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 29

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 29
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 29
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 29
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 29

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 Hastings roller mills of Humphrey & Ed- gerton were erected in the summer of 1889, and the machinery supplied by E. P. Ellis, of Milwaukee. In 1880 the sash, door and blind factory of 'B. Button was established. The old mill site on Block 5 of Moore's addition was sold to E. O. Alexander in 1887, and the machinery and buildings taken to the corner of Hastings Avenue and C Street. The Hastings planing-mill was opened in January, 1887. D. H. Miller and D. S. Cole established the Globe Poultry Yards, near Hastings, in March, 1880, and later introduced steam ineubators. The Wilkinson

candy factory is no small industry. During the year 1887 the establishment produced $35,000 worth of sweet meats. The Hastings sorghum factory, which collapsed in the big fire, was re-established by L. F. Gould in September, 1880. The Bauersock brewery, with which are connected two bottling houses, is operated by Theodore Bauersock. The plant is valued at about $25,000. William Breed's bottling house is also a large concern, as is Forcht & Brandt's. The Bonanza wind mill, invented by L. W. Maxan, of this county, was manufactured at Hastings, in 1880, by Maxan Bros. The water is elevated by windlass and bucket as in common- bored wells, the power being derived from an 8-foot wind-wheel. The Kellar Medicine Company organ- ized in the fall of 1889, with Messrs. Nellis, presi- dent; J. C. Parsons, vice-president; O. H. Gordon, secretary; A. H. Farrens, treasurer and manager, and Dr. Kellar, chemist. The company propose to establish an extensive laboratory here and manufae- ture several medical specialties. The Hastings broom factory is one of the latest additions to the manufacturing industries of Hastings. It was estab- lished in 1887, by Elroy Pettys. The Singer Man- ufacturing Company is represented-the popular Fred Rowe, traveling superintendent, being acting agent.

In 1872 the Inter Ocean Hotel was ereeted by Capt. Wells near the St. Joseph & Denver Railroad depot. In January, 1873, the Denver House was completed and opened, followed by the Burlington House. During the year 1874, the Town Company built an addition to the Denver House, and A. II. Burhans to the Burlington. The old Lepin Hotel, destroyed in the fire of September, 1879, was the leading house of all Central Nebraska. The present house was built immediately after the fire; but the storm of July 4, 1880, carried away part of the roof, and injured the furniture. Even part of the furniture for this house was burned in November, 1879, while stored at the depot. This is un- doubtedly one of the most comfortable houses in the State.

The New Commercial, rebuilt by N. F. Damron, on First street and Lincoln Avenue, was opened in January, 1880, by James Wailing. In December,

178

HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

1889, Dad Ronian succeeded Mr. Whitney as pro- prietor of this house. In April, 1880, the old Badger Yard building was fitted up for hotel pur- poses by H. M. Ridley. The Arlington, Denver, Gibout, Illinois, Mechanics' Home, Metropolitan, New England, Queen City, St. Louis and Tremont are all fair houses. It is now proposed to erect a 200-room house, and the proposition will probably soon take effect.

The Bostwick, in the Hastings Building Com- pany's block, was erected in 1884 under plans by Architect Weigle. The building is 80x176 feet, three stories in height. The three eastern rooms of the building on ground floor are used for hotel purposes, the dining rooms being 30x55 feet. The second and third floors of the building are devoted entirely to hotel purposes. The great central room, off which are several bed rooms, is 26x70 feet. Twenty-two feet above the floor of this parlor is the heavy glass room, and twelve feet from the floor a gallery sweeps around, giving access to the bed rooms on the third floor. There are seventy bed rooms in addition to ladies' parlor, sample rooms, dining room and office. W. H. Dildine opened the honse in October, 1885. The present lessees are Parker & Dillon. W. H. Dillon, formerly of the Commercial, took charge of the Bostwick, February 1, 1889. The first 'bus was introduced in Decem- ber, 1879, by the Alexander Bros., to be run be- tween the depots and the new Lepin House, com- pleted and opened that month.

During the summer of 1878 the Central Ne- braskan suggested the building of an opera house. About this time the Liberal Hall Association was founded, and a building was erected for worship as well as for amusement. Work on the Kerr Opera House building was begun May 7, and completed in 1884 at a cost of $61,000, by a company of local capitalists organized for that express purpose. Such leading citizens as M. L. Alexander, William Kerr, George H. Pratt, L. B. Palmer, James R. Heart- well, F. Naulteus, and many others were identified with the object. It stands at the southeast corner of Lincoln Avenue and Second Street, is 66x125 feet in size, and rises three stories above a high basement. It is a very substantial structure of

pressed brick and stone, with solid granite founda- tion, after designs by Mr. C. C. Rittenhouse. F. D. Taggart purchased the stock of the opera house company, and became its owner. Cole's Park was opened June 27, 1889.

Religious denominations by no means lack rep- resentation in Hastings. The first services of the Congregational Church here were conducted in the covered wagons in which the hardy pioneers traveled to this region. The First Congregational Church was organized in the fall of 1871, by the direction of Rev. J. F. Clarkson, who came as chaplain of the English colony. In the Home Missionary report of 1873 the Rev. John F. Clarkson is at Hastings. It is spoken of as " a wide field; rapid increase in population; more laborers needed; church organized." The number of church members is 13; conversions, 4, which added to 9 who united by let- ter make the 13 reported. The first services of the newly organized church were held in a sod house located in Moore's addition to the city of Hastings. Owing to some difficulty between the minister and his people, he was dismissed from the pastorate of the church, and after a time his place supplied by the Rev. W. Haviland, who remained only about one year. The church maintained only a feeble or- ganization until the month of September, 1874, when Rev. M. F. Platt took charge. Services were held in the school house until 1875. In that year the old Millet Hall, which stood on the corner of First Street and Hastings Avenue, was secured as a place of meeting. In October, 1875, the T. C. C. F. S. was organized for the purpose of raising funds for furnishing the hall. The church society con- tinued to hold its services in Millet's Hall until the fall of 1878, when another move was made-this time to the Presbyterian Church, which had been erected and dedicated in the meantime. As the so- ciety had become well organized, a systematic effort was now made to raise funds for the erection of a church building. A house was erected at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Third Street, which was dedicated March 29, 1879. Rev. Mr. Stewart, who succeeded A. W. Curtis, was present. The first church bell at Hastings was placed in the bel- fry the day prior to the dedication. Rev. Henry

179

ADAMS COUNTY.

Wilson succeeded Mr. Stewart in 1882. Rev. G. R. Milton came in the fall of 1884, and served until January 1, 1886, when Rev. William Walters took charge. A legacy of $500 left by Davis Lowman with additional subscriptions were used in paying off a debt of $1,000. In 1887, shortly after, the Hastings Improvement Company gave $6,700 and the two lots on which the building now stands for the old site. The church honse was removed, and re-dedicated September 25, 1887. The twenty- fourth annual meeting of the Congregational Society of Nebraska was held at Hastings in October and November, 1880. The Ladies Missionary Society also assembled here, and reported having paid $330 for the support of a lady missionary at Erzerum, Turkey in Asia.

The Methodist Episcopal Church, of Hastings, had its origin in as humble quarters as had the other church organizations of the city. The first services were held in the St. Joseph & Western Rail- road depot, on September 29, 1872, by R. A. Crane. Hastings was then included in the Juniata circuit, and fell within the bounds of the Beatrice district. The class comprised William and Maria Hudson, Benjamin H. and Rebecca Brown, Richard and Liz- zie Rainforth and Mary E. Ross. As the newly organized church grew stronger, funds were col- lected, and a neat little church edifice erected on the corner of Second Street and Kansas Avenue. On July 13, 1873, Presiding Elder White selected a site for the proposed house on the north side of Second Street, west of the school house, and by August of that year the building was enclosed and roofed by the contractors, Millett & Mulford. By some peculiar oversight the honor of holding first services was accorded to the Presbyterians, and the wily Rev. Griffes formally dedicated the partially completed building August 10, 1873. In April, 1880, it was sold to the Evangelical Society, and on August 12, that year, the corner stone of the pres- ent church house was placed, Rev. A. C. Crosth- waite presiding. The building was completed at a cost of $6,000. During progress of construction the members worshipped in Liberty Hall. In Sep- tember, 1881, Rev. Crosthwaite resigned the pastor- ate of the church and was succeeded by S. H. Hen-

derson, who was in turn succeeded by Revs. Brock- way and Jones. The present pastor is Rev. L. F. Britt, who is credited with being the most popular of all the Methodist preachers to fill that pulpit. Revs. R. H. Crane, Hiram Ilersey, E. J. Willis, who was here in 1874-75, Richard Pierson, Edward Thomson, A. C. Crosthwaite and S. H. Henderson may be termed the pioneer preachers of this circuit.

The Presbyterian Church dates back to August, 1873, when Rev. James A. Griffes preached to a small number of Presbyterians in the partially com- pleted Methodist Church, being the first to preael under a church roof here. On August 10, an organ- ization was effected by Rev. N. C. Robinson, S. M., and Rev. J. A. Griffes, with the following named members: Samuel Alexander, A. L. Wigton, Mrs. Mary A. Wigton, Samuel Reed, William M. Snod- grass, H. M. Palmer and Mr. Electa Palmer. A. L. Wigton was the first stated clerk, serving until 1881, when L. B. Palmer was chosen. In 1884, A. L. Wigton was re-elected and is now incumbent of the clerk's office. The following ministers have supplied the pulpit since the organization, viz: Rev. James A. Griffes, Angust, 1873; Rev. John Rutherford, January, 1877; Rev. D. S. Schaff, July, 1877; Rev. E. L. Williams, September, 1881; Rev. W. F. Ringland, October, 1882, and Rev. George T. Crissman, D. D., November, 1885.

The First Presbyterian Church of Hastings was organized for incorporation June 4, 1874, when the constitution was adopted. James K. Sample, II. M. Palmer, L. B. Palmer, James Slate, N. L. Ed- wards, Samuel Alexander, A. L. Wigton, John Simpson and J. J. Worswick were chosen trustees. The edifice in which the organization was effected was not completed, and the burning rays of the August sun pierced the unfinished roof in many places. A bundle of shingles laid across the top of an empty barrel served as a pulpit. In these un- favorable surroundings the church was organized. The first pastor, Rev. J. A. Griffes, conducted ser- vices in the school house for about two years. Afterwards Millet's Hall was utilized as a place of worship, until the summer of 1877, when the first building was completed and dedicated under the supervision of Samuel Alexander, A. L. Wigton and

180

HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

L. B. Palmer. This building stood on the corner of Fourth Street and Lincoln Avenue. In 1888 the congregation outgrew the old building and services were held in the opera house, pending the erection of a modern house of worship. The second build- ing was erected on the southwest corner of Seventh Street and Lincoln Avenue, in 1888-89, under super- vision of the following named members of the build- ing committee: Samnel Alexander, Rev. George T. Crissman, D. D., C. P. Webster, L. B. Palmer, A. J. Neimeyer and L. M. Campbell. The church was completed at a cost of $35,000 and dedi- cated February 10, 1889, President Ringland and Rev. C. G. A. Hollhorst, of the college, with the pastor, Rev. George T. Crissman, conducting the services.

St. Cecilia's Catholic Church dates its beginning back to the establishment of Hastings, when Rev. Father Leichleitner, pastor of Crete in 1871 (suc- cessor of Rev. W. Kelly), visited the new settle- ment. This portion of the mission was attended by Father Leichleitner until March 25, 1878, when Rev. George Glauber was appointed in charge of the congregation. Prior to this date the services of the church were held at the house of Thomas E. Farrell, but now the work of building a house of worship was entered upon. In 1880 this house was com- pleted, and the building of the parochial honse be- gun. In December, 1879, Rev. E. Rhullier was assistant priest at Hastings. The first records of the missions in this section of the State form part of the parish records of Crete. The records of St. Cecilia's parish begin March 25, 1878. The first baptisms recorded are those of Elizabeth, daughter, and Thomas, son of John and Elizabeth (Griggs) Britt. Thomas and Elizabeth Farrell were sponsors. A son of Michael Hess and a daughter of John Young were baptized on the 21st of April, and a daughter of John and Patience (Brown) Farrell, of Ireland, on May 12, 1878. Other names on the Liber Baptismorum of this period include many of the old settlers.

The mission in 1880 comprised Hastings, Kene- saw, Roseland, Riverton, Harvard, Fairfield, Wheat- land, Orleans, Sarpy, Lowell, Minden, Indianola, Juniata, Glenwood, Bloomington, Red Cloud, Arap-

ahoe and Inland. In 1881 Rev. James Simeon* succeeded Father Glauber, but Rev. E. Rhullier was continued as assistant priest. New names are added daily to the long list of baptisms, while the settle- ments of Cambridge, Whitlock and Franklin ap- peared on Fremont's "Great American Desert " as new missions of this parish. Hazel Dell is named in April, 1883, and Heartwell in 1885-the latter place attended by Rev. O. N. Turgeon, who appears to be assistant priest at this time. Rev. F. Schraffe was here in December, 1884, and throughout 1885. Services were held at Ellwood in 1886, and at Axel in 1888. Rev. J. J. Laughran was assistant priest in June, 1888. On May 15, 1881, Bishop O'Con- ·nor administered the sacrament of confirmation to fifty-nine children and adults at Hastings, and next day to twenty-five children and adults at Wheatland. On May 18 the sacrament was administered to twen- ty-four persons at Orleans, and on May 19 to six- teen persons at Indianola.

The first marriage recorded in this parish is that of Alonzo P. Cook and Agnes Fisher, May 12, 1878. From that time up to July 2, 1888, when Father Simeon signed the parish records for the last time, there were eighty-six marriages solemnized, and from that period until November 6, 1889, twenty marriages were celebrated. Father J. E. English is the present priest. During the short time which has elapsed, since taking charge of the parish, he has almost eclipsed the record of his life at Omaha. A church building, parochial house and the greatest convent building in Central Nebraska have been brought into existence. Among his principal helpers are Thomas E. Farrell, John Rooney, Mrs. Mary Stoetzel, Ezra Langevin, M. Moriarty, S. Kelly, who contributed largely to church building. The congregation embraces over 200 families, and the parish includes Kenesaw, Hansen, Inland, Glen- ville and other points in this district.

*Rev. James Simeon studied at the University of St. Louis, at St. Joseph's College, Bardstown, Mo., and subsequently in Germany and Switzerland. He was ordained priest at Lou- vain, Belgium, in 1855, and served the church in the Rhine provinces for thirteen years, when he returned to the United States. He was pastor of St. Joseph's German Catholic Church at Washington, D. C., and later built Holy Trinity German Catholic Church at Boston. He also served at Philadelphia and New York, and in August, 1881, located at Hastings, in charge of the wide mission field.

181

ADAMS COUNTY.

The Baptist Church is the pioneer religious society of Adams County. In January, 1871, Rev. J. W. Warwick preached at the house of William Kress, on the Little Blue. Three years later their doetrine was preached at Hastings.

The early settlers of Hastings whose religious attachments were with the Baptist denomination, organized themselves into a congregation in 1874. Rev. I. G. Newell was the first pastor, and the ser- viees were conducted in Millett's Hall. The organi- zation did not develop much strength in the earlier years of its history and maintained but a feeble ex- istence until 1879, when the Rev. J. E. Rockwood assumed control. Among the early members were D. S. Cole, Jacob Wooster, J. H. Vandemark, Frank Talmage, N. T. Eckles, Joseph Simms, Mrs. Alli- son, Mrs. Talmage, and Mrs. Vandemark. Under efficient management the society took a long stride forward and became firmly fixed in the community. After having guided the affairs of the church for about a year, Rev. Rockwood resigned and was suc- ceeded by Rev. J. H. Mise. The last named gen- tleman began his pastoral duties in February, 1881, and in the following summer raised the necessary funds to erect a house of worship. The new Bap- tist Church was dedicated January 31, 1882. It is a neat structure of appropriate architectural design, and cost about $3,000. Since Rev. Mr. Mise sev- ered his connection with the church the pulpit has been occupied successively by Revs. H. P. Fitch, J. Y. Aitchison and H. C. Holden, the latter being the present pastor.

The Hastings Free Religious Society adopted a constitution July 14, 1878. John N. Lyman was president; George W. Mowery, secretary; R. A. Batty, treasurer; A. D. Yocum, M. K. Lewis and E. Steinau, trustees.

The same year Liberal Hall was built-a one story frame, 40x75 feet. This large hall was intended for a place of amusement as well as for worship, and in it the first religious bodies assembled for prayer.

St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal Church was or- ganized May 3, 1880, by Rev. J. W. Greenwood. He eame thither in 1879 from Honeoye Falls, N. Y .. to the Nominal Mission Station of Hastings and

Grand Island, where he found a few members. On April 18, 1880, he performed the services of his church for the first time, and this action was fol- lowed by the organization. on the date above written. On May 4, the society elected Messrs. N. Z. Barlow, and O. Oliver, wardens; and Messrs. Charles Cam- eron, F. J. Benediet, J. M. Norton, Emery and A. B. Ideson, vestrymen. The officers constituted themselves a committee to locate a site for a church building. On July 10, Bishop Clarkson placed the corner stone of the first church building, the pastor, Mr. Greenwood, conducting the services according to the ritual. This building was dedicated the third Sunday after Epiphany in 1881. O. H. M. and Robert Oliver, J. M. Norton, A. B. and J. C. Ide- son were the members. Rev. John Love was mis- sionary at the time; Mr. Greenwood was reetor of the parish, followed by Rev. Henry Shaw and Rev. J. W. Gilman. The present number of communi- eants is placed at seventy-seven.

The Christian Church is a modern organization here. The members worshiped at the old Presby- terian Church for some time until the new chureh- house on Lexington and Fourth Streets was erected in 1889. Rev. W. T. Maupin served the church.

The Swedish Evangelical Lutherans of Hast- ings claim Rev. Mr. Torren as preacher, and also Rev. A. C. Tredin, who performed the services of church in the Good Templars' Hall.

The German Evangelical Association was estab- lished as a mission in the city of Hastings in 1879. Two years following a church organization was effected by Revs. G. G. Zellhoefer and Jacob Wein- gart. Rev. Inhelder assumed the pastorate in April, 1880, and held it until the past year, when he was succeeded by Rev. H. Illian. At first wor- ship was conducted in the old Methodist Church, and in April, 1880, the association purchased that building and dedicated it anew for its own use. The mission at present includes nearly one hundred families, all of whom are Germans.

The First German Evangelical Church of Hast- ings was organized for incorporation November 8, 1879, with William Steinhaus, clerk; Henry Stam- mer. August Forcht and the clerk, trustees. The society was formally organized in September, 1878,

182

HISTORY OF NEBRASKA.

and in the fall the work of church building was entered upon. The church house was completed in January, 1879, and dedicated on the 12th of that month. The school was also opened by Rev. H. Seikman. Rev. Mr. Stark served this church for some time, and Rev. Mr. Fritze is now pastor.

The Evangelical Lutheran Society hold services in the G. A. R. hall. Rev. C. S. Schaefer is pastor.

On August 10, 1873, a union Sunday-school was organized with R. V. Shockey, superintendent; Mrs. E. Palmer, secretary; W. A. Smith, treasurer, and W. T. Comby, librarian.

In the pages devoted to the transactions of the county commissioners, the annual progress of the school system of the county and city is noted. In the summary of the city records other references to the schools are made, and the names of the trustees or directors given; in the political history the contests for the office of school superintendent are referred to, and in the general chapter on county societies the organization of the Normal Institute is recorded. In 1872 the Hastings school district was organized with D. S. Cole, - Dyer and S. S. Dow, trustees. Within a short time A. D. Yocum took Mr. Dyer's place, and in August, 1872, this board placed be- fore the district the question of voting $4,000 bonds for the purpose of building a school. In April, 1873, a vote on this question was affirmative. Samuel Alexander was elected treasurer, and several changes made in the personnel of the board. Be- fore the school house was built an injunction was sued out at the instance of George W. Donaghey to postpone building; but this was dissolved in March, 1873, and the school building erected. Before pro- ceedings on this injunction were served, Mr. Dow, learning that Charles Kilburn was in Hastings for the purpose of serving papers, and seeing him in Wheeler's store, went out the back door and pro- ceeding to Capt. Wells' office sold the bonds. Im- mediately after the injunction papers were served Messrs. D. S. Cole and S. S. Dow were arrested for disobeying the injunction; but got out on a writ of habeas corpus, Attorneys Bowen & Laird represent- ing the prosecution. Subsequently Cole and Dow were taken to Lincoln by James Laird, and while there Mr. Dow visited the capitol and heard the bill

read 'authorizing the commissioners to build a court house at Juniata. Returning at once to Hastings, he spread the alarm, and that night a remonstrance was prepared and on its way to Lincoln. This had the effect of defeating the bill. It was revenge for in- terference with the school interests of the young town.

The committee in charge of the school house of District 18, A. D. Yocum, S. Alexander, D. S. Cole and L. Reynolds, located a sight for the building, and sold the contract to G. W. McDade. Early in May this body desired to change the location to Block 18, and to extend the plans; and McDade be- ing agreeable, proposals for building were again asked for, and Col. W. L. Smith was the successful bidder. On May 30, 1873, stone for the founda- tion arrived, and the house was completed that year.

Three years later (1876) there were 122 pupils enrolled, of whom an average of ninety-eight attended. The principal at this time was H. W. Myers, successor of Col. Monroe. The school teachers of the city in March, 1880, were C. J. Davis, principal; Misses Dora Tucker, Jones, Parker, Clark, Edmunson and Mesdames Davis and Wigton. The school house in the western part of the town was opened by Miss Edmunson and Miss Moore in June, 1879. In July, 1880, the contract for a brick school building on the south side was sold to D. M. McElHinney for $3,400. The structure was completed that year.

The Hastings high school building was destroyed by fire November 12, 1886. The insurance carried amounted to $16,000.

Hastings now has five large public school build- ings. The high school building, erected in 1887, occupies the site of the old high school building on High Street, between Denver and Hastings Avenues. This handsome two-story brick structure is 85x103 feet in size, with high basement, and a graceful tower 100 feet in height. The total cost was $5,000. J. B. Molnux is superintendent and principal.

The West ward school building, a highly orna- mental and commodious edifice, two stories and basement, is built of stone and brick, surmounted by a tasty tower and steep gable roof. It has six rooms with a capacity of 400 pupils, and cost

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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