York County, Nebraska - Biographical sketches, 1921 (part 1 of 13)

Biographical sketches

Business enterprise and business integrity liave both found in Charles A. McCloud an exponent. His -record indicates that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously, for through individual effort he has worked his way steadily upward, following at all times constructive methods, his path never being strewn with the wreck of other men's failures. He is today prominently known as a banker and capitalist of York. He was born at Moravia, Iowa, in 1860, a son of William and Ann (Sears) McCloud, the former a native of West Virginia, while the latter was born in Ohio. The father was a son of James R. McCloud, whose birth occurred in Virginia and who removed to Iowa about 1866. He devoted his entire life to the occupation of farming and passed away in Iowa, respected and honored by all who knew him. His son William E. McCloud became one of the pioneer residents of Iowa, where he took up his abode in 1856. He, too, became a farmer and stock raiser and dealer. In 1877 he removed to York, Nebraska, and purchased railroad land, remaining on the farm for a number of years. In 1897, however, he retired from active business and established his home in the city of York. His life was ever an honorable and upright one. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity, was a member of York Lodge, No. 56, A. F. & A. M., including Solomon chapter, No. 33, and Joppa commandery. No. 17. In early life he gave his political support to the democratic party Init afterward became a stanch advocate of republican principles, and held a number of town offices, the duties of which he discharged with prom])tncss and fidelity. While he was in limited financial circumstances at the time of his removal to Nebraska, he won a substantial measure of prosperity as the years pas.sed on and was thus able to leave his family financially comfortaljle. It was in Iowa that he wedded Ann Sears, a daughter of Presley W. Sears, who was born in Virginia but removed to Iowa in 1854, becoming one of the early residents of that state. The death of Mr. McCloud occurred June 11, 1902, while his wife passed away December 11, 1912. They were the ])arents of ten children who are all living: Charles A., of this review; Mary the wife of Archibald G. Evans, who has been state agent for a fire insurance company for forty years and makes his home at Lincoln, Nebraska : Harriett, the wife of Daniel Hardesty, who resides on a small farm near York ; Mrs. Rosa Cook, living in Denver; William E., who is casliier of the First State Savings Bank of York; Carrie, living in Lincoln; Frank, who is assistant manager for Swift & Company at Seattle, Washington; Jessie, the wife of John B. Winfield, a farmer of York county; Anna May, the wife of W. E. Losee, who is engaged in the lumber business in Salt Lake City; and J. R., who is cashier of the First National Bank of York. Mr. McCloud of this review l)egan his education in the public schools of Iowa and afterward attended the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant, leaving college in his senior year. He came to York in 1877, and although he was then a young man of but seventeen years, he had already taught school in Iowa. After his Vol. 11 - 16 843 parents moved to Nebraska he worked his way through college. His first business activity in York county was that of clerk in a hardware store, and he was also employed in a lumber-yard and in connection with a grain and implement business at Waco. In 1881 he wag appointed to the othce of deputy county treasurer and filled the position until 1885 in a most creditable manner. He then entered the Citizens State Bank in 1886 and was connected with that institution for a little more than a year, after which he purchased right of way for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company, this task engaging his attention in 1887 and 1888. He next established a real estate agency at York and continued in the business until 1905, or for a period of seventeen years. During that time he also served as county commissioner for five years and was traveling auditor for the state of Nebraska for four years.

In 1905 Mr. McCloud organized the Farmers National Bank of York and was its president until it was consolidated with the First National Bank, of which he became president. He has been active in shaping the policy and directing the interests of that institution and has ever recognized the fact that the bank is most worthy of credit that most carefully safeguards the interests of its depositors. His business methods have ever been such as would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. While active in the development of interests that have been of importance to the city and state in its material development as well as a source of individual profit, he has also remained active in public affairs and from 1900 until 1904 was mayor of York. Moreover, he has the distinction of being the only man to the present time who has ever been reelected to the position, and both times he had no opposition. There is no fact which could more clearly indicate his personal popularity nor the confidence reposed in him. He is now concentrating his efforts and attention upon his banking business. The First National Bank has a capital stock, surplus and undivided profits amounting to thi-ee hundred and eighty-five thousand dollars and the First Trust Company, a subsidiary organization, has a capital and surplus of seventy thousand dollars, while the First State Savings Bank is capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars. Mr. McCloud is president of all three institutions and also has interests in six other banks in York county, being president of five of the number, including the First National of Brawshaw, the Bank of Thayer, the Farmers & Traders Bank of Waco, the Blue Eiver Bank at McCool Junction and the Bank of Lushton. He is a director of the City National Bank of Lincoln, Nebraska, and is one of the stockholders of the First National Bank of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. He is also the vice president of the Mutual Building & Loan Association and has served in this official connection for thirty years. He is likewise the president of the Elks Building Company and of the York Hotel Company, and thus with many of the chief business concerns of city and county he has been closely associated, so that he justly deserves to be numbered among the promoters and builders of the state. He was one of the organizers of the York Brick & Tile Company and assisted in the organization and development of every community building that has been erected in York. In addition to his other interests and investments Mr. McCloud owns several business properties of York. His realty holdings are quite extensive in several other counties in Nebraska.

On the 28th of November, 1883, Mr. McCloud was married to Miss Flora Bownum, a granddaughter of Presley Saunders, wlio laid mit the town of Mount

Pleasant, Iowa. She was a daughter of John C. and Eliza Bowman, who followed their daughter to York and continued to make it their home until their death. To Mr. and Mrs. MeCloud has been born a daughter, Elsie, now the wife of William T. Conley, a banker of Columbia, Missouri.

Mrs. McCloud is a member of the Congregational church and takes a most active interest in church and charitable work. She assisted in organizing and sustaining the library of York many years before it became a public library and has been its only president. She is also well known in club circles and is constantly aiding in the promotion of all interests which have to do with civic welfare, with intellectual advancement and moral progress.

Mr. McCloud is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in wliich he has taken the degrees of York and Scottish Eites and also of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and was for five years exalted ruler of the last named. He was also chairman of the building committee and raised the money to build the Elks home in York. In politics he has ever been an active and earnest republican and has served as a delegate to county, state and national conventions, being at the present writing chairman of the republican state central committee, which in the year 1920 placed Nebraska in the republican ranks and aided in promoting the overwhelming majority accorded Warren G. Harding as president. He is also the president of the park board of York and was largely instrumental in promoting the park and sewerage systems of the city. He has been a director of the Commercial Club since its organization and belongs to the Country Club and is one of its directors and treasurer of the York Eotary Club. He was president of the Nebraska Association of Elks for two years and was grand district deputy under Brother John P. Sullivan of New Orleans. He was also chairman of the committee that secured the establishment of the Odd Fellows home in York and also the Custodial Home and the Lutheran Hdspital. He was a member of the State Council of Defense during the World war and was cliairman of the tenth district for all the five bond drives, serving entirely without financial recompense. He is president of the Board of Trustees of York College, one of the leading educational institutions of the middle west. He has ever recognized the duties and obligations as well as the privileges and opportunities of citizenship. Throughout his life he has labored for the public good in many ways and has ever held to liigh standards. Men who know Charles A. McCloud - and he has a wide acquaintance - speak of him in terms of the highest regard ; and the things he has accomplished and the methods he has followed entitle him to rank with Nebraska's leading citizens.

John B. Dey

There are not many men living in York county whose careers have been varied by so many interesting experiences as have fallen to the lot of John B. Dey, now a resident of Bradshaw, who in his time has been successively a Federal soldier, a farmer, a newspaper editor and printer, and has filled public office at different periods. He was born in Shelby county, Ohio, October 14, 184.5, a son of

Lewis and Polly M. (Taleiitine) De\', the former a farmer aud blacksmith during his active life. The family moved to Washington, Iowa, the father being accompanied on the trip liy three brothers and a brother-in-law, aud the party commenced an effort to secure a tract of land by making periodical payments of twenty-five cents an acre. Lewis Dey resumed working at his trade as a blacksmith and also worked a farm and the family continued to reside in Washington until 1859, when they moved to Wayne county, Iowa, the county being then in a wild state and but sparsely settled. A log cabin was erected in which the family lived for some time until they were able to replace it by a more substantial and commodious house. Numerous bands of Indians on luinting trips passed the Dey holding in those days, but they never molested or interfered with the settlers. Game was plentiful for the family larder and included wild turkey, deer and wild prairie chickens, the latter being found iu huge flocks.

John B. Dey received his early education in a subscription log schoolhouse, for the floors and seats of which he si)lit the logs. The school was located on a corner of his grandmother's farm and the school term was for three months of the winter season, his time during the fine weather being occupied in the work of the farm. There was little to vary the monotony of the daily existence at that period. When the Civil war was in its second year he decided to try the life of a soldier and in December, 1862, enlisted in Company F, Eighth Iowa Cavalry, but was not mustered into the service until June, 1863. He was sent into Kentucky and then to Xashville, Tennessee, and immediately began to see active service iu the engagement at Red Clay Station and at Resaca, Marietta and Kenesaw Mountain. He was seriously wounded in the latter battle and was sent to the field hospital, where he was detained from the middle of July until September. After he left the hospital he rejoined his regiment at Franklin, Tennessee, and was in the battles of Franklin and Xashville, later being in Wilson's raid through Alabama, Mississippi aud Georgia. He saw service with General Sherman during one of his campaigns and served in the command led by General Thomas. His lirigade was noted as being one of the few to fight in the last engagement of the war. He was iu the cavalry nearly all of his term of his service in the war and when getting about the country had to ford aud swim rivers and take other risks incident to war. He was honorably discharged in September, 186.5, at Clinton, Iowa.

At the close of his military service Mr. Dey returned to Wayne county, Iowa, and there lived for a brief period, later going to Lucas in the same state. In 1870 he moved to Taylor county, Iowa, and in the fall of that year came to Stewart, Xebraska, and took a homestead of one hundred aud sixty acres of land on which he erected a sod house containing two rooms and remained on that place until 1878. In the latter year he went to Polk county and there took up carpenter w^ork and continued to reside in that county until 1890. At David City where he next sojourned he became associated with the Tribune newspaper, of which lie was editor and when that connection ceased he weut to Y'ork and conducted a job printing business, remaining in that line until 1896. Mr. Dey then settled in Bradshaw and started the Bradshaw Republican which he conducted up to 1911, in which year he sold the paper and retired from active business life. His business affairs were wisely and carefully controlled, his investments most judiciously made and his enterprise brought him a substantial measure of success.

lu 1866 Mr. Dey was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Hall ami to that union eight children were born : Laura and Flora, twins, the latter of whom is deceased ; Viola, deceased ; Adeline ; Lillian ; Alta ; Iva, deceased ; and Pearl. After nearly fifty years of married life Mrs. Dey passed away on June 31, 1916, leaving a void in the family circle and among numbers of friends that will endiire for many years. Mr. Dey cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln and ever since has been a stanch supporter of the republican party. He has filled the office of justice of the peace and served as assistant postmaster of Stromsburg for a time. He was elected to the state legislature on the party ticket and while serving in that representative capacity gave general satisfaction, placing the public welfare before any other consideration. He is a member of Post 32, Grand Army of the Republic, at York, and has been actively connected with that patriotic organization since it was established in the state. From time to time in past years he acted as an organizer and helped to form posts at different points throughout the state. He is affiliated with the Masonic order at Bradshaw and has memliership in the order since 1884. Mr. Dey is now in his seventy-si.xth year and in the enjoyment of good health. His life has been a busy and useful one and by unfaltering industry and determination he advanced steadily on the highroad to success. Bradshaw numbers him among her foremost citizens and accords him a high measure of respect and good will.

Judge Harry G. Hopkixs

Xo higher testimonial of faithful and aiile judicial service could lie given than in the fact that Harry G. Hopkins has three times been elected county judge. Born in Lucas county, Iowa, on the 16th of August, 1867, he is a son of George W. and Laura (White) Hopkins, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Indiana. They were married in Lucas county, Iowa, to which place Mr. Hopkins removed in 1853. He was a farmer and stock raiser, devoting his life to agricultural pursuits and passing away in Iowa in 188.5. In politics he was a republican and was sheriff of Lucas county during the Civil war. He took a keen interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare and at the same time so carefully managed his business affairs that he won substantial success and gained the proud American title of a self-made man. To him and his wife were born nine children, of whom four are yet living; Mary, now the widow of J. B. Enslow of Chariton, Iowa; Louina, the wife of E. B. Crownover, who is living retired in Lincoln, Nebraska; Nettie, tlie widow of F. H. Reid, and a resident of Perry, Iowa; and Judge Hopkins of this review. The last named was reared on a farm with the usual experiences of the country bred boy who works in the fields throughout the summer seasons and attends the country schools in the winter months, thus laying the foundation for future success in the lessons which he learns in the schoolroom. For a few years he followed farm work in Iowa before removing to York county, Nebraska, in 1887. Here he rented land and in connection with the cultivation of the soil taught school until 1896. He then went to Benedict where he studied law iu addition to teaching until admitted to the bar in 1899. He then opened a law office in Benedict and engaged in practice there until coming to York in 1001.

He at once entered upon tlie active work of the profession in this city and was soon accorded a liberal clientage by reason of the ability which he displayed. In 1914 he was elected to the bench for a two years' term and has twice been reelected since that time, his judicial service reflecting credit and honor upon those who have thus honored him.

On the 17th of January, 1893, Judge Hopkins was married to Miss Ella Myers, who was born in Illinois, January 16, 1870, a daughter of B. F. and Marietta (Crownover) Myers, who are natives of Indiana and Pennsylvania respectively. They came to York county in 1875 and here Mr. Myers homesteaded and still continues a resident of the county, but his wife has passed away.

To Judge and Mrs. Hopkins were born two children : George B., who is engaged in the abstract and insurance business in York and is now with the Fisher Perry Insurance Company. After acquiring a high school education here he studied civil engineering independently and has made a creditable place for himself in the l)usiness circles of tlie city : and Ruth M., the daughter, who is still in school.

Judge Hopkins gives his political support to the republican party and served as county assessor of York county before being elected to the bench. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. His life is at all times actuated by high ideals and his cooperation has ever been counted upon as a factor in the development of those interests which make for upright manhood and honorable citizenship.

F. C. Williams, the present popular mayor of Gresham, to which responsible office he was elected largely because of his military service, is a native of Kentucky, born in Bath county, that state, January 3, 1871, a son of Joseph G. and Nancy (Alley) Williams, also natives of Kentucky, where their last days were spent. During his active life the father was engaged in general farming and stock raising in his native state and in these lines of work he was very successful. To his marriage with Nancy Alley the following children were born: Miller, who died some years ago; Betty, also deceased; F. C, .subject of this sketch; Henrj', a farmer, living in Kentucky; Willie, who lives in Newcastle, Indiana; Ollie, also in Newcastle; and Blanche, living in Kentucky. The parents were earnest members of the Christian church and faithful attendants on its services. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party and was well informed concerning the questions and issues of his day. He died in Kentucky in 1903, being then in his sixty-second year. His widow survived until 1919, when she passed away, having reached sixty-nine years of age.

F. C. Williams was educated in the public schools of Ohio and later spent one year in the Normal College at Lebanon, Ohio, from which he emerged well equipped in all educational essentials. In 1898, at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, he enlisted in Company M, Third Kentucky United States Volunteers and entered the service at Lexington, Kentucky. He was sent to Cuba and there was in active military service for six months, or until the termination of the war.

Following his discharge he re-enlisted in Company B, 31st United States Volunteers and was ordered to the Philippines, where at that time a revolution was raging, and he participated in several skirmishes but escaped without injury. At the close of hostilities he returned to San Francisco and was there discharged in March, 1900. Prior to his military service he had been helping with the work on his father's farm in Kentucky.

It was in 1894 that Mr. Williams first came to York county and worked for a time on a farm owned by an uncle, later returning to Kentucky and subsequently entering the military service. In 1901 he returned to York county and settled in Gresham and assisted in the work of the Moorehouse elevator for four years, his connection there giving liim a keen insight into the grain business. The next two years were spent on a farm, from which he moved to Gresham and entered the confectionery business, the results which he obtained from this line proving satisfactory. A desire for more military life came to him when the great World war was in progress and after America had become a participant in it. Mr. Williams enlisted at Omaha as a member of Company A, 2nd Battalion United States Guards and was sent to Camp Travis, San Antonio, Texas, and was in the service for eleven months, when he was discharged at Camp Funston and returned to Gresham, making the latter his home ever since.

In 1902 Mr. Williams was united in marriage to Gertrude Walford, a native of Seward county, Nebraska, and a daughter of John Walford, of that county, and they have become the parents of one child, Unice, who lives at home. The family are members of the Presbyterian church and endeavor to follow closely the Golden Rule. They are influenced by high principles of conduct and their genuine worth has commended them to the friendship and regard of all with whom they have been associated. Evidence of this feeling was shown when Mr. Williams was elected to fill the office of mayor of Gresham, the duties of which office he has been worthily discharging and he has been untiring in his efforts to make Gresham a bigger and better place in which to live. His political support is always with the republican party, whose policies he consistently advocates. He holds fraternal affiliation with the Masonic order and is a member of the Knights Templars, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Workmen of the World, in all of which he takes a warm interest, as he does in every movement designed to promote the moral and material welfare of the community in which he resides.

Jacob M. Stout

Jacob M. Stout, who departed this life after he had passed his seventieth year, was one of the pioneer farmers of York county, Nebraska. He was born in Butler county, Ohio, the son of John and Elizabeth (Freeman) Stout, the latter a native of Vermont. They resided in Pennsylvania, then in Ohio and still later in Indiana where they passed away. Jacob M. Stout grew to manhood on his father's farm in Indiana and in 1874 came to Nebraska where he settled in Arborville township, York county. He bought eighty acres of unimproved railroad land at five dollars per acre and by saving and careful managing he added one hundred and sixty acres to this farm. He came by railroad to Seward,

His brother-in-law, James H. Tyson, who had acquired a homestead, lived here and his sod house sheltered Mr. Stout until he built his house, a structure made of plank and covered with thin boards like the roof of a box-car, which was his home until later years when he erected the frame house still standing on the farm. The life of the early settler was one of numerous and trying hardships and it required ambition and perseverance to win even a mediocre success. When Mr. Stout first began farming in tliis new locality he met with more than ordinary hardships as this was the time when the grasshopper pestilence was so trying to farmers. However, he overcame all his difficulties accepting each trial that put strength, patience and faith to the test, and emerged victorious with a splendid home, a fine family, substantial wealth and the esteem of all who knew him as a reward for his years of toil.

On March 8, 1855, he was married to Isabelle Jane Primrose, the daughter of Allen Primrose, a native of Scotland, "and Mary (McKain) Primrose, a native of South Carolina. They were early settlers in Indiana where they both passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Stout had four children, all of whom are living: John A. Stout, the oldest, was a boy of seventeen when the family came to York county, and with his sisters Anna and Mary, now owns the old homestead farm of his father. In addition to this he is the owner of four hundred acres of land in Arborville township and a beautiful home which he shares with his sister Anna, as they are l)oth unmarried. Another daughter, Mary, is the wife of A. A. Peterson who resides in Arborville township, and a son, Sanford Kenton, is married and lives in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Stout were members of the Methodist church and in politics Mr. Stout was a republican. He passed away on the farm in Arborville township, York county, in his seventy-first year, leaving to mourn his demise man}' friends and his devoted children.

Eichaed 0. Allex

Among the prominent men of York, Y'ork county, is Eichard O. Allen, clerk of the district court of that couftty. He was born in Casey county, Kentucky, February 2, 1879, a son of William S. and Mary (Miller) Allen, the latter a native of Kentucky. The father was a native of Indiana, having been born in Daviess county, that state, but in early manhood he removed to Kentucky. He was a physician of some note and had secured his medical education in the Indiana Medical College and the Medical College at Lexington, Kentucky. He practiced in Knox and Casey counties, Kentucky, and Cookeville, Tennessee. He began the practice of his profession in Daviess county, Indiana, and later returned there where his death occurred in 1889. His wife and the mother of Eichard 0. Allen is still living and resides in Knox county, Kentucky. They were the parents of five children, namely: Eichard ()., subject of this sketch ; William S., who lives in Knox county, Kentucky, where he is engaged in farming and is a minister of the Christian church; James E., who is engaged in railroading in Chicago: Ciiarbitte. who is the wife of William P>ailcy and live:; in southern Kentucky, and Benjamin, who resides at Piueville, Kentucky, where he engages in farming. The father was a member of the Christian church and a member of the Masons and Odd Fellows, in which fraternal organizations he was very active. In politics he was a stanch republican.

In the acquirement of an education Richard 0. Allen attended the public schools of Kno.x county, Kentucky, and was graduated from the Pineville high schools in 1897. He then took a business course and at Williamsburg made his initial step into the business world. He worked as printer and newspaper man for several years and for three years served in the Spanish-American war and the Philippine insurrection. Just prior to his enlistment he was employed l\y the master commissioner of Clay county, Kentucky.

In 1906 Mr. Allen settled in York, being employed by the different newspapers of York and York county until 1916, when he made the race for clerk of the district court. In 1916 Mr. Allen was elected to the office of clerk of the district court and has served the county since 1917. He was nominated for his second term without opposition from either party and was re-elected in November, 1920, with the highest vote of any man on his party ticket. He has given his entire time to the duties of his office, systematized the work, formulated a new system of financial accounting, revised record forms and written new ones, copied and transferred old inde.x records that went back to 1890 of all cases i^tpTsince that time and which had been in continuous use all these many years;- hej a}so mride a summary of all cases filed and money collected for the past thirty years, and has l)rought the office up to the highest standards of efficiency.

During the World war Mr. Allen, was busf'ffi "^11 activities, made out bonus, compensation and clothing applications for York coiihty's soldiers and sailors who served in the World war and helped them in ever-y -possible way. He has secured a number of pensions for soldiers of other wars.

On the 1st of October, 1904, Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Maud E. Putman, a native of Merrick county, and a daughter of George W. and Rosa Putman. They were pioneers of Nebraska. The father died in November, 1916, at York, a retired farmer, and the mother still resides in York. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are the parents of three children: Richard T., who is fifteen years of age; Aubrey K., ten years of age, and Charlsey F., aged eight years.

Politically Mr. Allen is a republican and fraternally an Odd Fellow and both Mr. and Mrs. Allen are members of the Congregational church. He was adjutant of the Spanish-American War Veterans at York and was active in the state encampments. In 1918 he was department chief of staff and in 1919 held the position of junior vice department commander of Nebraska. In his service to the public Mr. Allen has well demonstrated his ability and efficiency and he is a man and citizen of whom York and York county may well be proud.

Judge George F. Corcoran

George F. Corcoran, judge of the fifth judicial district of Nebraska to which office he was called after three years' service as assistant attorney general, is recognized as one of the distinguished members of the York county bar. He was born in Rockford, Winnebago countj', Illinois, January 13, 1863, a son of Patrick and Julia (Moran) Corcuraii, both of whom were natives of Irehuul, whence they came to the United States in the fifties, and settled in Roekford, Illinois, in March, 1860. The father was a farmer and veterinary surgeon who devoted his entire life to those activities. In the fall of 1878 he removed to York county, settling on a farm, purchasing railroad land, and in connection with its cultivation engaged in the practice of his profession, being one of the pioneers in that field of activity in Nebraska. To him and his wife were born nine children, of whom five are living. Judge Corcoran is the eldest and a sister Mary is the only other member of the family now living in York county, she being employed as proofreader in the office of The News-Times. The father was a democrat in his political views and a Catholic in his religious faith. He sold his farm some time prior to his death, spending his last days in the city of Ycirk.

Judge Corcoran came to this county in February, l.s?!), when a youth of seventeen years and took up his abode on the old homestead on section twentyseven, in what is now Leroy township. He had previously attended the common schools of his native state and a business college in Eockford, Illinois, and one in Omaha, N"ebraska. He assisted his father on the farm and also engaged in teaching a district school. During the busy season he assisted in tlie office of the county treasurer. Soon afterward he became interested in the York Democrat of which he became owner in 188fi, and has since been proprietor of the paper. His initial step toward a professional career was made as court reporter, a position whicli he occupied for twelve years, and during that period entered upon the study of law, carefully pursuing his reading until admitted to the bar in 1894. For a short time he engaged in the practice of law liut has been in state offices altogether for about twenty-nine years, first as court reporter for thirteen years then as assistant attorney general for three years and since 1!)0? as Judge of the district court of the fifth Judicial district which comprises six counties. He was appointed court reporter by District Judge Robert Wheeler, in January, 1892, serving for a four year term and then in 1896 entered upon the private ]>ractice of law, liecoming in the following year an active worker in connection with the first presidential campaign of AVilliam Jennings Bryan. In 1897 he was appointed stenographer to Attorney General C. J. Smyth, and afterwards was made assistant attorney general, a position he resigned in 1900 to become court reporter under Judge B. F. Good, remaining in that position for eight years. He was elected district Judge in 1907 and has remained upon the bench for thirteen years, having thus through the steps of an orderly progression reached the place which he now fills. His decisions bear the stamp of broad knowledge of the law, of clear insight into situations and of the utmost fairness, his rulings being ever characterized by impartiality that is acknowledged by all. Nor have Jiulge Corcoran's activities been confined only to professional lines. He served as a member of the city council of York and was active in the organization of the volunteer fire department, of which he served for many years as chief. Tu fact thrdughnut his years of residence in Nebraska his cooperation could always lie counted upon for the public good along all lines of material, political and moral progress.

In 1886 Judge Corcoran was married to Miss Margaret Neville, who was born in Canada and passed away October 6, 1893, leaving two children: Rose, the wife of Miles Duffy, who is engaged in the produce business at Hordville, Nebraska; and Maraaret, who is a Sister of Mercv at (luialia. kmiwn as Sister ^farv Kevin.

Judge Corcoran was married a second time wlien Miss Christine Walla became his wife. She was born in Saunders county, Nebraska, a daughter of Mathias Walla, one of the pioneer settlers of that county who is of Bohemian birth and served in the Austrian army. Two children have been born of this marriage: Francis Dorothy and Maurice William.

Judge Corcoran and his family are communicants of the Catholic church and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus, having been head officer in the order in Nebraska for several years. He is now master of the fourth degree in the state. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, of which he has lieen exalted ruler, and is now district dejnity. He likewise has membership with the Highlanders and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is secretary of the Old Settler's Association of the county, in which he has been deeply interested for years. He also takes active part in the annual Chautauqua, assisted in building the pavilion in which it is held and has been an earnest supporter thereof from the beginning. In politics he is a democrat but not an active party worker at the present devoting his entire time to his judicial duties.

Frank A. Peterson

Of Swedish descent, Frank A. Peterson, a well known and prosperous farmer owning an excellent holding located on section 35, Bradshaw township, York county, has all the attributes of thrift and industrial energy for which the Swedes are noted, and these qualities he has brought into operation in the handling of his farming affairs. He was born in Henry county, Iowa, October 22, 1875, a son of Nels and Anna (Christenson) Peterson, both natives of Sweden, and wlio on coming to this country first settled in Minnesota where tlie father worked at railroad construction. From Minnesota he removed to Iowa and in that state worked at farm labor and rented land in Henry cnunty, remaining thus engaged for some years. Nels Peterson was married in Iowa and in the early '70s he and his wife came to York county and here he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land which was devoid of all improvements. He built a small frame house and a small sod barn, both of those serving until more substantial structures were erected. About that time the Burlington Railroad was under construction and in the building of that line he assisted, going west as far as possible without inconvenience to his family. Later he broke the sod on his homestead and commenced farming operations, gradually bringing the farm to a condition of excellent improvement, and as time went on he added to his holding and at the date of his death was the owner of a valuable place containing two hundred and eighty acres. His passing away in 1916 at the age of seventy years was regretted by numy friends. His wife predeceased him in ]!)00. They were members of the Swedish Lutheran church and he gave his political support to the republican party. They had three children: Frank A. of this review; Joe, a farmer of York county ; and Emma, the wife of E. L. Gustafson of Omaha. Rightly regarded as a pioneer farmer in the county his work and efforts during the thirtyeight years of residence here were always directed toward the well-being of the community, in the affairs of which he was an important factor.

Frank A. Peterson, when three years old wa? brought In' his parents from Iowa to York county, in the schools of which he secured an education. He rcuiained with his parents on the farm and helped in the agricultural operations, proving a valuable assistant to his father in the work of reclaiming and cultivating the homestead. Under the sound tiiitiou given him he rapidly became a skilled farmer and stockman and is now engaged in general farming and raising cattle, giving special attention to marketing feed cattle and obtaining good prices for his work in this connection. The fact that he gives close personal attention to his farming operations indicates that he manages his affairs in a systematic manner and that he possesses marked business ability. Aside from his farming interests he is a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative Association at Bradshaw, the latter a thriving organization devoted to agricultural expansion.

In 1898 Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Ella C. Sandall, further reference to whom appears elsewhere in this work. To this union three children have been born: Viva, wife of Benson Clithereou of Sterling, Colorado; Genevieve, at home ; and Frank Edmande, also at home. In politics he is a stalwart republican and for three years he served as school moderator at Bradshaw. He and his wife attend the services of the Swedish Lutheran church, in the good works of they are active participants. They enjoy the confidence, goodwill and high regard of numerous friends in the community in which they reside.

Oden S. Gilmore

Among the leading attorneys of Y'ork, Y'ork county, is Oden S. Gilmore who was born on a farm in that county on the 4th of May, 1878, the son of Sebastian and Lura (Randall) Gilmore. The father was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, March 2, 1847, and in 1866 removed to York county where he homesteaded. Previous to his going to Nebraska he had worked on farms in Illinois and came to Nebraska when nineteen years old where he met Miss Randall whom he later married. The homestead which he acquired in Y'ork county he still owns and thereon resides, his wife having died on the 6th of March, 1914. At the time he took up the homestead he had only eighty acres but he now owns four hundred acres all being well improved and consisting of some of the best land in the county. The Blue river runs through it. Eight children were born of this union, three of whom are still living, namely: Oden S., the subject of this review; Robert L., a traveling salesman who resides in Omaha; and Blanche who married Charles Bucy and they make their home with her father. Sebastian Gilmore is a faithful member of the Christian church and a democrat in politics. When he first came to Y''ork county he had practically nothing, but by his perseverance and determination he has succeeded in making himself financially successful. For some time he served as township clerk and treasurer and ho built the first shingled log house west of Lincoln in the state. His father, Elias Gilmore, erected the first frame house in Y''ork county. The house now belongs to Sebastian Gilmore and is still standing. The maternal grandfather of Oden S. Gilmore, Ira Randall, came to Nebraska from Wisconsin about 1873 and engaged in farming. Both grandfathers died in Y^ork county.

Oden S. Gilmore received liis education in the country schools until he reached the eighth grade when he took a two years' course at Cotner University, Bethany, and spent four years in the State University where he was graduated in law in 1911. He practiced for one and one-half years at Edgar and in 1914 was elected county attorney for York county, which position he filled until 1919. Previous to his election as county attorney he had resided on his farm in York county, having sold out his practice in Edgar, and after the expiration of his term of office he opened an office in York and again started into the general practice. He has a large clientele and has been admitted to practice in all courts in the state. During the World war he was very active and served as one of the Four Minute men. He still owns the farm in York county which he has successfully conducted for twenty years.

On the 12th of September, 1912, Mr. Gilmore was united in marriage to Miss Helen C. Conant, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and to them three children have been born: Wilson Conant was born August 5, 1913; Doris Evelyn was born on the 10th of November, 1915, and the last member of the family, Robert Rush was born November 11, 1919.

Mr. Gilmore and his family are members of the Christian church, and fraternally he is a Mason, an Elk, a Knight of Pythias, and a Woodman. In politics he is a stanch supporter of the democratic party and has always taken an active part in all political events. In 1902 he ran for the legislature but was defeated because of tha fact that his district was mostly republican. He is a member of Delta Chi, a college fraternity. Mr. Gilmore has always been among the foremost in any action for the improvement of his community and is a firm believer in education. He taught school for three years, for two years, 1901-02, being principal of the McCool high school. In the conduct of his law practice he has employed only the highest methods and principles and the position which he now occupies in his community is the result of his own industry and efficiency.

William B. Houston

It has been said that the field of opportunity finds its boundaries only in the limitations of the individual, and to the man who believes that there is a chance for every individ-ual and who is willing to take his chance with others there will always come a time when he can take the initial step that will lead on to fortune. This is exemplified in the life story of three members of the Houston family, but is more particularly shown in the case of William B. Houston, with whom this sketch briefly deals. Mr. Houston was born in Buckinghamshire, England, October 1, 1869, a son of J. D., and Mary (Ledington) Houston, the former a native of Scotland, born in 1841 and still living at an advanced age, and the latter a native of England, where she was born in 1837 and passed away in 1920.

J. D. Houston married Mary Ledington in England and sometime later immigrated to America, on arrival going to Wisconsin, thence to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1870. In the latter year he moved to York county and took a homestead which he immediately proceeded to develop and cultivate. His father, Andrew Houston, also acquired a homestead on which he died in 1880, and he may be rightly regarded as one of the pioneers of farming in the part of Y'ork county iu wliich he lived. After settling on the homestead J. D. Houston lived in a sod house for some time and later decided to build. He hauled the lumber from Seward and built a substantial frame house and from that time his circumstances became more comfortable and prosperous. He is now living retired with his son William B. Houston on the old homestead, enjoying that well earned rest to which his energy and industry fully entitle him. He and his wife had seven children, six of whom are living: James, a farmer, living in Y'ork county; William B., subject of this sketch ; Andrew, a farmer, in Washington ; Kate, wife of Eugene Beniis ; Richard, a farmer, living at Wauneta, Xebraska; George, who died at the age of ten years; and John, a merchant and farmer, living at Dietrich, Idaho. J. D. Houston and his wife were members of the Episcopal church, in the good works of which he still takes a deep interest. In political affairs he has given the weight of his support to the republican party. During his active life he achieved considerable success, having started in with very little, having found difficulty in securing enough money to pay his passage from England. He is now in his eighty-second year and considering his advanced age is iu the possession of good health. He has hosts of friends and wellwishers.

William B. Houston was brought by his parents from England when an infant. He grew up in the surroundings of his father's homestead and was educated in the schools of York county and here has ever since been living. He began to earn his own living by working on the farm for his father, his keynote has been indefatigable industry and hard work and he has missed no opportunity that would enable him to conduct his agricultural operations along the best scientific lines and approved methods. He is now the owner of a quarter section of wellimproved land to which he gives his personal attention and in addition to cultivation of crops he also raises a good grade of cattle and hogs.

On October, 1, 1903, Mr. Houston was united in marriage to Jennie Sovereign, a native of Y^ork county and a daughter of Milton Sovereign who homesteaded in this county in an early day and now lives in Montana. Mr. and Mrs. Houston are the parents of five children : Helen, attending high school ; Brighton, in the public school; Margaret, Milton and David John, at home. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the good works of which they are active participants, as they are in all movements calculated to advance the public welfare. Mr. Houston is aiSliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. During his long years of residence in Y'ork county he has become widely and favorably known, his many excellent qualities gaining for him many warm friends.

George M. Spurlock

George M. Spurlock, lawyer, successfully practicing at the bar of York where he is accorded an extensive clientage of a most important character, is a native of Nebraska, his birth having occurred at Plattsmoutli. His parents were Burwell and Isabella S. (Davis) Spurlock, mention of whom is made on other pages of this volume.

county and afterwards spent three years as a student in the Nebraska State University, and in 1892 was graduated from the Law School of DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana. Having thus qualified for the profession he entered upon the practice in Plattsmouth, where he remained until 1905, when he removed to Y^ork. In the meantime he served as county judge of Cass county for two terms and made a most capable official on the bench. He was also twice elected to the state legislature, the last time in 1903, and he gave the most thoughtful and earnest consideration to all the vital questions which came up for settlement, and left the impress of his individuality and ability upon the statutes enacted. He has business interests outside of his profession and is a director in the First National Bank and vice president of the First Trust Company.

In March, 1898, Mr. Spurlock was united in marriage to Miss Mary Virginia Smith, who was born in Saline county. Missouri, and they have two children: Woodson, twenty years of age, who was graduated from the New Mexico Military Institute in 1919, and is now a student in the Nebraska State University; and Burwell, ten years of age.

Mr. Spurlock and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a Mason who has taken degrees in both Y^ork and Scottish Rites. He is likewise a member of the Knights of Pythias. Politically he is a repulilican, who has taken a somewhat active part in politics, recognizing the duties and ol)ligations as well as the privileges and opportunities of citizenship. The cause of education lias found in him a warm friend and for nine years he served as a mendjer of the school l)oard of Y'ork, and is now on the board of trustees of Nebraska Wesleyan University. He has also Ijeen active as an officer in the church and was representative at the general conference for four quadrennial periods. He is serving on the library board and is treasurer of Jlothers" Jewels' Home. He is interested in all those agencies which make for the amelioration- of the hard conditions of the unfortunate, and is a man of kindly sympathies and high ideals. Mrs. Spurlock is a granddaughter of Joseph Huston, late of Marshall, Missouri.

Among Y^ork county's highly respected citizens is numbered Pierce Hardin, a retired farmer, who is now living in Benedict. Moreover, he has lived in this district forty-three years and during that period has become familiar with every phase of its growth and development, in which he largely participated since his arrival in 1878. He was born in Pennsylvania, September 29, 1850, a son of Solomon and Susan (Uhl) Hardin, also natives of the Keystone state, where Solomon Hardin was a farmer and from whence he moved to Illinois in 185-1. On settling in Illinois he continued his farming operations, presently purchasing a tract of prime land on which he engaged in general farming and stock raising, his efforts being rewarded by a commendable measure of success. Death claimed him at the comparatively early age of forty-four years, while his widow passed the alloted span of three-score and ten. Four of their children are still living: Pierce, the subject of this sketch; W. W., a farmer, of Dixon, Illinois; J. T., a banker, of Beatrice, Nebraska, and A. E., in the wholesale fruit and produce business in the state of Washington. Solomon Hardin and his wife were earnest and active members of the Lutheran church, to the upkeep of which they were liberal contributors. He voted an independent ticket, believing that discrimination thus exercised was for the best interests of the community.

Pierce Hardin was reared and educated in the schools of his home district in Illinois and helped his father for some years on the farm. In 1878 he came to York county and after looking about for a while purchased a tract of railroad land and presently set to work to improve and develop it, finally bringing the place to a state of excellent cultivation. On that farm he lived for thirty-two years and his labors wroiight a marked change in its appearance, for he broke the sod, tilled the fields, and in course of time gathered good harvests, at the same time raising a good grade of cattle. Feeling the need for a rest, and having acquired a competence, he retired from active work in 1910 and moved to Benedict, where he is spending the evening of his life secure in the friendship and esteem of many friends and neighbors who appreciate his wortli ami services in making this part of Nebraska a better place in which to live.

In 1875 Mr. Hardin was united in marriage to Christina Troutman, a native of Pennsylvania. They became tlie parents of six children : Avis M., wife of Ed James, a farmer, of York county ; Eussell S., a farmer ; Irving S., living on the home farm; Gertrude, wife of Walter O'Brien, a farmer; Chester, who conducts an undertaking establishment in Omaha ; and Edwin, who is attending the Midland College at Fremont, Nebraska. Mr. Hardin votes an independent ticket in political affairs. For years he was identified with the development of the school districts of the county and served as school director for district 85, his efforts in that connection Ijeing rewarded by practical results, and he has been at all times most loyal to any public trust reposed in him. He and his wife have guided their lives on Christian principles, being always careful to conform their actions to high standards. In a word they have endeavored to follow the Golden Rule, doing unto others as they would have others do unto them.

Commodore N. Beaver

Among the prominent citizens of York is Commodore N. Beaver, a retired farmer and president of the City National Bank. He was born near Lincoln, Illinois, on the 11th of Septemlier, 1862, a son of Michael H. and Sarah (Pence) Beaver, the former born in Ohio, while the latter is a native of Illinois. When Michael Beaver was a young man he removed to Illi-nois and engaged in farming all his life, never moving out of the state. In 1884 he bought some land in York county, unimproved, and at the time of his death owned sixteen hundred acres. He built a house and cultivated this land. In politics he was a stanch member of the democratic party and held several different township offices. He was also a consistent member of the Baptist church. In the development and improvement of his community he always took an active part and his death in 1895 came as a blow to his many friends. Michael H. Beaver, the grandfather of Commodore N. Beaver, was a native of Pennsylvania. He later removed to Ohio, became engaged in farming and died in that state, a well-to-do and highly respected man.

Commodore N. Beaver is one of three children who are still living- out of a family of seven. His brother Wilson is a retired farmer residing in Lincoln, Illinois, and he has another brother, Elmer, a retired farmer living in York, Xebraska. In the acquirement of his education Commodore X. Beaver attended the country schools of Illinois and in due time entered the Lincoln University. After putting his text-books aside he began farming and in 1887 came to York county to take charge of his father's farm. He soon purchased some land on his own account, steadily enlarging it, and engaged in the stock feeding business. In 1904 he removed to York but continued to conduct his farm until 1919, when he became president of the City Xational Bank. His time is now devoted solely to his banking affairs and he rents the eight hundred acres of land which he owns and which is well improved. In addition to his duties as president of the bank he is a director of the Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph Company.

On the 9th of March, 1887, Mr. Beaver was united in nuirriage to Miss Fannie Sparks, who was born near Lincoln, Illinois, the daughter of Samuel Sparks who is a retired farmer residing at that place. Four children have been born of this union: Sarah W., who is the.-^^ifevQfvEu^ene A. Bishop, a teacher in the schools of Logansport, Indiana :. Samuel, -.!.,; e-.iai'mer who resides with his parents in York: and Michael H., third in ofdcT'df 'liirth, died January 2, 1916, aged twenty-six year. The oldest child died in infancy.

The religious faith of the family' is that fdf tjie Presbyterian church and in his political belief Mr. Beaver is a democrat. IJe'lfas always taken an active interest in politics and served as amembCT-^f-thfe-ei-ty jpouncil for two terms. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen and the Maccabees. The interest which he takes in his community is indicated by his membership in the Commercial and Eotary Clubs, serving the former as president, and he is also a member of the Country Club. In every enterprise undertaken Mr. Beaver has proved adequate to all demands nuide upon him and by reason of the mature judgment which characterizes his efforts at all times he stands today as a splendid representative of a prominent banker and retired farmer to whom business is but one phase of life and does not exclude his active participation in and support of the other vital interests which go to make up human existence.

Melvix G. Kooxs

Melvin G. Koons, a grain buyer of extensive experience and one of Thaj'er's foremost business men and representative citizens, was born in Fulton county, Illinois, April 6, 1862, a son of James and Elizabeth (Kost) Koons, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. The father lost his life in the service of his country, having been through the Civil war, serving as a member of the Eighty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. While actively engaged with that regiment he became a victim to fever and passed away at the early age of twentythree years, to the sorrow and regret of his family, friends and comrades in arms.

Deprived of his father Melvin G. Koons was reared by his mother and educated in the country schools of Ipava, Illinois. In making an early choice of an occupa- tiou he decided to start farming and rented land for a time in his native state, thus laying the foundation of his future success and opening the way for larger undertakings in which he presently embarked. It was in 1880, when he was in his .eighteenth year, that Mr. Koons came to York county and purchased eighty acres of excellent land in Thayer, which he operated on general agricultural lines for the next five years. Convinced that a still larger field offered him opportunity he entered the grain business and worked for G. W. Wirt with whom he remained eighteen months, in that period acquiring a sound knowledge of the grain business, especially of the buying and selling end. He next accepted a position with the Van Wickle Grain & Lumber Company, with whom he remained from 1894 until 1915, during five years of that time being a superintendent of terminal at Council Bluffs, Iowa.

In 1916 Mr. Koons returned to Thayer and took over the responsibilities of management for the Farmers Grain Association, and he is still with that company buying all the grain, and also sells coal and flour which the company handles. In 1919 a new elevator was erected under his superintendency with a capacity of thirty thousand bushels and modern in every respect. The company enjoys a large volume of business, its success being due mainly to Mr. Koons' initiative and to the thorough confidence which the public reposes in him. In association with his son, Homer J. Koons, he built an elevator in Houston, Nebraska, in 1919, with a capacity of fifteen thousand bushels, and in this business he and his son are equal partners. He is generally regarded as an expert in judging wheat and keeps in the closest touch with the grain markets and has been very successful in his business affairs.

In 1881 Mr. Koons was united in marriage to Frances Miller, a native of Illinois, the marriage being celebrated in that state. To their union four children were born : Iva, widow of Clyde J. Chambers, of Council Bluffs, Iowa ; Nellie, wife of A. C. Stream, a York county farmer; Homer J., manager of the elevator at Houston, and William, who died at the age of twelve, having met with an accident in the elevator. Mr. Koons holds fraternal affiliation with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and with the Modern Woodmen of America and his wife is a member of the Eastern Star, in botli of which popular organizations they evince a keen interest. He casts his ballot in support of the republican party whose principles accord with his political beliefs. He has never been a seeker after public office, preferring to devote all his time to the large business responsibilities which he has assumed and which are growing continuously. He has met these responsibilities with a fidelity which has placed him in the front rank among the best business men of York countv and the surrounding district.

Charles M. Sandall

Among the honored early settlers of York county was the the late Charles M. Sandall, who settled here in 1871 and throughout the remainder of his life was actively identified with the interests of this section of Nebraska. He was born in Sweden, December 2.3, 184.5, and died November 26, 1917, his passing being the occasion of widespread regret, not alone on account of his long years of residence in the county but for the excellent character which he bore and for his honesty of purpose in all his relations with his neighbors and the pul)lic at large.

Mr. Sandall accompanied his parents from Sweden to the United States in 1858, and the family on arrival went to New Sweden, Iowa, where his father farmed for some time and later removed to Swedenburg in the same state. Before leaving Sweden he had acquired the rudiments of such education as the schools of his native place afforded and during the years of his young manhood he assisted his father in the operations of the farm, thus laying the foundation of the agricultural skill which in later years proved invaluable when he secured a farm of his own. In 1871 he decided to move to Nebraska and settled in York county, where he took over a homestead, in addition to which he also acted as a collector for a pump manufacturing company. When Mr. Sandall came to York county he had reached his twenty-sixth year, and being then in the prime of his young manhood he proceeded vigorously with the development of the homestead, which he later placed under excellent cultivation. Up to the time of his death he was engaged in general farming and stock raising, raising a fine strain of pure blooded shorthorn cattle, for which he found a ready market at paying prices. His first home was a sod house with dirt floor, which in time gave way to a well built and comfortable abode, where he and his family were pleasantly situated.

In 1872 Mr. Sandall was united in marriage to Fredricka Anderson, also a native of Sweden, who came to America in 1868 and lived for a time in Cambridge, Illinois, going later to Iowa. They became the parents of nine children as follows: Clara, who married F. J. Johnson, professor of music at Muskegon, Michigan ; Silas, a farmer living in York county ; Rebecca, at home ; Oscar, engaged at banking in Snyder, Colorado; Esther, who married Rev. D. N. Anderson, now serving as a pastor at Butte, Montana ; Ottillia, deceased, who married C. M. Kull, of Spencer, Nebraska; Ernest, a farmer living in York county; Fred, also a farmer of York county, and Rudolph, at home.

Mr. Sandall was an earnest and consistent member of the Swedish Lutheran church, as are also the members of his family, and in the work of the church they take a most active and helpful part. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party and served as a director on the local school board for many years and also as road overseer. His interest in education was of a deep and practical character, believing that in the school were laid the foundations for future usefulness. Mr. Sandall was a man whom to know was to esteem and honor, for his life was ever upright and he was a worthy representative of high standards of manhood and citizenship.

August Sackschewsky

August Sackschewsky, one of the best known and most prominent farmers of York county, owns three hundred and twenty acres in Thayer township and enjoys an enviable reputation as a successful and representative agriculturist. His prosperity is entirely attributable to his own efforts, for he came to this country almost empty-handed about five decades ago. His birth occurred in Germany,

In 1872 Mr. Saekschewsky immigrated to the United States and following his arrival at the port of Xew York went straight through to Wisconsin and worked for one year at railroad construction in that state. In December, 1873, he removed to York county, Nebraska, and in January of the following year came to York county and took u]i an eighty-acre homestead on section 34, Thayer township. His first abode was a dugout in which he lived for five years and then erected a tworoom frame house, which made the domestic life more comfortable. His initial efforts at the raising of crops met with a serious setback owing to the grasshopper visitation and during that period everything growing on the land was destroyed. When the grasshoppers had come to be but a memory Ids art'airs took a successful turn and his agricultural labors proved jirofitable. He made some fine improvements on his place including the planting of trees, and as he prospered he added more land to the original homestead, at the time of his retirement to Thayer in 192IJ being the owner of three hundred and twenty acres on which he has four sets of buildings, the whole forming one of the choicest pieces of property in his part of the county. He is a progressive business juan, wideawake, alert and energetic, and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

On April 17, 1876, Mr. Saekschewsky was united in marriage to Albertina Reich, who accompanied her parents from Germany about 1870, her father some short lime afterwards taking a homestead in York county. She recalls that antelopes were numerous at that date, and between her home and York - a distance of fifteen miles - there was but one other family. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Saekschewsky the following children have been born: Lndwig C; Otto 11.; Albert, deceased; Henrietta; ilinnie: August; Arthur; Leo; Matilda; Ennna, deceased; William A.; Herbert and Elsie. The family are regular attendants on the services of the i>iitlieran church, in the faith of which the parents were reared. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party, but has never manifested a desire for public office. He has always found time to cooperate in plans and measures for the public good and has proved himself a most loyal and devoted citizen from the date of his first landing on American soil.

Walter W. Seng

Walter W. Seng, one of the prosperous men of York county who is prominent in financial circles, having been president of the Farmers and Merchants bank since l!in. was born in Carroll county, Illinois, December 27, 1861, the son of Casper and Catherine ( Fuehs) Seng wim came iVcmi Germany with a party of twelve other families in 1857. For four years his parents worked on a farm near Milledgeville, Carroll county, Illinois, receiving eighteen dollars a month for their combined services. Later they rented, then purchased eighty acres of land where they made their home until 1884 when Casper Seng passed away at the age of fifty-seven years, and his wife's demise occurred August 26, 1920, at the age of ninety years. He became successful and owned two hundred and fifty acres at his death, whicli was held by the mother until her death. They were the parents of five children:

Walter, of York eouuty; George, of Milledgeville, Illinois; Mary, the wife of Jacob Johann of Shannon, Illinois; Agues, the widow of Lewis Beck, of Polo, Illinois; and Henry, who resides in York county.

The boyhood of Walter W. Seng was si)ent on a farm in Carroll county, Illinois, and he received his education in the schools there, being graduated from the Lanark high school in 1883. He came to York county in 1887 and became interested in farming and pure bred draft horses, in which business he engaged for several years. Later he turned his attention to the insurance business, handling farm loans and collections, and in 1904 when the Farmers and Merchants Bank was organized he became its cashier, and since 1911 has been the president of that institution. Mr. Seng is connected financially with other projects, owning much property including farm lands.

He was nuirried in Carroll county, Illinois, to Catherine Kniess, a native of that county, and to them have been born four children : Henry C, a resident of York; Myrtle Naomi, the wife of R. L. KalifE, of York county; William L., cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of McCool, who married Nina L. Howell, and is the father of one son, Walter M. ; and Yerna V., the wife of R. E. Hendrick.

Mr. Seng holds membership in the English Lutheran church and is connected with the Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Order of the Eastern Star. In politics Mr. Seng maintains an independent course and has never been an office seeker, preferring to discharge his public duties in other connections. Mr. Seng has risen by his own efforts and that his career has ever been upright and honorable is indicated in the fact that he enjoys the high regard and esteem of the people in the community where he has resided for many years.

Judge David Teuax Mooee

Judge David Truax Moore was a man who left the impress of his individuality and ability upon the history of Nebraska. He was recognized as a distinguished lawyer and an eminent representative of the judiciary of the state, nor was the worth of his work confined to his profession. He sought to advance all those forces which contribute to the intellectual, cultural and moral progress of the race. He became identified with the state during its pioneer era and was closely associated with its formative policy along many lines and through many years.

Mr. Moore came of Scotch ancestry, the family, however, being founded in America by his grandfather prior to the Revolutionary war. in which he liore his part as one of the heroes who valiantly fought for American independence. His father, John Moore, was a soldier of the War of 1812. The latter married Sarah Snowden and the eighth of their children was Judge Moore, who was born in Waynesburg, Wayne county, Ohio, September 2.3, 1831. He was only five years of age when his parents removed with their family to Putnam county, Ohio, and there the father's death occurred in less than a year later, subsequent to which time the widow with her eleven children returned to Wayne county. Left in somewhat straitened financial circumstances, the children were of necessity separated, David T. Moore and one sister finding a home with a cousin, .John Miller, of Holmes county, Ohio. His youth was largely a period of struggle and hardship, of loneliness and sorrow. He worked on a farm and during two or three months each year attended school until he had reached the age of sixteen, when he Ijegau teaching, securing the three months' school in his home district. iVlways ambitious to secure an education he then entered the Vermillion Institute at Hayesville, Ashland county, Ohio, and alternated his study and liis teaching there for a period of several years. He afterward went to Athens, Harrison county, and matriculated in a college conducted liy the Associate Presbyterians. He had to meet all of the expense of his college course and by the most earnest labor, close economy and unfaltering resolution managed to reach the point of graduation. He then resumed teaching in St. Clairsville, Ohio, and for a number of years was the efficient superintendent of schools there.

While thus engaged Judge Moore entered upon the study of law, i)ut ill health forced him to take a trip and he traveled through the south in 1856 and 1857, visiting Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. For a time he taught school at Franklin Springs, Alabama, and in 185? returned to the north, securing a position as teacher of a school at Taylorville, Illinois. His leisure was devoted to the study of law and he secured admission to the bar upon examination before Judge David Davis in 1859. Again his health became impaired and he made a trip through the west as far as Colorado. In 1860 he again became a resident of Taylorville, where he cast his first presidential vote for Al)raham Lincoln, having previously been an alternate delegate to the convention in 1856 which nominated John C. Fremont for the presidency.

While in Taylorville, Judge Moore had been a law student in the office of Mr. Shumway, whose daughter had previously been one of the Judge's pupils. The acquaintance thus formed ripened into friendship and love and on the li)th of January, 1864, the marriage of David Truax Moore and Sarah X. Shumway was celebrated, this being the birthday anniversary of the bride. They traveled life's journey most happily together for many years, the husband passing away on the day preceding the thirty-eighth anniversary of their wedding.

For about four years after their marriage Judge Moore and his wife resided in Washington, Iowa, where he was engaged in business, and in 'the spring of 1869, with their young son, they traveled by team and wagon to York county, Xebraska, where in the month of June Judge Moore homesteaded and preempted a claim on Lincoln creek, three miles north of York. The family bravely met all of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. They recognized the opportunity before them to establish a home and aid in founding a community here, into which they might bear their part in infusing those principles which make for progressive and honorable citizenship and for upright manhood and womanhood. Their nearest postoffice was at Seward, the nearest mill at Milford and their home lacked many of the advantages and conveniences to which they had l)i^H?n accustomed, but courage and faith in the future led them courageously to meet these conditions. After seven years' residence on the farm they took up their abode in York, Judge Moore being the first attorney to settle in York county. He assisted in organizing the county at a time w^hen its population numbered only six hundred and forty, but it had doubled in size since the previous year and the future outlook was bright. ' At the time of his arrival there was but one frame house in the county and but one schoolhouse, which was of sod. The year following the organization of the county only eighty-six votes were cast. Judge Moore became the first probate judge, at which period there was no courthouse and the officers carried the records in their hats or wherever most convenient. In the spring of 1871 he was made a delegate to the constitutional convention which met in Lincoln and in 1872, at the republican state convention, he received a complimentary vote for the nomination for governor. Throughout the years of his residence in this state Judge Moore exerted a widely felt influence over public thought and action, yet could never be said to be a political leader in the commonly accejsted sense of the term. His influence was moral rather than political and it was ever known that his aid could be counted on the side of progress, improvement and right. He continued in law practice successfully for many years but in his later life turned his attention and his strength in a great measure to other business. He was survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. His elder son. Dr. Dwight Moore, is a practicing physician of Los Angeles, California, who is specializing in nervous diseases. The daughter, Miss Grace Moore, is the owner and editor of The New Teller, published at York. The younger son, Arthur L., is engaged in the insurance and real estate business at Ventura, California.

Perhaps no better testimonial of the professional qualities and of the high character of Judge Moore can Vie given than to quote from the tribute paid to him by Orien W. Fifer, who in the funeral service said in part: "Judge Moore was a lawyer of ability. Some traits of character led him to prevent rather than encourage litigation. He shunned and had little taste or adaptability for the technical requirements of the law. Preliminaries were avoided. He was eager to grapple with the great fact or principle in the case. Before a jury he had an appearance of sincerity, a way of putting facts highly to his advantage and credit. In political life he was much interested. He gave much attention to such affairs yet was independent in thinking and action. Judge Moore was a man of pronounced convictions and example of plain, rugged, strong, independent thinking. He had traits of character peculiarly his own. His love of innocent fun, his dry, droll humor, his frankness and tenderness in remonstrance or urging were marked traits. His life ran in deep, broad channels. In some things he thought far ahead of his day. He was a reader of good things. His mind was a great library of knowledge. He could converse intelligently upon many topiqs which required careful study and investigation. Sometimes he probed to the bottom of certain great questions. I doubt if many people in this community knew the depth of his reading and thinking. It was unusual. He was an unusual character - not always best understood, not always revealing himself to men. Not that he concealed himself, but his life in some portion was a deep current. His childhood had been hard, crowded with toil, sorrow, loneliness. His youth was marked by ill health which forced changes of occupation and the turning aside from plans cherished. Life to him for a quarter of a century was 'bearing the yoke in his youth.' That this had some effect upon him as he grew to maturity I cannot doubt. Other trials later in life were not without effect, and probably some, noticing a few hours or incidents of his life, did not see the whole man. But many friends were impressed that in him certain unusual and strong elements had flourished. Alone he had fought the early battles of life and practically an orphan he had won character and place unaided. No man does this successfully without being profoundly moved or influenced for all remaining years. I firmly believe he had tried always to make his way without working injury or unkinduess to his fellow-man. His nature was modest, somewhat sensi- tive, trausparent, religious in temperament, somewhat retiring as he met trials. He had more than ordinary trust in his fellow-man, and he had intimated to me that this had caused his l)etraYal at times, but he told the experiences without bitterness or rancor. lie was a man of high ambitions. If he failed to reach them all, perhaps it was liecause he was unwilling to pay what he thought an unjust price in point of forgetfu]ne.«s of his own honor or the welfare of others. He was by long habit a self-controlled, somewliat reserved man Iiut under great or unusual strain he let out flashes which showed the strong fire within, the blaze of an intense nature. Yet he was a man of kindness habitually, compassionate and gentle as years increased. His intimate friends knew a larger man than some others. Judge Moore had a peculiar bent towards instruction. He could teach in clear terms. He loved knowledge for its own sake, not for profit. It must have been something of a sacrifice for him to turn from this calling to the strenuous, intense, keen activity of the law. In the teaching of the Christian faith he was exceptional in his prime. One of his former pastors told me that he was one of the best Bible teachers he ever knew. For some years he led the instruction to the Sunday school teachers. This was his favorite duty. Into this he put his time and out of it drew rare joy. He was a master of the English Bible. Its solemnity, the varied character in style and composition were an attraction to him, while the religious (piality of the Hebrew had for liim a peculiar charm. He taught a Sunday school class for years. In the days of old Y^ork College he gave much time and interest to the young men. He possessed a religious temperanu'ut. He had been a Christian fnnii vav]\ childhood. Hardships of youth had not embittered him towards God. He w.as an example that wide reading, careful study strengthened the faith accepted in early life. He told me he did not know when he Iiecame a Christian. It was very early. His faith had grown with the years. He was long a mend)er of one branch of the Presbyterian faith, the more progressive and liberal element of the Covenanter organization. After coming to Xebraska he united with the Methodist church, of which his wife was a first member, and in various positions had been faithful to his trust and to his faith. He died facing death without fear, not deceived but not afraid. He was somewhat weary with the toil of life and he greeted the dawn of the new life with the comfort and strength of the Christian faith."'

Jay G. Bittixger

Jay G. Bittinger is spoken of by friends and neighbors as a man of high purpose which has found expression in his daily conduct. He is engaged in farming and stock raising on section S, M<irton township, Y'ork county. He was born on the farm where he lives, January 21, 1874, a son of Frederick and Flora (Tongue) Bittinger, the father f^ native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and the mother a native of Ohio.

Frederick Bittinger accompanied his parents when he was four years old from the Key.stone state to Ohio and from there to Clinton county, Iowa, where he grew to maniiood, Iielping his father in the work of the farm which the family acquired shortly after settling there. He remained in Iowa until 1871 when he decided to come farther west, selecting Nebraska as his objective and York county as his final destination. He and two of his brothers set out on the cross country journey and driving through with three teams of horses finally reached their goal and Frederick came direct to York county. He homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres, located on section 8, Morton township, and erected a small one-room frame house, which he occupied for about seven years. He put considerable energy into the work of reclaiming and cultivating his homestead and with the lapse of years improved and developed the entire place, ultimately bringing the farm to be recognized as one of the best in the township. He added another forty to the original holding and at the time of his death in July, 1918, was the owner of twohundred acres of excellent laud, in the operation of which he was successful from the vei-y beginning. He was a member of the Woodmen and Elks and in his political attitude was disposed to be independent and at the same time liberal in his views. He took a practical part in the public life of his township which he served as assessor and supervisor, filling the latter office for six years. His long residence in the county coupled with his high character made him popular with all classes.

Jay G. Bittinger, who is proving himself a"-worthy successor to his father, was reared on the home farm and secured- his education in the district schools. He early applied himself to-, the; .'duties, ofi-d^riciultural life and under his father's guidance acquired a sound knowledge of farm jwork. In 1914 he was entrusted with the management of the entire, place ^gi.d iji the intervening years has maintained a high standard in his agrieultur-al^opeMtions, employing modern methods and the latest machinery, the results in,evfry direction being eminently satisfactory. Well defined plans and purposes have carried him forward and each step in his career has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities.

On January 8, 191-1, Mr. Bittinger was united in marriage to Hester Gatchel and to their union two children have been born: Earl and Euth, at home with their parents. Mr. Bittinger is not active in politics but takes a good citizen's interest in all movements intended to promote the welfare of the community and in these efforts he is assisted by his wife. They have a wide circle of friends by whom they are held in the highest esteem.

Arthur G. Bittinger

Arthur G. Bittinger, a native son of York county who is devoting his time and energies to the operation of a good farm on section 14, Morton township, was born January 14, 1881, a son of Frederick and Flora (Tongue) Bittinger, the former born in Pennsylvania and died in 1919 at the age of seventy-one years. His widow resides in York and is now in her seventieth year, still active and in the enjoyment of good health.

Fred Bittinger started his farming career in Pennsylvania and some years later in company with his father, John Bittinger, went to Iowa and they were engaged in agricultural operations, but not finding conditions to their liking they started for York county and settled in Morton township in 1871, where each homesteaded and began to develop the land, using energy and steady application in the furtherance of their farm work. However, it was not all plain sailing and hardships beset their way for a coiisiilcrable timo after they settled in the township. The grasslioppers descended on tlieir fields and destroyed the crops and dry seasons produced the same undesirable results. They persevered in their etforts and ultimately were rewarded by good seasons and bountiful crops. They had to haul household necessities from Fairmont and Columbus, these trips occupying several days at a time. They put up a frame house, the lumber for which had to be hauled from Seward, and a sod barn was erected which did temporary duty until a better and more modern structure was built. At the time of his death Fred Bittinger was the owner of two hundred acres of well improved land and part of this holding is now being operated by Arthur G. Bittinget. Fred Bittinger and his wife were the parents of five children: Xellie, who died some years ago; Jay, a farmer, of Morton township; Ada, wife of Moiiier Grieve?, of Omaha: Fannie, wife of Frank Layton, of Beatrice, Xebraska : and Arthur G. The father was affiliated with the Elks and with the Modern Woodmen of America. He was a democrat in politics and served the public as county commissioner for two terms and filled the office of township assessor for six years, the confidence reposed in him being amply rewarded by faithful and efficient service.

Arthur G. Bittinger was reared on his father's farm and secured his education in the public schools of Y'ork county and in his early youth helped in the work of the farm. He .started farming un his own account and took over the management of one of his father's holdings on which he carried on general agriculture. Later he opened up a blacksmith shop and garage known as the Benedict Auto Company and continued in this line for three years, making a good living. His next move was to secure employment in a lumber-yard in Benedict, spending three years in that connection. Finally Mr. Bittinger returned to farm life and resumed agricultural oi)erations. He uses up-to-date methods and implements in carrying on his work and also gives careful thought to the problem of profitable marketing.

In December, 1919, Mr. Bittinger was united in marriage to Lulla Johnson, born in York county and a daughter of C. J. Johnson, of Benedict. Her religious affiliation is with the Methodist church, to the teachings of which she has alw^ays been loyal. Mr. Bittinger votes an independent ticket and is a member of the Elks lodge at York, in the afl:airs of which fraternal order he takes a keen interest. His farming activities do not leave him much time for outside affairs but it is generally known that he supports all movements seeking the material, moral or civic advancement of his community.

Johx Abrahams

Prominent among the self-made men of Y'ork county is John Abrahams whose life has been largely identified with agricultural pursuits and business activities and success has attended his well directed efforts. He was born in southern Russia, June 18, 1860, a son of John and Kathrine (Voth) Abrahams, also natives of Russia where the father spent his entire life, his death occurring there in 1872. Some two years after the death of her husband, in 1874, Mrs. Abrahams and her family immigrated ti> America and after their arrival they went to Nebraska, coming to Y'ork county and settling on section 29, Brown township. Their first house was constructed of sod with a board roof and in this the farailj- lived for six years, later replacing it with a more substantial and commodious building. There were twelve children born to Jolm and Kathrine Alirahams, of whom seven are living and doing well in their various lines of activity.

In his boyhood John Abrahams had but little opportunity for acquiring an education but attended the schools of his native country for a time. He was fourteen years old when he accompanied his mother to the new world and remained with her, working on the home farm, until he had attained his majority. He then engaged in farming on his own account, continuing in that line for one year at the end of which time he entered a general store at Bradshaw where he acquired a full knowledge of business methods and the buying and selling of goods and followed this line of activity for thirteen years. He then turned his attention to farming again and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits now operating a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres devoted to general farming and stock raising. It is a well improved proiDerty and in the conduct of his agricultural interests he has met with gratifying success, being energetic, enterprising and progressive. He has kept in touch with all modern methods and farming machinery and has utilized both to the fullest extent in the carrying on of his aifairs, thus securing maximum results from his investments.

In 1883 Mr. Abrahams was united in marriage to Miss Kathrine Ivroeker, who was born in Eussia, a daughter of Heinrich Kroeker and wife, the former of whom died some years ago. They have no children. Mr. Abrahams and his wife are active members of the Mennonite church, to the teachings of which they consistently adhere and their influence is always on the side of right, progress and improvement. He is a preacher of the church and by self -education, wide reading and close study is amply qualified for the duties which the work of a preacher entails, his efforts for the moral and social uplift of the community being worthy of special commendation. His political support is given to the republican party and while not an office seeker he served years ago on the township school board as a director, his interest in the advancement of educational facilities being on a par with his other efforts for the welfare of the community. His honorable principles have won him many friends and all who know him hold him in the highest esteem.

Otto B. Liedtke

Otto B. Liedtke is a well known representative of farming interests in York county, where prior to his retirement to Thayer in 1916 he had been actively engaged in the cultivation of two hundred and eighty acres of prime land, the ownership of which he still retains. He is a native of Charleston, South Carolina, born August 20, 1867, a son of F. W. and Ann (Chemfaren) Liedtke, the latter born in Philadelphia.

The father was a captain in the Union army during the CUvil war and at the close of his service with the Federal forces he joined the United States regular army, with which he remained for several years, his last place of service being at Detroit. In 1872 he migrated to Y'ork county and took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres located in Thayer township, that holding being now in the possession of his son Otto B. Liedtke. In the winter of 18?2 lie built a shack on the homestead and in the following year brought his family to reside on the place. Being a man of considerable education he taught school for a time, and having shown himself possessed of the necessary ability he was elected county clerk in 1873, retaining that office until 1879, when he was further honored by election to the office of state auditor, serving one term in that responsible capacity. In the meantime he had been attending to his land which he improved and developed and brought to an excellent state of cultivation. Shortly after his retirement from the office of auditor Mr. Liedtke went to Texas and there bought a cattle ranch which he operated for several years with excellent results. He was one of the leading men in the ranch country in which he resided and enjoyed a prosperity which was the merited reward of his labors. He passed away in 1914, being then seventy-eight years old.