USA > Nebraska > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton and Clay counties, Nebraska, Vol. I > Part 59
USA > Nebraska > Clay County > History of Hamilton and Clay counties, Nebraska, Vol. I > Part 59
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IHARNESS SHOP
L. A. Chatfield had the first harness shop in 1884. Sold in early '90s to l'. Fink. He sold to A. Eichelberger in 1892. Hans Jensen bought business
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
in 1904. Building burned in 1910, replaced with brick and H. Jensen is still the owner. Site of Eichelberger building.
In 1884 'or '85 J. W. Nicholson started first livery barn. Later it was carried on by S. Stalmaker and after his death it was run by his son, C. Stalnaker.
GARAGE
Sandin Auto Co., was first in 1909. Sold to Ekburg Brothers in 1916. Located south of postoffice.
Moving pictures were started years ago by W. A. Young; business was discontinued and started again in 1920 by A. Nelsen. Located under Opera House.
Independent Telephone incorporated in 1904.
Waterworks and light plant in 1912.
FIRST CHURCHES
The Christian and Presbyterian churches organized in 1882.
The Christian has been moved away. The Presbyterian was sold to the Methodists in 1899.
The United Brethren came to Marquette in 1882.
NEWSPAPERS
There have been several, but they did not live long enough to deserve a name. Marquette Independent started 1884. Dr. T. W. Line, publisher and editor; it lived three years and papers which give early history of Marquette have been given to Historical Society at Lincoln.
The A. B. C. Monthly, published by A. B. Cowley, lived for a year or two.
BANKS
Bank of Marquette started by Elias Farr in 1881 or 1882 changed to Farley's Bank in early '90s; was located in building now occupied by post- office ; became First National in 1916 and moved into its handsome brick building, erected 1915, on site of old hotel.
Farmers State organized in 1913.
SCHOOL
First school house was built in 1884, was a two-room structure and was - replaced by a fine modern brick building in 1913.
First teachers were Miss Lulu Moor, principal, Minnie Fenton, primary.
At present Fred Sehmockle is superintendent. It is a twelve grade school. Town was incorporated in 1889. First town board : M. E. Farr, H. D. Hall, R. Cox, S. P. Boyd and Dr. T. H. Line, mayor.
Present town officers: H. C. Orbin, mayor; M. E. Isaacson, Ed Hilligas, C. A. Stewart, Peter Larsen, Jr.
Pioneers now living here: Mr. and Mrs. O. T. Greer, 1883; D. W. Long, 1883; Benjamin Long, 1883; Mrs. Anna Larsen, 1884; Mr. Peter Larsen, 1884; Mrs. Fred Larsen, 1884.
In 1906 Austin Bros. and others built the Austin block, now used for movies and Opera House; on site of original hardware and implement store.
In 1906 I. O. O. F. remodeled the old white hall, situated on first lot sokl in Marquette, the ground floor of which is now used for a dwelling and office by Dr. Kelley, and the upper story by I. O. O. F. and Rebekahs.
In 1906 Methodist Episcopal and United Brethren churches were remodeled.
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
In 1917 United Brethren sold their old edifice and erected a fine church building.
In 1917 Danish people bonght l'nited Brethren church, moved building to site of Christian church, used for social functions.
CARPET WEAVING
One of the earliest institutions was that of carpet weaving. Started in 1883 by D. W. Long, and still carried on by him in his home in the north part of town.
First barber shop in 1883 by D. W. Long in place where I. O. O. F. building now stands. Business was sold to W. A. Young in 1891, who carried it on until building was burned in 1910. Mr. Rasmussen, the present barber, has an up-to-date shop on site of old Farley Bank building.
In original town of Marquette the residences were mostly north and west of the town but in the last fifteen or twenty years most of the building has been across the railroad track, where we have a number of fine modern residences.
FRATERNAL ORDERS
1904: I. O. O. F .- Officers: Geo. Rollen, Noble Grand: Geo. Lewis, Vice- Grand; T. W. Seiver, Recording Secretary ; H. O. King, Chaplain; Peter Peter- sen, Conductor ; D. W. Long, Warden.
1906: Rebekahs-Mrs. Etta Stalnaker, Noble Grand; Mrs. Elen Lewis, Vice Noble Grand; Mrs. Tom Ferrell, Secretary; Mrs. J. Weaver, Treasurer; Mrs. M. Larsen, Chaplain.
About 1897: Modern Woodmen of America-J. Weaver, Counsel; John Esacon, Advisor; L. Ferrell, Banker; Eric Ekberg, Clerk.
1899 : Royal Neighbors-Mrs. Weaver, Oracle; Mrs. Dixon, Past Oracle; Mrs. Scanlon, Vice Oracle; Mrs. Clara Wilson, Chancellor: Mrs. Tunall, Re- corder : Mrs. E. Reynor, Receiver; Mrs. Pearl Tunall, Inside Sentinel; Mrs. Alta Hiatt, Outside Sentinel; Mrs. Oliver, Manager.
1884: A. O. U. W .- Hold no meetings; Mr. Walter Colby, Financial Secretary.
Degree of Honor-Mrs. Frank Young, Chief of Honor: Mrs. Alex. Power, Financial Secretary, Recorder and Secretary.
In 1920, leading business institutions were Pete Djernes, Ekbert Anto Co .. Farmers Elevator Co., M. Hemingsen, meat market, Hord Grain Co., Jacobsen Lumber Co., J. J. Luff, drug store; Marquette Mercantile Co., Marquette Com- munity Club; G. F. Null, store; Olsen Bros., implements: Chas. Schertz, garage; restaurant, C. A. Stewart, store; C. A. Wilson, store.
PHILLIPS BY GEO. E. HORN
Phillips eame about as a result of the railroad passing through the county. It was laid out by Lincoln Townsite Co.
Named after one of the Burlington Railroad Company's leading officials on the Lincoln division.
Meyers and Sons drug store was the first business house.
J. J. Miller on the north side of town, as it stands at present.
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
Burke & Dingman hardware store, spring of 1884.
The first residents, transient carpenters, whose names are unknown to any of the present residents of this section. A number of early houses were con- structed by Reiter and Dristy. Mr. Reiter is still a resident of the village. At the time he did the work he resided on a farm one half mile northwest of the village limits.
The M. K. Grass early place of business is now occupied by general merchan- dise stock of goods owned and operated by W. R. Wadkins. Fairchilds Bros. building lost in fire some 10 years ago has never been replaced. Emerson Bros. building sold and moved to country. Garage building on its site built by Geo. E. Horn in 1917, sold to Fast and Stinette in August, 1920. This building was originally constructed to accommodate the Ford agency in the town, and is still used for that purpose.
The first lumber yard was started by Ed. Moore. The first was S. W. Little and Son, and the second was Ed Moore.
A blacksmith shop was first started by a party whose name cannot be recalled by any of the present residents of this section. However it was owned and operated by the following named parties in later years: (I would not vouch for the order of succession) George Peterman, J. Monroe, Ben Web, Louis Canada, Wm. Hilpert, Lemuel Hulbert, Wm. Casteel, J. Baar, and the present owners are Rasmussen and Jensen.
First hotel was started by party whose name cannot be recalled by any of the present residents of the town. It was swept away by the great storm of the summer of 1884 and the owner never rebuilt. It was located on the present site of the M. E. church in the village.
BANKS
The first Bank-the Bank of Phillips-was chartered in 1885 under the ownership and management of Baker and Wenn. It later became the property of Baker and Burk. William Glover, I believe, was the next owner, with Harry Peard as Cashier. It then became the property of W. I. Farley of Aurora, he being succeeded by a number of farmers who became stockholders. Carl Carlson was the Cashier and also a stockholder. When Mr. Carlson retired he was succeeded by E. C. Huxtable as Cashier. Mr. Huxtable is still on the job.
First residents of village now living in the town are R. E. Dingman and wife: Mr. and Mrs. A. P'. Peterson.
R. E. Dingman broke the cornstalks in the field that became the town site. He also owned and operated the first dray line, hauling most of the lumber from Grand Island and Aurora, which went into the first houses. There was con- siderable building done before the railroad was completed.
The town was incorporated in the year 1886. It became necessary to include a tract of land lying northwest of the village where a Mr. Henderson was operat- ing a brick yard in order to complete the required number of names to permit an incorporation.
The first town officer was N. F. Lane, Mayor. Mr. Lane was very public spirited, and his interest in the village brought about quite a lot of improvements in different ways.
The present board and officers are W. T. Dearing, Mayor, Alfred Rasmusson, Gus Kutchkan, George W. Fast, and E. C. Arnett.
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
Phillips has one of the finest consolidated School buildings in the state.
The first school here was started in 1886 by the organization of distriet No. 95.
The first hotel to become a regular business which remained for a definite period of time was built and operated by N. F. Lane.
The first implement business was started by J. Van Boskirk.
The first and only furniture store was owned and operated by William Eckerson. The building was destroyed by the fire which swept the entire east side of Main street some ten years ago.
The first Millinery store was started by Miss Belle Mccutcheon, the daughter of R. E. MeCuteheon, an old soldier, who spent quite a period of time in one of the southern prisons during the Civil war; a man who was very highly re- garded in this seetion of the country. He was really the father of the Decoration Day exereises in this section of the country, a enstom which has grown in interest, and become the most splendid occasion that is celebrated in this section of the country. Miss MeCutcheon married William Willman some few years after she started her millinery business, and has since resided on a farm six miles southwest of Phillips. She is the mother of three children, two daughters and one son. They are a very highly respected family and prominent in all matters appertaining to the betterment of society.
The first Livery barn was started by N. F. Lane. It was burned through an accidental fire some years later.
The first garage was started by Chas. Bondegard. The business continued for a few years. Next garage was started by Kutchkan & Detamore. The next by Geo. E. Horn, being succeeded by Fast and Stinnette.
Hamilton County Telephone Company brought the first telephone service, it being established in 1901.
Electric Light and Power service eame with the extension of the lines of the Central Power Co. of Grand Island, service being installed in 1919.
LODGES
Masonic-The order that is maintained at Phillips, lodge No. 62, was given its charter June 20, 1876. The members of the order met for a number of years at a Lodge Hall in St. Joe, a little inland town that was located three miles south of Phillips. When the railroad came to the village of St. Joe, was aban- doned and the lodge was taken to Phillips; the information I have placed the date as 1884. The present Master is Earl Arnold. The first Master was Ennis.
Eastern Star-This society was given its charter on May 18th, 1889. The lodge has had considerable growth. Its present worthy Matron is Mrs. William Thompson.
Modern Woodmen of America-Was Given its charter on May 18, 1889. It at one time was one of the strongest organizations in towns the size of Phillips in the state. The increase in rates caused many members to drop out of the order. Its present head is Millard Hunt.
Royal Neighbors-Were given their charter on Oct. 26, 1906. Has had quite a healthy growth in recent years. Its present head is Mrs. A. S. Gilbert.
Royal Highlanders-Were given their charter in December, 1896. The lodge had a healthy growth for a period of years and is still running with a good sized membership.
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
Degree of Honor-Chartered the 25th day of February, 1896. The lodge flourished for a number of years. The raise in the rates of the society seemed to have an effect that cansed a decline in interest. The order is still maintained, but the membership has fallen quite low. Valley P. Thomas is Chief of Honor.
In 1920 the business interests at Phillips were Arnett Bros., hardware; Farmers Elevator; Farmers Lumber Co .; George Horn, garage; Gus Huld, drug store; Jensen & Rasmussen, blacksmith shop; Kutsehkan & Detamore, garage; Dr. H. W. Parchen, office; Fred Sehwartz, store; D. Sorenson, meat market ; W. R. Wadkins, store.
HIORDVILLE
The town of Hordville was settled in 1907. Sam Biggs, depot agent, is the oldest resident of the town and is the only one who is still running the same business. The land where the town was laid out was owned by the Swedish Lutheran Church, thirty aeres, John Litzenberg, twenty acres, and John Larson, twenty acres. The town was laid out by the Townside Company of Stromsburg. in which Wilson Brothers and MeC'une of Stromsburg were the leading spirits.
The town of Hordville was named for T. B. Ilord, and the first building in the town was built by Chester Levick. The next few houses were built by A. Churchhill, C. V. Nelson, Mrs. Liza Lindahl and Mrs. Emma Bengston. The first store was started by Cyrus Ramey, who ran it for about four years, when he sold it to David Olson. Mr. Ramey went to Montana, and Mr. Olson later sold the store to John Osbloom. At present it is used as a store room by Miles Duffey.
The next general stores were opened by Axel Johnson, dry good store, and Mr. Mitchell and W. L. Cohagan, groceries and hardware. Mr. Johnson sold out to O. A. Brantin and went to Spalding, later F. L. Mitchell sold his interest to Edward Jensen. Cohagan Jensen ran this place two years, selling to Hohn Brothers, who in turn sold to the Farmers Union. The postmasters have been Mr. Constock, C. T. Hill, Huldah Anderson, Ceeil Smersh, and the present post- mistress, Mrs. Mae Slater.
The first lumber yard was put in by the George Hoagland Lumber Company and continued for about ten years, then sold to the Ifordville Lumber Company with Aaron Bloomquist present manager.
The first elevator was built by T. B. Hord, and Lexington Elevator Milling Company, who sold to the Farmers Grain and Live Stock Company during the first year, and are still running it. T. B. Hord still owns his elevator.
T. O. Larson ran the first blacksmith shop for about three years then sold it to Morris Benson and J. Refshauge. They sold in about a year's time to the present owner, John Vierberg.
The first hotel was run by T. L. Wallin who combined it with a grocery store. This is run by Leonard Wallin and J. O. Wade at the present time.
J. Carlson started the first harness shop. After it burned Frank Linwall ran one nntil he moved to North Platte.
The Greive Implement stock was the first one in town. It has changed several times and at present is conducted by The Farmers Union.
Mr. Jenning started the first meat market, and sold to T. L. Wallin.
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
V. MeFarlan ran the first drug store two years, Mr. Brown one year, Cecil Smersh three years, Mr. Slater being the present owner.
The first cream station was run by Miles Duffey. A. D. Bush ran the first livery barn for a long time.
The first garage was started by F. L. Mitchel, who ran it for one year, sold to Reuben Larson, who ran it about six months until his death, then his brother Ira took it over and is still conducting it.
The Hamilton County Telephone Company furnished the first service to this community. The Public Service Company of Aurora furnished the electric light- for this village.
Among the first churches in Hordville were the Swedish Lutheran and the Methodist. The Lutheran congregation bought forty acres of land of the railroad company and built their first church in 1882, then in 1908 built a fine new church under the pastorate of Rev. Gibson, who later died in Iowa. The present pastor of this congregation is Rev. L. G. Dadnay.
The Methodist church since 1907 has had as its pastors Rev. M. Smith, Rev. Mr. Litrel, J. J. Hopkins and Rev. Roland Martin.
The first bank in Hordville was The First State Bank, organized by Wilson and MeCune of Stromsburg and sold to W. I. Farley and W. A. Hickman.
The town was incorporated in 1916, and the first town officers were: O. A. Bunting, P. J. Refshauge, Aaron Blomquist, W. L. Cohagen, clerk; II. G. Car- penter, police ; II. M. Campbell, Ivan Bingston, police judge. The present town officers and board are: W. L. Cohagen, Aaron Blomquist, W. J. Dean, Thure Ostegren, L. G. Crampton, C. O. Rodine, Clerk; A. D. Bush, police, and I. M. Kuntsen, magistrate.
Among those who are living in town now, of the pioneers who lived here in the first few years, are W. L. Cohagen, Sam Biggs, Charles Larson, Mrs. Lisa Lingahl, Emma Bengstron, T. O. Larson, I. J. Lampshire, A. D. Bush, Carl Bush and Chris Christensen.
(This article was compiled by H. M. Campbell, Ilordville, Neb.)
HAMILTON
Hamilton was surveyed and platted by J. F. and T. H. Glover, in April, 1874, on the northwest quarter of Section 10, Township 10, Range 6. During 1874-75 it was an active, lively place, but after the location of the county seat at Aurora, the business houses were moved from Hamilton into the limits of its more suc- cessful rival. Hamilton consists now of less than a dozen residences and a schoolhouse.
St. Joe was surveyed and platted in 1881 by Joe Skelton, and for a few years was an enterprising little burg. The post-offices of Bunker Hill and Lincoln Valley were discontinued, and that of St. Joe established. In 1884 the Burling- ton & Missouri River Railroad was built through the west part of the county, and the town of Phillips located. The post-office at St. Joe was then removed to Phillips, and most of the buildings of St. Joe followed. Major Skelton purchased the lots which had been sold, and on July 7, 1886, the commissioners on petition of Mr. Skelton, vacated the town, and it became a part of that gentleman's farm.
Farmers' Valley was a post-office point at this time, and was the only one off
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
the lines of railroad in the county. It is on Section 24, Township 9, Range 5, on one of the first farms located in the county. Lerton, Alvin, Leonard, Case, St. Joe, Lincoln Valley, Bunker Hill, Buckeye, Shilo and Otis were post-office points in the county, but have been discontinued.
A number of country churches were very early erected by the various re- ligious societies throughout the county, many of them having regular pastors and a large membership. Of these the Russian Mennonite (Rev. Peter Regier, pastor ) was one of the largest. It was built in 1887 at a cost of $3,000, and was one of the strongest congregations, numerically, in the county.
The Danish Lutheran also had several large societies in the northeast part of the county, with an aggregate membership of two hundred families. In 1890 there were also four Swedish, four German Lutheran, one Baptist, one Catholic, one Presbyterian, one Congregational, one Methodist, one Christian, one Evan- gelical, and one United Brethren.
The county in 1890 was in a good financial condition, the bonded indebted- ness being small, and a large portion of that has been provided for by the accumulation of a sinking fund.
While a few "sod" houses still remained, in those days relies of the early days, the farmers, as a rule, had good, substantial frame houses and barns, which gave evidence of the thrifty class of people by whom the county has been settled. Although but twenty-three years had elapsed since the first homesteader camped on the Blue-the well fenced farms, fine, thrifty orchards, elegant dwellings and large, substantial barns compared favorably with those of the best agricultural counties in the older states, and if the past is an indication of the future, "Little Hamilton" is to take its place in the front ranks among the agricultural coun- ties of the United States.
CHAPTER VIII
SCHOOLS OF HAMILTON COUNTY
!IRST SCHOOLS-GROWTH OF SCHOOLS-EDUCATIONAL REVIEW-AURORA SCHOOLS- AURORA SCHOOL BOARD-AURORA HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI
FIRST SCHOOLS
The first school district was organized September 27, 1870. Joseph Stockham was elected director, and the census return of the district recorded the names of thirty-nine children of school age.
The first log schoolhouse was built by the old settlers of logs secured by sub- scription, in the year 1870, each settler furnishing a log. Two old bachelors bought the windows and two pine boards for a desk, the seats being made of split logs. It was situated on Section thirty-four (34), Township nine (9), Range five (5).
Miss Jennie Laurie (later Mrs. A. M. Glover) taught the first school with ten pupils in attendance, and was paid by subscription, the settlers contributing money or wheat as best they could, in the winter of 1870-71. E. J. Waddle, Esq., of Aurora, was a pupil in this primitive educational institution. He has described it: "The seats were made by splitting green box-elder, full of sap, which they never could get warm."
During this winter a short time after the schoolhouse was built, it eanght fire, and was partly burned one evening, after there had been a social gathering of the settlers. After all had repaired to their several homes, two sturdy pioneers, Mr. John Harris and Robert Waddle, happened to notice in their wakeful hours about midnight, a bright light in the direction of the schoolhouse, and further investigation proved that this pioneer educational edifice was in flames. They hurried to the scene. Mr. Waddle, possessing a spirit of caution, remained upon terra firma, while Mr. Harris organized himself into a hook and ladder com- pany, and mounted the roof of the burning building. He reached the roof in safety, and while standing in this perilous position, his elear musical voice rang ont upon the midnight air, "Brave John stood on the burning deck, whence all but him had fled-" but the words were scareely said ere the poles burned away and precipitated him into the interior of the building, together with a mass of burning timber, sod and dirt, with every conceivable way of escape blockaded, except to scale the perpendicular walls, which was all but impossible. He soon made his way out through a window, remarking as he appeared, "I guess brave John better get out of here." But Mr. Waddle was not idle after his friend dis- appeared ; he went to work with a will, pouring water upon the flames, and being reinforced by Mr. Harris, the fire was soon extinguished. In a few days the
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NORTH SCHOOL SOUTH SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL AURORA
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HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY
building was repaired and the school going on as usual with no serious damage done to the impromptu fire company.
GROWTH OF SCHOOLS
The progress of educational interests in Hamilton County was sure and permanent in character. In none of its sister counties has more rapid advanee- ment been made in the efficiency of the schools, or the number and character of its school buildings. They are the pride of the people, and ample provision is made for their annual support and the maintenance of the firm enduring basis upon which they were placed. The citizens contributed liberally in matters of educational work, and for a county in its youth, Hamilton compared favorably with many of the older counties in the state.
In some of the outlying districts a few rudely constructed school buildings were still to be found in the early nineties; relies of the pioneer days, but nearly all were furnished with large comfortable frame buildings, well furnished with patent seats and desks in a manner that would do honor to a more thickly popu- lated state than Nebraska. The school lands were of the most valuable kind and furnished a handsome yearly revenue, increasing with each succeeding year ..
School District Number 1, the first organized in the county, included all the territory lying in Township 9, Range 5 west. Notice of the first meeting was given to James Waddle, by County Superintendent of Public Instruction John Laurie, which was held at the house of James Waddle September 27, 1870. Joseph Stockham was elected director. There were thirty-nine children of school age in the distriet. A subscription school was opened in this district in a log school- house, built by the settlers, in the fall of 1870, by Miss Jennie Laurie.
District Number Two was organized at a meeting held in the dug-out of Joseph Stockham June 20, 1871. Byron D. Brown was chosen director, and the district included the east one-quarter of Township 9, Range 5, except the east one-half of the east tier of sections on the east line.
District Number Three comprised all of Township 10, Range 5, and was or- ganized at the house of R. M. Hunt, March 3, 1870, with S. B. Chapman as director.
District Number Four was organized February 14, 1872, at the house of C. H. Kimball, and included the south one-half of Township 11, Range 6; S. W. Spafford, director.
District Number Five was organized at the house of M. Lewis, February 20, 1872, and E. J. Lewis elected director.
District Number Six was organized February 14, 1872, at the house of John Matthews, notice being issued to J. E. McBride, and included the east one-half of Township 10, Range 6, which was extended March 27, 1872, to include all of that township; first director, L. W. Ilastings.
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