USA > Nebraska > Dodge County > History of Dodge and Washington Counties, Nebraska, and their people, Volume II > Part 53
USA > Nebraska > Washington County > History of Dodge and Washington Counties, Nebraska, and their people, Volume II > Part 53
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Rainsford C. Brownell early began to contribute his quota to the work of his father's farm in Saunders County, where also he initiated in due time his independent career as an agriculturist and stock grower. There he eventually became the owner of a well improved landed estate of 640 acres, and substantial success attended his progressive activities as a representative of farm enterprise. He achieved special reputation in the
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raising of standard-bred horses, and from his farm went forth some of the finest horses that have maintained the reputation of Nebraska in turf events. Thus it may be noted that Mr. Brownell raised and owned the famous gelding, "Spill," which made a splendid record and won more cash prizes on the turf than any other horse in Nebraska. On his farm property Mr. Brownell made the best of modern improvements, and in all ways he exemplified the most scientific and advanced methods and policies applied to farm industry. He remained on the farm until 1912, when he removed to North Bend, Dodge County, where he has since lived retired, though he still owns his valuable farm property in Saun- ders County. He has taken loyal and vital interest in the welfare and progress of his attractive home city of North Bend, where he served three terms as mayor and gave a most progressive and satisfactory admin- istration. He is unwavering in his allegiance to the republican party and has been influential in its local councils, as shown by the fact that in 1895 he was elected to represent Saunders County in the State Legisla- ture, in which he served one term. In that county he served as a member of the School Board of his district, and within the period of his residence at North Bend he has given effective service as a member of its Board of Education. He is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, including the Mystic Shrine, and is identified also with the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The year 1904 recorded the marriage of Mr. Brownell to Mrs. Cede- lia (Easom) Collins, who was born and reared in Nebraska and who is a daughter of the late William H. Easom. Mr. and Mrs. Brownell have one son, Donald L., who is attending the public schools of North Bend. Mrs. Brownell by her former marriage has a daughter, Miss Agnes Collins, who is a teacher of French in the schools of Lafayette, Indiana.
WILLIAM DOUGLAS GROSS. Among the best-known families of Blair, Nebraska, is that bearing the name of Gross, which was founded in this state by William Douglas Gross, one of the early settlers of the state and long a resident of Blair, where he was well known as a public official. He was born at Hillsboro, County Albert, New Brunswick, Canada, on April 13, 1837, a son of Richard and Mary (Steeves) Gross. The Gross family was long associated with the history of the American colonies, and Richard Gross, grandparent, was born at Hingham, Massa- chusetts, and was reared there, but in young manhood he moved to New Brunswick, Canada, and there rounded out his useful life. Mrs. Gross was a descendant of Henrick Steeves, who with his seven sons founded the Village of Hillsboro.
Growing up in his native village William D. Gross attended its schools and learned the carpenter trade, which he followed at Hillsboro, New Brunswick; Boston, Massachusetts, and Omaha, Nebraska, coming west to the latter city in 1868. In 1869 he moved on a homestead in Grant Precinct, Washington County, proving it up in 1872. In the meanwhile he was engaged during the winter months in working for the Union Pacific Railroad in the extension of its tracks and the erection of neces- sary sheds.
In 1873 Mr. Gross moved to Blair, where he embarked in the hotel business and carried it on for many years, and at the same time he became interested in different enterprises, which, together with his agricultural holdings gained him a wide acquaintance throughout Wash- ington and adjoining counties.
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During the war between the states Mr. Gross served as sergeant of Company E, Third Massachusetts Cavalry, from April 1, 1864, until October 8, 1865, and was honorably discharged at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. During his period of service he was with General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.
A republican, stanch in his support of the principles of that party, he became a leading figure in it, and was acting mayor of Blair during one year, and was a member of its city council for a number of years. In 1881 he was elected sheriff of Washington County, and held that office for four years, proving himself a fearless and competent official, and also during his second term in the same office. During 1896-1897 and 1897-1898 he was supervisor of Blair, representing it on the county board. He was a Mason, belonging to Howard Lodge No. 15, Hills- boro, New Brunswick, and he was also a member of the post at Blair of the Grand Army of the Republic.
On November 15, 1865, Mr. Gross was married at Hillsboro, New Brunswick, to Maria Theresa Martin, a daughter of George Martin, of Saint John, New Brunswick. Mr. and Mrs. Martin died when Mrs. Gross was a child. They were of Irish descent and were very early settlers of New Brunswick.
Mrs. Gross was a brave woman, and used to remain alone with her little children when Mr. Gross was away from home working on the railroad, at a time when the surrounding country was practically unset- tled. Mr. Gross died November 4, 1904, after an illness extending over ten years, but his widow survives him and is very well known in this region, particularly because of her hospitality and her thoughtfulness to those who are deprived of active participation in the life of the com- munity by reason of disability. She is a member of the Eastern Star and the Woman's Relief Corps.
Anna Gross, daughter of William D. Gross and his wife, was one year old when brought by her parents to Omaha, Nebraska. On Septem- ber 25, 1884, she was married to James H. Stewart, a son of James S. Stewart, one of the pioneers of Washington County. She was graduated from the Blair city schools, and for many years has taken a constructive part in their development. Her two daughters are Abbie and Mar- guerite, both of whom were graduated from the Blair High School and the University of Nebraska, and both are well known among the alumni of the latter institution. Abbie Stewart was married to Lyle D. Milliken, a son of James Milliken, of Fremont, Nebraska, where the family is well known both socially and in a business way. Mr. and Mrs. Milliken have one son, James Stewart Milliken, named for his two grandfathers, James Stewart and James Milliken. Marguerite has also studied at Columbia Univeristy, New York City, and the University of Colorado, and is now a very successful teacher of home economics in the Smith- Hughs schools of Wyoming and Nebraska. The second daughter of William D. Gross and his wife is Miss Frances Gross, an educator of Omaha, Nebraska, and one of the principals of its city schools. She has been connected with the schools of Blair and Lincoln, Nebraska. She belongs to the Eastern Star at Blair. Both she and her sister are members of the Daughters of the Revolution, she maintaining member- ship with Isaac Saddler, and Mrs. Stewart with Nikumi Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
These ladies are entitled to membership in this organization through members of the Gross family. Two brothers, Isaac and Edmund Gross, came from England to Massachusetts in the seventeenth century, receiv-
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ing grants of land, and their descendants served in the American Revolu- tion. This land, received by Isaac in 1636, and by Edmund in 1639, was around Hingham and Andover, Massachusetts. Their line of the family descends direct from Isaac Gross, and another Isaac Gross was one of Major Thaxter's company in the Crown Point Expedition of 1756.
W. W. WILKINSON. Of the men who have lent dignity of character, excellence of labor and largeness of general co-operation to affairs in Washington County for a considerable period, few are more widely known or generally respected in their neighborhood than W. W. Wilkin- son, now living at Blair. It has been the privilege of this man to have lived close to the heart of nature, to have partaken generously of her awards and to have responded with enthusiasm and clear judgment to her opportunities for advancement.
Mr. Wilkinson comes of sturdy and honorable lineage and one which has furthered the universal gospel of industry. He was born at Elk City, Nebraska, in 1876, a son of Thomas and Lucy (Jackson) Wilkinson, natives of England, who upon their arrival in the United States, about 1865, settled near Elk City. In that community Thomas Wilkinson purchased land at from $2.50 to $5 per acre and continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits until moving to Blair. about 1886, in which year he retired. He continued to make Blair his home during the remainder of his life and died in July, 1912, since which time his worthy widow, who survives him. has made her home with her daughter at Omaha. They were the parents of four children: Ida, who married J. F. Smith, engaged in the manufacture of brick at Omaha; Emma, who married Herman Shields, also engaged in the brick business in that city; Nettie, who died in 1913, as the wife -of George B. Dyball, of Omaha ; and W. W. The parents were faithful members of the Epis- copal Church. Thomas Wilkinson joined the Masonic fraternity at an early day and was a member thereof throughout his life. A democrat in politics, he took an active interest in civic affairs and served as post- master at Blair under the administration of President Cleveland, in addition to which he was a member of the board of county commis- sioners for a number of years and of the board of school directors. He was a well-to-do, self-made man and one who had the respect and esteem of the people of his community. A more complete sketch of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wilkinson appears elsewhere in this publication.
W. W. Wilkinson attended the public schools of Blair and Wesleyan University, Lincoln, but after two years in the latter institution, returned to his home town, where he assisted his father and also worked in the postoffice. At the end of his father's term as postmaster the young man began to give his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he engaged until 1920, at that time retiring and renting his farm in Washington County. When he gave up active pursuits he moved to Blair, where he now occupies the attractive and comfortable home in which his parents formerly lived. He is a Royal Arch Mason and takes a keen interest in fraternal work, and in political matters maintains an independent attitude.
In 1901 Mr. Wilkinson was united in marriage with Miss Mae Pierce, who was born at Blair, daughter of E. C. Pierce, one of the earliest undertakers of the state, who is now living in retirement at Blair. Three children have been born to this union: Marjorie, born in 1902; Alice, born in 1906; and Thomas, born in 1909, the latter two
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now attending school. Mrs. Wilkinson, a woman of numerous graces and accomplishments, is an active member of the Episcopal Church and belongs to the Daughters of the American Revolution.
MAURICE MEHERNS. In nearly every community are individuals who, by innate ability and sheer force of character, win for themselves conspicuous places in public esteem. Such a one is the well-known gentleman whose name appears above, who has been identified with the history of Washington County for about forty years, practically his entire life having been spent here. His mature years have been closely interwoven with the material growth and development of the county, while his career as a progressive man of affairs and an able public official has been synonymous with all that is upright and honorable in citizenship.
Maurice Meherns was born in Harrison County, Iowa, on November 29, 1875, and is the son of Gayhart and Lucy (Pipher) Meherns, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Tennessee. The father came to Washington County, Nebraska, in young boyhood and received the major part of his educational training in the public schools here. He was married in Blair and for a time devoted his energies to farming. He then engaged in the flour and feed business in Blair, which he successfully conducted up to 1910, when he retired from active business pursuits, and he and his wife are making their home at Long Beach, California. They are members of the Church of Christ and in politics he is a republican. They became the parents of five children, as follows: Maurice is the immediate subject of this sketch; Zena became the wife of J. H. Warrick, a farmer at Lorenzo, Nebraska; W. H. and Alex, both of Minneapolis, Minnesota ; and Tressa, who is the wife of Ross VanLiew, a farmer near Blair.
Maurice Meherns was reared under the parental roof and secured his education in the public schools. His boyhood years were spent on a farm, and to that vocation he devoted his energies until 1905, when he engaged in the flour and feed business with his father. Five or six years later he entered the employ of an oil company, and while thus employed, in 1916, he was elected to the office of Sheriff of Washington County, entering the office in January, 1917. So satisfactory was his discharge of his official duties that two years later he was elected to succeed himself, and is thus the present incumbent of the office. His official career has been characterized by the faithful performance of his duties, and he has won the confidence and respect of the people of Washington County thereby.
In March, 1898, Mr. Meherns was married to Ella Reed, who came to Washington County a number of years prior thereto with her parents, both of whom are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Meherns have been born four children, Sterling, Maude, Milford and Helen. Politi- cally Mr. Meherns gives his support to the democratic party and frater- nally is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World. He is a member of the Baptist Church, but his wife is affiliated with the Church of Christ. Such, in brief, has been the record of Mr. Meherns, than whom a more whole-souled or popular man it would be difficult to find within the borders of Wash- ington County, where he has labored not only for his own individual advancement, but also for the improvement of the entire community, whose interests he has ever had at heart.
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E. B. CARRIGAN. It is a well-attested maxim that the greatness of a state or nation lies not in the machinery of government, nor even in its institutions, but rather in the sterling qualities of the individual citizen, in his capacity for high and unselfish effort and his devotion to the public welfare. In these particulars he whose name appears at the head of this review has conferred honor and dignity on his county and community, and as an elemental part of history it is consonant that there should be recorded a resume of his career, with the object in view of noting his connection with the progress of one of the most flourishing and progressive sections of the commonwealth, as well as his official relations with the administration of the legal affairs of his county.
E. B. Carrigan was born in De Soto, Washington County, Nebraska, on the 5th day of November, 1869, and is the son of John and Carrie L. (Palmer) Carrigan, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were married in Illinois and in about 1867 came to Washington County. While living in Bureau County, Illinois, Mr. Car- rigan had studied law and been admitted to the bar, and he first entered upon the practice of his profession in De Soto, Nebraska. Subsequently he moved to Blair and took a prominent part in the early history of that city. He built one of the first houses in that city and remained closely identified with the interests of that community up to the time of his death. In the practice of the law John Carrigan early gained a leading position at the bar of his own county, and eventually he became celebrated throughout the state because of his special success in the practice of criminal law. For many years he was connected with many of the most important and celebrated cases in the courts of this and other counties, and at the time of his death he was engaged in the celebrated Ketcham murder case. In politics he gave his support to the democratic party. His death occurred on April 21, 1880, and he is survived by his widow, who still resides at Blair. They were the parents of two children, the subject of this sketch and Nora, the wife of Robert Smock, a merchant in Spokane, Washington.
E. B. Carrigan received his education in the public schools at Blair. graduating from the high school, and he then entered Northwestern College in Iowa, where he was graduated. He then gave his attention to the study of law, and in 1892 was admitted to the bar, since which time he has continuously been identified with the active professional life of this county. He soon gained an enviable reputation as a success- ful practitioner and enjoyed a large clientele. For twelve years he served as county attorney, and in 1918 was elected county judge, enter- ing upon his official term in 1919. Since occupying the bench, Judge Carrigan has won the commendation of all classes by his fair and impar- tial rulings and his rendered decisions have been models of clearness and learning.
On August 3, 1892, Judge Carrigan was married to Frances Lawson, a native of Pennsylvania, and they have become the parents of three children, namely: Phyllis, the wife of H. C. Morttock, an oil geologist at Chelsey, Oklahoma; Lila, the wife of G. L. Dixon, who is engaged in the insurance business at Blair : and Jack, who is a student in the law department of Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Judge Carrigan is a republican in his political views and he holds fraternal relations with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Carrigan is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Judge Carrigan possesses in a high degree the elements that make men succesful, pre-eminent among his qualities
Mary & Bradbury
James Bradbury
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being that sound judgment which is ordinarily called common sense. He has the ability to grasp facts and infer their practical significance with almost unerring certainty, his good judgment extending to men as well as to related facts, for he possesses a keen insight into human nature. In all the relations of life he has displayed that public spirit and unswerving integrity that has commended him to the confidence and respect of all who know him.
P. T. MITTERLING came to Fremont, Dodge County, about the time of attaining to his legal majority, and after here being identified with business enterprises for many years he was finally recognized as a specially eligible candidate for the office of clerk of the district court, to which position he was elected in 1916 and the duties of which he assumed at the beginning of the following year. His facility in handling the work of this office has fully justified the popular choice which com- posed his installation therein, and he is one of the well known and distinctively popular officials of the county.
Mr. Mitterling was born at Richfield, Pennsylvania, December 21, 1867, and is a son of George S. and Margaret (Wise} Mitterling, who likewise were born and reared in the old Keystone State, whence they came to Nebraska in 1888 and established their home at Fremont, where they still reside, in an attractive home at 105 East Twelfth Street, the father having passed the four-score milepost on the journey of life and being now retired from active business. George S. Mitterling fol- lowed the carriagemaker's trade in Pennsylvania for some time, and there also he operated and owned a flour mill prior to coming to Nebraska, besides which he served for a short time as a member of a Pennsylvania regiment in the Civil war. During his active career at · Fremont, Nebraska, he followed the carpenter's trade and became a successful contractor and builder. He is a republican of the stanchest loyalty, is affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic, and both he and his wife are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. For several years Mr. Mitterling gave efficient service as street com- missioner of Fremont, and within his regime was effected noteworthy improvement of the thoroughfares of the city. Of the six children only two are living and the subject of this review is the elder, the younger son being Dr. E. S. Mitterling, an osteopathic physician, who is engaged in the practice of his profession at Webster City, Iowa.
The public schools of his native state afforded P. T. Mitterling his early educational discipline, and after coming to Nebraska with his parents in 1888, he attended Fremont College for a time. His initial business experience was gained as clerk in a shoe store in the City of Elkhart, Indiana, and in Fremont, Nebraska, he became a popular salesman in the shoe store of J. Knowles, his service in this capacity continuing until he was elected to his present office, that of clerk of the district court, in 1916. He is a candidate for re-election without opposi- tion. His political faith is that of the republican party, and he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He still clings to the independence of bachelorhood and resides with his venerable parents in their pleasant home at Fremont.
JAMES BRADBURY. After years of sincere and earnest endeavor, James Bradbury is now enjoying his ease and comfort at Hooper where he is regarded as one of the representative men of the place
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and a constructive element among its citizens. He was born in Schuyl- kill County, Pennsylvania, March 5, 1850, a son of William and Anna (Marland) Bradbury, natives of Great Britain. William Bradbury became a superintendent of a coal mine in Pennsylvania after his arrival in the United States. He came to this country after his marriage, which occurred over 100 years ago. His wife was an orphan girl when he married her, and they became the parents of fourteen children, three of whom survive, namely : Mary Ann, who is the wife of James Bracey, of Pennsylvania ; William, who is a mechanic; and James, whose name heads this review.
James Bradbury was reared in his native state, where he attended the public schools and Mount Pleasant Seminary, and he worked around the coal mines, first as a mule driver and later as stationary engineer, and he also learned the carpenter trade. In 1874 he left Pennsylvania for Dodge County, Nebraska, and during the season worked in the harvest fields. He then came to Fremont and was employed by Peter Neabose, a contractor, and while with him assisted in the erection of the old Kittle Opera House and the Anderson store.
Mr. Bradbury, however, had come West with the idea of securing land, and after he had secured a little money from his carpenter work he came to Maple Creek and rented for a few years when he bought eighty acres of land, paying $10 an acre, and began farming. He kept on adding to his farm until he had over 400 acres, and carried on general farming and stockraising until 1908, when he retired, moved to Hooper, and has maintained his residence there ever since.
On June 29, 1874, Mr. Bradbury was united in marriage with Mary Sweinhart, a native of Pennsylvania, born February 16, 1849, a daughter of Fred and Esther (Steirley) Sweinhart, both natives of Pennsyl- vania, where they died, and where he worked as a carriage maker. Mr. and Mrs. Sweinhart had the following children: Mrs. Bradbury, and Elmyra and Howard, both of whom are deceased. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bradbury are as follows: William, who is manager of the Latta Grain Company of Hooper; Esther, who is the wife of E. M. Havens of Hooper: Alice, who is the wife of Walter Skinner, a Dodge County farmer; May, who is deceased; Luruqua, the wife of William Meyer, vice president of the Dodge County State Bank; Mary, the wife of Earl Phillips, a farmer of St. Edwards, Nebraska; James, who is a Dodge County farmer; Fred, who is with his brother James on the farm; Charles, who is a Dodge County farmer ; Josephine, the wife of George Parker, a Dodge County farmer; and Sarah, deceased.
Mr. Bradbury cast his first vote for General Grant for the presi- dency, and has continued to support the principles of the republican party ever since. For twenty-five years he has been a director of District No. 38. In religious belief Mrs. Bradbury supports the creed of the German Reformed Church, while he is a Methodist. They are fine people in every respect and have brought up a family of children who do them credit and are a valuable addition to the several com- munities in which they have settled.
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