USA > Nebraska > Buffalo County > Buffalo County, Nebraska, and its people : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 34
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In politics Mr. Bohn maintains an independent attitude, voting according to the dictates of his judgment without regard to party ties. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, to which he is ever loyal. As the years have gone by he has made continuous progress in the attainment of success and is now one of the substantial farmers of the community in which he has made his home for more than a third of a century.
JAMES M. EASTERLING.
James M. Easterling was born near West Liberty, Kentucky, August 23, 1860. He was educated in the common schools and the West Liberty schools. He devoted five years to teaching. Later he graduated from the law depart- inents of the Georgetown and the Columbian universities and graduated also from the Martyn College in the literary department.
He came to Kearney, Nebraska, August 15, 1888, where he has since resided. He helped to organize the populist party and in 1892 was its nominee for secretary of state, but with the ticket was defeated. He has lived to see the principles for which he labored become dominant in state and nation. He served two terms as county judge, two terms as county attorney for Buffalo county and one term as member of the lower house of the legislature, declining a renomination.
He was married September 1, 1892, to Miss Viola M. Kretchmer, of Red Oak, Iowa. To this union have been born four children: Bernhard K., Gretchen B., Pauline E. and Cynthia E.
Mr. Easterling loves the simple life of the home circle, where he finds his greatest happiness. He never shirked a responsibility nor abandoned a duty.
JAMES JOSHUA SMITH.
James Joshua Smith, who was an efficient and prosperous farmer of Elm Creek township, was widely known throughout the county and his demise was the occasion of sincere regret. His birth occurred in Toledo, Ohio, on the 16th of March, 1862, and he lived in that state until 1883, when as a young man he, with his sister Augusta, accompanied his father, James Smith, on his removal to Buffalo county, Nebraska. The family home was established on a farm in Elm
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Creek township and the father engaged in agricultural pursuits until his demise. He was successful and held title to almost a section of land.
James J. Smith received valuable training in farming through assisting his father and acquired his education in the public schools of Ohio. Following his marriage he became the owner of part of his father's land and at the time of his death his holdings comprised two hundred and sixty acres in township 9, range 18, section 19. He built a good house upon the place, set out a grove and made other improvements, thus adding to the value of the farm. He devoted his entire time to the cultivation of his land and his well directed labors yielded him a good return.
Mr. Smith married Miss Susie E. Walker, who was born in Burlington, Iowa. Both her parents, David C. and Elizabeth (Prugh) Walker, are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents of two children, Harry Glenn and Bessie Mildred.
Mr. Smith was a member of the Methodist church and gave his political allegiance to the republican party. Since his demise, which occurred on the Ioth of September, 1901, his widow, son and daughter have conducted the farm and have proved capable in their management of the place. Mrs. Smith is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church, sings in the choir and takes part in various movements seeking the moral advancement of her com- munity. She has manifested good business ability in carrying on the farm work and her personal qualities are such that she has won the friendship of many.
MICHAEL O'CONNOR.
Michael O'Connor is a retired farmer and cattle raiser residing on his farm a mile and a half south of the town of St. Michael, on section 14, Cherry Creek township, and he is one of the honored pioneer settlers of Buffalo county, who has been identified with the development of this section of the state since the days when it was a frontier district and when residence here involved many hardships and privations. He has lived to see the notable changes which have been wrought by time and man and in fact has borne a full share in bringing about present day conditions of progress and improvement. He was born in County Mayo, Ireland, on the 20th of September, 1850, and there spent the days of his youth, pursuing his education in the public schools.
About 1875 Mr. O'Connor married Miss Elizabeth Kyne, a native of County Galway, Ireland, and after reaching manhood he engaged in general merchan- dising in the town of Con, in County Mayo. But the reports which reached him concerning the opportunities and advantages of the new world at length led him to sever his connection with the Emerald isle and sail for the United States. It was in 1885 that he crossed the Atlantic with his wife and four children, making his way direct to Nebraska, where he preempted eighty acres and purchased a relinquishment on an adjoining eighty acre tract. Subsequently he entered one hundred and sixty acres as a homestead and he also took up eighty acres as a tree claim. He first put up a sod house, in which he lived for a decade, when pioneer improvements gave way before the advantages of modern
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civilization. For several years he was one of the extensive sheep growers of Buffalo county, running on his ranch as high as ten thousand head of sheep, but in later years he has given his attention largely to the cattle industry and now has under his control some fourteen hundred and forty acres of land, but in recent years has turned over the operation of much of his farm lands to his sons. When the town of St. Michael, which he helped survey, was established it was named in his honor by the town site company. He was instrumental in securing the establishment of the postoffice at St. Michael and was appointed the first postmaster and later he was honored with election to the mayoralty of the town, which was the beginning of an election year by year that has continued him in office without opposition to the present time. He puts forth earnest and effective effort to advance the public welfare and has not only been a cooperant factor in many movements for the general good but has taken the initial step in advanc- ing public interests. He has served as a member of the town board and as a inember of the school board and has been justice of the peace, in which connec- tion he has rendered decisions that are strictly fair and impartial.
To Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor have been born eight children: Thomas, a resi- dent of Grand Island; Patrick, of St. Michael; Michael, who makes his home in Valley county, Nebraska; David, at home; Anthony, who is a stockman of Cherry Creek township; John, who is the owner of a mine in Nevada; Kate, at home; and Mary, who makes her home with her brother Patrick. The wife and mother passed away March 16, 1915, her death being deeply deplored by all who knew her. Mr. O'Connor is a member of the Catholic church and in politics is independent. His platform in politics is progress and improvement and thereon he stands for the benefit of the community in which he lives. His business career has been a notable one by reason of the success which he has achieved and the honorable methods which he has followed in its attainment.
HENRY JAMES DUGDALE.
Among the successful and energetic farmers of Shelton township is num- bered Henry James Dugdale, who was born in Shelton, Nebraska, then known as Wood River Center, on the 10th of July, 1860. His father, Henry Dugdale, a machinist by trade, was born in England, as was his mother, Sarah Jane Dugdale.
Our subject was reared in this county and is indebted for his education to the district schools. Early in life he became familiar with farming and on beginning his independent career determined to follow the occupation to which he had been reared. He has never had occasion to regret his choice of a life work, for he has not only gained a gratifying measure of prosperity but has also . found agricultural pursuits congenial. He gives careful attention to his work, follows up-to-date methods and uses improved machinery and his well directed energy has resulted in the attainment of success.
Mr. Dugdale was married on the 13th of March, 1888, at Imperial, this state, to Miss Lillie May Allsop, a daughter of William and Helen Allsop. To this union have been born the following children: Lulu Estelle, the wife of Walter
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W. Rice, of Kearney; Ralph Earl, who married Ethel V. Roberts, of Toledo, Ohio; Della Irene; Lee Allsop; and Thelma Helen.
Mr. Dugdale has never been remiss in any of the duties of a good citizen but has not taken an active part in politics, preferring to devote his time to his agricultural interests. He was one of the charter members of Lodge No. 141, I. O. O. F., of Shelton township, organized in 1883, and is still identified with that organization. His entire life has been passed in this county and his genuine worth is indicated by the fact that those who have known him intimately since childhood hold him in the highest esteem and warmest regard.
WILLIAM F. STARK.
Among the native sons of Buffalo county who have recognized the fact that the opportunities offered the ambitious young men here are the equal of those to be found elsewhere, is William F. Stark, who is operating the home farm in Garfield township, on which he was born on the 23d of September, 1880. His parents, Fred and Wilhelmina (Gaten) Stark, were natives of Germany but both came to America about 1860. The father followed the miller's trade at Davenport, Iowa, for a short time, after which he went to Grand Island, Nebraska, where he was employed in a mill until he removed to Gibbon, Buffalo county. He worked in the Davis mill there for two years, at the end of which time he turned his attention to farming, taking up a homestead and timber claim in Garfield township, his holdings comprising three hundred acres. He was one of the first settlers in the township and had to perform all of the arduous tasks incident to developing a farm from the virgin prairie, for his land was totally unimproved when it came into his possession. He brought the land under cultivation, erected good buildings and at the time of his demise his place was in a high state of development. He passed away on the 31st of March, 1901, and was survived by his wife until the 21st of April, 1912.
William F. Stark was reared at home and in the acquirement of his education attended the district schools. He was early trained to farm work and remained with his parents until they were called from this life. Following the demise of his mother he came into possession of the home farm, as he bought out his sister's interest in the place and he has since operated the homestead on his own account. He has made additional improvements upon the farm and has been very successful as an agriculturist. In addition to raising grain he breeds thor- oughbred Polled Durham cattle and other high grade stock. The most important factors in his prosperity are his thorough knowledge of agriculture, his willing- ness to utilize new methods and new machinery, and his sound business judgment.
On the 18th of April, 1915, Mr. Stark was united in marriage to Miss Ida Betke, a daughter of William and Bertha (Shiefelbein) Betke, natives of Ger- many. The father was brought by his parents to America in 1879 and the family home was established in this county, the father homesteading a claim in Garfield township. Following his demise his son William became the owner of the home farm, which he has since operated. The mother of Mrs. Stark is also still living.
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Mr. Stark is a socialist in his political belief and has given much careful study to the economic, political and sociological problems of the day. His fra- ternal connection is with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is an energetic and representative young farmer and his personal worth is attested by the fact that those who have been associated with him since boyhood hold him in the highest respect and esteem.
CHARLES E. CLARK.
Charles E. Clark, cashier of the State Bank of Poole, has made a remarkable record in that capacity, having so conducted the affairs of the institution that its business has increased about one hundred and sixty per cent since he took charge in 1909, although the volume of the banking business throughout the state has shown a decrease during this period owing to poor crops. His birth occurred on the 15th of May, 1877, in Wayne county, Iowa, near Promise City, and he is a son of Thomas and Diana (Scott) Clark. His paternal great-great grandfather was the master of a sailing vessel and his great grandmother was born at sea and lived on the ocean until she was married at the age of eighteen years. Samuel Clark, the grandfather of our subject, was well acquainted with both Lincoln and Douglas, traveling with them when in their famous debates they drove home to the people the importance of the issues then before the country.
Charles E. Clark spent much of his boyhood upon a farm in Clay county, Nebraska, halfway between Clay Center and Fairfield, his parents having removed there when he was but seven years old. Eight years later the family came to Buffalo county and located upon a farm in Valley township nine miles north of Gibbon. He received his early education in the district schools of Clay and Buffalo counties and subsequently took a course in the Gibbon high school. For a time he engaged in farming but later turned his attention to the profession of teaching, which he followed for eleven years. He was one of the best educators in the county and during the last three years of his professional work served as the superintendent of schools in Pleasanton, during which time he did much to advance the educational standards there.
In 1909 Mr. Clark entered the business field, becoming cashier of the State Bank of Poole, and he has discharged the important duties devolving upon him in that capacity in a manner worthy of the highest praise. He has proved seemingly infallible in judgment and has made the bank of service to the com- munity in many different ways. The institution not only does a general banking business but also issues letters of credit and foreign drafts or money orders, sells travelers' checks, writes farm insurance, deals in farm loans and negotiates the transfer of realty. Although the policy of the bank has been characterized by a progressive spirit and a desire to promote the business expansion of the community, yet the first care of the officers has at all times been to safeguard the interests of depositors and stockholders, as they realize that only by so doing can they secure permanent prosperity. Five times as much surplus is carried as is required by law and a considerable amount of the earnings of the bank is left in the undivided profits account, thus still further increasing the safety of the
CHARLES E. CLARK
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depositors' money. Moreover, the bank is operating under the Depositors Guar- antee Law of the State of Nebraska, which is very strict in its provisions. The institution was organized in July, 1905, with a paid up capital of five thousand dollars and opened its doors for business in a rented building that had a sign in front that read "Board and Lodging." The interior of the banking rooms was as unprepossessing as the exterior and a homemade counter served as a desk. In spite of this exceedingly humble beginning the institution prospered and in 1910 the capital stock was increased to ten thousand dollars and not long after- ward a manganese steel burglar proof safe was purchased. In the fall of 191I the business had reached such a volume that the stockholders erected in a good location a brick building with a large fire-proof vault provided with safety deposit boxes for the accommodation of those who wish to rent them. Subse- quently additional improvements were made in the equipment of the bank and the stockholders have always shown a willingness to use part of the earnings of the business in making things more convenient for the bank's customers. When Mr. Clark became cashier the resources of the bank were thirty-nine thousand, two hundred and ninety-nine dollars and ninety cents, and on the 12th of December, 1915, they totaled one hundred and three thousand, four hundred and twenty-nine dollars and fifty-four cents. The remarkable growth of the business in the last six years is in itself proof of his unusual business ability. He has the full confidence of all who have had dealings with him and he is popular with the bank's patrons, as he is never found lacking in courtesy.
Mr. Clark was married in 1899 to Miss Edna Reedy, a daughter of John Reedy, one of the leading citizens of Buffalo county. She is a descendant of a family which was established in the United States in the early days of its history and whose representatives have been highly esteemed in their respective communities. She is a woman of sound business judgment and is efficiently filling the position of assistant cashier of the State Bank of Poole. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children, Hazel, Marjorie, Charles, Jr., and Ruth.
Mr. Clark gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has taken a prominent part in local public affairs. He was one of the incorporators of the village of Poole, served as chairman of the village board of trustees during the first years of its existence and held the office of township treasurer of Beaver township for some time. He can be counted upon to take a leading part in all movements seeking to promote the civic and business advancement of his town and county and no resident of Poole is held in greater respect than he.
REUBEN B. MILLER.
Reuben B. Miller is successfully engaged in stock raising on a fine farm in Cherry Creek township and specializes in mule foot hogs. He was born in Michigan on the 13th of April, 1878, and his parents were John G. and Mary (Stuber) Miller, natives respectively of Germany and of Switzerland. The father came to America in young manhood and settled in Michigan, where he
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farmed until 1880, when he removed with his family to Buffalo county, Nebraska, and bought a homestead right. He made many improvements upon his place, which he operated until his demise in September, 1897. He was survived for a number of years by his wife, who passed away in May, 1912.
Reuben B. Miller was reared and educated in Buffalo county, Nebraska, as he was but two years of age when the family removed here, and he remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority. He then worked as a farm hand for one year, after which he rented land which he operated until 1908. He then bought one hundred and sixty acres in Gardner township, but three years later sold that property and purchased five hundred acres of excellent land on sections 32, 29 and 20, Cherry Creek township, which he still owns. He has carefully conserved the fertility of the soil, kept everything about the place in first class condition and has also made a number of improvements. He grows some grain but pays particular attention to stock raising, keeping about one hundred head of cattle and specializing in thoroughbred mule foot hogs. He understands all phases of farming thoroughly and as he gives much thought to the management of his work and keeps in touch with the findings of those who are engaged in the scientific study of agricultural problems, he is very efficient and receives a handsome income from his land.
Mr. Miller was married in February, 1899, to Miss Louise Nutter, a daugh- ter of William and Dina (Hingham) Nutter, both of whom were born in England. The father came to America in 1852 and after working for some time as a factory boss in Philadelphia he went to Utah, having been converted to the Mormon faith. He remained there for eighteen months but at the end of that time became disgusted with conditions and decided to locate elsewhere. He came to Buffalo county and took up his residence in the vicinity of Shelton, but those were pioneer times and the Indians were so hostile that he was compelled to leave. He returned to England but some time later came again to this country and located on a farm near Gibbon, Nebraska, which became the family home- stead. He operated that place for many years and passed away in May, 1905. His wife is still living on the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have two chil- dren : Gerald D., born on the 6th of October, 1902; and Ruby G., whose birth occurred on the 22d of July, 1905.
Mr. Miller indorses the principles of the republican party and has worked loyally for its success at the polls. Fraternally he belongs to the Royal High- landers and the Modern Woodmen of America.
SAMUEL CAMPBELL.
Samuel Campbell, a resident farmer living in Divide township, was born in Stark county, Illinois, March 18, 1885, a son of William and Jeannette (Watt) Campbell, both of whom were natives of Scotland. They came to America in early life and first settled near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Subsequently they removed to Stark county, Illinois, where they took up their abode upon a farm, making their home in that district until 1893, when they removed to Buffalo county, Nebraska, and established their home on the farm on section 25, Divide
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township, on which their son Samuel now resides. Both the father and mother spent their remaining days upon that place. In their family were five children : Mary Jane, the wife of M. B. Whitcher; William; Jeannette, the wife of F. A. Snedeker; Alexander; and Samuel.
The last named was reared and educated in this county, attending the common schools. He was early trained to the work of the farm and after his education was completed he settled down upon the old homestead and is today the owner of one hundred and sixty acres on section 25, Divide township, where he carries on general agricultural pursuits, meeting with good success in his undertakings. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he makes a specialty of raising stock, of which he keeps good grades.
In 1908 Mr. Campbell was united in marriage to Miss Maidie Parks, a native of Platte county, Nebraska, who was born February 3, 1890. Her parents, J. F. and Ella (Patterson) Parks, are now living in Thornton township. To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have been born four children, namely: Boyce G., Muriel MI., J. R. and Melvin S.
The wife and mother passed away in February, 1914, and was laid to rest in the Kearney cemetery. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, which Mr. Campbell and the family attend. He is one of the enterprising and leading farmers and stock raisers of his township, progressive in all that he does, his labors bringing to him well merited and well earned success.
WILLIAM STARK.
Agricultural interests in Buffalo county find a worthy representative in William Stark, who is engaged in general farming on section 2, Garfield town- ship. He has resided upon this place since 1880 and for many years has been prominently, actively and extensively engaged in the raising of cattle and hogs. In a word, he is regarded as one of the foremost business men in this part of the state and has won notable success in the able conduct of his business affairs. He was born in Germany on the 3d of June, 1858, a son of John C. and Anna (Nelson) Stark, who came to the United States in 1862 and settled in Daven- port, Iowa. Six years afterward they removed to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where they remained for a year, and then became residents of Grand Island, Nebraska, where they passed the remainder of their lives. The father was a brick mason and in following that pursuit provided for his family.
William Stark spent his youthful days at home and pursued his education in the common schools. In his early years he became a cowboy and thus was employed for eight years on the Platte river bottoms. It was his ambition, however, to engage in business on his own account as a farmer and stock raiser and in 1880 he took up his abode upon a tract of land on section 2, Garfield township, securing a homestead and also purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land. With characteristic energy he began the development of a farm and transformed the wild prairie into fertile fields. He extended the scope of his activities to include the cattle business, with which he has since been prominently identified. He breeds and raises high grade Polled Durham
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cattle and Poland China hogs and is one of the leading stock dealers of this part of the state. ' As his financial resources have increased he has extended the boundaries of his farm from time to time and is now the owner of seven hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, while in Garfield township he is regarded as one of its foremost citizens.
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