and extensively engaged in carrying on agricultural pursuits in York county and who now makes his home in the city of York, was born in Chenango county, New York, on September 23, 1854, a son of Halsey and Lorania (Rogers) Wells, both of whom were born in the Empire state. They went to Illinois in 1855, settling in De Kalb county, where the father purchased land and thereon spent his remaining days. He was of English lineage, while the maternal grandfather, Davis Rogers, was born in New York but was of Irish descent. Halsey Wells gave his political support to the republican party and in his religious faith was a Baptist. To him and his wife were born five children, of whom three are living: Augusta, the wife of Marcinas Hall, a farmer of De Kalb county, Illinois ; George, who also follows farming in De Kalb county ; and Edgar A., of this review.

The last named was educated in the schools of Illinois and after his textbooks were put aside he took up the work of boring wells and followed that occupation for a year and a half. He afterward rented a farm for two years in Illinois and in 1879 arrived in York county, Nebraska, where he purchased eighty acres of unimproved land. With characteristic energy lie began the development and improvement of his farm and built thereon a small frame house. After obtaining title to his land he sold it the same year and then purchased a quarter section which he improved and upon which he erected new buildings. From time to time he bought other property, extending the boundaries of his farm until he became one of the leading agriculturists of his section of the state. He also engaged very extensively in raising hogs and cattle and also in feeding stock, and his carefully managed business affairs brought to him gratifying success. In 1907 he removed to York and built a beautiful home at 605 East Ninth street. However, he still gives supervision to his farming interests and raises between four hundred and six hundred head of hogs annually. His landed possessions embrace eight hundred and eighty acres and from his fields he annually gathers golden harvests, making his yearly income a most substantial one. He was largely without capital when he arrived in Nebraska. He paid six dollars per acre for his first land, making a payment of one dollar down and meeting the remaining payments on time. He became connected with the First National Bank of Bradshaw upon its organization, serving as a member of its board of directors, and is also the vice president. He is likewise on the directorate of the First National Bank of York and of the First Trust Company & Savings Bank. He assisted in organizing the Bradshaw Telephone Company, of which he was president for ten years. Thus he has been actively and prominently connected with business interests in this section of the state, his labors at all times being of a character that have contributed to public prosperity and progress as well as to individual success.

In 1877 Mr. Wells was married to Miss Stella Ball, who was liorn in Kane county, Illinois, a daughter of William H. and Julia Ann (Arnold) Ball, the former a native of Kentucky, while the latter was born in Ohio. They were married in Illinois and resided in that state for a number of 'years. Her father died in 1!)07, but Mrs. Ball is still living, making her home with Mr. and Mrs. Wells at the advanced age of ninety years. Mrs. Wells taught school in Di.striet 48 of York county in 1880 and 1881 and she was also a teacher in Illinois prior to her removal to the west. She had attended high school in Sycamore, Illinois, and was also a student in the normal school at Valparaiso, Indiana. To Mr. and Mrs. Wells has been born a daughter, Coila, the wife of Frank Mover, formerly a resident of York.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Wells hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and his political support is given to the republican party. He has never been an office seeker, however, preferring to concentrate his eflorts and attention upon his Imsiness affairs, and for many years his activity made him one of the leading live stock raisers of the county. He always gave more attention to feeding cattle than to cultivating his fields and always kept high-grade cattle, for which he received the highest market price. For thirty-five years, with the exception of one year, he never fed less than three carloads of cattle and sometimes fed as many as five hundred head. He also raised more alfalfa than any other resident of the county and at one time had three hundred acres planted to that crop. His entire life has been actuated by a spirit of enterprise and progressiveness, and as the result of his carefully directed labors he is today one of the prosperous citizens of York county.

Edward Blexder

Twelve years have passed since Edward Blender was called to his final rest, but his memory is cherished by many who knew him in and about York county, as he stood as a high type of manhood and citizenship and was devoted to the welfare and progress not only of his family but of the community in which he lived. He was born in Germany June 5, 1842, and died in 1908, being then in his sixty-fifth year. While a mere boy he accompanied his parents to America from the old country and on arrival the family went to the state of Illinois, where the father engaged in farming and spent the remainder of his life.

Edward Blender completed his education in the public schools of Illinois, continued to reside in his father's home helping in the work of the farm, and when he was about twenty years old enlisted as a member of the 58th Illinois Infantry and served with the Union army during the Civil war, his service covering a period of over three years. He was in numerous engagements while with the colors of the North and at the close of his military service he received an honorable discharge, returned to the family home in Illinois and resumed farming operations. He felt the call of the west and in 1872 set out for Nebraska, coming straight to York county and taking a homestead in Morton township. On taking up his residence on the holding lie put a frame shanty together which served as a home until bettfer times came, and his first barn was composed of sod and earth. Mr. Blender lived amid those primitive surroimdings for about two years, in the meantime having steadily applied himself to the development and cultivation of the farm. He experienced the hardshi])s of dry seasons and struggled through the grasshopper plague which made havoc among the crops in that region. However, fortune l)egan to smile. His agricultural interests were carefully and successfully conducted and for many years he concentrated his efforts and attention upon the development of the fields. He ultimately became the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of well improved land, and when he was called away February 13, 1908, he left behind him a substantial property for the benefit of his widow and family. With very little of this world's goods to his credit when locating in the county he applied himself to the problems of wresting from the soil all that it could be expected to yield, and marked success attended his efforts. Prosperity came to him, but his natural modestv and simplicity of manner were in nowise impaired. His personal qualities were such as won for him the warm regard of many and there was sincere regret when he died.

In 1874 Mr. Blender was united in marriage to Louise Blessman, a native of Germany who came to this country in the year of her marriage, accompanied by her sister, Elizabeth Bristol, now living near Waco. To their union nine children were born: John, a farmer, living in South Dakota; Edward, farming his father's place; Albert, who died at the age of thirty-six; William, a farmer, of Arborville township; Charles, a farmer, of York county; Clara, wife of Pat Mulligan, of Newton, Kansas; Louise, who married Neil Deremus, and lives in Polk county, Nebraska; Belle, wife of Guy Wildman, a farmer, of Morton township; and Minnie, who married Russell Nixon, now deceased. Mrs. Blender is a member of the Lutheran church and in the social and cultural activities of her neighborhood .she takes a prominent place. She lives amid pleasant surroundings in Benedict and has hosts of friends who admire her traits of character and cordiality of manner. Mr. Blender was a member of the G. A. R.

Since November, 191(!, Dr. Edwin ililler has been a resident of York and his thorough training and previous experiences as a dentist have gained for him the confidence of the public and his fellow practitioners. He was born in Springfield, Illinois, on the 11th of March, 1874, a son of Joseph R. and Mary (Buri) Millei-, both of whom were natives of southern Germany. The father served in the German Revolution of 1848 and soon after that time removed to the United States, settling in St. Louis. It was here that he met and married his wdfe and in 1850 they went to Springfield, Illinois, to nnike their home. For thirty-four years they resided in that city and then removed to York where he purchased some land from one of the early pioneers of that place. Here Mr. and Mrs. Miller resided until their deaths, becoming well known and prominent citizens of the community, Mr. Miller was a stanch supporter of the republican party and the first presidential vote ever cast by him w^as for Abraham Lincoln. It is said of Mr. Miller that his features were similar to ilr. LinculiiV :uiil lie was known throughout York county as ''Old Abe." Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, five of whom are living : Mrs. George Ragan, whose husband is a retired fanner of York; Frank R., a bridge contractor residing in Springfield, Illinois; W. A., a real estate man in York who was at one time county clerk of York county; H. M., who resides near Bradshaw and is county supervisor and farmer; and Dr. Edwin Miller the subject of this sketch. The family were reared in the United Brethren faith.

In the acquirement of his education Dr. Miller attended the public schools of York county and later deciding upon a professional career entered the dental department of the Omaha University, in September, 1901, and was graduated from this university with his degree in 1904. He first located in Bradshaw for the practice of his profession, but in 1916 removed to York where he has since continued to practice. He has ever kept abreast with the advances made in his profession and in 1907 took a post-graduate course at Haskall Post Graduate Dental College. Dr. Miller has gained a wide and favorable reputation as a dentist and has built up a large and representative patronage.

On the 24th of September, 1907, occurred the marriage of Dr. Miller and Miss Pearl Boles, a daughter of M. M. Boles, who is now residing in David City and is one of the high officers in the Royal Highlanders. Dr. and Mrs. Miller have become the parfents of three children, namely: Joseph M., aged ten years; Edwin, Jr., who is six years of age; and Dan McMuUin, who is three years of age. Mrs. Miller is prominent in club and social circles and is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

As was his father before him Dr. Miller is a stanch supporter of the republican party and when he resided in Bradshaw served for two terms on the board of trustees of that village. He was also village treasurer for three years. Fraternally Dr. Miller is affiliated with the Masons, the Modern Woodmen, Woodmen of the World, the Royal Highlanders, and both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. Dr. Miller is fond of sculpturing and finds some recreation in this work, although most of his time is devoted to his duties at the office. He considers that his professional duties have the first claim upon his time and interest but is not indifferent to the progress of his city along various lines of endeavor. His outstanding characteristics are such as commend liim to the warm regard and confidence of his fellowmen, and he is held in high esteem in York and in the surrounding community.

Daniel Graves

For many years Daniel Graves, now deceased, was an honored and respected citizen of York county being widely known as an agriculturist and business man of great ability. He was born in Rutland county, Vermont, June 23, 1844, a son of Daniel and Almira (Rogers) Graves, both natives of the same state. The Graves and Rogers families are among the representative families of New England and are of English ancestry. For nine generations the Graves family have resided in the United States, Thomas Graves who came from England in 1G40 being the progenitor of the family in this country. Thomas Graves died in 1G62, leaving a son John who was killed by the Indians in 1677 while defending his home in Hatfield, Massachusetts. John Graves, another ancestor, was born in 1652 and died in 1750 and his son John was born in 1682 and died in 1716. Nathan, the son of John, was born in March, 1716, and died in 1786. The grandfather of Daniel Graves the subject of this review, was also named Daniel and was born in either Vermont or Massachusetts on the 25th of September, 1769. During the War of 1812, he was captain of a company of militia. For some time he conducted a hotel and tannery, also engaging, in the manufacture of potash. He had learned the hatter's trade when a young man but seldom followed it, devoting the latter part of his life to farming. When grandfather Graves was but a lad of fourteen years he played the fife and his brother the drum and they assisted in the enlistment and mustering of a regiment in which their father was captain of a company. When the regiment started on the rtiarch Mr. Graves and his brother went with them to Crown Point, but when the battle commenced were sent to the rear and soon afterward sent home. The father of the subject of this review, Daniel Graves, removed to McHenry county, Illinois, in 1847 and engaged in farming until his death on the 21st of July, 1869. His wife was Almira Rogers and they became the parents of six children, four sons and two daughters, of whom the sul.)ject of this sketch is the youngest. One of the sons is Bishop Graves of Nebraska and California for the past ten years.

In the acquirement of his education Daniel Graves of this review attended the common schools of McHenry county, Illinois, and having been reared on a farm followed that occupation his entire life. When but twenty-one years of age he started out in the world empty-handed but soon became owner of a small farm of fifty-six acres in Illinois, which he sold in 1877. He then came to York county where he purchased four hundred acres of railroad land near Arborville, subsequently increasing his acreage until he owned one thousand and forty acres. This land at the time of purchase was nothing but a wild prairie but soon became some of the most highly cultivated land in the county. His next step in improvements was to build a beautiful home and outbuildings in keeping with it. The timber for this house they shipped' from Chicago as far as Clarks and hauled it across the Platte river the remainder of the waj'. He set out three thousand pine trees on his place and it was not long before they made a fine grove in which church and Sunday school picnics were held for many years. As a result of his diligence and labor he was soon recognized as one of the leading farmers in the county and was readily acknowledged the largest stock feeder in the covmty. For seventeen years before his death Mr. Graves suffered from paralysis and when he passed away on the 27th of July, 1917, it came as a sad blow to his many friends as well as to his devoted family.

In 1872 occurred the marriage of Mr. Graves and Miss Martha Loonier, a daughter of Timothy and Almira Loonier, the former a native of Nova Scotia, while the latter was born in Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Loonier .settled in Illinois in an early day. To Mr. and Mrs. Graves, the following children were born: Almira who is teaching art in the LTiiited Brethren college is the wife of E. B. Koon, a real estate dealer and retired farmer of York. Mrs. Koon received her training in art in Chicago where she attended the Art Institute; Nora is the wife of H. J. Clarke of Lincoln, who is engaged in the monument business; Daniel is residing on the old homestead; Mabel P. is the wife of M. H. Kealiher, a farmer in

Throughout his entire life Mr. Graves gave his allegiance to the democratic party and was always interested in the development and improvement of the community in which he lived. He was a member of the committee to build the courthouse at York, and was also on the committee having in charge the building of a Congregational church at Arborville. Fraternally he was a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the Modern Woodmen. In church circles both Mr. and Mrs. Graves always took an active part. For many years he taught classes in the Sunday school and for twenty-five years Mrs. Graves led the singing in both church and Sunday school. Mr. Graves was a man of unusual character, one inspiring the confidence and trust of every person with whom he came in contact. In all matters needing advice his neighbors appealed to him and he was always called upon to settle differences, both parties being assured fair judgment. During the seventeen years of his affliction he was ever cheerful and Mrs. Graves sacrificed everything for his comfort. For eleven years Mrs. Graves took Mr. Graves to Florida and two years to California. In fact for years she devoted her time night and day to Mr. Graves' comfort, sacrificing years of her life to that noble effort. In his passing York county lost an honorable, upright and successful citizen. Mrs. Graves is residing in her beautiful home at 916 East avenue, secure in the deep respect and regard held for her by her fellow citizens.

Harry L. Blair

An excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it by Harry L. Blair, whose place is located on section 32, Stewart township, York county. Moreover, he is a native son of the county, born March li, 1872, a son of Cyrus and Emma (Bedell) Blair, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of Ohio, who lived in Illinois until 1870 when they came to York county and homesteaded.

Cyrus Blair was a farmer in Illinois up to the outbreak of the Civil war and in response to President Lincoln's first call for volunteers he enlisted in April, 1861, becoming a member of the 60th Company, 11th Illinois Infantry and served with that command throughout the entire period of the war. He was in the fatuous battle of Gettysburg and at Shiloh and participated in other important engagements. In one of those battles his clothes were riddled with bullets but he escaped serious injury. During his war service he applied for and olitaiiied a short furlough and while home on leave he was married, after which he returned to his regiment. At the close of the war Mr. Blair was mustered out, receiving an honorable discharge, and went back to Illinois where his wife was awaiting him, and in that state he engaged in farming for about five years. In 1870 he decided to go further afield and came to York county in that year. He took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Thayer township and there erected a dugout for a temporary home and also put up sod barns for the cattle, and it was in the dugout that his son, Harry L. Blair, was born. Lincoln was the nearest place from which supplies could be had and he had to do all the freighting from that town. He broke the land and opened it up to cultivation and tilings were going well with him until the grasshopper invasion, when he lost all his crops and had to l)urn his corn. However, he renewed his efforts and in time his place had recovered from the ravages of the grasshopper plague and he finally had the satisfaction of seeing his place in firstclass condition and well improved, the equal of any in the township. He disposed of the homestead in 1891 and retired to the Soldiers Home at Grand Island and there passed away in lUlO, being in his seventy-fifth year. His wife predeceased him by several years, her death occurring in 1893, at the age of fifty-four. They were the parents of four children : Nellie, the wife of Charles Heaton, a farmer of Gothenburg, Nebraska ; Ida, the wife of H. B. Mower}', of Greenfield, Massachusetts; Harry L., the subject of this sketch; and Guy, living in Bayard, Nebraska. He was a stanch republican and an active and earnest nuMiiber of the Grand Army of the Republic of Y^ork.

Harry L. Blair spent his youthful days under the parental roof and early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, dividing his time between the acquirement of an education and the work of the fields. Later he started farming on his own account and bought a tract of land which he operated successfully in the early years of his occupation. He added to his holding as circumstances permitted and is now the owner of a well kept farm of one hundred and twenty acres and is giving his undivided attention to general agricultural pursuits, including the raising of a good grade of live stock. There are Substantial buildings on the land and he utilizes the latest improved machinery in carrying on the work of the fields. He is a stockholder in the Farmers State Bank and in the elevator at Thayer.

In 1893 Mr. Blair was united in marriage to Gharbitte E. Robertson, a native of Illinois and a daughter of Joseph Robertson who came to York county in the 80's. They are the parents of eight children: Xina, the wife of Perry Schwasinger, of Alliance; Utha, who married Charles Elrod, of Hazard, Nebraska; Emma, the wife of D. R. Kinney, of Lincoln ; Florence, who died at the age of eighteen ; and Hosea, Homer, Marion and Joseph, all at home. Mr. Blair gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Those wlio know him esteem him highly, for his marked characteristics of manhood and citizenship are those which commend him to the warm regard, the confidence and the goodwill of tho.se with whom he has been associated.

.\ native son of Nebraska is Charles A. Calkins whn since 1903 has been engaged in the dental business in York. In his profession Dr. Calkins has achieved a substantial amount of .success and his practice which is now one of the largest in the county is steadily increasing.

Dr. Charles A. Calkins was born in Polk county, Nebraska, Decendier 25, 1881, a son of Kirkland and Lorilla V. (Williams) Calkins, extended mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. Dr. Calkins received his early education in Polk county and on the removal of his parents to York county attended the high school. He then entered ^'oi-k College and after completing a cour.«e there decided on dentistry as his life work. He began the study of this profession at tlie Omaha University and was graduated, D. D. S. in 1903. The same year he commenced practice in York and sometime later his brother Bert entered into practice with him, continuing in this connection for some time. Dr. Calkins is now practicing his profession alone, however, and is winning a name for himself among the members of his profession in the county. Dr. Calkins also maintains a great deal of interest in country life, and has purchased one thousand acres of land in Colorado, making trips there each year. This land is some of the finest in the state and is very productive.

In 1904 Dr. Calkins was united in marriage to Miss Olga Wiig, a native of Omaha and a daughter of Peter Wiig, a pioneer merchant of that place. He established tlie first Boston Store there and is still in the business owning the New York Department Store. To the union of Dr. and Mrs. Calkins two children have been born: Ardith and Kirkland Jack, both of whom are attending school.

Dr. Calkins aside from his work has devoted considerable time to the improvement and development of York and was for some time a member of the city council. Fraternally he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Dr. Calkins is a member of the United Brethi'en cburch while his wife belongs to the Lutheran church. Dr. and Mrs. Calkins are likewise members of the York Country' Club and are prominent in the social affairs of tlie community. Industry, energy and laudable ambition have carried Dr. Calkins steadily forwai-(l and he is today a representative citizen of York.

Miles Wholstexholm

For nniny years Miles WhoLstenholm engaged in farming in York county and so ably managed his affairs that he gained financial independence and is now trying to content himself with a retired life. He was born in Peoria county, Illinois, October 2.i, 185-5, a son of John Wholstenholm who is now deceased, and further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work.

]Miles Wholstenholm was a lad of sixteen years when the family came to Nebraska and for some time lived in a dugout on his father's land. His father had taken a tree claim to which our subject, Miles Wholstenholm, fell heir by purchasing a relinquishment and proving up under the homestead act. He sold this land, however, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of slightly improved land in section .30, West Blue town.«hip. He has since greatly improved his land and his farm is now recognized as one of the finest in the community. In the intervening years he. has also purchased more land and now owns a (juarter section in Fillmore county and a half section in Kansas. Employing every opportunity for advancement Mr. Wliolstenholm has made steady progress and is now regarded as one of the substantial farmers of York county.

In York county occurred the marriage of Mr. Wholstenholm to Miss Sarah Eamsden who was born in England in 1857. She was a daughter of Edwin and Hannah (Perrin) Eamsden who came to the United States when their daughter was but one year old. They settled in Peoria county, Illinois, where Mr. Eamsden died. The mother died at the home of her daughter, June 25, 1917. Mrs. Wholsten- holm was a young woman of twenty wlien she removed to York county where she was married. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wholstenholm : Euth, who is residing at home: Felix, who is a veteran of the World war and is now living at home; Freda, who is the wife of Henry Gillan, a farmer of West Blue township; and Alice, who is the wife of Bryan Tatman of Lincoln. The Wholstenholm family are all consistent memiiers of the Jlethodist Episcopal church. Since age conferred upon Mr. Wholstenholm the right of franchise he has Ijeen a stanch supporter of the republican party and of the principles for which it stands. He has always been active in the educative circles of his community and has been a member of the school board for twenty-five years, with the exception of one term. Mr. Wholstenholm is now living a retired life and is very prominent in West Blue township where he continues to make his home. In all of his business affairs he has displayed sound judgment and indefatigable energy, and these qualities have been the basis of his jiresent success.

Ezra H. Smith

Business enterprise at York finds a worthy representative in Ezra H. Smith who is manager as well as secretary and treasurer of the Harrison Xursery Company. He is a native son of Nebraska born in Clay county on the 8th of January, 1873, a sou of Neri and Esther (Faires) Smith, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of the state of Ohio. Their marriage occurred in Iowa where they had removed witli their respective parents at an early day, and where they remained until 1871, then removing to Clay county, Nebraska. Mr. Smith was successful in acquiring a homestead in this county which was also the home of numerous Indians and big game. Hunting was not so much a sport as a necessity in those early days, and Mr. Smith brought in many elk, buffaloes and smaller game. Antelopes were especially plentiful. ,Mr. and Mrs. Smith resided on this farm until 1911 when they went to California, after three years returning to Nebraska. This time they settled in York and here they are now residing, retired. When the Civil war broke out Mr. Smith was among the first to enlist from Ohio, joining the Forty-third Ohio 'N'olunteer Infantry with which he served three years and seven months. He participated in some of the important battles of the war and was with Sherman on his march to the .sea. Ezra H. Smith is the first in order of birth of a family of five children born to this union, four of whom are living : the subject of this review : Nona, who is married and living at Long Beach, California; Rollo N., a contractor residing at Long Beach; and Rena, the wife of L. M. Swartz, a farmer near Kearney. The family were reared in the faith of the Christian church and Mr. and Mrs. Smith still take an active interest in that organization. Mr. Smith gives his allegiance to the republican party and is a prominent member of the G. A. R. Grandfather Martin Smith was a comparatively young man at the time of his death which occurred at his home in Pennsylvania. The maternal grandfather was Thomas Faires who was born in Ohio but later removed to Missouri where he made his home and engaged in farming and fruit growing.

to work for his father. Subsequently in 189-t lie started to work on a railroad section for which he was paid the sum of one dollar and fifteen cents per day. From his home to his work was a distance of two miles, and this Mr. Smith covered on foot daily. While working on the section he learned telegraphy, stxidying it in his spare time, with the result that soon he was employed in that capacity on the Burlington road at various offices. At Havelock he was paid fifteen dollars per month and was soon transferred to Aurora where as night operator he received forty dollars per month. He was operator at Aurora and Ravenna, then agent at Gushing, Cairo, Palmer and York. He was the youngest man to hold a competitive station when he came to York. For seven years he held the agency in York and then became connected with the Harrison Nursery Company, acting as sales manager for a period of two and one-half years. His devotion to his work soon won him the position of manager and he has served in this connection since. In addition to his duties as manager he is secretary and treasurer of the company. In the financial circles of York he is also prominent, being a director in the American State Bank and secretary of the York Investment Company.

In 1897 Mr. Smith was married to Miss Myrtle E. Zook, a native of Clay county and a daughter of William Zook, who homesteaded in Clay county in 1872 and died on his farm in 1899. Mrs. Zook is also deceased, her death having occurred in York in 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of two children: Vivian, the daughter, graduated from tlie Cotner University at Lincoln in 1920 and is now teaching music in Gresham and York; and the son, Leslie R., is in high school.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Smith the right of franchise he has supported the republican party. Fraternally he is a York Rite Mason and Shriner and has passed through all the chairs of the blue lodge. He is a past patron of the 0. E. S. and past generalissimo in the commandery. He is a charter member of the Rotary Club and one of its directors, and is vice president of the York County Commercial Club and a member of the board on which he has served since its organization. He is on the board of the Yoxing Men's Christian Association and past president of the Business Men's Association, one of the trustees of the Cotner University of Lincoln and a member of the Sons of Veterans. Since his entrance into the horticultural biisiness he has furthered his knowledge in this line by reading and studying and in connection with his work is vice president of the Western Association of Nurserymen and president of the State Horticultural Society. He is well known in social circles and is a member of the York Country Club.

Rev. Peter P. Epp

The student of history cannot carry his investigations far into the records of York county without learning of the close connection of the Epp family with the material, intellectual and moral jjrogress of this section of the state. Rev. Peter P. Epp, well known as an honored citizen of Henderson township, is engaged in farming and stock raising, a valuable tract of land of five hundred and twenty acres paying tribute to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. He was born in southern Russia, November 3, 1861, a son of Peter and Barbara (Isaak) Epp, both of whom were natives of Russia. They came to America in 1875 and crossing the continent to Nebraska settled on section 3, Henderson township, York county, where the father purchased railroad land. Upon this he built a little house of slab planks and the family occupied the pioneer dwelling for forty years. In 1879 the father died but the mother long survived, passing away in 1906. In their family were ten children, of wlunn five died in Russia, while the other five came with their parents to the new world.

Peter P. Epp was a lad of thirteen years at the time the family left Russia and came to the United States. His educational opportunities were largely received in his native country but throughout his life he has learned many valuable lessons in the school of experience. He continued upon the home farm until he reached the age of twenty-seven years and his training in all of the farm work was most - thorough and comprehensive. He then determined to engage in l)usiuess on his own account and purchased a tract of land to which he has added from time to time, thus constantly extending the boundaries of his place until he now owns five hundred and twenty acres, con.stituting one of the highly improved farms of Henderson township. Upon it are good buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and fine farm machinery enables him quickly and thoroughly to do the work of the fields. He has ever been a most energetic man and his labors are crowned with sulistantial success.

In 1885 Mr. Epp was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Wall, a native of Russia, who came to America with her parents in 1874, she being a daughter of C. M. and Helen (Dierksen) Wall. Her father has now passed away but the mother is living and makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Epp. To Mr. and Mrs. Epp have been born eleven children: Jacob and Barbara, both of whom have passed away; Peter E., now living in Montana; Helen, the wife of Jacob F. Penner; Cornelius, at home ; Barabara, the wife of David A. Regier, of Minnesota ; Jacob and John, who have departed this life ; Abraham E. ; Tina E. ; and Marie.

Mr. and Mrs. Epp are members of the Ebenezer church, of which he was deacon for five years, and they take a most active and helpful interest in all the church work. Mr. Epp was ordained a preacher and is now devoting a part of his time to the work of the ministry. He is one of the prominent men of the county, honored and esteemed by all by reason of an upright life and the sterling worth of character which everywhere wins confidence and regard.

For a numlier of years McLane B. Thompson was a prominent and progressive farmer of York county. He was a self-made man, his success being the result of his own diligence and determination. For twenty-two years he lived retired in York and when his demise occurred on the 20th of September, 1919, it was the occasion of widespread grief in the community.

^IcLane B. Thompson was born in Maryland in 18-i5, a son of Edward and ]\Iatilda Thompson, who are both now deceased and buried in Maryland. Mr. Thompson received his early education in the country schools in Maryland and some time after putting his textbooks aside removed to Illinois, subsequently com- iiig to Nebraska and settling in York county in 1879. He purchased railroad laud in this county and resided thereon for a number of years. He then removed to liUshton and engaged in the lumber Inisiness in which venture he won more than a substantial measure of success. In 1898 he removed to York and retired. In 1906 he built a fine modern residence on his lot in York at 906 East Sixth street, and here resided until his death. The widow is now residing in the home alone, a highly respected citizen of the community.

In 1876 Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Emma Norton, who was a native of Marshall county, Illinois, and a daughter of John and Elanor (Berry) Norton. The father was a native of Ohio, while the mother was born in England. They removed to Illinois at an early day where the father engaged in farming and here they resided until they passed away. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Norton, three of whom are living, namely: George, who is living retired at Yarna, Illinois; Mrs. Thompson, the widow of the subject of this review; and John, who is also living retired at Varna, Illinois. No children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, but Mr. Thompson had two children by a previous marriage, namely: Carrie, now deceased; and Gertie, the wife of Charles McDonough, of York, who is in the', mercantile business.

Mr. Thompson w5s a'stanch supporter of the democratic party and was well informed on the questions and issues of the day. Fraternally he was a member of the Modern Woodmen and was likewase a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Thompson is also a member of that church and takes an active part in the various affairs of that organization. The life of Mr. Thompson was one of intense activity, intelligently directed, and during his residence in York made many friends.

Lewis S. Loomer

Lewis S. Loomer, who at one time was probably the largest cattle feeder in York county, is now making his home in the city of York, giving his attention largely to the supervision of his investments and business interests. He is connected financially and officially with several important business concerns and at the same time manifests a most helpful interest in many projects which have been of the greatest worth and benefit to the community in which he lives. While success has attended his efforts the attainment of prosperity has never been the sole end and aim of his life. He has ever recognized his duties to his fellowmen and in many ways is contributing to the work which is making the world better. Mr. Loomer was born in Walworth county, Wisconsin, February 32, 18.5.5, a son of Timothy and Almira (King) Loomer, the fonner a native of Nova Scotia, while the latter was born in Vermont. They were married in Wisconsin, having become pioneer residents of that state, and in 1855 they removed to Illinois. The father was extensively engaged in farming in McHenry county of the latter state for a number of years and eventually removed to York county, Nebraska, where he and his wife spent their last days in the home of their son Lewis. They had a family of six children, of whom five are yet living : Melvin, who is a retired jeweler making his home in Waterloo, Iowa; Mrs. Martha Graves, mentioned elsewhere in this work; Timothy, a wealthy property owner of Leadville, Colorado; Lewis S., subject of this review, and Arthur, who is living on a farm in Wisconsin. The parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and lived consistent Christian lives. Mr. Loomer was a republican in his political views and was always helpfully interested in projects for the general good. He was widely recognized as a selfmade man and one who deserved great credit not only for the upbuilding of his own fortunes but for the development of a character which everywhere commanded confidence and respect.

Lewis S. Loomer largely obtained his education at Marengo, Illinois, and started out in the business world as a farmer. In 1877 he arrived in York county, Nebraska, which was still a frontier district, and took up a homestead claim of eighty acres, after which he proceeded to buy more land, adding to his holdings from time to time until he now has two thousand acres. He had no assistance at the outset of his career and his notable success is the direct outcome of his industry, perseverance and good business judgment. For years he drove oxen in developing his farm property and for seven years lived in a sod house. As time passed on all this condition changed as the result of his industry and unfaltering enterprise, and he became one of the most prosperous residents of this section of the state. He turned his attention to the feeding of cattle while on the farm and was probably the largest stock feeder in York county. His property holdings still return to him a most substantial annual income. In November, 1909, he removed to York, where he purchased a new and attractive home, and while residing in the city, gives his attention to the operation and direction of his business affairs. He has been closely associated with many business enterprises which have proven of great benefit to the city and county. He put an investment of six thousand dollars in the McCloud Hotel and purchased stock to the extent of ten thousand dollars in the York mill in 1919. He is now the vice president of the York Milling Company and has ten thousand dollars' worth of stock in the York brickyard, of which he is the vice president. He is also a director of the First National Bank of York and of the First National Bank of Bradshaw and is likewise a director of the Farmers' State Bank of Polk, Nebraska.

On the 3d of January, 1877, Mr. Loomer was married to Miss Mary W. Wild, who was born in Union, Illinois, and reared in Marengo, Illinois, and they have become parents of six children, of whom three are living: Earl, a resident farmer of Wolbach, Greeley county, Nebraska; Ruth, the wife of Roy N. Gilbert, of Nampa, Idaho, and the mother of two sons, Edward and George; and Ruby, twin sister of Ruth, who is at home. The daughters are graduates of York College and of Doane College and both were teachers for two years.

Mr. Loomer holds membership in the Congregational church and he is also connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In politics he is a republican but has never been an office seeker, preferring to discharge his public duties in other connections. He has been most liberal with his means, giving to York College fifteen hundred dollars in 1918 and five thousand dollars in 1919. He also gave to York Hospital fifteen hundred dollars and has been most liberal in his support of the Young Men's Christian Association and other public institutions. As he has prospered his benefactions have increased and he is constantly extending aid where he believes the best results can be achieved. When he arrived in York county his cash capital was but fifty-five dollars. Today he is one of the wealthiest men of this section of the state and is now enjoying life with all of its comforts and many of its luxuries. Tlie most envious cannot grudge him his success, so honorably has it been won and so worthily used. He has recognized and embraced opportunities that others have passed heedlessly by and his sound Judgment and diligence have been the basic elements in the attainment of his splendid success.

Dennis Meehan

Among the prominent citizens of York is Dennis Meehan who has been engaged in the shoe business in that place for a period of thirty-two years. He was born in Morris, Illinois, on the 6th of August, 1863, a son of Dennis and Mary (O'Connor) Meehan, both of Irish birth. The father was born in County Leitrim, Ireland, in 1812 and the mother in 1813. Mr. and Mrs. Meehan were married in Ireland but later came to the United States, arriving in Chicago in 1859. On first coming to this country the father worked as a contractor and builder and by liis own labor and diligence became financially so successful that he was soon able to purchase some land. This land was on what is now Blue Island avenue in Chicago. Cultivating and improving the land he grew fine grain and hay which he sold, thereby adding to his finances and in 1861 removed with his family to Morris, Illinois, where he soon after retired. Mr. and Mrs. Meehan were consistent members of the Catholic church and he was a stanch supporter of the democratic party. Eleven children were born to this union of whom the subject of this review, Dennis Meehan, was the youngest. Four are living, namely: Mrs. Frances Boyle, who is a widow and resides in Grand Island ; P. W., a coal dealer in Galesburg ; Mrs. Maria Whalen, a widow residing in Wichita, Kansas; and Dennis, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Meehan's death occurred in 1874: and his wife died in 1875. In their passing the community lost two of its most progressive and prominent citizens.

Dennis Meehan received his education in the schools of Braidwood, Illinois, and after putting his textbooks aside he worked in the coal mines, later serving an apprenticeship to the shoemaker's trade and worked in general merchandise stores. For a number of years he worked at this trade in Illinois and in 1888 removed to York. When he arrived here his chief asset was a thorough knowledge of the shoe business. He immediately entered into the shoe business on his own account and has since continued. Beginning with but a small stock he has steadily increased his trade until he now has one of the largest stores of the kind in Nebraska and also owns the building. Aside from his shoe business he is well known in financial circles, being a director in the First National Bank and he also owns considerable land in York county. His two farms are among the best improved and most highly cultivated in the county.

In 1890 occurred the marriage of Mr. Meehan and Miss Mary E. Gallagher, a native of Canton, Illinois, and to them four children have been born, namely : Peter A.; Rose G. ; Dennis, Jr., who is in business with his father; and Mary A. The oldest son, Peter A., entered the service of the United States in the World war in 1917, serving with Motor Truck Company, No. 414. He sailed for France on the 26th of May, 1918, remaining there until June 27, 1919, when he returned to this country, secured his discharge and came back to York. He ttarticiitated in all the engagements from the Champagne-Marne to the Argonne. inclusive, having been moved to the front nine days after they landed. He has an interest in his father's business and spends all of his time in that connection.

The Meehan family are all members of the Catholic church and Mr. Meehan is a Knight of Columbus and an Elk. In politics he has always given his allegiance to the democratic party. He has always been active in the development and improvement of the community and for three years was president of the Commercial Club and a member of the Rotary Clul). Mr. ]\Ieehan owns a beautiful home in York where hospitality abounds and here he and his family reside - highly respected, progressive and representative citizens.

William A. Johxsox

William A. Johnson, who is engaged in farming, was born in Lee county, Illinois, August 29, 1868, a son of C. B. and Hulda (Holdren) Johnson, botli natives of Pennsylvania. The father, who started farming in Pennsylvania and remained in that line for several years, removed to Illinois in 1863 and settled on a tract of prairie land which he proceeded to get into a state of cultivation and on which he carried on general farming for about seven years. In 1879 he came to York county, when this part of the state was assuming definite shape, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of laud in Morton township. He worked his place and ultimately brought it to a good condition of improvement, raising fine crops which were disposed of in neighboring markets at remunerative prices. Mr. Johnson added to his land holdings and finally became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres, which at the time of his death were in a state of excellent improvement. All his success was attributable to his own unaided etforts. He learned how best to conserve time and 'effort and to make each movement tell in the accomplishment of his purpose. His work on the farm was done in a methodical manner and with the view to securing maximum results, and it is to his systematic habits a large part of his success may be traced. He died in 1916 in his seventy-second year. His wife predeceased him, passing away in 1901 at the age of fifty-seven years. They were the parents of three children : J. M., living in Benedict ; Ida, now deceased, was the wife of C. H. Read ; and William A., the subject of this sketch. He was affiliated with the Elks and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and gave his political support to the republican party, of whose principles and policies he had always been a consistent adherent. .

William A. Johnson was eleven years old when his parents came to York county from Illinois and he was educated in the public .schools of the county. For several years he assisted his father in the operations of the home farm and thus acquired a sound working knowledge of agricultural afl^airs wliich proved valuable in his later career. When he had reached his twenty-.second year he started farming on his own account and in the intervening years he has worked diligently and has gained a place among the substantial farmers of the county, his general farming operations, stock raising and feeding for the market being reckoned among the best in the district. Evidences of his personal supervision and attention to business are available in the results which lie has achieved, and his career has been notablY success- fill, owing to the steady application and persistent effort which he brought to bear on the details of agricultural affairs. He has a substantial and well built home and he and his family are very pleasantly and comfortably situated.

In 1891 Mr. Johnson was joined in wedlock to Esther Large, a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Jonathan E. Large. The union has resulted in the birth of twins, both daughters: Jennie, who became the wife of Lawrence Sidwell; and Addie, wife of Irving Hardin, a farmer of York county. The mother of these children died in 1902, and Mr. Johnson married his present wife in 190-1. Her maiden name was Clara Osborne, and she was born in Illinois. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Elks order, in the work of which he is iflueh interested. His political allegiance is given to the republican party but he has never sought nor desired office. His industry and perseverance are among his salient characteristics and upon these qualities he has builded his success.

Johx W. Pittman

John W. Pittman, superintendent of the Odd Fellows Home at York was born in Harrison county, Indiana, July 9, 1873, a son of E. J. and Anna (McBride) Pittman. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pittman were born in Harrison county and were married there. For a number of years Mr. Pittman engaged in farming in Indiana but in 1873 removed to Cass county, Nebraska, where he bought a claim on which he resided until 1897. In that year he removed to York and for some time engaged in the handling of horses, being a great lover of them. He is now practically retired but is serving as street commissioner of York, these duties taking up the time which would otherwise hang so heavily after a life of great activity. Mr. Pittman is now seventy-four years of age and his wife is seventy-two. They are consistent members of the Presbyterian church and he gives his allegiance to the republican party. Fraternally they are members of the order of Ben Hur. During the Civil war the father served in the home guard. To this union two children were born; Walter, a farmer in Y'ork county, Nebraska; and John W., the subject of this review. The paternal grandfather of John W. Pittman, David Pittman, was a native of Pennsylvania but later became a pioneer of Harrison county, Indiana, and of Cass county, Nebraska, in which latter place he died. The maternal grandfather was George McBride an early pioneer of Indiana and Cass county, his death occurring at the home of his daughter in Lincoln.

In the acquirement of an education John W. Pittman attended the public schools of Nebraska City and later took a course in a business college in Lincoln. His first experience in the business world was in connection with the hardware, undertaking, and furniture business at Union where he remained for three years. Giving up this work he entered into the employ of the Farmers Bank at Nebraska City as assistant bookkeeper and served in that capacity for a period of one and one-half years. At the expiration of this time he went to Omaha and accepted a position with the firm of Eector & Wilhelm, wholesale grocers. In 189-1 he resigned this position and for two years after his marriage, which occurred in this year, he engaged in farming in Cass county. In 1879 he came to York where he resided on rented land until he accepted the superintendency of the State I. 0. 0. F.

Home in 1917. The duties connected with this institution are manifold and take his entire time. There are fifty-five children in the home and twelve old people. The institution has recently acquired a farm consisting of one hundred and sixty acres.

In 1894 Mr. Pittman was united in marriage to Miss Rose A. Smith who was born in Johnson county, Nebraska, and to them two daughters have been born : Winona, who is the wife of C. A. Hansen, an express agent at Seward ; and Pansy, who is the wife of Irvin Fickes connected with the street railway in Lincoln. Mrs. Pittman is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and prominent in the activities of that organization.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Pittman the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party and is well informed on all the 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 and is past grand patriarch of the state. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen.

Carsten Staehr

A life of intense and well directed activity, together with persistent, earnest labor, brought to Carsten Staehr, now deceased, a position among the successful pioneer farmers of York county.

Carsten Staehr was a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in that country on the 28th of December, 1836. He was reared and educated in the city of his nativity and on putting his textbooks aside engaged in farming. In 1862 he was married and ten years later removed with his family to America, coming to Nebraska and settling in York county. He acquired a homestead of eighty acres on section 4, of what is now Beaver township and their first home on that land was a dugout and later a sod house. In 1883 he built a frame house and it is still standing. He endured all the pioneer hardships and the destruction wrought by the grasshojjpers, each obstacle in his path only seeming to spur him on to greater effort. He took his grain to Milford to the mill, using ox teams for transportation for the first few years. On arriving in York county Mr. Staehr had less than two hundred dollars but he soon became financially independent as the result of hard work and good management. When he came to this country he could not speak a word of English and much of his spare time was devoted to stud}-. Previous to his death he was in possession of several hundred acres of the finest land in the county and he helped each of his sons buy farms, one son Fred now residing on the old homestead. The death of Mr. Staehr, which occurred on the home farm in 1917, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. Mrs. Staehr had died some years before, her health having been poor for over twenty years.

In 1862 Mr. Staehr was united in marriage to Miss Margaretta Hopkins, a native of Oldenburg, Germany, born tiiere on the 4th of June, 1838. Nine children were born to this uniou, six of whom are living, namely: William, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work ; Carsten, who is married and lives in North Dakota; Lillie, who is the wife of Henry Naber, a farmer in York county; and HeniT, Charles and Fred, all residents of York countv, and of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. One son, John, died about eight years ago and another son and a daughter passed away in early childhood.

The success which Mr. Staeger won came to him as the reward of persistent, earnest labor, and his life illustrates what can be accomplished through individual eifort combined with persistency of purpose.

Clement E. Merchant

A pioneer farmer of York county was Clement E. Merchant who is now living retired in York, enjoying the success which comes after a life of diligence and industry. Like many other prominent men of the county he is a native of another state, born in Pottawattamie county, Iowa, April 16, 1850. His parents were Lucius and Hortensia (Patrick) Merchant, both natives of Massachusetts, the father's birth having occurred in 1817. In 1842 the father removed to Hancock county, Illinois, and in 1851 took up his residence in Harrison county, Iowa. His death occurred there in 1895. He was married on the loth of April, 1844, to Hortensia Patrick and they became the parents of seven children, five sons and two daughters, namely: Amasa, a retired farmer residing in Iowa; Clement E., the subject of this review; Mary, the wife of J. B. Hardy, a merchant residing in Logan, Iowa; Joseph, who is engaged in farming in Iowa; and Charles, a farmer at Oneta. The other two children are deceased.

Clement E. Merchant spent his boyhood days on a farm in Iowa and there he acquired a fair common school education. On becoming of age he engaged in farming in his native county where he was very successful. In 1873 he removed to York county and the following year located on a claim in section 18, Arborville township. Mr. Merchant was married in 1871 but did not bring his wife on this trip. The journey was made overland in a covered wagon drawn by horses, in which he carried all of his household goods. When he arrived in York county he had but five dollars but soon received an additional seventy-five from some wheat he had left in Iowa to be sold. The first home on this land was a little frame house twelve by fourteen feet which he built and piled sod around it. He added a sod lean-to. Mrs. Merchant made the trip by train and her husband met her at Columbus, a distance of fifty miles. This country was then in a most primitive state and had but few accommodations. It was necessary that Mr. Merchant remain at the hotel in Columbus over night and funds were secured for this purpose by pawning his revolver. On this trip as night came on he lost his way. Wolves were plentiful in those days and their howls were the only noise breaking the great silence. It was with some difficulty that Mr. Merchant found his way to Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Merchant made their home on this farm for a number of years during which time they so improved and cultivated it that it soon became one of the finest and most progressive faruLS in the community. Becoming quite wellto-do as the result of his agricultural pursuits Mr. Merchant invested in more land and today is in possession of three hundred and twenty acres, well improved. In 1908 he decided to retire from active life and removed to York where he purchased three lots and built a fine home at 1306 Burlington avenue. He is still

In ISTl Mr. ^[erehant was united in niiirriago to ^liss Kate Alter, a native of Germany and a daughter of John and Martha (Geltz) Alter. Her parents came to this country from Germany in 1.S52, iirst settling in Pennsylvania. In 1869 they removed to Iowa and were prominent citizens of the communities in which they resided. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Merchant, namely: Frank, who is residing on his father's farm in York county; Alice, who is the wife of J. B. Kingston, a farmer of York county. Eollie C., who is residing on his fathers farm; and Agnes, the wife of Walter Ely who is manager of the farmers" elevator at Stockham.

As the result of a strong determination and laudable ambition Mr. ilerchant has crowned bis life with successful achievement. He can look back over a long and useful career and a life well spent and he is widely recognized as a representative citizen of York.

In the passing of John B. Allen, a retired pioneer farmer, York county suffered a severe loss. For a number of years Mr. Allen had made his home in York and was widely recognized as one of the town's progressive and representative citizens.

John B. Allen was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, March 15, 1838, and died on the 14th of March, 1911, at the age of seventy-three years. He was a son of James and Margaret (Phillips) Allen. The father, who was the oldest of a family of seven sons and three daughters, came to Indiana with his father when but five years of age. After liis marriage he removed to Iowa and there his death occurred in 1884. The mother passed away in 1869. Eight children were born to this union, of whom John B., the subject of this review, was the fifth in order of birth.

John B. Allen received his education in the schools of Indiana and Iowa, his parents having removed to the latter state when he was but fourteen years of age. After putting his textbooks aside he engaged in farming and remained in Iowa until 1871 when he came to Nebraska. He acquired a homestead in Leroy township. York county, and also purchased some railroad land. At the time of his death he was in possession of over one-half section of land. In the spring of 1872 Mr. Allen brought his family to the homestead, the trip being made in covered wagons wherein the family resided until a sod house was built. The land was in a wild, uncultivated state and Mr. Allen immediately set about to make it productive. He was very successful in this venture and after a period of two years erected a small frame house and later a fine residence on the farm. It was not long after Mr. Allen came to York county that he was widely recognized as an extensive farmer and stock raiser. In 1898 he determined to retire from active life and removed with his family to York, where he built a large modern home at 723 East Fourth street. For thirteen years Mr. Allen resided here, enjoying the fruits of a well spent life. ^Irs. Allen makes her home here, financially independent, for her

The New York

In 1862, in Kansas occurred the marriage of Mr. Allen to Miss Helen M. Howard, a daughter of Dr. Hiram and Isabelle (O'Harre) Howard. The father was a native of College Hill, Ohio, while the mother was born in Cincinnati. He received his medical education in Cincinnati where he practiced for some time before removing to Kansas in 1857. He also practiced at Cedar Grove for a while. On removing to Kansas he acquired a homestead and resumed his profession, practicing in the country around Topeka. He was a physician of much ability and stood high among the men of his profession in which he continued until his death in 1900. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Howard, five of whom are living. Mrs. Allen was the oldest member of the family. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Allen twelve children have been born, ten of whom are living, namely : Edward, who is a real estate dealer in San Diego, California; Laura, who is the wife of Julius Drake, a retired farmer residing in Kearney ; Arthur, who is engaged in farming in York county; Ida, who is the wife of Winsel Smith, living retired at Curtis : Estella, who is the widow of Clay Love, and resides in York ; Albert, who is engaged in the automobile business in York; Ernest, who graduated from the State University arid is now an attorney in Chicago; Clark, who travels for a drug company and makes his residence in Norfolk ; Roy, who is Chicago manager for the Ruben Manufacturing Company of Chicago; and Goldie, the wife of Claude Hudson who is engaged in the painting and paper-hanging business. Mr. and Mrs. Hudson make theix home with Mrs. Allen. Two daughters, Ethel and Clara Kimball, are deceased.

Mr. Allen voted with the democratic party which found in liim a stalwart advocate and he was always well informed on the important questions and issues of the day. Mr. and Mrs. Allen were both consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and she is still prominent in the affairs of that organization.

Daniel Graves, who is an extensive farmer residing on section 11, Arborville township, York county, is a representative of one of the old families of the county. From an early period in the development of this section of the state the family has taken an active part in the work of general progress and improvement. Further reference to the family will be found in the sketch of Daniel Graves, father of our subject, which appears elsewhere in this work.

Daniel Graves was born July 26, 1883, on the farm where he now lives. He supplemented his public school education by taking a course in the Nebraska State Agricultural College, emerging from that institution fully equipped for the responsibilities which later devolved upon him. When his father had the misfortune to suffer a stroke of paralysis which unfitted him for further active work, Mr. Graves was equal to the task of taking charge of the home farm and applied himself with vigor to the superintendence of the place, his success being assured from the beginning. He has two hundred and eighty acres of land under his supervision and gives personal attention to the general farming and stock raising for which his father had already established an exeellent reputation. In addition to the cultivation of crops he is widely known as a In-eeder of Belgian horses and also breeds mules, Shorthorn cattle, and Poland China hogs, the latter being of registered grade. His present financial condition clearly indicates the progress he has made for actuated by laudahle ambition he has worked his way steadily upward to a position among the most substantial agriculturists in the county.

In 1905 Mr. Graves was united in marriage to Miss Alice Henderson and they take an active and earnest part in the social and cultural movements of the community in which they reside and where they have hosts of friends. His attitude in politics is that of an independent voter.

Charles Wagoxer

For a iieriod of four years Charles Wagoner, for many years one of York county's most progressive and successful farmers, has lived retired in York. He was born in La Salle county. Illinois, in 1S63, a son of Christian and Ellen (Brock) Wagoner, the former a native of Pennsylvania. The mother was also born in the east. Their marriage occurre<:l in Illinois where they both came in their early life, the father walking from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Ottawa, Illinois, carrying his clothes wTapped in a package. He had learned the tanner's trade in the east and on coming to Ottawa was employed in a large tannery for a number of years. Soon after his marriage he engaged in farming, however, and there spent the rest of his life. The land on which he resided for so many years he purchased from the government for the price of one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. At the time of his death he had four hundred acres of finely improved land. Six children were born to Mr. and j\Irs. Wagoner,, of whom five grew to maturity. Charles Wagoner, the subject of this review, is the only one now living. The death of Mr. Wagoner occurred when Charles was but fourteen years of age and the mother died in 10i)0 at the age of sixty-seven. Throughout his entire life the father was a stanch supporter of the republican party and held the position of school treasurer for a period of twenty years. The maternal grandfather, Solomon Brock, was the first settler in La Salle county, Illinois. He made the trip to this county from the east in a covered wagon.