USA > Nebraska > Dodge County > History of Dodge and Washington Counties, Nebraska, and their people, Volume II > Part 39
USA > Nebraska > Washington County > History of Dodge and Washington Counties, Nebraska, and their people, Volume II > Part 39
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William M. Cain gained his rudimentary education in the schools of Illinois and was a lad of eleven years at the time of the family removal to Nebraska. He continued his studies in the public schools of Leigh and the State University, and in preparation for his chosen profession he entered the law department of the University of Nebraska, in which he completed the prescribed curriculum and was graduated as a member of the class of 1894, his reception of the degree of Bachelor of Laws soon being followed by his admission to the bar of the state. For the ensuing ten years he was established in practice at David City, Butler County, and he then removed to Colfax County and engaged in practice at Schuy- ler, the county seat, where he became associated with his former law preceptor, George H. Thomas, under the firm name of Thomas & Cain. Through his effective professional work in two county seat cities of Nebraska, Mr. Cain had established a high reputation as a skilled trial lawyer and well fortified counselor, and thus he was fully fortified for further success when, July 15, 1914, he engaged in practice at the judicial center of Dodge County. At Fremont he is senior member of the firm of Cain & Johnson, in which his coadjutor is Allen Johnson, and the firm controls a substantial and representative practice of general order. While a resident of David City Mr. Cain served two terms as prosecuting attorney of Butler County, and he now holds the office of city attorney of Fremont. On June 1, 1920, he was appointed by the Supreme Court as one of the judges of the Nebraska Supreme Court Commission, which position he still holds. He is a vigorous advocate of the cause of the democratic party but has had no ambition for office other than that in direct connection with the work of his profession. He and his wife are active communicants of the Protestant Episcopal Church at Fremont.
July 12, 1893, recorded the marriage of Mr. Cain.to Miss Grace M. De Long, and she passed to the life eternal on June 28, 1900, being sur- vived by two children, John Morley Cain, who is now reading law in the office and under the effective preceptorship of his father ; and Marjorie, who is the wife of Albert R. Sears, of Fremont. Mrs. Cain was a mem- ber of the Congregational Church.
On October 5, 1904, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Cain to Mrs. Clara (De Long) Vandermeulen, a sister of his first wife, and she is the popular chatelaine of their pleasant home. They have no children.
FRED DE LA MATYR, the pioneer coal merchant of Fremont, is a man who is known all over Dodge and Washington counties as one of the solid and dependable citizens of this region, and one who has taken a constructive interest in its development. He was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, in December, 1853, a son of G. W. and Catherine (Jacobs) De La Matyr, both of whom were born in New York State, but migrated to Wisconsin in 1852, following their marriage. In 1870 they came on further west to Nebraska, and after a stop at Omaha, located at Fremont. G. W. De La Matyr was a Methodist clergyman, and died in California in 1892, but his widow survives him and makes her home at Los Angeles, California. They had eight children, four of whom survive, namely : Fred, who was the eldest born; Mrs. Abbie Cooley, a widow in Los Angeles, California; Thurman E., who is an attorney of Los Angeles ; Harry, who is a farmer of British Columbia, Canada, served in France for two years as a member of the Canadian contingent in the World war, and has been given a homestead for this service by the Dominion Government. The family all belong to the Methodist Epis- copal Church. G. W. De La Matyr was a republican and a Mason. The
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family originally came from France. On his mothers' side Mr. De La Matyr comes of German and Scotch ancestry.
Growing up in Wisconsin, Mr. De La Matyr attended its public schools and earned his first money working on a farm. For a year he was employed in a postoffice in Wisconsin, and when he accompanied the family to Nebraska, he secured a position in the Fremont postoffice, and held it for some years. Leaving the Government service Mr. De La Matyr went into the Wilson & Hopkins bank and remained with that concern for six years. He then moved to Eureka, Nevada, and for six months was connected with its lumber interests, and then for two years he was in the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad at Omaha, Nebraska. Returning to Fremont in 1882, he established himself in his present coal business, and has built up a fine trade, handling all kinds of coal.
In 1874 Mr. De La Matyr was married in Dodge County to Evanga- line E. Parmele, born at Clinton, New York, and educated at Houghton Seminary. For two years prior to her marriage she was engaged in teaching school at Fremont. Mrs. De La Matyr belongs to the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, but Mr. De La Matyr is not connected with any religious organization. He belongs to Fremont Lodge No. 513, Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks. A strong republican, Mr. De La Matyr was elected on his party ticket as city clerk of Fremont, but dur- ing late years has devoted all of his attention to his coal business. He has found enjoyment and recreation in driving, and takes a pride in always having a fine selection of horses, and is always the first one to be out with his sleigh after the initial snowfall. Mr. De La Matyr is one of the best examples of the self-made man Dodge County affords. Begin- ning his life career with absolutely nothing but his willingness to work and capacity for saving, he has steadily advanced until he is now one of those who have a competency.
HARRY KROEGER. Among those whose participation in agricultural affairs in Dodge County dates from a comparatively recent period, but who in a short time have substantially established themselves in the farming life of the community, is Harry Kroeger. By marked capacity in his vocation, sound methods of management and innate force of char- acter, he has already placed himself well on the road to success.
Mr. Kroeger was born in Dodge County, May 25, 1889, a son of Chris and Sophie Kroeger. His father, a native of Germany, came to the United States at the age of twenty-four years and became one of the early settlers of Dodge County, where he homesteaded and proved up on a claim, and where he passed a long and honorable career in the pursuits of the soil. When he died, at the age of sixty-four years, his community lost a good and reliable citizen. Mrs. Kroeger, who is a native of Germany, survives her husband as a resident of Hooper.
Harry Kroeger received his education in the public schools of Dodge County and was his father's associate in the work of the home farm until he reached the age of nineteen years. At that time he became an operator on his own account, renting land from his father, and since the latter's death has rented land from his mother. He carries on general farming, as well as dairying, and maintains a herd of Guernsey cattle. The land, located in Hooper Township, is under a high state of cultivation, and its improvements, which were installed by Chris Kroeger, are valuable and attractive in character. Mr. Kroeger is a republican in his political views, but has taken only a good citizen's part in public affairs. He and his wife are consistent members of the Lutheran Church.
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Mr. Kroeger married Miss Clara Clark, a native of Virginia, and they are the parents of two children: Gretchen and Narelle.
HENRY TEIGELER. Born and bred in a foreign land, Henry Teigeler of Fremont, a wholesale dealer in eggs, poultry and produce, has brought to his adopted country those habits of industry and thrift that have won him success in the business world, and placed him in a noteworthy posi- tion among the self-made men of whom America is so proud. A son of the late Henry Teigeler, he was born, July 5, 1864, in Bremen, Ger- many, where he spent the first eighteen years of his life.
Henry Teigeler, Sr., was a lifelong resident of Germany. Living in Bremen City, which is situated on both banks of the "Weser River," he established a saloon in which he served beer, light drinks and coffee, not only to the merchants and laborers but to the sailors, seamen and passen- gers from the boats, his place being well patronized. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Sophia Hahn, seven children were born, six of whom are living, Henry being the only one in America. Two of the boys embarked in seafaring pursuits, and one of they stayed in Spain during the World war, while the other ran a German merchant ship in neutral ports. Both parents were members of the Lutheran Church, and faithfully followed its teachings.
Having obtained a practical education when young, Henry Teigeler was employed for three and a half years by H. W. Stoever & Company, a wholesale leaf tobacco concern, acquiring not much money, but experi- ence of value to him in his future career. In 1882, following the tide 'of emigration, he came to Fremont, Nebraska, arriving here with no other assets than a willing spirit, a courageous heart, and a keen intel- lect, ready to take advantage of every offered opportunity to advance his financial condition. Entering the employ of Osterman & Tremain, produce dealers, he worked for his board, it being a dull season, from the first of November until the middle of the next April, when the firm gave him $25 for his last month's work. Mr. Teigeler, with his very limited capital, then went to Scribner, Nebraska, and started in business on his own account, buying poultry, butter and eggs. Succeeding fairly well in the venture, he enlarged his operations somewhat by buying produce, too, in the different towns up and down the line from Scribner. The first few hundred dollars that he accumulated while thus employed, he had the misfortune to lose all at once, and was forced to again start at the foot of the ladder of attainments.
Coming again to Fremont in 1894, Mr. Teigeler became associated with the Fremont Butter and Egg Company. Subsequently acquiring an interest in the business, a creamery was established, and George Haskell assumed charge of its management, while Mr. Teigeler looked after the produce end of the business. Purchasing his partner's interests, Mr. Teigeler now operates the entire business under the name of the Fremont Creamery Company, and has built up an extensive and lucrative trade, shipping produce of all kinds to the eastern markets. He is also interested in the Beatrice Creamery Company of Chicago, through which he does considerable business.
In 1894 Mr. Teigeler was united in marriage with Dora Romberg, a native of Iowa, and they have three children, namely: Henry, Fred- erick and Paul, a pupil in the Fremont High School. Henry, the eldest son, a graduate of the Fremont High School, was attending the North- western University in Evanston, Illinois, when the United States entered the World war. From there he enlisted in Company A, Three Hundred
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and Fifty-Fifth Infantry, in which he was made a sergeant, and going . with his regiment to France lost his life in the engagement on the Marne. The American Legion Post of Fremont is named in his honor the Henry Teigeler, Jr., Post. Frederick, the second son, was graduated from the Fremont High School and is now attending the Northwestern University, where he is very active in athletics, belonging to both the football and the basketball teams.
Mr. Teigeler has been very successful in his business undertakings, and has accumulated considerable property, having large land interests in Dodge County, also being vice president of the First National Bank of Fremont. He is a republican in politics, and when but twenty-two years old was elected justice of the peace in Scribner, and served in that capacity for three years. He and his family attend the Congregational Church and generously assist in its support.
W. E. DURKEE. Prominent among the men who have been inti- mately associated with the development and promotion of the industrial and manufacturing interests of Dodge County is W. E. Durkee of Fre- mont, who is carrying on an extensive business as proprietor and mana- ger of the Globe Cornice Works, a long established industry. A son of Charles T. Durkee, he was born in 1878 in Farmland, Randolph County, Indiana, where his childhood days were spent.
Born and reared in New York State, Charles T. Durkee migrated to Indiana in early manhood and there started in life for himself as a sheet metal worker. Coming with his family to Nebraska in 1884, he worked for Hetty & Son a year. In 1885 he established the Globe Cor- nice Works, at Fremont, where he first located, and subsequently built up a large and lucrative wholesale business, dealing in sheet metal. Hav- ing achieved both business and financial success, he sold his plant to his son, and, with his wife, moved to California, where he is living retired from business cares. He is independent in politics, supportng to some extent the principles of the democratic party. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and religiously both he and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church. His wife, whose name before marriage was Jennie Bond, was born in New York State, but as a girl moved with her parents to Indiana, where her marriage was solemnized.
The only child of his parents, W. E. Durkee was educated in Fre- mont, having attended the graded, high and normal schools. Completing his studies, he learned the metal worker's trade under his father's tuition, and when familiar with all the details of the business bought from his father the Globe Cornice Works, in the management of which he is meet- ing with characteristic success, each year increasing its products and extending its trade.
Mr. Durkee married, in 1908, Eva Bremer, who was born in Iowa. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Durkee are worthy members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Durkee is a straightforward democrat in politics, and is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of the Fre- mont Commercial Club and of the Country Club.
HENRY DOERING. An enumeration of the enterprising and represen- tative German citizens of Dodge County would be incomplete without special mention of Henry Doering, the successful and well-known hard- ware merchant of Fremont, for since casting his lot with us he has stamped the impress of his individuality upon the community and
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benefited alike himself and his neighbors, for while laboring for his own advancement he has not been selfish and neglectful of his duties to the public in general, but he always supports such measures as make for the general good.
Henry Doering was born in Germany on August 25, 1874, and is the son of H. Carl and Marie (Wehner) Doering. His parents spent their entire lives in their native land. He was reared under the parental roof and secured his educational training in the public schools. In 1904 he came to the United States and located at once in Dodge County, Nebraska, where for a time he engaged in farming. However, he was ambitious for a commercial career and, having been employed in the hardware business in his native country, he naturally turned to it here. Previous to engaging in business he attended the Fremont Normal School for about six months in order to perfect his knowledge of the English language. He then took employment with the Nye, Schneider & Com- pany elevator, and then clerked for Holloway & Fowler for about five years. Then he began to carry out his long-cherished plans for an inde- pendent business career and opened a small hardware store in Fremont. Success attended his efforts from the beginning and as his business grew he increased his stock until September, 1918, when he occupied his new store, where he has two floors stocked with a complete and well selected stock of shelf and heavy hardware of all descriptions. He is well located and now operates one of the best stores in his line in Dodge County.
In 1907 Mr. Doering was married to Amanda Quesner, who also is a native of Germany, coming to the United States when a child with her parents, who settled in North Bend, Dodge County, where her father clerked in a mercantile business for a time. He then conducted a mercantile business in Dodge for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Doering are members of the Lutheran Church and Mr. Doering is independent in his political views. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Beginning life practically at the bottom of the ladder, he has climbed to the top with no help but a brave heart, industrious hands and an intelligent brain, and is a living example of what may be accomplished by perseverance and thrift, and now, because of the high ideals and honest motives which have controlled his actions and the success which has attended his efforts, he enjoys the esteem and good will of all who know him.
ENDELL N. LEAKE, A. M., M. D. A widely known, highly esteemed and eminently successful physician and surgeon of Fremont, Dr. Endell N. Leake is engaged in the practice of a profession that is particularly exacting in its demands upon the time, attention and energies of its devotees, and is meeting with eminent success, his patronage being exten- sive and remunerative. A native of New York, he was born November 9, 1855, in Buffalo, a son of Rev. Robert N. Leake. His paternal grand- father, Rev. William Leake, emigrated with his family from England to the United States about 1845, and subsequently had charge of churches of the Methodist Episcopal denomination in different parts of the coun- try, spending his last years in Kansas, where his death occurred at the venerable age of ninety-one years.
Robert N. Leake was born in London, England, in 1833, and as a lad of twelve years came with his parents to this country, where he com- pleted his early education. Entering the ministry as a young man, he served as pastor of various Methodist Episcopal churches of central and western New York, continuing as a minister of the gospel for full
E.n. Leake am myl
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forty years previous to his death in 1907. Rev. Robert N. Leake married Margaret Morgan, who was born in Canada in 1836, a daughter of William Morgan, who came from England to the United States at an early day, and settled on a farm near Darien, New York. Four children blessed their union, as follows: Endell N .; Charles W., a dentist in Chicago, Illinois; Mary E., widow of Walter Calkins, resides in Syra- cuse, New York; and Walter J., one of the leading dentists of Lockport, New York. The father was a republican in politics, and both he and his wife, naturally, were true and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Endell N. Leake obtained his preliminary education at the Union School, in Lockport, New York, a noted academy which drew its pupils from every part of the state. Subsequently entering Syracuse Univer- sity, he was there graduated with the degree of Master of Arts in 1878, and two years later, in 1880, he received the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine at the Homeopathic College and Hospital of New York City. Locat- ing in Butler, Pennsylvania, Doctor Leake remained there from 1881 until 1894, gaining professional knowledge and skill, and building up a large practice. Coming from there to Fremont, Nebraska, the doctor has met with characteristic success, both as a physician and surgeon, winning not only a very satisfactory patronage, but an extended reputation for professional skill and ability.
Doctor Leake married, in February, 1881, Mary A. Brownell, a native of New York State. One child was born of their union, Margaret, who married Elisha B. Edwards, and died in Idaho of the Spanish influenza during the nation-wide epidemic in 1918. Doctor Leake is a member of the County, State and American associations of Homeopathy, and while serving as president of the State Medical Association wrote and delivered an address that was very highly spoken of by his professional brethren therein gathered. The doctor is independent in politics, and both he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church.
WALTER R. RECKMEYER. While there are some notable exceptions, as a general thing the man who has a thoroughly practical knowledge of his business is the one who has more satisfactory results. Walter R. Reckmeyer, owner of one of the large planing mills of Fremont, is a carpenter by trade and there is not a single piece of work turned out by his plant that he could not make himself, and so his customers have the advantage of his expert supervision over all of the processes.
Walter R. Reckmeyer was born at Fremont on November 25, 1874, a son of Henry and Christine (Kremling) Reckmeyer, both of whom were born in Germany, but were brought to the United States when about twelve years of age, their parents locating in the vicinity of Quincy, Illinois. Between 1869 and 1870 they came to Fremont, Nebraska, where the father continued to work as a carpenter all of his life, dying at Fremont in 1900, but the mother survives, and she and all of their children live at Fremont. These children are: Julia, who married Dr. McGuire Mead; Walter R., whose name heads this review ; and Clarence, who is a traveling salesman, lives with his mother. There was one other child, but he is now deceased. Henry Reckmeyer belonged to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he was a repub- lican. His wife early joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and she still maintains her membership in it.
Walter R. Reckmeyer attended the public schools of Fremont and also its excellent normal school. When he was only thirteen years old
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he began learning the carpenter trade under his father's supervision, and has always worked in it, although later on he branched out as a contractor. Twenty years ago he bought his present planing mill, and turns out all kinds of wooden fixtures for the use of contractors. Employ- ment is given to four men in the mill.
On August 26, 1908, Mr. Reckmeyer was united in marriage with Etta Miller, born at Momence, Illinois, a daughter of Henry Miller, a retired farmer of Yutan, Nebraska. Mrs. Reckmeyer was the widow of C. R. Phelps, and had three children by her first marriage, namely : Dorothea, who married Al Bencelhemier of Fremont; Vada, who mar- ried J. O. Dolgane of Chappell, Nebraska; and Leona, who lives with Mr. and Mrs. Reckmeyer. The girls are members of the Presbyterian Church, but Mrs. Reckmeyer belongs to the Reformed Lutheran Church. Fraternally Mr. Reckmeyer belongs to the Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Odd Fellows. While never seeking for public office he exerts his right of suffrage and votes the republican ticket. All that he owns today has come to him through his industry, thrift and good business judgment, and he has not only been successful in a material way, but has also won appreciation as a good citizen and upright man who lives up to his contracts.
JAMES H. SUTTON. An experienced and exceedingly skillful agricul- turist, James H. Sutton's remarkable success during his active career has been brought about by persistent energy, well directed toil, and exceptional business ability, his highly improved farm in Elkhorn Town- ship bearing visible evidence of his judicious labor and wise management. A son of the late James and Ellen Sutton, he was born, in 1864, in New York State, where he lived until 21/2 years old when the family moved to Illinois, where they lived until they came to Nebraska in 1870. James Sutton made this long, tedious journey in a prairic schooner, that having been the most expeditious mode of traveling in those days before the western country was spanned by the network of railways that now make journeying so rapid and pleasant. Taking up a homestead claim in Saunders County, near Wahoo, he erected the necessary buildings, tilled sufficient land to make a good living for his household, and continued a resident of Saunders County until his death at the age of sixty-three years. His wife survived him, living to the age of seventy-six years. They were both natives of Ireland.
But six years old when his father settled in Saunders County, this state, James H. Sutton, began as soon as old enough to assist in the farm labors, and having taken kindly to agricultural pursuits has fol- lowed farming as his chief occupation. In 1894 he located in Dodge County, and having purchased 480 acres of land that was still in its primeval condition has devoted his time, attention, and means to its management, and his labors have been well rewarded. His improve- ments, all of which he made himself, are of a substantial character, and a large part of his land is highly productive, responding readily to cultivation. Mr. Sutton carries on general farming and stock raising on a somewhat extensive scale, and in addition to operating his home farm, which is in Elkhorn Township, owns and manages a large ranch of 2,000 acres in Holt County. Before locating in Dodge County, Mr. Sutton had made a specialty of sheep raising and feeding, and now pays considerable attention to that industry, keeping about one hundred head on his home farm. From 1889 to 1896 he made five trips across the country from Oregon and Nevada with large bands of sheep to
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