History of Hall County, Nebraska, Part 82

Author: Buechler, A. F. (August F.), 1869- editor
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Lincoln, Neb., Western Pub. and Engraving Co.
Number of Pages: 1011

USA > Nebraska > Hall County > History of Hall County, Nebraska > Part 82

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

HENRY REESE, the mention of whose name in Grand Island brings forth testimon- ials of high esteem, has spent a large part of his long and useful life here. Even a partial record of his struggles and business successes makes interesting reading. He came practic- ally without capital and through his own in- dustry and provident saving, gradually accu- mulated means until now he may be classed with the substantial men of this city. He takes pride in the fact that his work was al- ways well done and that at no time in his life have men doubted his honesty.

Henry Reese was born near the city of Kiel, Holstein, Germany, December 7, 1846, a son of John and Dora Reese, who were born in the same German province. His mother died in 1855 but the father lived to be eighty- six years old, passing away in 1905. Of the three children two survive and both are resi- dents of Grand Island, Henry and Christian, the latter being a tailor by trade. Henry Reese had the usual school advantages of his class in his native land up to the age of fif- teen years. He came to the United States and landed at Davenport, Iowa, where many Germans had already settled, May 16, 1870. He found work on a farm near that city. He had heard reports of this western country and his birthday the following year found him in Hall County, where he again engaged in farm work until March, 1872. Then for several months he worked in a railroad boarding house and from there, in October, 1872, ac- cepted employment for his board and lodg- ing until March 15, 1873. In the meanwhile Mr. Reese had become accustomed to the ways and language of the people among whom he sought to make his home, and they, in turn began to appreciate his willing industry and his faithful attendance on every duty to which he was assigned. In 1873 he began work for R. C. Jordan, first in the warehouse and later behind the counter of the O. K. store, with whom he continued for a year without any definite agreement as to wages. Fortunately Mr. Jordan proved to be as honest as himself and Mr. Reese was abundantly satisfied when he received the sum of $400 for his labor, ex- clusive of his board and lodging. After this settlement he continued with Mr. Jordan for three years and six weeks on the same salary basis. Having thereby saved some money, in

May, 1876, Mr. Reese embarked in business for himself, in the produce line and handled eggs, butter and poultry and prospered to such an extent that by 1877 he was able to put up a small house on Fourth street, which he utilized as a dwelling in the rear and as business quarters in the front, Before mov- ing into a larger place he had already begun the handling of groceries, in which line he con- tinued .for a number of years. Finally he erected a substantial two-story brick business house on Walnut street. With some changes he continued to be identified with the grocery trade until 1907, when he retired. In addi- tion to his Walnut street property he owns another valuable two-story brick building on Second street.

On July 30, 1876, Mr. Reese was united in marriage with Anna Tramm, who was born in Holstein, Germany, and died at Grand Is- land, February 4, 1911. The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Reese was manifested by their connection with the Lutheran church. They had four children, namely: Bernhardt, born May 1, 1877, and died Nevember 24, 1884; George, born July 23, 1878 and died January 28, 1911; Harry, now living in Flor- ida, born February 14, 1880, and Bertha, born August 31, 1882, the wife of Gus Krueger of Grand Island.

Mr. Reese has been very active in the order of Odd Fellows. He was over fifty years of age when he was initiated in Grand Island Lodge No 22, in which he has passed all the chairs and has been a representative to the grand lodge in Omaha, Lincoln and Nebraska City. His first office in the lodge was that of trustee and afterward was installing officer and installed lodges in different communities in Hall County. In politics he has been a Republican and on that party ticket was elected a member of the city council. After serving one term he declined further political honors.

HENRY VIEREGG, one of Grand Is- land's most respected citizens, has been retired from active business pursuits for some years, but formerly he was engaged in several enter- prises that helped to develop the city's com- mercial supremacy. He was born in the vil- lage of Gardersdorf, Holstein, Germany, De- cember 22, 1840, one of a family of five chil- dren born to Hans and Elsie (Kruse) Vieregg.

When sixteen years old Henry Vieregg left his native land and came to the United States with his two brothers, John and James Vier- egg. He made his way to Davenport, Iowa,

Digitized by port Ogfe

588

HISTORY OF HALL COUNTY NEBRASKA

where he spent two years and then came to Grand Island and worked here until he was twenty-one years old, at that time entering a tract of land in Merrick County, Nebraska, on which he settled as the first pioneer of that county. His brothers followed and all be- came more or less well known, James Vieregg subsequently being elected the first treasurer of Merrick County. In 1876 Henry Vieregg returned to Grand Island and was engaged in the ice business here for some time and then went into the bottling business, handling mineral waters and non-alcoholic beverages. In 1915 he retired from business, but still is influential in local public affairs, for many years having been a member of the city council and of the board of education, for some years being president of the latter. Several years ago he was the candidate of the Democratic party for representative in the state legislature.

Mr. Vieregg was united in marriage in Grand Island, to Miss Caroline Spethman, who was born in Holstein, Germany, the daughter of John and Melvina Spethman, and children were born to them: Melvina, the wife of Frank Roeser, of Phoenix, Arizona, who formerly was assistant postmaster at Grand Island; Louise, the wife of Henry Lor- entzen who is a merchant in Grand Island; William, who is in the bottling business at Ravenna, Nebraska, assisted in establishing the first beet sugar factory in Hall County; Othelia, who resides with her parents; Albert, who is deceased; Emil, who is superintedent of the Grand Island Gas Company ; Henrietta, who is a saleslady in a Grand Island depart- ment store; Oscar, who is assistant cashier of the Nebraska State Bank; Elsie, who resides at home; Henry, who is connected with the medical unit stationed at Camp Mead, in preparation for military service, and two chil- dren who died in infancy. In the largest and fullest sense Mr. Vieregg may be called a rep- resentative citizen of Hall County, for this is a section where business integrity and personal honesty have always been held essential. He has never identified himself with any fraternal organizations other than the Liederkranz and the Plattsdeutchen societies.

EMIL H. VIEREGG, one of the competent and busy business men of Grand Island, is.a native of this city, born January 4, 1881, the sixth of twelve children. His parents are Henry and Caroline (Spethman) Vieregg, both of whom were born in Holstein, Ger- many, but for many years have been valued residents of Grand Island.

Henry Vieregg came to the United States when sixteen years of age and his first two years were spent at Davenport, Iowa. He spent a short time in Grand Island but then bought a piece of land in Merrick County and moved on it as the first pioneer of the county, locating there just before his two brothers, John and James, the latter of whom subse- quently became the first county treasurer. In 1876 he returned to Grand Island and from then until 1915, when he retired, was active and prospered in various industries. He mar- ried Caroline Spethman and twelve children were born to them.

Emil Henry Vieregg attended the Grand Island public schools and then, because of cer- tain tastes and talents, took a course in chem- istry in a Michigan college. Afterward he went to work as assistant chemist in a sugar factory and later became chief chemist and continued in the factory for six years. He then became interested in a box factory and after selling his interest there, came to the Grand Island Gas company as superintendent, a position he has ably filled for the past four years. He attends closely to business but not to the exclusion of interest in public matters for he is a good citizen and has served on the city council for two years.

Mr. Vieregg married in 1906 Miss Vernita Barber, who was born at Edgar, Nebraska, a daughter of George H. Barber, who was re- corder of the A. O. U. W., for fourteen years and now is connected with the county treas- urer's office at Lincoln. Mr. and Mrs. Vieregg have two sons, Arthur and George. Mrs. Vieregg is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Vieregg is a Mason and in 1906 was master of his lodge. He be- longs also' to the U. C. T. and the Lieder- kranz. In politics he has always been loyal to the Democratic party.

FRED ROTH. - There are many reasons that might be mentioned explaining the busi- ness success of men in every community, but the greatest of these undoubtedly is in- dustry. Many young men start out in life as did Fred Roth, one of Grand Island's substan- tial retired residents, with no capital except what may be secured through their own efforts. If industry marks and accompanies them, they may, like Mr. Roth, find their later years surrounded by welcome comfort, with finan- cial independence assured. Mr. Roth owns one of the large business buildings here which he erected in 1914, which has proved a very profitable investment of capital.

Digitized by Google

589

HISTORY OF HALL COUNTY NEBRASKA

Fred Roth was born in Rhine province, Germany,January 18, 1857. His parents were Frederick and Julia (Helm) Roth, both of whom passed their lives in Germany. They had ten children, Fred being the fifth in order of birth. Six of them are still living. The father was a baker by trade. ' Both parents were members of the Lutheran church. Fred Roth attended the Birkenfeld high school in 1871. and worked for his father until 1881, learning the bakery methods which for many years have made German bakery goods palat- able and wholesome. He then came to the United States and during the first year worked in a bakery at Cleveland, Ohio. Following this he was employed in a bakery and restaurant at Columbus, Nebraska, and afterward worked as a baker in Aberdeen, Mississippi, Omaha, Sioux City, Iowa, and Omaha again. From that city he came to Grand Island in 1886. By this time, through his industry, he had accumulated enough capital to go into business for himself. He entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, R. M. McDowell, in the retail and wholesale liquor business. Mr. Roth continued in this line until 1902 when he sold out and embarked in the real estate busi- ness in conjunction with general insurance. Through his natural industry, close attention to business problems and excellent judgment, Mr. Roth steadily progressed. In 1894 he bought the corner of Third street and Wheeler avenue and thereon erected in 1914 a modern two-story brick building, with dimensions of twenty-two by one hundred and twenty-six feet, the first floor being adapted to business purposes, and the second story divided into well finished offices particularly suited to the wants of professional men. Mr. Roth has no trouble in finding satisfactory tenants.

For some years he has been practically retired from business.

Mr. Roth married in 1890 Miss Anna Weckbach, who was born at Plattsmouth, Ne- braska, and during the many years she resided in Grand Island made friends of all who knew her. Her death occurred January 12, 1913. She was a member of the Catholic church. Three daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Roth, namely: Lydia, the wife of John Heimes, who belongs to the medical unit at Fort Riley ; Clara, employed in a local store, resides with her father; and Dorothea, who is teaching in Phillips, Nebraska. In politics Mr. Roth is a Republican. He belongs to the Fraternal Aid Union, the Sons of Herman and other social organizations. He is a member of the Lutheran church and his daughters of the Catholic church.

JOHN G. WOODIN, M. D., who has been engaged in medical practice in Grand Island since 1916, came here from a field of unusual experience, having been a medical missionary in India for five years. Dr. Woodin was born in Allen county, Kansas, July 27, 1883. His parents were James L. and Emma (Robinson) Woodin, both of whom were born in Illinois and were married there. Of their five children Dr. Woodin is the youngest, the others being : May, the wife of J. A. Devlin, of Effingham, Kansas; Lucy, who lives at Bentwood, Cali- fornia; Abbie, who lives at Miles City, Mon- tana; Clara, the wife of E. W. Metcalf, of Denver, Colorado. The parents were mem- bers of the Baptist church. The father served in the Civil War as a member of the Eleventh Illinois Volunteer cavalry until he suffered the loss of an eye. In 1867 he moved with his family to Kansas and acquired a homestead in Allen County on which he and his wife subsequently died. They were people of solid worth.

John G. Woodin attended the grade schools in Allen County and the high school at Iola, afterwards entering the University of Kansas, from which institution he was graduated with his A. B. degree in 1905. He then became a student in the medical school of the university, receiving his degree in medicine in 1908. For two years afterwards he practiced his profes- sion at Iola and then became a missionary in medical work in far off India, where a wealth of experience awaited him. In 1916 he located in Grand Island, succeeding to the practice of Dr. Weeter, and since coming to this city has been surgeon for the Union Pacific Railroad. He is examiner for the New York Life, the Mutual Benefit and other insurance companies. During the progress of the World War, Dr. Woodin was hearty in giving assistance to the draft board and in numerous other patriotic ways.

Dr. Woodin united in marriage in 1909 with Miss Bessie Livers, who was born in Illinois. They are members of the Baptist church. In politics Dr. Woodin is a Republican.

FRANK T. NIEMOTH, who belongs to an old and very substantial family of Hall County, but is now a resident of Merrick County, was born in Winnebago County, Wis- consin, and was eight years old when he ac- companied his parents to Nebraska. They were John and Wilhelmina (Lindstedt) Nie- moth, the former of whom lives retired at Grand Island. The mother of Mr. Niemoth died in that city on June 25, 1912.

Digitized by oogle

590

HISTORY OF HALL COUNTY NEBRASKA

Both parents of Frank T. Niemoth were born in Germany. The father came to the United States when fourteen years old, and for seven years afterward worked among Norwegians and learned their language. Fol- lowing his first purchase of 160 acres of land after coming to Hall County, John Niemoth continued to acquire land until he owned two entire sections. In 1907 he retired to Grand Island, in which city he is respected and esteemed.

Frank T. Niemoth obtained his education in Hall County's excellent public schools, re- maining with his parents until he was twenty- three years old, when he bought 160 acres of land, to which he subsequently made additions until he now owns 540 acres, all well im- proved. He carries on general farming and raises first class stock, making a feature of White Face cattle. In politics he is identified with the Republican party. He is serving in his second term as justice of the peace in Merrick County.

On April 12, 1890, Mr. Niemoth was united in marriage to Miss Alida Ahrens. Her father is deceased but her mother, Mrs. Mad- alene Ahrens, is a resident of Grand Island, where she is a valued member of the Lutheran church and has a wide circle of friends. To Mr. and Mrs. Niemoth seven children have been born: Walter, who married Erma Weighert; George, who lives in Oklahoma; Dora, who is the wife of Albert Buckow, of Hall County ; and Amalia, Paul, Oscar and Victor, all of whom reside at home. Judge Niemoth and family belong to the Lutheran church. He is a member of the Farmers Union and the Nonpartisan League.

LOUIS VEIT, for many years an honest, upright business man of Grand Island, will long be remembered for his many admirable qualities as a man, one of these being kindness and generosity to those in need. Mr. Veit was born in Saxony, Germany, August 21, 1846, and died at his home in Grand Island on December 27, 1908. His parents were Elias and Annistinia Veit, both of whom died in Germany.

Louis Veit attended the common school of his neighborhood in Germany but had very few other advantages as his people were poor. He had some experience on farms and it was the hope of securing land that induced him to come to the United States, which he reached in 1875. After spending two months in De- troit, Michigan, where he sought work in order to add to his slender capital of $500 he

made his way to Buffalo County, Nebraska, and in the same year entered a homestead claim. He lived there for six months and then turned it over to another person. Mr. Veit came then to Grand Island and for three years worked as a clerk for Christ Wasmer, then engaged in business with Oscar Roeser. They continued together as Veit & Roeser, for many years afterward. Subsequently Mr. Veit em- barked in the grocery business on East Third street, Grand Island, and was so engaged up to the time of his death. He was a quiet, un- ostentatious, hard-working man, devoted to his family and to the city he had chosen for his home. For sixteen years he was president of the school board and held other offices.

Mr. Veit married in 1877 Miss Augusta Ahlers, who was born in Hanover, Germany. Her parents were William and Margaret (Dierks) Ahlers, who came from Germany to Hall County, in 1875 and continued on a farm until they retired. They passed away in Grand Island. Mr. and Mrs. Veit had children as follows: William, in the grocery business on Second street, Grand Island; Helen, the wife of Carl Lembeck, who conducts a dry goods business at Lexington, Nebraska ; Oscar, who succeeded his father in the grocery on Third street, Grand Island; Dorothea, the wife of Carl Hehnke, Grand Island; Louis, connected with a business firm in Indianapolis ; Ernest, a grocer in Grand Island; and Augusta, the wife of William Sell, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The family belongs to the English Lutheran church. Mr. Veit was a Republican in politics.

EARL S. TUTTLE, whose business enter- prise has made him important in Grand Is- land, is proprietor of the Home Dairy, which he has owned and conducted for nearly ten years. Mr. Tuttle was born in Logan County, Illlinois, in 1881, where one of his grandfath- ers had settled in pioneer days after leaving Ohio. Another grandfather, Harvey Tuttle, on two different occasions, drove cattle over the long trail from Omaha to San Francisco.

The parents of Earl E. Tuttle were T. D. and Emma (Turner) Tuttle, natives of Logan County, Illinois. The mother of Mr. Tuttle is deceased. He is the third of their family of five children, the others being: Della, the wife of Bert Watt, living in Illinois; Bessie, the wife of L. J. Gilbert, also of Illinois; Harry, in the furniture and undertaking busi- ness at Benson, Nebraska; and one who is deceased. For a number of years the father of this family operated a lumber yard in Cali-

Digitized by Google

HISTORY OF HALL COUNTY NEBRASKA

591

LOUIS VEIT

Digitized by

Google

592

HISTORY OF HALL COUNTY NEBRASKA

fornia but now lives retired in Illinois. He is a Republican in politics, and he belongs to the order of Modern Woodmen.

Earl S. Tuttle had the good fortune to grow to manhood in a community where ex- cellent schools prevailed and he completed a course in the high school and then learned rail- way construction work and for some years was employed by different contracting firms in such work. In February, 1909 he came to Grand Island and at first worked in a dairy and in 1911 bought the Home Dairy and since then has engaged in a general dairy business and with marked sucess.

In 1901 Mr. Tuttle was united in marriage with Miss Frances L. Pumpelly, who was born in McLean County, Illinois. They at- tend the Baptist church. In politics Mr. Tuttle is a Democrat, and fraternally he be- longs to the Elks, the Woodmen of the World and the U. T. C.

JOSEPH BUCHFINCK, whose excellent farm is situated on section 12, Lake township, Hall County, is a careful, industrious man who thoroughly understands farming. He was born near Odessa, Russia, August 19, 1868; his parents were Leopold and Christina (Mey- er) Buchfinck.

The parents of Mr. Buchfinck came to the United States and immediately to Hall County, Nebraska, in 1872. The father homesteaded three miles north of Grand Island where the family lived until 1880, when the family re- turned to Russia but only for a visit. When the father came back to Hall County, he bought 160 acres in Lake township, and it is this land that his son Joseph is so success- fully operating today. The mother died on September 11, 1902 and the father's death fol- lowed on March 30, 1911. They had twelve children, all of them live in the United States, two, Joseph and August, in Hall County, and Christ, in Howard County, Nebraska.

On January 26, 1891, Mr. Buchfinck was united in marriage to Miss Lena Wagner, a daughter of Solomon and Theresa (Wagner) Wagner, who were early settlers in Merrick County. Four children have been born to the above marriage: Ernest, Theodore, Helena and Armin. Mr. Buchfinck and his family be- long to the Lutheran church. He belongs to the Farmer's Union and the Nonpartisan League.

HENRY W. POTTER, one of Grand Is- land's older business men and one of her most

respected citizens, came here almost forty years ago and established himself in the clean- ing and dyeing business, which he has con- tinued to the present time, occupying the same quarters. He has greatly expanded his orig- inal plant and now operates under the name of the Grand Island Dye Works.

Henry W. Potter was born in Cassel, Ger- many, February 18, 1855. His parents, George and Anna (Dumire) Potter were natives of Germany and passed their entire lives there. The father, an industrious man, worked as a shoemaker. Of their seven children three came to the United States, Henry W. being the only survivor. Mr. Potter's father died and his mother married again and in 1853 his step-father and his brothers came to Balti- more, Maryland, from which city they later enlisted in the Union army and served through the Civil War.

Mr. Potter attended school and when twelve years old was set aside to learn the dyeing business, in which he was thoroughly in- structed. With this excellent trade as a means of self support, he was able to make a living in Germany but wished to do more than that and in search of wider opportunities, came to the United States and in 1886 started into business in Grand Island, where he had lo- cated five years previously. Mr. Potter is the oldest man in the dye business at Grand Is- land and undoubtedly is the most expert, and is one of the oldest in the state.

In politics Mr. Potter is a Republican. He has always shown such a deep interest in Grand Island and has displayed such sound judgment in relation to both business and public affairs, that he has frequently been elected to office and during his four years as a member of the city council and his one year as a member of the county board, he assisted in the passage of many public-spirited mea- sures that have added to the general welfare. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and belongs to the Sons of Herman and the old Plattsdeutchen society.

J. LUE SUTHERLAND, M. D., acknow- ledged to be one of Hall County's ablest and most faithful physicians, has been engaged in the practice of his profession here for thirty- two years, being the oldest resident physician of Hall County. Dr. Sutherland was born at Shelbyville, Indiana, September 23, 1854. His parents were John Wesley and Elizabeth (McIlrath) Sutherland.

John Wesley Sutherland was born in Penn- sylvania, November 17, 1824, and died at

Digitized by Google

593

HISTORY OF HALL COUNTY NEBRASKA

Knoxville, Iowa, April 26, 1914. His father, John Sutherland, was born in Scotland and died in Pennsylvania. In 1848 John Wesley Sutherland removed to Shelby County, In- diana, where he was a farmer until 1855. In that year he purchased a farm in Marion County, Iowa. He married Elizabeth McIl- rath, who was born in Pennsylvania, March 27, 1826 and died at Knoxville, Iowa April 16, 1916. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were estimable in every relation of life. Of their ten children six are living and two of them are residents of Hall County, Nebraska, - Dr. Sutherland and an older brother, John W. who is a retired farmer.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Hall County, Nebraska, Part 82

Author: Buechler, A. F. (August F.), 1869- editor Publication date: 1920 Publisher: Lincoln, Neb., Western Pub. and Engraving Co. Number of Pages: 1011

Author: Buechler, A. F. (August F.), 1869- editor
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Lincoln, Neb., Western Pub. and Engraving Co.
Number of Pages: 1011