Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties, Part 101

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, The Goodspeed publishing co.
Number of Pages: 820

USA > Nebraska > Adams County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 101
USA > Nebraska > Clay County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 101
USA > Nebraska > Hall County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 101
USA > Nebraska > Hamilton County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Adams, Clay, Hall and Hamilton counties, Nebraska, comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies of distinguished citizens of the same, a brief descriptive history of each of the counties mentioned, and numerous biographical sketches of the citizens of such counties > Part 101

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

|The new town grew slowly, Mr. Jackson and family and Mr. G. A. Hollister, the first post- master of the place, being the only inhabitants for some time. After the year 1876 the town grew rapidly nntil in 1882, when it was incorporated with a population of something less than 700.

N. T. Brittin, who entered his homestead one- half mile south of Wood River in 1871, established a business house in the village in 1880, and was appointed postmaster. John Maher, who on June 28, 1862, settled on Section 23, Wood River, near the California trail, well remembers the days of primitive Nebraska. There were only a few set- tlers in the whole county. Herds of buffalo, deer, antelope and wolves roamed at large, chased by Indians in small and large bodies. On one occa- sion he and family were driven from home and did not dare to return for about fifteen months. James Jackson, who in 1864 built a store-house and opened the first stock of goods at Wood River, settled there in 1860. In 1869 he killed a wild buffalo on the site of the present town, and the following year erected the first modern store.

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HALL COUNTY.

Wood River in 1879 comprised the following business men: Bush & Paine, grain dealers; A. M. Hanscom and E. J. McDermott, blacksmiths; A. G. Hollister, postmaster and grocer; W. B. Hollister, railroad agent; C. M. Horn, shoemaker; J. Kennedy, saloon and hotel, and James Jackson, general merchant.

Wood River in November, 1884, was popularly credited with 700 people. C. W. Stoddard was the new proprietor of the Commercial House, and J. H. Shick of the Wood River House; Stoddard Bros., Thomas J. Dunn, Thomas Langan and Henry Janss were engaged in mercantile trade; R. H. Dodd, in the grain trade, and C. C. Bense in the lumber trade; W. W. Hollister was president of the Wood River bank; Miss Simpson carried on the millinery business; Dr. Gilligan was physi- cian; Claus Fransenburg, butcher; E. C. White, drayman, and James Williams, livery stable own- er, and J. B. Furman, shoe dealer. The Catholic church completed this year, after plans by Archi- tect Ebert, is the leading building; Rev. J. G. Tate is pastor of the Presbyterian society, who own a small building, and Mr. Worths of the Methodist society, who own a smaller building.

Wood River post-office was established in 1874 by A. T. Hollister. He was succeeded by N. T. Brittin, Mr. Hollister subsequently following him. During President Cleveland's administration John O'Conner occupied the position of postmaster, and since Harrison was made president the post-office at this point has again been in the hands of N. T. Brittin.

Wood River Gazette, a weekly Republican journal, was established in September, 1882, by R. H. Miller. Subsequently the paper was bought by James Ewing, who was editor and proprietor until his death, October 31, 1888. The Gazette was conducted by the Ewing estate till July, 1889, when it was purchased by W. W. Mercer, the pres- ent proprietor. The circulation is estimated at 600. This is one of the bright newsy journals of this portion of the State, and is conducted with a faithful regard to the interests of the citizens.

Wood River was incorporated October 14, 1882, and James Jackson, W. L. G. Trapp, N. T. !

Brittin, J. B. Furman and James Ewing named trustees. James Ewing acted as president of the board until October, 1888, when F. M. Penney succeeded him. The president, with N. J. Parker, A. L. Johnson, W. W. Mitchell and Henry Cham- berlin, form the present council (February, 1890).

The Merchant & Custom Steam Power Roller Mills were built by Fred and William Thorp, in 1882, the present proprietors. The capacity of these mills is 100 barrels per day.

The elevator at Wood River is owned by W. W. Mitchell, and the grain house by the Omaha Elevator Company.

Wood River is now conceded to have 800 popu- lation. The First National Bank has a capital of $50,000; F. M. Penney and James Jackson are among the leading general merchants; Riley Wes- coatt also has a large business; other general mer- chants are Fred Schwartz, T. J. Dunn and John Maugham; O' Neal & Nolan and J. F. Langen are liquor dealers; H. Janss and Jerry Bowen, drugs; Hollister & Howard and A. C. Murphy, hardware; Watts & Williams, Williams & White and James Shick, proprietors of livery stables; Commercial Hotel, conducted by Fred Thorp; Wood River Hotel, by James Shick; O. B. Desoe and W. Paris, implement dealers; William Senseny, confectionery store; Austin Ryan, grocery store; Burkerd & Hooten and James Williams, meat dealers; M. J. Parke, coal and grain dealer; W. W. Mitch- ell, grain and elevator; Wood River Gazette, by W. Mercer; Maddock & Taylor, harness; Miss Annie Simpson, Miss Sherry and Miss McGuyre, dress-making; A. M. Hamiscon, John Wilkinson and J. D. Sanburn, blacksmiths; J. N. Harri- son and C. W. Corman, physicians; Howell Lum- ber Company; A. Harper and Juckett & Jenks, barbers; John O'Conner, C. A. Baldin and J. R. Jewett, carpenters and builders; Ed Dribelow and W. F. Curtis, painters; G. W. Miller, Brett & Johnson and N. J. Costello, real-estate; Charley Horn and A. C. White, shoemakers; N. T. Brittin, postmaster; John Quinn, stock-dealer; Tom Lan- gan, restaurant; N. and F. Thorp own the mills; E. Baldwin, jewelry; C. A. Tracy, furniture.

Among the improvements anticipated for the

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HISTORY OF NEBRASKA."

town in the future are a number of much- needed residences for rent and sale. These are to be put up by the building and loan association and also by private individuals. The Omaha Elevator Com- pany expect to erect another building here. Wood River has three churches, and a graded public school with six teachers.

The First National Bank of Wood River was organized November 19, 1888, with H. O. Giffin, president; Patrick Moore, vice-president, and H. Chamberlin, cashier. There are twenty-three stockholders reported and a cash capital of $50,000.

The White River Land and Cattle Company purchased 400 acres from William Powell, on the island in July, 1887, and introduced 1,000 head of cattle. The Union Pacific Stock Yards were es- tablished in August.

In the neighborhood are a number of heavy sheep growers. In January, 1890, the Gazette published a list of feeders and number of sheep fed by each grower in the vicinity as follows: Gif- ford & Eaton, 3,000; Young & Matthews, 3,000; C. Durbin, 2,300; F. C. Dodge, 9,500; G. F. Dodge, 3,000; Oswald Bros., 11,000; - Ferris, 2,000; L. F. Stockwell, 3,000; total, 36,800.

Besides this number of sheep here the number of cattle being fed in this vicinity will amount to several thousand head, so it is plain that Wood River is a feeding point second to none in this sec- tion of the country. The amount of money paid out by this industry is no sinall matter in Wood River business circles.

The Catholic Church dates back to 1861. Pat- rick Moore and his brother, Richard, were the first Catholic settlers in the county. They came here from Iowa City in 1859. The first Catholic priest to visit the county was Father Furman, a French- man, who came in the fall of 1861. He held the first mass in a log house, the residence of Anthony Moore, three miles west of what is now Wood River depot. The regular station for the priest was Columbus, Platte County, Neb. There were services here about once in three months by the priests located at that point, until 1877. The priests to follow Father Furman until 1877, were Fathers Smith, Kelly, Erlach and Ryan. In 1877

the station for the priest was moved to Grand Island, and after this there was mass once every two weeks until 1887, when the present pastor, Father Lynch, was appointed to the parish at Wood River.

The priests located at Grand Island from 1877 until 1887, were in order, Fathers Erlach, Phelan (who came first in July, 1880, and died here March 10, 1884, from a stroke of paralysis), Smith (who was located at O'Conner for a few months), and the present pastor, Father P. Lynch. He was located first at Grand Island and took charge here in 1887. The first church was built in the parish in 1868, by subscription. There were then only ten Catholic families: Patrick Walsh, James Crean, Patrick Nevills, Anthony Moore, Richard Moore, Patrick Moore, John McGinnis. Luke Burns, John Maher and Edward O'Brien. The new church was commenced here in the fall of 1883, and com- pleted in 1884. An old pastoral residence stands in the town and a new one has just been completed. The valuation of all the church property is $13,000. There are 110 families in the parish. Bishop O'Gorman was the first bishop who visited the place. He came about 1870, and confirmed twenty children.

There was an early organization of the Presby- terian Church here sometime in the decade ending in 1870. This was disbanded soon after, and the only reliable data in regard to the old Presbyterian body dates from the second organization in 1882. Members who helped to organize it at that date were: B. L. Caldwell and wife, Charles E. Town- send and wife, James Allan and sister Jessie, Mrs. Maggie Minor and W. A. Caldwell. The first minister was Rev. Fulsome, followed by J. G. Tate, C. G. S. Hullhurst, Rev. Wolfe, and the present minister, J. Hatch.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in Jannary, 1872, with the following-named mem- bers: N. T. Brittin, R. Mitchell, B. Light, Isaac King and A. B. Ross, with their wives. The preachers in charge of this mission were: Revs. Fair- child, Marsh, Clarksen, Hancock, Marsh, Burlen- son, Summers, Marsh, Dresler, Dudley, Davis, Worts, Leedom and Harper. The recorders were Rev.

HALL COUNTY.

601

Harman and G. W. Miller. The church house was erected in 1879, Messrs. Brittin, Barrick, Ewing, Harman and Jackson forming the building com- mittee.

Wood River Lodge No. 158, I. O. O. F., was organized February 1, 1888, with the following named charter members: R. Wescoatt, J. B. Leed- om, G. R. Maddock, B. Compton, Elva Baldwin, O. B. Desoe, J. J. Workman, J. H. Wisong, Lewis Brockelhurst and S. N. Nelson. The first noble grand was Rev. J. B. Leedom; second, G. L. Mad- dock; third, S. N. Taylor; fourth, B. Compton; fifth, N. L. Sprague, who is the present incumbent. The lodge has now fifty-four members.

Vulcan Lodge No. 34, A. O. U. W., was or- ganized April 3, 1884. The charter members were: C. D. Gibson, W. F. Wells, James Williams, John Ewing, F. W. Cooley, C. W. Stoddard, N. T. Brittin, H. P. Chapman, J. W. Honnold, R. H. Dodd, J. B. Furman, H. D. Hollister, David Bar. rick, J. R. Jewett, C. J. Lowe, C. E. Taylor and Stephen Jones. The masters since organization are named as follows: J. W. Honnold, Stephen Jones, H. M. Jones, C. A. Baldwin, J. C. Boone, D. Barrick, S. N. Taylor and George Miller. There are eighty members in the lodge at this time.

Wood River Lodge No. 704, M. W. A., was organized September 17, 1888; G. L. Maddock, the first counsel is still presiding. The charter members were G. D. Maddock. George Plummer, William Thorp, J. A. Shortess, Wilbur Mercer, Thomas Whalen, Oliver Mead, J. N. Harrison, John C. Boone and H. M. Jones.

Wood River Building and Loan Association, temporarily organized in June, 1889, was perma- nently organized January 1,1890, with F. M. Penny, president; W. W. Mitchell, vice-president; W. L. Sprague, secretary, and Edward Baldwin, treasurer. Directors were F. M. Penny, W. W. Mitchell, R. Wescoatt, George H. Howard, John R. Jewett, Henry Kuntz, William Thorp, J. Smoot and A. L. Johnston. The attorney for the association is M. J. Costello. The limit of stock is $25,000. The operations of the company are entirely local.

B. B. White Camp 29, Sons of Veterans, was organized June 2, 1885, and a charter granted on 38

the same date to H. C. White, captain, J. W. Hart, sergeant; R. J. Clark, corporal; A. B. Templeton, high private; William Searl, lieutenant; William Kunz, H. Hartz, color-bearer; C. W. Stoddard and E. C. Jonte.

Woman's Relief Corps No. 61 was organized April 19, 1889. The charter members were N. J. Wescoatt, Jennie Tront, H. J. Tracy, Augusta Stephens, Mary Kunz, Mary Plummer, L. Rams- dell, A. White, E. Taylor, F. Mathews and Emma Bly. The first president was Mrs. Kate Ross and the second Mrs. N. J. Wescoatt.

Bradley Post No. 134, G. A. R., was organized March 17, 1873.' Stephen Jones served as com- mander the first two terms, followed by J. H. Bliss for a like period; John B. Stephens served the fifth term, R. Wescoatt the next two terms, and E. Kunz one term. A. C. White is now commander.

The roster of this post is as follows:

J. B. Furman, 188th Pa.

N. T. Brittin.

A. C. White, 18th Ia.

James Kennedy, 15th Ill. Otto Homman, 21st Mo. Richard Burden, 16th Ind. Isaac Hart, 88th Ind.

N. F. Wells, 142d Pa. Paul Hansen, 28th Wis. T. A. Evans, 152d Ill. Stephen Jones, 2d Pa. John H. Bliss, 113th Pa H S. Winn. 2d Ohio. Frank Corkins, 95th Ill.

W. H. Norton, 7th Cal. John Lyons, 2d N. Y.

C. E. Towns, 36th Mass. E. Kunz. 54th Ohio

Jas. P. McKenney, 5th Ohio Cav.

F. Whitehead, 3d Wis. Inf. R. H. Stuart, 6th Iowa Inf. T. J. Ross.

Robert Grace, 102d Pa. Inf. G. W. Plummer, 154th Ill. Inf.

Riley Wescoatt, 1st Ia. Cav. Samuel Calvert.

M. M. Lewton, 138th Ill. Inf. Jas. Romine, 36th Ohio Inf. J. H. Trout, 11th W. Va. Inf. G. H. Taylor, 154th Ill. Inf.

O. F. Foot, 7th Va. Cav.

C. C. Stone, 151st Inf.

J. M. Bly, 44th N. Y. Inf.

B. C. Travis, 49th Wis. Inf. | E. C. Hooper, 57th Pa. Inf.

The hall of the G. A. R. and A. O. U. W. at Wood River was dedicated in April, 1886.

The Wood River Red Ribbon Club was organ- ized June 26, 1878, with John S. Donaldson, N. T. Brittin, Mrs. Emma Murphy, H. A. Goodrich, Nellie Streator, J. B. Furman, C. E. Towne, G. L. Warner and Mrs. Ellis, officials.

In the chapters of the general history references

J. D. Mathews, 100th Ill. Inf. J. S. McGlasson, 36th Ohio Inf. G. M. Engleman, 54th Mo. Inf. Anthony Fanance, 39th Ill. Inf. James H. Murphy, 88th Ill. Inf. W. Whitehead, 3d Wis. Inf. J. Smithwick, 20th Ill. Inf. C. J. Lowe, 41st Pa. Inf. J. B. Stevens, 2d Ohio Inf. N. Johnson, oth Mich. Inf. N. P. Ramsdell, 44th Ill. Inf. Peter Bermood. 18th Ill. Inf. Gotlieb Abert, 33d N. Y. Inf. H. M. Leibhart.

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HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

are made to the Mormon settlement near the pres- ent town, to the pioneer journal published by them here and to other names and events connected with the district.

Doniphan, twelve miles southeast of Grand Island, is credited with a population of about 600, although some persons claim for it 700 inhabitants. It is the highest measured elevation in the south- ern part of the county, except Wood River, being 1,948 feet, while the last-named village is 1,963 feet above sea level. The first settlement here was made during the War for the Union, but the village was not surveyed until 1879. The name was given in honor of Col. John Doniphan, of St. Joseph, then attorney for the St. Joseph Railroad Company.

In 1875 C. F. Raymer, agent for Paine & Co., opened a lumber-yard at this point.

W. J. Burger located at Doniphan in 1864, and carried on farming there until May, 1881, when he established his general store. In the fall of 1880 Samuel Fry opened the first large store, although the first general store was established August 25, 1879, by the Upson Bros. About that time Sam- uel Beidelman was appointed postmaster, and Miss Emma Smith opened a school in a house built for that purpose in 1874. Henry Denman's farm also adjoined the town site.

Samuel Beidelman was the first settler on the plat. Within a short time Charles Dufford, S. H. Lakins, Samuel Gibson and E. Upson located in the new town. The first birth on the town site was that of Jennie M. Stout, born February 9, 1880, and the first marriage that of Anna M Wharry and L. M. Brewer. Dr. Poe settled here in the fall of 1880. The first sermon was delivered July 18, 1881, by Elder Rockway, of the Methodist persuasion, in Burger & Mccullough's hall, and July 24 Rev. E. A. McCullom, of the Presbyterian; Rev. Sweeney, of the Christian, and Rev. Thurber, of the Meth- odist society, preached here. In fact, the preach- ers invaded the village, and the pioneers, looking one at the other, asked what news had got abroad which would lead so many preachers hither to con- vert them.

In April, 1881, the Index was founded by

Charles Kelsey, and the little village began to assume the pretensions of a town. The incor- poration of Doniphan village (south half of Section 5 and all of Section 8, Town 9, Range 9, and south- east quarter of Section 1 and east half of Section 12, Town 9, Range 10) was authorized January 9, 1884, on petition of thirty-three resident tax-pay- ers. A. M. Sweeney, James Scudder, J. W. Burg, D. O. Grice and Samuel Beidelman were appointed trustees.

The Doniphan Leader was founded in 1884 and is still published there, while the Institute, a monthly journal, was established in 1885.

Doniphan Lodge No. 86 was created January 7, 1881, and chartered June 22, 1881. Among the official members in 1889 were Martin Ennis, John Schwyn, R. M. Bennett, George C. Humphreys, O. B. Foster, John Gallagher, C. F. Raymer, Charles Haines, Aaron Hess and Clark Gideon.

The fire of November 26, 1887, destroyed the only briek business building in the village, in which was the post-office (William Gideon, post- master), the bank, Carmichael's grocery, a milli- nery store, a general store and a butcher shop. The fire resulted from the attempt of burglars to blow open the door of the bank safe.

The Doniphan Bank was established May 3, 1886, with John Schwyn, cashier; Messrs. S. N. Wolbach, C. F. Bentley, W. J. Burger and John Schwyn were the stockholders. Messrs. Burger and Schwyn have filled the respective offices of president and cashier since organization. In 1888 the present bank building was erected.

Heli Conclave No. 1, Heptasophs, was insti- tuted October 27, 1887, by D. M. Morris, who was commissioned supreme ephor. The charter mem- bers were D. M. Morris, B. F. Barr, J. H. Allen, A. J. Eichel, E. A. Surver, John Ward, I. T. Ward, John Carmichael, W. D. Sharp, Fred Veal, W. H. Gideon, W. H. L. Schmidt, T. M. Sheaff and R. G. Bardrick. The first officers were: D. M. Morris, eminent archon; E. A. Surver, W. P .; B. F. Barr, R. S .; T. M. Sheaff, F. S .; John Ward, treasurer; A. J. Eichel, inspector-general. Appointive officers were: J. H. Carmichael, warder; W. D. Sharp, herald; J. H. Smith, sentinel-pres-

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HALL COUNTY.

ent officers. This is the only organization of Hep- tasophs in the State at this date (January 14. 1890).

A. J. Smith Post No. 65. at Doniphan, was presided over in 1889 by George C. Humphrey.

The Modern Woodmen organized a lodge at Doniphan in June, 1889, with M. D. Nickles deputy head consul.

Alda, on the Union Pacific Railroad, eight miles southwest of Grand Island, is 1,913 feet above sea level or forty three feet higher than Grand Island depot. The population in the fall of 1889 was placed at 100. W. G. Eldridge settled on the northeast quarter of Section 14, Township 10, Range 11, May 20, 1859, with his nearest neighbors eight miles west. In the fall of that year he erected the first dwelling honse. Charles and Arthur Lamberson located their farm in Jackson Precinct, Section 31, in April, 1866, having settled in the county the year before. W. H. Norton came in 1867; Francis Corkins, also settled in the county that year, and in 1871 lo- cated in this vicinity on a soldier's warrant. W. W. Mitchell established his mercantile and grain house here in February, 1873, but made his first settlement in 1871. In Angust, 1870, George E. Crawford located near this point, and in July, 1880, W. H. Wilson arrived, and in February, 1881, opened a general store here.

The members of the United Brethren class at Alda, in 1872, were Dr. Goodrich and wife, John Watson and wife, A. Frink and wife, John Leck- enby and wife, H. G. Backus and wife, George Straub and wife, Frank, Levi, Washington, Ella and Etta Straub, W. H. Houser and wife, --- Mun. len and wife, William N. Sherman, Ed Searson and wife, -- Cummings, Joel Andrews and wife, George Sherbridge and wife, and others.

The Grange movement had a large following in this neighborhood in 1872-73, and in 1874 the temperance movement was earnestly forwarded.

Alda Division No. 92, Sons of Temperance, was organized July 28, 1874, 'with Horatio Thomas, Mrs. Minnie Rose, J. H. Andrews, Mrs. L. J. Brown, E. W. Brown, L. C. Goodrich, William N. Sherman, C. W. Stoddard, Miss Minnie Sweet, James Straub and Frank Powell, officials.

In 1886 J. G. Schaupp & Sons, flouring-mill; W. C. Johnson, James Marsh and W. W. Mitch- ell, general stores; John Fleisher's hotel, The Traveler's Home, Sherbondy's broom factory, Dr. Brubaker's office, Inman's blacksmith shop, E. A. Parks' insurance office and the railroad office, pre- sided over by D. O'Kane, made up the business section of the community. H. A. Gallup was jus- tice of the peace and J. W. Robb, pastor of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. F. W. Powell was postmaster.

In December, 1889, the following notice of this old town appeared in the county journals:

I offer for sale 240 acres at Alda, 7} miles west of Grand Island; three blocks only have been platted and sold. This land may be made to pay largely, if properly managed, and will be sold on time one-third cash, with a liberal clause in mortgage releasing lots as they may be sold. Address J. S. CLARKSON,

164 Randolph St., Chicago.

Underwood is the name given to the new post- office on Section 28, Town 9, Range 10, at its es- tablishment, January 16, 1885. Mrs. Cleantha A. Underwood was appointed postmistress, and she established the office in the farm-house of B. G. Un- derwood, six and one half miles distant from Hansen depot, on the Grand Island & St. Joseph Railroad. Mrs. Underwood, in describing the locality, says: " The soil is a rich, sandy loam, very productive, growing lighter and more sandy among the bluffs, and again becoming heavier as the valley is reached. There is excellent natural drainage by the numer- ons draws leading to the Platte and Blue. The inhabitants are generally engaged in agriculture and stock-raising. The whole country, as a rule, is under cultivation or in pasture; it is entirely settled by an intelligent and industrious class, mostly Americans, with some Germans. We have numerous school houses, the school districts have been recently reconstructed, making them smaller, and new school-houses built to accommodate the children. There are religions exercises held in our school-houses, and some temperance organiza - tions exist. Politically, the community have been largely Republican, but at present a new party, called the 'People's Party,' formed generally by members of the Farmers' Alliance, is very strong.

604

HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

The Martins were the very first to settle on this side of the Platte River -I believe as early as 1860, and they were obliged to carry arms at all times, and were frequently attacked by Indians. Two of the family are still residents of the neighbor- hood."

The story of the Indian attack on the Martin ranch is told in the chapter on Indians and Pioneers.

Spencer post-office was established in July, 1878, with George J. Spencer, master. Orchard post-office was established also at this time. Easton post office was discontinued some time ago, Dell Thompson being the last master.

Cairo post-office is presided over by George W. Wingert. It was established a few years ago on the Grand Island & Wyoming Central Railroad, eighteen miles northwest of the county seat. Near by was the Hart cattle ranch, and in the village George Elfus kept the grocery store, Thomas Shurtz a drug store and George Willing a furni- ture store. The lumber yards of the National Lumber Company were located here in 1885 or 1886. Abbott is ten miles distant from Grand Island.

Runelsburg, twelve miles from Grand Island, boasted of a flouring-mill in 1879. This was operated by E. Bussell. Robert Johnson's hard- ware store, T. E. Morrison's drug store, V. S. Runels' general store and post-office, J. W. Stone's saloon, Mrs. E. M. Runels' millinery, J. G. Phelps' harness shop and the law-office of H. P. Hulett, made up the business section of the village.

Shelton, twenty-four miles southwest of Grand Island, was settled by Joe E. Johnson in 1857. In 1876 the railroad company surveyed the town- site. In 1879 P. Walshe was postmaster; M. R. Wiekmire, hotel proprietor; the stores of A. F. Bills, M. G. Lee and Ed Oliver were in existence. George Mortimer was railroad agent and justice, George & Zulauf conducted the flouring-mills, Rufus Mitchell had his broom factory in operation, Noble Walker and A. Wollaston were blacksmiths, Mrs. B. P. Thomson milliner, B. P. Thomson and J. N. Rice grain and implement dealers,

Jacob Sutter harness-maker, and L. Craver, shoe- maker.

David Ackerman is the efficient clerk of Hall County, Neb., and to that place was elected by his numerous Republican friends in the fall of 1885. His peculiar, fitness for this position was soon seen and recognized, and he has served by re-election ever since, his present term expiring January 1, 1892. He was born in Northamp- ton County, Pa., December 8, 1847, and is a son of David and Catherine (Flick) Ackerman, who were also natives of that State, the father's birth occurring in 1818. The mother died in that State in 1863 when about fifty years of age, hav- ing borne a family of nine children, of whom David is the fifth, and eight now living. Three brothers served in the Fifty-first Pennsylvania Infantry, and one brother, John A., was killed in front of Petersburg, Va., August 1, 1864. David Ackerman received a common education in the schools near his home, and in youth learned the intricacies of farm work and blacksmithing, after which he engaged in the hotel business. In Feb- ruary, 1865, he enlisted in Company I, Twenty- eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, and served until the close of the war, after which he returned to his old home in Pennsylvania and began learning the drug business. After attending a college in Philadel- phia for three years he gradnated in March, 1874, and the following August came to Omaha and there entered the employ of C. F. Goodman, remaining with him until the 16th of August, when the following one and one-half years were spent in Grand Island in conducting a drug store for Mr. Goodman. The two subsequent years he managed a store of his own, then went to Fort Laramie, W. T., where he was engaged in buy- ing cattle for two years. At the end of this period he came back to Grand Island, and after selling drugs on his own responsibility for one year he, in the fall of 1881, became associated in the real- estate business with J. E. White, entering in 1882 the United States land office as receiver's clerk, which position he held until January 1, 1886,

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Author: Goodspeed Brothers Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago, The Goodspeed publishing co. Number of Pages: 820

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, The Goodspeed publishing co.
Number of Pages: 820