USA > Nebraska > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton and Clay counties, Nebraska, Vol. II > Part 57
USA > Nebraska > Clay County > History of Hamilton and Clay counties, Nebraska, Vol. II > Part 57
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NATHANIEL GRAHAM
Nathaniel Graham is numbered among the pioneers of Clay county, having located there in 1872. He has a splendid farm in section 14, Lone Tree township, that is highly productive and he is readily conceded one of the representative agri- culturists of his section of the state. He was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, March 8, 1843, a son of Nathaniel and Mary Graham. His parents were prominent citizens of their community and the father followed farming in Ohio throughout his life.
Nathaniel Graham was reared on his father's farm and attended country school, walking one and one-half miles to a little log school house. After putting his textbooks aside he remained on the home farm with his father and worked out by the day, receiving a daily wage of fifty cents for his labors. In 1861, at Lincoln's first call for volunteers to defend the union, Mr. Graham enlisted in Company A, Twenty-seventh Volunteer Infantry, being mustered into service at Camp Chase, Ohio. He served under Sherman and Grant, being a member of the western army, and his first skirmish occurred on the Tennessee at Pittsburg Landing. He was likewise engaged in the battle of Memphis and was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. He was present at the burning of Atlanta and received a flesh wound while participating in a skirmish just outside of that city. His knap- sack was shot off his back and it was a miracle that he was not more seriously wounded. He served until the close of the war and participated in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C. After receiving his discharge he returned. to Ohio and worked with his father on the farm. In 1855 his mother died. In 1866 he went to Illinois by wagon, making the trip behind a horse team. He farmed there for a while, but located in Clay county, Nebraska, in 1872. His two brothers, Ben and Sam accompanied him. Mr. Graham acquired a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, his first home on the land being the primitive dugout, part sod. He broke his own land and after three years bought a small shanty, which he moved onto his place and in which he lived three years. He subsequently erected a frame house and some outbuildings. Mr. Graham took his grist to the mill at Crete and had his corn ground at a mill on the Blue river. He improved the appearance of his farm by planting shade trees and an orchard. During the Easter blizzard of 1873, starting April 13 and lasting three days, Mr. Graham suffered some loss. He
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had one pig that was snowed under for a couple of weeks and his brother Ben lost a horse. Antelopes were numerous in the vicinity of the homestead and he partici- pated in a buffalo hunt in which he succeeded in killing one of the animals. Indians were frequent visitors to the farm, passing through on their spring and fall hunt- ing trips and begging for food and warmth. The hospitality awaiting the tired traveler at home of Mr. Graham spread far and wide. He has resided on this land continuously, having been off of it at the longest time but five weeks when he was away on a visit. He has been a dominant factor in the development and improvement of the community, helped organize school district 40, and has always been a stanch advocate of education.
In 1875 occurred the marriage of Mr. Graham and Miss' Caroline Croft, a native of Iowa, who came to Clay county with her parents in 1874. She was a daughter of John Croft, who drove through to Clay county, having traded a saw- mill in Iowa for land in Clay county. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Graham : Samuel, whose death occurred at the age of twenty years; John, who passed away when twenty-five years of age; Jacob, who lives with parents; Mary, at home; Lottie, whose death occurred at the age of five months; and Benjamin, a farmer and stockman of Stratton. Jacob Graham enlisted for service in the World war at Hastings and was sent to Fort Logan, Colorado, for training. He was also stationed for a short time at Camp Humphrey and Camp Merritt, New Jersey, and then went overseas, where he remained for nine months. He was stationed with the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Engineers, with whom he served until receiving his discharge on the 18th of July, 1919, at Camp Dodge. Iowa.
Since age conferred upon Mr. Graham the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the democratic party, in the interests of which he takes an active part. His religious faith is that of the Christian church, attending that organization at Clay Center, and fraternally he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is likewise a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and in the activities of the local chapter in past years took a prominent part. Mr. Graham has thoroughly identified his interests with those of his com- munity and can be counted upon to do his part in furthering the public welfare.
CHARLES J. HARRIS
Charles J. Harris is active in the business circles of Fairfield as manager of the Farmers Union Cooperation Association and owner of a moving picture show, having been successful in the conduct of the latter business for eleven years. He is a native of Nebraska, his birth having occurred in Nuckolls county, August 16, 1873, and he has the distinction of being the first white man born in that county. His parents were Alfred and Elizabeth (Jacobs) Harris, the former still living and making his home in California. Alfred Harris is a native of England bnt came to the United States in an early day and located in Wisconsin, where his marriage occurred. In 1870 he and his wife removed to Nuckolls county and there home- steaded, living on that land until 1897, when they moved into University Place.
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The mother is now deceased. Alfred Harris was later married the second time. To the first union two children were born: C. J., whose name initiates this review ; and Minnie, the wife of J. C. Wetzel, a farmer of Burlington, Washington. Three children have been born to the second union: Buelah, who is the wife of Ed. Blod- gett, engaged in the automobile business at Fairview, Missouri; Paul, who lives on a homestead in Wyoming; and Fannie, who is residing with her parents in Cali- fornia. Mr. Harris was formerly a member of the Methodist Episcopal church but is now a Christian Scientist and he is a stanch prohibitionist.
In the acquirement of an education C. J. Harris attended the schools of Nuckolls county and Nelson high school and lived with his parents on the home farm until he was twenty-two years of age. At that time he left the parental roof and went to Clay Center, where he engaged in the restaurant business with a great amount of success from 1899 to 1901. For the next three and one-half years he was in the drug business at Fairfield and then traveled on the road for the Omaha Grain Exchange for a period of two years. In 1919 he went to Fairfield as man- ager of the Farmers Union Cooperation Association and has since continued in that connection. Mr. Harris also owns and runs a moving picture show there, which business he has successfully conducted for a period of eleven years. His show house is up-to-date and modern in every respect and he exhibits only the best pictures.
In 1900 occurred the marriage of Mr. Harris and Margaret Deines, a daughter of John Deines, a pioneer of Clay county. To them six children have been born : Maude, who is teaching in the schools of Arcadia; Marie, in her last year in the Fairfield high school; Margaret and Virginia, both in schools; Mildred, the third child, died aged one and one-half years; Audrey, the fourth child, died aged seven years.
Mr. Harris has ever given his political allegiance to the republican party, in the interests of which he takes an active part. For some time he served on the city council and was township clerk for a number of years. His religions faith is that of the Congregational church and fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Harris now owns land only in Florida. As a man of genial nature he has many friends who appreciate his true personal worth. He cooperates heartily in every movement calculated to benefit the district in which he lives and has made steady progress in his business affairs, being today classed with the representative and valued citizens of his county.
WILLIAM WAKELIN
Since 1913 William Wakelin, a well known figure in the agricultural circles of Clay county, has lived retired in Fairfield. He has been a resident of Clay county since he was seventeen years of age and has many friends who with interest have watched him advance steadily to his present success. He was born in Newaygo, Michigan, January 15, 1863, a son of James and Rosamond (Heaton) Wakelin, both natives of England. They came to the United States as young people and were married here. Soon afterward they moved to a farm in Michigan and later removed Vol. II-36
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to Muskegon, where James Wakelin worked in the lumber mills. The death of Mrs. Wakelin occurred in Michigan and in 1879 the father came to Nebraska and located in Clay county, where he bought land and on which he resided until his death. Four children were born to that union, three of whom are living: Mary, who is the wife of W. A. Grimes, in the Journal office at Lincoln; William, whose name initiates this review ; and Richard, traveling for a Seattle firm. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wakelin were consistent members of the Congregational church and he was a stanch supporter of the democratic party.
William Wakelin acquired his education in the schools of Muskegon and worked on the river with his father until he was seventeen years of age, at which time he came to Clay county and engaged in farming, later purchasing four hundred and forty acres on his own account. He brought the land to a highly cultivated state and soon became known as a leading and influential farmer. In 1913 Mr. Wakelin decided to retire from active life and rented his land and removed to Fairfield, where he is now residing, a prominent and respected citizen.
In 1889 Mr. Wakelin was married to Jeanette McFarland, a native of Canada and daughter of Archibald and Margaret (Kilgore) McFarland, the former a native of near Glasgow, Scotland, and the latter born near Brownsville, Canada. In 1885 they removed to the United States and there the mother's death occurred. Mr. McFarland was making his home in Jefferson county with a daughter at the time of his death. Seven children were born to that union, of whom Mrs. Wakelin was the eldest. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Wakelin one son, Leslie, was born. He resides on his father's farm, is married and has three children : Robert, Mildred, and Maxine. Mr. and Mrs. Wakelin also have an adopted daughter, Irene, who is the wife of Mather Schifferns.
The political allegiance of Mr. Wakelin is given to the democratic party, in the interests of which he takes an active part. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Congregational church and active in all of its affairs. Mrs. Wakelin is a member of the Clover Club. The success which Mr. Wakelin now enjoys is the result of his own determined effort and he is readily conceded to be a representative citizen of Fairfield.
PETER T. KRINTZFIELD
The hope that led Peter T. Krintzfield to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought- which, by the way, are always open to the ambitions, energetic man-and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward until his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Clay county.
Peter T. Krintzfield was born in Germany on the 4th of December, 1839, and at an early age was left an orphan. He was reared on a farm in his native land and there remained until he was sixteen years of age, when he sought the freedom and opportunities of a growing country and came to the United States. He made the voyage on an old sailing vessel and was two months in crossing. After landing in New York he went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where for some time he was employed
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in a starch factory, driving a team at the wages of ten dollars per month. He then engaged in construction work on a railroad and for some time farmed near Madi- son, Wisconsin. On going to Flat Rock, Michigan, he secured work in a timber camp and remained in that connection for a short time before removing to Illinois, where he again engaged in farming. He started in on his own account on some rented land in DeKalb county and subsequently purchased eighty acres which he cultivated until 1885 and then came to Nebraska. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of school land near Fairfield, for which he paid twenty-five hundred dollars, the only improvements on the land being a sod house and frame stable. He broke his land, erected more modern improvements and added to it from time to time until he had a tract of six hundred and eighty acres, highly cultivated and improved, with three sets of buildings. He has always engaged in general farming and has won more than a substantial amount of success along that line. Mr. Krintz- field is a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry in 1862. He was mustered into service at Sycamore and served until the close of the conflict, participating in the battles of Atlanta, Resaca, New Hope church and Marietta. He received a flesh wound in the neck at Resaca. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea and was also in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C.
While farming in Illinois Mr. Krintzfield was united in marriage to Miss Adelia Chambers, a native of New York and a daughter of Moses Chambers. Three chil- dren have been born to their union: Ada, who is the wife of Taylor Woods, a farmer in Clay county ; Ernest, a farmer of Clay county ; and Paul, also farming in Clay county.
Mr. Krintzfield gives his political allegiance to the republican party, in the interests of which he takes an active part. He is a member of the G. A. R. Post at Fairfield ; also a member of the Grangers. At an early age Mr. Krintzfield was thrown upon his own resources and his present success is the result of his own determined effort. He is rightly entitled to the proud American title of self-made man. His life is exemplary in all respects and he has ever supporter those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation.
A. J. ORENDORFF
For some years A. J. Orendorff, who is now residing in Wilson county, Kansas, was prominent in the agricultural circles of Clay county, owning property in sec- tion 17, Springranche. He was born in Bloomington, McLean county, Illinois, on the 2d of June, 1849.
A. J. Orendorff is indebted to the schools of Illinois for his education and after completing his preliminary training entered Wesleyan College in Bloomington, where he completed the course in the required time. After putting his textbooks aside he started farming in Illinois, remaining in that state until 1875 when he came to Nebraska and located in Adams county. He acquired two hundred and forty acres of deeded land, two miles south of Hastings, whereon he built a three-
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room frame house and frame stable, set out forest trees and a small orchard and until 1882 resided on that land. He then rented land in Clay county for a year, and later traded his land for one hundred and sixty acres in Springranche township and moved there. An old log house was then standing on the farm, where it still remains, in a well preserved state. In November, 1895, he removed to Wilson county, Kansas, where he is now residing, a prominent and highly respected citizen. For four years he served as county commissioner of Wilson county, being a member of the board that was instrumental in graveling the state roads.
In 1872 Mr. Orendorff was united in marriage to Miss Mattie F. Rhodes, a native of Illinois and to them three children have been born: Guy A .; Arthur D. of Rest, Kansas ; and A. Lester, who resides with his father. The eldest son, Guy A., was born near Bloomington, Illinois, August 9, 1873, and was taken by his parents to Adams county, Nebraska, at the age of eighteen months. He received his educa- tion in the schools of Clay county, walking one and a quarter miles to the frame schoolhouse, and at the age of twenty-five years started farming on his own account on the home place and subsequently purchased one hundred and forty-two acres. He does general farming and stock raising and is a leading agriculturist in the county. He was married in 1898 to Miss Ima L. Stratton, a native of Minnesota, and one child, Alton, who is attending high school in Fairfield has been born to them. Guy Orendorff is a stanch supporter of the democratic party and the religious faith of both himself and wife is that if the Methodist Episcopal church, and they attend the organization in Springranch. For two terms he served his fellow citizens as township clerk and also as justice of the peace and he has an interest in the Farmers Cooperative Grain & Supply Companies of Fairfield and Springranch. He was a dominant factor in the organization of the Blue Valley State Bank of Springranch and is still active in financial circles there. He is a prominent citizen, having many friends who appreciate his true personal worth and many sterling traits of character.
A. J. Orendorff gives his endorsement to the democratic party and is a con- sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is fraternally affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. Although A. J. Orendorff is now making his home in another county and state his many friends in Clay county cannot forget him, for he played a prominent part in its development and improvement and was one of its most progressive and representative citizens.
EMIL PEARSON
Emil Pearson, living on section 19, Scoville township, Hamilton county, not far from Trumbull, Nebraska, was born in Sweden, September 28, 1863, and his youthful days were spent on a farm in that country, while his education was acquired in the common schools. After his textbooks were put aside, he was employed at farm labor in Sweden until 1882, when he determined to try his fortune in America and crossed the Atlantic. He first took up his abode near Springfield, Illinois, and there worked as a farm hand at twenty dollars per month. At length he removed to Hall county, Nebraska, where he settled
MR. AND MRS. EMIL PEARSON
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in 1884, and again was employed as a farm hand for two years. During that period he carefully saved his earnings and at length was able to purchase eighty acres of deeded land. He continued to work out and as opportunity offered, carried on the task of improving and developing his farm. He had a small frame house and a little stable on his land and also a well, from which he drew water with a bucket. He broke part of his land and continued to cultivate the entire tract, transforming the place into rich and productive fields. He has since added to his original holdings until he now owns two hundred acres, constituting a valuable property. He built a large brick house on the place, has added many modern improvements and has put everything into splendid condition, so that his farm is today one of the model properties of Hamilton county in the twentieth century. Not all days have been equally bright, however, for at times he has confronted difficulties and obstacles. This was especially true when in 1894 his entire erop was destroyed by drought. However, he has always made the best of his chances and, having set out fruit trees, is now in possession of a fine orchard. He has always carried on general farming and the raising and feeding of hogs and both branches of his business have proven profitable sources of income.
Mr. Pearson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Gunggren, with whom he was acquainted in Sweden. They have become the parents of six children : Elmer, who is with the Pathe motion pictures as a director of films in the office at New York city; Charles, who is a farmer living in Custer county, Nebraska ; Mabel, who is teaching school; Esther, who died at the age of sixteen years; Roy, at home; and May, who is attending high school at Trumbull.
Mr. Pearson has always been interested in educational progress, has given his children good advantages in that direction and has served on the school board. He and his wife and family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church of Trumbull and he has filled the office of steward. He is likewise connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Royal Highlanders since 1896. He served on the board of managers and has filled various offices in that lodge. He is an independent voter and in politics has always preferred to support those interests which his judgment deems of public value rather than to ally himself with any party. Mr. Pearson has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he has found the oppor- tunities which he sought and by reason of his diligence and perseverance, which at all times have been wisely guided, he has reached a place among the sub- stantial farmers and citizens of Hamilton county.
JAMES R. BELL, M. D.
Dr. James R. Bell of Fairfield, Nebraska, devoting his attention to medicine and surgery, in which fields his ability is pronounced, was born in Darlington, England, on the 28th of April, 1872, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Coats) Bell, both natives of England, in which country the death of the latter occurred in 1874. In 1881 the father came to the United States and located in Iowa, where
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he followed the stone mason's trade. When he first arrived in Hamilton county, that state, he had with him a family of eight children and finances amounting to but eight dollars. He soon, however, achieved a great amount of success in the line of his chosen work and purchased some fine land in the county. His farm was recently purchased by his youngest son for three hundred and fifty dollars an acre. Mr. Bell made Iowa his home until his death in 1908 and for many years previous to that event had been financially independent. He was twice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Coats, by whom he had two children: Mrs. Charles Butler of Blue Earth, Minnesota, her husband being a retired farmer; and Dr. James R., whose name initiates this review. His second marriage was to a widow having two children by a former marriage and they had six children: Mrs. Alice Brogan of Webster City, Iowa; Elizabeth, who is married and lives at Eagle Grove Iowa; Margaret and Ada, principals of schools in Webster City, Iowa; John, a prosperous and well known farmer of Iowa; and Joseph, who recently bought and resides on the homestead of his father. Throughout his life Mr. Bell was a stanch democrat and his religlous faith was that of the Methodist church.
James R. Bell is indebted to the schools of Webster City, Iowa, for his early education. In due time he entered the Ellsworth College at Iowa Falls and on completing his course there and deciding upon a medical career, he entered the Ensworth Medical College at St. Joseph, from which institution he received his M. D. degree in 1907. He began the practice of his profession at Stratton, Nebraska, where he remained for three and one-half years, at the end of which time he re- moved to Trenton and there continued in practice for a like number of years. In 1914 Dr. Bell located in Fairfield, where he bought out the practice of Dr. Adam R. Ray, a pioneer of Fairfield who had practiced there for twenty-six years. Dr. Bell has an extensive practice and his thorough knowledge of and ability in his chosen work is indisputable.
In 1898 Dr. Bell was united in marriage to Miss Mabel M. Graham, a native of Dallas county, Iowa, and a daughter of John Graham, a pioneer farmer of that county. To Dr. and Mrs. Bell two sons have been born: Leon R., who is principal of the school at Wynot, and a graduate of the State University ; and Forrest E., attending high school.
Dr. Bell gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He was recently elected mayor of Fairfield. His religious faith is that of the Christian church and fraternally he is identified with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and the Consistory, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows. Although Dr. Bell's practice is mostly general he does some X-Ray work and in connection with his profession is a member of the County and State Medical Societies, the American Medical Association, and the Republican Valley Medical Association. For some time he served the county society as president and while a resident of Stratton and Trenton was secretary of four counties. Dr. Bell has ever been a close student of his profession, always keeping in touch with the trend of modern research and scien- tific investigation and for five weeks took a post-graduate course in a Chicago medical school. He has risen to his present success solely through his own efforts and is justly entitled to the proud American title of self-made man. He has hent every energy to the mastery of the principles of medicine and surgery and is now regarded
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