Compendium of history, reminiscence, and biography of Nebraska : containing a history of the state of Nebraska also a compendium of reminiscence and biography containing biographical sketches of hundreds of prominent old settlers and representative citizens of Nebraska, Part 234

Author: Alden Publishing Company
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago : Alden Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1402

USA > Nebraska > Compendium of history, reminiscence, and biography of Nebraska : containing a history of the state of Nebraska also a compendium of reminiscence and biography containing biographical sketches of hundreds of prominent old settlers and representative citizens of Nebraska > Part 234

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Mr. Sirek is an independent in politics, cast- ing his ballot for the man he believes best fitted for the place, regardless of party.

In addition to the nsnal learning of the uni- versity, our subject has a reading, writing and speaking command of seven languages: Russian, Bohemian, German, French, English, Latin, and Greek, with a working knowledge of several of the Cerb tongues. In music his talent has been highly cultivated, enabling him to play most any instru- ment, also write and compose music as readily as others use seript. His place should have been at the head of some university or conservatory had not fate cast his lot on the frontier.

CHARLES T. KENYON.

Charles T. Kenyon, one of the best known farmers of Howard county, Nebraska, owns a fine stock and grain farm of one thousand and forty acres, lying on the middle Loup river bot- tom, also three hundred and twenty acres situated a short distance to the west of this location, and one hundred and sixty acres in Sherman county. He raises fine crops of grain, also devotes eon- siderable time and attention to the raising of Shorthorn cattle, of which he has one of the finest herds in western Nebraska. Mr. Kenyon is pro- gressive and up-to-date in his method of farm- ing, and his estate is among the most valuable in Howard county.

Mr. Kenyon was born in Chenango county, New York state, June 30, 1839, and is a son of Lncy and Manson Kenyon, the eldest in their family of five boys and one girl: Charles T. and Leland Kenyon, now living in Howard county; George E., of Grand Ledge, Michigan; and Adel- bert, the latter now living in Kansas.

Charles remained in his home locality, follow- ing farming, until he was about twenty-one years of age, then went into Michigan, where he spent one year. Ile next worked for an uncle in Mc- Donough county, Illinois, for two years, then

went back to New York state, and was in the mail service for a number of years. He spent consid- erable time in traveling through the eastern states, and in 1873, together with his brother, Leland, came into Howard county, landing here on September 12. Both filed on homesteads, Charles' being on section twelve, township four- teen, range twelve, and succeeded in building up a comfortable home and producting farm, occupy- ing the place for about ten years, when he re- moved to section thirty, township thirteen, range eleven, which has been his home farm for about twenty-five years. He has a large part of his land under cultivation, and runs an extensive dairy, from which he derives a large income. Kenyon Siding, which is on a branch line, running from St. Paul to Loup City, of the Union Pacifie railway, is located on his farm, making a good means of transportation for marketing stock, etc.

In June, 1886, Mr. Kenyon was united in mar- riage to Carrie H. Callen, at the home of her par- ents in Sherman county. Mrs. Kenyon is a native of Pennsylvania, the Callen family being also pioncers in western Nebraska. To Mr. and Mrs. Kenyon have been born three children, one of whom, Pearl, is living at home; one child, Amy, having died at four years of age, and Charles T., whose death occurred July 2, 1909.

During the early years, Mr. Kenyon held var- ions offices in his township, serving as assessor of his precinct for a number of years, also was county commissioner for one term.

JULIUS C. STAHL.

The gentleman whose name heads this review was, until recently, one of the well-to-do and pro- gressive agriculturists of Knox county, Nebraska, who had succeeded in building up a valuable farm and home through hard labor and persistent efforts. He is a loyal Nebraskan, enthusiastic in his praise of this part of the state, considering it to be one of the finest farming countries to be found anywhere. Mr. Stahl resided, until recent- ly, in section nine, township thirty, range three, where he and his family enjoy the highest esteem and resepct of all in the community, This home was the original homestead farm, on which Mr. Stahl and his bride first settled when coming to Nebraska.

Mr. Stahl is a native of Ohio, his birth occur- ring in 1866, and is a son of Charles and Louise (Dodez) Stahl, who had a family of seven chil- dren. Our subject's father was born in Germany in 1821, and at the age of six years, in 1827, he, with his parents, left his native land, embarking on a sailboat for the new world, being three months on the ocean. They landed in Philadel- phia, and there our subject's grandfather bought a horse, and took his family in a one-horse cart to what is now Winesburg, Ohio, when that part of the country was known as the far west. There

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was no railroad at that time. Ohio was but a forest, and the family experienced many hard- ships. Our subject's grandfather and an old friend, Christian Smith, founded the town of Winesburg, Ohio, making the start by first clear- ing away the timber. The grandfather grew in popularity and favor as the new town progressed, and became one of the most highly esteemed and substantial citizens in that part of the country, and at his death, which occurred when our sub- ject's father was a young man, he was deeply mourned by all who knew him, and he was known far and wide in the then western country.

Our subject's father, in the early forties, walked to what is now known as Battle Creek, Iowa, where he took up a homestead, and, later, was united in marriage to Miss Louise Dodez, who was of French descent, they becoming the parents of seven children, of which our subject is the oldest. Our subject, with the other chil- dren of the family, grew up on the old homestead farm in Ohio, receiving such advantages as were available there, and lived the life of the usual homesteader.

In 1892, Mr. Stahl was united in marriage to Miss Amanda E. Malone, also a native of Ohio, and Mr. and Mrs. Stahl are the parents of two children, namely: Edith Columbia and Grace Dexter.

Mr. and Mrs. Stahl, immediately after their marriage, started for the west to make a fortune for themselves, continuing their journey until reaching Knox county, Nebraska, settling here, and buying land for five dollars to twelve dollars per acre, which is now worth one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre. Mr. Stahl has im- proved his original farm land to a high state of cultivation, and has built himself and family a beautiful home. He has one of the finest farms in the county, and his land has proven to be a veritable "gold mine," as it were. The Bloom- field Oil and Gas Company have been digging for oil, gas and coal, and a small vein of gold has been discovered on the place, making his land one of the most valuable farms in the county, as before stated.

Mr. Stahl has lived in Lincoln, Nebraska, since March 1, 1911, in order to give his children better educational advantages.

PETER JEPSON.

The present solid prosperity enjoyed in How- ard county, Nebraska, may be attributed largely to her pioneers. In the early days of her settle- ment, when the only welcome tendered the stran- ger who settled there was a wilderness filled with wildbeasts and Indians, little to encourage and much to discourage came to his lot. But those sturdy men who went to their new home with a determination to succeed, and worked persistently and honestly are now the prosperous and hon-

ored residents of their locality. The subject of . this sketch aided in bringing that wilderness to a high state of cultivation and civilization, and great credit is due him for his labor and influ- ence.

Peter Jespon was born in Denmark, August 26, 1854, and is the only living child of his fath- er's family. Ilis father, mother and self came to America during the month of May, 1873, leaving Copenhagen May 2, and landing in New York City. They at once came to Dannebrog, Howard county, Nebraska, which place they reached on June 2, 1873, where an uncle of Mr. Jepson's, Mr. S. M. Peterson, was one of the original locat- ors of the Danish colony, which came to Howard county in 1872. Here the father homesteaded land one and one-half miles northwest of Danne- brog, where the family resided until the year that the railroad was built into Dannebrog, when they moved into the village, and took up their resi- denee.

Peter Jepson opened up a real estate, loan and insurance office, in which business he re- mained one year, and in the fall of 1876, became connected with the International Bank of Danne- brog, which was a branch of the First National Bank of St. Paul, Nebraska, Mr. Jepson being assistant cashier and manager for two years.

On March 2, 1889, Mr. Jepson and familyl, ac- companied by his father and mother, went to California, remaining there thirteen months. Upon returning from California to Dannebrog. Mr. Jepson, in company with C. C. Hansen and Peter Klindt, engaged in the general mercantile business under the firm name of Jepson, Klindt & Company, going into business in April, 1890. At the expiration of two years, the business was purchased by C. C. Hansen, Mr. Jepson, as above stated, then going into the New International Bank of Dannebrog, in active management of the same.

In 1893, Mr. Jepson moved to Rockville, Sher- man county, and was engaged in the general mer- eantile business until February 1, 1900, on which date the Elba State Bank of Elba was organized with the following officers: President, C. C. Hansen ; vice president, C. Jepson; cashier and manager, Peter Jepson; assistant cashier, Harry Jepson.

Mr. Jepson is also interested in other Howard county enterprises, being treasurer of the Howard County Telephone Company, and treasurer of of Elba village board and Elba school board.

Mr. Jepson and son, Lawrence P. Jepson, made purchase of the principal part of the Bank of Lincoln County, Hershey, Nebraska, April 1, 1909: Peter Jepson, president; Lawrence Jep- son, vice president. Mr. Jepson is also stock- holder and director of First State Bank of Cotes- field.

Mr. Jepson was married on the Jepson home- stead farm, March 5, 1879, to Miss Christina Paul-

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sen, who was a native of Denmark, and came to America in January, 1879. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jepson: Lawrence P., who is married, and living at Hershey, Nebraska ; Anna C., wife of Clarence Buckingham, and living in Elba ; Harry C., and Eudora, who reside under the parental roof.

Mr. Jepson is recognized as one of the leading men of his county, and takes an active interest in all matters that tend to the advancement of his locality.

MORRIS GROSS.

Morris Gross, who lives in section twenty- three, township twenty-one, range one, is a well and favorably known citizen of Madison county, Nebraska, where he has spent a large part of his career as an agriculturist. He has passed through all the early Nebraska times, and has done much in the way of helping in the advancement of his region, incidentally building up for himself a comfortable home and good farm.

Mr. Gross is a native of Austria-Hungary, his birth occurring February 12, 1845, and he is a son of Leopold and Katie (Kelner) Gross, who were natives of Austria-Hungary. The father was a farmer and merchant in the old country. Our subject was reared in his native land, receiv- ing the usual school advantages, and after grow- ing to manhood, served his allotted time in the Austrian army in 1866, receiving his discharge August 12, 1867.

In 1867, Mr. Gross left his native land for America, embarking on the steamer "Helvetia," bound from Hamburg to New York, and spent ten days on the sea. After landing on American soil, he proceeded to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he lived until 1869, when he came to Madi- son county, Nebraska, where he took up a home- stead and pre-emption claim on which he first built a sod house, and lived in it six months, then put up an adobe house. Later he built a frame house, the lumber for its erection being shipped from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Columbus was the nearest market place at that time, the distance from his home to that point being thirty-five miles.

Mr. Gross came to the west at the solicitation of two very close friends, the Unger brothers, who, shortly after our subject's arrival, met a very sad death, they becoming lost in the terrible snowstorm of January 16, 1870, and were frozen to death. This event will always remain in the memory of Mr. Gross as the saddest event of his life.

Mr. Gross went back to Milwaukee the first fall of his residence in Madison county, where he remained until spring, and after settling in his home, "batched it" for a few years.

On February 13, 1874, Mr. Gross was united in marriage to Miss Libby Cooter, and Mr. and

Mrs. Gross are the parents of one fine son, Robert. Mrs. Gross' parents came to Madison county in 1872 from Syracuse, New York.

In the early days of settlement in Madison county, Mr. Gross endured many hardships and privations, as did so many of the hardy sons of the western frontier. He suffered losses through the grasshopper pests, they having de- stroyed all the crops the first few years, which was very discouraging to the families who came to the far west to make a fortune for themselves. Prairie fires were another source of anxiety and worry on the part of our subject and family, they having to fight the seething mass of flames many times to save their lives and homes. Deer and antelope were plentiful in those pioneer days, and could frequently be seen in herds grazing around the country.

Mr. Gross has safely weathered frontier life, and is now enabled to enjoy life in peace and plenty, owning about seven hundred and twenty acres of fine land. He owns a beautiful farm, which is widely known as Woodlawn Farm, ou which he has a beautiful home. He has a fine orchard and a grove of twelve acres, the trees of which he planted himself. He is a prominent and prosperous citizen, and is justly entitled to the good fortune that has come his way.

GEORGE W. MYERS.

George W. Myers, a well-known business man of Broken Bow, Nebraska, is recognized as a power for good in his community, and a citizen who has at heart the best interests of his county and state. He was born in Moultrie county, Illinois, March 13, 1864, and was the youngest of six children. His parents were David and Nancy (White) Myers, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Ohio, and both of German descent. David Myers died in Illinois in 1881, and his widow now resides in Broken Bow. George W. Myers has a brother, T. W. Myers, in Broken Bow; a brother, David A., in Oklahoma; one sister in Illinois, one sister de- ceased.

After receiving his education in the country schools of his native county, Mr. Myers engaged in farming in Illinois, having been reared to agri- cultural pursuits. In the fall of 1882, he came to Custer county, and secured a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land on section twenty, township eighteen, range nineteen, which has been the home place throughout all the years that have since intervened. He also secured a tree claim of the same size, adjoining his home- stead. He was married at Weissert, Custer county, on March 18, 1888, to Miss Carrie L. Bradburn, who was born in Missouri, a daughter of Mark and Ruth (Montgomery) Bradburn. Mr. Bradburn, in 1884, settled in Custer county, where his death occurred in January, 1891. His wife,

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a native of Iowa, died in Missouri in August, 1883. Of their children, besides Mrs. Myers, there is one son, Joseph, now living in Custer county, and three sons live in the state of Wash- ington.

Mr. Myers has served several years as treas- urer of school district number fifty-three. He is one of the younger men among the early settlers of Custer county, and has always been much interested in its development and progress. He has passed through its various phases of history for the past twenty-nine years, and is now a suc- cessful man of affairs. He 'is self-made in every respect, and has won the good will and esteem of his fellows. He owns nine hundred and eighty acres of fine farming and stock-growing land, which is well equipped for the purpose to which it is devoted, and since coming to Broken Bow, in March, 1908, has owned a niee home in that city. Since coming to his present location, he has been engaged in the ice business. Three children have been born to Mr. Myers and wife: Vera M., employed in the post-office at Broken Bow; Vica, died in 1900; Lilly B., at home,

FRED PFLUEGER.

Another prominent farmer and citizen of Wayne county is the above-named gentleman. Ile is also reckoned among the early settlers of this region, having come to this county in 1884. after a residence of six years in another part of the state. He is the proprietor of six Imndred and forty acres of well-improved farm land, probably one of the best farms in the county.

Mr. Pflueger is a native of Hanover. Germany. in which city he was born in 1862, the son of Henry and Mary Pflueger. When he was but eleven years old, the family left their native land for the newer country. They came by steamship by way of Bremen and New York. After landing in this country, they came as far west as Cook county, Illinois, where they remained only six months. The voice of the west had reached them. and they obeyed its impulse, first coming to Knox county, Nebraska, where they remained two years. They were not quite satisfied yet, how- ever, and in 1876, came to Cuming county, where the father bought a farm, and where he and his wife remained permanently. During all this time, our subject was with his parents, helping them in their struggle with the forces of nature. which seemed allied against them, at least for a time. However, as the country became more set- tled, the family became prosperous. Both par- ents died in Cuming county, Nebraska, about 1891.

In 1884, Mr. Pflueger was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Bauriedel, and brought his bride to Wayne county, where he bought the farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he still owns, and on which they lived until buying

the place where they now reside. The farm has been improved from time to time by the addition of necessary buildings, until it is now as fine all estate as can be found in the county.

Mr. Pflueger feeds and ships about two carloads of cattle per year. Ilis cattle are grade Aberdeen Angus, which he considers the best for beef. In addition to his cattle, he fats about eighty head of hogs per year.

Mr. and Mrs. Pfneger are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are still living. The children's names are: Herman, who died when abont fourteen years old; Mary, wife of George Roggenbach, of Wayne county; Frank, Carl, Anna, Ella, Anton and Bertha. -

Mr. and Mrs. Pflueger and family are mem- bers of the German Lutheran church, and they have taken a prominent part in the development of the county during their long residence here, and are esteemed very highly by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

HANS P. L. MADSEN.

Hans P. L. Madsen, a worthy representative of an old Howard county family, is an industrious and favorably known resident of Cotesfield, where, with his family. he enjoys a comfortable home and the friendship of all in his community.

Mr. Madsen was the first boy born in Danne- brog, Nebraska, the date being April 6, 1873. His early education was obtained in the country schools, and he later attended the Trinity Semin- ary at Blair, Nebraska, afterwards returning to his father's farm, where he remained for some time, assisting in carrying on the farm work. On June 26, 1895, he was married to Miss Lizzie M. Miller, of Albert Lea, Minnesota, the ceremony taking place at the home of the bride's parents. The young pair lived in that town for one year, then came to Nebraska, and Mr. Madsen worked on his father's farm for one year. In the spring of 1897, he moved with his family to Rawlins, Wyoming, and remained in that state for seven years. For four years of that time, Mr. Madsen was in the employ of the Union Pacific Railway Company, and three years with the Cullen Com- mercial Company.

In the winter of 1903, they came back to Ne- braska, settled on a farm, and were engaged in grain and stock raising for two years, then moved to Boelus, where Mr. Madsen started a livery and draying business, and carried it on for one year. During 1906 and 1907, he was in the mail service, working on the rural free delivery out of Boelus, his route covering twenty-six and a half miles. He was well liked by all on account of his genial nature and accommodating manner, and was missed by his patrons when he finally gave up the work in the spring of 1908 to go to Farwell, where he engaged in the restaurant business, also carry- ing a nice line of confectionery, and made that

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city his home for one year, coming from there to Cotesfield. He was employed in a responsible position with the Albert Warner mercantile estab- lishment until the fall of 1909, then became man- ager of the Fairmount Creamery Company at Grand Island, which he is still filling.

Mr. and Mrs. Madsen have had seven children, six of whom are living, named as follows: Albert, Wilfred. Esther, Richard, Mildred, and Hans Peter Louis, junior. All are living at home, and the family are happy and congenial, well liked by all with whom they have to do.

DAVID MARTIN. (Deceased.)

No old settler ever did more to give Central City, Merrick county, a substantial reputation than David Martin. He was an energetic, up- right citizen, and his memory is revered by all who knew him.

David Martin was born near Albany, New York, November 14, 1828, and was second of six children. A brother resides in Chicago, the others being deceased, as are also the parents. Mr. Martin was educated in his home state, and later was government bridge builder in Minne- sota, when that state was still a territory.

On June 11, 1864, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Morris, of Illinois. They settled in Illinois, where he was employed by the Burlington railroad as bridge builder fif- teen years. In 1869, he came to Omaha, Nebraska, as general bridge and building constructor for the Union Pacific railroad, his division extending from Omaha to Salt Lake City, having nine hun- dred men under his supervision. In 1871, he went to Salt Lake City, where for three years he en- gaged in mining.

In April, 1874, Mr. Martin came to Central City, Nebraska, engaging in the lumber business for seven years, when he sold out, and in 1882 established the Platte Valley Bank in Central City, of which he was sole stockholder, and con- ducted the same for ten years, when, owing to unfortunate investments made by the bank cash- ier without Mr. Martin's knowledge, the bank failed, but Mr. Martin, out of his private fortune, made good every dollars to the depositors. Mr. Martin died shortly afterwards, on January 26, 1896, in Colorado, after a long and honorable business career in Nebraska. He was prosperous and successful, at one time owning five thousand acres of improved land in Merrick and Hall counties. He was a member of the Masonic and Elk lodges. Mr. and Mrs. Martin had one son, Arthur D., who died. May 25, 1905, in Denver, Colorado. Mrs. Martin now resides in Chicago, Illinois.

EGGERT KUEHL.

Eggert Kuehl, a prominent farmer and stock- man, living on section eighteen, township thirty, range six, Knox county, Nebraska, is well known throughout the county as a progressive and suc- eessful agricultorsts, highly esteemed by all with whom he has had to do.

Mr. Kuehl is a nåtive of Schleswig-Holstein province, Germany, where he was born in the year of 1829, and where he grew to young man- hood. He served .in the German army in the war of 1850 against Denmark. In 1870, Mr. Kuehl left Germany to come to America, the land of golden opportunities, where land was to be had so cheap, sailing from Hamburg on a steam- ship. After landing in the United States, he worked on bridge construction at Davenport, Iowa, and worked on steamboats on the Missouri river up to 1872. He then came to Knox county, Nebraska, and took up a homestead, and also a pre-emption and forty-acre timber claim in sec- tion eighteen, township thirty, range six, where he built a log house, which was later succeeded by a good frame dwelling. In the early years, Mr. Kuehl suffered all the hardships and disap- pointments of most of the early settlers, among other experiences losing all his crops during the years of 1873, 1874 and 1875, and in 1894 he suf- fered the loss of his crops through the hot winds which prevailed during the drouth of that year.

Mr. Kuehl was united in the bonds of matri- mony in 1880 to Mrs. Mary Greenburg, a native of Bohemia, and they are the parents of three children, whose names are as follows: Hattie and Eggert, deceased, and Edward, a farmer of Knox county. Mr. and Mrs. Kuehl and famliy are highly respected and esteemed by all who know them, and they have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances in the community in which they dwell.

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Compendium of history, reminiscence, and biography of Nebraska : containing a history of the state of Nebraska also a compendium of reminiscence and biography containing biographical sketches of hundreds of prominent old settlers and representative citizens of Nebraska, Part 234

Author: Alden Publishing Company Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago : Alden Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1402

Author: Alden Publishing Company
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago : Alden Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1402