USA > Nebraska > Hall County > History of Hall County, Nebraska > Part 112
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After completeing the high school course in Grand Island Dr. Spence entered the medical department of Creighton University in Omaha, completing her medical course in the Nebraska State University in Lincoln. In 1901 she entered into medical practice in Grand Island. Afterward she was appointed physician for the State Industrial home at Milford, by Governor Savage, which exacting office she filled for some years, then resigned to return to Grand Island. Here she continued in active practice until 1917, since which time she has practically retired from the medical field. For a number of years she was grand medical examiner for the Degree of Honor lodge. She was a mem- ber of the Hall County Medical Association and at all times with professional equality took part in its proceedings. For a number of years she was the only lady member of the medical fraternity of her college.
On November 13, 1906, Dr. Spence was united in marriage to Daniel E. Spence. Jr., in Grand Island. He is a son of Daniel E. and Sarah (McLaughlin) Spence, former residents of Fairbury, Nebraska. The mother of Mr. Spence is deceased, but his father survives and lives at Portland, Oregon. Mr. Spence came to Grand Island from Kansas, and for twenty-five years has been passenger engineer on the St. Joseph & Grand Island Railroad. By a former marriage he has twin sons, Harry and Howard, who are in school. In politics Mr. Spence is a Republican, is a Knight Templar Mason and a
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Shriner, and belongs to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Since retiring from professional work, Dr. Spence has more time to devote to her literary labors. At one time she was interested in preparing a county his- tory, but found the work involved too much time and effort in connection with other un- dertakings she had in hand. Both she and husband are members of the Methodist Epis- copal church.
JOHN M. HANSSEN, one of Washington township's best known and most respected citizens, continues to live on a part of the old family homestead in Hall County, to which he was brought by his parents forty-seven years ago. The Hanssen family has been one of the solid, substantial and progressive families of this section ever since it was established here.
John M. Hanssen was born in Holstein, Germany, December 30, 1864. His parents were Ties and Louise (Neubert) Hanssen, natives of Germany, where his father was a day laborer and bee keeper. In April, 1870, the family landed in the United States. They resided in Chicago until June, 1872, when they came to Hall County, where the father bought eighty acres in Washington township, south of Grand Island. At the time of his death, in February, 1911, he was considered a man of financial independence. He was quiet, hardworking and honest, never identify- ing himself with any political organization but being faithful as a member of the Lutheran church. A warm neighborly feeling existed between him and William Stolley, another prominent early settler. The mother of Mr. Hanssen died at his home on June 10, 1918. There were but two children in the family : John M. and Henry G. The latter is an engineer on the Texas Pacific Railroad and lives at Marshall, Texas. He married Ella P. Gilbert, of Paducah, Kentucky.
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John M. Hanssen, familiarly known to his many friends as "Hannes" was educated in the public schools and the Grand Island Bus- iness college. In addition to his agricultural activities, he is secretary of the Grand Island Mutual Assessment Association, fire and storm insurance. This company was originated by William Stolley and Peter Heesch in 1892, and now has about $5,000,000 insurance on the books. The company has had only five assessments for losses and expenses, in twenty-seven years, and seven losses in that time, a very remarkable showing. Mr. Hanssen has been secretary since October,
1896. For nine years he has been school direc- tor in his district.
On July 6, 1903, Mr. Hanssen married Miss Catherine Hein, a daughter of Casper and Magdalene (Voss) Hein, natives of Germany, who came to the United States and to Chicago, in 1868, and to Hall County in 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Hanssen have one son, Arnold H., who resides with his parents.
Mr. Hanssen owns a large park which he devotes to the growing of cedar trees. A lover of birds, these trees have given him an opportunity to study scientifically a species that winters in the trees, coming here from northern ,Canada. He has discovered many facts from his study of his little wild pets. It seems that the seeds of these trees so greedily devoured by the birds, are thereby rendered ripe for planting, the digestive organs of the birds softening the hard outer shell that would resist the elements for several years. In all matters pertaining to the welfare of the town- ship, Mr. Hanssen keeps well posted. In his political convictions he is a Socialist and he has served several terms on the township board. He belongs to the Farmers Union and the Nonpartisan League, and to the old social organizations in Grand Island that were founded there by the early German settlers.
FREDERICK E. LOESCHER, showing a large amount of enterprise in the management of his farm industries in Lake township, be- longs to a pioneer family of Hall County that has prospered, and been respected here for forty-five years. Mr. Loescher was born in Hall County, April 13, 1893, the son of Frederick F. and Dora (Raatz) Loescher, natives of Germany. The father was born October 11, 1845 and was brought to the United States in 1850. He was reared in Wisconsin and enlisted from that state as a soldier in the Civil War. After leaving the army he was a farmer in Winnebago County, near Oshkosh until 1874, when he came to Hall County, where he now owns two hundred and forty acres of fine land. He retired from his farm in 1910 and lived in Grand Island for two years but resumed farming once more and continued actively engaged until March, 1918, when he retired to Grand Island a second time. Of his thirteen children, Frederick E. is the youngest of the survivors, the others being : William, who lives in Lake township, married Ella Spotholt; Agnes, the wife of Ernest Wagner; Minnie, the wife of Fred Hengen, of Omaha; Herman, who lives at Belgrave, Nebraska, married Rose Peters, and Charles
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CHARLES H. METTE NARINK AND CHILDREN
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and Laura, both of whom live in Grand Island; Bertha is the wife of Albert Niemoth, of Lake township; Emma, who died in April, 1918, was the wife of Edward Niemoth, and Frank, the ninth in order of birth, died July 29, 1915.
Frederick E. Loescher was educated in the public schools of Washington township, and the Grand Island Business College. He enter- tains very progressive ideas about farming and is willing to work hard to carry them out. Modern methods and modern machinery are made use of and Mr. Loescher is proving the value of both. He is carrying on general farming and stockraising. On February 10, 1918, he married Miss Olga Lohmann, a daughter of William and Mary (Dickman) Lohmann, who are residents of Merrick County. They have one child, Myrtle, who was born November 30, 1918. They are mem- bers of the Lutheran church. In politics he is independent but is identified with the Farm- ers Union and is interested in everything that promises permanent benefit to the farmers of Hall County.
CHARLES H. METTENBRINK, prob- ably one of Lake township's most progressive farmers, is also one of the largest landowners in this part of Hall County. It may be said further, that these fine farms and herds of registered cattle did not come to him by in- heritance, but as the result of the hard work of a persevering farmer who possesses more than the usual amount of sober business judg- ment.
Charles H. Mettenbrink was born in West- phalia, Germany, April 9, 1854. His parents were Frederick W. and Anna M. (Schwen- deniek) Mettenbrink, natives of Germany who spent their entire lives there. The father was a farmer and raised cattle, and for the times, was considered well to do. Of their eight children three live in Germany, the other five having homes in Nebraska, Charles H. being the eldest of these. He has two sisters and one brother in Hall County: Anna M., the wife of Casper Hongsermeier, of Lake town- ship; Katherine, the wife of Henry Ansmer ; William, who is dead; and Frederick, who lives near Grand Island. The parents were faithful members of the Lutheran church and reared their children in this religious body.
When his school days were over, Charles H. Mettenbrink worked as a farmer in Germany until 1881, when he came to the United States, reaching Hall County in the fall of that year. The following four years he was employed on
farms and prudently saved his earnings, then, in partnership with his brother-in-law bought three hundred and twenty acres of land. For a time they operated the entire tract together but later evenly divided it. He now owns eight hundred acres, all valuable property, devoting a large amount of attention to the cattle business, raising on an average, two car loads, and from one to two car loads of calves a year. When he settled on his home place it was bare of improvements, but through industry and thrift he soon made notable changes through setting out trees and erect- ing substantial buildings. As already men- tioned, he is doing an immense business in cattle and his opinions are worth listening to when he announces a preference for White Face registered cattle, of which he has a valu- able herd.
In April, 1885, Mr. Mettenbrink returned to Germany and was there united in marriage with Miss Mary Ostermeier, who died August 20, 1894. She was a daughter of Henry and Elsie (Esem) Ostermeier, who spent their lives in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Mettenbrink had five children born to them: Mary, the wife of Casper Meier, of Merrick County, Nebraska; Charles who assists his father ; Emma, the wife of Herman Huepner; and Elsie and Henry, both of whom live at home. For his second wife Mr. Mettenbrink mar- ried Miss Louisa Obermeier, of Germany, who is deceased. Mr. Mettenbrink and family are members of the Lutheran church. He is a Republican in politics and has political influ- ence in township affairs but has never been willing to accept any public office. Mr. Metten- brink has made three visits to Germany since he first came to the United States.
ALEXANDER AHRENS, one of the pro- gressive farmers and good business men of Lake township, is a native, having spent his en- tire life in Hall County, where his birth took place July 2, 1876. His parents were Henry and Magdalene Ahrens, the former of whom was born in Germany, December 5, 1839, and the latter, November 1, 1847. They came to the United States in 1868 and to Nebraska in 1871, where the father homesteaded. Assisted by the mother of Mr. Ahrens, the father pros- pered in spite of many early hardships, and at the time of his accidental death, in 1885, he owned a large estate.
Alexander Ahrens was but a lad when he was left fatherless. His mother, a woman of great energy and executive ability proved equal to the responsibilities suddenly placed
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upon her, and not only reared her young chil- dren carefully and judiciously, but ably man- aged the farm, and, as the sons grew into man- hood, guided and joined them in adding to the already ample estate. Mr. Ahrens oper- ates his farm of one hundred and eighty acres, which is well stocked and highly improved. His second farm, the old August C. F. Wendt estate, containing one hundred and forty acres, he rents out. His brother, Henry C. Ahrens, is also a large farmer in Lake township. The mother, after an enjoyable visit to Germany, in 1907, took up her residence in Grand Is- land, where she has a comfortable and attrac- tive home and is within a pleasant social circle.
On March 6, 1914, Mr. Ahrens married Miss Sofine Lorenzen, a daughter of Falquardt and Marline (Bonson) Lorenzen, residents of Germany. They have two most engaging little children, Walter and Anita. Mr. and Mrs. Ahrens are active members of the Lutheran church. He has always been affiliated with the Republican party but has never been will- ing to accept any political office. He belongs to the Farmers Union and the Non-Partisan League, and is identified also with a German social organization in Grand Island.
CARL DEICHMANN, who came to the United States in 1866, and to Hall County, Nebraska, in 1878, is one of Lake township's best known residents. He belongs to the group of old settlers, who, through their in- dustry and sound judgment made conditions easier for later pioneers, who now intelligently relate many facts of early days that might well be given a place on the page of history.
Carl Deichmann was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, October 12, 1848, a son of Carl H. and Mary (Stottenberg) Deich- mann, who lived and died in Germany. His father was an official in government operated copper mines of that country. Of their seven children Carl and a brother came to the United States, the latter being now deceased. In his boyhood a certain amount of schooling was given every youth in Germany, and following this, when about seventeen years old, Carl came to the United States. For about a year after reaching this country he lived in New York and then was variously employed in other eastern states until 1878, when he came to Hall County. He rented land for several years and then bought the farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres on which he yet lives. Here he has followed farming and has been an extensive stockraiser. In a general way he suffered with others in the climatic changes
that made the life of a farmer in the early 'nineties a more or less unprofitable vocation, taken in conjunction with the severe winters, during which, on one occasion, Mr. Deich- mann found the snow fifteen feet in depth.
Mr, Deichmann first married Miss Kate Westermann, who died in 1888, the mother of three children, the two survivors being: Freda, the wife of Fred Harris, who lives in Cali- fornia, and Emma, the wife of George Cooper, of Omaha. His second marriage was to Miss Mary Marsham, and they have had six chil- dren: Ella, the wife of Fritz Bergholtz, of Grand Island; Carl, who went to France as a soldier with the American Expeditionary Force; Anna, the wife of Jesse Schroeder, of Grand Island, and Albert, Bruno and Freie. all of whom are at home. Mr. Deichmann is not a member of any political party preferring to cast an independent vote. He is a member of the Plattsdeutch society in Grand Island.
FREDERICK MOELLER, one of the public spirited residents and most prosperous farmers of Lake township has been road overseer for the past seven years and has efficiently filled other public offices. Mr. Moeller, born in the city of New York, May 16, 1875, was five years old when he was brought to Hall County, which has since been the home of his choice.
The parents of Mr. Moeller were H. C. and Wilhelmina (Koester) Moeller. the former of whom was born in Germany June 22, 1850, and the latter August 8, 1849. When fourteen years old the father became a sailor following the sea life for five years, and was but nineteen years old when he came to the United States in 1869. At first he found work in an iron foundry in the city of New York. Afterward he learned to be a meat cutter. On March 11, 1881, he came to Hall County, bought land in Lake township. de- veloped and improved it and continued its active operation until 1912, when he retired. He was an important factor in county pol- itics as a Republican, was assessor many years and for six years was supervisor, during the time that a supervisor from each township made up the board. He married during the time he lived in New York, Miss Wilhelmine Koester, who came to the United States in 1866. Ten children were born to them. the survivors being: Frederick, who lives in Lake township; Anna, the wife of George Mader, of Prairie Creek township; Lena. the wife of Max Schultz, of Washington town- ship; Minnie, the wife of Otto Geisenhagen. Digitized by Sole
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of Grand Island, and Lillie, the wife of August Luebbe, of Howard County.
Frederick Moeller started to attend school when six years old, although he had to walk a distance of three and a half miles to the nearest school house. Ordinarily this was not considered too much of a task for sturdy little country boys, but Mr. Moeller tells of one occasion when it almost meant loss of life. On May 22, 1882, he started to school in company with Jacob Lorentzen, both boys being barefooted. During the day clouds gathered, the sky became a steely gray and snow began to fall, and when the little bare- footed lads were on their way home they had to wade through five inches of snow, Jacob carrying his younger companion a part of the way. Mr. Moeller has been engaged in agri- cultural pursuits since boyhood. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of fine land, gained through his own efforts. This farm is well improved, has substantial build- ings including a fine residence, which has every modern convenience, except a heating plant.
On November 8, 1900, Mr. Moeller married Miss Minnie Rauert. She is the daughter of Matthew and Elsie (Sieck) Rauert, pioneers in Hall County, who now live retired in Grand Island. Mrs. Moeller is the eldest child and only daughter of her parents, while Mr. Moeller is the oldest child and only son of his parents. Another interesting coincidence in the family came to light some years ago, when the mother of Mr. Moeller and the father of Mrs. Moeller chanced to be talking of their coming to the United States. They discovered that thirty years ago they had crossed the Atlantic ocean in the same sailing vessel, which required forty-nine days to make the voyage. Mr. and Mrs. Moeller have two children : George A. and Elsie. In all public affairs Mr. Moeller takes the interest of a good and intelligent citizen and is ever ready to co-operate for the general welfare. In national politics he is a Republican, but in local campaigns votes independently. He is a member of the Nonpartisan League and the Farmers Union, being secretary of the latter organization.
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JOHN G. ROBY,. proprietor of the well known place of entertainment, Harmony Hall Amusement Park, in Hall County, and also engaged in large farming operations in Deuel County, Nebraska, was born in Hall County, August 17, 1881, a son of Frederick Roby, an extended sketch of the Roby family being found in this work.
John G. Roby obtained his education in his native county. On July 20, 1904, he married Miss Helen M. Hagge, a daughter of William A. and Caroline (Moeller) Hagge, who were among the earliest pioneers of Hall County. Mrs. Roby was graduated from the Grand Island High School in the class of 1895. She is a woman of fine education and holds a teacher's permanent certificate because of her acquirements. Prior to her marriage she taught school for six years, two years in Grand Island. Mr. and Mrs. Roby have four chil- dren: Leota C., born August 2, 1905; J. Frederick, born January 4, 1908; Nelda J., born October 8, 1909, and William H. born January 7, 1913.
After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Roby settled on the Roby farm, which he operated until 1913, when they moved into Grand Island, where he conducted a retail liquor business for eighteen months. He then engaged in the automobile business, selling the Chevrolet cars for a year, at the end of which time he bought Harmony Hall and continues in the amuse- ment business, not exclusively, however, for he has recently purchased a section of land in Deuel county, which he is operating with a farm tractor. Mr. Roby is a man of great enterprise. He belongs to the Sons of Her- man, the Plattsduetch society, the Farmers Union and the Nonpartisan League.
OSCAR A. SMITH. - To the settlement of Hall and many other well developed coun- ties of Nebraska, the great state of Pennsyl- vania contributed in no small degree. It was from that state the late Oscar A. Smith, who was well known and highly esteemed in Grand Island, came to Hall forty-five years ago. He was born in Columbus, Warren County, Penn- sylvania, January 9, 1849, the son of William and Roxy (Bardwell) Smith, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, where he died in 1861, and the latter in New York, the spring of 1892. They had two sons: Walter and Oscar A., the former of whom lives in Pennsylvania.
Oscar A. Smith had school advantages in youth and remained in his native neighbor- hood for some years after his father's death. He possessed a pioneering and courageous spirit, however, and in early manhood de- termined to seek his fortune much farther afield. With this idea, in association with a comrade of similar ambitions, he procured a boat and started from the headwaters of the Clarendon river for Central America. The youths floated as far as the Allegheny river,
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when they were dissauded by friends from pursuing their journey to such a distant point, it being represented to them that adventure and business opportunity could be found much nearer home. Thus it came about that they landed in Hall County, Nebraska, in May, 1874. Mr. Smith engaged in freighting to Fort Niobrara, and in the same year home- steaded in Custer County, living in Grand Island while proving up on his claim. He retained his Custer County land until 1916. Frequently he related stories of early days, some tragic and some amusing. There were many Indians in Hall County when he first came here and many were savage as well as treacherous. The settlers learned to be sus- picious. He told that on one occasion, a group of freighters were gathered in their cabin when the furious barking of their dog on the outside caused a not unnatural fear that an Indian with his ready tomahawk, was lurk- ing near. As was their custom, the men drew lots as to which one should investigate the trouble, the choice falling on Mr. Smith. As soon as he warily ventured into the open, he knew that the supposed Indian was nothing more dangerous than the very prevalent little musteline mammal-a skunk.
On January 17, 1892, Mr. Smith married Miss Margaret Elizabeth Baird, at New Helena, Nebraska. Her parents, now de- ceased, were John F., and Mary E. (Conn) Baird, natives of Kentucky. For over twenty years Mrs. Smith's father was postmaster of New Helena and for four years his wife was postmistress at the same place. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Walter, who resides with his mother, was born December 30, 1892; Oscar Talmadge, who was born October 17, 1894, went to Europe as a soldier with the American Expeditionary Force, returned home in July, 1919; Victor B., who was born June 9, 1897, is connected with the Nebraska Mercantile Company in Grand Island, and Laura C., who resides with her mother. On December 12, 1911, Mr. Smith and family came to Grand Island, es- tablishing their home at West Lawn. Here Mr. Smith died March 11, 1918. While re- siding in Custer County he was active in many ways, being a prominent figure in Broken Bow, where he was a charter member of the Masonic lodge. He was a Democrat in his political affiliation and always loyal to party and friends but would never accept any public office for himself except membership on the school board, on which he served some years from a sense of duty. Mrs. Smith is a mem- ber of the Christian church.
AUGUST SCHIMMER. - The Schimmer family has been one of importance in Hall County for many years, noted not only for success in farming and stockraising, but also business energy and political efficiency. One of its best known members is August Schim- mer, who owns valuable farm land in Wash- ington township, who is serving in his third term as township clerk. He was born in Hall County, July 30, 1874.
The parents of Mr. Schimmer were Henry and Christina (Heesch) Schimmer, natives of Germany who came to the United States and to Hall County, Nebraska, when young. Henry Schimmer secured a homestead and tree claim, and the rest of his life was spent on this land, his death occuring in January, 1908, at the age of sixty-two years. He worked hard in improving his property and on two occasions suffered great loss from fire. The beautiful trees that form a grove around the residence, were set out by Henry Schimmer, and now give protection from the winter winds and provide grateful shade in summer. The grove provides an abundance of firewood, and Mr. Schimmer has used over 25,000 feet of lumber from the fallen timber. Henry Schimmer possessed the confidence and respect of his neighbors at all times, and for a number of years served as school director and as township clerk. Of his ten children, August is the eldest of the six survivors, the others being: Henry, who lives in Hamilton County ; John, who lives at Custer City, Okla- homa; Otto, who lives in Nebraska; Berny, in Hall County, and Minnie, who is the wife of Christian Hartwig.
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