USA > Nebraska > Sarpy County > Biographical record : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Saunders and Sarpy Counties, Nebraska > Part 18
USA > Nebraska > Saunders County > Biographical record : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Saunders and Sarpy Counties, Nebraska > Part 18
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
In 1871 Dr. Stone went to North Platte, Ne- braska, and a little later settled on a claim in Polk county, where he immediately engaged in the stock business and general farming. Before six months had elapsed, however, his ability as a physician became known, and he was called upon to practice medicine again. In January, 1877, he went to Wahoo, Saunders county, and began pratice there. In 1878 he was appointed surgeon general of the state of Nebraska, and filled that important office for twelve years. In 1889 he was also appointed superintendent of the insane asylum at lastings, Nebraska, but resigned in 1890. In 1868 he was appointed surgeon of the Union Pacific Railroad Com- pany, serving as such until 1892, when he re- signed that position also.
Dr. Stone today stands at the head of his profession and ranks among the ablest phy- sicians of his state. He is a valued member of the Nebraska State Medical Association, of which he served as president in 1880 and
186
BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
1881. He is also a Mason of high degree, affiliating with St. John's Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Omaha; Omaha Consistory, A. A. S. R., South Jurisdiction; and Sesostris Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
J AMES PALLAS, one of the most enter- prising and thrifty farmers and stock rais- ers of Chapman precinct, Saunders county, is a typical self-made man, his world- ly possessions being the result of his own un- tiring efforts. He was born in Bohemia and is a son of Frank and Mary (Trutua) Pallas.
James Pallas came to the United States in 1878 and on May 21 of that year he located in Saunders county, at which time he had $600 which he had earned in his native country. With his money he bought the east half of the northwest quarter of sec- tion 23, township 14, range 6. His first house was 8 by 12 by 6 feet in dimensions, and the barn was only large enough to hold a team of horses and one cow. The cow hung herself and, in order to earn money to buy another, he worked out by the day. In 1880 he bought the corner "eighty" adjoining his farm, a tract described as the west half of the northwest quarter of section 23, from Mr. Cajka. For this he paid $6 per acre, which included a dollar per acre for the break- ing of the soil. There is now a fine orchard on this property, consisting of 150 apple trees, 22 pear trees and a number of cherry trees, with some grape vines. In 1892 he purchased
the west half of the southwest quarter of sec- tion 14, township 14, range 6, from Charles Hadsal, and has about four acres set out in trees on this last purchase. In 1885 he built an addition to his house and in 1890 he com- pleted it to its present size. He got along with his straw barn until 1886, when he built a substantial frame barn, 18 by 28 feet, and a shed along its side 14 feet wide. In 1896 he built an addition 16 by 32 feet on the south side of his barn, and on the west side, in 1898, he made another addition 14 by 32 feet. He also erected cattle sheds and a granary 18 by 36 feet in 1888, and later a corn-crib 24 by 28 feet. His house and outbuildings are in the best possible shape and in fact his whole farm is in a fine state of cultivation. He has a well 171 feet deep which he sank in 1891, and he has put up a fine windmill. Formerly the slough contained many springs, but all have gone dry with the exception of one large one which supplies the stock with pure water. In 1899 Mr. Pallas put 105 acres into corn and raised a crop of about 5,500 bushels. General farming and stock raising form his chief occupation, in which he is very success- ful, being, undoubtedly one of the most pro- gressive and up-to-date farmers in Saunders county.
Mr. Pallas married a cousin, Mary Pallas, and they have six children, namely: Joseph, James, Anton, Charles, Mary and Frances. Joseph Pallas is a hustling young man, and in partnership with Joseph Punek he owns an almost new threshing outfit, which they operate every season with considerable suc-
187
SAUNDERS AND SARPY COUNTIES
cess. The subject of this sketch is a mem- ber of the Reformed Presbyterian church; in politics he is a Republican. He belongs to the C. S. P. S., a Bohemian fraternity of Wahoo.
F. HAWKINSON, although young in years, has had wider experience in a business way than most men who are many years his senior, and he now stands in the foremost rank of the young business men of Saunders county, Nebraska. Shrewd and far-sighted, he has never failed to come out suc- cessful from whatsoever transaction he may have been concerned in. Nevertheless he is a man of honor, treating all with fairness and never stooping to do a mean act. It is due to his careful management, more than any- thing else that the Railsback Bros. Elevator, of Malmo, is in its present thriving condition.
Mr. Hawkinson was born at Galesburg, Illi- nois, in 1872, and is the oldest son of Olaf and Mary (Swanson) Hawkinson. He has a brother, Herman, who lives in Omaha, and a sister, Esther, living with her mother, now Mrs. Peter Nygren. Olaf Hawkinson was born in Middle Sweden, in the province of Blekinge, in 1835, and died April 23, 1886. He learned his trade and secured his certificate as a first-class woodworking mechanic and wagonmaker before coming to this country. His brother, John, who spent one winter visit- ing in this country, was the only other member of the family who ever came to this country.
Olaf Hawkinson came to the United States in 1868, locating in Illinois. Upon his arrival in this country he had but one coin left-a Swedish 4-rikson piece of silver, which is now carried by A. F. Hawkinson as a souvenir pocket-piece. The elder Hawkinson worked in the woods in Illinois and soon had the mis- fortune to lose his first wife, Hannah, by whom he had two children: Swan, of Omaha, and Hannah, who lives with A. F. Hawkinson's mother. Olaf Hawkinson then married Mary Swanson, in Illinois and moved to Saunders county, Nebraska, with his family in 1873. There he purchased the south half of the south- west quarter of section 18, township 15, range 6, from Mr. Peterson for $7 per acre. He subsequently proved up his claim and, in 1875, purchased the east half of the northwest quar- ter of section 19, and also the northwest quar- ter of the northeast quarter of the same sec- tion, on a foreclosed mortgage given by Mr. Peterson. In 1882 he bought the west half of the southeast quarter of section 18. The land was in its original state, wholly unim- proved, and the first improvements made by Mr. Hawkinson were a sod house in the south- east corner of his first 80 acres and a straw shed for a barn. In 1875 he built the present L-shaped house, one and a half stories high, the size of the main part being 24 by 26 feet. A few years later he erected a substantial frame barn, 32 feet square, together with other neces- sary outbuildings. He fed and dealt heavily in stock, and raised large quantities of broom corn, selling some years as much as $4,000 worth of the latter, the price being from $75
188
BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
to $125 per ton. He made many fine improve- ments upon the farm, which has been rented since 1886. He accumulated a handsome com- petency and traveled considerably during his last years. The Wahoo Creek drains this property and it is considered one of the best pieces of land in the county.
A. F. Hawkinson and his brother purchased 280 acres of the estate and later sold 120 acres of it to Angblum & Mitchell, of Omaha, for $35 per acre, and the balance, 160 acres, for $5,000, realizing a handsome margin on the sales. Mr. Hawkinson has ably shifted for himself since he was twelve years old, when he went out to work at farming ; but he never lost sight of his educational training. He at- tended school during the winter months, and this was supplemented by several terms of study in Luther Academy, at Wahoo. When nineteen years old he rented the Bose farm northeast of Malmo, and later rented the farm of his uncle, Mr. Johnson, on which he con- tinued successfully for five years. He was subsequently in the employ of several different concerns at Omaha and elsewhere, always giv- ing the best of satisfaction, meriting and re- ceiving strong commendation from his em- ployers and associates. He first entered the elevator business at Weston in the position of manager of the Weston Grain & Stock Com- pany, with which he remained until October 10, 1899, when he purchased the Malmo Grain & Stock Company. He was meeting with un- qualified success, but, having an opportunity to dispose of the concern at a snug profit, to Railsback Brothers, whose headquarters are in
Ashland, Nebraska, he sold to that firm, in Jan- uary, 1900, and has since ably served as their manager at Malmo. He is still one of the di- rectors of the Weston Grain & Stock Company, the six other directors being: John Edwards, president ; Oscar Olson, secretary ; A. Pospisil ; A. Barry; Thomas Madigan ; and A. Shabalka. Mr. Hawkinson is a business man of sterling qualities and a gentleman whose acquaintance it is a pleasure to make.
On April 5,' 1893, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Hilma Larson, a daughter of A. G. and Caroline (Johnson) Larson. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkinson have one child, Ruth, born in 1896. Mrs. Hawkinson has a brother, Edward, and a sister, Jennie. Mr. Larson is a prominent farmer of Mariposa precinct. He was born in Middle Sweden, in 1844, and is a son of Lars and Anna Larson. Coming to America in 1867 he engaged in farming for a time in Illinois, near the town of Geneseo, and moved west to Omaha in 1870. He bought 160 acres of railroad land at $4 per acre in section 5, township 15, range 6, and subsequently sold 80 acres to Mr. Lind, his brother-in-law. He hired a man to do some breaking and then returned to his family in Omaha, where he lived during the following sixteen years. In 1885 he built a medium- sized house and barn on his land and, in 1887, added to the house and also built a new barn, 58 by 28 feet in dimensions. This barn was de- stroyed by fire in 1897 and was replaced by one whose dimensions are 26 by 36 feet. Mr. Haw- kinson has a fine farm of 240 acres with excel- lent buildings and a good orchard. He owns
GEORGE MEINERS.
191
SAUNDERS AND SARPY COUNTIES
one of the finest new residences in Malmo, a Queen Anne cottage, its dimensions being 27 by 38 feet.
EORGE MEINERS, one of the most extensive land owners in Center pre- cinct, Saunders county, Nebraska, began without capital, and has made what he has, all in Saunders county, in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Meiners is a native of the southeastern part of Germany. He was born in 1845, and is a son of William and Minnie (Heineng) Mein- ers. He grew to manhood and was schooled in his native country, where he worked as a shepherd uutil 1869. He then came to the United States, landing in New York City.
Having a brother in Quincy, Illinois, Mr. Meiners proceeded to that place, but shortly afterward went farther west, to Nebraska. In March, 1870, he purchased 80 acres of land in Saunders county, which had previously been homesteaded by George Smith. The latter died, however, before making any improvements upon it. This land is located in Center pre- cinct, section 24. Mr. Meiners also purchased 80 acres in section 25, township 14, range 7, making a quarter section in all, which was a good-sized farm in those days.
Soon afterward, Mr. Meiners sent money to Lena Wempen, to whom he was affianced, and that young lady crossed the ocean from Ger- many for the express purpose of sharing the fortunes of her betrothed. She is a daughter of John Wempen, and married Mr. Meiners soon
after her arrival in Ashland. Together they built a sod house, with one door and two win- dows, and began life together with a deter- mined will-little dreaming they would ever be the proud owners of so many broad acres as they have acquired. But, by hard work, they succeeded in overcoming all difficulties, where many would have failed.
In 1885 the Porter farm, of 80 acres, was added to their possessions, and in 1891 they also bought the Mack farm of 80 acres. About six and a half years before, Mr. Meiners had built a large house, barns, sheds, corn-cribs, etc., on the home place, and set out a great many fruit and shade trees. He subsequently purchased 200 acres in section 21, from H. H. Verrell, and 80 acres in section 5, Stocking precinct, from Mr. Dickoo. He built a house upon the last named farm, and otherwise improved it. By acquiring all these broad acres he rapidly rose to the front rank among the progressive and representative farmers of his county.
Mr. and Mrs. Meiners have been blessed with a large family of children. One son died when only five days old. Two other children-Wil- liam and Mary-also died young. The others are Minnie, Anna, Lena, Lizzie, William, Fred, Emma, Maggie, and Clara. Minnie married F. Behrens, and has five children : Lena, Annie, Oscar, Irvin, and Clarence. Anna married Herinan Keoing, and has one child-Gertie. Lena married Christ Neben, and has also one child-Martha. Lizzie married Harry Wid- man.
Mr. Meiners and his family are members of the Evangelical church. In his political views
192
BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
the subject of this sketch supports the Repub- lican party. A portrait of Mr. Meiners accom- panies this sketch, being presented on a pre- ceding page.
HARLES HENRY NIGH, owner and proprietor of the Red Cedar Farm, four and one-half miles northwest of Mead, Saunders county, has established one of the finest thorough-breeding farms in east- ern Nebraska. Mr. Nigh was born in Wyom- ing county, Pennsylvania, in August, 1851. He is a son of William Nigh, who is now re- tired and resides with the subject hereof. In 1877 Charles Henry Nigh bought the north- west quarter of section 15, in Marietta pre- cinct, Saunders county, Nebraska. This farm was previously owned by J. B. Sturdevant. It contained at that time a large grove of cot- tonwood and other trees about sixteen feet high, and a sınall dwelling house. Immedi- ately after acquiring this farm Mr. Nigh busied himself in setting out a great many more shade trees, fine orchards, etc. The soil is of the very best and it is now under a high state of cultivation. It is said to be the best improved farm in Marietta precinct. As an example of the fertility of the soil may be mentioned the rapidity with which the trees grow. The first grove upon this farm was set out in the early "seventies." In 1899 Mr. Nigh cut from this grove 19,000 feet of lumber, over 200 feet of which was obtained from one log alone, sixteen feet long.
In addition to planting other groves Mr. Nigh set out large cedar groves from which the farm derives its name. Seed from these trees fell and a new growth of trees sprang up. Many hundreds of these small trees have been taken up and planted upon neighboring farms. In 1895 Mr. Nigh decided to make a specialty of raising thorough-bred stock and wished to give his farm a distinctive name. After a brief consideration of the circumstances he adopted the "Red Cedar Farm" as an ap- propriate name for his home.
The same year he began raising the Red Polled cattle and since then he has raised and sold large numbers. One calf commanded the price of $170 when eleven months old. Mr. Nigh owns bulls named Abelard, Aksarben, Captain, Cub, Leland, Snap, Whiskey Dick; and females named Abigail, Abilene, Bessie, Bounty, Beauty, Ceres, Eulalia, Eulalie, Irene, Leona, So, Mistake, Nina, Susie, Welcome's Pride, Beauty, Camilla, Iowa Davy, Nancy, Choice Girl, Jennett, Madge, Sally, and several others. The Red Polls are an English breed of cattle, originating in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, England, where they have been successfully bred by reason of their superior qualities in milk, butter, and beef for more than one hundred and fifty years. Coming from these cold and bleak counties, they are naturally hardy. They succeed in many places where other breeds fail. Six of these cattle can be wintered on the feed of five Shorthorns, and they can be fed, housed, and handled more safely than any horned cattle. They cross well on the Shorthorns and other cattle of the coun-
193
SAUNDERS AND SARPY COUNTIES
try, removing horns, improving qualities, and transmitting their beautiful red color. These characteristics together with gentleness, large size, excellent milk and beef qualities and early maturity, establish them as the general purpose cattle.
Mr. Nigh has added to his herd by careful selections from the best herds in Iowa, and both freight and money can be saved by pur- chasing from him. Persons desiring to buy registered stock of this breed can make a bet- ter selection by going to him than to any other point in the state. Visitors are always wel- come at the Red Cedar Farm, whether they come as purchasers or not, and will be met at Mead station, if Mr. Nigh is advised of their intention of visiting his farm.
A great many things may be said in favor of the Red Polls. This breed is very old and well established as one of the best breeds in England. Their color is always a deep, beau- tiful, dark red, which is transmitted to their offspring and even when crossed with breeds of a different color 90 per cent of the grades will be red. They are absolutely hornless and when crossed with horned breeds they impart this quality so strongly that out of halfbloods not any have horns and only a few have even loose knobs. In size they are very good. Most of the bulls at maturity weigh from 1,800 to 2,500 pounds and cows, in proportion, 1,000 to 1,800 pounds. They mature early, are eas- ily kept, and have smooth, fine bone and mus- cle. They are very gentle and easy to handle, and it is rarely that one of the bulls becomes cross. They leave their impression strongly
on any breed they are crossed with and their grade and fullblood steers are as fine, plump, bony-built creatures as ever went to market; they are quick sellers. They will huddle in a shed like sheep and may be loaded and shipped with the least possible injury.
Mr. Nigh also raises thorough-bred Poland China hogs and grains of all kinds are raised upon his farm, principally, however, corn. In 1892 he built his present fine residence and, in 1899, a large barn, 48 by 74 feet in size. Numerous other buildings were also added. Gertrude Goodale, a daughter of Alfred Good- ale, of Pennsylvania, became the wife of Mr. Nigh. Mrs. Nigh grew to womanhood and was cared for by her grandparents, David and Rebecca Goodale. Mr. and Mrs. Nigh have an interesting family of seven children, as fol- lows: Nellie M .; Jennie E .; Harry E .; Roxie A .; Fred J .; June, and a baby girl. The sub- ject of this sketch and his estimable wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
TTO HECKLANDER. Prominent among the successful agriculturists in Marietta precinct who have contributed largely toward the growth and prosperity of Saunders county, Nebraska, is the subject of this sketch, who owns a fine large farm in sec- tion 32.
Mr. Hecklander is a native of Sweden. He is a son of Swan and Ulrica (Johnson) Swan- son. Otto Hecklander came to America in 1865, locating in Chicago, Illinois. He fol-
194
BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
lowed farming in that vicinity for some time and saved $200.
In 1869 he homesteaded 80 acres of land in the south half of the northwest quarter of section 32, which is the same farm upon which he still resides. An additional purchase was made of 52 acres at $II per acre some years later. He first built a sod and board house combined, as did most of the early set- tlers. In 1875 a small frame house was added, and in 1889 the present residence was built. He set out large groves of trees, orchards, etc. Some of these trees died and, in 1898, 500 shade trees were set out, and 200 more in 1900.
Mr. Hecklander now has one of the finest fruit, stock and grain farms in his locality. July 16, 1878, Mr. Hecklander married Assa- rina Berggren. Two children were born to them who are twins, and are called Hilma and Hulda by their fond parents. Mrs. Heck- lander is a woman of excellent qualities and occupies a high place in the estimation of her many friends. Both she and her husband are members of the Lutheran church. The sub- ject of this sketch is well known throughout the county as a man of sterling traits and is widely respected and esteemed.
U
J OHN ALBERT OLSON, a leading farmer of Center precinct, Saunders coun- ty, Nebraska, has been a land-owner in that county since 1888. Mr. Olson was born in Knox county, Illinois, in 1855. He is a
son of Peter P. and Britta (Matson) Olson.
Peter P. Olson is a native of Sweden. He was thrown upon his own resources when only eight years old and was compelled to make his own way in the world. He went to sea for sev- eral years and then embarked on a sailing ves- sel bound for America. Going westward on his arrival in this country, he found employ- ment on a vessel sailing out of Chicago and was a sailor on the great lakes for several years. Afterward he worked upon a farm in Illinois for a time and subsequently purchased a farm in Knox county, in that state. After making extensive improvements upon this farm he sold it and made a handsome profit on his investment. In 1877 he went to Saunders county, Nebraska, where he purchased 280 acres of land. This farm contained a beauti- ful grove and a small house, 12 by 14 feet in dimensions. Mr. Olson enlarged the house and built barns and other farm buildings. In 1890 he removed to Mead, Nebraska, and re- tired from farm life. Since the death of his wife he has made his home with his sons. His wife was Britta Matson, who died in 1898, aged sixty-nine years. Their union resulted in six children, namely: Mary, wife of An- drew Swanson; Jolin Albert, the subject of this biography ; Frank O .; Charles E .; Minnie, wife of A. E. Sutherland; and Rose. Peter P. Olson is a Prohibitionist and a devoted mem- ber of the Swedish Mission church. Upon his retirement he gave each of his children a fine start in life.
John Albert Olson was reared to farm life. In 1878 he purchased 80 acres of land from
195
SAUNDERS AND SARPY COUNTIES
Mr. Nelson, and in 1888 80 acres from D. Fraser. A small house was the only building on this tract. Mr. Olson immediately began improving his land. He built a larger house and a barn and set out orchards which now rank among the finest in the county. He also has groves of grand old trees, which were among the earliest improvements. Mr. Olson raises both stock and grain.
The subject of this sketch was joined in marriage with Ida C. Hultburg, a native of Sweden. Six children blessed this union, as follows: Hilda, Esther, Edith, Alice, Ruth (deceased), and John. In his political opin- ions Mr. Olson is in sympathy with the Popu- lists. He entertains broad, liberal views on religious subjects and has charity for all. His beautiful and productive farm shows what man can do to cultivate and improve wild prairie land and to convert it into productive farms.
LLIS V. MENGEL, postmaster at Valparaiso, Saunders county, Nebraska, was born in Sangamon county, Illi- nois, November 22, 1846. He has been en- gaged in various business pursuits in which he has eminently succeeded.
Isaac Mengel, his father, was born near Reading, Pennsylvania, and was a carpenter by trade. At the age of eighteen years he journeyed to Ohio, where he remained for a short time and then returned to Pennsylva- nia. In the early "forties" he located in San- gamon county, Illinois. The West held out
great inducements to parties seeking new homes, and in 1868 Mr. Mengel gathered his family together and moved to Saunders county, Nebraska, where he took up a homestead claim about five miles northwest of Valparaiso. He was on the homestead six years when he was elected county judge of Saunders county and moved to Wahoo, where he lived until the time of his death. He died aged sixty-eight years. After his retirement from the bench, he was made justice of the peace, and held that office for a number of years.
Isaac Mengel married Eunice M. Meacham, who was among the first white children born in Sangamon county, Illinois. She now re- sides at Geneva, Nebraska, aged seventy-eight years. They had twelve children, five of whom survive and have gone from the pa- rental roof and built homes for themselves and their families in various states. They are as follows: Ethan M., residing at Mingo, Kansas; Ellis V., the subject hereof; Arminda J. (Giffin), of Greenwood, Kansas; Julia D. (Stephens), now residing in Akron, Colorado; and Hattie B. (Edgscomb), who lives in Ge- neva, Nebraska.
Ellis V. Mengel spent his boyhood days in Illinois, and moved to Nebraska with his pa- rents in 1868. He began farming for himself in 1874 and the grasshoppers took the crop that year, so he returned to Illinois, remaining there till the spring of 1877, when he returned to Saunders county. In 1882 he left the farm and moved into the village of Valparaiso. From 1882 to 1884 he was in the railway mail service and later was engaged in the hard-
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.